New information will be posted in late August for the 2018-19 school year! Have a great summer.
Springbrook Middle School 6-8 Choir
Mrs. Barbara Schenck, Director
 
Dear Parents & Students,
 
Welcome to 7/8 choir!  This is a new beginning for all of us in our new room!  I am so excited to have you in class and hope you are ready to take a chance at achieving more than you could imagine.  You will work individually to improve your singing and understanding of music and we will work together to create blend – which produces beautiful music.  Come prepared everyday to try your best! 
There are several key words and approaches to learning we will focus us this year.  First, you will always be asked to THINK!  It is my favorite word (thanks to my mom) and thinking helps us stay focused.  We will focus on Springbrook PRIDE: Productivity, Respect, Integrity, Determination and Excellence in our classroom, the hallways, the bathrooms, the cafeteria and in every conversation with every person.
 
Listed below are several procedures to help you understand how our class will function.
 
Class Procedures:  
  • Folder – Each student will be assigned a folder.  You are expected to have your folder and be on the riser by the time the bell rings.  There will be a pencil in the folder at the beginning of the year but if the pencil is missing, you must have one to replace it.  You must have a pencil at all times.
  • Tardies – Students will be marked tardy if you enter late without a pass. Detentions will be assigned after the 3rd tardy. This includes 1st hour.
  • Water Fountain – you can you a water bottle/cup in class daily.  Fill it before class begins!
  • Participation – Each student is a vital part of the choir, so positive participation is a must! Participation means: being in place, ready to sing when the bell rings, not disrupting other students’ learning, and giving your best so you can excel as you learn and rehearse music. No gum is allowed.
  • Behavior – Positive behavior is a must.  We work closely together so if there are conflicts we must work together to resolve them.  If any student is concerned about an issue with another student in class, you should talk with me.  Poor behavior will result in being sent to the office, which will affect your grade.  Students will be warned once before being sent out.  Students who choose to have ongoing behavioral issues will be asked to have a meeting with parents, teacher and a principal.   
 
Grading:
  • Participation counts 5 points per day.  If a student is absent, they will not receive points for that day.  They can easily make up the points missed by writing a response and submitting it to Mrs.Schenck.Choir@gmail.com.  Participation is usually 60% of the trimester grade.
  • Written assignments – students will write on various topics involved in choir and music. These assignments add up to around 5-10% of the trimester grade.  All written assignments will be submitted to Mrs.Schenck.Choir@gmail.com. All assignments need to be saved in your Google Site, as your Process Journals, that will follow you to high school.
  • Music Theory/Sight-reading – there will be a unit where students will learn the basics of reading and understanding music notes, rhythms, time and key signatures and more.  In the first trimester, theory is worth the remaining percentage of the grade.  We will focus on sight-reading throughout the year.
  • Concerts – There is no concert in the first trimester.  For the second and third trimesters, concerts are a large portion of the student’s trimester grade.  The dates for the concerts are listed below, and are required. I hope to add some extra performance opportunities!
  • Extra Credit – it can be earned by attending any musical concert. Bring in the program for 10 pts.
  
 
Concert Clothing:  Needed by Friday, December 1
  • Ladies - need to have ¾ or long sleeve black shirts, black slacks and black shoes.  We have lovely scarves to wear at each concert!  (Please note: jeans, yoga pants or leggings are not acceptable)  
  • Men - need to have a black long sleeved – collared – button-downed shirt with black buttons, black pants and black shoes.  (Black jeans or sweat pants are not acceptable)
Parent Involvement:  
  • Chaperone – We need parents to chaperone for the trips to District and State Festivals in March and May.  You are needed to ride the bus to and from these events as well as help assist during the festivals.  To chaperone, you will need to complete the Volunteer Form, available online or in the school office.
  • Sewing and Mending – if you have talent with thread, we could use your help to keep the school-owned parts of the concert attire looking nice.
  • Fundraising – On Tuesday, September 18th we have our only middle school choir fundraiser planned.  We will be running the concession stand at the 7/8 football games. We must have parents helping!  Please check below if you are willing to help.  This money goes directly into the classroom and to help students.
  • Music Boosters - From 7-12 grades, music students have the opportunity to raise money in an individual account to be used for music events such as going to Chicago to see musicals, etc.  Most of these big events happen in high school so if you start building your account now that money will be bountiful in high school.  Watch for more information such as SCRIPT and the Apple Pie Fundraiser.
 
1st Trimester
2nd Trimester
3rd Trimester

⇨Class participation – 5 pts daily
⇨Class Work – Music Theory,
       Sight-singing, quiz/tests,
       Reflection papers
⇨Possible Community events TBA
⇨Class participation
⇨Class Work – Music Theory,
       Sight-singing, quiz/tests,
       Reflection Paper, etc.
⇨Possible Community events TBA ⇨Concert – December 11, 7 pm
⇨Class participation
⇨Pre-festival Concert – March 5
⇨Festival – March 21 or 22
⇨State Festival –April 25 or 26
⇨Spring Concert – May 21
⇨Final Project – TBA

 
Please mark these dates on all your calendars!  
          Times and places
                        December 11 (Tuesday) - Holiday Concert, 7:00 pm, Performing Arts Center (PAC)
                        March 5 (Tuesday) - Pre-festival Concert, 7:15 pm, PAC (help needed for risers)
March 21 and 22 (Thurs and Fri) - District Festival at Holt HS, times TBA
                        April 25 or 26 (Thurs or Fri) - State Festival – if we qualify – Brighton HS - TBA
May 21 (Tuesday) – Spring Choral Showcase, 7:00 pm, PAC
 
            This will be an exciting year!  If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.  Email is a terrific way to contact me.  I try to return emails that day.  
           
                        Email:  bschenck@adrian.k12.mi.us
                        Phone: 517-263-0543 ext 2159
 
Musically yours,
 
Barbara Schenck, Director
HELP NEEDED!

We will be having our annual fundraising on September 18th at the 7-8 Football games.

Parent and student help is needed!

8th graders will work the 7th grade game and 7th graders will work during the 8th grade game.

If you are able to come help - please let me know asap by emailing
bschenck@adrian.k12.mi.us

Lady Singers

Lady Singers caroled at 6 Nursing/Assisted Living Homes on December 19th.  It was a joy to sing and share the Christmas spirit.  Thank you to Music Boosters for providing busing. 

Choirs Sing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJ7a4AjcD04
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Festival

Festival will be in March 21-22. We will need parent chaperones.  Please be sure to have a Volunteer Form on file.