E-Mails: December 2008

Mary Poppins Turn in Tomorrow, Tuesday, Dec. 16th

December 15, 2008

Dear Parents,

This is just a reminder that the turn in for Mary Poppins money/forms is tomorrow, Tuesday, December 16th. Please remember that there is a behavior requirement in order for children to be eligible for the trip. So, please read that section on the form so that you can insure that your child is not in "foul trouble". I have attached the form for your convenience. Just so that you know, anything that I attach over email is given or available to the students in paper form. I realize that some parents don't have computers or that they may not be able to open attachments. So, if you ever need a note or a permission slip, ask your children to get them from us. Thanks!

Regarding the trip, some of you have offered to be "choir angels" to help pay for the trip for a student who may not be able to go. We have some students who have worked hard in the choral area and would benefit from some help. If you are able to sponsor a child, please let us know.

The following people have offered to come and collect forms/checks for accuracy:

  • 7:50 am – Marilyn Eck and Kathy Burdick, Edison School
  • 10:00 am – Marilyn Eck and Jamie Lane, MJSHS
  • 2:00 pm – Cindy Roon and Cheryl McGowan, MJSHS

Thanks so much!

Erin Stegall and Melanie Stegall

Jazzy Jingles 2008

December 11, 2008

Dear Parents and Students,

Each year, a student-led group called, "Jazzy Jingles", chooses one day to sing carols around the community. This year, Callie VanHootegem, has made arrangements with several nursing homes, the hospital and the Salvation Army (belling ring). Since this is a student led group, I told Callie that I would send the information to my email distribution lists. If you are interested, please realize that the students use their own transportation to go from place to place and that students can sing for the whole day or part of the day, Saturday, December 13. This is a great opportunity for those students who need to gain some service hours for National Honors Society, church groups, etc. Below is the itinerary for the day. If you have any questions, you can contact Callie at: 309-313-2223.

Thank you!
Mrs. Butcher

Jazzy Jingles 2008 Schedule
Time Itinerary Item
10:00 am Heartland Healthcare Center
11:00 am Niemann's County Market (bell ringing)
12:00 pm lunch
1:00 pm Hospital (meet in the lobby)
2:00 pm Elm's Nursing Home
3:00 pm County View Health Care Center

Cancelled Rehearsals

December 9, 2008

Due to the weather, Jazz, Mads and Mens rehearsal tonight (12-9) have been cancelled. Men's Ensemble will practice right after school tomorrow until 3:30 pm

Thank you and drive safe!

Mrs. Butcher

Concert Choir Auditions for 2009-2010 School Year

December 8, 2008

Dear Parents and Students,

Beginning next school year (2009-2010), Concert Choir will be an auditioned ensemble. This means that every student registering for Concert Choir must first audition in January before registration begins. Satisfactory completion of Mixed Chorus and a satisfactory audition will be a pre-requisite for Concert Choir.

Audition Date: Monday, January 12 from 5:00-8:30 pm in the choir room. There will be a sign up sheet located on the choir room bulletin board. (5 minute time slots) Students may leave after they have auditioned.

Audition Requirements:

  1. 50% Students Sing My Country 'Tis of Thee – Students may sing this in the key provided or choose another starting note to be determined before the audition. Copies of "My Country 'Tis of Thee" can be found on the choir room bulletin board.
    • Students will be scored on Tone Quality, Intonation, Musicianship, and Beauty/Power of Voice.
    • This portion of the audition will be a "blind audition" behind a screen.
  2. 25% Sight Reading – Students will sight read an 8 measure example. (Blind audition behind a screen.)
  3. 25% Written Test – Students will complete a written test on: Basic staff knowledge (lines/spaces, clefs), identifying Solfa, and identifying Key Signatures. This will be given during class time on Monday, January 12th.

Please note: Students with IEP's and/or 504 plans will be given accommodations specialized to their individual needs.

Since this is something new, I know that many students are worried about the audition. Please know that for all of the students, this audition will test knowledge that they should already know and have studied for the past few years. Students are welcomed to speak privately with me if they have any concerns. I encourage all current choir members to audition.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Butcher

Lessons Next Week

December 5, 2008

Dear Parents and Students,

If you would like to take a solo to Solo and Ensemble Contest and you do not study privately with another teacher, please sign up for a lesson next week. (December 8-12)

Have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Butcher

Call Times

December 1, 2008

Dear Students and Parents,

Below are the call times for our Winter Concert on Wednesday, December 10th. Also, I have attached another copy of the lesson schedule for this week.

Thanks and have a great week!
Mrs. Butcher

Call Times for Winter Concert 2008

Yearbook Pictures in Auditorium

  • 5:45 Jazz Voices
  • 5:50 Men's Ensemble
  • 5:55 Madrigal Singers
  • 6:00 Concert Choir
  • 6:10 Mixed Chorus

Warm-Up in Choir Room

  • 5:50 Mixed Chorus
  • 6:10 Concert Choir
  • 6:30 Jazz Voices
  • 6:35 Madrigal Singers
  • 6:40 Men's Ensemble

Part of your performance grade is based on your attendance at warm-ups and arriving on time.

Concert grade is worth 100 points.

Poinsettia Reminder

December 1, 2008

Dear Parents,

  • Just a reminder that tomorrow (Tuesday, Dec 2) is the Poinsettia delivery day. The plants will be available for pick in the MJSHS Auditorium lobby from 2-5:00 pm If you are unable to pick up the poinsettias during this time, we ask that you have some else pick them up on your behalf.
  • The December Choir Booster Meeting will be tomorrow (Tuesday, Dec 2) at 5:00 pm in the Auditorium lobby following poinsettia pickup.
  • Mary Poppin's trip money ($130) is due on Tuesday, December 16th. Please do not send your money until that day. This is an optional trip. Checks can be made payable to: Macomb Junior/Senior High School.

Hope you had a great Thanksgiving break!

Sincerely,
Mrs. Butcher

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