Special Thanks!
Thank you to everyone who attended and supported our musical production of
The Jungle Book Kids! Our Choir, the 7th– 8th Grade Musical Class, and our
amazing parent volunteers worked diligently to present 3 great
performances. Jungle Book Kids is a tribute to all of you!
I am very blessed and grateful to have worked with such fine young people,
parents, and staff this year. Thank you for your enthusiastic support of
our Music program at PRA!
Have a fantastic summer!!!
Mrs. Holly Smits
Jungle Book Kids
Dear PRA Families and Friends,
I would like to extend an invitation to each of you to attend our upcoming
production of “Jungle Book Kids”, performed and produced by our PRA Choir
(grades 3-6) and our MS Musical Class students. Our program involves over
70 students who have spent many hours in preparation, and we would love you
to attend our free evening performance! Please note the following
information:
Date and Time: Wednesday, 5/21/08 at 7:00 PM
Light refreshments will be available for purchase at intermission and
following the performance.
Place: Rocky Heights Middle School - 11033 Monarch Blvd., Highlands Ranch,
CO 80124 (next door to Rock Canyon High School) Phone: 303-387-3300. RHMS
has a beautiful stage and provides us plenty of room for all our family
members and guests!!!
Thank you in advance for your support of our wonderful PRA Choir students
and Music program!
Mrs. Holly Smits
May 12, 2008
There are several Jungle Book Kids reminders posted under the Choir tab -
Please see them!
April 24, 2008
Hello Fabulous Jungle Book Kids Cast and Parents! Please refer to the Choir
tab for all April announcements for the Jungle Book Kids production!
Welcome Back from Spring Break!!!
3/26/08
OOOPS! – TYPOS ON JUNGLE BOOK KIDS
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE – SEE CORRECTED COPY!!!
We are sorry – in our haste to get you the Jungle Book Kids Final Rehearsal
Schedule in your Thursday folders before spring break, there were a few
typos we did not catch. Please click on the Choir link to find the revised
schedule, destroy your old copy, and replace it with the new one. Also,
please note that rehearsal times are still the same – Mondays and Tuesdays
from 3:30 – 4:30 PM and Thursday mornings from 7:15 – 8:00 AM (students
should arrive no later than 7:10 to begin on time). Please send a snack for
your child to eat before the afternoon practices. Thank you for helping your
children attend all their designated rehearsals! We appreciate you!!!
Mrs. Smits
3/12/08
REHEARSAL & PARENT MEETING REMINDERS
All JUNGLE BOOK KIDS Cast/Choir Members
Please find the FINAL REHEARSAL SCHEDULE from now through our May
programs by clicking on the link to Choir. We expect that you will attend
all rehearsals that apply to you. All of us are working hard to make this
the best program possible! Thank you to everyone who is making an extra
effort to be here on the correct days.
• Please READ your rehearsal schedule carefully!!! Do NOT rely on the
after-school announcements only. If you misplace your schedule, it is posted
on my music website under Choir, and is also posted on the bulletin board
outside the music room.
• Over Spring Break, please finish memorizing your music, solos and
speaking parts. If you would like to take music or a script home at any
time, please see me before or after school.
• If you must miss a rehearsal, parents please email so we can make
necessary adjustments.
• If there are any minor changes to this schedule, we will notify students
and parents.
• The next Parent Volunteer Meeting will be on Thursday March 27th from
3:20 – 4:20 PM in the music room. Please join us! We will have specific
places for you to sign up with time frames, so you can plan ahead to help in
April and May. Thank you!
HAVE A GREAT SPRING BREAK!!! Mrs. Holly Smits
Jungle Book Kids Announcement!
March Monday Rehearsals
Please note, we have added 4 after-school Monday rehearsals from 3:30 – 4:30
PM during the month of March! This is because we need to make up a
rehearsal from February (late start) and because we will miss a whole week
of practices during Spring Break. Thank you for helping your children
remember their rehearsals and for all your support of the Jungle Book Kids
production! Please see the Choir Rehearsal link for the March schedule.
Mrs. Smits
2/19/08
8th Grade Curriculum Update
Our mission in music is to experience, learn, create, understand, and
appreciate music as a vital part of our core knowledge, so that we grow and
develop as well-rounded individuals. We will accomplish our mission through:
1. Singing with others, a varied repertoire of music
2. Performing on instruments, alone and w/others, a varied repertoire
3. Learning the elements of music (rhythm, melody, harmony, timbre,
form, texture, and expression)
4. Reading and notating music
5. Listening to music
6. Creating and improvising music
7. Valuing and evaluating music
8. Understanding music in relation to history and culture
9. Understanding the relationship of music to the other arts and all
core knowledge disciplines
Weeks 1-7: Through participating in the above activities, we will cover the
Music Core Knowledge Curriculum for the 8th Grade. Included this quarter
will be a review of 7th Grade music as well as introduction of new material,
including a brief study of Modern Music and National Identity, American
Musical Theater, Opera, and Non-Western Music.
Weeks 8-10: We will apply our curriculum knowledge by producing an in-
class “Taste of Cultural Music and Food” festival. Students will be
expected to:
1. Create an original written report about cultural music from America or
Non-Western music and give a presentation of it in class. Students may
choose to wear clothing/costumes appropriate to the culture they are
presenting. Costume items should be found at home – students will not need
to purchase anything costly for this presentation.
2. Bring short selections of music (2-3 short examples on CD, Ipod/MP3 or
flash drive format) from that region or culture to play in class. (Lyrics
must be appropriate)
3. Please bring a sampling of food from that region or culture to share in
class. We will invite parents and another small group of MS students to
attend our festival both days.
4. Some of the music research will be done during regular music class
time. However, students will be expected to type their reports, locate, and
copy their music examples as homework.
5. Festival dates will be March 11th and 12th during music class time.
6. I would welcome a parent to assist in the set-up/clean-up of our
festival each day. Please email me at HSmits@platteriveracademy.com if you
are interested. Thank you!
Grading Rubric:
Music Core Knowledge - 75% of grade
Class participation, effort, worksheets, quizzes, tests
“Taste of Cultural Music and Food” Presentation - 25% of grade
Written/oral report presentation, creativity, completeness,
effort/attitude.
Thanks for putting forth your very best effort! Let’s make this an
excellent quarter in music! Please email or call if you have any questions,
and watch the music class website for announcements/updates.
Musically yours,
Mrs. Smits
2/13/08
Delayed Start Days - No Thursday AM Choir Rehearsal!
Parents and students, please note that if we ever have a delayed start,
Thursday AM Choir rehearsal will be cancelled for that day. We will resume
the following Tuesday after school at 3:30 PM with singers and groups who
are regularly scheduled for that rehearsal. Thanks!
Mrs. Holly Smits
JUNGLE BOOK KIDS
February 7, 2008
Dear Choir and MS Musical Class Parents,
We are excited to start rehearsals for the Jungle Book Kids! It is going
to be an exciting semester for all of us! Thank you for allowing your child
to be involved. I know it is a commitment and often a challenge to get
children up and moving for Thursday morning rehearsals and for our new after-
school practices on Tuesdays.
Rehearsal Schedules – (see rehearsal link) Choir and MS members will be
assigned to specific choral groups for the Jungle Book Kids that will
practice on specific days. Thus, students may not have to attend every
Tuesday and Thursday, depending upon their parts. Each month I will send
home a new schedule so students and parents will know exactly when they are
to come. (Schedules may be subject to slight change as necessary)
Attendance - For Jungle Book Kids to be a successful musical, it is
extremely important that students be aware of their rehearsal days and be in
attendance. Thank you in advance for posting the rehearsal schedule on the
refrigerator or somewhere everyone can see it! If your child must miss a
rehearsal, I must have a written email or note of explanation from you as
parent (beforehand).
New Choir Members – I am sending home a Choir Expectations form to fill out
and return with your 2nd semester choir fee of $18 - check made out to PRA.
Thanks!
Parent Volunteers - To make this a special event for all, we will need
several parent volunteers. Would you consider helping us? There are many
fun ways you can be involved! Our first parent meeting is scheduled for
Wednesday, February 27th, from 3:30 - 4:30 PM, after school in the Music
Room. We welcome your ideas and look forward to working together! Please
fill out the Volunteer Opportunities Form attached. If you cannot attend
this first meeting, please send this form back with your child, checking off
ways you would like to assist. We will then make contact with you by email
and/or phone. If you volunteered for the Nutcracker and would like to help
again, please resend in your form! We appreciate YOU, and many thanks!
Mrs. Holly Smits
PARENT VOLUNTEER FORM – Please fill out and return!
Parent’s Name ______________________Email ________________Phone __________
I CAN ASSIST IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS:
____Parent Volunteer Coordinator for Jungle Book Kids
____Choreography and/or teaching simple dance movements (Jungle Book Kids
has provided the dance routines on DVD – You would help students learn
the dances)
____Rehearsal assistance (coaching individuals/ensembles. Includes helping
students get on and off stage at dress rehearsals and program night)
____Piano accompanist as needed for rehearsals
____Drama coaching
____Clerical assistance (email blasts, phone calls, photocopying,
newsletter/website writing)
____Funds acquisition – working w/Mrs. Smits/PTO as needed
____Sewing/Making/Borrowing costumes
____Making/Borrowing props
____Designing and creating one Jungle Book Kids set – working with MS
Musical students in class
____Tech Crew assistance (working with MS students on all tech needs,
equipment, and back-stage help)
____Sound/ Lights Crew (working with MS students)
____Videographer
____Photographer(s)
____Helping with stage make-up/hair
____Designing, typing, copying, and assembling concert programs
____Concert advertising (making posters, email blasts)
____T-Shirt ordering (using required Jungle Book Kids logo provided)
____Organizing party after program – tentative date is Friday 5/23 at
3:30 PM (cake,refreshments, award certificates)
____Clean-up crew (working with students – after program)
____Concert CD/DVD production and sale
____Thank you committee (following program)
____Organizing and supervising fundraising projects
____Chaperoning events
____Other: (please specify):__________________________________________
Your skills and talents are greatly needed! I look forward to working
together to make this a wonderful spring program! See you on Wednesday,
February 27th, from 3:30 - 4:30 PM!
Mrs. Holly Smits
2/5/08
PLEASE CLICK ON THE CHOIR LINK TO VIEW THE JUNGLE BOOK KIDS AUDITION
RESULTS!!! CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE!!!
1/31/08 PRA Middle School Musical Class Field Trip
If your child is part of our Middle School Musical Class, we will be helping
produce The Jungle Book Kids in conjunction with the PRA Choir! There is a
unique and special opportunity for our MS class. We will be attending the
dress rehearsal of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Castle
View High School in Castle Rock. This excellent program will give our
students an idea of how dress rehearsals should be run, and will help
prepare them for our show and high school drama productions. The date and
time are as follows:
Wednesday Feb. 20th, leaving school at 12:10 PM (students will be in the
Musical class w/me from 11:30 – 12:10). They will eat lunch in my classroom
before we leave. We will arrive at Castle View High School in time for
their 1:00 - 2:15 PM performance.
Transportation/Parent Chaperones: We will need 4 parents who would be
willing to drive 4-5 students in their own vehicles to Castle View HS,
attend the production with us as chaperones, and drive the students back to
PRA in time for dismissal. If you would like to drive and/or attend the
program, please email Mrs. Smits at H.Smits@platteriveracademy.com .
Drivers will need to fill out and sign an auto insurance authorization form
(these will be sent home with your student if you are a driver).
All parents are welcome to attend and will need to pay $5.00 for their
tickets. You may give your ticket money to Mrs. Smits on or before the day
of the program, 2/20. There is no charge for our students to attend the
program.
Thank you! We look forward to attending Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor
Dreamcoat on Feb. 20th!
Mrs. Holly Smits
PRA Music Teacher
"The Magic Flute" Field Trip!!!
As part of our Core Knowledge Music Curriculum, our 4th and 6th grades will
be taking an exciting field trip to see the Loveland Opera Theater's
presentation of scenes from Mozart’s “The Magic Flute”. The program will be
in conjunction with American Academy in Lone Tree, Colorado, on February
12th, 2007, from 9:30 am - 11:30 am. Hurray for Mozart!!!
1/23/08
CHOIR OFFICIALLY BEGINS THURSDAY FEBRUARY 7TH!!!
Choir will officially start on Thursday 2/7 at 7:15 am. Thereafter, our
practices will typically be on Tuesday afternoons from 3:30 – 4:30 pm, and
on Thursdays mornings from 7:15 – 8:00 am. Students will be assigned to
specific choral groups for the Jungle Book Kids that will practice on
specific days. Thus, students may not have to attend every Tuesday and
Thursday, depending upon their parts. I will send home a Rehearsal Schedule
after auditions, so students and parents will know exactly when they are to
come. Please check for announcements in your Thursday folders as well!
Mrs. Smits
Announcing Auditions for
The Jungle Book Kids!!!
5th and 6th Grade Choir Members and MS Musical Class Only
Auditions for major roles in our production will be held on the following
dates and times. Please sign up for a time slot on the audition sheet on
the board outside the Music room door. Auditions will be approximately 3
minutes long. Please prepare a short vocal solo of your choice (with CD or
acapella). You may also prepare a short example of your dancing abilities.
Finally, we will ask you to read a few lines from The Jungle Book Kids.
Audition Dates: Wednesday January 30th and Thursday January 31st
Times: 3:30 – 5:00 pm after school – Music Room
We’ll See You There – Good Luck!!! – Mrs. Smits
1/14/08
Attention Choir Members -
Announcing a Special Viewing of
The Jungle Book Kids Musical!!!
We are having a viewing of The Jungle Book Kids next week, before Choir
officially starts! Come see a DVD of the program we will be doing with
Choir and the Middle School musical class. To find out all about it, and to
hear about auditions, you will need to attend this special meeting and
showing:
WHEN – Thursday, January 17th
TIME – 7:15 AM – 8:00 AM
WHERE – Music Room
We will start the meeting promptly at 7:15. I look forward to seeing you
next week!
Mrs. Smits
PRA Music Teacher
303) 221-1070, ext. 2035
1/10/08
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!!
Welcome back for second semester! 2008 will be GREAT!!!
A few announcements:
A SPECIAL THANK YOU to all my students and parents for the outpouring of
gifts and cards at the holidays!!! Thank you for making me feel so welcomed
and special in my first year at Platte River Academy!!!
The Nutcracker Suite - We had the most marvelous program, thanks to everyone
who gave of themselves and their time to make our production of the
Nutcracker the best it could possibly be!!! Thank you students for an
amazing time together and the most beautiful music - WELL DONE!!!
Nutcracker Photos and DVD - We are working to collect the best photos to
post and share with all of you on this website... Please stay tuned... Ms.
LaMeyer is helping edit our Nutcracker DVD. We will announce when it is
ready to be purchased. Thanks for your patience!
CHOIR - Choir will resume with regular practices the first week of February -
please watch for announcements and information in your Thursday folders and
on this website!
12/4/07
The Nutcracker Suite
Reception Information
Dear Choir Families:
We are hosting a special reception on Wednesday, December 12th, immediately
following The Nutcracker Suite performance at Rocky Heights Middle School.
This reception is for all choir members, their families and guests. We have
contracted a beverage service to provide the coffee, hot apple cider and
lemonade. This will alleviate the need for any of us to have to prepare
beverages and allow us to enjoy the performance and spend time with our
families and guests. We are however, asking all choir families to please
donate 2 dozen holiday treats for the reception. These may include any type
of cookies, brownies, fudge, lemon bars, layer bars, etc. We prefer smaller
pre-cut individual servings that will not require forks or serving
utensils. Please bring your treats on a labeled or disposable platter by
6:15 p.m., on December 12th.
Please reply to Eleni Demos at natomilo@aol.com and let us know what you
would like to bring. This will help us plan accordingly.
Thank you!
Mrs. Smits
12/3/07
The Nutcracker Suite
Dear PRA Families and Friends,
I would like to extend an invitation to each of you to attend our upcoming
mini-production of “The Nutcracker Suite”, performed by our PRA Choir
(grades 3-6), featuring over 60 students! The students have worked very
hard, and we would love you to attend our free evening performance! Please
see the following information:
Date and Time: Wednesday, 12/12/07 at 7:00 PM
Reception with light refreshments will follow the performance.
Place: New Venue! Rocky Heights Middle School - 11033 Monarch Blvd.,
Highlands Ranch, CO 80124 (next door to Rock Canyon High School) Phone: 303-
387-3300. RHMS has a beautiful stage and provides us plenty of room for all
our family members and guests!!!
Thank you in advance for your support of our wonderful PRA Choir students
and Music program!
Mrs. Holly Smits
PRA Music Teacher
The Nutcracker Suite
Rehearsals, Performances, and Costume Updates!!!
We are getting so excited for our upcoming performances of the Nutcracker,
and we want to remind you of some very important dates and times! It is
crucial that everyone attend all remaining rehearsals. Please refer to the
CHOIR button on my home page for all dates and times!!!
THANK YOU!!!
CHOIR PARENT VOLUNTEER MEETING #4
A quick reminder that our next Choir Parent Volunteer Meeting will be held
this coming Wednesday, November 14th at 3:20 in the Music room.
Please join us - Our Big Performance is only one month away!!! YOU ARE
NEEDED AND APPRECIATED!!!
Mrs. Smits
CHOIR PARENT VOLUNTEER MEETING #3
Just a friendly reminder that the next Choir Parent Volunteer Meeting will
be held this coming Wednesday, November 7th at 3:20 in the Music room.
Thank you for all the time and effort you have put into our program thus
far. We are grateful for your support. If you have not had an opportunity
to attend a volunteer meeting it is never too late! All are welcome and
appreciated!!!
See you there!!!
Mrs. Smits and Mrs. Wagner
October 26, 2007
NOTICE FOR ALL MS PARENTS:
You have received your student's first quarter report cards. To access more
detailed information about your student's music assignments, projects, and
grades, please visit the TeacherEase website.
Mrs. Smits
October 21, 2007
TWO PRA CHOIR ANNOUNCEMENTS – DANCE and AUDITIONS!!!
Dear Choir Parents/Guardians,
I hope you had a wonderful Fall Break! This note includes 2 very important
announcements! I have been busy making preparations for our upcoming
production of The Nutcracker…
1. Over the break, a need has arisen for a few parents to help us create and
teach the choir students some very simple choreography. We did have a
volunteer who was going to help us, but today declined and can’t
continue.......
YOU ARE NEEDED!!! Could you help us create some simple dances and stage
movements (there are 8 short dances)? Don’t worry – you definitely don’t
need to be a professional dancer!!! We also need help with dance auditions
and practices. Rehearsals will be with small groups in the gym on choir
mornings (pulling dancers during choir to practice), or after school. We
already have 4-5 students who are ready and willing to help us create the
dances, so this should be a lot of fun!!!
2. AUDITIONS – We will be auditioning for the 3 very simple vocal solos in
The Nutcracker. We’d also like to invite a few choir students to perform
their own vocal and instrumental solos and small ensembles during the first
half of the program before The Nutcracker on December 11th and 12th.
Students may sing, dance, or perform instrumentally – selections should be
no longer than 3 minutes. Holiday music is encouraged. Choir students need
to sign up at school this week for the auditions. All music solos/small
ensemble auditions will be held on:
MONDAY 10/29 FROM 3:30 - 5:00 AFTER SCHOOL IN THE MUSIC ROOM
5 MINUTE AUDITION TIME SLOTS PER STUDENT/SMALL GROUP
Please encourage your children to audition, and thank you for your support
of our PRA choir!!!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Smits
Announcing Choir Parent Volunteer Meeting!!!
Please join us for our second Choir Parent Volunteer Meeting on Wednesday,
October 24th from 3:20 – 4:20 PM in the Music Room. As you know, our
holiday performance will be The Nutcracker Suite on Wednesday, Dec. 12th.
It’s only two months away!!! Would you consider helping us? There are many
fun ways you can be involved! We’ll need help (large and small) with things
such as choreography, set design, costumes, lights/sound, typing programs,
etc… Your skills and talents are greatly needed! Please join us on
Wednesday, October 24th, or you may email Mrs. Smits at
HSmits@platteriveracademy.com. Thank you!!!
INVITATION TO PARENTS OF MR. EUDAILY’S 7TH GRADE MUSIC CLASS
Please join us for our in-class Talent Show, presented by Mr. Eudaily’s 7th
Graders. Feel free to join us on any/all of these three dates!
Dates: Monday 10/8, Tuesday 10/9, and Wednesday 10/10
Times: 2:25 – 3:10 PM
Place: Music Classroom
INTERESTED THIRD GRADERS MAY JOIN CHOIR THROUGH THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11TH, 2007
October 5, 2007
I am happy to announce that we are opening the choir this semester to 3rd
graders who are ready and highly motivated to participate. Please refer to
all of the choir expectations, announcements, and the parent volunteer
letter (see below).
Third grade students who met with Mrs. Smits on Friday, 10/5 may begin
attending rehearsals starting Monday 10/8 at 7:15 AM. Please sign and
return the pink Choir Expectations form with your child on Monday, 10/8. As
always, please email or call if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you!
Mrs. Smits
Platte River Academy Choir
October 1, 2007
Dear Choir Parents,
Welcome to choir! It is going to be an exciting year for all of us! Thank
you for allowing your child to be involved. I know it is a commitment and
often a challenge to get children up and moving in the morning to attend
rehearsals before school. I appreciate your efforts and support!
This letter will inform you about rehearsal dates, our first choir parent
volunteer meeting, and opportunities for you to get involved. Our holiday
performance will be The Nutcracker Suite on Wednesday, Dec. 12th at 7:00
PM.
To make this a special event for all, we will need several parent
volunteers. Would you consider helping us? There are many fun ways you can
be involved! (See below)
Our first parent meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 4th at 3:30 PM,
immediately after school in the Music Room. I welcome your ideas and look
forward to meeting you! Please see the volunteer opportunities listed
below. If you cannot attend this first meeting, please send this form back
with your child, checking off ways you would like to assist. I will then
make contact with you by email and/or phone. Thank you!!!
First Semester Rehearsal Dates:
9/27, 10/1, 10/4, 10/8, 10/11, 10/22, 10/25, 10/29, 11/1, 11/5, 11/8, 11/12,
11/15, 11/19, 11/26, 11/29, 12/3, 12/6, 12/8 – Saturday dress rehearsal
(times TBA), 12/10.
Performances: 12/11 – daytime school performance for all PRA students and
staff (times TBA), and 12/12 – 7 PM evening concert
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Parent’s Name ____________________ Email_______________ Phone _____________
I can assist in the following ways:
____Audition helpers (after school times)
____Rehearsal assistance (coaching individuals/ensembles/memorizing parts)
____Piano accompanist
____Choreography
____Drama coaching
____Funds acquisition – working w/Mrs. Smits/PTO as needed
____Designing and creating sets
____Making/borrowing costumes
____Making/borrowing props
____Helping with make-up/hair
____Designing, typing, and assembling concert programs
____Concert advertising (making posters, email blasts)
____T-Shirt ordering (for spring mini-musical)
____Organizing choir parties after programs (cake, refreshments, award
certificates)
____Tech crew assistance (working with/training students on all tech needs,
equipment, set up risers/chairs, all back-stage help)
____Clean-up crew (working with students – after concert)
____Sound/Lights crew
____Videographer for concerts
____Photographer
____Concert CD/DVD production and sale to choir members
____Clerical assistance (phone calls, photocopying, newsletter/website
writing)
____Thank you committee (following concerts)
____Organizing and supervising fundraising projects
____Chaperoning events
____Other (please specify):____________________________________________
Your skills and talents are greatly needed! I look forward to working
together to make this a wonderful year in choir! See you on Thursday,
October 4th!
Musically Yours,
Mrs. Holly Smits
PRA Music Teacher
(303) 221-1070, ext. 2035
HSmits@platteriveracademy.com
Platte River Academy Choir Expectations
Our 2007-08 Platte River Academy Choir is an extra-curricular training level
choir that will provide excellent singing and performing opportunities for
students in grades 4-6. We will strive to create quality performing art.
All choir members must do their best to achieve this standard. Please read,
sign, and return the bottom portion of this form to me no later than
Thursday, October 4th at rehearsal.
Rehearsal Expectations:
•Choir members are expected to attend all rehearsals with a good attitude!
We will take attendance every Monday and Thursday morning. You may miss no
more than three (3) rehearsals without special permission.
•All known and anticipated rehearsal conflicts must be submitted to me prior
to the absence. If a choir member is absent without a reason or a “no call-
no show,” they may be re-cast if they have a solo, small ensemble, speaking,
acting, or dancing part. Students WILL be recast if they have three
unexcused absences.
•Please plan to attend the dress rehearsals. If you cannot attend the final
dress rehearsals, you may not perform in the concerts.
•Respect each other, myself, and all adult choir assistants.
•Be ready to start on time for all rehearsals.
•Respect all properties at rehearsal and performing locations.
•No gum! Ever.
•Be respectful during down time. If you are not working on a choir part or
scene please be quiet and respectful to those working.
•If you have a problem with your behavior in choir, you will be given 2
warnings, and on the 3rd warning, you will be dismissed from choir.
Mrs. Smits
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
We have read, support, and will abide by the PRA Choir Expectations for 2007-
08. Please sign and return no later than Thursday, October 4th . Thank you!
Choir Member Signature:
Parent/Guardian Signature:
Announcing PRA Choir – Grades 4-6!!!
September 17, 2007
Dear PRA Students and Parents/Guardians:
I am delighted to announce the beginning of our 2007-2008 Choir at Platte
River Academy! We are opening the choir this semester to all interested
students, Grades 4-6. For our Holiday Concert, we will be performing a mini-
musical version of The Nutcracker. We will need many singers, including
those who will have speaking parts, play Orff/rhythm instruments, act,
dance,
and help backstage!
We will have approximately 18 regular morning rehearsals, meeting twice a
week, on Mondays and Thursdays, from 7:15 AM – 8:00 AM., beginning September
27th. We will perform our Holiday Concert on Wednesday evening December
12th
at 7:00 PM. Prior to the concert, we will have one or two dress rehearsals –
dates and times will be announced soon.
Students, please plan to attend our first choir meeting, Thursday, September
27th, from 7:15 AM – 8:00 AM in the Music Room. In this meeting, I will
explain what we will do in choir this semester, our rules, our practice
schedule, and our Holiday Concert dates and times.
Please come if you think you are interested!!! I will do my best to answer
your questions; we will do some choir warm-ups, and sing a few fun songs to
get acquainted.
There will not be an audition required to join choir, but all students (and
their parents/guardians) must commit to the choir guidelines and
participation requirements for the students to perform in our choir
concerts. I will send home the choir participation agreement form at the
first meeting on 9/27. Students and parents/guardians will need to read,
sign, date, and return the bottom portion of the agreement, acknowledging
your support of our choir policies. This form will be due no later than the
first regular rehearsal, Monday, October 1st at 7:15 AM.
I am also looking for a group of parent and staff volunteers who could
assist
with choir and our performance of The Nutcracker. If you could help us in
any way, please email or contact me at school ASAP. I will send home a list
of opportunities/areas where you can be involved. Your skills and talents
are greatly needed! Don’t miss your chance to support our students and have
a lot of fun, too!!!
See you on Thursday, September 27th, from 7:15 AM – 8:00 AM in the Music
Room!
Musically Yours,
Mrs. Holly Smits
PRA Music Teacher
(303) 221-1070, ext. 2035
HSmits@platteriveracademy.com
August 27th, 2007
MIDDLE SCHOOL MUSIC SCHEDULE AND CLASS RUBRIC
Dear PRA Middle School Students and Parents/Guardians,
I am so happy to be getting to know all of our students, both musically and
personally! As you know, each middle school class has music as a
requirement
for one quarter per year. Our music classes this year will be as follows:
1. Mr. Eudaily – Grade 7 Quarter 1, ending October 11th
2. Mr. Willsea – Grade 7 Quarter 2, ending December 21st
3. Mr. Hettich – Grade 8 Quarter 3, ending March 13th
4. Ms. Tompkins – Grade 8 Quarter 4, ending May 29th
Our mission in music is to experience, learn, create, understand, and
appreciate music as a vital part of our core knowledge, so that we grow and
develop as well-rounded individuals. We will accomplish our mission through:
1. Singing with others, a varied repertoire of music
2. Performing on instruments, alone and w/others, a varied repertoire
3. Learning the elements of music (rhythm, melody, harmony, timbre,
form, texture, and expression)
4. Reading and notating music
5. Listening to music
6. Creating and improvising music
7. Valuing and evaluating music
8. Understanding music in relation to history and culture
9. Understanding the relationship of music to the other arts and all
core knowledge disciplines
Weeks 1-4: Through participating in the above activities, we will review
the
music core knowledge curriculum for the first four weeks of class.
Weeks 5-8: We will apply our knowledge of music by producing an in-class
Talent Show. The Talent Show is a requirement for all students and provides
an opportunity for each person to share his/her unique talents with our
class. Students will be divided into groups of no more than 3-4; however
some students may chose to perform as solos. Though there will be a wide
variety of talents, each act must include music in some way as a vital part
of the performance.
Talent Show Guidelines: Student acts will include the following: 3–4
minutes in length including music, a well-designed, colorful poster that
depicts and advertises the act, 75 colorful tickets produced to be given to
our audience (our class plus another MS class plus parents who wish to
attend). All lyrics must be submitted in advance for approval. Group
cooperation and participation, as well as attitude and effort will be a part
of the overall grade.
Much of the work on the acts will be done during regular music class time.
However, students are encouraged to practice their parts at home with their
fellow group members. Costumes and props are to be items found at home –
students will not need to purchase anything expensive for this performance.
In-Class Talent Show Performance: Our show will be performed the week of
October 8th. Parents are welcome to attend. More information will be sent
home closer to the exact date; and it will also be posted on my teacher
website.
Grading Rubric:
Music Core Knowledge Review - 50% of grade
Participation, effort, worksheets, quizzes, tests
Talent Show Project – 50% of grade
Performance, poster, tickets, group participation, creativity,
effort/attitude – Points for each part of project will be
determined later. All acts will be musically evaluated, primarily
by me and in part, by peer review.
Thanks for putting forth your very best effort! Let’s make this a fabulous
quarter in music! Please email or call if you have any questions, and
please
watch my teacher website for updates!
Musically yours,
Mrs. Smits
PRA Music Teacher
(303) 221-1070 ext. 2035
HSmits@platteriveracademy.com
