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Welcome to HCMS Choir!
We are so honored that you and your child have chosen to become part of the HCMS Choir Program. We are part of a long tradition of musical excellence and look forward to a year filled with learning, growing, and singing!
Performances
Our class is a performance-based class that focuses on developing the singer’s voice and prepares them for being on stage. The choir concerts and performances are our singers’ final test following many hours of preparation and study. In an ensemble like choir, each singer is vitally important to the total sound. Attendance is required by every student at every event! A calendar of required events is here. Due to the unique nature of the group performances and rehearsals, it is impossible to make-up the missed work. An unexcused absence from any required rehearsal or performance will result in a zero for this major test grade. Excused absences are permitted at director discretion. Notification from a parent or guardian is required as soon as possible, but at least 72 hours prior to the event. Other grade deductions may be taken at the director’s discretion according to participation, preparation, etc. Please consult the school policy on absences.
Field Trips
To enhance the performance experience for these young singers, several events are scheduled during the school year that require various amounts of off-campus travel for our choir students. Eanes ISD school buses, chartered buses, or parent volunteers may handle the transportation to our performances, clinics, and events. Whatever the mode of transportation, each student must have on record a permission form signed by a parent or guardian. Parents and guardians are asked to complete the Handbook Agreement form to be used for activities throughout the year. Click here for the form.
As stated in the Texas Education Agency’s “No Pass/No Play” legislation, all students must maintain eligibility to participate in any extra-curricular activities or competitions by keeping their grades above 70%. This legislation includes activities such as field trips and off–campus performances. Any student with a nine-weeks grade average in any class below 70% will be ineligible and will remain ineligible until the next progress report is distributed. Please be aware that any money collected for these trips may not be available for refund in the case of a student’s failing grade.
Attire
Each singer will purchase a uniform to wear at concerts and other events as selected by the directors. Specific uniform needs for each choir are outlined below. Click here to find order forms.
Beginning Choir
Choir t-shirt, jeans, close-toed shoes
Concert Choir and Treble Chorale
Formal Uniform: Black gown, black close-toed shoes
Casual Uniform: Choir t-shirt, jeans, close-toed shoes
Men’s Ensemble
Formal Uniform: Black pants, black shoes, black socks, black collared shirt, red tie
Casual Uniform: Choir t-shirt, jeans, close-toed shoes
Singers represent our choir program, school, and community whenever they are in uniform. Please make sure that your uniform is clean and unwrinkled and that you are neatly groomed. Avoid excessive fragrance, keep jewelry minimal, and make sure hair is off the face.
Supplies
All choir students are required to have the following supplies by Friday, August 24:
All students should come prepared with a charged iPad and ear buds each day, per HCMS policy!
Grading
Each singer's grade is made up of the following categories:
Classroom Expectations
All students will be treated as mature people. Therefore, they are expected to demonstrate good behavior at all times.
Consequences
Welcome to HCMS Choir!
We are so honored that you and your child have chosen to become part of the HCMS Choir Program. We are part of a long tradition of musical excellence and look forward to a year filled with learning, growing, and singing!
Performances
Our class is a performance-based class that focuses on developing the singer’s voice and prepares them for being on stage. The choir concerts and performances are our singers’ final test following many hours of preparation and study. In an ensemble like choir, each singer is vitally important to the total sound. Attendance is required by every student at every event! A calendar of required events is here. Due to the unique nature of the group performances and rehearsals, it is impossible to make-up the missed work. An unexcused absence from any required rehearsal or performance will result in a zero for this major test grade. Excused absences are permitted at director discretion. Notification from a parent or guardian is required as soon as possible, but at least 72 hours prior to the event. Other grade deductions may be taken at the director’s discretion according to participation, preparation, etc. Please consult the school policy on absences.
Field Trips
To enhance the performance experience for these young singers, several events are scheduled during the school year that require various amounts of off-campus travel for our choir students. Eanes ISD school buses, chartered buses, or parent volunteers may handle the transportation to our performances, clinics, and events. Whatever the mode of transportation, each student must have on record a permission form signed by a parent or guardian. Parents and guardians are asked to complete the Handbook Agreement form to be used for activities throughout the year. Click here for the form.
As stated in the Texas Education Agency’s “No Pass/No Play” legislation, all students must maintain eligibility to participate in any extra-curricular activities or competitions by keeping their grades above 70%. This legislation includes activities such as field trips and off–campus performances. Any student with a nine-weeks grade average in any class below 70% will be ineligible and will remain ineligible until the next progress report is distributed. Please be aware that any money collected for these trips may not be available for refund in the case of a student’s failing grade.
Attire
Each singer will purchase a uniform to wear at concerts and other events as selected by the directors. Specific uniform needs for each choir are outlined below. Click here to find order forms.
Beginning Choir
Choir t-shirt, jeans, close-toed shoes
Concert Choir and Treble Chorale
Formal Uniform: Black gown, black close-toed shoes
Casual Uniform: Choir t-shirt, jeans, close-toed shoes
Men’s Ensemble
Formal Uniform: Black pants, black shoes, black socks, black collared shirt, red tie
Casual Uniform: Choir t-shirt, jeans, close-toed shoes
Singers represent our choir program, school, and community whenever they are in uniform. Please make sure that your uniform is clean and unwrinkled and that you are neatly groomed. Avoid excessive fragrance, keep jewelry minimal, and make sure hair is off the face.
Supplies
All choir students are required to have the following supplies by Friday, August 24:
- 1" 3-ring binder (preferably with side pockets)
- 3-ring zippered pencil pouch
- Two sharpened pencils
- Highlighter
All students should come prepared with a charged iPad and ear buds each day, per HCMS policy!
Grading
Each singer's grade is made up of the following categories:
- 40% Major Grade (Performances and Performance Preparation, Major Projects and Written Tests)
- 25% Skill Development
- 35% Oral and Written Quizzes
Classroom Expectations
All students will be treated as mature people. Therefore, they are expected to demonstrate good behavior at all times.
- Students will be in their assigned seats, with supplies and ready to start class when the bell rings.
- The equipment in the room may not be touched without permission.
- Students may not bring food, drinks, gum, or candy into the choir room without permission.
- Talking may not interfere with the rehearsal. Please raise your hand for permission to speak.
- Students are expected to follow directions quickly and be on task.
- All campus rules will be followed while in the choir classroom and on choir trips/events.
Consequences
- Verbal warning
- Advisory meeting/lunch detention with Mrs. Bratton or Ms. George
- Parent Contact
- Office Referral (Extreme behavior issues will result in an immediate referral)