Traverse City West Senior High School

Vocal Music Department

2016 - 2017

Handbook & Syllabus

A tradition of excellence is not inherited,

it is earned!

… (Author Unknown)

Dear Parents and Students:

Here is our Vocal Music Handbook for 2016 - 2017. We hope it contains all the information you

need to make your participation in vocal music pleasant and rewarding. We have followed the

previous format in providing you with a CALENDAR of vocal music events. In addition to this,

you will find an explanation of the GRADING SYSTEM, a listing of rehearsal RULES, a

performance DRESS CODE, and GENERAL INFORMATION you might find helpful this year.

Please read the handbook carefully. This will prepare you for your work in choir. Share the

handbook with your parents. You will need to understand the responsibilities of being a member

of the TC West Choir Program. If a problem arises consult the handbook first. If you do not

find the answer here, please don’t hesitate to ask a West vocal music faculty member.

Students in TC West Choirs are challenged to grow musically and vocally to their greatest

potential. They are required to respect their director, their fellow musicians, the music they

perform, and the work each member must do to continue the tradition of outstanding singing that

TC West Choirs are known for. Students are also required to show responsibility for their

individual contribution by trying their best at ALL rehearsals and performances.

If you do these things your reward will be an experience unlike any other you have in school;

encompassing pride, joy, feelings of accomplishment, success, fun and self satisfaction!

Let’s have a wonderful year!

Sincerely,

Erich Wangeman Wendee Wolf-Schlarf

WSH Director of Choral Activities WSH Associate Director of Choral Activities

Traverse City West High School TCAPS K – 12 Music Coordinator

Wangemaner@tcaps.net Wolfschlwe@tcaps.net

Office Phone: 231-933-7798 Office Phone: 231-933-7571

mailto:Wangemaner@tcaps.netmailto:Wolfschlwe@tcaps.net

CALENDAR

One of the best aspects of our music program is that students have many opportunities to perform, both individually

and in groups. Some of these opportunities are optional, but some are REQUIRED. ALL students in a music group

must participate in its required concerts. Important musical factors such as balance and blend are easily affected by

the absence of just one performer! Students accept the responsibility to be at required concerts when they join a

musical group. In view of this it is procedure to consider how well this responsibility has been met when

determining a students’ grade.

1. Look over the calendar carefully NOW. Note which performances are required and the amount of points for each

that will affect your marking period grade.

2. Decide the optional opportunities (0 points) in which you wish to participate.

3. Write appropriate dates on your family’s activity calendar NOW.

4. Absences from required concerts may result in a loss of the points listed with the exception of:

A. Illness. (Students claiming illness but having attended school the day of the concert and the day

following the concert will not be excused.)

B. Death in the immediate family.

C. Planned absence. This means that the director has been notified several weeks (if not months) in

advance, and that every attempt has been made to rectify the conflict.

5. Absences from a required concert such as the following will not be excused:

A. I had to work. Students are given the performance schedule on the first day of school so that they can

avoid conflicts with work schedules. Employers told far in advance of a specific date will most likely

avoid it.

B. I couldn’t find a ride. There are 200 students in the TC West High School Choir Program. Probably

one of them lives right near you and would gladly help you make it to and from the concert. If this isn’t

the case students should speak with their director about arranging to be picked up and dropped off.

C. I had family obligations. (Ie: I had to baby-sit. I had to go to a birthday celebration.) The

performance schedule is given out on the first day of school so that students can arrange their calendar and

avoid school/personal conflicts. Please do your best to honor the performance dates provided to you in a

timely fashion.

D. I forgot. Students are reminded daily (during class) for at least one week before an upcoming concert.

Also, a performance schedule is given out at the beginning of each semester.

6. If there is a school related conflict:

Each year the music faculty and administration create a school event calendar which is virtually free of

conflicts. There are times, however, when two events are scheduled at the same time and cannot be

avoided. When this happens it is the responsibility of the student to notify the teacher and the coach about

the conflict in a timely fashion. 95% of the time things can be worked out so that the student can

participate in both events. When participation in both events is NOT a possibility it is the responsibility

of the student to communicate clearly with the director and the coach as which event they will be attending.

(Whether it be attending the concert or attending the game.) TCAPS policy states that this notification must

be made two weeks prior to the event. If communication was evident well in advance, and a student must

miss a performance, an assignment and a singing exam will be provided for grade recovery.

GRADING SYSTEM

Textbooks

The textbook used for choir comes in the form of octavos. These will be assigned to each singer. Handouts will

also serve as resource tools throughout the year. Each student is required to bring his/her own choir folder to class

EVERYDAY, with assigned music and a pencil.

Major Course Skills

1. Written – Students will be able to understand and use basic music nomenclature (rhythms, notes, rests, letter names in treble and bass clefs, music vocabulary, intervals, key signatures, time signatures, scales,

chords, etc.) and gain a working knowledge of music theory and music history.

2. Sight-Singing/Ear-Training – Students will sing by sight rhythmic and melodic exercises and will write rhythmic and melodic dictation.

3. In-Class Performance - Using songs learned in class (and rehearsed individually by the student), students will sing alone or in small groups to be assessed for accuracy of parts, intonation, balance, posture, correct

breathing, diction, phrasing, memorization, etc.

4. Public Performance/Concerts – Using songs learned in class (and rehearsed individually by the student), students will sing in an ensemble and be graded on their performance on stage. They will also be graded on

their conduct as a member of the audience.

Rehearsal Points A. Vocal Technical Skill Building

a. Vocalizing is the single most important thing we can do to become better singers. b. Participation in this portion of the rehearsal is required to achieve the associated point(s). c. A student may lose points because they miss all or a portion of the warm up due to:

1. They are tardy to class (excused or unexcused).

2. They are not in their seat when the warm up begins.

3. They are not singing during the warm up because:

a. They are talking

b. They are still taking care of materials like backpacks or folders, etc.

c. They are idle

d. They are not using proper posture

B. Literature Study/Music Rehearsal Point(s) can also be lost during the rehearsal period.

1. Excessive Socializing or Talking Our primary goal in TC West Choirs is to make music of the finest quality. It is our goal

to ensure that rehearsals are run in a fun but efficient and effective manner at all times.

This should be the goal of the singers as well. It is easy to become distracted in a room

of 40 (or more) students. We will always try to keep you on task but it is your job to

accept some of the responsibility for your actions. It has been our experience that the

single most disruptive element to a rehearsal is excessive talking. Please come to choir

and SING. That is why we are here.

2. Gum, Candy, Food, or Pop

You can’t sing correctly with it in your mouth, and it messes up our choir room.

3. Materials not brought to or being used in class Fees will be assessed for lost or damaged music and folders.

4. Poor Posture This inhibits proper singing and is extremely disrespectful.

5. Idle Participation a. Doing homework from other classes.

b. Cosmetology

6. Disruptive Behavior

a. Behavior that is counterproductive to the class/team. b. Not staying in the seating chart c. Leaving before dismissal d. Rough housing e. Questionable teasing

f. Playing the piano before or after class. (Even if you’re good at it!!!)

g. Use of Cell Phone during rehearsal. a. Exceptions are made when students are given permission to enter dates or

make a call regarding a choir issue.

Performance Points Students earn required points for the quarter/semester by participating in mandatory concerts. Attendance

for the entire concert is required. We must all support each other’s portion of the concert.

Test Points

Several quizzes are administered throughout the year to test students’ musical comprehension and growth.

These tests may be written or sung. Students must be prepared to sing alone in front of the director (with

no one else present) or with a small group in front of the class. Intermediate and advanced students may be

asked to sing brief passages alone in front of the class.

Regarding a Reprimand or Loss of Points

If a singer honestly feels that s/he has been unjustly reprimanded by the director s/he should:

1. Wait until the class is over to discuss it.

2. Approach the director in a positive fashion.

- A good example would be: Mr. Wangeman, I understand that it must have looked like I

had bad posture to you, but I was actually tying my shoe.

- A bad example would be: Hey jerk, have you lost your sight along with your hair?

Couldn’t you see that I was actually just tying my shoe?

3. Be prepared to hear why the director felt you deserved a reprimand.

4. Remember, in a class of 40 (or more) students it isn’t always going to seem fair.

- For example: Perhaps you were talking, but so was someone else and they didn’t

receive a loss of points. Or perhaps you were just discussing the music with your

neighbor. We can’t accept these as excuses. Even though they are legitimate they are

still disruptive and unnecessary elements to an effective choral rehearsal.

5. Don't hold the issue over into the next rehearsal. This only makes things worse later on.

Creating a Culture of Excellence

The TC West Choir Way…

Participation/Service

In order to continue the once in a lifetime performance opportunities currently offered by the TC West

Choirs we need EVERY SINGER to help maintain the quality of this exceptional program. District

funding can only provide a small portion of the expenses necessary to maintain our extensive program.

Fundraising is the most effective way we can support learning opportunities for students. With this in mind

students are asked to support their program by participating in fundraisers and/or by contributing their

TIME. A form to document the EFFORT made by each student to help support their choir team will be

filled out and reviewed by the teacher and the student. This may be done annually or biannually.

Fundraisers

Each student in the choir program is asked to fundraise $150.00 to contribute to the Choir Program.

Students will be given several opportunities to raise this money, some of which do not involve sales.

All moneys made during fundraising campaigns help finance services provided to choir students in grades

9 – 12. Enhanced instruction and active choral participation are accomplished through a budget with

expenses including but not limited to: scholarships, instrumental accompanists, clinicians, music, travel,

recitals, technology and equipment, and numerous concerts and festivals.

Responsibility

Some of the best rewards of participating in a successful program like TC West Choirs are the skills and

values which can be learned by each member. Important lessons like responsibility, dependability,

honesty, accountability, and sportsmanship are just a few that are stressed. With this in mind students are

encouraged to ask themselves: “Is what I’m doing (or about to do) really being responsible?” For example:

A. Locked doors mean stay out. NOT “It’s ok for me to jimmy the lock and go in because I forgot my backpack.”

B. Folders (not purchased by the student) belong to the school and are the responsibility of each student. NOT “I lost my folder but I’ll just borrow one from another student until it shows

up.”

C. Uniforms belong to the school and are the responsibility of each student. NOT “I lost my tie but its ok because I’ll just get another one from the closet and not have to pay for it.”

D. The Choir Risers are designed for rehearsing. NOT “It’s ok if I eat my breakfast and some of it drops on the carpet. I can just smudge it in with my foot and no one will know the

difference.” ALSO “It’s ok if I clean out my bag and leave my old papers and this water

bottle on the floor. Mr. Wangeman, or a custodian will clean it up.”

E. Students should support one another and realize that everyone has a different interpretation and that they are usually trying their best to express it. NOT “Wow, he really sounded awful.

He makes the choir sound terrible,” OR “Why did Mr. Wangeman pick her for the solo? All

my friends said I was much better.”

F. Every singer makes a difference at every rehearsal. NOT “I watched the playoffs all last night so I’ll just skip rehearsal today and get caught up on my homework.”

G. Excessive communication (verbal and nonverbal) is extremely disruptive to the rehearsal process. NOT “It doesn’t matter if I whisper to my neighbor or silently communicate with the

cute alto across the room because Mr. Wangeman isn’t working with my section right now.”

When A Solo Must Be Chosen

One of the most difficult tasks a director faces is the selection of a soloist. When a piece calls for a soloist

every attempt will be made to do the following:

1. Set a timeline for auditions so that all students know how long they have to prepare and when the auditions will be.

2. Allow for more than one professional to choose the soloist. (This is not always possible, but may involve Mr. Wangeman, Mr. Wolf-Schlarf, Mr. Husser, or other

faculty members.)

3. Hold the audition time outside of rehearsal (except when issues of time or volume come into play.)

4. Inform students in a timely fashion who will receive the solo. (This is not always possible, but every attempt will be made.)

5. Grade each soloist on a scale using the following areas: 1. Accurate musicianship. Including: pitches, rhythms, interpretation, etc. 2. Intonation. 3. Memorization and pronunciation. 4. Stylistic Interpretation. This is where things become a little more difficult.

There are frequently several students who score equally when auditioning for a

solo. We have many exceptional singers in TC West Choirs. Frequently the

criterion for choosing a soloist becomes subjective. That is to say, who’s voice

or interpretation best fits the style of the piece.

There is no “I” in Choir!!!

Well, ok…there is. But the point being made here is that choir is a TEAM activity. Please remember that

every singer is integral to the team. Even those students who do not study privately or choose to participate

in extracurricular ensembles are important. The best singer, when singing alone, does not a choir make.

Each Choir Is Capable Of Achieving Success!

It is very easy for students to compare TC West Ensembles to one another. Please try to avoid this!!!

Rather than focus on who is, or was better, students are encouraged to consider the achievement level of

their own choir when thinking about a performance. For Example:

Incorrect: “West Men were better than Bella Voce because we got more applause and our sound

is bigger.”

Correct: “West Men were really well received by the audience but Bella Voce has a wonderful,

rich, and mature tone not heard in many high school women’s choirs.”

Incorrect: “Bel Canto isn’t as good as Chorale because Chorale has all the advanced singers.”

Correct: “Bel Canto is working hard every day to be the best choir they can be and they are

achieving at the top of their potential.”

Voice Lessons

Students in the TC West Choir Program are encouraged to study voice privately with a voice teacher.

Benefits of doing so include:

- Growth of vocal ability - Increased musicianship - Improved stage presence which benefits:

i. Communication skills ii. Presentation skills

iii. Interpersonal skills - Personal goal setting and achievement skills - Increased self confidence and stronger contribution to the choir team

Studying privately, however, does not guarantee that a student will move into a higher choir faster.

Progression through the Program

Auditions for placement for the next school year are usually held in the Spring. Students are asked to perform the following:

1. In a small group sing a portion of a piece we have worked on extensively in choir. Students are evaluated on their ability to hold their part within the choir.

2. In a small group sing a portion of a piece we have only recently introduced. Students are evaluated on the effectiveness and quickness of their learning skills.

3. In a small group students are given an 8 bar excerpt which they have never seen before. They are evaluated on their ability to use solfege as a sight singing system.

4. Within the context of the entire audition process, students are evaluated on: a. Pitch b. Rhythm c. Volume d. Tone e. Vocal Technique f. Ear Training

In addition to the audition students are also evaluated on the following: 1. Ability to work with the conductor. 2. Ability to work with the team toward successful goal achievement. 3. Ability to follow rules set forth in the grading portion of this handbook. 4. Attendance/Tardiness

a. At Concerts b. In Choir c. In School

A score is awarded to each student and then placement within the choirs is assigned. An example (scores change from year to year) of

scoring might be: CHORAL AIRES

Soprano Alto Tenor Bass

100 99 99 98

100 99 98 98

99 98 98 98

98 97 97 97

98 96 96 96

97 95 96 94

96 95 94 94

95 94 93 92

95 93 91 90

95 92 89 89

94 91 88 88

93 89 87 87

CHORALE

Soprano Alto Tenor Bass

92 88 86 85

92 87 86 85

91 86 86 85

89 85 85 84

89 85 85 84

88 84 84 83

87 84 84 83

86 84 84 82

86 83 83 79

85 83 83 79

84 82 82 78

83 82 80 78

83 81 79 76

82 81 79 75

81 80 78 75

80 80 78 74

79 79 77 73

79 79 77 71

It is very important for students to understand that scoring is a reflection of vocal ability and class/team contribution. It is not vocally

or developmentally healthy for anyone to progress through the program faster than their achievement level, regardless of their musical

aptitude. Students are encouraged to view their placement within the program as the best pathway to their highest vocal and musical achievement. They are then REQUIRED to work along with the others in their choir to achieve at the highest potential.

UNIFORM/DRESS CODE POLICIES

TC West Choirs are considered to be one of the finest high school choirs in the state. With this in mind, our

look should match our polished, professional sound. Unpolished looking choirs make a poor impression upon

audiences and judges. Long hair must be pulled off the face. All jewelry must be taken off. Concert attire

should be clean and neatly pressed for each performance.

ALTERATIONS – MUST BE COMPLETED BY CHOIR TEAM PICTURE DAY (September 22)

Alterations on a uniform are the responsibility of the student. Dresses should touch the tip of your shoe’s toe.

Pants should fall with a 2 inch break. PLEASE CUT NOTHING WHEN MAKING ALTERATIONS. Fold

hems under several times if necessary, but avoid cutting fabric. Taping of hems is NOT acceptable!

Students who do not demonstrate respect for the uniform policy may lose points from their concert

grade.

If you are unable to alter uniforms yourself, contact a professional tailor. TC West Choirs highly recommends:

MEN’S WEARHOUSE – Ask for Josh Bosma (Store Manager) or Jo Bohrer (Tailor).

Address: 3275 S Airport Rd., Traverse City, MI, 49684

Phone: (231) 929-0275

Should you outgrow your uniform please let the director know at least ONE WEEK before a performance.

This will give us time to refit a costume. There will not be time or facilities available to outfit you in a new

uniform right before a concert.

** A student who has lost or damaged a uniform will be charged the fees necessary for replacing it.

MEN’S UNIFORM

Tuxedo Coat, Pants, Vest, and Tie are provided for Varsity and Chorale Men. Tuxedo Shirts are purchased by

the student. Each student will also be given a TC West Choirs garment bag to help transport, organize, and

maintain the condition of their uniform. Uniforms must NOT be left at school unless instructed otherwise.

MEN’S ADDITIONAL RESPNOSIBILITIES

Black dress-shoes (preferably shiny) and black calf-length socks must be worn by every male choir singer.

Tuxedo Shirt should be cleaned after EVERY performance.

Choral-Aires men wear a vest and tie that is purchased by each individual. These are theirs to keep, sell, or pass down.

Fees: $20.00 Uniform Cleaning/Maintenance Fee $30.00 Tuxedo Shirt (if necessary)\

$TBA Choral-Aires Men Vest and Forehand Tie (CA Men Only)

WOMEN’S UNIFORM

Dresses will be provided. Each student will also be given a TC West Choirs garment bag to transport and help

organize and maintain the condition of their uniform. Uniforms must NOT be left at school unless instructed

to do so.

WOMEN’S ADDITONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Black Character Shoes (West Choirs will order character shoes in bulk for a discounted price of $30.00)

Black opaque knee-highs or nylons must also be worn by each female choir singer.

Wash dresses on a gentle cycle in cold water and hung to dry. (Never dry the dress in a clothes dryer.)

Choral-Aires women and Bella Voce must purchase and maintain their own dresses in addition to the school provided uniform.

Fees: $10.00 Uniform Maintenance Fee $30.00 Character Shoe Fee (if necessary)

$10.00 Choral-Aires Pearls (CA Women Only

$90.00 Choral-Aires and Bella Voce Dress

GENERAL INFORMATION

Choir is a great place for many students to learn about music and singing. Participation in Choir, however, is based upon a few basic

skills. Students must possess the ability to match pitch. They must also have a grasp of basic musical concepts. With that in mind it

is important to realize that each student is placed in a choir which best suits their vocal ability. It is not uncommon for a student to

move into a more advanced choir after one or two semesters. Likewise, students who plateau vocally (and are thus surpassed by other

singers) or have a hard time maintaining focus during rehearsals may move from an advanced choir into one of the developmental

choirs.

Music with a Sacred Text

TC West Choirs consistently receive highest ratings at festivals and competitions. Our program is recognized on local, state, national,

and world stages. This is because we sing music which is considered to be of the finest quality and because we perform it above the

level that many other choirs can. Some of this music (often taken from required lists) contains sacred text. It is our intent to expose

students to as many cultures and varieties of quality music as possible. It is not, however, our function or our desire to impose a series

of beliefs upon a student or group of students. Sacred music of any kind will be examined from a musical standpoint only. Textual

content will not be discussed. This statement is supported by material printed on the MSVMA Website and in the ACDA Journal.

Parent Involvement

TC West Choirs are highly recognized for their performance achievements on a national and international level. Individuals and

ensembles consistently receive superior ratings at district and state competitions and frequently go on to perform as Michigan’s top

vocalists at the Michigan Youth Arts Festival. Enrollment in TC West Choirs, grades nine through twelve, for the 2015-2016

school-year will exceed 180 students. Parent volunteers are an integral part of this successful program. Enhanced instruction and active choral participation are

accomplished through a budget with expenses including, but not limited to:

* Scholarships * Instrumental Accompanists * Clinicians

* Music * Travel * Recitals

* Technology * Equipment * Concerts and Festivals

All parents interested in supporting this amazing program are encouraged to attend monthly meetings which begin at 9:00 am in the

TC West Senior High School Choir Room. Meetings are held the second Saturday of each month. This year’s schedule is as follows:

September 10 February 11

October 8 March 18

November 12 April 8

December 17 May 13

January 7 June TBA

Page 1 of 6 – To be turned by Friday, September 16, 2016!

I have read the 2016 - 2017 TC West Choir Handbook and, by signing below, I acknowledge that I will uphold

the policies and procedures outlined in this document. I understand that participation in TC West Choirs is

contingent upon my positive contribution to the choir team and that my behavior and attitude directly affects the

outcome of our success this year.

Student Signature: ___________________________________________________________

Date:

Choir (circle one): Varsity Men Varsity Women Bel Canto Chorale Choral Aires

I have read the 2015-2016 TC West Choir Handbook with my child, and by signing below, I acknowledge that I

will support my singer by helping them uphold the policies and procedures outlined in this document.

Parent Signature: _____________________________________________________________

Date:

Page 2 of 6– To be turned by Friday, September 16, 2016!

Traverse City West Choir Parent Organization Needs YOU! So that we may best communicate with you, please provide the information below:

Your Child’s Name

Your Child’s Choir(s) Varsity Men Varsity Women

Bel Canto

Chorale Westmen Bella Voce

Mother’s Name

Mother’s Contact Email

Mother’s Contact Phone

I prefer to be contacted

Text Email

Father’s Name

Father’s Contact Email

Father’s Contact Phone

I prefer to be contacted

Text Email

We work with talented students, but we know parents and family members have talents too!

Please help make TC West Choirs stronger by lending your time and expertise to some

capacity.

Examples of Resources

- You have a business (or have a connection to a business) that could place an advertisement in the Ads & Sponsors Pictorial

or Musical Program.

o Your investment will be seen by the thousands of patrons that attend West Choir Concerts and events throughout the

year

- You have a business (or have a connection to a business) that could donate an item or service for auction at the Kirkbride

Christmas event.

o Tax Preparation

o Legal Services

o Personal Care Services (hair, nails, massage, etc.)

o Tutoring

o Lawn Care

- You have something specific/special (or you have a connection to something specific/special) you could donate for auction.

o One Week Summer Rental

o Fishing Excursion

o Gift Certificates for goods or services (Can be purchased and donated)

o Art (commissioned or juried pieces are best)

- You have a corporate contact (or you own a corporation) that would be willing to underwrite all or a portion of a major event.

Page 3 of 6 – To be turned by Friday, September 16, 2016!

Examples of Volunteering

- Ushering concerts and events

- Uniform Parent (distribution, data entry, sewing)

- Chaperone Events (requires clearance through TCAPS)

- Provide food or volunteer to serve food

- Special event assistance (set up/tear down, help decorations, build sets, festival guides)

So that we may solicit your expertise to help with TC West Choirs, please share you occupation and/or hobby.

MY JOB IS: ___________________________________________________________________________

MY HOBBY IS: _________________________________________________________________________

I am willing to be contacted to help out: YES No

GET INVOLVED

All parents are encouraged to attend regular meetings of the Traverse City West Choir Parent Organization. The meetings are

typically held the second Saturday of each month at 9:00 am in the WSH Choir Room. This group is the most impactful facet of our

choral program so PLEASE HELP. This year’s schedule is as follows:

September 10 February 11

October 8 March 18

November 12 April 8

December 17 May 13

January 7 June TBA

STAY INFORMED

Information about TC West Choirs can be found at our new website: www.tcwestchoirs.com

http://www.tcwestchoirs.com/

Page 4 of 6 – To be turned in Friday, September 16, 2016!

Page 5 of 6 – To be turned in by Friday, September 16, 2016!

UNIFORM SHEET

Name ________________________________________ Cell Number: ( __ __ __) __ __ __ - __ __ __ __

Circle all that apply: Varsity Men Varsity Women Bel Canto Chorale Chorale-Aires

MEN

_____ $20.00 Uniform Fee

_____ $30.00 Tuxedo Shirt (if necessary)

_____ $50.00 Choral Aires Men Vest and Forehand Tie (CA Men Only)

(As a reminder, men must purchase their own shiny black dress shoes.)

WOMEN

_____ $10.00 Uniform Fee

_____ $30.00 Character Shoe Fee (if necessary)

_____ $10.00 Choral Aires Pearls (CA Women Only)

_____ $90.00 Choral-Aires and Bella Voce Dress

Checks made payable to TCAPS. Please turn in this form and remit payment by Friday, September 16, 2016. Students do not

have to purchase the required uniform pieces through TCAPS as long as they have the exact make and model worn by the

choir. We will be purchasing items in bulk through whole-sale distributors to ensure the lowest prices available. Financial

assistance is available – students should speak with their directors to access aid.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------

For Office Use Only

Men’s Shirt Neck Size: __________ Women’s Character Shoe Size: __________

Men’s Shirt Sleeve Length: __________ CA Women’s Pearl Size: __________

CA Men’s Vest Size: __________ CA Women’s Dress Size: __________

Page 6 of 6 – To be turned by Friday, September 16, 2016!

Dear Music Booster Family: Welcome to the start of another exciting year in the world of TCAPS Music. Did you know that you and every family with a child in music at TCAPS, from Kindergarten through 12th grade, is a member of Traverse City Music Boosters? TC Music Boosters is an all-volunteer organization that supports music education in our schools.

What exactly do the TC Music Boosters do? Support all aspects in our K-12 music program

Provide 18 students with scholarships every year for summer camp or lesson

Provide mini-grants to TCAPS music teachers for purchase of classroom materials

Provide funding for clinics and master classes

Sponsor Annual Used Instrument Sale (band and orchestra instruments)

Sponsor Annual Benefit Concert in May

Offer financial support to the TC Music Boosters' Endowment Fund at the G.T. Regional Community Foundation

Advocating for all of the K-12 music programs-band, choral, orchestra and general music in our community.

What can you do to help TC Music Boosters? We are asking all families to return this form to their child’s music instructor as soon as possible. We will use your email to contact you regarding important TC Music Boosters and/or Music Education information and to alert you to exciting volunteer opportunities occurring at your school. We are also hopeful that you will be a regular visitor of the new TCAPS Music Department website. This site will have important updates and information about happenings in the TCAPS Music Department as well as other great material.

Other ways you can help include:

________ Donate an instrument

________ Make a monetary donation to the TC Music Boosters and include it when you return this form. Make checks payable to “TC Music Boosters”

________ Join the TC Music Boosters board (we meet bi-monthly)

Thank you for any help you can provide. If you have any questions, please contact the Music Department at 933-7570. Even if you are unable to help in the ways listed above, please give us your contact information so that we can include you on important TC Music Boosters and TCAPS Music Department information. Parent Name:_____________________________________________________ Phone: __________________________

Parent Email: ______________________________________________________________________________________

Student Name: ________________________________________ Instructor’s Name: _____________________________

** RETURN THIS FORM TO YOUR CHILD'S MUSIC TEACHER**

Music Boosters Newsletter

Fall 2016