Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.
- Parent: Do we have to buy a choir uniform?
- Parent: Do we have to buy a t-shirt?
- Parent: Are there any extra materials required for choir?
- Student: What shoes/jewelry/hairstyle do I wear with my choir uniform?
- Student: Can I go to the bathroom?
- Student: When's our next performance?
Parent: Do we have to buy a choir uniform?
No, but you may have to gather some pieces from your child's own wardrobe (or purchase
pieces he/she doesn't already own) to supplement what I can supply. Each child must have
the correct shoes and other accessories to go with it (i.e. socks, hose, etc.), and there may be
cleaning expenses for Mustang, Concert, and Chamber if you wish to dry clean your uniform.
(They can be machine-washed, delicate/cold, and tumble-dried on low but I recommend
hanging the girls' uniforms to dry as there's interfacing behind the satin.)
Parent: Do we have to buy a t-shirt?
Yes! Our choir shirt is actually our informal uniform that we wear when we
travel in groups, like to Region Auditions, or to community events. Our latest shirt design
is brand new and was picked by the kids. It costs around $7. Our returning 7th and 8th graders
will NOT need to buy another shirt this year, as once we adopt a design we keep it for a few years.
Parent: Are there any extra materials required for choir?
Thank you for asking. Each student need to obtain a black, 3-ring, 1/2 inch, hardback binder.
This binder is meant to last all year, and with proper care and maintenance, should do just that.
The reasons for the specific requirements are: should we need to use folders for a performance
(i.e., the music will not be performed from memory), the only acceptable color onstage is
black. The 1/2 inch size ensures that it will fit into our custom-made folder
cabinet (made for us by a choir parent several years ago), and your child need
never worry about finding a place to keep said folder. I require that the
binder have three rings for ease in turning pages, and hardback because it
will last longer and protect your child's music better. Having this folder,
and a pencil, is a daily expectation and a weekly grade (I take materials
checks every week - an easy 100 if binder, music, and pencil are all present.)
Student: What shoes/jewelry/hairstyle do I wear with my choir uniform?
Here's the specifics regarding shoes, hair, jewelry, etc. Ladies: It would be best
(and look best onstage with the uniform) if your shoes are simple black flats.
Mary Janes or ballet flats are acceptable. Guys will wear black lace up dress shoes
or loafers. Even nice looking all-black boots, like Skechers or Docs, are ok as long as
they are clean and in good condition. TENNIS SHOES ARE NOT ALLOWED.
Ladies will wear flesh-toned hosiery, guys will wear black socks. No exceptions.
Jewelry will be kept to a minimum. Ladies, earrings must be studs or VERY small loops (as
in, nearly-touching-your-earlobe small). If you choose to wear a
necklace, please wear ONE SIMPLE necklace that doesn't draw a lot of
attention. Again, use your best judgement on this. If you want to wear
rings, you may each wear one ring per hand, that's it. I'd like the ladies
to wear their hair half-up, half down (so that the face is more visible). No
cornrows, fishnets, outrageous colors, or other hair gimmicks. I'm
happy to answer any other questions, but I will NOT answer the million
silly questions about shoes (can they sparkle? can they have a heel?
can they have straps? can they have cutouts?) A nice-looking black flat in
good condition is all I ask of you, ladies! :)
Student: Can I go to the bathroom?
Nope. Rehearsal time is precious! Use the time between classes for that.
That is actually a school policy, not just my rule, but I adhere to it VERY
strictly.
Student: When's our next performance?
Check the calendar on the wall or the calendar on this webpage before asking
that question in the middle of rehearsal! Imagine how much rehearsal time
you'll save! :)