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2015-16 Handbook
Aaron Olson, Director of Vocal Music [email protected] Office (952) 442-0668 Waconia High School 1400 Community Drive Waconia, MN 55387 Power Company The Current & Illuminations 2015-2016 Audition Packet & Handbook New Members Parent & Student Informational meeting Monday, September 21 at 7:00 pm Please bring your checkbook and family calendar Mark your calendars Now! Revised 5/14/2015 www.waconiachoirs.org Aaron Olson, Director of Vocal Music [email protected] Office (952) 442-0668 Waconia High School 1400 Community Drive Waconia, MN 55387 Thank you for your interest in participating in one of three show choirs at Waconia High School. I have compiled as much information as I can in regards to the 2015-2016 season including, rehearsal and performance calendars, payment schedules, and other expectations. Please make sure that you have read and understand all of the information included so that you can make an informed decision regarding your commitment to this organization. I can promise you that if you make the commitment to perform with Power Company, The Current or Illuminations and take every opportunity to perform at your best, it will be an experience that you will never forget. The Waconia Choir Boosters have many exciting events planned for next year including our Golf Scramble at Pioneer Creek Golf Course, the Spaghetti Dinner held in January and the Show Choir Spectacular in April. Star Power “Where Show Choirs Shine” Power Company’s 12th Annual Show Choir Invitational will be held on February 13, 2016. Make sure to mark your calendars for this event, as I know that it will be bigger and better than ever. The Varsity Choir, Cantabile Choir, Concert Choir and Select Chamber Choir are the core groups for the Waconia High School Vocal Music program. In addition to these groups, there are a number of opportunities for choir members to make music beyond the school day. Below is a brief description of each opportunity: Power Company, our most advanced Co-Curricular ensemble requiring an advanced level of vocal proficiency, dance technique and a vibrant performance personality. Many of these students are leaders in choir, school and community. They are involved in other school sports and activities and many take private voice lessons. Students should be willing to make the commitment necessary to attend all competitions, performances, camps and practices. Power Company practices October, November & December: Monday – Friday 3-5:30 PM January – February: Monday, Tuesdays and Thursdays 3-5:30 PM The Current, our Junior Varsity has won many awards over the past few years and has earned a reputation as one of the top Junior Varsity Show Choirs in the Midwest. We are looking for many of the same qualities that we expect to see in future Power Company members. They will be leaders in the curricular choral ensembles and many students take private voice lessons. Members of this group are willing to make the commitment necessary to attend all competitions, performances, camps and practices. The Current practices October, & December – March: Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:00-6:00 PM November: Mon-Thurs 4-6 PM Auditions for this group will occur simultaneously with the Power Company auditions. Illuminations, our Unisex ensemble, was formed in 2012-13. Illuminations is looking for members who are interested in an opportunity to grow as performers, musicians and leaders. It is ideal for students that are looking to gain the experience necessary to be successful in the upper level show choirs. The time and financial commitment is substantially less than that of the other two choirs. Illuminations practices October, November, December: Mondays & Thursdays 6:30- 9:00 PM, January- February 28 Just Mondays 6:30 -9:00 PM Auditions for this group will occur simultaneously with the Power Company auditions. Megawatt (Power Company) / Watt (The Current) / Kilowatt (Illuminations) Our award winning bands, consist of piano, drums, guitar, bass guitar, and synthesizer, saxophones, trumpets, trombones and auxiliary percussion and violin. Members of this ensemble will be expected to be leaders in band school and community and are involved in many other school activities. Students should be willing to make the commitment necessary to attend all competitions, performances, camps and practices. The bands practice at the same time as the corresponding show choirs. Stagecrew, The stagecrew members are vital to the success of the show choir. They are a group of around ten students that travel to all competitions They help prepare props, costumes and instruments in preparation for the show. Once the show begins, they make magical things happen backstage and are essential parts of the team helping with costume changes, props and special effects. If you are interested in being part of the stage crew see Mr. Olson for further information. To make all of this possible, we will need a commitment from every single member of Power Company, The Current, Illuminations and the parents. Please take some time as a family to examine the payment schedule and rehearsal/performance calendar carefully so that you know and understand the financial, as well as the time commitment you and your family will be expected to meet. There will be a mandatory parent and student meeting on Monday, September 21 at 7:00 pm. Please plan to have at least 1 parent in attendance and all Show Choir Students. Stay tuned for more details. Aaron R. Olson www.waconiachoirs.org Aaron Olson, Director of Vocal Music [email protected] Office (952) 442-0668 Waconia High School 1400 Community Drive Waconia, MN 55387 8th Grade Show Choir Auditions - Spring 2015 For those that will be entering 9th grade in the Fall Part A – Learn the dance & song prior to audition Learn the movement songs & dance portion of the audition at one or more of the following times. Attend as few or as many of these sessions as you wish. You must have the dance learned prior to auditioning. These sessions will not be evaluated. We want to know how well you move; not how quickly you learn. 4:00-6:00 PM Learn the Songs – May 18th & May 20th 3:00-5:00 or 6:30-7:30 pm Learn the Dance Session - Thursday, May 21 3:00-5:00 Learn the Dance Session - Friday, May 22 Part B – Audition There are two parts to the Audition. 1. You must attend a Vocal audition (Sign up for a four minute time slot). All students will sing “America” (My country Tis of Thee) and “Somewhere over the Rainbow” 2. The second part is a movement audition. All prospective members must attend one of the scheduled movement auditions. In order to prepare for the movement portion of the audition, there will be a few dance clinics held in advance where the 16 bar sequence will be learned. Please come prepared and dressed to dance. (Tennis shoes, shorts and a t-shirt work great.) Tuesday, May 26 3:00-4:00 4:00-5:30 7:30-8:30 Movement Auditions Vocal Auditions Vocal Auditions Thursday, May 28 3:00-5:30 5:30-6:30 Vocal Auditions Movement Auditions We will announce the list of those that were accepted into the show choir program on Friday, May 29. Specific placements will be announced in the Fall, following the High School auditions. Students may choose to audition in the Fall if they wish but must follow the requirements of that audition. Part C - Update your Student account in Charms Simply go to www.waconiachoirs.org - Click On the Charms Button Don’t have an account? Just follow the directions to create a new account. It is very simple! www.waconiachoirs.org Aaron Olson, Director of Vocal Music [email protected] Office (952) 442-0668 Waconia High School 1400 Community Drive Waconia, MN 55387 High School Show Choir Auditions – Fall 2015 Part A – Learn the movement prior to audition Learn the movement portion of the audition at one or more of the following times. Attend as few or as many of these sessions as you wish. You must have the dance learned prior to auditioning. These sessions will not be evaluated. We want to know how well you move; not how quickly you learn. 7:00-9:00 pm 3:00-5:00 or 6:00-8:00 pm Learn the Dance Session - Thursday, September 3 Learn the Dance Session - Friday, September 4 Part B – Audition There are two parts to the Audition. 1. You must attend a Vocal audition (Sign up for a four minute time slot). All students will sing two required songs with a recorded accompaniment. Songs are available for download at http://www.waconiachoirs.org/index.php/show-choir/show-choir-audition-downloads You can use these song files to sing along and help you learn them quickly. Students may also be asked to demonstrate their musicianship and vocal mastery through exercises in sight singing, pitch memorization and general vocalizing. 2. The second part is a movement audition. All prospective members must attend one of the scheduled movement auditions. (Returning Power Company Veterans do not need to attend dance audition but must still participated in vocal audition) In order to prepare for the movement portion of the audition, there will be a few dance clinics held in advance where the 16 bar sequence will be learned. Please come prepared and dressed to dance. (Tennis shoes, shorts and a t-shirt work great.) Monday, September 7 3:00-5:00 5:30-9:00 Movement Auditions Vocal Auditions 3:00-7:00 7:00-8:00 8:00-9:00 Vocal Auditions Movement Auditions Movement Auditions 3:00-4:00 4:00-6:00 Movement Auditions Vocal Auditions Tuesday, September 8 Callbacks on Friday, September 11 4:00-6:00 if Necessary Thursday, September 10 Part C - Update your Student account in Charms Simply go to www.waconiachoirs.org - Click On the Charms Button Don’t have an account? Just follow the directions to create a new account. It is very simple! www.waconiachoirs.org Aaron Olson, Director of Vocal Music [email protected] Office (952) 442-0668 Waconia High School 1400 Community Drive Waconia, MN 55387 Megawatt, Watt, & Killowatt Auditions Tuesday, September 15 • 3:00-6:00 • See Mr. Pohland for Details Audition Checklist – Turn in Prior to vocal audition 1. _______ Charms account is up-to-date prior to audition. Charms is our online Contact Management System that we use to communicate with our show choir families. It is your responsibility to ensure that your account is up-to-date. We use Charms to give you updates on the season and to access your contact information in the case of an emergency. It is very easy to do. Go to our website: www.waconiachoirs.org. Click on the Blue Charms account Log-in. Your password is your student’s Waconia Identification number. * 2. ______ Audition Checklist signed and turned in prior to vocal audition. * 3. ______ Power Company, The Current & Illuminations Conflict Resolution Form turned in prior to vocal audition (two pages) 4. _______ Sign up for Movement Audition. 5. _______ Sign up for vocal Audition. 6. _______ Sign up for your time to get measured for costumes. * Indicate forms to be turned in prior to vocal audition. www.waconiachoirs.org Aaron & Olson, Director of Vocal Music Power Company, The Current Illuminations Important Dates [email protected] Office (952) 442-0668 Turn in prior to vocal audition * This schedule is tentative and subject to change. Camp dates will not change. Please mark any conflicts High School that you have and briefly describe the nature of the conflict on the nextWaconia sheet. * This form must be turned in prior to auditions to be considered for1400 excused absences. Community Drive * A complete schedule of Rehearsals and Events may be downloaded from www.waconiachoirs.org Waconia, You can subscribe to our most up to date calendar here: Show Choir Calendar MN 55387 Power Company Camps – Music Wing October 14-17 November 19-21 December 17-19 January 1-2 January 12, 14 Power Company Camp at Camp Courage. Power Company Dance Camp with Kevin Chase Power Company Cleaning Camp with Kevin Chase Power Company camp with Special Guest Power Company Cleaning Camp with Kevin Chase October 22-24 November 16-18 December 14, 15 The Current Dance Camp With Kevin Chase The Current Dance Camp With Kevin Chase The Current Cleaning Camp With Kevin Chase October 19, 20 November 2, 3 Nov 30, Dec 1 Illuminations Dance Camp With Nick Quamme Illuminations Dance Camp With Nick Quamme Illuminations Cleaning Camp With Nick Quamme All Day 3-10 pm (Thurs, Fri), 9 am -9 pm (Saturday) 3-10 pm (Thurs, Fri), 9 am -9 pm (Saturday) 3-10 pm (Friday), 9 am -9 pm (Saturday) 3-10 pm The Current Camps – Music Wing 3 - 9:30 pm 3 - 9:30 pm 3 - 9:30 pm Illumination Camps – Music Wing 3 - 9:30 pm 3 - 9:30 pm 3 - 9:30 pm Power Company The Current & Illuminations Dates June 11 June 21-27 July 23 July 31 August 11 August 17-19 September 3, 4, 7,8,10 September 21 Saturday, January 9 Friday, February 12 Saturday, February 13 February 29 March 14 - April 5 April 7-9 New Members Show Choir Parent Meeting Showchoir Camps of America – Milliken University Show Choir Coupon Blitz (optional) Power Company Golf Scramble Show Choir Pizza and Cookie Dough Blitz (optional) Audition Boot Camp (Optional) Show Choir Auditions Mandatory Parent and Student Pre-season Mtg Spaghetti Dinner Star Power Set-Up Star Power Spectacular Auditions Spectacular Rehearsals Show Choir Spectacular 7 pm (Optional Camp) 1 - 9 pm 10 am - 6 pm 1 - 9 pm 8 am – Noon 3:00 – 9:00 PM 7:30 PM 4 - 8 pm 9 am -11 pm All day 3 – 10 PM 3 – 10 PM Auditorium & Lobby Auditorium Pioneer Creek Golf Course Auditorium Music Wing Music Wing WHS Auditorium Music Wing plus D110 Whole School Whole School Music Wing Music Wing Plus J220 Music Wing plus D110 Competitions (all are all day commitments) Departure times are estimates January 9 * January 15-16 * January 22-23 January 30 **February 6 February 13 * February 20-21 February 28 March 2-11 April 7, 8, 9 PC & C & I Spaghetti Dinner PC & C Muscatine, IA Depart after first lunch PC & C Millard West (Omaha) Depart after first lunch PC & C & I Bloomington Kennedy C & I Depart 5:30 am PC Depart at 7:30 am Off Weekend PC & C & I Star Power - WHS PC & C Great River –- Davenport, IA Depart at Noon on Thursday PC & C & I Northern, IA Community College C & I Depart 4:00 am PC Depart 10 am PC Only East Coast Tour PC & C & I Show Choir Spectacular Indicates overnight ** Indicates overnight for just Illuminations and Current • Regular Rehearsals Power Company – October, November & December Monday – Friday 3-5:30 PM January – February: Monday, Tuesdays, Thursdays 3-5:30 PM The Current - October & December – February: Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:00-6:00 PM November: Mon-Thurs 4-6 PM Illuminations – October, November, December: Mondays & Thursdays 6:30- 9:00 PM.January- February 28 Just Mondays 6:30 -9:00 PM www.waconiachoirs.org Revised 6/11/2015 Aaron Olson, Director of Vocal Music [email protected] Office (952) 442-0668 Waconia High School 1400 Community Drive Waconia, MN 55387 Power Company The Current & Illuminations Conflict Resolution Form Please use the Important Dates Sheet to check for conflicts. Please include all known AND POTENTIAL Conflicts Turn in prior to vocal audition Power Company Conflicts Date of conflict ________ Please give a brief description of conflict: ________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Are you able to compromise with this conflict? Example: We can reschedule, Bowser’s obedience class so that we can be back in time for the first day of camp. Yes No Please explain. ____________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ The Current or Illuminations Conflicts Date of conflict ________ Please give a brief description of conflict: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Are you able to compromise with this conflict? Example: We can reschedule, Bowser’s obedience class so that we can be back in time for the first day of camp. Yes No Please explain. ____________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Competition Conflicts Date of conflict ________ Please give a brief description of conflict: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Are you able to compromise with this conflict? Example: We can reschedule, Bowser’s obedience class so that we can be back in time for the first day of camp. Yes No Please explain. ____________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________ www.waconiachoirs.org Aaron Olson, Director of Vocal Music [email protected] Office (952) 442-0668 Waconia High School 1400 Community Drive Waconia, MN 55387 Participation Checklist In order to receive your yellow eligibility card and participate in show choir this year, you must complete the items listed on the page and return them to WHS Activities Office by October 1, 2015. Please fill out, sign, and return this forms packet by October 1, 2015 1. ______ You must have a current Physical on file in the WHS activities office. 2. ______ The 2015-2016 show choir Forms packet which includes: • • • • • • • • • • • • ______ Show Choir Payment and Participation Agreement (all students) ______ Student Behavior Requirements (all students) ______ Parent Request for Medication Administration and Physician Order (if applicable) ______ Authorization to Self-Carry/Self-Administer Medication(s) (if applicable) ______ Medical/Insurance Release & Liability Waiver Form (all students) ______ Emergency Card (all student) ______ 2015-2016 Minnesota State High School League Eligibility Brochure and Concussion Management Recommendations for MSHSL Athletes (informational only - you state you have read them in the next form) ______ 2015-2016 MSHSL Eligibility Statement (all students) ______ MSHSL Annual Sports Health Questionnaire (all students) ______ 2015-2016 Sports Qualifying Physical Examination Clearance Form (if needed - physicals are good for three years and apply to all activities) ______ 2015-2016 Sports Qualifying Physical History Form (if needed - physicals are good for three years and apply to all activities) ______ 2015-2016 Sports Qualifying Physical Examination Form (if needed - physicals are good for three years and apply to all activities) 3. ______ A participation fee of $165.00 must be paid to Waconia High School Checks may be submitted at the WHS Activities Office. Payments may also be made on the student portal. (Note: stagecrew members and Illuminations do not need to pay the fee.) www.waconiachoirs.org Aaron Olson, Director of Vocal Music [email protected] Office (952) 442-0668 Waconia High School 1400 Community Drive Waconia, MN 55387 Frequently asked Questions about Tuition 1. How much does it cost to participate? - We are doing our best to keep costs down and raise revenue through fundraisers so that we can continue to provide first class opportunities and performances. Like the commercial says: “ Show Choir shoes... $65.00, Makeup and nylons... $50.00, tuition $750.00, an opportunity to perform with the Waconia Show Choirs..... PRICELESS.” 2. What does tuition cover? Show Choir tuition will cover all camp fees, all competition entry fees, transportation to and from all competitions, meals at dance camp, two rehearsal t-shirts, a competition t-shirt, hotel rooms, a basic uniform, including 1 pair of shoes, make-up and dry-cleaning. Items not included in this fee are: WHS Activity Fee ($165) Curlers ($20.00) or other accessories for the ladies. Food at competitions also will not be covered under this one time fee. Replacement of any lost or missing costume, shoe, make-up or any other required items. 3. Is the track jacket included in tuition? The Power Company Track Jacket is included in the tuition. (Current and Illumination track jackets are optional) you can choose to purchase one if you would like. Check the box on your registration page to add the $55.00 price to your fee. 4. What is the payment plan? - There are two payment options. a. Option # 1 Payment in Full - Pay the full amount by September 21, 2015 b. Option # 2 - Payments as follows (Based on singer/dancer tuition) September 21, 2015 October 1, 2015 October 1, 2015 November 1, 2015 December 1, 2015 January 1, 2016 February 1, 2016 $175.00 or one half the total tuition (whichever is less) This fee is for all members of Power Company, The Current & Illuminations - - NON REFUNDABLE $165.00 Activity Fee - Paid to Waconia High School Checks may be submitted to WHS Activities Office. Payments may also be made on the student portal. Power Company Current Illuminations Singer / Band / SC Singer / Band / SC Singer / Band / SC No Payment Required $175.00 / $57 / $75 $75.00 / $75 / $37.50 $457 / $375 / $257 $175.00 / $57 / $0 $75.00 / $0 / $0 $457 / $375 / $257 $175.00 / $57 / $0 $75.00 / $0 / $0 $457 / $375 / $257 $175.00 / $57 / $0 $75.00 / $0 / $0 $457 / $375 / $257 or remaining Balance Primary Group Role Tuition Trip fee Total Tuition Activity Fee Power Company ........... Singer .............. $1,100.00 .... $900.00 .............. $2,000.00 .......... $165.00 Power Company ........... Megawatt ........ $775.00 ....... $900.00 .............. $1675.00 ........... $165.00 Power Company ........... Stagecrew........ $300.00 ....... $900.00 .............. $1,200.00 .......... NA The Current .................. Singer .............. $875.00 ....... N/A .................... $1,040.00 .......... $165.00 The Current .................. Watt ................ $400.00 ....... N/A .................... $565.00 ............. $165.00 The Current .................. Stagecrew........ $150.00 ....... N/A .................... $150.00 ............. NA Illuminations ................ Singer .............. $475.00 ....... N/A .................... $475.00 ............. NA Illuminations ................ Band ............... $150.00 ....... N/A .................... $150.00 ............. NA Illuminations ................ Stagecrew........ $75.00 ......... N/A .................... $75.00 ............... NA www.waconiachoirs.org Aaron Olson, Director of Vocal Music [email protected] Office (952) 442-0668 Waconia High School 1400 Community Drive Waconia, MN 55387 Frequently asked Questions about Tuition - Continued 5. Can I participate in more than one group? Students wishing to participate in more than one ensemble will be charged an additional $100.00 per additional ensemble 6. If I am in the band, do I pay activity fee? Members of Megawatt and Watt must pay one activity fee per year for one of the following activities: Marching Band, Jazz Band Megawatt or Watt. 7. Is there an alternate or extended payment plan? Payment in full must be made by January 1, 2016 (February 1, 2016 for Power Company) . If this payment schedule is not appropriate for you, we would be happy to make an alternate plan that fits into your financial plan. Simply contact the Booster President Vice president or Treasurer for more information. (go to www.waconiachoirs.org) Click on Boosters. 8. What is the Cancelation Policy? - Withdrawing from show choir after September 22, 2015 and prior to October 1, 2015 will result in forfeiture of the $175.00 Non-‐Refundable deposit. Withdrawing from show choir anytime after October 1, 2015 will result in no refund. 9. What happens if I miss a tuition payment? -‐ Failure to stay current with tuition payments will result in students losing their chance to perform or practice until account is in good standing, at which time they will have an opportunity to try to earn their spot back (No guarantees). Just like in sports, when you lose a spot it can be difficult to get it back. 10. Please make your payments on time. It is your responsibility to make sure that payments are received by the Boosters either on or prior to the due date. 11. How do I make Payments? - You have two options here. a. You can pay online through our website, www.waconiachoirs.org. Click on the “Student Tuition” button which will link you to the “Paypal” website where you can make all of your payments online. b. You may also write check payable to Waconia Choir Boosters and mail to: 12. Are there scholarships available? -‐ Yes! We are very proud of the fact that we provide scholarships to families that qualify for the free and reduced lunch program. The scholarships are based on a matching fundraising program and applications are available upon request. The Boosters are committed to ensuring that no one is turned away because of financial concerns. Simply contact the Booster President Vice president or Treasurer for more information regarding these confidential scholarships. (go to www.waconiachoirs.org) Click on Boosters. 13. Where is the Power Company / Current Trip trip this year? Yes, Power Company is heading to a competition in Connecticut. Other highlights include a stop at Niagra Falls and a few days in New York City. 14. Will the trip cost go up or down? – Possibly but it will not go up. www.waconiachoirs.org Aaron Olson, Director of Vocal Music [email protected] Office (952) 442-0668 Waconia High School 1400 Community Drive Waconia, MN 55387 Power Company, The Current & Illuminations Expectations 1. Singer Membership - Power Company, The Current & Illuminations are extensions of the curricular choral offerings at Waconia High School. These advanced show choirs require a high level of vocal proficiency acquired through participating in a choral ensemble. Successful students will be proficient in music theory, sight singing, ear training and vocal technique. Students should be willing to make the commitment necessary to attend all competitions, performances, camps and practices. 2. Megawatt, Watt & Kilowatt Band Membership - The show choir bands are extensions of the curricular band offerings at Waconia High School. The show choir bands are advanced offerings requiring an advanced level of proficiency gained through participating in an instrumental ensemble. Students should be willing to make the commitment necessary to attend all competitions, performances, camps and practices. 3. Stagecrew Membership - Members of the Stagecrew will be selected from students who participate in the auditions. 4. Power Company Dance Camp Attendance - During the camps, we will focus primarily on choreography and transitional aspects of our competition show. At this time, all blocking and moving assignments will be given; therefore, any absence during camp will be extremely detrimental to the ensemble. Frontline performers will be selected from members present at camp. Only under extreme circumstances will members be excused from any portion of camp. If this situation should arise, it is up to the student to draw up a contract explaining a makeup plan, including a time line, and other students involved in teaching the makeup. The contract will be signed by all of the students involved, their parents and Mr. Olson. This will need to be taken care of at least 30 days prior to the camp. Rookies will not be excused from camp for any reason. 5. The Current & Illuminations Dance Camp Attendance - During the camps with our choreographer we will focus primarily on the choreography and transitional aspects of our competition show. At this time, all blocking and moving assignments will be given, therefore any absence during camp will be extremely detrimental to the ensemble. Frontline performers will be selected from members present at camp. While we are a little more flexible with absences during The Current & Illuminations camps, we still require you to draw up a contract explaining your plan to learn the choreography. Please get this plan to Mr. Olson in advance of the camp. 6. Pre-excused Absences - Please indicate on the permission form any date(s) that you may have a conflict. Please explain the nature of each conflict so that I can make a determination as to whether it will be an excused absence. I need to know about conflicts in advance. If you are selected as a member of Power Company, The Current or Illuminations and you have notified me of a conflict on this form, you will be excused from that event. Failure to notify me in advance may result in an unexcused absence, which may also result in your removal from the group. 7. School Attendance and Performance/Rehearsal Eligibility - You must be in school all day in order to be eligible to perform in any performances that takes place on that same day. You must also be in school all day in order to rehearse that day. If you are sick from school, stay home and get better. Don’t get the rest of us sick. 8. Academic eligibility – We expect that our students will make their studies a priority and that they will set high goals for themselves academically. We have set a goal of a 3.0 GPA average for our show choir students. In the event a student’s GPA falls below a 1.67 (C-) or they receive an “f” in any course, he or she will be ineligible for a period of two weeks according to school District policy. 9. Rehearsal Attendance - All Power Company, The Current & Illuminations members are expected to make their commitment to their team a priority by attending all rehearsals, performances and competitions. a. All absences (even if you were gone from school) require the completion of the “Waconia Show Choir Absence Form”. This form is available on the website and must be completed prior to returning to rehearsal. Until this form is completed and your absence is reviewed you will not be allowed to participate in any competitions or performances. www.waconiachoirs.org Aaron Olson, Director of Vocal Music [email protected] Office (952) 442-0668 Waconia High School 1400 Community Drive Waconia, MN 55387 b. Illness or injury while at practice - In the event of any serious or life threatening injury, we will call 911 for immediate assistance. Any incident in which a student sustains an injury or becomes ill while at practice will be handled as follows: the athletic trainer if available, or one of the directors will evaluate the student. i. If injury/illness prevents a student from participating for an extended period of time. (Something longer than 5 - 10 minutes) but not severe enough to keep them out an additional rehearsal. 1. If there is minimal disruption to rehearsal and student does not need “one on one” attention, student will remain at practice and participate as able and as soon as possible after the incident or 2. If there is a disruption to rehearsal and student requires immediate and “one on one” attention, we will call home and advise that students be picked up and taken home. Students will be allowed to return the next day when accompanied with a note from the parent/guardian ii. If injury/illness prevents a student from participating for an extended period of time. (1 rehearsal or more) or it is determined that medical attention is needed. 1. Student will be allowed to return to practice but will not be allowed to participate with a written note from parent/guardian outlining the plan to return to active participation. 2. Students will be allowed to return to practice and participate with a written note from the athletic trainer or your doctor following an evaluation by one or both. c. Illness or injury while at competitions - In the event of any serious or life threatening injury, we will call 911 for immediate assistance. Any incident in which a student sustains an injury or becomes ill while at practice will be handled as follows: the athletic trainer if available, or one of the directors will evaluate the student. i. If injury/illness prevents a student from participating for an extended period of time. (Something longer than 5 - 10 minutes) but not severe enough to keep them from performing. 1. If there is minimal disruption to the rest of the group and student does not need one on one attention from a director or chaperone, student will remain at contest and participate as able and as soon as possible after the incident or 2. If there is a disruption to the rest of the group and student requires immediate and one on one attention for an extended period of time, we will call home and advise that student be picked up and taken home. Students will be allowed to return to practice the next day when accompanied with a note from the parent/guardian. 3. In the event that a parent/guardian is unable to pick up student. The student will remain with an assigned chaperone and will not participate in any further activities on this trip. ii. If injury/illness prevents a student from participating for an extended period of time. (any further performances while on the trip) or it is determined that medical attention is needed. 1. We will call home and advise that students be picked up and taken home. 2. Students will be allowed to return to practice when we receive a written note from the athletic trainer or your doctor following an evaluation by one or both. d. Extended Illness or injury – Extended absence due injury or illness will be handled as follows: i. If injury / illness prevents you from attending practice (You are not allowed to attend) for longer than 2 consecutive rehearsals, we will require a note from a doctor detailing the nature of the injury/illness, recover time, and an estimate for your return. Students will be allowed to return to practice when we receive a written note from the athletic trainer or your doctor following an evaluation by one or both. ii. If injury / illness prevents you from participating in practice (you can still attend) for longer than 2 consecutive rehearsals, we will require a note from a doctor detailing the nature of the injury/illness, recover time, and an estimate for your return. Students will be allowed to return to practice when we receive a written note from the athletic trainer or your doctor following an evaluation by one or both. iii. If a chronic injury or illness exists, We require a note from a doctor detailing the nature of the injury, illness and what we should expect for participation from student and detailing any restrictions or www.waconiachoirs.org Aaron Olson, Director of Vocal Music [email protected] Office (952) 442-0668 Waconia High School 1400 Community Drive Waconia, MN 55387 accommodations that may be necessary. 10. An unexcused absence from rehearsal may result in a suspension from Power Company, The Current or Illuminations for at least one competition or performance. Two unexcused absences may result in dismissal from the group. a. No one will be excused because of work or birthdays. Make sure you clear your work schedule in advance. b. Any absences, with the exception of emergencies, or illness that are not cleared with Mr. Olson at least three weeks in advance may be considered unexcused. c. Three tardies will be considered an unexcused absence. Any prolonged illness or injury that prevents you from rehearsing for more than one day will require a written note from parent/guardian explaining the injury/illness along with the prognosis and treatment plan. We would like to know your plan for treatment: Are you going to the doctor? Have you seen the athletic trainer? When can we expect to have you back at 100%. Without this notice, students will not be allowed to participate in any show choir practices or performances until we receive notice.. 11. Makeup, Hair, Performance Undergarments and Other Accessories - All members will be informed during our first camp as to what will be expected as far as makeup, hair and other accessories are concerned. Everyone will be expected to be uniform in appearance and follow the guidelines that are set. Girls hair will be in curlers and out of the face. Guys hair should be short and well kept. Hair coloring other than highlights are not acceptable. Red, green, purple or other colors other than natural occurring hair colors will not be allowed on stage. No piercings or tattoos should be visible while at competitions. All members will be informed during our first camp about what will be expected as far as performance undergarments are concerned. It is expected that all members will wear the designated items. 12. Alcohol, Drugs, and Tobacco - All members must obey all the rules of the Minnesota State High School League regarding the use of alcohol, drugs and tobacco. Failure to follow these policies will result in consequences as laid out by the Minnesota State High School League. Breaking these rules while participating in a Power Company, The Current or Illuminations event may result in immediate dismissal from the group. 13. Overnight Hotel Stays - Students are expected to respect the rules set forth by Mr. Olson and the chaperones. Any deviation from these rules will be dealt with by Mr. Olson and parents will be notified of misbehaviors. Anyone found breaking rules in regards to alcohol, drugs, and tobacco, or found outside of their room after lights out, or participating in any dangerous or abusive situations may be sent home at your own expense and you may be immediately dismissed from the group. 14. Costume care and repair - Mr. Olson will make the final decision regarding costuming. We have several parents who are willing and prepared to help with the care and repair of costumes, including alterations, so do not hesitate to ask for help if needed. Obviously our costumes are a vital part of our performance. They need to look clean and sharp for every performance. They need to be complete and they need to get to the competitions. This is your responsibility. Double check and triple check your costumes to make sure that you have everything before boarding the bus. No one will be allowed to perform with an incomplete, soiled or damaged costume. You are responsible for the following: a. The cost of repairing or replacing any costumes should they become damaged or lost. b. Any minor alterations such as hemming pants or installing velcro fasteners. c. Organizing, and storing of the costume in it’s proper location at all times. Should there be any problems with this responsibility, it will cost you $5.00 to get your costume back from the director or whoever took care of it. d. Taking your costume home following each performance to “air them out”. 15. Fund Raising - We offer two optional fundraisers in the summer. The Coupon Blitz and the Pizza/ Cookie Dough Blitz. The profits from each of these fundraisers will be distributed evenly into each participating student’s account. 16. Athletic Conflicts - We are able to work around most athletic conflicts. Students will not be excused for any Metro Teams. Power Company, The Current, & Illuminations performances should have priority over WHS team practices. If a game and a performance conflict, student should notify director and or coach immediately. If a practice or rehearsal is rescheduled/added and now creates a conflict because of the move, the activity that was www.waconiachoirs.org Aaron Olson, Director of Vocal Music [email protected] Office (952) 442-0668 Waconia High School 1400 Community Drive Waconia, MN 55387 scheduled first should take priority assuming that activity is a school-sponsored team. 17. Competition/ Performance Attendance - Everyone will be expected to be at every competition and performance. Mark your calendars now. No one will be excused except under extreme emergency circumstances. If we can perform without you at one competition we can certainly do it the rest of the year. Exceptions will be made for unexpected athletic playoff dates. An exception will also be made for college admission requirements such as auditions that you are unable to reschedule. An unexcused absence from a competition/performance will result in further suspensions and possible dismissal from the group. Alternates are eager and waiting to take your spot. 18. Competition Behavioral Expectations - All members of Power Company, The Current, & Illuminations will be expected to ride the bus to and from competitions. All members will be expected to remain at the competition site the entire day. I expect that you listen to and show respect for the adult chaperones. You will be expected to be dressed and ready to go at least one hour prior to our performance. You will be expected to watch the performances throughout the day in the performance space or in the cafeteria. You will be expected to cheer on and support other groups that are performing. 19. Riding The Bus to and from competitions - We expect all kids to ride the bus to and from competitions with us unless arrangements are made in writing prior to the event. Even then we expect that the students will stay through the finals awards ceremony regardless if they are performing or not. When arrangements are made in advance, we want to ensure that we actually hand off responsibility to the parents. Parents please do this with one of the directors or our lead chaperone. I do not want to assume that a student is with their parents. Thank you for understanding this very important policy. 20. Leaving a Competition Early - We expect that students will remain on campus with us at all times while at a competition. I am responsible for the safety and well being of every single kid from the time we depart the school until the time we arrive back home. Please do not take your child off campus unless arrangements have been made in advance in writing. We would prefer that you not go out to eat with old friends, relatives etc.. Instead, it would be preferable to invite them to the competition. www.waconiachoirs.org Aaron Olson, Director of Vocal Music [email protected] Office (952) 442-0668 Waconia High School 1400 Community Drive Waconia, MN 55387 Parent Expectations 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Parent Involvement - The show choir members need your parental support. We need parent help with the Boosters, fund raising, chaperoning and most importantly as fans. We hope that you will take an active role in supporting the Power Company Family of Show Choirs. Please mark your calendars now for the Annual Golf Scramble the last Friday in July, the Spaghetti Dinner on the second Saturday in January, Star Power Show Choir Competition on February 13, and the Show Choir Spectacular in April. These are our most successful events and we will need everyone to help out to ensure their continued success. Communication with Parents - Parents, if you have any issues, concerns, complaints etc… please contact me first. I truly believe that most conflicts can be resolved with a simple phone call. I would prefer to solve a minor issue right away than let an issue linger and grow into something that is more of a challenge at a later date. Tuition Payments - Please be prompt with your tuition payments. All payments can be mailed to the Waconia Choir Boosters at Waconia High School, or you may pay online through our website. Please communicate with either the Booster President, Booster Treasurer or Mr. Olson if you need financial assistance or simply need to make an alternate payment plan such as extending the payments through the end of the season or beyond. Supporting your favorite choirs at competitions: a. Wear your Waconia Show Choir Fanwear b. Sit in the first two rows for the performance c. Glowsticks (make sure you pick them up after performance) d. Oh Yeah.... One other thing. The kids ask you to cheer them on even if you notice mistakes. They can see you gasp in horror in the front rows and it can have a negative effect on the rest of their performance so no matter what happens keep cheering them on or as we tell the kids “fake it”. Parent/Fan Etiquette at Competitions - The Waconia Show Choirs take great pride in their shows and are proud to represent Waconia High School and the community both on and off the stage. We talk to the kids about this and I would like to remind you, now more than ever, that it is very important to be careful what you say in the hallways, cafeteria and the performance space while at competitions. People’s ears have a way of “perking up” when they hear someone talking about their school and groups and we want to be positive and supportive of other groups. Negative comments have a way of being broadcast for all to see and it can make us all look bad. The same goes for social networking sites especially showchoir.com. One of my favorite sayings goes something like this: If you blow out another person’s candle, it does not make our own candle shine any brighter. It only dims the light for everyone. Please Help us to build a sparkling reputation across the Nation. Proper etiquette for Finals announcements. When it comes to announcing the final two groups at awards, it is best to wait for the First Runner-up to accept their award, then wait for the Grand Champion announcement before cheering like crazy. Cheering too early can be seen as bad sportsmanship and that you are cheering that the first runner-up lost rather than your winning. Another reason to represent your school and community with “Class.” Here is an open letter an open letter to all show choir parents as pulled from a show choir social networking site: “Please remember that you represent your students, school, town and community. If you speak and act in a negative way it reflects negatively on us all. It debases the placing your group receives at the competition and leaves a bad impression of your overall fan base. The last thing I want to do after leaving yesterday is to travel to this group’s competition and spend money to support their program.” One more final reason for Family, Friends and Fans to represent Waconia with “Class” - The judges that make decisions about who gets the tallest trophies do so based on their own subjective opinion. Often times, those judges also happen to be the director of a school that we just competed against the previous week. A good impression is never harmful in that situation. Teamwork - Please remember that we work hard to create a “family” of show choirs where everyone works together. Each show choir supports the other. The chaperones work together, the directors work together, and the kids need to work together for a shared goal. We want to build an environment where we can grow relationships and memories through teamwork. We want every show choir to be the best they can be, and at the same time support every other show choir in the family so that they too can thrive. We expect that all performers, parents and fans will be respectful and supportive of all the show choirs in the family. Whether you are a singer/dancer, in the band or on the stage crew, we must all work together as a family. We are so lucky to have such a positive activity for our kids where they can participate in something they love and are so passionate about, where they can express themselves through song and dance, where they can build relationships and memories that will last a lifetime. Lets not let negative behavior by a few have an impact on such a positive experience for so many www.waconiachoirs.org
