URBANA MIDDLE SCHOOL CHORUS

2015-2016 SCHOOL YEAR

MR. TOM MITCHELL, CHORUS DIRECTOR
WELCOME to the Urbana Middle School Chorus! Our goal is to help each
choir student grow and develop both as a person and musician. This will be
achieved through lessons that improve the students skill as a singer, their
knowledge and appreciation of the mechanics and history of the music
rehearsed, and their ability to work together as a group to create a polished musical performance. With
dedication, hard work, and enthusiasm we will perform the best music you have ever heard.

CONTENTS MATERIALS NEEDED

CALENDAR OF The following items are REQUIRED for
CONCERTS AND participation in the Chorus:
1. MATERIALS
EVENTS PENCIL
October 5 - 9 DESIRE TO SING WELL
2. CALENDAR UMS music fundraiser Class notebook & Music (provided)
November 19 Access to Google Classroom. The
3. CLASS All County Auditions, MMS codes for Google Classroom are:
PROCEDURE December 2, 8, 10 CHOIR 6 - zn35754
Winter Concerts, 7:00, UMS CHOIR 7&8 - qum8mi
January 12
4. UNITS OF STUDY Urbana Choirs Feeder Pattern CONCERT DRESS
Concert, 7:00, UHS All Chorus students will be required to
5. CLASS RULES February 22 have the appropriate clothing for
MS Choir Adjudication, MHS concerts. If there is any change to this
6. DISCIPLINE May 19, 24, 25 dress code Mr. Mitchell will let you
Spring Concerts, 7:00, UMS know. Have these items ready BEFORE
May 27 the first concert make sure they fit! We
7. GRADING Hershey Park Trip want everyone to look sharp and
(8th grade music students) professional.
8. CONTACT INFO GIRLS: White shirt, ankle length
black pants or black skirt, black
UNITS OF STUDY shoes.
BOYS: White shirt, black pants, black
L SEMESTER I socks, black shoes, long tie.
O Voice Technique, Mechanics, and DO NOT WEAR: Blue jeans,
Posture, sneakers, t-shirts, white or light
O
K Ensemble Singing & Sight colored socks!
Singing
Music Theory & Music History
O Music for the Holiday Concert
CLASS PROCEDURE
N SEMESTER II
Students are expected to be in the classroom ready to
go with their materials at the class bell. Class
Music Theory & Music History activities will generally follow this outline:
B Music for the Spring Concert 1. Short Written Warm-up
A Music for Adjudication 2. Thorough Vocal Warm-up and Sightreading
C Mash-up Project followed by
K Creative Music Composition (7th 3. Rehearsal of Music, OR
& 8th Grade) 4. Session on Music Theory or Music History

RULES OF THE CLASSROOM
Bring your voice, materials, and positive
attitude to every class.
Attendance at all concerts is REQUIRED.
See the calendar for concert dates. Please make
arrangements early to avoid conflicts.
No gum, food, or drinks in class. Water bottles
only are permitted during rehearsal.
Treat everyone with respect. (Please dont
interrupt rehearsal time.)
DISCIPLINE
Urbana Middle School follows the PBIS (Positive
Behavior Intervention and Supports) program, which
is a school-wide approach to discipline. Our goal is to
change behaviors that are disruptive to the learning
environment. In accordance with the PBIS program,
students will be rewarded with wings for positive
behavior and there will be consequences for failure to
follow behavior guidelines and expectations.
For the 2015-2016 school year consequences are
accumulated PER STUDENT and not within each
classroom.
You may hear from different teachers regarding your
childs progression through the steps. The progression
is as follows:
1. Verbal Warning
2. First classroom reflection *
3. Second classroom reflection *
4. Lunch detention *
5. After school detention *
6. Office referral *
* Includes Parent Contact
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR
MR. MITCHELL
School Phone: 240-566-9243
School E-mail: joseph.mitchell@fcps.org
Cell Phone: 301-606-4223
Website: ums.sites.fcps.org/TomMitchell
GRADING
Lessons/Activities/Assessments - 50%
Includes: warm-ups, worksheets, handouts,
singing quizzes, and inspections. Homework
assignments will be posted on HAC, the UMS
Choir webpage, and Google Classroom. The
codes for Google Classroom are these:
CHOIR 6 - zn35754 CHOIR 7&8 - qum8mi
Effort & Participation - 30%
Includes: being on time, daily attitude, effort,
hard work, and concert attendance
Projects - 20%
Includes: Major projects (1 or 2 per semester).
Late Work & Absences - Assignments are
expected on the due date for 100% credit.
However, late penalties are as follows:
75% credit for 1 day late
50% credit for 2 days late
25% credit for 3 days late
0% credit for 4 or more days late
Students absent from class are expected to
turn in work within 2 days after returning.
Tutoring Tutoring will take place during
ELT Time once or twice during every 2-week
rotation. You will be called in for tutoring if
your grade drops below 70%, or you can ask to
be placed on the tutoring list for extra help.
HOME ACCESS CENTER U.M.S.
encourages parents to regularly check their
students grades on HAC which will be updated
weekly. The following list of codes is to help
parents better understand the HAC grading
program.

An E is issued to excuse work.

A Z is used by teachers to indicate that an
assignment has never been turned in. A
grade of 0 is shown until submitted.

An actual 0 in a grade book signifies that
a student earned a zero on the assignment.
 (sign and return this form by Friday, August 28, 2015)

URBANA MIDDLE SCHOOL CHORUS

I have read and understand the policies of the Urbana Middle School Chorus for the
school year 2015-2016.

_________________________________ _________________________________
Student Signature Student Name Printed

_________________________________ _________________________________
Parent Signature Parent Name Printed

_______________________
Date

PARENTS: Please circle any of the activities you might be willing to help with.
Thanks!

Chaperone a Trip Assist at Concerts Office Tasks Music Coach

STUDENTS: Please let me know a little about yourself !

WHAT SINGING EXPERIENCE DO YOU HAVE? ____________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________

ARE YOU TAKING VOICE LESSONS? ___________ PRIVATE TEACHER _______________

ANY HOBBIES OR SPECIAL INTERESTS? _________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________