Pearl High Schools

2013-2014 Handbook
Directors
Angie Rawls Jordan Langworthy

Pearl High Schools

The mission of Pearl Singers is to teach each student how to be excellent in everything that IS life. Through the development of musical skill and teamwork, students will become life-long learners, will achieve individual goals, and will positively impact a global society. Excellence can only be achieved through perseverance and personal responsibility. Each student is expected to work hard and will be held accountable. Each student will, therefore, become excellent... .

Pearl Singers Pledge

www.pearlsingers.com

...our website houses all communication that Pearl Singers produces. Go there to see pictures and videos. Go there to get your assignments and schedules. Go there for rehearsal tracks. Go there to get forms and see the handbook. Go there!!! It is whats happening with Pearl Singers. Its Excellence Personified!!!

Music Selection
Music from all time periods that contain both sacred and secular text will be rehearsed. The purpose for all music chosen, regardless of the text it contains, is to teach the historical significance in the scope of musical development, and provide an opportunity to sing great music by great composers that have greatly affected our musical history and global society.

Performing Groups
*After school rehearsals are required*

Pearl Singers

...is an auditioned, mixed-voiced choir composed of upperclassmen and performs difficult music from many genres. Audition requirements are: demonstrate musical talent; tone matching; range; vocal maturity; tone quality; 92 or above on sightreading exam; extremely strong work ethic.

Chamber Singers

...is a select ensemble of 22 mixed voices. It is comprised of upperclassmen. Madrigal music is the primary repertoire but these students perform difficult music from other genres as well. Authentic Renaissance costuming is required for most performances. These students also sing with Pearl Singers, Varsity Womens Chorus and Mens Glee. A rigorous audition process allows for excelling musicians to show their abilities. These singers are required to demonstrate musical independence, advanced musical proficiency, a 95 or above on sightreading exam and an utmost work ethic.

Varsity Womens Chorus

...is comprised of females, grades 9-12, and sings the finest SSAA music from many genres. These ladies have the ability to meet audition standards of good vocal ability, singing in tune, and exemplify a very strong work ethic.

Varsity Mens Glee

...is comprised of males, grades 9-12, and sings quality TTBB music from many genres. These men have the ability to meet audition standards of good vocal ability, singing in tune, and exemplify a very strong work ethic.

Ladies Chorale

...is comprised of upperclassmen females and sings SSA music. These students also sing with Womens Chorus. These ladies are prepared to meet audition standards of good vocal ability, singing in tune, and strong work ethic.

Performing Groups continued

*After school rehearsals are required*

Freshmen Concert Singers

...is a mixed-voiced choir composed of freshmen only and sings SAB and SATB music. While this is a non-auditioned choir, recommendations from the Pearl Junior High Choral Directors and other teachers are highly regarded for placement in this group. Musical instruction will focus on vocal development, music theory and vocabulary, team-building and strong work ethic.

Mixed Ensemble
...is an auditioned ensemble of 4-8 mixed voices chosen from Chamber Singers. Madrigal music is the primary repertoire but music from other genres is also performed. These singers demonstrate extreme musical independence, advanced musical proficiency and a very strong work ethic.

Varsity Sextet

...is an auditioned ensemble comprised of 6 upperclassmen females and sings difficult SSA music from many genres. This group is chosen from Pearl Singers and Chamber Singers. These ladies demonstrate extreme musical independence, advanced musical proficiency and a very strong work ethic. Much individual preparation is required for this group.

Varsity Quartet

...is an auditioned ensemble comprised of 4 upperclassmen males and sings quality TTBB music from quartet genre. This group is chosen from Pearl Singers and Chamber Singers. These men demonstrate extreme musical independence, advanced musical proficiency and a very strong work ethic. Much individual preparation is required for this group.

Freshmen Sextet (optional)

......is an auditioned ensemble comprised of 6 freshmen females and sings SSA music from many genres. This group is chosen from Freshmen Concert Singers. These ladies demonstrate musical independence, musical proficiency and a strong work ethic. Much individual preparation is required for this group.

Freshmen Chorale (optional)

...is an auditioned mixed ensemble of Freshmen and sings SAB or SATB music suited for freshmen voices. These students are selected from Freshmen Concert Singers. These singers demonstrate musical independence, musical proficiency and a strong work ethic.

Pearl Singers Auxiliary

Pearl Singers Auxiliary
...is the parents, family and friends organization that supports Pearl Singers. Members assist with concerts, festivals, productions, administrative committees, trips and fundraising events that happen throughout the school year. Everyone is encouraged to join for the low due rate of only $2.50 per individual. One of the goals of the PSA is to build community among the Pearl Singers families. With a connected community, the choir events become that much more meaningful for all of us as parents and friends, and provide support for our students in an indirect way by letting them know this is important to us, too. *Please complete the Auxiliary Registration Form on page 23 of this handbook or go to www.pearlsingers.com, download and complete. PSA Registration Forms are due Monday, August 26, 2013.

Accounts
Pearl Singers has
...built a reputation of quality and excellence in choral music over the last 35 years. It is a reality that everyone has come to expect. With that expectation comes a price tag, and it isnt cheap. Everything we do cost money, from purchasing music to fees for contests to even our own concerts and productions. However, we know how tight the economy is and how you are feeling the effects through higher gas and food prices. M want to help you. AK EA This years dues are staying the same: $ 80.00 account Pu LL P ty $ 30.00 outfit ou ea CHE CK ch r s ec tu rl SP Total $110.00 k i de AY s f nt Si AB or s n n The $30.00 outfit dues deadline is Tuesday, September 3, 2013. LE on a m g e TO th e The $80.00 account dues deadline is Friday, November 1, 2013. e m an rs : Payment options: 1) Fundraising (see next page for details) 2) Payment Plan*: $30.00 due on Tuesday, September 2, 2013 $30.00 due on Wednesday, September 30, 2013 $25.00 due on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 $25.00 due on Friday, November 1, 2013
em d w o l ha ine t th . e

We

Fundraising Opportunities
With all the opportunities
...that are afforded to us for fundraising, there is no reason why a student cannot pay his/her account, outfit and trip dues on time. MAKE Each student must be responsible and will be held ALL C HECK S PAY accountable. Pe AB Smoked Turkeys for Thanksgiving and Christmas - turkeys are sold for: TBD - the profit for the student is approximately: TBD for each turkey - sales take place October 10-24, 2013 - orders and money due Thursday, October 24, 2013. Snack Bags for sale - healthy snacks given to students to sell to fellow students/friends anytime except during lunch break - each bag is worth approximately $18.00. - the profit for the student is approximately $10.00 per bag sold. - sales begin Tuesday, September 3, 2013 Program Ads - Pearl Singers presents 3 major concerts every school year: October, December, and April. Individuals and/or businesses may make a tax deductible contribution to advertise in each program for these concerts. 100% of each ad sold goes toward the selling students account. Ads available are as follows: * Family and Friends of Pearl Singers $25.00 to $49.99 * The Blue Club $50.00 to $99.99 * The Gold Club $100.00 to $199.99 * Pearl Singers Club $200.00 or more Advertisement Forms are on pages 29 and 31 of the handbook or you can download them from our website, www.pearlsingers.com. These are due Thursday, October 3, 2013. Website Ads - www.pearlsingers.com is updated and is now an interactive website that draws many viewers. These ads can be sold at any time. Square Banner Ads are available as follows: * per quarter $30.00 * per semester $50.00 * per year $90.00

LE TO Put yo : ur stu dents the ch eck is n for on ame and w the m h emo l at ine.

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sold

Fundraising Opportunities continued

2012-2013 Specials
S PAY Pear ABLE Pearl Idols Got Talent TO: l Put yo S i n u r g s - 1st round September 10, 213 in PAC t e u d the ch rs eck is ents name for on and w - 2nd round September 14, 2013 in PAC the m h emo l at ine. - easy money-maker: just have to come and support Pearls talent MAKE ALL C HECK

Premier Designer Jewelry Show - jewelry party (great presents for any occasion); open to students, parents, and friends - the profit for the student is approximately: TBD for each piece of jewelry sold - party schedule: September 24, 2013 - catalogs available prior to party

Uniforms
Pearl Singers appearance
...should be just as cohesive and unified as the sound we produce. A well-defined performance attire policy is outlined below and each student is expected to adhere to these policies. General Rules
1) Hair must be pulled back away from the face in a pony-tail, a natural looking color, and properly groomed for all performances. No hair clips, bows or other ornamentation that can be seen will be allowed. Clips and barrettes will be the color of your hair and not noticeable. 2) Make-up: a matching shade of lip-stick will be provided for females; other explanations will be given in class. 3) Jewelry must not be worn during performances. This includes, but is not limited to, watches, rings, necklaces other than pearls, bracelets, piercings other than pearl earrings, etc. No piercing is acceptable for performance and there is no exception for students recently receiving a piercing. 4) Shoes: All ladies are asked to purchase black ballet shoes or soft black slipper shoes. Shoe soles must be black. No hard soles, heels, or shoe ornamentation other than black are allowed. All men are asked to purchase lace-up or slip-on dress black shoes that are comfortable. No casual or tennis shoes are allowed. All men must wear black socks. 4) Concert attire will be worn for all performances. Your outfit is expected to be clean, neatly pressed and not wrinkled. Inappropriate attire is not acceptable and students will not be allowed to perform. Probation for the next performance will be instated as well.

Freshmen Ladies
- Rental Fee: $30.00 due Tuesday, September 3, 2013. - Outfit includes: blue Varsity Womens Chorus skirt, blue FCS blouse, pearl necklace, earrings, lipstick - Outfit return: dry-cleaned, pressed and in bag. Due Friday, May 9, 2014.

Singers, Varsity Womens Chorus, Ladies Chorale Ladies

- Rental Fee: $30.00 due Tuesday, September 3, 2103. - Outfit includes: blue Singers skirt, blue Singers blouse, pearl necklace, earrings, lipstick - Outfit return: dry-cleaned, pressed and in bag. Due Friday, May 9, 2014.

All Men
- Rental Fee: $30.00 due Tuesday, September 3, 2013. - Outfit includes: tuxedo pants, tuxedo jacket, white tuxedo shirt, black bow tie, black cummerbund, and black studs.

- Tuxedo return: dry-cleaned, pressed and in bag. Due Friday, May 9, 2014.

Rules and Regulations

State Eligibility policies
...are set forth by the Mississippi Department of Education and Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA). In order to participate in any of the performing groups, all eligibility requirements must be followed. These rules are shared with athletic teams and band. Each student must: attend a school which is a member of MHSAA. be registered in a choral class meeting every day of the school week or the equivalent (block schedule). not have turned 19 prior to August 1 not have participated in inter-school contest for more than four consecutive years after the date of entering into the 9th grade regardless of when he began to participate. establish a bona fide residence in the appropriate school district 9th and 10th graders must have a 2.0 average in 6 subjects the previous year to be eligible for 1st semester; 11th and 12th graders must have a 2.0 average in 5 subjects the previous year to be eligible for 1st semester. have a 2.0 average at the end of 1st semester to be eligible for 2nd semester; students not having a 2.0 average at the end of a semester will be put on probation for the following semester. be in attendance on the day of the event in order to participate in extra rehearsals or performances.

Rehearsal Etiquette and Daily Expectations

...are disciplines that will enable us to be Excellence Personified. Pearl Singers is an ambassor of Pearl High School. Therefore, each and every choir member is expected to exemplify excellent behavior both at school and away from school, during rehearsals/class, in concerts and on trips. Basic Rules to Live by: - choose to encounter knowledge, rehearsal and performance with all your heart, soul, mind, body and strength. - choose to respect all persons at all times. 1) 2) 3) 4) Warning Student/teacher conference Office referral Dismissal from Pearl Singers

Rules and Regulations continued

Break It Down... Since we desire to be Excellence Personified, we have much to accomplish. Positive Attitude: Come to rehearsal with the attitude that hard work does pay off. Excellence is achieved with an open and hard-working mind. Leave other classes and problems outside the Choir Room doors so that our music goals can be the focus of each rehearsal. Posture: Your body is your instrument. Use it properly for singing. When you stand, feet should be slightly separated, shoulders straight, rib cage fully extended, and face engaged. When sitting, use the front part of the seat. Legs should be slightly forward for balance. Do not cross legs. Supplies: It is critical that you have your MUSIC and PENCIL for EACH rehearsal. Just as you would take a textbook to class, have your music in choir. You will be assigned a 3-ring binder that will hold all of your music and supplies. It is also critical that you have WATER at each rehearsal. Singing for 90 minutes is vocally, mentally, and physically taxing. Hydrate! Place book-bags/back-packs, purses/ man-bags and other like items in the cubbies at the front of the Choir Room. Only bring your choir binder, pencil and water to your choir chair. Concentration: The best choir rehearsal moves quickly. To accomplish this, each choir member must be completely attentive at all times. Even when your section is not singing, you must listen and be ready to jump back in. Respect: When many people work closely on a musical project, it is important to maintain respect for each other. Choral music requires the focus of musicianship as well as the emotions. Be sensitive to the feelings of others in the group. TREAT OTHERS AS YOU WANT TO BE TREATED. Talking: !!!DONT!!! It distracts you and everyone else. Choir rehearsals are for using the vocal mechanism to sing and harmonize. When you talk, you are not rehearsing properly. It is very unprofessional and wastes time...not Excellence Personified.

Entering/Exiting: Make sure you are ready to warm up before the tardy bell rings. Our beginnings set the pace and standard for each rehearsal. If you must get up for any reason, wait until there is a pause in the rehearsal. When re-entering the Choir Room,...

Rules and Regulations continued

Break It Down continued... Entering/Exiting continued: ...wait until there is a pause. It is impolite to come in to the middle of a working rehearsal. Always wait just inside the door and move into place during a break. Break It Down to the core 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) Be on time! DO NOT BE TARDY! If you are on time, you are late. If you are early, you are on time! Be in your assigned seat with all supplies when bell rings. NO SUPPLIES...10 POINTS OFF. Do not talk during rehearsal. When you talk, you distract and ruin our focus. Do not be a distraction. NO CELL PHONES! Be ready physically and mentally to do your best at each rehearsal. Be willing to TRY! Be positive! Love the challenge! Be a supportive team member. Please bring water. You and your voice are important. Keep your vocal mechanism hydrated. NO GUM, FOOD, CANDY, etc.10 POINTS OFF The Choir Room is your home at school. Treat the Choir Room and your Choir Family with care and respect. Attendance at all after-school rehearsals and concerts/contests is MANDATORY! Students are responsible for knowing all after-school rehearsals and concert/contest dates, times and dress code. As a member of the Pearl High School Choral Department, you stand for spirit, pride, class and tradition INSIDE the Choir Room and...more importantly...OUTSIDE the Choir Room. Make a difference!!! Be AMAZING!!! Be Excellence Personified!!!!!!!!! Choose extraordinary over ordinary. Make the ordinary extraordinary. Never settle for mediocrity! ALWAYS GO THE EXTRA MILE. Choose to be Excellence Personified!

11)

Attendance Policies In EVERY case of absence, a note is required for documentation. The note must be brought in no later than the next day the student comes to school. It must be written and signed Absences and tardiness for after-school rehearsals and concerts/contests will be excused in the case of medical emergency or death in the immediate family ONLY. Please call and leave a message on the Choir Office phone immediately if any of these incidents occur...601.932.7943.

Rules and Regulations continued

Attendance Policies continued WORK IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE EXCUSE...employers appreciate a copy of the calendar in advance and they will work with you! NO RIDE IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE EXCUSE...if your parents cant help you, find another family member or friend with a car. Be RESPONSIBLE! Be Excellence Personified! In the event of a conflict with another scheduled school activity, it is the responsibility of the STUDENT to notify the sponsors of the conflicting activities well in advance. The sponsors will determine students obligation. Personal appointments, including but not limited to, doctor, orthodontist, dentist, hair/nail professional, seamstress, etc. should be scheduled smartly so as to not conflict with mandatory rehearsals and performances. In ALL cases, directors reserve the right to exercise a certain amount of reason in determining if an absence will be excused of unexcused. Unlike other academic classes, your grade in choir is based largely on daily participation. Therefore, it is impossible to make up missed classes. Unexcused absences from class rehearsals, sectionals, after-school rehearsals, and concerts/contests will severely lower your grade. BE THERE!!!

Traveling Rules and Expectations

1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8)

...are for all trips to any contests, honor choirs and other performances. All rules in the PHS Student Handbook and those set by the Choral Music Department will be enforced. Use of tobacco, alcohol, drugs and/or any other controlled substances will result in immediate dismissal from Pearl Singers. Be courteous to others from different schools. Complete concert attire will be worn to and from all performances (long trips allow for more comfort on the bus). Opposite sex sitting arrangements are not allowed on the bus; men with men, ladies with ladies. Loud noises will not be tolerated on the bus. All personal audio/visual devices will be listened to ONLY with headphones. These devices will not be allowed to be taken into a performance venue. These items are only allowed for long trips. Opposite sexes will not be allowed in each others hotel rooms, not even with a chaperone.

Severe Clause

Any unruly conduct or extreme obnoxious behavior will result in a referral to the Principal and possibly dismissal from Pearl Singers.

Grading Procedure and Standards

This is a participation and performance
...class and students must be in attendance to participate and perform. Grades are also based on attitude, cooperation, personal vocal development and evaluations made by the directors and students. A student does not have to have the best voice to receive a good grade. However, he/ she should strive to learn, improve and perform to the utmost...Excellence Personified. Always giving 100% will result in a good grade. Attitude: the student should enter with a positive attitude and ready to give ALL. Any problems outside of this class will be dealt with at another time, not in rehearsal. Sight-reading is an extremely important skill in becoming Excellence Personified. Sight-reading includes rhythm, pitch and basic music theory. Proficiency must be reached in this area. Students will practice this skill in each class. Grades for each quarter (9 weeks) will be based on the following: - participation/cooperation a) posture b) sight-reading c) using Solfege Syllables and Curwen Hand-Signs d) correct vowel sounds, formation and placement e) any written and/or oral exams administered by the directors f) organization (having complete choir binder including 5-6 clean pieces of paper for notes, music and sharpened pencil every day, class notes, returning forms, etc.). Binder checks will be administered every two weeks. - written and oral tests of singing and music reading skills - evaluations by students including a personal evaluation and an evaluation of other choirs and groups. - attendance at required performances and rehearsals a) Each performance is a MAJOR grade in the quarter in which it occurs. - behavior/citizenship

Make Up Work
Absences that are
...unexcused will not be allowed to be made up (Grade 0). Only excused absences will be allowed to be made up. Excused absences must be made up to receive credit. Choir performances cannot be made up authentically. Each performance is a realtime event and synchronized for all the participants (both students and audience). Therefore, excused absences will be made up by having a private lesson with the director(s) where the student will perform the concert music. The student is responsible for setting this time up, not the director(s). Excused absences for class rehearsals will be made up by evaluating the next class rehearsal(s). A form will be provided for students to fill out. The student must ask for the form. The teacher will not initiate this process. Notes should be taken during the rehearsal, but the form must be completed outside of the class period. The objective is for the student to go further in depth concerning points of interest in the music, their part in the music, and specific sections that need individual or group rehearsal. The form must be turned in the following class period to receive credit. Excused absences for after-school rehearsals will be made up literally. The time missed in an after-school rehearsal will be matched in make-up time. On designated make-up days, the student will sign-in/sign-out for the amount of time spent in makeup rehearsal. Full credit will be given when the full amount of time is made up.

The Pearl Singers Honors

Pearl Singers salutes
...students who are highly involved and committed to the choral program. During the year students receive merit points for participation in extra activities and for perfect attendance for performances and rehearsals. Each choir member is responsible for assembling points which add up as the year progresses. Students can turn in points at any time by placing them in the mailbox or giving them to the directors.

Awards
Most Improved Freshman Most Improved Junior Most Outstanding Soprano Most Outstanding Alto Livingston Harper Award Most Improved Sophomore Most Improved Senior Most Outstanding Tenor Most Outstanding Bass Donna McCommon Pearl Singers Award

The Pearl Singers Honors continued

Points are received for the following:

100% attendance at all performances and rehearsals Participation in Solo and Ensemble Festival Perform as accompanist for choral group or solo Audition for DSU Honor Choir, ACDA All State Honor Choirs, MMEA Honor Choir or Treble Song Participation in DSU Honor Choir, ACDA All State Honor Choirs, MMEA Honor Choir or Treble Song Worker at contests Participation in spring musical Meeting deadlines Participation in fund-raisers Attending outside performances must provide signed program Participation in Mississippi Choral Camp Member of an ensemble Private Voice Lessons Private Instrumental Lessons Dance Lessons Section Leader Volunteer hours (office help, set-ups, etc.) Auditioning for a solo Singing a solo in performance Participation in other choirs (MS Girls Choir, MS Boys Choir, Church, etc.) Tardies to performances or rehearsals Unexcused absence from after-school rehearsal Academic ineligibility any quarter ISS or OSS

500 50 50 50 each 50 each 10 each 100 25 each 100 each 100 each 100 75 each 250 for year 100 for summer only 100 100 100 25 each 50 each 50 each 50 each -25 each -100 each -100 each -500 each

Pearl Singers Student Leadership

The definition of leadership:
Social influence on mission accomplishment. Furthermore, leadership is getting effective cooperation of other people and to harness the resources provided by that cooperation to the attainment of that goal.

Section Leaders for each choir

...will be chosen by peers from each particular voice part (soprano, alto, tenor, bass, etc.). They must display a high level of musical ability and hold the respect of their peers. They must have consistent attendance. They must demonstrate initiative and integrity. They will have specific jobs of leading Excellence Personified: 1) lead by example inside the class and outside of class 2) lead sectional rehearsals as assigned by the directors 3) take roll daily in class report to directors to be put in SAM7 4) take roll at extra rehearsals report to directors 5) take roll at performances report to directors 6) manage choir outfit storage and distribution 7) check uniforms per requirements at performances 8) have each section members cell phone number and send out messages with instructions per the director(s) A section leader may be removed from his/her position by the directors if the above requirements and responsibilities cannot be fulfilled.

Excellen

ce Perso nified

Pearl Singers Student Leadership continued

Office Workers:
will help in the everyday maintenance of the Pearl Singers office. This includes, but is not limited to: 1) processing all music new, old, preview, audio, etc. 2) help with all choral music functions 3) organization 4) cleaning 5) communication They must be consistent. They must demonstrate initiative and integrity. Excellence Personified!

Summary
Excellence Personified is our goal and WILL BE our result. The student contributes to the choir through diligent practice, self-discipline, ability to follow the director, rehearsal etiquette, care for himself/herself and care for Pearl High School. Remember we are a team. A few weak members and poor attitudes ruin the effect of hard work done by others. We are only as good as our weakest member.

- Excellence Personified -

Fall 2013 Opportunities

Pearl idols got talent -Round 1, Tuesday, September 10, 2013 -Round 2, Saturday, September 14, 2013 Male Vocal Symposium - Saturday, October 19, 2013 - 8:30am5:30pm - Pearl High School - open to all men - extra rehearsal is necessary 2013 Fall Concert - Tuesday, November 5, 2013 - 6:30pm - William H. Dodson Performing Arts Center - MANDATORY FOR ALL SINGERS - major grade Riverland Choral Festival - Saturday, November 9, 2013 - 9:00am 6:30pm - William H. Dodson Performing Arts Center - MANDATORY FOR ALL SINGERS - major grade - must meet all criteria: 1) 96 or above for daily grade 2) daily striving to improve sightreading skills, including Solfege syllables and Curwen hand-signs 3) pass all binder checks 4) 90 or above for part evaluations 5) No unexcused absences for afterschool rehearsals 6) attendance at 2013 Fall Concert Community thanksgiving service - Wednesday, November 20, 2014 - 6:00pm call time - Location TBD; announced at later date - Pearl Singers only PHS Spring Musical Auditions - Monday, November 25, 2013 - Tuesday, November 26, 2013 - after school in Choir Room - Grease Pearl Christmas Concert - Monday, December 2, 2013 - William H. Dodson Performing Arts Center - MANDATORY FOR ALL SINGERS - major grade Madrigal Dinner - Saturday, December 7, 2013 - Pearl Castle (The Commons) - 5:30 and 8:00

Spring 2013 Opportunities

ACDA All State Honor Choirs Auditions - Saturday, January 25, 2014 - 8:30am 4:00pm - open to all singers PHS Spring Musical - Thursday, February 27, 2014 - Friday, February 28, 2014 - Saturday, March 1, 2014 - Sunday, March 2, 2014 - Grease District VI Choral Festival - Thursday, February 20, 2014 - Friday, February 21, 2014 - Pearl High School - MANDATORY FOR ALL SINGERS - major grade - must meet all criteria: 1) 96 or above for daily grade 2) daily striving to improve sightreading skills, including Solfege syllables and Curwen hand-signs 3) pass all binder checks 4) 90 or above for part evaluations 5) No unexcused absences for afterschool rehearsals 6) attendance at all concerts ACDA All State Honor Choirs - Thursday, April 3, 2014 - Friday, April 4, 2014 - Saturday, April 5, 2014 - USM/Hattiesburg - for students who made auditions in January 2014 State Choral Festival - Wednesday, April 9, 2014 - Thursday, April 10, 2014 - Friday, April 11, 2014 - Pearl High School - MANDATORY FOR ALL SINGERS - major grade - must meet all criteria: same as District Choral Festival + 7) competed at District Choral Festival Choral Art Festival - Friday, March 21, 2014 - Mississippi College - Competition for Ladies Chorale - MANDATORY - major grade 2014 Spring Concert - Thursday, April 24, 2014 - 6:30pm - William H. Dodson Performing Arts Center 2014 Singers Banquet - Thursday, May 15, 2014

Audience Concert Etiquette

Parents, Friends and Students:
We ask your help in assuring that our audiences come to our performances knowing that each song being performed represents many hours of work and preparation. It is extremely important that our audiences remain quiet and attentive so that each choir member can perform with the utmost concentration and skill. Choral repertoire is performed in an acoustical setting and requires that each singer be able to hear themselves and others as they tune and harmonize with each other. Family and friends who come to support their student(s) should not be distracted as they listen and enjoy the intimate beauty of the human voice. We also record our performances for our records and for educational evaluation. It is very disappointing to have a permanent recording of a concert marred by excessive audience noise, crying babies and crashing doors. With your help, we can create a very professional and artist friendly atmosphere at Pearl High School. We also expect our choir members to know how to be a wonderful and supportive audience member. Thank you for your help in leading by example. 1) If you bring children to our performances, please sit on the ends of the aisles and at the back of the performance venue. If they become restless, please exit to the foyer immediately. There are speakers in the foyer so that you may be able to hear. The audience, choir and recording technicians will appreciate your thoughtfulness. When your child is once again calm, please feel free to re-enter the venue between songs to enjoy the remainder of the performance. PLEASE DO NOT LET YOUR CHILD STAY IN THE AUDITORIUM AND CRY. REMOVE THEM IMMEDIATELY!!! THEY DO NOT UNDERSTAND THAT THEY ARE BEING EXTREMELY DISRUPTIVE. HELP THEM UNDERSTAND BY REMOVING THEM. 2) If you must leave for personal reasons during a performance, we ask that you wait until a song is finished and the audience begins its applause. Exit quickly and quietly and please do not re-enter the venue until you again hear audience applause. 3) If you must bring a cell phone or pager, please TURN IT OFF during the entire concert. One of the many benefits of enjoying an evening of music is the opportunity to remove yourself from the hectic pace of everyday life and allow your spirit to be nurtured. This is our gift to you. 4) Please do not talk during a performance number. When the students have finished a piece and you feel the need to comment, do so by a warm round of supportive applause. 5) Please do not yell out and draw attention to your choir member or friend on stage. Congratulate your student at the end of the concert. 6) We ask that you not bring food or drink into the Performing Arts Center. We cherish this performance space because of its unique-ness and beauty. Help us keep it clean. 7) If someone in the audience is being unruly or disruptive, please find one of the Vice Principals or House Volunteers. With your help, we can make this year a truly artistic endeavor for both performers and audiences alike.

Students' Concert Protocol

Every member of the choir
...must sing, focus, and pronounce together. Any movement, wandering gazes, giggling, laughing, elbowing those around you, looking at other choir members, or acknowledging people in the audience, takes attention away from the choral group. 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) 11) 12) 13) 14) 15) 16) 17) Enter the stage, looking straight ahead, arms at sides, watching your step. Do not talk, gaze around the room, or acknowledge anyone in the audience in any way when in place. Keep your hands at your sides while performing. Resist the urge to adjust glasses, flip hair, scratch your nose, etc. Focus on the director. Do not lock your knees. Do not respond to movement in the audience. Do not talk or lose your focus between songs, when the audience is applauding. Walk off quietly when the performance is complete. The audience can still hear you, even if you are offstage. Listen to others when they are performing. Do not ridicule, discredit, or criticize another groups performance. When you distract the performance of others, YOU are the loser. Do not leave during a performance. Encourage other performers. Even if you did not like what they had to offer, find something good in what they did and praise them for it. In a performance, it is not choir against choir or performer against performer. It is a number of fellow musicians striving to improve and fulfill their potential.

Pearl High Schools

Completed form due Monday, August 26, 2013

Permission
I hereby give permission for _________________________________ (name of student) to participate in all choral music activities associated with Pearl Singers. The sponsors and chaperones will execute proper supervision and exercise caution at all times. They will assume the responsibility of obtaining any medical treatment that he/she might need if any injury occurs while participating with Pearl Singers. I hereby authorize such medical treatment as may be necessary and medically indicated in the case of my son/daughter during choral music activities, as is deemed necessary by qualified medical personnel. _________________________________________________ Signature of Parent/Guardian __________________ Date

Insurance Company ____________________________________________________________________________ Name of Policy Holder _________________________________________________________________________ Policy Number __________________________________________________________________________________ We do not have an insurance policy to cover this student _________(please initial) Home Phone Number __________________________________________________________________________ Work Phone Number __________________________________________________________________________ Cell Phone Number _____________________________________________________________________________ Emergency Contact ____________________________________________________________________________ Emergency Phone Number ____________________________________________________________________ Please list any medications that are administered on a regular basis: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please list any medical problems or conditions: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Pearl High Schools

Completed form due Monday, August 26, 2014

Auxiliary
Dues: Student Name: $2.50 per member (parents/guardians/family members/friends) ___________________________________________________________________________

Name of Member(s) joining:_________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ Amount included: _________________________________________ ($2.50/$5.00/$7.50/etc.)

MAKE ALL CHECKS PAYABLE TO: Put your students name and what the check is for on the memo line.

Pearl Singers

(to be completed even if not joining PS Auxiliary) Home Phone: ___________________________________________________________ Mothers Name: ___________________________ Employer: _________________________ Work Phone: ____________________________ Cell Phone: _________________________________ Email Address: _____________________________________________________________________________ Fathers Name: _______________________________ Employer: _______________________________ Work Phone: ___________________________ Cell Phone: _________________________________ Email Address: ___________________________________________________________________

Parent Contact Information

Complete and return this form by Monday, August 26, 2014

Pearl High Schools

Auxiliary
Opportunities for Service
Please
_____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____

the one(s) in which you are interested.

_____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ Solo and Ensemble Festival Fall Concert RiverLand Choral Festival Spring Musical State Choral Festival Singers Banquet Other: ___________________________

Measuring for Tuxes and Dresses Turkey Sales Fund-raiser Ole Miss Choral Festival Pearl Christmas Festival District Choral Festival Spring Concert Trip Chaperone Anything for which help is needed

Complete and return this form by Monday, August 26, 2014

MAKE ALL CHECKS PAYABLE TO: Put your students name and what the check is for on the memo line.

Pearl Singers

Pearl High Schools

Account
Student Name: ____________________________________________________________________ Parent/Guardian Name: _________________________________________________________
(please print)

I choose to pay my students account in this way (please

one):

_____ I will pay using fund-raisers, with all accounts paid by Friday, November 1, 2013 _____ I will use the following payment schedule: $30.00 due on Tuesday, September 3, 2013 $30.00 due on Monday, September 30, 2014 $25.00 due on Tuesday, October 15, 2014 $25.00 due on Friday, November 1, 2014 _____ I will use a combination of fund-raisers and the payment schedule above to have all accounts paid by Friday, November 1, 2014.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________ (Signature of Parent/Guardian)

Complete and return this form by Monday, August 26, 2014

MAKE ALL CHECKS PAYABLE TO: Put your students name and what the check is for on the memo line.

Pearl Singers

Pearl High Schools

Completed form due Monday, August 26, 2014

Contract
This form must be signed by all students and parents in order to be eligible for any choral activities.
Student Name: ________________________________________________ Grade: __________ Class Period/Choir Name: _______________________________________________________

STUDENT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
I, ________________________________________, have read the contents of the Pearl Singers Handbook and agree to all of the material therein. I understand that all the expectations and consequences legitimately apply to me. I will encounter knowledge, rehearsal and performance with all my heart, soul, mind, body and strength. I will respect ALL persons at ALL times. I will always demonstrate Excellence Personified. Student Signature: _________________________________________ Date: ______________

PARENT/GUARDIAN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
I, ________________________________________, have read the contents of the Pearl Singers Handbook and agree to all of the material therein. I understand that all the expectations and consequences legitimately apply to my student. I expect my student to encounter knowledge, rehearsal and performance with all his/her heart, soul, mind, body and strength. I expect my student to respect ALL persons at ALL times. I expect my student to always demonstrate Excellence Personified. Parent/Guardian Signature: ____________________________________________________ Date: ______________________________________________________________________________

Pearl High Schools

Concert Program Ad

Pearl Singers present three major concerts every school year: October, December and April. Show your support for Pearl Singers by making a tax-deductible contribution which will place your name/business in our program for each of these concerts. 100% of each ad sold goes directly to the selling students account to help defray costs for the year.

BUSINESS AND INDIVIDUAL SUPPORTER ADS

(please print) Name/Business: ________________________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ Contact: _________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Email: ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Website (if applicable): ________________________________________________________________________ Supported Students Name: ___________________________________________________________________

MAKE ALL CHECKS PAYABLE TO: Put your students name and what the check is for on the memo line.

Pearl Singers

Pearl Singers Club$200.00 or more Gold Club$100.00 to $199.99 Blue Club$50.00 to $99.99

Family and Friends of Pearl Singers$25.00 to $49.99

Forms and money due by Thursday, October 4, 2014.

Pearl High Schools

Concert Program Ad

FOLD AND TEAR ALONG PERFORATION RETURN TO PEARL SINGERS

Pearl Singers present three major concerts every school year: October, December and April. Show your support for Pearl Singers by making a tax-deductible contribution which will place your name/business in our program for each of these concerts. 100% of each ad sold goes directly to the selling students account to help defray costs for the year.

BUSINESS AND INDIVIDUAL SUPPORTER ADS

(please print) Name/Business: ________________________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ Contact: _________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Email: ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Website (if applicable): ________________________________________________________________________ Supported Students Name: ___________________________________________________________________

MAKE ALL CHECKS PAYABLE TO: Put your students name and what the check is for on the memo line.

Pearl Singers

Pearl Singers Club$200.00 or more Gold Club$100.00 to $199.99 Blue Club$50.00 to $99.99

Family and Friends of Pearl Singers$25.00 to $49.99

Forms and money due by Thursday, October 4, 2012.

Pearl High Schools

Website Ad
FOLD AND TEAR ALONG PERFORATION RETURN TO PEARL SINGERS
Pearl Singers is on the World Wide Web pearlsingers.com. People will visit this site often and from around the region, whether it be students, family, friends, musicians or colleagues of Pearl Singers. Show your support for Pearl Singers by making a tax-deductible contribution which will place your business advertisement on our website for an allotted time. 100% of each ad sold goes directly to the selling students account to help defray costs for the year.

BUSINESS SUPPORTER ADS

(please print) Business Name: ________________________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ Contact: _________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Email: ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Website (if applicable): ________________________________________________________________________ Supported Students Name: ___________________________________________________________________

MAKE ALL CHECKS PAYABLE TO: Put your students name and what the check is for on the memo line.
$30.00 $50.00 $90.00

Pearl Singers

Square Banner Ads are available as follows: * per quarter * per semester * per year

Forms and money due upon receipt.

Pearl High Schools

Website Ad
Pearl Singers is on the World Wide Web pearlsingers.com. People will visit this site often and from around the region, whether it be students, family, friends, musicians or colleagues of Pearl Singers. Show your support for Pearl Singers by making a tax-deductible contribution which will place your business advertisement on our website for an allotted time. 100% of each ad sold goes directly to the selling students account to help defray costs for the year.

BUSINESS SUPPORTER ADS

(please print) Business Name: ________________________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ Contact: _________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Email: ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Website (if applicable): ________________________________________________________________________ Supported Students Name: ___________________________________________________________________

MAKE ALL CHECKS PAYABLE TO: Put your students name and what the check is for on the memo line.
$30.00 $50.00 $90.00

Pearl Singers

Square Banner Ads are available as follows: * per quarter * per semester * per year

Forms and money due upon receipt.

Find all you need to know on

www.pearlsingers.com