Willis Jr.
High Choirs understand music elements and healthy
Code of Conduct
2017-2018
Welcome to Willis Jr. High School Choirs!
We are looking forward to a rewarding year.
The following policies and procedures are
designed to ensure a pleasant and
productive classroom atmosphere.
FIRST ASSIGNMENT: Please review this
Code of Conduct, then sign and return the
Contract at the back of this packet by
Friday, July 28th. Returning the Contract
by that date earns an A for the first
graded assignment. One day late earns a
B, etc.
I hope you will enjoy your musical
experiences here. If you ever have any
questions, please contact me.
Mr. Houston Nelson
Choral Director
nelson.houston@cusd80.com
Mission Statement
In Willis Choirs, students will learn the
fundamentals of choral singing through the
rehearsal and performance of a varied
repertoire of music. The expectation is that
students will do their best, have a positive
attitude, and work cooperatively as a
member of the group.
Areas of Focus
In this class students will have the
opportunity to:
learn to read and perform music of
various styles
develop self-discipline and commitment
through participation in rehearsals and
concerts
vocal technique
recognize musical problems and solve
them by applying prior music concepts
collaborate, set goals, persist, and strive
for excellence
Required Materials
Each student must have the following items
in class every day:
Pencil (mechanical pencil is best)
Music
BOTTLED WATER!!!
Music is purchased by the school, and
students will have music checked out to
them. Please take good care of it! If any of
it is lost, damaged, or stolen, the student
may be charged the full replacement cost.
Rehearsal Procedures
A rehearsal routine allows our rehearsal
time to be used efficiently. The routine
begins when students enter the room.
Drop of backpack by the bookshelf, pick
up folder from cabinet and sit in your
assigned seat. Class begins when the
last bell rings.
Physical and vocal exercises are
followed by sight-singing exercises.
The remainder of the period is spent
rehearsing music.
At the end of the rehearsal, return music
folder to music cabinet, sit in assigned
seat, and quietly wait to be dismissed.
Requests for trips to the restroom or
water fountain disrupt rehearsal and will
not be allowed except in emergencies.
Classroom Behavior Expectations
Follow directions the first time.
Gum, food, or beverages other than
water are not allowed.
Raise your hand and be recognized
before speaking.
Show respect by talking only at
appropriate times.
Piano may be played only with teacher
permission.
Personal grooming (make-up, hair, etc.)
may not be done during class.
Be positive! Choir should be a safe,
welcoming place for every student.
Grading Policy
Grades will be updated regularly and can be
viewed online through Infinite Campus.
A students grade in choir is based on three
components:
Rehearsal Participation (35% of total
grade)
Tests and Quizzes (30%)
Performances (35%)
Daily Attendance/Participation
Choir students will fill out a rehearsal
participation grading rubric at regular
intervals, rating themselves in various
categories. The student rubrics will be
edited for accuracy by the director before
entering the grades. This process allows
both student and director the chance to
communicate their perceptions of the
students quality of participation.
Daily attendance is important! There is a
direct relationship between attendance and
learning and performing. If a student
demonstrates a pattern of inconsistent
attendance, he/she may be assigned make-
up assignments and may also lose the
privilege of attending performances or field
trips.
Tests and Quizzes Grade
Choir students will have short quizzes or
tests in the areas of sight-singing, part-
singing, music literacy, and more. Students
should check with the teacher to make up
any missed quizzes or tests.
Performance Grade
Students are expected to attend ALL
performances, and these events are a
large part of every students grade.
Performances are essentially a final exam,
and the experience cannot be made up.
The Performance Calendar is attached to
this handbook. Please enter dates in your
calendars now. Additional dates may be
added (with plenty of advance notice).
If an unavoidable conflict does come up, the
student must notify the director with a
written note or email from parents at least
two weeks prior to the performance. Please
note that babysitting, inclement weather or
lack of transportation are not valid reasons
for missing a performance. Please plan
ahead!
An excused absence from any
performance is at the discretion of the
director, and an alternative project will be
assigned. An unexcused absence will
result in a grade of F for that performance.
This typically lowers the final quarter grade
by two letter grades.
 Performance Attire
All choir students are required to wear
specified concert attire to all performances.
Students in Firebird Chorus are responsible
for providing their own concert attire.
Concert Choir students will be expected to
sign a contract prior to taking home a
school-owned choir uniform. If you are
unable to meet the following expectations
due to financial hardship, please talk with
Mr. Nelson as soon as possible so that we
can find a solution.
Firebird Chorus
White blouse or shirt, with sleeves
Black skirt or pants (no jeans)
Black dress shoes (no athletic shoes or
sandals)
These items are provided by the student
and his/her family.
Concert Choir
Girls Choir Dress
Boys Tuxedo shirt, vest, bow tie, and
pants
Black dress shoes/flats (black socks for
boys)
These items (except shoes/socks) are
rented from the school.
Music Department T-Shirt
We will have new Music Department T-
shirts this year (student design). Concert
Choir singers will need to purchase the T-
shirt, which will be worn for performances at
assemblies and for the elementary school
recruiting tour in January. Firebird Chorus
students are encouraged to purchase the T-
shirt and wear it on School Spirit Fridays.
Fundraising and Tax Credit
Donations
In January 2018, the WJHS music
department will sell Worlds Finest dollar
chocolate bars to help raise funds for field
trips, supplies, class activities, and awards.
Parent permission is required to participate.
We encourage each student to sell at least
one box of chocolate.
Please consider making a flat, tax-
deductible donation to the Willis Choir
Program. You may donate up to $400 and
get a direct tax credit on your Arizona State
income tax return. Essentially, you donate
the money, then get it back in April! It is a
cost-free way to support our group.
Donation forms are available on the district
website and may be done online or by
check. Please designate Willis Junior H.S.
Choir as the beneficiary. Thank you!
Forms of Communication
School web site:
Please check my school webpage!
Performance dates, choir documents,
assignments, and other information will be
posted and updated regularly.
Please subscribe at the bottom of each
choir page on my school website so you
will receive email alerts!
White Board announcements (H-5):
Students are responsible for taking note of
instructions and announcements on the
white boards.
Contact Information:
Houston Nelson
nelson.houston@cusd80.com
(480) 883-5722
Choir room is H-5
 WJHS Choir Contract

Dear Students and Parents,

After reviewing the WJHS Choir Code of Conduct 2017-18, please acknowledge that both
parent(s) and student understand and accept the expectations outlined in the handbook.

PRINT Student Name ___________________________________ Period _______________

STUDENT SIGNATURE _________________________________ Date ________________

PRINT Parent name __________________________________________________________

PARENT SIGNATURE __________________________________ Date ________________

Telephone Number(s) where parent can be reached:

__________________________________________________________________________

Email address where parent can be contacted:

__________________________________________________________________________

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PARENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Parents, we would appreciate your help! Please look over this list and indicate where you could
volunteer your time and talents:

_____ chaperone off-campus performances _____ film a concert and share the file so
(evenings or Saturdays) we can show it in class

_____ chaperone off-campus performances _____ take photos during concerts

(during school day) or field trips

_____ available during school hours to help _____ help with stage decorations for
with choir uniform fittings (early 1st Qtr.) December concert at CCA

_____ donate a box of tissues (please send in ASAP)

This form is due to Mr. Nelson by FRIDAY, JULY 28th.