RMS CHAMBER SINGERS is a smaller and more advanced ensemble with musically and technically challenging repertoire. Any member of the RMS Chorale who is also interested in participating the Chamber Singers ensemble must audition for membership.

STUDENTS WHO PARTICIPATE IN BOTH CHORUS AND BAND ENSEMBLES…no need to worry about morning rehearsal schedules, we have the solution for you! Please refer to “Attendance-Tardy” for further explanation **

MEMBERSHIP EXPECTATIONS:

• Punctual attendance for all rehearsals and performances.
• Thorough preparation of music for rehearsals, hearings, and concerts.
• Exercise courtesy and respect to all members of the ensemble.
• Willingness to share your talent. Have a positive attitude towards learning and an open frame-of-mind.
• Any student who becomes a discipline problem or disrupts rehearsals in any way will forfeit membership.
• Communication is very important! Students are responsible for notifying parents/guardians of all choral activity letters going home, such as rehearsal schedules, concert days and times, trips.
• Learn to listen to music, learn to make music, learn to enjoy music, because good quality music is simply just…beautiful!

REHEARSALS:

Rehearsals are before school from 7:55 to 8:25 am at the RMS auditorium. Students are expected to arrive no later than 7:50 am in order to be on stage prepared to start rehearsals. Students may enter the auditorium at 7:45 am. The entrance is through the metal door located by the RMS traffic circle (flagpole). Entry at any other door is not allowed. If your child lives too far for walking before school and does not have transportation with their family or friends to get to chorus rehearsals, please contact Dottie Krivenko at 732-396-1007 to enroll your child in the Breakfast Program for Early bus service. Make sure you ask the location and time of the closest bus stop to your home **

RMS CHORALE rehearsal schedule:

• Days: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
• Time: 7:55 am to 8:25 am
• Location: RMS Auditorium

RMS CHAMBER SINGERS rehearsal schedule:

• Days: Mondays and Fridays
• Time: 7:55 am to 8:25 am
• Location: room 325-Music classroom (Prior to our first rehearsal each student will receive a chorus morning pass to access to room 325 from the school main entrance. This pass is to be used ONLY for Monday and Friday rehearsals).

ATTENDANCE:

Attendance is mandatory for all rehearsals and all required performances for all 6th, 7th, 8th grade students participating in school ensembles.

Meaningful and continuous rehearsals in addition to individual practices allow students to reach successful musicianship. The learning process of becoming a well-rounded musician takes time, dedication, and perseverance. Our voice is our instrument, it needs to be practiced to build technique, reach maturity and understanding of the music we are learning. Remember, outstanding voices by themselves do not make up a chorus!! Only when all voices come and work together, quality work and music can flourish! Therefore, it is invaluable the commitment of each student in the process of music making and memory making for a rewarding performance and learning experience.

Missed rehearsals:

• Excused: Students must bring a parent/guardian signed note of explanation to Ms. Tze. Emails are not accepted. Excused missed rehearsals could be of family emergency, absent from that particular day of school, religious observances.
• Excused: If the student needs extra help from a teacher on that particular day, the student needs to bring a signed teacher’s pass.
• 3 Unexcused absences: student will no longer retain membership to the Chorale.

Tardy:

• Excused: Students must bring a parent/guardian signed note of explanation to Ms. Tze. Emails are not accepted. Excused tardy could be of family emergency, late on that particular day of school.
• Excused: If the student needs extra help from a teacher on that particular day, the student needs to bring a signed teacher’s pass.
• Excused: if a student takes the “breakfast” bus and the bus is delayed.
• 3 Unexcused tardies: equal to one unexcused missed rehearsal.

** IF YOU ARE A CHORUS AND BAND MEMBER **

Students will report to band rehearsals first, then students will be dismissed by Mrs. Spatz or Mrs. Van Wyk at 8:05 am to report right away to the auditorium for the chorus rehearsal. Students are excused of tardy ONLY if they have a band rehearsal that particular morning.

VOCAL HYGIENE: Our voice is our instrument. Proper caring of our vocal chords and vocal cavity is essential for a healthy learning process and performance. Prior to each rehearsal make sure your mouth is clean. No food, gum, or drinks are allowed once rehearsals start. No food, gum, or drinks are allowed on stage at anytime.

MATERIALS: Each student will receive a chorus folder for each rehearsal. Materials remain in class unless otherwise notified.

PERFORMANCE ATTENDANCE: Performances and concerts are culminations of each child’s hard work and dedication that bring together the utmost rewarding and invaluable experience for the student and the ensemble.

• Excused missed performance: Students must notify Ms. Tze prior or immediately after the missed concert with a parent/guardian signed note of explanation or phone call. Emails are not accepted. Excused missed performances could be of family emergency, absent from that particular day of school, religious observances. Please note: Students are responsible for notifying parents/guardians of all memos going home regarding concert days and times. Parents/guardians, please ensure arrangements are made for your child’s timely arrival and departure.
• Unexcused missed performance: student will no longer retain membership to the Chorale.

CONCERT ATTIRE:
Females: White blouse and black slacks or skirts at least knee-length, dress shoes.
Males: White collard shirt and black slacks, dress shoes.

*No sneakers, jeans, sweatshirts, or tee shirts. Special event dress code will be notified if necessary. Concerts/Performance Dates! Letters will be sent home with details on each event as the date approaches.

• Wednesday, December 16, 2009: Winter Chorus and Jazz Band Concert- 7 pm
• To Be Announced: Chamber Singers December Caroling at the Rahway Geriatric Center-during school hours.
• To Be Announced: April Fools’ Day Faculty Recital (Come out and listen to your music teachers perform!)- 7 pm
• To Be Announced: All City Chorus Concert- 7 pm
• Tuesday, May 25, 2010: Spring Chorus and Strings Concert- 7 pm
• To Be Announced: RMS Chorale Trip- full school day and evening

Let’s enjoy a wonderful year together! Sing, sing, sing! ?