If you send cash, please put it in an envelope and attach it to your child's registration form.
Scholarships through the PTA, if needed.
Please review the choir policies to have your child participate in OCC.
Goals of the Choir The performing arts bring us together to create beauty which cannot be created alone. The purpose of the OCC is to provide students with a musically and socially enhancing experience. Musically, students will learn proper singing techniques and age-appropriate repertoire while also developing their musical ears. Socially, students will have opportunities to build stronger friendships with peers and feel an emotional connection to Orchard Elementary.
Attendance and Behavior Choir members of OCC are representatives of the school. Therefore, high expectations of student participation, attendance, and behavior are expected. Attendance at rehearsals is essential. If your child needs to miss a rehearsal, please contact the director via email. Students are allowed two excused absences. A rehearsal summary will be sent via email each week for parents and students to see what was missed. As concert time approaches, rehearsal MP3s or videos will be posted on this website under "Review Files" and also emailed.
Behavior Students should expect to come to choir to listen, participate in action or movements, and, of course, sing! Managing a large group of students is a challenge. No gum or electronics allowed. The OCC will operate on a “Three Strikes” system. Listed below are the instances in which a student would receive a strike: • Unexcused absence from a rehearsal or performance • Inappropriate behavior during rehearsal, performance, or school hours choir event • Two tardy arrivals to rehearsal. The director will communicate with parents via email when a strike is given and the reason.
Fee The participation fee is collected through the PTA and goes toward the following: ensemble performers, Tshirts, music and copies (originals, lead sheets, music maps), treats/snacks, nametags, awards, and office supplies. Students will receive a medal for participating in the choir (if attendance has been met). If a student is unable to pay the fee, scholarships through the PTA will be given.
Choir Folder & Music Policy Each student is issued a black choir folder and number. Folders may be taken home, but need to be back for rehearsals. At the end of the fall session, students return their assigned folder and its contents. Folders and contents not returned may be subject to a replacement fee.
Media Release By participating in the OCC, you are giving permission to post photographs of students in OCC at rehearsals, concerts, and social events on the OCC website. Names of children will not be posted.
Sacred Music Policy With the understanding and appreciation of cultural and religious diversity in our school, it is necessary that we address the issue of performing sacred music in our choir. “To achieve any selected educational objective, the quality of repertoire is of paramount importance...Since choral music with a sacred text comprises such a substantial portion of the artistic repertoire representative of the choral medium and the history of music, it should have an important place in music education.” Sacred music will be performed by the OCC. This music is used strictly for educational purposes. Thank you for your understanding concerning this subject. Quotes adapted from “The Choral Podium,” American Choral Directors Association (Winter 1992).
Communication Choir information will be posted on the choir website: www.orchardchildrenschoir2.weebly.com. Rehearsal cancelations (for extreme cases) will be emailed to the group, posted on the OCC website under the “Rehearsal Info” by 7 am on rehearsal day, or sent via group text or “Remind” or other app. If you have any questions concerning other aspects of the choir, you may also email the director: [email protected].