There is no choir without performances. To miss a performance is the same as to miss a test in any regular class. All students are required to attend all in-school performances, unless there is a substantial reason for a student’s absence. A student must turn in a note signed by a parent or guardian within TWO days of his/her return to class. If a note is not received in time, the absence will be considered unexcused and earn no points. To make up the points for EXCUSED absence, students will be assigned a make-up work of the director’s choosing. Students will receive points based on the quality of their work, and only if they turned in a signed excuse note from home.  

When attending a concert or performing on stage, always remember to represent your school in the best way.

Required Performances:

1. All in-school performances. The dates will be announced.

2. MPA—Music Performance Assessment is a great opportunity for the students to represent their school at a district and state levels and listen to other school choirs perform. The Florida Vocal Association sponsors this event each year during spring. The exact dates will be announced.

3. All after-school performances, unless excused by the director.

Chorus Uniforms

Also, students are expected to have in class every day #2 PENCIL and MUSIC BOOKS assigned to them. Students will be responsible for the sheet music. If the music is damaged, lost or stolen, the student will be asked to repay its cost.

To earn the highest possible grade in this class the student has to do following...

• Participate in all activities to the best of his or her abilities.
• Complete always the assigned work.
• Take part in all required choir performances.

   

  Participation-35%: Each week students will receive a participation grade. To earn an “A” for participation, students have to participate constantly, have required materials, and follow the classroom rules always.

  Midterm and Final Tests-20%

  Performance-25%: In order to receive the highest grade for the participation in the performances, students have to attend all required performances, arrive to the performances on time, wear appropriate attire, have all required materials, and follow appropriate concert etiquette.

  Assignment-15%:The tested materials may include sight-singing, vocal techniques, music literacy, worksheets on musical writing, essays, and projects.

  Master Theory-5%: Students will be graded based on individual progress.

        One of the reasons for becoming a chorus member is to have fun singing music. The only way a choral ensemble may grow is if all the members support and treat each other with respect. A successful choir is a team effort and has no place for misbehavior and foolishness.

Here are the basic rules of the proper behavior:

• Follow the school rules and dress code.

• No Gum or Food.

• Be on Time.

• Be Ready to Work Hard.

• Be Respectful

• Have Fun!

Students who do not comply with the classroom rules will be asked to leave the choral activity or, consequently, the classroom.

Fundraising

Extra-Curricular Activities

      Besides learning in classroom, all students are also encouraged to participate in extra-curricular activities. Such activities may involve doing solo or ensemble pieces for school concerts or competitions. The most prestigious event for students to participate in is All-State Chorus, which take place in January in Tampa. It is an audition-only chorus, and students will be expected to pass a sight-reading test and musicianship test. Parents and chaperones are required to accompany students during 3-days of rehearsals and performance of All-State Chorus. Also, the parents may have to cover some expenses of the student's participation in the event.

Tri-M Music Honor Society

      If you become a member of Matanzas High School Choruses, you may join the Tri-M Music Honor Society. The Tri-M is the international honor society recognizing secondary music students for their musical ability, academic excellence, school involvement, and community service.