Downers Grove Children’s Choir Handbook
The mission of the DGCC is to help children experience the joys of choral singing in a positive environment. The children will learn the fundamental techniques of breath control, articulation, tone production, tone placement, enunciation, as well as the fundamentals of reading music, musical interpretation, concentration, and concert protocol. The methods of teaching will be tailored to fit the children’s level of maturity, physiological development, and intellectual potential.
POLICIES
ATTENDANCE
Choir members should arrive at rehearsal ten minutes before rehearsal time on every Thursday. Choristers should have a nutritious snack after, prior to rehearsal. Cheese, fruit, or a small portion of chicken or turkey, or some other high-protein food (avoid sugar, please) will help the students sustain energy through a long practice session or concert. Drink plenty of water.
When you arrive at rehearsal:
1. Students should go immediately to their assigned place and wait quietly for the rehearsal to begin. They should not leave the rehearsal room unless permission has been given by one of the music directors.
2. Parents are encourage to pick up students promptly after rehearsals. The directors must wait until all choristers have a ride home, but may not transport any chorister to his/her home.
3. Attendance at rehearsals and performances must be top priority for each choir member. Please try not to schedule conflicting appointments during the Thursday rehearsal times.
4. When an absence occurs, a written note from parents excusing the absence should be brought to the rehearsal following the absence.
FOLDER AS MAILBOX
Your child’s folder will act as a “mail box” for both parents and the organization.
PLEASE check your child’s folder AFTER EACH REHEARSAL for pertinent information.
MUSIC
Each chorister is issued a DGCC folder with music that will be exchanged for new music once during the year. The folder and music are on loan from the DGCC library and must be returned when requested. Should any part of the loaned materials be lost, a fee will be charged.
Handling And Care Of Music:
1. Folder and music must be brought to all rehearsals unless otherwise notified.
2. Music must always be kept in the folder for protection.
3. Never fold or roll your music.
PRACTICE
You will be assigned specific music to practice and memorize each week. Fifteen minutes of practice a day will ensure that all assignments are completed. The success of our performances depends on your practice at home.
BEHAVIOR
Rehearsal:
1. Remember that we are guests in the rehearsal school. Do not go into any part of the building except the restrooms and rehearsal room. The restrooms should be neat and clean at the end of rehearsal.
2. Show kindness, respect, and courtesy to all adults and students.
3. Consider each other a potential friend, a gifted musician, and a special person. Show kindness, respect, and courtesy to all adults conducting, chaperoning, or listening to you.
Concerts away from home:
We are guests at all of our performing locations and must behave in a quiet, courteous and respectful manner at all times.
Student behavior is expected to comply with the District 58 Administrative Regulation #5131.
CONCERT ATTIRE
All Choirs members will wear navy blue pants, dark socks, and dark shoes, and specific to each choir:
Level I: white DGCC polo shirt
Level II: red DGCC polo shirt
Level III: light blue DGCC polo shirt
Parents:
You may contact any of the directors at their specific schools:
Mr. Norm Rick: Mrs. Lesley Sharkey
Hillcrest 719-5840 Lester 719-5855
El Sierra 719-5830 Pierce Downer 719-5860
Henry Puffer 968-0294
Mrs. Stephanie Coates: Mrs. Jane Bouhuys:
Fairmount 719-5830 Indian Trail 719-5845
Lester 719-5855 Kingsley 719-5850
Whittier 719-5865 Belle Aire 719-5820
Highland 719-5835
