Ride the Storm: Navigating Through Unstable Periods / Katerina Rudko (Belka G...
2015-2016 BHS Choir Handbook (Small)
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Bethel Choirs
Crimson Image
Momentum
Impulse
The Dapper Dudes
The Muse
Director Nicholas Gorne
(253) 683-7125
ngorne@bethelsd.org
www.bethelchoirs.com
Bethel Choir & Theatre Boosters
www.bctboosters.com
bctboosters@gmail.com
remind.com (360) 338-6418
@15momentum (Momentum)
We’re on Facebook! @bhsimpulse (Impulse)
Bethel HS Choir @mrgorneci (Crimson Image)
Choir Handbook
2015–2016
2. Bethel High School 2015-2016
Checklist 3
Students - To Do 3
Parents - To Do 3
Separate Handouts 3
A Message from Your Director 4
Why Choir? 5
10 Choral Commandments 6
Grading System 8
Grading Procedure 8
Grading Policy 8
I. Concert Performances 8
II. Rehearsal Preparation & Contribution 9
III. (A) Musicianship Training & Testing 10
III. (B) Singing, Listening, & Artistic Development 11
Retreats 12
Use of Fine Arts Facilities & Equipment 12
Uniforms 13
Choir Program Support & Fundraising 14
Boosters Budget 15
Comparison of Fundraisers 16
Contacting Bethel Choir Boosters or Mr. Gorne 17
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3. Bethel High School 2015-2016
Checklist
Students - To Do
Bring a Black Folder (either purchase The Black Folder by 9/25 OR 1-inch 3-ring Binder)
Bring your iPad & headphones with the following apps: Charms Parent/Student Portal, Pitch
Perfect, Skyward, Canvas, Notability, Socrative, Quizlet, Remind, Garage Band, RhythmTaps, Tag
Master, MoveableDo (iPhone only app), Ear Trainer Lite & Piano HD
Optional Apps: forScore, Theory Lessons, NotateMe & Tenuto.
Turn in the following documents
Signed Choir Contract - No contract, no uniform, no performance
Signed Performance Attire Commitment Form (with check if choose to purchase)
Bethel Choir & Theatre Boosters Membership Form & Check (Boosters Membership of
$10 to support the program)
Parent Volunteer Form
Uniform cleaning fee if you are planning to borrow a uniform ($15)
Fundraising Commitment Form (available 10/3)
Parents - To Do
Sign the Choir Contract - Without the contract, students will not receive their uniform
Fill out and sign the Performance Attire Commitment Form - Please include a check if you plan
to purchase your uniform. Crimson Image members are required to purchase their uniform.
Choir members will be bitted for their uniforms during the week of 10/5.
Join the Bethel Choir & Theatre Boosters - Fill out the Membership Form & send in a check for
your Fee to support our program ($10) - This is 16% of the Boosters budget
Uniform cleaning fee if you are planning to borrow a uniform ($15)
Fundraising Commitment Form (available 10/3)
Fill out all information on CharmsOfbice.com
All money can be collected through CharmsOfbice.com via PayPal (3.5% fee added for
processing)
Mark your calendars for the Mandatory parent meeting September 30 at
7:00 PM - Bring a dish to share at a Potluck in the BHS Cafeteria. If you
cannot join us, please let me know so I can answer your questions and get
the information out to you beforehand.
Separate Handouts
Please check your student’s backpack for the following important items:
Expectations Acknowledgement
Performance Attire Requirements & Commitment Form
Bethel Choir & Theatre Boosters Membership Letter & Form
2015-2016 Choral Calendar
Parent Involvement Form
Fundraising Commitment Form
Boosters Plans & Budget (Available at 9/30 Meeting)
CharmsOfbice.com Login Information
You can access everything through the Momentum Google Drive folder & at CharmsOfNice.com
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4. Bethel High School 2015-2016
A Message from Your Director
Welcome to the 2015-2016 Bethel Braves choral program! I hope you have had a restful
summer and you are looking forward to a great year of choir. I am privileged to begin my fourth
year at the helm of our choir program! We are following the best year we've had yet! Right on the
heels of both Momentum & Crimson Image earning Silver Awards at the Anaheim Heritage
Festival, they are heading to Seattle this year to shoot for gold. We will continue to build a strong
program with great opportunities to grow throughout the year.
Being a part of a performing ensemble is a tremendous opportunity. Self discipline,
commitment, compassion and musical excellence are expected in this rewarding and exciting
experience. Experts have concluded that the study of music helps with spatial reasoning, test-
taking and overall quality of life. If you factor in social skills, emotional development, leadership
training, group interaction, aesthetic perception, music making and the discipline required to be in
a music ensemble – you are taking advantage of a great opportunity that goes far beyond the
concert stage.
I am providing this handbook in an effort to acquaint you with our program and hopefully
answer any questions you may have regarding our activities, schedule, policies, goals, and content.
Every effort has been made to cover all aspects of the choral program. I thank you for familiarizing
yourself with the expectations and policies contained in this handbook. Each students’ success is
much more likely with encouragement and guidance from their community. Partner with us and
be amazed at the result!
I wish you a rewarding and successful year billed with musical and personal growth.
Sincerely,
Nicholas Gorne
BHS Director of Choirs
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5. Bethel High School 2015-2016
Why Choir?
Choir is a place where all students can feel welcome and encouraged to be their best. There will be
many opportunities to get to know the other students in the class and the director outside of the
normal school day with festivals, travel, fund-raising, concert attendance, and evening
performances. In all these opportunities, students will be given the chance to experience new
things, discover their talents, make new friends, and learn about the cultural outlets available to
them in our community and beyond.
Choir is an opportunity to learn about life through making beautiful music. In Choir we learn that
everyone—everyone—makes a contribution. We learn that the whole is greater than the sum of
the parts. We learn that sometimes we are featured and sometimes we
are not. In Choir, we learn to surpass what we thought we were
capable of doing by working diligently, by breaking down big
tasks into small ones, and then putting it all back together as a
glorious whole. Through this process we learn that our
achievements reblect our vision. In choir we learn to trust: our bodies
as instruments, ourselves and our peers as musicians, our teachers as
mentors, and our music as our message.
The concept of choir being a family is a very important aspect of choir
culture at BHS. Singing is a very personal activity because the voice
is organic, a part of the body that cannot be swapped out like the
reed in a clarinet. Because of this, it is extremely important to build relationships in class and
provide a safe and trusting environment for vocal experimentation and success.
When in the choir room, please remember the following:
1. Be impeccable with your word. Make your actions match your word. Own your
accomplishments and your mistakes. Be honest (and gentle) with yourself. Be honest (and
gentle) in your work. Be honest (and gentle) in your interactions. Be honest (and gentle) in
your reactions. Be honest (and gentle) with each other and your conductor. We are all here
to become better at what we do.
2. Don't take anything personally. Compliments and critiques are two sides of the same coin
—both geared towards producing the best performances possible. Therefore, receive both
compliments and critiques openly and with gratitude. Make change where change is
needed. Remember: Choir is, paradoxically, all about you and not a bit about you;
everything—every moment, every compliment, every critique—is about building the
ensemble.
3. Don't make assumptions. Believe in your best; do not assume the worst. Beware the
assumptions that will limit your goals and achievements. Beware especially your
assumptions that limit the goals and achievements of others. Be open to the abilities and
power of: yourself, each other, your teacher, the music, the environment, the audience and
the community.
4. Always do your best. Always!
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6. Bethel High School 2015-2016
10 Choral Commandments
1. Have fun!
If music is not fun, what is the use? An art like singing must birst and
foremost be felt. Do your best to connect to the music in some
emotional way. Enjoy your time with these people making music.
Music is a gift. Value the opportunity! A fun performance is a
prepared performance. Remember our fun times together and think
about it often!
There is a direct
correlation between how
hard you work and how
much fun you have!
2. Be on time
Excuses won’t cut it. When the clock ticks and the bell rings, you are tardy
unless you are sitting down, not talking, working on the entry task. Leave
your books and bags in the designated area of the choir room. Detentions
will be assigned for tardiness.
Punctuality is a learned behavior, not a genetic predicament. Remember the
performer’s mantra: 10 minutes early is on time. On time is late. Late is
=ired. Learn it well.
3. Honor thy teacher
I want you to succeed. I will guide you in correct vocal production and usage so that you do
not hurt yourself. Choir and individual practice time are crucial to improve your knowledge
and success rate singing. You alone are responsible for practicing what you learn. The choir
is only as strong as its least prepared member. If you would like some one-on-one time
with me, just ask.
Remember the Nike motto: Just do it! MAKE DAILY PRACTICE TIME
20 minutes per day, =ive days per week minimum practice required. Practice logs are due
on the =irst day of every week. Just =ill it out on Charms!
4. Be prepared
The Boy Scouts have known it all along: you can’t accomplish your task without the right
tools. These are what you should bring to every rehearsal:
1. An open mind and willing spirit
2. Energy
3. That marvel of lexicographic invention, THE PENCIL (and your music,
sight-reading, and theory books)
4. Good vocal posture
5. Prepared pitches (Learn your parts on your own. We want to make music in
choir. If you need help, ask me. I’m willing and able.)
Failure to bring these items daily will be a one hour detention in the choir room.
A Lesson: The difference between competence and mastery is attention to fundamentals.
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7. Bethel High School 2015-2016
5. Performances & Rehearsals come first
Choir is co-curricular. It is required that you attend all rehearsals, competitions/festivals,
and performances that occur outside of school time. This is a commitment you assumed
upon signing up for choir. Besides our obvious artistic purpose, concerts are a binal exam for
you. Concerts must be prioritized ahead of personal convenience, pre-ordained travel plans,
or touring rock bands. If you must miss a performance because of an emergency, you must
call and leave a message on my ofbice voicemail as soon as you can and you must bring a note
from your parents the day you return to school.
6. Maintain a positive attitude
You are all very talented. You all deserve to be treated as a
person and not just a voice. Realize that you will
get both praise and constructive criticism. I
still value you as a person and ask that
you do the same for me and for others in
the choir. We all make mistakes and must
occasionally admit we do not know
something. We all need to be mature and
nurture our sense of forgiveness and understanding.
7. Act and sing like a professional
Don’t be misled: getting paid for something does not make you a
professional. No degree, paycheck, or study with a famous teacher makes
you a professional either. Pick up after yourself. You are not allowed to
say you do not like something until you have mastered it. In the words
of Yoda, “Do or do not; there is no try.”
Professionalism is an attitude and a commitment for becoming a
serious artist based on personal initiative.
8. Don’t let problems fester
I am an adult and you are on your way to becoming an adult.
I can deal with criticism and questions so long as you bring
problems to me. However, the rehearsal is NOT a time to
voice commentary, demonstrate your comedic skill, or
address a problem that applies to you alone. Speak to me
following rehearsal or make an appointment.
9. Make every musical moment matter! (M.E.M3
)
Quality music is more fun to produce than a whole lot of badly prepared music. Listen and do
not talk when anyone is singing or when instructions are being given to your section or to the
entire group. Studies have shown that tuning and intonation problems are directly related to
the amount of talking during rehearsal. You must pay attention to other voice parts as well as
your own.
10. Be passionate!
Sing and Move! Physical body movement in conjunction with singing can produce amazing
results. Enjoy the movement and learn to use it individually in rehearsals. You will bind it will
take care of many musical issues. Everyone sings and moves! Take risks and sing out.
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8. Bethel High School 2015-2016
Grading System
Students in choir at Bethel High School will earn their grade by participating in a variety of
activities both in and out of class. Students will have the opportunity to earn points in each of
several areas.
Great emphasis is placed on participation in class. If students are not using their voices and
stretching themselves by taking some risks in the safe atmosphere of class, they will not be able
to reach the goals we have set for choir or improve themselves. Choirs are only as successful as
they are prepared. I encourage all students to give 100% effort. If they do, they will be
successful in class.
A calendar accompanies this handbook. Transfer all dates to your personal calendars. Updates
to the calendar will be announced in class, posted on the website, and sent by email to choir
families. You can sync your computer calendar through Charms and/or google. See the
websites for more information: www.charms.com & www.bethelchoirs.com.
Grading Procedure
Grades are based on a total number of points out of points possible per quarter. Rubrics
will be available for each category below. Quarter grades are averaged together for the
semester grade.
Grading Policy
I. Concert Performances
Performance & Dress Rehearsals
• Concerts demonstrate the understanding of the concepts taught in rehearsal and are part
of the choir class experience. Therefore, on-time attendance and participation at all
performances is mandatory. The number of performances will vary from quarter to
quarter, but they will always be required. Students must wear formal performance attire
to all performances. A student who misses a rehearsal will not perform and will
have their grade lowered. Work and other activities/appointments are not an excuse.
• Concerts are equivalent to an exam in other academic
courses. We will go to great lengths to inform you of
upcoming performances. Thus, we have included in this
handbook the performance dates for the upcoming year
on the back cover. Additional performance opportunities
in which the students are expected to perform may arise
throughout the year. Students will be advised of these
concerts in advance. You must stay for the entire concert
or your grade will be in jeopardy.
• Evaluations will include attendance, timeliness, proper uniform, audience behavior, and
set-up/tear-down participation. It is the student’s responsibility to plan ahead.
Absences will only be excused in the case of extreme personal illness, family emergencies
and death. If an emergency arises, record a voicemail message in the Bethel Choir Ofbice
at (253) 683-7125 and bring a note on your Nirst day back to school.
I. Concert Performances 40%
II. Rehearsal Preparation and Contribution 40%
III. Music Theory and Assessments 20%
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9. Bethel High School 2015-2016
• All other absences must be documented with student, parent and director signatures
more than two weeks prior to a concert and twenty-four hours before a rehearsal to
receive a replacement assignment. This assignment must be completed and turned in
prior to the concert. Unexcused absences cannot be made up, and will lower a
student’s grade.
• Each Concert is worth 50 points. Documenting an absence does not guarantee the
absence will be considered “excused.” Excused absences must be made up with work
assigned by the director. Students with an unexcused absence will receive no points for
the performance, most likely resulting in an extremely low quarter grade. Repeated
unexcused absences may result in loss of travel privileges, or even ensemble
membership.
Solo & Ensemble Contest
• Each year advanced choir students
are encouraged to participate in
the Mountain Region Solo and
Ensemble Contest. This is
encouraged for all advanced
students and is worth 30 points.
Students prepare selections on
their own or with the help of a
private instructor. I will have
limited availability for coaching.
All fees associated can and should be fundraised and are the responsibility of the students.
i. Students not taking private lessons must have two coaching sessions with a private
teacher or a director. These sessions are to ensure the student has an appropriate
selection and is well-prepared for their performance.
ii. Students are responsible for securing their own accompanist for both rehearsal and
performance. I will have a list of accompanists to call. Students
are expected to rehearse with their accompanist at least twice
before the competition. They are also expected to pay their
accompanist for their time and talent (a typical fee is $20-$40
per hour/performance).
iii.Students wishing to prepare a vocal solo or duet are
responsible for paying the entrance fee. The entrance fees for
students wishing to perform in ensembles of three or more will
be paid by the choir. Ensemble members who register but back
out will be required to repay the entrance fee to the choir.
iv. Classical or art song repertoire is required for Solo and Ensemble. Musical Theatre or
Pop song selections are not appropriate for this contest.
II. Rehearsal Preparation & Contribution
Rehearsal Participation - 100% Effort
• Regular attendance and class participation are essential to the success of the choir.
Concepts taught in class can often only be learned through rehearsal. Therefore, each
daily rehearsal is worth bive points (there are roughly 200 points per quarter).
★ 2 points - No talking, no reminders (distraction)
★ 1 point - No gum, no reminders (health hazard)
★ 1 point - Seated, music in hand, with a pencil when the bell rings (prepared)
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10. Bethel High School 2015-2016
★ 1 point - Prepared for class with all assigned work completed prior to the bell
(responsibility)
• Students who are on time, prepared and diligent in rehearsal will receive bive points per
day. Students who are absent, disruptive, ill-prepared, rude, or tardy will not receive
their daily points. Daily points may be lost without warning.
• Students who are unable to sing due to illness will be expected to follow along during
rehearsal and require a parent note presented before class starts for vocal rest.
Points missed for excused absences can be made up by coming in before or after school
or during lunch and making a practice recording of intensive part practice for 20 minutes
for each day missed. Students have one day for every day absent to complete this or
points will be forever lost.
• Being in class and being on time are the responsibility of the student. Unexcused
tardiness of more than ten minutes may be viewed as an unexcused absence. Absences
will affect your grade, as most of the work that is done for choir is dependent upon being
there for the group rehearsal and instruction.
• Respect will be expected from every member of the Bethel Choir community, regardless
of who is in front of you. Disrespect for student directors, guest conductors, volunteers
or guest teachers will not be tolerated. Disrespectful behavior toward guest teachers will
be met with the harshest penalties available. Have pride in your choir family and
demonstrate it with your decorum.
Sectional Rehearsals
• Students in advanced choirs are required to attend sectionals outside of daily rehearsal.
Each section will be required to meet outside of class time for 30 minutes bi-monthly to
work on parts. Attendance is mandatory and is worth 25 points.
• The time and day will be scheduled by section and will remain constant throughout the
year. A student who misses two sectional rehearsals will not be eligible
for travel and may lose membership in an advanced ensemble.
III. (A) Musicianship Training & Testing
Student mastery of various music topics, including vocal technique,
articulation, tone, phrasing, literature excerpts, memorization, Solfège
score marking, music theory and sight-singing will be evaluated
throughout each quarter.
Music Theory
• At the beginning of the school year, a pre-test will be administered covering an
intermediate understanding of music. Each students’ score on this assessment will
indicate where in the music theory curriculum each student will begin.
• Students will be expected to work through a music theory course. Books will be
provided to students. However, if a replacement is needed, a $3 fee will be assessed.
Books are available from beginning to advanced, including Jazz. 12 books exist currently.
Mr. Gorne will provide additional lessons and worksheets as needed. Available on
Canvas.
• At the end of each unit, students will need to complete a test. All written work and
workbooks completed during the course of the year will be placed in the students’
portfolios.
Ear Training
• Daily, in-class practice of ear training skills will increase each student’s ability to know
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11. Bethel High School 2015-2016
what they hear, hear what they think, and sing what they see. These skills are
important in order to sight-sing, learn music more quickly, learn music more accurately,
and increase the repertoire available to each choir.
• Assessments will be given regularly in class in conjunction with music theory work.
Sight-Singing
• While learning music can be accomplished through repetition and drilling of notes, it is
much more efbicient and gratifying to be able to read a piece of music from start to binish
with few mistakes, as you would read a book.
• These skills will be developed through daily exercises. Remember my three rules of
Sight-Singing, before you make a sound:
★ Determine the key and bind “Do,” the tonic
★ Look for patterns and large skips in the part
★ Audiate (sing in your head) to establish the sound you want to produce.
• Assessments will take place during class-time. They may be announced or unannounced.
However, assessments will always cover the most recent work you have been assigned.
III. (B) Singing, Listening, & Artistic Development
Voice
• Singing assessments will happen as frequently or as infrequently as necessary.
• They may occur as individual or group spot checks, with or without digital voice
recorders.
• They may be announced or unannounced.
• Singing tests may include technical exercises and warm-ups, technique fundamentals, or
excerpts from concert literature.
Listening
• Part of our work in choir is to expand our understanding of what music is. Students will
be given opportunities to listen to and critique recordings of other choirs: high schools,
universities, community, and professional.
• Guided listening assignment will be held during class time.
• Students are expected to make up listening assignments for excused absences.
• Additional opportunities to hear and critique choirs will happen at local concerts and
festivals.
Developmental Workbook (DW)
• The Developmental Workbook is not a journal, per se, but a log of each student’s
development as an artist and musician. The DW should be a constant companion to
students on their journey. Entries should be made at least three times per week.
• Students should use the DW to log and critique their own singing, others’ singing,
listening activities, struggles they are having as a vocalist and musician, and record
responses to prompts in class.
• DW assignments will be held during class time and on the students’ own time. Students
are expected to make up DW work for excused absences.
• There will be an evaluative DW assignment following each concert and contest.
Follow up on missed work by visiting Canvas or www.planbookconnect.com.
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12. Bethel High School 2015-2016
Retreats
On-site one-day retreats & Off-site weekend retreats (Friday afternoon through Sunday
afternoon) are scheduled for Momentum, Impulse & Crimson Image (see Choir Calendar). These
retreats are mandatory, as they are very important for the development of the ensemble and
learning repertoire that will be performed throughout the school year. All students are expected
to attend the entire retreat, unless the absence has been cleared with Mr. Gorne in advance.
Failure to attend the retreat without an excused absence will result in the lowering of the
student's grade as an unexcused (50 points).
Use of Fine Arts Facilities & Equipment
Care of the Choir Room
We are fortunate to have a newly refurbished facility. We need to make the care and
maintenance of our choir room, its auxiliary rooms, and our auditorium a daily priority. No food
or drink is allowed in the Music Building, except water in sealable containers. Any exceptions to
this (health-related reasons) will be made at the director’s discretion.
Practice Rooms
There are several storage rooms, practice rooms, and ofbices within our music building. Do not
enter these rooms without permission. Please use technology only at the direct instruction of
the director. Do not touch other instruments without permission.
Auditorium/Stage
You are not to be on the stage or in the auditorium unless you are accompanied by one of the
bine arts directors or a teacher. When we are there, please treat the space with respect. Keep
your feet off the furniture and do not touch the curtains.
Pianos
We have several pianos and electric keyboards in our choir room. Never set your personal
belongings on these instruments. Students are not allowed to play the pianos unless specibically
instructed by the directors.
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13. Bethel High School 2015-2016
Uniforms
We certainly hope that providing clothes for choir will not be a hardship However, a
student may not be allowed to perform if the proper uniform is not worn. If help is
needed to provide any of the uniform requirements, please talk with Mr. Gorne and
he will help work something out. Any time the public sees you, these guidelines
apply!
All students are required to have complete formal and casual performance attire
while part of the Choral Department.
Each choir member will need to purchase an informal uniform polo with the choir
logo on it. These will be worn on the day of each performance to advertise and for
assembly performances. It is also a way to show pride in what you have accomplished
and develop our choir community! These will be $17.
The idea of a uniform is that we appear as a unibied group while on stage.
Additions, such as jewelry, do not fall within the scope of a uniform’s purpose.
Women may wear assigned faux pearl jewelry, but no dangling earrings,
extra earring, necklaces, or bracelets. Also, no piercings, visible tattoos
or other jewelry or crazy nail polish is allowed. Men must remove any
piercings they have as well. Please refrain from dying your hair
unnatural colors. Hair must be kept off your face.
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MEN
Momentum
Tuxedo (Tux Shirt,
Studs, Bow Tie,
Cummerbund,
Coat, & Pants)
Black Socks
Patent Leather Shoes
Impulse
Black Dress Slacks
White Button-Up Shirt
Black Socks
Black Dress Shoes
Choir Robe (Checked-
Out to you)
Crimson Image
Precentor Vest
Long Tie
WOMEN
Momentum
Sobia Black Dress
Faux Pearl Earrings
Faux Pearl Necklace
Black Character Shoes
Nude Nylons
Impulse
Black Slacks (no yoga pants or
leggings)
OR Black Dress
White Blouse (no t-shirts or skin-
tight clothing)
Black Dress Shoes
Nude Nylons
Choir Robe (Checked-Out to you)
Crimson Image
Dress
FOR ALL CHOIRS
• Clothing washed and ironed (make sure your pants have
that nice crease)
• Has a formal collar (shirts/blouses only - no t-shirts)
• Fully buttoned (including cuffs)
• Tucked in snugly, NOT bloused
• Any garments worn underneath must be plain, white; no
designs, lace, or colors showing through.
BLACK SHOES – Clean and polished
14. Bethel High School 2015-2016
Bethel Choir & Theatre Boosters
According to educational research, “the most accurate predictor
of a student’s achievement in school is not income or social
status, but the extent to which that student’s family is [involved].”
We are fortunate at Bethel High School to have active and
supportive parents!
Our parents boosters group is working tirelessly to support all
of the activities of the choirs at Bethel High School. Some of the
things parents might do include:
★ Foster camaraderie among parents in the Bethel
community.
★ Offer a college scholarship to a graduating senior.
★ Raise funds to support activities and equipment needs.
★ Organize and host fundraisers.
★ Advocate for music in the school and community.
★ Serve as hosts at music functions held at Bethel High School.
★ Provide chaperones and volunteers for activities, including
overnight and local travel.
The meeting calendar is to the right. We are always in need of
volunteers. Please consider inviting neighbors, extended family,
and friends to join us. If they have a passion for seeing choir and
theatre thrive at BHS, they have a place in our club!
Choir Program Support & Fundraising
As you can imagine, there is a lot that goes into making choir one of the most positive and
enriching experiences at Bethel High School and we need your help. The funding provided by the
Bethel School District covers just a portion of our classroom costs and doesn’t cover the actual
operating expenses of the choir program.
That’s where the Boosters come in! In addition to the administrative and organizational support
Mr. Gorne needs to run our successful program, we exist to raise funds that allow your child to
have an extraordinary choral experience. In fact, over half the cost of our high quality program is
paid for by the Bethel Choir & Theatre Boosters (BCTB).
Without parent contributions, many of the activities that make up your student’s choir
experience would be cut from the program (e.g., performances, festivals, our accompanists,
guest clinicians, etc.).
What Bethel School District Covers:
1. Mr. Gorne’s salary & benebits
2. Hourly compensation for accompanist on the night of the concert (no rehearsals)
3. A choir room and auditorium for performances
4. Mountain Choral Festival Costs & District Choral Festival Costs
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Boosters Meetings ’15-‘16
Executive
Board
Parent/Community
Meetings
9/16/15 9/30/15
10/21/15 11/18/15
12/9/15 2/10/16
1/13/16 4/20/16
2/24/16 All meetings are in
the Choir room at
6:30 PM unless
otherwise
communicated via
letter or e-mail.
Everybody welcome!
3/23/16
5/11/16
6/1/16
7/14/16
15. Bethel High School 2015-2016
What BCTB Covers:
1. Rehearsal compensation for accompanist ($500)
2. Travel costs for choral festival destinations (registration, buses, some food, etc.) ($15,000)
3. A large purchase each year in conjunction with school & other Boosters groups (2015-2016
Choir Shells) ($15,000)
4. Concerts and other choir events (Custodial Fees, sets, etc.) ($1,000)
5. Printing Costs ($1,500)
6. Music licensing, Supplies, & Equipment ($1,000)
7. Performance Clothing ($4,500)
8. Clinicians ($1,500)
9. Websites & Administrative Fees ($2,000)
10. Other expenses that arise during the year ($5,000)
Boosters Budget
This year the Boosters plans to cover $47,000 in expenses. We will partner with the school,
businesses, and other organizations to cover some of that cost. But fundraising covers the
rest!
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2015-2016 Projected Expenses
11%
32%
32%
2%
3%
4%
1%1%1%
3%
10%
10% Performance Clothing
3% Clinicians
1% Music Licensing
1% Supplies & Equipment
1% Accomapanist
4% Administrative Costs
3% Printing Costs
2% Events
32% Travel
32% Choir Shells
11% Other Expenses
2015-2016 Projected Revenue
32%
2%
21% 4%
21%
3%
16%
16% Boosters Membership
3% Program Ad Sales
21% Concessions
4% Kids' Night Out
21% Travel Payments
2% Restaurant Takeovers
32% Partnerships, Donations & Other Fundraisers
16. Bethel High School 2015-2016
Fundraising
1. The purpose of fundraising is to raise money for activities we otherwise could not afford,
such as tours, travel opportunities and additional concert music. Students & Parents are
highly encouraged to take every opportunity to make the most of each fundraiser.
2. A small percentage of each fund raiser will go into the general fund (which is money that will
benebit all choir students equally). The rest of the money earned is assigned to individual
students based on how much that individual student has earned through their participation.
Every student is offered the opportunity to participate in fundraising projects.
3. It is illegal for the school to give money back to a student if they leave choir or upon
graduation. Money left in an individual account can be reassigned to a sibling, other
designated student, or will be used for the general fund.
4. It is against state guidelines to use money fundraised for choir to pay for any other activities
besides music program fees.
Comparison of Fundraisers
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Typical Fundraisers Items Sold Profit
Chocolate Sales 2 boxes $40
Lollipop Sales 2 bags $32
Krispy Kreme 10 items $30
Entertainment Books 3 books $45
Cupcakes 3 dozen $24
TOTAL
10 weeks of time
& keeping track
of product.
$171
Concessions
Earnings
per Shift
Shifts
Worked
Profit
Seahawks @ CenturyLink
Age 18-20
$70 2 $140.00
Seahawks @ CenturyLink
Age 21+
$90 4 $360.00
Sounders @ CenturyLink
Age 18-20
$55 1 $55.00
Sounders @ CenturyLink
Age 21+
$65 2 $130.00
Rainiers - Age 16+ $50 4 $200.00
Huskies - Age 16+ $60 2 $120.00
Concerts @ CenturyLink - Minor $70 3 $210.00
Concerts @ CenturyLink - 21+ $90 3 $270.00
5 hours of time per shift TOTAL
9 events
worked
$1,485.00
Selling Product
Pros: Money available immediately
Tangible items for sale
Cons: Selling & asking for money
Door to door is dangerous
Wears out the community
Not much money to show for work
Keep track of product
Pay for lost product
Stadium Concessions
Pros: - Fun atmosphere
- Carpool with others
- Hang out with your family
- No hassle with product
- Only a couple hours of time
- HUGE payback
Cons: - 16+ needs a $10 Food
Handler’s Permit
- 21+ needs a $20 MAST
Alcohol Server’s Permit too
- Travel to stadium costs
Think of costs involved as a down
payment for the year’s activities. Its
better than all money coming out of
your pocket.
17. Bethel High School 2015-2016
Contacting Bethel Choir Boosters or Mr. Gorne
You may need to contact Mr. Gorne for a variety of reasons:
• An EMERGENCY, SUDDEN ILLNESS, OR UNAVOIDABLE CONFLICT has developed and you
need to notify him that you will miss a performance or rehearsal.
• You need to give him adequate notice (two weeks) that you plan to miss a scheduled
performance. (Please remember that this will still affect your grade.)
• You have questions about the Bethel Choral Program.
• You have questions about your progress in class.
• You or your parents need advice about vocal health, community singing opportunities, or
private lessons.
• You have good news to share!
There are two ways to contact Mr. Gorne:
1. Call Mr. Gorne’s OfNice at: (253) 683-7125
This is a direct line to the choir ofbice and will reach his voicemail during class or when he
is out of the ofbice.
2. E-mail Mr. Gorne at School: ngorne@bethelsd.org
REMEMBER: If you miss a performance because of an emergency you must notify Mr. Gorne by
PHONE or E-MAIL as soon as possible. The day after the performance is too late to save any
part of your grade. A note from your parents must accompany you on your birst day back to class
as well.
Additional information and updates will be available throughout the school year at the Bethel
Choirs Websites:
www.bethelchoirs.com or www.charmsofNice.com
Bethel Choir & Theatre Boosters
We are currently searching for a few great parents, family members, or community members to bill
some spots on our Boosters Board of Directors. If you would like to join us, please contact Mr.
Gorne or Donna Vitale.
www.bctboosters.com
President: TBD
Vice President: TBD
Secretary: Donna Vitale - busymom71822@yahoo.com
Treasurer: Mark Cosme - mark.cosme@comcast.net
Volunteer Coordinator: Tracy Young - tj.young62@yahoo.com
Member-At-Large: Karisa Wikane - karisawikane@hotmail.com
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