E-Mails: May 2010

Auditions

May 24, 2010

Dear parents,

We are currently finishing up auditions this evening for Madrigals, Jazz, and Men's Ensemble. We had a great turn out with over 50 kids auditioning. (More than had originally signed up.) Because we had a great turnout, the auditions lasted a little longer than we had anticipated. We wanted to make sure that everyone received a fair audition and didn't want anyone rushed through their time. Several times, I did recommend that some of the students leave and come back, if able, so that they didn't have to wait so long. However, most of them chose to stay and wait it out. (I even made popcorn for them at one point.) ☺

Tomorrow, I will ask the program assistants to average and tally the results. I hope to have a list posted no later than Wednesday. Thank you for your understanding with our audition process.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Butcher

Melanie Butcher, Choral Director
Macomb High School
1525 S. Johnson
Macomb, IL 61455
Phone: 309/833-6255
Fax: 309/836-1034

Choir Update

May 21, 2010

Dear parents and students,

  • Graduation – Concert Choir will perform tomorrow, Saturday, May 22. Please see below.
  • Auditions for Madrigals, Jazz Voices, and Men's Ensemble are Monday, May 24th beginning at 3:15 pm Please let me know if a student needs to leave early or arrive late so that I can plan accordingly. Once a student auditions, they are free to leave. I have hired two judges who are not familiar with the student's voices and will score the students behind a screen. On Tuesday, I will take the scores to one of our program assistant to tally the results. (No names will be involved.) Once that is done, I will post the ensemble lists on Wednesday.
    Please note: Currently, the Madrigal rehearsal time is scheduled for 5:00-6:00 pm on Tuesday/Thursday. The 5:00 pm rehearsal time was originally in place to help alleviate conflicts with sports. However, in recent years, this hasn't always helped. Understanding that there will always be conflicts, I am looking to perhaps move the Madrigal rehearsal time to a more convenient time for the majority. After the group has been selected, I will contact these students and we will decide on a more convenient time for all.

Graduation 2010

  • Concert Choir members will perform at the MHS Graduation Ceremony on Saturday, May 22nd at 7:30 pm at WIU Western Hall. We will have a rehearsal on Friday, May 21st. Students will leave class at 10:15 am and return shortly before lunch. If you are a senior, you are to stay at Western Hall after your graduation rehearsal with Mr. Rumley. This rehearsal is a requirement for all and is part of your grade.
  • Call times – Sophomores and Juniors: Be there at 7:00 pm; be in your seats at 7:15 pm
  • Dress – Sophomores and Juniors: choir robe and stoll! Black bottoms, black nylons, black shoes. Please dress nicely! Seniors: Graduation robe, any bottoms and any shoes.
  • Grade – This is a required performance for Concert Choir members and is worth 100 points.
  • Miscellaneous – Those students involved in Band will quickly change into their robe just before the Salutatorian speech. Find an appropriate place to put your robe on…not next to the stage! ☺ You may leave after we perform.
  • Singing Performance Order
    1. Seniors – Star Spangled Banner (students line up during the salutatorian speech)
    2. Concert Choir – Battle Hymn and Alma Mater (Chelsea conducts)
  • Attention – You are responsible for taking your robe and stoll home on Friday and for bringing it back Monday Morning. All robes are due back by choir on Tuesday, May 25th at 3:05 pm. Points will be deducted from your graduation performance grade for every day you are late!

Melanie Butcher, Choral Director
Macomb High School
1525 S. Johnson
Macomb, IL 61455
Phone: 309/833-6255
Fax: 309/836-1034

Choir Update

May 14, 2010

Dear Parents and Students,

  • The choir lesson schedule for next week is attached. Please note that lessons are only for Concert Choir members in preparation for Graduation. Senior lessons are next week will be optional since they are finishing up their courses and are only in attendance on Monday and Tuesday.
  • Graduation – Please refer to the attached letter regarding MHS Graduation on Saturday, May 22nd. Concert Choir will perform for a grade. There will be a required practice at WIU on Friday morning, May 21st. Seniors must attend this rehearsal, which immediately follows the senior graduation ceremony practice.
  • Baccalaureate – Interested Seniors will perform at Baccalaureate this Wednesday, May 19th at 7:00 pm in the Fellheimer Auditorium.
  • Auditions for Madrigals, Jazz Voices and Men's Ensemble will be Monday, May 24th at 3:15 pm Information is available in the choir room.

Thanks and have a great weekend!

Melanie Butcher, Choral Director
Macomb High School
1525 S. Johnson
Macomb, IL 61455
Phone: 309/833-6255
Fax: 309/836-1034

May 13, 2010

Dear parents and students,

Just a reminder that today (Thursday, May 13) is our 9-12 grade End of the Year Choir Party at Skateland from 4:00-6:00 pm. Admission is $3 at the door (includes skate rental). Parents are welcome to attend, too!

Thanks!

Melanie Butcher, Choral Director
Macomb High School
1525 S. Johnson
Macomb, IL 61455
Phone: 309/833-6255
Fax: 309/836-1034

Choir this week

May 10, 2010

Dear Parents and Students,

  • The Choir lesson schedule for this week is attached. Only Concert Choir students are schedule for lessons in preparation for Graduation and Baccalaureate.
  • End of the Year HS Choir Party – This Thursday, May 13th 4:00-6:00 pm. All Choir members (9-12 grade) are invited to attend. $3 admission at the door (includes skate rental). Parents are welcomed and encouraged to attend. ☺
  • Junior High Choir Concert – Tuesday, May 11, at 7:00 pm, Men's Ensemble will be performing. Men's Ensemble call time: 6:40 pm
  • Auditions for Madrigals, Jazz Voices, and Men's Ensemble – Monday, May 24, beginning at 3:15 pm. I have attached a flyer regarding auditions. This has been handed out to students.
  • Baccalaureate Service – Wednesday, May 19, at 7:00 pm Interested seniors will sing.
  • Graduation ceremony – Saturday, May 22, 7:30 pm at Western Hall. Concert Choir will perform and will have a call time of 7:10 pm This is a required performance for Concert Choir members.

Thanks and have a great week!

Melanie Butcher, Choral Director
Macomb High School
1525 S. Johnson
Macomb, IL 61455
Phone: 309/833-6255
Fax: 309/836-1034

Tonight's Concert

May 5, 2010

Dear parents,

Just a reminder about the HS Choir Concert tonight at 7:00 pm in Fellheimer Auditorium. This is a required concert for 4th quarter. Below are the call times.

Also, I am in need of about 4 parents who would be willing to sit near the students in the back of the auditorium during the concert. We want to discourage any talking, cell phone use, etc during the performance. Thank you in advance!

Warm-Up in Choir Room

  • 6:00 pm – Mixed Chorus
  • 6:10 pm – Concert Choir
  • 6:30 pm – Jazz Voices, Madrigal Singers, and Men's Ensemble

Melanie Butcher, Choral Director
Macomb High School
1525 S. Johnson
Macomb, IL 61455
Phone: 309/833-6255
Fax: 309/836-1034

This week in HS Choir

May 2, 2010

Dear Parents and Students,

  • The Spring High School Choir Concert will be this Wednesday, May 5, at 7:00 pm in Fellheimer Auditorium. This is a required concert for 4th quarter and below are the students call times.

    Warm-up in choir room

    • 6:00 pm Mixed Chorus
    • 6:10 pm Concert Choir
    • 6:30 pm Jazz Voices, Madrigal Singers, and Men's Ensemble
  • Attention seniors: I still have not received pictures from many of the seniors for their posters. We need to have them by Monday afternoon at the latest. Also, if you have any pictures to contribute to the slide show, please submit them via email. Thanks!
  • The choir lesson schedule for this week is attached.
  • There will be a Choir Boosters meeting this Thursday, May 6, at 5:00 pm in the Choir Room. Hope to see you there!
  • Upcoming dates: (Soon, I will be sending out specific information regarding auditions for next year's Madrigals, Jazz Voices, and Men's Ensemble.
    • Tuesday, May 11 – Spring Junior High Choral Concert
      Fellheimer Auditorium, 7:00 pm
      Men's Ensemble will perform
    • Wednesday, May 19 – Baccalaureate Service
      7:00 pm
      Interested seniors will sing
    • Friday, May 21 – Graduation practice at WIU
      All Concert members will rehearse immediately following senior's practice (approx. 10:30 am)
    • Saturday, May 22 – Graduation
      7:30 pm
      WIU Western Hall (Concert Choir will perform)
    • Monday, May 24 – Auditions
      for Madrigals Jazz Voices and Men's Ensemble (after school)
      More information to follow. Time: TBA

Thanks!

Melanie Butcher, Choral Director
Macomb High School
1525 S. Johnson
Macomb, IL 61455
Phone: 309/833-6255
Fax: 309/836-1034

Thank You!

May 1, 2010

Many thanks to all who assisted with the IESA contest today. Without your help, this event would not have been possible.

Our students performed extremely well—each ensemble received a 1st. Kudos to them, as well as Mr. Mattsey and Mrs. Stegall!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Cheryl McGowan
Barb Coker
Volunteer Co-Chairs

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