The Scottsboro Choral Academy exists as an educational outreach to nurture and inspire student achievement with quality music education in the pursuit of artistic and personal excellence through choral performance. As such, it is imperative that each student adheres to certain guidelines.

 

Food and Drinks

No food or gum is allowed during class. These are a choking hazard for singers. Water is allowed but please don’t bring the super loud crinkly bottles (you know the ones). No other drinks are allowed.

 

Attendance

Students are expected to attend all classes. Your child is part of a team, and that team is only complete when your child is present. We understand that circumstances arise, but please try not to miss any classes unless it is absolutely unavoidable. Chronic absence will result in your child being unprepared for performances. That being said, if your child is sick, please keep them at home.

 

Behavior

We certainly understand that children have bad days and will occasionally behave accordingly. We don’t expect your child to know the best way to react to every situation. We’re adults and we don’t always know the best way to react to things. Children make mistakes. That’s part of the learning process. Most of the time, a gentle reminder is all it takes to get students back on track. There are, however, certain behaviors that will not be tolerated. We take the safety of our students very seriously. Bullying in any form is not acceptable. Physical violence toward other students or teachers will result in your child being sent home. Depending on the situation, they may be asked not to return.

Although we will sing together and perform as a choir, our goal is music education. The curriculum is carefully planned, and the song selections and part placement are designed to support that.

I will determine the repertoire, solos, and part placements. I will not debate this under any circumstances with students or parents.

 

Materials

Each student will be provided with a folder, shirt, and music. Shirts will be worn anytime we perform or attend a function as a group. It is the responsibility of the students and parents to keep up with the folders and bring them to class each week. Make a habit of asking your child if any information was sent home with them in their folder, as I will occasionally send information or forms home in these folders.

 

Inclusion

It is our policy and privilege to welcome students from all walks of life. It is a truly remarkable thing to hear individual voices joined together to create beautiful music. We embrace and celebrate the things that make us unique. An orchestra wouldn’t quite work if everyone played the same instrument. It is our diversity that makes it work. We are part of something amazing, not despite our differences, but because of them. Racism, sexism, classism, ableism, or any other ism has no place here (or anywhere, for that matter) and will not be tolerated. This will be a safe place for ALL students.