W. C.

Miller
Collegiate
181-6th St SE, Altona, MB R0G 0B0
Phone: (204) 324-6416 Fax: (204) 324-8525
Email: wcmiller@blsd.ca
Principal: Mr. Jonathan Toews Vice Principal: Angela Pilkington Vice Principal: Michael Friesen
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September 29, 2015

Dear Parents/Guardians and Students,

Congratulations and welcome to the 2015-2016 Nova vocal jazz ensemble! I am excited to once again be
working with another vocal jazz filled with talented and enthusiastic individuals. This year is going to be filled
with many new and exciting opportunities, including our annual trip to Brandon Jazz Festival in March. Please
read below for more information on our attendance policy and some exciting changes for the year ahead.

New This Year

In an effort to create an optimal learning and performing environment for our students, we have made some
changes to our performance schedule for the year. One of the positive steps we have taken to achieve these
goals is to forego our traditional fall concert. Additionally, we have streamlined the spring concert to include
only our large, acoustic ensembles: Junior and Senior Band, Junior and Senior Choir and Chamber Choir. As a
result, we have created a space for the vocal jazz and jazz bands to perform at their own events throughout the
school year.

The two jazz concerts will be held on Thursday, January 21 and Thursday, May 12. These concerts will
present a more relaxed and casual atmosphere and will be held at a venue in Altona. More details will be
provided closer to the dates of performance.

Another new aspect of our jazz programs for this year is an earlier end date. Previously, these courses have
ended following the spring performance at the end of May. This year, the programs will conclude following the
final jazz concert on May 12. Students receive a half-credit for their participation in these ensembles and will
have completed their course requirements by the final concert.

Attendance Policy for Auditioned Groups

As a member of Nova, your child is a part of a unique opportunity to study music of higher quality in a smaller
group setting. In order for students to reach their full musical potential, a consistent presence and strong work
ethic is expected. For these reasons, our performance-based groups will run on a firm but fair attendance
policy.

Absences fall into three categories:

- Excused absences: Absences from class where a parent/guardian contacts the school (e.g. Illness,
family emergency)
- Unexcused absences: Absences from class without permission from the school or a parent/guardian
(e.g. Work, sleeping in, skipping)
 - School-Initiated Absences: Absences from class due to events initiated by the school (e.g. Sports
games or tournaments, field trips)

Absence due to a sports practice will only be permitted if prior arrangements have been made. Coaches are
made aware of our class times and are understanding of student commitments.
Practice Component
Every rehearsal constitutes a combination of note-learning, musical interpretation and skill-building and
developing group balance and blend. As students attend rehearsals, they develop the skills and techniques
needed to perform as an ensemble. A loss of rehearsal time cannot effectively be made up. However, it is
important that students contribute to the progress of the group by ensuring that they return to class with a firm
grasp of the repertoire.

Students will be required to make up for lost class time due to any absence by completing 45 minutes of
singing practice within 2 weeks of the date of the absence. Students are also asked to obtain any missed
information by making contact with a classmate prior to the following class. These practice records will be
worth 5% per absence up to a maximum of 20%. Failure to complete a practice record within this time will be
reflected in their grade. Students will be provided with practice guidelines which will be available on the class
website: www.millerchoirs.weebly.com

Paper copies of practice records can be obtained in class, or students can fill out an online practice record by
submitting one on the class website (listed above).

Notification of Absence
If a student becomes aware of a conflict with class such as a school-initiated event, it is requested that students
notify Mrs. Banman at least three school days in advance of the absence. This is to allow the opportunity for
alternate scheduling arrangements to be made if multiple students are going to be missing from rehearsals.

For students who are or will be involved in extra-curricular sports activities, it is requested that students
provide Mrs. Banman with their game schedule at the beginning of the sport season so that we can
arrange for appropriate rehearsal times that will reflect the students that will be present. Failure to
notify Mrs. Banman may result in a denied request to miss class time for games.

Consistent Attendance
As these groups are small in number, the absence of each student can greatly impact rehearsal effectiveness.
Therefore, if a student misses three classes due to unexcused absences, a home contact will be made and a
meeting will be held with school administration to discuss the stipulations for continuation in the course. This
does not include exceptional situations where previous arrangements have been made.

It is my sincerest desire that all students can remain positive contributing members of these ensembles. Please
return the signed form by Friday, October 2. By signing this form, you are acknowledging that you understand
and support the above policy. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at 204-324-6416 or
BanmanC@blsd.ca

Sincerely,

Christina Banman _______________________________

Choral Director Signature of Parent/Guardian
_______________________________
Signature of Student