7th Grade Chorus

HANDBOOK

This handbook should give you a detailed understanding of chorus class, including information about and rationale behind:

1) Our activities2) Class guidelines, procedures, and expectations3) Concert schedule and expectations4) Full-group rehearsal schedule and expectations5) Grading6) Resource usage

(click on a category above to go directly to the section you need, or scroll through this entire presentation to see all of it)

Mr. Sanchez’ Goals for Chorus

1) Give excellent concert performances.2) Become a better musician and singer.3) Learn how to effectively work in a large group.4) Enjoy both the process AND the product of hard

work.

Everything in this handbook is written and implemented with these goals in mind.

Through my teaching, each student will:

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The Basics…

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What Will We Do?• SING!– Build Singing Skills• Physical aspects of singing: Posture, Breathing, Face

Shape, Expression, etc.

– Build Music Reading Skills• Pitch, rhythm, melodies, expression markings, following

the music, etc.

– Build Collaborative Skills• Teamwork, Consensus, Efficiency, Responsibility, etc.

–Prepare for Concert Performances

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What Will We Do?• Build Musicianship Skills, through:– Reading choral octavos (music)– Listening, watching, and evaluating musical

performances– Creating original and/or derivative musical

products (such as jingles, parodies, arrangements, warm-ups, etc.)

– Learning music terminology– Being exposed to a variety of musical styles

• Enjoy making music together!

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Room 201 GuidelinesPlease be sure to show Respect and Responsibility:– Get to class on time!– Keep the room neat.

• Straighten chairs, don’t change how they are set up• Pick up trash

– Recycle appropriate items.• No trash in recycling bins!

– Hands off:• The blue curtain• My piano• Any other instruments in the room• My computers

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What should you bring to class each day?

• Something to write with.• Something to put papers in.• Small pair of headphones/ear buds– For listening activities using computers and/or

phones.

We will not use these things frequently, but you should have them when we need them!!!

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Entry Procedures

1) Enter class, look for any directions on the screen.2) Set your books under your chair.3) Get your folder.4) Check your folder to see if you have all the music

you need. If not, look on the wooden shelf next to the folders.

5) Tape any music that is falling apart. Please tape lengthwise – down the spine of the music.

6) Sit in your chair & put your folder under the chair.7) Be ready for Mr. Sanchez to start rehearsal.

Follow this procedure every day, unless otherwise directed!

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Rest Room/Drink Procedures1) Wait for a transition time between activities.2) Raise your hand and ASK MR. SANCHEZ to leave.3) When he says yes, sign out and take the appropriate rake pass

(currently pink for boys, green for girls).4) Exit and return from the rear door.5) Sign in upon your return.

Abuse of this procedure will result in a more rigid rest room plan.

Exit Procedures1) Carefully put your music back in your folder.2) Put your folder back in the correct slot.3) Grab your books and go.

ChorUS Expectation

YOU USIt’s not about YOU, it’s about US!

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Chorus Expectation

USChorus is unique because:#1 - It is the only class

where you take the final test as a group (twice a year at our concerts!).

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Chorus Expectation

USChorus is unique because:#2 - NO ONE can ‘ride the

bench!’ Everyone is in the starting line up when we sing as a group in front of our audience!

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Concerts and After-School Rehearsals…

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7th Grade Chorus PerformancesVeterans Day Assembly•Wednesday, November 11th, 7:40 a.m.

WINTER Concert• Tuesday, December 8th, 9:50 a.m.

(for students and staff)

• Tuesday, December 8th, 7:00 p.m.(for Parents)

SPRING Concert•Wednesday, May 11th, 7:00 p.m.

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Absences from Winter or Spring Concert

Our concerts are the ‘final tests’ of chorus class, and should be treated with the same respect.

You should put our concerts on your family calendar IMMEDIATELY, and avoid scheduling other things at the same time. If there are any possible conflicts with these dates, please have your parents contact me by the end of September!!!

The next page lists possible ‘excused’ reasons for missing the concert.

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Absences from a ConcertExcused Absence Examples• Family travel or event (please

communicate with Mr. Sanchez ASAP in the fall!)

• Sickness or Last minute emergency (bring a parent excuse note or email by the next day you are in school!)

• Very few other situations…

Unexcused Absence Examples • Too much homework• Going to a concert (such as the

Q102 Jingle Ball)• No ride• Sports or other practice• Sports game/meet/match (split

time if necessary)• Dr. Appointment (unless it is an

emergency!)• Had to go shopping• Forgot to bring me an excuse note.• Forgot we had a concert.• Etc. Back to Table

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Absences from a Concert

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Excused Absences from the Winter or Spring Concert may be made up for full credit. There are 3 ways to make up an absence:1) record yourself singing the music from the concert2) attend another CB music concert3) write an essay on a vocal group

Be sure to get the details and requirements of the make-up assignments from Mr. Sanchez.

Excused Absences from during-school performances do not need to be made up.

Unexcused Absences earn a failing grade. The grade will be entered as ‘missing’ (0%) in the gradebook. You may complete a make-up assignment (described above) to earn partial credit (50%).

Concert Attire for Veterans Day andWinter/Spring Evening Concerts*

- Give the chorus a uniform, ‘professional’ look,- Minimize distractions due to clothing,- Help to make the concert performance special.

*Please note – concert dress for other performances is a little less ‘uniform’ and is specified on the next slide.

The concert attire described is expected and required. If you have any concerns about meeting these guidelines, please have your parent contact me. We will be able to work something out!

Chorus students wear a particular outfit in order to:

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7th Grade Concert AttireDress Code A:

Any solid color (no patterns) button-down shirt (or other solid-color dressy shirt for ladies) and dress pants (gentlemen – long tie) (dark socks/dress shoes)Wear this attire for:a) Veterans Day Assembly in Novemberb) Evening Winter Concert in Decemberc) Evening Spring Concert in April

Dress Code B:You may wear the clothes you wore for Dress Code A OR: Any style solid-colored or patterned (no logos) shirt or sweater and dress pants/school-appropriate skirt OR any school-appropriate dress. Ties optional. NO SHORTS. Appropriate shoes to match the outfit. Wear this attire for:d) In-School Preview Concert in December

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After-School RehearsalsEach chorus class is a part of a larger grade-level chorus. In order to prepare effectively for our concerts, there will be several after-school rehearsals for the full grade-level chorus throughout the year. Rehearsal activities include:

1) Finding out where to sit and stand during the concert. 2) Practicing a professional-looking entrance and exit from the

auditorium/stage.3) Rehearsing Choral Performance Skills.4) Rehearsing the concert music.

Rehearsals are USUALLY held from 2:45-4:00. Dates will be announced in advance.

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After School Rehearsals – 7th Grade

1 Before Veterans Day Performance

2 more before Winter Concert

2 or 3 Before Spring Concert

After-School Rehearsals – 7th Grade

Winter Concert rehearsalsThursday, October 29th, 2:45-4:00pm

Monday, November 30th, 2:45-4:00pmMonday, December 7th, 2:45-4:00pm*

*this is a combined rehearsal with 9th Grade Chorus and Gold’n’Blues. We will start by rehearsing our finale performance, then 7th grade chorus will rehearse for 45 minutes.

Rehearsals for other performances later in the year will be announced in class and on my

website

After-School Rehearsal - Absences

There are always students who have legitimate schedule conflicts with an after-school rehearsal. How to be ‘excused’ for these conflicts will be detailed in the next section of this Handbook.

Any student who does not have an excused reason to miss rehearsal will be considered ‘unexcused.’

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After-School Rehearsal - AbsencesExcused Rehearsal Absences

• Marked ‘missing’ (0%) in the gradebook.• Can earn full credit (100%) when made up. • To make up: attend a resource rehearsal for your chorus.

- Make-up rehearsal dates announced in class, on the white board calendar in the chorus room, on the Tamanend Choral Calendar on my website, and on the AM and scrolling announcements.

- If there is a resource make up before the after-school rehearsal that you know you’ll miss, you should attend it!

• If you are unable to attend a resource make-up, make alternative make-up arrangements with Mr. Sanchez.

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After-School Rehearsal - AbsencesUnexcused Rehearsal Absences

• Marked ‘missing’ (0%) in the gradebook.• Can earn full credit (100%) when made up. • To make up: attend a resource rehearsal* for your chorus (50%)

ANDArrange with Mr. Sanchez to observe and complete a report about another after-school rehearsal (2:45-4:00pm) (50%).

- If you are unable to attend a resource make-up, make alternative make-up arrangements with Mr. Sanchez.

* Make-up rehearsal dates announced in class, on the white board calendar in the chorus room, on the Tamanend Choral Calendar on my website, and on the AM and scrolling announcements

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Excused Absences from After-School Rehearsals

Q: What if I....Am absent from school (or sent home early by

nurse)?

A: If you are absent from school you are excused from rehearsal. You DO NOT need an excuse note.

Be sure to make up the rehearsal at resource.

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Excused Absences from After-School Rehearsals

Q: What if I....Have a Tamanend Sports Practice?

A: You will share your time between chorus rehearsal and your sports practice.

1) Inform your coach ahead of time.2) Get dressed for practice right after school.3) Come to chorus rehearsal by 2:45.4) You will be dismissed at 3:30 to go to your

practice.5) You DO NOT need to make up any of the rehearsal.

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Excused Absences from After-School Rehearsals

Q: What if I.... Have a Tamanend Sports Game/Meet/Match?

A: You are excused from rehearsal. Be sure Mr. Sanchez knows you are on the team ahead of time, then go kick butt!Be sure to make up the rehearsal at resource (before OR after your game/meet/match).

Note – if your game is cancelled/postponed due to inclement weather, you are expected to come to rehearsal instead!

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Excused Absences from After-School Rehearsals

Q: What if I....Have a doctors appointment / dance lesson /

paid tutor session / etc. (any outside of school event)?

A: Add rehearsals to your family calendar as soon as I announce the dates. Try to avoid outside conflicts whenever possible! If conflicts are unavoidable, you will be excused with a parent note or email.Be sure to make up the rehearsal at resource.

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Excused Absences from After-School Rehearsals

Q: What if I....Don’t have a ride home?

A: Please check with friends as soon as possible to see if you can carpool! If you are unable to secure a ride, you will be excused with a parent note or email.Be sure to make up the rehearsal at resource.

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Excused Absences from After-School Rehearsals

Q: What if I....Have a last-minute situation that requires me to

go directly home instead of rehearsal. (ex. you get sick at the end of the day)

A: You will be excused with a parent note or email THE NEXT DAY YOU ARE IN SCHOOL.Be sure to make up the rehearsal at resource.

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After-School Rehearsals: Excuse Note Details

When excuse notes are necessary, a parent note or parent email is needed. Communication directly from a student is NOT ACCEPTED.

Excuse notes are due BEFORE rehearsal, except last minute situations, when the note is due the NEXT DAY YOU ARE IN SCHOOL.

Late excuse notes are accepted, but earn you a 25% penalty when you make up the rehearsal.

Excused Absences that are not made up at resource remain ‘missing’ (0%).

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Grading…

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Choral Grading Philosophy

My grading system is based on 2 principles:1) Performing in a music ensemble is a real-world

(authentic) experience. Therefore, chorus grades should be based in part on the same criteria that an audience would use (subconsciously perhaps) to evaluate a choral performance.

2) As a class in school, I am also able to assess students’ level of understanding of various musical, singing, rehearsal, or choral concepts that ultimately lead to the concert performance that an audience experiences. Back to Table

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Grading Categories and Weights

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10% Choral Singing and Rehearsal Skills (CSRS) (DAILY)

30% Choral Singing and Rehearsal Skills (CSRS) (QUIZ DAYS)

40% Concert and Rehearsal Contribution and Etiquette (CRCE)

20% Other Assessments and Assignments (AA)

Grading Categories and Weights

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10% Choral Singing and Rehearsal Skills (CSRS) (DAILY)

30% Choral Singing and Rehearsal Skills (CSRS) (QUIZ DAYS)

40% Concert and Rehearsal Contribution and Etiquette (CRCE)

20% Other Assessments and Assignments (AA)

CSRS (DAILY) Grading Overview

Students earn a single grade, out of 10 points, based on their exhibition of appropriate singing and rehearsal skills on a normal basis in chorus class.

This grade may fluctuate throughout marking period, based on my continual observations of students during our regular class rehearsals.

The chart on the next page shows a list of Singing and Rehearsal skills that are observed and graded.

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Choral Singing and Rehearsal Skills (CSRS) Overview

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Singing Skills:Healthy, efficient, and effective

singing habits

Rehearsal Skills:Cooperative, selfless, efficient,

rehearsal habits Sing and stop singing as directed. Focus on singing, not peers, other

work, etc. Sing with good posture. Modify your 'face shape' (lips, jaw,

tongue, teeth) to match the sound you are singing.

Sing with nothing in your mouth (gum, candy, food, etc.).

Use appropriate body language while singing.

Prepare for rehearsal upon entering class.

Transition appropriately between rehearsal activities.

Maintain focus when your section is NOT singing.

Follow rehearsal directions. Respect your fellow chorus

members. Take care of the choral music.

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CSRS (DAILY) Grading Overview

The chart on the next page shows the criteria for earning points for your CSRS Daily Grade.

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CSRS (Daily) Grades

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Points earned for CSRS (Daily) Skills shown in class

10 Excellent - always focused and cooperative, exhibits excellent singing and rehearsal habits. You are a great example for other students.

9Acceptable - often focused and cooperative, usually exhibits excellent

singing and rehearsal habits. Some redirection needed on occasion, but accepted quickly and humbly.

8Needs Improvement - sometimes focused and /or cooperative,

sometimes exhibits good singing and rehearsal habits. Redirection needed throughout class, but is accepted quickly and humbly.

7Borderline – some effort put into focus, cooperation, and/or good

singing habits. Redirection needed often, though sometimes not accepted.

6 Failing - seemingly tries to earn a bad grade, very little or no effort put into focus, cooperation, and/or good singing habits.

5 or less You should not be in chorus class. You are bringing the entire chorus down.

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Grading Categories and Weights

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10% Choral Singing and Rehearsal Skills (CSRS) (DAILY)

30% Choral Singing and Rehearsal Skills (CSRS) (QUIZ DAYS)

40% Concert and Rehearsal Contribution and Etiquette (CRCE)

20% Other Assessments and Assignments (AA)

CSRS (QUIZ DAY) Grading Overview

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Students earn a grade, out of 10 points, based on their exhibition of one or more specific singing and/or rehearsal skills on a particular day in chorus class (see CSRS Daily section for details on singing skills and rehearsal skills).

There will be QUIZ DAYS approximately every couple weeks. There will usually be at least 3 or 4 each marking period.

These particular skills being observed for a QUIZ DAY may or may not be announced specifically at the beginning of class.

The chart on the next page shows the criteria for earning points for your CSRS Quiz Day Grade.

CSRS (Quiz Day) Grades

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Points earned for CSRS (Quiz Day) Skills shown in class

10 Excellent - Always exhibits the targeted skill. Is an example for others.

9 Acceptable – Usually exhibits the targeted skill. May need an occasional reminder.

8 Needs Improvement – Targeted skill is inconsistently demonstrated. May not respond quickly to reminders.

7 Borderline – Targeted skill is rarely, if ever demonstrated.

6 Failing - Targeted skill is never demonstrated. Student does not respond reminders at all.

5 or less Rebellious about not demonstrating the targeted skill. You should not be in chorus class. You are bringing the entire chorus down.

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Grading Categories and Weights

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10% Choral Singing and Rehearsal Skills (CSRS) (DAILY)

30% Choral Singing and Rehearsal Skills (CSRS) (QUIZ DAYS)

40% Concert and Rehearsal Contribution and Etiquette (CRCE)

20% Other Assessments and Assignments (AA)

Concert and Rehearsal Contribution and Etiquette

• After-School Rehearsals- Each graded on 10-point scale.- Criteria is the same as for CSRS Daily Grades- See “After-School Rehearsals” section of this presentation for

information about rehearsal absences.

• The chart on the next page shows the criteria for earning points for your Rehearsal grade.

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After School Rehearsal Grades

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Points earned for Rehearsal Skills shown in rehearsals

10 Excellent - Always focused and cooperative, exhibits many positive singing and rehearsal habits. Nothing negative stands out.

9Acceptable - often focused and cooperative, usually exhibits positive

singing and rehearsal habits. Some redirection needed on occasion, but accepted quickly and humbly.

8Needs Improvement - sometimes focused and /or cooperative,

sometimes exhibits good singing and rehearsal habits. Redirection needed throughout rehearsal, but is accepted quickly and humbly.

7Borderline – some effort put into focus, cooperation, and/or good

singing habits. Redirection needed often, though sometimes not accepted.

6 Failing - seemingly tries to earn a bad grade, very little or no effort put into focus, cooperation, and/or good singing habits.

5 or less You should not be in chorus class. You are bringing the entire chorus down.

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Concert and Rehearsal Contribution and Etiquette

• Concerts- Graded on 10-point scale, weighted twice as much as

rehearsals.- Based on your exhibition of Choral Performance Skills,

which are described on the next pages.- See “Concerts” section of this presentation for information

about performance absences.

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Choral Performance Skills (CPS) (part 1)Choral Performance Skills are a natural outgrowth of Choral Singing

and Rehearsal Skills. You will see some similar descriptions below:

• Preparing yourself for the concert:– Arriving on time, in the correct attire, to the correct location.

• Recognizing appropriate and inappropriate times to talk.– There will be ample time for socialization before and after your

performance.– There are also times when SILENCE is expected. These times include,

but are not limited to:• When Mr. Sanchez is speaking to you.• When ANY ADULT is giving you directions.• When you are walking in the hallways toward the auditorium.• When you enter the auditorium and walk onto the risers.• When you get off the risers and exit the auditorium. Back to Table

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• Maintaining focus when you are on the risers.– Even if you see your friends and family in the audience.– Even though the risers may be crowded.– Even if something unexpected happens.

• Listening carefully to and following directions.– A Tamanend concert performance often affects more

than 1000 people. You are only 1 of those people. It’s not about you, it’s about ALL OF THEM. Do your part to make the concert run smoothly.

• Respecting other singers.– Everybody makes mistakes, even in performance.

Good performers don’t give them away.

Choral Performance Skills (CPS) (part 2)

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• Performing Well.– Look like you are enjoying yourself– Let your face express the music– Open your mouth and sing!– Do not talk before, during, or after any songs

The chart on the next page shows the criteria for earning points for your Concert Grade.

Choral Performance Skills (CPS) (part 3)

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Choral Performance Skills Grades

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Points earned for CPS Skills shown in Concert

10 Excellent - always exhibits ALL Choral Performance Skills. You are an example for the chorus.

9 Acceptable – exhibits MOST Choral Performance Skills. You do not detract from the performance.

8Needs Improvement – You do not exhibit all Performance Skills,

enough so that it is noticeable to the director, other students, or the audience.

7 Borderline – You detract from the performance due to your lack of Performance Skills.

6 Failing – The audience is probably wondering, “Why is this kid in chorus?”

5 or less You should not be in chorus class. You are bringing the entire chorus down.

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Grading Categories and Weights

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10% Choral Singing and Rehearsal Skills (CSRS) (DAILY)

30% Choral Singing and Rehearsal Skills (CSRS) (QUIZ DAYS)

40% Concert and Rehearsal Contribution and Etiquette (CRCE)

20% Other Assessments and Assignments (AA)

Other Assessments and Assignments

• Written and/or computer assignments & quizzes– Topics:

• Music Reading– Pitch – letter names– Rhythm– Solfege – Key, Time signatures– Expression markings– Following the music

• Singing Skills– Posture, Breathing, Face Shape

• Aural Skills

• Group Projects– Parodies, Jingles, etc.

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Other important stuff…

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Resource Make-Up RehearsalsNear the time of our after-school rehearsals, I will make a resource or two available for chorus make-ups.– Check chorus room whiteboard calendar, watch/listen

to announcements, and pay attention in class to find out when these rehearsals are scheduled.

– Get a pass from me BEFORE resource.– Sign in upon arrival.– CSRS expected (and graded if you are making up a

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Resource Make-Up Rehearsals• Who should come to these resources?

– Students with excused absences from after-school rehearsals.• This will earn up to 100% of your grade.• Plan ahead - You may make up a rehearsal before you miss it.

– Students with unexcused absences from after-school rehearsals.• This will earn 50% of your grade. The remaining 50% can be made up by

attending an after-school rehearsal for another group and writing a report about it.

– Students who have missed class and/or feel behind on learning music.– Band/Orchestra sharing students who don’t get as many days in class

rehearsal.– Students who would like to make up a CSRS Quiz Day point.

• A second-chance opportunity for those who need it.• Must exhibit EXCELLENT CSRS to earn the point!

– Anyone who doesn’t want to sit quietly in his/her resource and would rather sing.

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WebsiteMy “Teacher Site” includes• The Tamanend Choral Calendar• This handbook• Sometimes - electronic copies of class handouts

and assignments

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Contact Mr. SanchezEmail is the best way to reach me:

isanchez@cbsd.org

To reach my voice mail:1) Call Tamanend 1-267-893-29002) Press 1 to enter my extension3) Press my mailbox number 6462 followed

by the number sign.

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Looking forward to a

great year of singing!Back to Table

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