East Hampton Middle School Chorus

Ms. Melanie Mesiano, Director

September 2014

Dear Members and Families of the Middle School Chorus,

Welcome to the East Hampton Middle School Chorus! You can look forward to a
year full of quality performances and unique opportunities! I am dedicated to raising the
bar to perform challenging music and sharing many rewarding experiences with you over
the course of the school year. This letter will outline the expectations, grading policies
and attire. The closing portion of the letter includes an agreement form for both the
student and the parent/guardian to sign. Return the signed Commitment Form to Ms.
Mesiano no later than Monday, September 8. Please keep the expectations portion to
refer to throughout the year. The dates of the mandatory performances for each choir are
listed in this letter. Please take note and add them to your family calendar. It is crucial that
all students are committed to attending all performances throughout the year, not only
because it is part of the class grade, but because of the ultimate responsibility to the group.
The East Hampton Music Program is successful because of the contributions and
efforts of everyone involved, and it depends on the support of the students, parents and
community.
COMMUNICATIONS
I will keep you informed of your childs progress in chorus through interim and
grade reports. If there are any immediate concerns, I will contact you by phone. You can
also reach me via email at melanie.mesiano@ehufsd.org or you may call the main office to
leave a message.
GRADING
Students will be graded on class participation and preparedness, small group
evaluations, music reading assessments and attendance at all concerts. ALL CONCERT
PERFORMANCES ARE MANDATORY. Any student who misses a performance will
be assigned a make-up project to suffice for the grade. No exceptions. The project grade
will count for the concert attendance grade which is 30% of the quarterly average.

CLASSROOM RULES

1. Do Your Work!
2. Respect the Rights of our Group! (space, language and classroom behavior)
3. Be On Time & Prepared for Class!
4. No GUM or HATS allowed in the Chorus Room!





Quarterly Average Breakdown
Class Participation 50%
Concert Attendance 30%
Quizzes & Written Class Work 20%

CONCERT DATES
Winter Concerts
7/8
th
Grade: Wednesday, December 3 @ 7 pm
6
th
Grade: Thursday, December 11 @ 7 pm
Valentine Cabaret
7/8
th
Grade Chorus: Tuesday, February 10 @ 7pm
Spring Concerts
6
th
Grade: Wednesday, May 13 @ 7 pm
7/8
th
Grade: Wednesday, May 27 @ 7 pm

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES
1.) NYSSMA Solo Festival: Students who are interested in putting in extra work
and effort may participate in NYSSMA. Small group lessons are scheduled during the
students lunch period approximately 10 weeks prior to the NYSSMA Competition in
May. In order to be considered and selected for All-County in Middle School, students
must first participate in the NYSSMA Solo Competition.
2.) The Bonnettes! Our all-girls select choir!! Auditions will be held in
September. This group is for students who excel in chorus and would like to be
committed to an extracurricular ensemble. Students who are accepted into the group must
be available for Monday rehearsals after school. IF YOU PLAY A SPORT, YOU MUST
MAKE ARRANGEMENTS WITH YOUR COACH TO BE AT REHEARSALS ON
MONDAYS 2:40pm-3:15pm.

CONCERT DRESS
*The School Dress Code applies to Concert attire
BOYS: White collared long-sleeved shirt with a long tie and black pants.
GIRLS: White blouse and a black skirt (knee length or longer), appropriate dress shoes
**PLEASE NO FLIP-FLOPS, SNEAKERS, OR JEANS!!

Thank you for taking the time to read and understand the expectations and policies
of the Middle School Chorus. I look forward to making music with you and getting to
know you throughout your academic career at East Hampton Middle School.

Sincerely,



Ms. Melanie Mesiano






COMMITMENT FORM

Return ONLY this page of the packet to Miss Mesiano by Monday, September 8.
Please remember to keep the remainder of the packet for your reference.


I have read and agree to follow the policies, and requirements for being a member of
the East Hampton Middle School Chorus.

Student Name___________________________________________ Date __________

Student Signature________________________________________________________

Parent /Guardian Signature________________________________________________

Phone Number ___________________________ E-mail_________________________