Classroom Expectations
1.) Treat others with kindness and respect. Everyone has a place in this classroom and school.
2.) Do not talk while a teacher or another student is talking.
3.) Actively participate at all times. Watch your part as Mr. Record is working with another section.
4.) Arrive on time and prepared. Be in your seat, with your music and a pencil, when the bell rings.
5.) Do not use electronic devices during class unless given specific permission.
6.) Do not eat or drink anything other than water in the classroom (including gum).
7.) The choir program runs off the the rules that are in the HMS and DMSD Handbook.
The expectation of the Choir Room are fairly simple and all fall under the common umbrella of RESPECT. Below are the expectations explained.
RESPECT OF SELF
+ Get the most out of your education. Pay attention. Work hard. I am spewing free advice at you - absorb it!
+ Choices made by individual students during class can positively or negatively affect their own learning as well as other students’ experience and the success of the group as a whole. Additionally, personal conduct at public performances reflects not only on students but also the director, the choral program, the school, and the district.
+ Please, for your own safety, spit out your gum on the way into the room. Gum and choir do NOT mix. You will be inhaling deeply on a regular basis. The school does not condone choking in our class. For your convenience, gum receptacles (otherwise known as trash cans) have been placed around the room and at the doorway to the room!
+ As long as we are talking gum, spit it out before each concert as well. Aside from the danger to your health, it is distracting and looks unprofessional.
RESPECT OF EACH OTHER
+++ The Choir Room is a Judgement Free Zone. We understand that in order to grow, we must take risks. In order to take risks, we must feel safe. In order to feel safe, we must not feel judged. While diversity is what makes our culture and communities colorful and strong, it is also the source of differences amongst us. We will focus on what we have in common and honor our differences. Remember that we are all a part of something bigger than ourselves. Each singer is somebody's child, sibling, cousin, niece/nephew, best friend, pet owner, employee, etc. Each singer is entitled to walk this earth and "be." While you are not required to like everyone you encounter in life, we do ask that you show everyone mutual respect!
+ Unless specifically called for by your director, your phone does not belong in rehearsal. Phones will be kept out of sight in your backpack or pocket. Whatever is waiting for you on your phone will STILL BE THERE when the bell rings. Be present in the moment... for this specific moment, in this minute, making these memories and this music, will NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN. For the rest of your life. Soak it all up... then snap and instagram about it later. For further explanation, see video below.
+ Please be in your seat, with your music and a pencil (not a pen), ready to sing as the bell rings or class starts. We do not have a lot of time together and we need to make the most of it! If you respect the time spent in the classroom, I will reward your time.
RESPECT OF PROPERTY
+ While the choir room is easily your second home, do not mistake it as your bedroom or your locker. Do not leave items in the room long term, or they will be thrown away or taken to lost and found.
+ When hydrating yourself in the choir room, make sure that you are drinking CLEAR LIQUIDS ONLY. Starbucks, Dunkin', Caribou, Energy Drinks, Soda, etc. are great, but are not allowed in the general seating area. If you bring these in to class, they will be stored by the door until the end of class. Water is good for your body. Drink more of it. On occasion, you may observe your director with non-clear liquid. I am sorry about it ahead of time, but your director is an old person with a college degree. When you reach this point in life, you can bend this rule as needed, too. I don't mean to be unfair... it's just life. Aging and wisdom must have SOME advantage.
+ Throw away your garbage... in the garbage can! I solidly believe that custodians are human beings that we uphold and thank for keeping our room clean and germ free. They work very hard in a school the size of ours. That is a big enough job without having to pick up trash after all of the classes and choirs each day. Keep your area clean. If you see trash - throw it away, whether it is yours or not. Be a good person!
+ Take care of your folder, your music, and instruments. These things are expensive. Pay attention to what you are doing when grabbing and putting away your folders and when you are walking around the room. Every student has a designated area for your choir music. Use it and please don't touch anyone else's! If you need another piece of music or another paper, communicate it with the director.
This is an important 15 minute video, not required, but encouraged to watch. Every time he mentions the "workplace," replace it with "school." Every time he mentions "conference room" replace it with "choir room." Contemplate how we interact with each other during class each day and what you can do to be truly present with one another.
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