Cookie Dough Reminders

• Goal: 10 items
• Order Forms are Due: Tuesday, May 1 (late orders will not be accepted)
• You may collect money at the time of the order OR when you deliver the items

Raider Revue Tickets

RAIDER REVUE TICKETS were passed out in class today for students to begin selling. 

• Each SMS Choir student is expected to sell 5 tickets
• Soloists/small group participants must sell 10 tickets
• Ticket money/unsold tickets must be turned in May 9
• Students may check out additional tickets to sell

Ticket Prices

• $6 in advance
• $7 at the door
• $5 students/senior citizens 65+ (in advance or at the door)
• FREE children under 10 (no ticket needed)

Ticket Sales Contest

• Prizes will be awarded for our top ticket sellers:
• 1st - iPod Touch
• 2nd - iPod Nano
• 3rd - iPod Shuffle

*A student must sell at least 15 tickets to qualify for the contest.

Update: April 26

Trip Fund Fundraiser: Cookie Dough
Monday we kicked off our first-ever fundraiser dedicated to an all-new fund set aside specifically for SMS Choir trips.  All profit from the cookie dough fundraiser will go into our new trip fund and help lower trip related costs for SMS singers.  Great prizes are available for our top sellers!  Payment may be accepted when orders are taken or upon delivery.
Other important information:

• Order Forms are due by Tuesday, May 1
• When collecting, checks should be may payable to SMS Choir
• Online orders may be placed by using our online ID:  1086305
• Our exact delivery date cannot be determined until we have placed our order, however it will take place before the last day of school.

click to download:
Cookie Dough Brochure
Cookie Dough Order Form

 

State Solo/Ensemble Festival THIS SATURDAY
Solos and ensembles receiving a "1" rating at Regional Solo/Ensemble Festival will be participating in State Solo/Ensemble Festival this Saturday, April 28, at Emporia State University.  Important: singers are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from Emporia.  Performance times begin at 8a and don't end until 4:30p.  In the past we have provided a bus and had only a few riders due to students not wanting to stay the whole day.  If you need help with transportation see Cates ASAP.
click to download
State Solo/Ensemble Info
State Solo/Ensemble Schedule

 

Raider Revue Info
What is Raider Revue?
Raider Revue is SMS Choir's spring show.  The performance includes SMS Choirs, soloists and small groups.  Think Glee, but a little bit more like real life.  This year's show is a "BRITISH INVASION" and features music by English artists like Adele, The Beatles, Queen and more!  Performances are May 10 & 11 at 7:00p in the SMS Auditorium.  Solo and small group numbers change each night, be sure to purchase your tickets for both shows!
Auditions Results
Raider Revue Audition Results have been posted.  Thank you to all who auditioned.  If you have questions related to the results please see Cates.
Tickets
Raider Revue tickets are on sale now!  You can purchase them online or from an SMS Choir student.  Each SMS Choir student is expected to sell 5 tickets.  Singers who have a solo or are in a small group are expected to sell 10 tickets.  Prizes will be given to our top 3 ticket sellers.
Ticket Prices
$6.00 in advance; $7.00 at the door; $5.00 for students and senior citizens; FREE for children under 10
Note:  All non-performers (including parents) need a ticket for each performance of Raider Revue.  SMSD Gold Cards and Student IDs are not accepted as this is a SMS Choir Boosters sponsored event.
Raider Revue Program Ads
Purchase an ad to honor your SMS Choir student or advertise for your business in our Raider Revue program.  Ads are $100 - Full Page; $50 -Half Page; $25 - Quarter Page.  For more information CLICK HERE.

 

Seniors:  Pictures and Bios PAST DUE!
Seniors (and parents) if you haven't completed the items below please do so ASAP.  A "list of shame" including those students who haven't turned in pictures and/or bios will be published next week...DON'T BE ON IT!

• Email both a SENIOR PICTURE and a BABY PICTURE to Haley White, SMS Choir President at haley_white84@sbcglobal.net
• Complete your online SENIOR BIO FORM
• Purchase your RAIDER REVUE PROGRAM AD (optional)

 

Update: Friday, April 19

ATTENDANCE OFFICE ERROR FOR 4/18
The aattendance office staff made an error and only excused students in A Cappella Choir for our performance yesterday.  If you receive or have received a call saying that your child has an unexcused absence for yesterday it has been resolved.  Sorry for the inconvenience.

CONGRATS SMS CHOIRS!
SMS A Cappella Choir, Men's Choir and Women's Choir participated in the Kansas State High School Activities Association State Large Ensemble Festival.  All of our choirs received "I--Superior" ratings from all judges!  Outstanding work!

TRIP FUND-FUNDRAISER BEGINS MONDAY
In an effort to reduce the over-all cost related to SMS Choir trips the choir boosters has decided to provide an all-choir fundraising opportunity.  This fundraiser will contribute to a general SMS Choir Trip Fund that will benefit all choir students at one time or another.  Beginning Monday students will be selling frozen cookie dough.  While profits from this fundraiser will go to the trip fund, individual students will have the opportunity to earn great prizes!

RAIDER REVUE TICKETS: ON-SALE NEXT WEEK
Tickets for SMS Choir's end-of-the-year variety show, Raider Revue, will go on sale next week.  Each SMS Choir student will be asked to sell at least 5 tickets.  Students who are participating in a solo or small group act are asked to sell 10 tickets.  There will be 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes for our top ticket sellers!  Tickets are:  $6 in advance and $7 at the door, $5 for students/senior citizens, FREE for children under 10. 

STATE SOLO/ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL
All SMS solos and ensembles earning a 1 rating at Regional Solo/Ensemble at Blue Valley High School last Saturday will go on to perform at State Solo/Ensemble Festival on Saturday, April 28, at Emporia State University.  The schedule will be published late next week.  Soloists and ensembles will need to provide their own transportation to and from Emporia, otherwise each student will have to remain at the festival all day long.

UPCOMING EVENTS
A Cappella Choir Trip to St. Louis - April 20-22
Trip Fund-Fundraiser - April 23-27
State Solo/Ensemble Festival - April 28, Emporia State University

Update: Week of April 16

SMS Choirs:
I'm so excited for the judges, other directors and other choirs to hear you tomorrow at State Large Ensemble.  REMEMBER:  we have worked hard, we sound good.  We can't allow the non-musical details to distract us from our performance.  We will be AMAZING if we can be focused on our music and our performance!

See you bright and early tomorrow morning!
Cates

CONGRATS AGAIN REGIONAL SOLO/ENSEMBLE PARTICIPANTS
One more congratulations to all of our Regional Solo/Ensemble participants!  A list of the ratings has been posted at http://www.smschoir.com/ and on the choir Facebook page.

Soloists and ensembles who received a "1" rating on Saturday will move on to State Solo/Ensemble Festival on Saturday, April 28, at Emporia State University.

A CAPPELLA CHOIR MANDATORY TRIP MEETING TONIGHT
The final A Cappella Choir Trip meeting for those going to St. Louis will take place tonight at 6:30p in the choir room.  If you did not attend the meeting this morning you must attend tonight and submit the required forms.

STATE LARGE ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL TOMORROW
State Large Ensemble is tomorrow at Blue Valley Northwest High School.  All choir students must arrive at Shawnee Mission South at 6:15a.  For detailed schedule and permission slip CLICK HERE.

Regional Solo Ensemble Ratings

Regional Solo/Ensemble Ratings

Ensembles:
Chanticleers 1
Heritage Men 1
Heritage Women 1
Varsity Men 2
Heritage Singers 1
Women's Ensemble 2

Soloists:
Alex Rhein 1
Nico Caruso 1
Elena Rogers 1
Elizabeth Trites 1
Haley White 1
Skylar Olson 2
Christina Rabb 1
Alyssa Stillwell 2
Alex Vue 2
Ginger Seamon 2
Peter Strobel 2
Aaron Williams 1
Heinrich Dettmann 1
Adam Winney 2
Meg Horner 1
Rachel Fisher 1
Alex Yang 1
Alena Blackmore 1
Gabi Finkelstein 1
Leah Heathcote 1
Abbi Lopez 1
Eric Odum 1
Meshella Dupree 2
Taylor Pickering 1
Jacob Elliott 2
Michael Hicks 1
Will Cockriel 2

Solo/Ensemble

Regional Solo/Ensemble is TOMORROW, Saturday, April 14! 

Get a good nights sleep, review your music and be ready to be outstanding!

Visit http://www.smschoir.com/ to download the schedule and information sheet passed out in class.

Additional Raider Revue Audition Day

Due to a record number of audition sign-ups we have added an audition day for Raider Revue.

Auditions will take place:

• Today, from 3-5p in the choir room
• Tuesday, April 17, from 3-5p in the choir room

The current sign-up list will be divided in half.  The students who were first to sign-up will go today, the students lower on the list will go on Tuesday.  Students who haven't signed up yet will go on Tuesday.  Performers may only switch days if they trade with someone on the list.

Saturday vs. Wednesday

The two upcoming music festivals can be very confusing concerning what is happening when, where etc.  If you are confused read the blurbs below.  If you are STILL confused please email me: dustincates@smsd.org.

REGIONAL SOLO/ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL

• Saturday, April 14
• Blue Valley High School (transportation not provided)
• For the Schedule CLICK HERE
• For the Information Sheet CLICK HERE
• Includes:  Heritage Singers, Women's Choir Ensemble, Chanticleers, Varsity Men, A Cappella Men and soloists

STATE LARGE ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL

• Wednesday, April 18
• Blue Valley Northwest High School (transportation provided)
• Students will arrive at 6:15a for breakfast and warm-up (free food!)
• Performances times:  A Cappella Choir  8:00a, Men's Choir 8:25a, Women's Choir 8:45a
• For a schedule that lists all performances (band, choir and orchestra) CLICK HERE. 
• Includes: Selected Women's Choir singers, A Cappella Choir, Heritage Singers, Chanticleers and Varsity Men.

Update: Week of April 9

RAIDER REVUE AUDITIONS
Raider Revue auditions will be this Thursday, April 12 from 3-5p in the choir room.  A sign-up sheet for audition spots is up in the choir room.

*If you have checked out a book from the SMS music library to copy and still have it--PLEASE return it--we will need these for future Cabarets and Raider Revues.

SEMINAR REHEARSALS THIS THURSDAY
We will have our final combined Men's and Women's rehearsals this Thursday, April 12, during seminar.  Following our combined rehearsals we will also work with any solos or ensembles in prep for Regional Solo/Ensemble.  Seminar passes will be distributed in class--you must report to seminar first.

REGIONAL SOLO/ENSEMBLE THIS SATURDAY!
Regional Solo/Ensemble will be held this Saturday, April 14, all day, at Blue Valley High School.  Use the following links for the PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE and OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION.

A CAPPELLA CHOIR ST. LOUIS TRIP MEETING
There will be a required meeting for those A Cappella Choir singers and parents going on the St. Louis Trip on Tuesday, April 17.  Students and parents can choose from two meetings times: 7:00a or 6:30p.  Both meetings will be held in the choir room.

STATE LARGE ENSEMBLE NEXT WEDNESDAY!
All SMS Choirs students will participate in State Large Ensemble Festival next Wednesday, April 18.  Choir students will arrive at SMS at 6:15a for breakfast and warm-up.  We will board the buses and head to Blue Valley Northwest.  Parents and family are welcome to attend.  Performance times below:

• A Cappella Choir  8:00a
• Men's Choir 8:25a
• Women's Choir 8:45a

UPCOMING EVENTS
Seminar Rehearsals - April 12; Seminar; Choir Room
Raider Revue Auditions - April 12; 3-5p; Choir Room
Regional Solo/Ensemble - April 14; All Day; BVHS
A Cappella Trip Meeting - April 17; 7a/6:30p; Choir Room
State Large Ensemble - April 18; Morning Performances; BV Northwest

ATTENTION SENIORS!

Attention Choir Seniors (& Parents):

Please complete the following tasks as soon as possible so that we can properly honor you at our end-of-the-year events:

·        Complete the Choir Senior Bio Form   DUE APRIL 30

·        Email or submit a baby picture and senior picture to Haley White: haley_white84@sbcglobal.net DUE ASAP!

I will continue to send reminders thru April.  HOWEVER, IF YOU HAVE NOT TURNED IN YOUR PICTURES AND/OR BIO AFTER APRIL 30, DUE TO PRINTING DEADLINES, YOU RISK NOT BEING INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAM AND/OR SENIOR SLIDESHOW.  Not being included in the program and/or slideshow will make your mother extremely upset.  She will come to me, angry, and I will send her to you.

ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND!

Cates

PRE-FEST CONCERT CANCELED!

Due to scheduling conflicts with the auditorium our Pre-Festival Concert, scheduled for Thursday, April 5, has been canceled.  We will not reschedule the performance.  Enjoy your Thursday night!

CATES

50 Point Assignment

Due to the unusually large number of surprised looks and blank stares I receive when I discuss upcoming events and schedule I am giving an assignment to all choir students related to the blog.

All students and parents should be skimming each blog post for information that applies to them.  We cannot be our best if we haven't taken care of the details.

50 POINT ASSIGNMENT:

• Print this page
• Write your name, date and hour at the top
• Turn it in to the slot that belongs to your hour outside Cates' office by Thursday, April 5

Week of April 2, 2012

 MUSIC/FOLDER REMINDER
In the SMS Choral Department we are very lucky to have resources for all students to have their personal folder and music.  There are schools not even 10 miles away from South who can't afford to purchase new music.  Remember:  all SMS Choir students must have their folder/music each day and put that folder/music away at the end of each rehearsal.  Failure to bring folder/music to class and/or leaving the music sitting out in the room will result in a loss of daily participation points.

SOLOS
Soloists should be working on their solos daily.  If class time is given please utilize this to work on your solo.  Preparation = a confident, successful performance.  Remember:  accompanist fees should be paid by next week.

PRE-FESTIVAL CONCERT
Our Pre-Festival Concert is this Thursday, April 5, at 7:00p in the auditorium.  Students should arrive at 6:15p for warm-up.  The concert will feature our Combined Men's Choir, Combined Women's Choir, A Cappella Choir and our special guests the 8th Grade Choir from Indian Woods Middle School.  The concert is required for all choir students--200 points.  This concert will be very short, it should only last 45 min to an hour.

RAIDER REVUE T-SHIRT ORDER
All students performing in our end-of-the-year variety show, Raider Revue, are required to have a Raider Revue T-Shirt. If you are a returning choir member you do not need to purchase a new shirt--we use the same design each year.  If you are new to choir please CLICK HERE to submit your size.  Shirt money will be collected soon, but we need to sizes to determine how many we will order.  Sizes must be submitted by April 13.

SENIORS:  BABY AND SENIOR PICS DUE ASAP
Choir seniors must submit their baby pictures and senior pictures to choir president Haley White ASAP for the choir senior presentation at the end of Raider Revue.  Email photos to: haley_white84@sbcglobal.net

RAIDER REVUE AUDITIONS
In the midst of all of our contest prep we also need to get the ball rolling for Raider Revue!  We will have Raider Revue auditions on Thursday, April 12 at 3p.  There is a sign-up sheet in the choir room for auditions.
Reminders:
Each singer may audition up to 4 times:  2 solos and 2 small groups/duets
Must doesn't not need to be memorized, but prepared
If you are using Ms. Willbanks as an accompanist please schedule rehearsal ahead of the audition.  Students who have not previously practiced with Ms. Willbanks will not be allowed to audition.
Be creative!  It makes the show fun!

REGIONAL SOLO/ENSEMBLE
Regional Solo/Ensemble will take place Saturday, April 14 at Blue Valley High School.  I received notification today that the schedule will be available on Wednesday.  Once the schedule is released we will do our best to resolve conflicts, however, students will be expected to resolve any conflict they may have to attend.  Regional Solo/Ensemble includes students who have prepared a solo for contest or are participating in an ensemble.  Students will need to provide their own transportation to and from Blue Valley High School.  Additional details will be distributed with the schedule.

The Choir/Band/Orchestra Boosters will host a table in the commons area at BVHS with snacks and water for our soloists and ensembles.  If you would like to help please contact Choir Boosters President, Barb Trites at president@smschoir.com.

A CAPPELLA ST. LOUIS TRIP MEETING
All A Cappella Choir members attending the St. Louis choir trip must attend final meeting on April 17 at 7:00a or 6:30p. 

STATE LARGE ENSEMBLE
A Cappella Choir, Combined Men's Choir and Combined Women's Choir (includes all choir students), will participate in State Large Ensemble Festival on, Wednesday, April 18 at Blue Valley Northwest High School.  The festival takes place during the school day.  Singers will need to arrive at SMS at 6:15a for warm-up (Continental breakfast provided).  We will board the buses and travel to BVNW.  Our performance times are as follows: 

• A Cappella Choir  8:00a
• Men's Choir 8:25a
• Women's Choir 8:45a

Parents are welcome to attend!

Parents interested in helping with serving breakfast can contact Barb Trites, Choir Boosters President at president@smschoir.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Pre-Festival Concert Dress Rehearsal - April 5, Seminar, in the Choir Room
Pre-Festival Concert - April 5, call 6:15p, concert 7:00p
Raider Revue Auditions - April 12, 3-5p, Choir Room
Regional Solo/Ensemble Festival - April 14, Schedule TBA, BVHS
A Cappella Choir Trip Meeting - April 17, 7a/6:30p, Choir Room
State Large Ensemble - April 18, Morning Performances, BVNWHS