I am Mrs. Kylee Garcia, the director of choirs at Chapa Middle School (CMS). I have been at CMS for the last five years and I reside here in Kyle with my husband, our two-year old son, and our dog. This year, I am so happy to provide a safe environment for every student who is motivated to sing daily, alone and with others in the Chapa Choir. The Choirs of Chapa Middle School are designed to give your student a well-rounded choral music experience. Our motto is Establishing a Tradition of Excellence, where we focus on helping each student build skills and knowledge to lay a foundation of success fostering the skill sets that they already have!

As a member of the Chapa Choirs, you and your family will be key to making this choral program successful! There are at least (3) three concert performances that are required for each student in choir to perform as part of the coursework, held after-school hours. We invite families to come see their growth as singers and performers.

Details about each choir calendar item will be sent out via email/included in our newsletters as they approach. Please be sure to check the email you provided the school regularly and reach out immediately when there are questions or concerns. I use the s’more website for newsletters. Please be sure to double check they stay out of the spam folder.

We also have a Chapa Choir linktree with helpful links, https://linktr.ee/chapachoir (Remember to bookmark). Additionally, we will be using Schoology for student assignments and supplemental resources. Please emphasize the importance of home practice/learning for choir.

For live updated information throughout the year, subscribe to our social media by liking our Facebook Page and following us on Instagram [@ChapaChoir] or Twitter. As for direct communication, the quickest way to reach me is through email. I also have a Google Voice number that parents/guardians may call and text when needed. Subsequently, Remind texting will be used for group reminder messages, please be sure to sign-up and label yourselves with students’ names in order to avoid irrelevant/duplicate choir reminders.

With all that said, please read the following handbook information closely and carefully, fill out the Choir Parent Contact/Policy Agreement Google Form Link, and save all dates accordingly. Overall, I look forward to a fun, musical, and educational school year!

Best Wishes,

Mrs. Kylee Garcia

Contact Information

Email: Kylee.Garcia@hayscisd.net or GarciaK@g.hayscisd.net

Choir Office Phone (Call): (512) 268-8500 Ext: 47831

Google Voice/Mobile (Text/Call): (774) 478-6401

Remind (Group Reminders/Text): Codes are specific to each choir (see final page)

All the @ChapaChoir Links: https://linktr.ee/chapachoir

Chapa Choir Ensembles

Here at CMS, our choirs are divided into skill-level/voice-type/effort-based ensembles. Students are placed according to the following descriptions as well as taking into consideration the rest of their schedule and their priorities as such.

6th Treble Choir

This choir is a performance group devoted to the study and performance of music from a wide spectrum of musical styles. This includes an introduction to fundamental singing techniques, musical reading skills, and part-singing that are all necessary foundations for the developing musician. This group performs at all major concerts of the year as part of the grade. *Special attention is also given to developing performance skills and vocal production for the changing adolescent female & male voice while exploring the many aspects of music.* This choir performs at all major concerts during the year as part of the grade. Selected/Optional events also occur throughout the year that singers have the opportunity to participate in. The class is open to all 6th grade students who would like to join choir and focuses on expanding/exploring vocal technique.

JV Treble/Tenor Choirs

This is a continuation of the choral experience designed to provide students with a basic music literacy, which enables them to sample music from diverse musical practices and periods. Students will explore musical concepts, terminology, and reading skills through the music studied each concert period. This class is open to anyone who would love to sing with a group. Selected/Optional events also occur throughout the year that singers have the opportunity to participate in. This choir performs at all major concerts during the year as part of the grade.

Varsity Treble/Varsity Tenor/Bass Choirs

These groups are for experienced singers desiring a more intense choral experience. Singers continue to develop skills in music theory, ear training, sight singing, and vocal technique. Primary emphasis is given to advanced repertoire and performance. Ensemble singing, intonation, part reading, three- and four-voice harmony and a cappella works are all a part of this course. These choirs also go to the UIL Contest and Sight-reading Competition where they are adjudicated in the CC Middle School Division. These choirs perform at all concerts during the year as part of the grade as well as some special requested concerts during the school day or after. Admission in this choir is through audition and selection of the instructor and for 7th and 8th graders only.

Choir Member & Director Expectations

The following expectations are set for all choir members:

Kindness towards all: ourselves, our director, our environment and our peers.
Maintain eligibility at all times and support and encourage other choir members to do the same. (i.e., attendance, other academics and behaviors)
Concentration and focus – Both of these are required for successful choir rehearsals. This means not talking when the director is talking and following along in your music when other sections are working.
Good Posture – It is the only way you can make the best sounds possible.
Be a positive role model by conducting themselves in a way that will not require disciplinary actions such as: LD, ASD, ISS, Saturday School, and IMPACT

In turn you will expect the following out of me, the director:

Kindness towards myself, our environment and our choir family.
Preparedness – I will come to choir each day with my music well prepared and will have a plan for success for each rehearsal
I will come to the rehearsal with energy and excitement – I will give you 110%.
A continuing desire to teach

A note about Performances...

Etiquette Grades

Singers are expected to conduct themselves in a manner befitting Chapa Choir as they are informed of those expectations well in advance. Misbehavior during a concert or any performance will not be tolerated, and discipline measures may be taken during the concert or afterward. This will also affect their etiquette test grades [TEKS: 117.12, 15, 18 (B) 6A, 6B].

Classroom Expectations

Respect People

Keep hands, feet, and materials to yourself
Use positive and appropriate language (be kind)
Consider other people’s feelings, thoughts and ideas

Respect Property

Ask permission to use anything not belonging to you and return it in the same condition
Keep your environment clean and organized

Respect Learning

Follow CHAMPs and DYOD expectations
Arrive to class on time and be prepared by having materials and assignments

*Good behavior and model citizenship should be synonymous with the Chapa Choirs, both on and off campus. Hopefully, these behaviors will be commonplace this year; however, when a student breaks a class, school, or district rule or policy the following procedures will be implemented (See below)*

Discipline Procedures

1st offense – Verbal Warning

2nd offense – Lunch detention with parent communication

3rd offense - Multiple days of Lunch detention with parent contact

4th offense – After school detention with parent communication possibly Ineligible for next optional field trip/social event.

5th offense – Parent/Teacher conference (and the Team if needed)

6th offense – Referral

Additionally, students will not be allowed to participate in after school optional/social activities or trips if they are in ISS on the day in which the activity is scheduled or if their behavior warrants them to not participate. Regaining of eligibility is case-by-case. Mrs. Garcia has the final say. Singers are still required to attend mandatory performances unless they are suspended.

Ultimately, it is our goal to provide a safe, positive, and productive learning environment for all choir members. Behavior that hinders this environment will go through the steps listed above and will be taken into consideration for all events and future placement in choir ensembles. Repeated offenses and unexcused absences will be handled case-by-case and can result in removal from an ensemble or the choir program. All steps will be documented and communicated to administration as necessary.

Grading Policy

I want to emphasize that Choir is a performance course that incorporates various methods of learning. We will cover many TEKS that not only include singing the music but learning the language of music. Musical growth is achieved through performances, which require a commitment to skill development including written/online assessments. Please aim to support your singers with a quiet practice space and help build their confidence (our families are sometimes the scariest audience).

Daily Grade/Rehearsal Accountability – 40% of Grade

This includes classwork and vocal assessments, Sight-reading and ear training, as well as basic Music Preparation and rehearsal etiquette.

Be prepared for class (pencil, music, and binder) and in place when class begins
Participate and contribute to the rehearsal process; sing when asked to do so
Work on and demonstrate good posture and proper vocal technique when singing
Complete and turn-in all online Schoology assignments
Complete and turn-in any written assignments
Following directions of the director and classroom expectations

Make-Up Daily Work

Absent singers must make-up any work within five (5) class days of the absence. Singers are able to view missed work via Schoology on most occasions however it is their responsibility to communicate any questions within 2 days of the absence in order to stay on track. Look for updated choir tutorial/Academic Coaching schedules in emailed newsletters.

Tests/Concert Performances – 60% of Grade

Assessments in this category make-up for 60% of the singers’ overall choir grade for each nine weeks. This includes performance grades in addition to some in-class or online written assessments.

All Major Concerts (Fall, Winter, Spring, etc.) count four times in the grade book

Audience Etiquette* Test
Stage Etiquette* Test
Concert Performance Test
Post-Performance Self/Group Evaluation Test

**Friendly Reminder: Singers are expected to stay for the entire duration of all concerts due audience etiquette test and to perform in combined finale.

Pre-UIL / UIL / Festival Performances
School Assembly Performances
In-Class Sight Reading Assessments
Written Semester Exams

*Etiquette Grades: Singers are expected to conduct themselves in a manner befitting Chapa Choir as they are informed of those expectations (and practiced) well in advance.

Rehearsal/Concert Attendance Policy

In addition to district and school policies, the following guidelines outline attendance procedures for the Chapa Choir. Please note that Daily Class = Rehearsals and that Concerts= One-night-only tests.

Daily attendance in choir class rehearsal is expected. Singers not present at the appropriate time may be marked tardy/absent. Singers are responsible for any new material learned or rehearsed while they were absent and may need to spend additional time on their own before or after school in order to fulfill any learning objectives missed during the absence. Please note that the school tardy policy applies to choir. Graded after school rehearsals also count and may not have an opportunity for recapturing credit.

Concert attendance is the most important opportunity any choir singer has which are classified as test grades. The nature of the activity is such that no amount of individual effort can truly substitute for group participation. On our Choir Event Calendar there will be three types of events: Required, Selected and Optional. This calendar is shared at the very beginning of the year with all stakeholders and multiple updates/reminders are given. All Major (Fall, Winter, Spring) concerts are REQUIRED which are major test grades. There will be a couple of additional required performances throughout the year for selected groups which will also affect singers’ overall grade and status within the choir program. Please take the time now to read the calendar and subscribe to our calendar online so ride arrangements can be made, and conflicts can be avoided.

Not having a ride is counted as an unexcused absence – so make necessary arrangements ahead of time.

Any member who may have a problem attending a choir function must contact the choir director IN ADVANCE to satisfactorily resolve the problem or to arrange for an expected absence or tardy to be excused. These absences must be excused by the director in writing (7) seven class days before the event/concert. As for emergencies on the day of the concert, please call (512) 268-8500 Ext. 47831 and leave a message explaining the absence before the concert begins (anytime afterward it will be counted as unexcused).

Make-Up Tests/Concert Performances

Every absence from a required performance (like concerts and competitions) will require a make-up assignment no matter the reason. Performances are to singers as “The Big Game” is to an athlete. Students are evaluated in a one-night only group performance for their progression of skills as their assessment grade which requires the support of other students as well.

It is the singer’s responsibility to communicate with the director the day following the performance and receive the make-up assessment for (4) four test grades. Singers have till the third-class day to turn in the test. After that due date, Per E5 Grading Guidelines: Students may be required to attend a Mandatory ICU to complete any missing and/or unsatisfactory assignments turned in after the due date for a maximum grade of 70. Non-compliance may result in disciplinary action. Any assignments there after not completed and submitted may be given the grade of a zero and can result in a failing report card grade.

Concert/Performance Attire

Fall and other Informal Concerts

All choirs will wear this year’s choir shirt, blue or black full-length pants without holes in them, and closed-toed solid neutral shoes (no flip flops/slides/sandals/heels).

Winter and UIL/ Formal Concerts:

Treble – May choose from the following:

Black or mostly black knee length dress (it can have a print on it, but the main color needs to be black)
Black skirt or pants (no jeans) and a white, black, or mostly black top
Closed-toed shoes (no sneakers or Vans or high-heels)

Tenor/Bass

Black or dark colored pants
White or solid colored long-sleeved button down shirt
Black socks and Black shoes (no sneakers or Vans)

UIL Treble

Black concert dress provided by the Chapa Choir
Black closed toed shoes (no sneakers or Vans)

UIL Tenor/Bass

Black Tuxedo Shirt and Green Tie Provided by the Chapa Choir
Black Pants (Available for borrow by request while supplies last)
Black socks and Black closed toe shoes (no sneakers or van)

Facilities & Materials

Choir Room

We are fortunate to have a facility dedicated to the Chapa choirs. Maintaining the choir room should be top priority for our students. Therefore, no food or drink (except water that is in a sealable container) is allowed in the choir room during class rehearsals. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Piano/Electric Piano/Sound System/Other Technological Teaching Aids

Because these are vital to the class rehearsal process, singers are allowed to play them only with director permission. Students are not to touch any keys/buttons on devices without permission. These are meant as practicing tools and therefore, singers who are actually practicing will be given preference. Also, do not place any belongings (especially water) on top of them. Repeated offenses will result in disciplinary action.

Music

Throughout the year, singers will be given music for which the Chapa Choir has paid for. These should be treated as your textbook and will be returned in good condition at the end of the semester. If students lose their music, or if it is in poor condition when it is returned, they must pay for a replacement - even if it is a copy. Singers may only use pencil when marking their music.

Choir Supplies

In order for successful class rehearsals to take place, all singers must be prepared for each and every class. All singers will be supplied the following materials for the school year and will be stored in the choir room for your use.

Chapa Choir Binder

Binder Pencil Bag
Sharpened Pencils/ Mechanical Pencil
Choral Repertoire (sheet music)

Note a replacement fee may be charged for any lost or damaged supplies belonging to the choir program.

*Requested supplies from Choir families: Nut-free Snacks, Hand Sanitizer, Tissue boxes and additional pencils.

Financial Obligations

District budget does not fully cover many of the choir program’s. Therefore, a choir fair-share fee is asked of all singers to help cover the cost of, including but not limited to, basic supplies, student meals, offset trip costs and the choir shirt. Please pay strict attention to deadlines on the choir calendar and emails. Financial obligations must be taken care of by posted deadlines, or singers may not be eligible to participate in selected campus or choir events/socials/trips. Communication with Mrs. Garcia is crucial in matters of finances. If you anticipate complications in meeting a deadline, please do not hesitate to contact me to see if we might be able to work out an alternative plan to better meet your situation.

**Please refer to our link tree for the online payment link**

Fundraising

Every choir singer is allowed to participate in multiple fundraisers. It is highly encouraged that they take advantage of these opportunities to help off-set some of the financial burden that may arise for families, but to also help support the choir with other big ticket items that otherwise would not be able to be purchased. All funds raised from will go to a choir account held by the district and will be used for the direct benefit of the whole group of the singers (no individual accounts). Fundraising amounts earned are by law the property of the school district.

Student Conduct

As a member of the Chapa Middle School Choir, individuals will represent the entire choir program, the school, the community and each of our families. The appearance and behavior of each choir member should reflect pride in the fine reputation held by this organization and the tradition of excellence in this program. The Hays CISD Extracurricular Code of Conduct will be upheld.

Individual behavior during a choir function is a reflection of the group. Mrs. Garcia expects that all of its singers will exhibit those behaviors that are most conducive to a pleasant and productive working environment.

Optional Events/ Socials/ End of Year Trips

Singers are eligible for the end-of-year trip if they pay the required fee(s) by the deadline(s) for the trip, uphold the Hays CISD Extracurricular Code of Conduct, and are in good standing with the choir program according to Singer & Classroom Expectations. This also goes for any other events throughout the year including socials, specifically OPTIONAL extra performances and after-school events. All matters of ineligibility are handled case-by-case and at the directors’ discretion.

Hays CISD Extracurricular Code of Conduct

(The title above is linked to the full code of conduct)

The purpose of the Hays CISD Student Extracurricular Code of Conduct is to maintain the safety and integrity of district extracurricular activities and teams. All student participants and parents are to be aware that the students represent the school district at all times when a student chooses to participate in extracurricular activities. This Code shall be used throughout the school year including the summer and holiday breaks, on and off campus. Any appeals to the decisions made based on this document should be addressed through the District’s grievance process, outlined in Board Policy FNG (LOCAL).

@Chapa Choir 22-23’ Checklist

The links for each step are also provided at the QR CODE→

Read handbook and be sure you can receive emails from Mrs. Garcia (Most importantly newsletters from S’more.com).

Bookmark https://linktr.ee/chapachoir for your one-stop link-shop.

Sign-Up for your students class choir Remind app group:

1st Period: JV Tenor Choir - https://www.remind.com/join/jvtenorc
3rd Period: Varsity Treble Choir - https://www.remind.com/join/vartrebc
4th Period: Varsity Tenor Bass Choir - https://www.remind.com/join/vartenbass
6th Period: JV Treble Choir - https://www.remind.com/join/jvtrebch
7th Period: 6th Treble Choir - https://www.remind.com/join/6treblec

Like @ChapaChoir Social Media pages for program updates and highlights (Facebook, Instagram & Twitter)

Add our Google Calendar and customize your notifications. This is a full program calendar for all ensembles (see emails for participation details)

Sign the online Choir Handbook acknowledgment Google Form. Call for any concerns about the info in this handbook.

Pay Choir Fair-Share Fee which includes the T-Shirt (Online RevTrak recommended). Suggested Payment Schedule: September 5th 2022 - $10, October 3rd 2022 - $5, November 7th 2022 - $5

Contact Mrs. Garcia directly anytime there is a question or concern.

Contact Information

Email: Kylee.Garcia@hayscisd.net or GarciaK@g.hayscisd.net

Choir Office Phone (Call): (512) 268-8500 Ext: 47831

Google Voice/Mobile (Text/Call): (774) 478-6401

@Chapa Choir 22-23’ Calendar

Note: All details are subject to change. Please refer to emails/newsletters for updates. Specific choirs/singers will be invited to the additional events. Underlined events are required for all singers.

Practices: All Choir Students will have before or after-school sectionals during the year to prepare for Spring UIL/Contest performances. Schedules will be released at-least two weeks prior to required practices. Students music practice appropriate time management with other after school activities.

Fall 2022

Mon. Aug. 22nd ! Choir Handbook Acknowledgement Form Due
Wed. Sep. 7th ! Choir Fair-Share Fee Payment Due
Wed. Sept. 14th 6:00-8:00pm: CMS Open House
Thurs. Oct. 6h 6-7 PM : Fall Chapa Choir Concert @ Hays PAC (5:30 Call Time)
Fri. Oct. 21st 5:30 - 7:30 PM: LHS Homecoming Game Nat’l Anthem w/ LHS & SMS
Beginning in Oct. After School All-Region Choir Practices
Beginning in Nov. - After School Music Memory UIL Team Practices
Nov. 11th - Veterans Day Assembly Performance (School Day)
Thurs. Dec. 1st , 5-9 PM: Kyle Christmas Tree Lighting (Performance Time TBA) @ City Sq Park
Wed. Dec. 7th 7:30 - 8:15 PM: Winter Chapa Choir Concert @ Hays PAC (7:00 Call Time)
Sat. Dec. 10th , 9AM- 4 PM: Choir Caroling Tour w/LHS & SMS @ Kyle Community + Gatti Town

Spring 2023

Fri. Jan TBD 4:30 – 6:00 PM: CMS/SMS All-Region Choir Practice @ LHS Choir Room
Sat. Jan 21st 8AM- 3PM: Audition Day- All-Region Choir @ TBA
Late Jan/Early Feb, During School Day: Elementary Feeder Tour - Varsity Ensembles
Sat. Feb 4th 8AM- 6PM: Clinic & Concert- All Region Choir @ Austin PAC
Thurs. Feb 16th: Black History Month Performance (School Day) @ CMS - All Choirs
Wed. Mar 22nd 8AM- 5PM: Pre-UIL Choir Festival (CMS Time TBA) @ Hays PAC
Wed. April 5th 7:30AM- 6:00PM : UIL Concert & Sight-Reading Choir Evaluations- Day 1 (CMS Time TBA) @ Austin PAC
Thurs. April 6th 7:30AM- 6:00PM: Concert & Sight-Reading Choir Evaluations UIL – Day 2 (CMS Time TBA) @ Austin PAC
April TBD - Solo & Ensemble Contest After School at CMS
End of Year Six Flags/Schlitterbahn Trips: Late April or May
Beginner/JV Choir Contest Performance(s): Early May
Thurs. May 18th 7:30-8:30 PM: Spring Chapa Choir Concert @ Hays PAC (7:00 Call Time)

Just FYI of some additional Items that may occur are…

After School Choir Socials either at CMS or LHS
Additional School Day Assembly Performances
National Anthem Solo VFW Contest March (TBD)
Spotlight on Opera “Opera By Night” Field Trip to Austin Long Center (Nov/Feb/April)
Basketball/Volleyball (Spurs or TXST) Choir Performance Trips (Fall or Spring)
Last Day of School Invitation Only Splash Party for Returning Choir Members

Thank you for your patience and understanding when navigating the school year. Keep all information up to date and reach out as needed. Have a Magical Day! ~ Mrs. K. Garcia (774) 478-6401

– Page CMS CHOIR HANDBOOK