2009-2010 WWSHS Esprit Show Choir Guidelines

Esprit is an auditioned all girls show choir for WWSHS girls in grades 9-12. Esprit performs in the community and competes during the school year.

Esprit ( legal name:WWSHS Show Choir Club Inc) is a 501C3 non-profit club that is not financially sponsored by District 200. However, Esprit is an official school club with a legal agreement with District 200 to provide an auditioned show choir to ONLY Wheaton Warrenville South students. WWS high school provides rehearsal space, instruments, risers, etc to Esprit for use.

The Esprit mission statement is as follows:

To provide an extracurricular show choir opportunity for WWSHS girls in grades 9-12 which emphasizes self-esteem, pride, respect, dedication, responsibility, camaraderie and fun

To provide its members with professional vocal and dance instruction in a positive environment.

To emphasize the value of working hard toward the common goal of creating entertaining, spirited, competition-worthy performances of which the girls can be proud.

Rehearsals: Mondays 4:30-6:30 with some exceptions and additions (see full calendar attached)

Commitment
The show choir season lasts throughout the school year with our schedule slowing down considerably in April.   Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is required with very few exceptions. Because Esprit rehearses just once per week in most weeks, it is ESSENTIAL that girls attend weekly rehearsals. See full calendar attached

Though we make efforts to work around student schedules, attendance at the performances and rehearsals listed below is mandatory to be a member of the group:

If you have any conflicts with these dates, please bring them to the attention of Mrs. Wright prior to auditions. Depending upon what you will miss, you may still be eligible for participation in the group (at the discretion of the directing staff).

Attendance
Because Esprit meets only once per week, it is essential that girls attend all rehearsals.

1.Students are allowed two excused absences . If you must miss a rehearsal, you must submit your request in writing at least one week prior to the rehearsal.

2. Students cannot be absent during any of the black out dates above. If you are absent for any part of the black out dates, you may taken out of all or part of performances and or competitions directly following the absence. This will be at the discretion of the director.

3. Excused tardiness or absences due to a school-sponsored event s or extracurricular activity will always be considered. Prior communication with the directing staff is essential in these cases.

4. Excused absence from school due to illness is also an excused absence from show choir and will not count toward your two allowed excused absences. However, chronic absences due to illness may affect your ability to "keep up" and may result in the director having to remove you from part or all of a performance and or competition.

5. Unexcused tardiness will not be tolerated. Three unexcused tardies will result in possible removal from the group.  

 

6. If a girl is absent for four or more calendar dates (or three before first competition) for ANY reason (excused or unexcused), her absences will be considered chronic and a review of her further involvement with the club by the parent board, director and parents will take place.

Costs- $1300 per girl
Fees cover the following: vocal instruction, choreography instruction, sheet music, clinicians, costumes, transportation, custom music arranging, hotel accommodations, insurance, t-shirt and warm up jacket, calling post, fall party and spring awards ceremony.

Fee schedule:

• Wednesday May 27 $500
• Monday August 31- $500
• Monday Oct 5- $300

Payment plans can be worked out, please call Lora Wright @ 630-306-3618

All payments made are non refundable

Anyone quitting on or after June 30 is obligated to pay the $1300 in full.

Recognizing that this is a considerable cost to any family, we will continue to work diligently to provide fundraising opportunities for students to be able to offset the costs associated with Esprit.

Competitions

Esprit competes on Saturday mornings. It is an all day commitment and sometimes a Friday overnight. Exact dates and times will be given in the fall but for now, please plan to block out the entire weekend.  We will travel together by bus and arrive early enough for set up and preparation.  After our competition, we will stay and support the other show choirs in attendance.  This will include the awards presentation and possibly a performance in the evening finals.  Please plan your day accordingly.  We need all members to effectively participate in these events.

Summer Camps

Summer camp information (Showchoir Camps of America, Rising Stars, etc.) is available from the director, and all choir members are expected to take advantage of these opportunities. Although these camps are not included in your fees for the year, it is highly recommended to take advantage of any opportunities available to you that will help to improve your performing skills.

Questions: contact Lora wright lorawright2004@yahoo.com or 630-306-3618

All policies and their administration are at the discretion of the board of directors and director John Burlace with no exceptions. If you have any questions or concerns about the above guidelines, please free to contac lora Wright 630-306-3618 lorawright2004@yahoo.com or Mr. Burlace (630-784-7285 or jburlace@cusd200.org) before committing to the show choir program.

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