Harbor Lights Middle School

Choir Handbook
2017-2018
 Teacher: Ms. Brzyski
Phone: (616) 786-1000
ext. 4070
E-mail: ​brzyskis@westottawa.net

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Course Description

Being a part of the music department at Harbor Lights means being a part of a larger, talented
music family that can be found all throughout the West Ottawa district. Vocal music at Harbor
Lights is meant to nurture the joy of singing. Emphasis is on correct posture, breathing
techniques, intonation and musical expression. Music literacy is reinforced through sight reading
exercises, music theory, and a wide variety of choral repertoire. Parental cooperation and
support are essential in helping Harbor Lights choir students realize their responsibilities to the
group and are vital to the success of the WO vocal music program.
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Student Materials Needed

7TH AND 8TH GRADE UNIFORMS

7th/8th grade girls: ​Black knit maxi skirt (plain, ankle length), plain black ¾ sleeve collarless
top, all-black ballet flats, and infinity scarf.
Girls are asked to provide their own black knit maxi skirt , ¾ sleeve top, and black ballet flats.
The infinity scarf will be provided for students.

7th/8th grade boys: ​Black dress shirt, black dress pants, black socks & black dress shoes, and
a white tie.
Boys are asked to provide their own black dress shirt, black dress pants, black socks, and black
shoes. A black belt is optional. The white ties will be provided for students.

*7th and 8th grade students must have ALL the pieces of their uniform by Thursday,
October 5th
6TH GRADE UNIFORMS
All sixth grade students are required to have the same choir uniform. This includes:
-ALL black, close-toed shoes
-Black socks
-Black dress pants (no jeans, leggings, or athletic pant!)
-A West Ottawa Choir shirt
Every 6th grade student must either purchase or rent a West Ottawa Choir shirt.
Information about how to do so will be sent home with each student at a later date; uniforms are
needed by our first concert on December 5th. ​ All choir shirts are machine washable. Please
help us look our best by making sure your child’s uniform is clean and tidy before each
performance. Every student must have a complete uniform before the first performance.
**All students are required to have proper choir attire in order to perform. Details
to purchase choir uniforms will be given at a later date. If this is an inordinate
expense for your family, please contact Ms. Brzyski ASAP. Help is available! **

Music
We will be singing a variety of music from around the world both secular and sacred.
However, the focus and use of any sacred music is for purely educational purposes.

Music is provided for all students. ​7th and 8th graders need to bring their own 2-pocket
folder to class during the first week of school. ​6th graders will be given a folder that will be
shared with a classmate; folders remain at school to minimize loss or wear & tear.

Pencil
Students must have a pencil at every rehearsal. ​All written work in choir is done in pencil!
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Our Goals
In the choir program at Harbor Lights, we strive to:

1) ​develop positive relationships and community with one another through kindness,
effort and teamwork,
2) ​model excellent singing through an understanding of tone, color, and expression, and
3) ​increase the skills that are necessary to interpret and communicate music and musical
ideals for each student.
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Classroom Conduct
It is a privilege to have so many students in choir who love music and singing as much as I do!
We cannot make music without each other. ​Support and respect for
each other is the only way towards our goal of making great
music!! ​Harbor Lights Choir students should be personally
responsible for their behavior and quality effort. They should also
strive to be a valuable member of not only their individual choir family,
but also the Harbor Lights choir program.

If any student feels that our classroom is in any way uncomfortable, he/she/they is strongly
encouraged to speak with Ms. Brzyski as soon as possible. Together we will create an
environment in which each of us can grow and learn in a safe place for everyone, regardless of
gender, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, class, level, or physical or mental
ability.

The choir room is a productive place. We only have short periods of time to accomplish great
things. ​Your undivided attention is necessary to maintaining time well spent!

At EVERY rehearsal and performance you must:

Be ​PUNCTUAL
Be ​PREPARED--​ have your music and pencil at all times during rehearsals, and
Bring a ​POSITIVE ​attitude!!

AND ​Remember that rehearsals and performances are GUM, food, drink
and talking-free zones!
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Grading
The grade you receive in choir is based on these three sections:

Performance​ (60%) at concerts

Daily Rehearsal/Participation ​(30%) music during class, folders, reading, writing, quality effort
and participation that you put into each rehearsal
Quizzes/Tests/Homework​(10%)

Late work:​ for every day late an assignment will see a 25% grade reduction.
Ex: Homework turned in 2 days late is only able to earn 50% credit.

Work missed for an excused absence will be accepted late 1 day for each day excused.

Participation/Daily work
Each day, students receive 10 points for class​ for consistently displaying ​ALL​ of the following
behaviors
- Have required materials: pencil and folder NO GUM/FOOD (2pts)
- Be on time and begin your warm up quietly and immediately (3pts)
- Participate to the best of your ability and listen ACTIVELY. This includes being respectful to
people/property and showing a positive attitude/effort/focus in class (5 pts)

If you are concerned about your academic standing in this class, you may speak with Ms.
Brzyski at any time. ​It is your responsibility to attend daily rehearsals and performances,
be prepared, put forth effort and, above all else, to maintain a positive attitude.

Extra Credit Policy

There isn't extra credit in choir! If you are on time, prepared, positive, and a contributing and
productive member of your choir hour, you will earn the grade you want!

**Concert Attendance Policy**

Attendance and participation at all concerts is a mandatory component of choir. ​In the event of a
missed, *​excused ​performance, a make up assignment ​must ​be completed in order to receive
exam credit for the missed concert.​ If a make up assignment is not completed for a missed,
excused performance, you will receive a 0 for that concert. It is up to you to see Ms. Brzyski to
receive and go over the concert makeup assignment should you have an excused absence.

*Excused absences ​are those that have been pre arranged by a parent/guardian ​at
least 2 weeks​ in advance or in the case of a medical emergency. All other absences
will not​ be excused and will result in a zero for the missed, mandatory performance.

All excused absences must be submitted to Ms. Brzyski (in writing/email/phone call) at
least two weeks prior to a scheduled performance. ​Excused absences also include serious
illness or family emergencies; in these cases, two weeks notice is typically not possible.
Situations ​not​ considered excused include ‘no ride’, babysitting, driver’s training, sports practice,
or contacting Ms. Brzyski at the last minute for vacations or other similar occasions.

Performing for an audience takes an incredible amount of preparation and your support is
needed for our choirs to be the best we can. ​Parents, please make arrangements to bring your
student to every scheduled performance! ​ A copy of the performance dates can be found in this
handbook.
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Quizzes and Tests

GREAT NEWS!! There is limited homework for students in choir. However,

quizzes and tests will be given on quarterly basis. It is your responsibility to
approach Ms. Brzyski for any work that has been missed due to an absence.

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Concert Etiquette

Performing groups at any concert ​love​ to have an audience. We show support for one another
at Harbor Lights by being in the audience.​ Attendance for the ​entire ​concert will be required
of all students.

Restroom facilities should be used before leaving home or at appropriate intermissions.

Everyone loves to be listened to and applauded! ​Please pay attention to all

performing groups and applaud appreciatively at the end of each selection.
Talking is distracting during performances. ​Please ​do not ​talk to your neighbor during a
performance.

Electronic Devices ​the use of cell phones, iPads, etc. to record our concerts is prohibited.
When the screen of your device is glowing in the dark theatre, it distracts others and takes away
from the performance. ​Personal recording (and posting to social media) of our concerts is also
a copyright violation that could bring legal repercussions on the school. ​ Professional DVD
recordings of each concert are available for purchase ($10) from our Music Boosters.
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Parent Volunteer Opportunities and Communication
During the school year, the need may arise to have adult volunteers. If you would be willing to
help, please check the appropriate response on the last page of this handbook. (Parent
volunteers must be background checked and registered with West Ottawa; to do so, please visit
westottawa.net for the ‘Parent Volunteer’ form.) It is so wonderful to know that we have parents
that are willing to help should the need arise!

We have a wonderful music boosters program here in West Ottawa. If you would be interested
in learning more about how to become involved, please check the appropriate box on the last
page of the syllabus.

Please log in to Parent Portal and check Infinite Campus regularly! parent/guardian
communications regarding concerts, choir events, fundraisers, and other important
items of choir business are sent out on a weekly basis!

For Parents/Guardians: THANK YOU!!!

I am very much looking forward to a great and exciting year! Thank you in advance for
supporting your child in singing. With your support and encouragement, your student is sure to
have an outstanding experience!
 WO Harbor Lights Choir Important Dates
All dates and times are subject to change pending instructor approval. Updated concert information and
warm up times will be shared via handouts, and infinite campus at least 7 days in advance of an event.

Please place these dates on your calendar for upcoming performances and important events:

7th/8th grade 7-12th grade Women’s Fall Concert October 16, 2017
HL/MB/HS, Concert begins at 7:00pm

7th/8th grade 7-12th grade Men’s Fall Concert October 17, 2017
HL/MB/HS, Concert begins at 7:00pm

6th-8th grade WOMS Winter Concert December 5, 2017

HL/MB ​6th grades @ 6:00 pm; HL/MB 7th/8th grades @ 7:15pm

7th-8th grade Girls Night Out December TBA

Times TBA

7th-8th grade Guys Night Out January 12, 2017

5pm
6th-8th grade HL Pre-Festival Concerts February 26, 2018
6th grade @ 6:00pm; 7th/8th grade @ 7:15pm
6th-8th grade MSVMA District Choral Festival March 7 or 8, 2018

7th-8th grade MS Solo & Ensemble Festival April 28, 2018

6th-8th grade Harbor Lights Spring Concert June 5, 2018

6th grade @ 6:00pm; 7th/8th grade @ 7:15pm

Concerts will take place at the West Ottawa Performing Arts Center.​ Unless otherwise
noted, 6th grade concerts will begin at 6:00 PM and 7/8 grade concerts will begin
at 7:15 PM. ​The District Festival performance information will be given as soon as it
becomes available.
 We’re looking forward to a great year!!

Harbor Lights 2017-2018 Choir Handbook

YOUR FIRST GRADED ASSIGNMENT:

1. Please read your Harbor Lights Choir Handbook thoroughly!! Go to your google
classroom page. Click on “About”. There you will find the digital syllabus.
2. Place a check next to the items that are appropriate for you.
3. Complete the comment section below. Direct any additional comments, questions, or
concerns to Ms. Brzyski.
4. Return the last page to Ms. Brzyski by ​Friday, September 15.

_______ ​We have read through the handbook together and have signed it below:

_______ ​I am willing to volunteer if the need arises. Please call me!

___ I am also a registered parent volunteer with WO Public Schools.

_______ ​Sorry! I am unable to volunteer at this time, but I will be an enthusiastic

audience member!

_______ ​I would like to know more about West Ottawa Music Boosters.

Student Name (printed) _________________________________________

Parent Signature ______________________________________________

Student Signature _____________________________________________

Telephone Number ____________________________________________

Email Address ________________________________________________

Any comments/questions/concerns regarding this syllabus? :

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BRING THIS PAGE TO CLASS ON/OR BEFORE

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2017