Great job!  The Choirs performed along with the West Band at the Taylor Rotary's Family Fun Day on Thursday, and it was a great start to the year!  In just 18 school days - 2 of them half days - we prepared a concert of music to entertain a big crowd of family and friends.  The generous Taylor Rotary club provided the food and activities, and the weather was perfect.  Shout out to all the soloists who performed, as well as the awesome West Band.  Now you can relive and share the show!  Enjoy!

Taylor Rotary Family Fun Day, September 26, 2018
Cardinal Singers: The Star Spangled Banner, For Good 
6th Grade Chorus: Good Night, Side By Side
Men in Black: Hey There Delilah, Barbara Ann
Cadet Choir: We Will Sing The World Whole Again, Stand By Me

TAYLOR ROTARY FAMILY FUN DAY CONCERT
Thursday, September 26, 2019
Heritage Park (on Pardee between Northline and Goddard)

CHORUS ARRIVAL TIME: 3:45pm – Concert begins at 4.

PARENTS:
We are performing in the open air “Farmer’s Market” pavilion. It is a covered space. Seating is available but limited. Bring a folding chairif you want to be assured seating!

UNIFORM:
Uniform shirt, tucked completely in (in back also) with the top button undone
Black shoes, black “school uniform” pants (or past the knee skirt with black stockings or tights) and black socks.  No skin showing below the belt.
A black belt is recommended (not required) to make it look neat. 
Wear long hair out of your face so you’re not hot and so we can see your eyes
Jewelry should be kept to a minimum – a watch, ring, or earrings are fine, remove other jewelry.  A necklace is fine if worn under the shirt.  Any remaining jewelry should match your uniform colors.
You may wear an undershirt if it’s not visible with the uniform top button undone.  No long sleeve undershirts are acceptable. 
Cell phones should NOT be visible or audible (THE AUDIENCE SHOULDN’T SEE/HEAR IT). 
Do not discard your uniform after the performance! Keep track of it or lose it!
No perfume or cologne, however deodorant is ESSENTIAL!

ITINERARY: 

1. No food will be served to any student in uniform until after we’ve performed.
2. When you arrive: Sit on the risers in your place and wait for instructions.  All drinks and bathroom breaks must be taken care of BEFORE 3:55, and no opportunity will be available again until after the band has finished.
3. IF you are also in band: Set up your stand and instrument.  DO NOT PLAY. Prepare your instrument then join the choir. 
4. At 4:00, the 6thGrade Chorus, Cadet Choir and Men in Black will be in their rows, in order, sitting down so they may watch the Cardinal Singers perform, and wait to perform.  The Cardinal Singers will be on the risers, in order, and will begin the performance.  
5. When the Cardinal Singers finish, they will exit the risers, row by row, and be replaced by the Sixth Grade chorus. The Cardinal Singers will take places sitting, in their rows to watch the concert. 
6. After the the 6thgraders, the Men in Black, then Cadet Choir will go to the risers in an orderly fashion and perform.  After they are done, they will sit on the risers quietly. 
7. When any other group is performing (band or choir), everyone in the audience is to be SILENT, STILL, and SHOW APPRECIATION for performances. 
8. When the band is done (about 4:45), a signal from your teacher will excuse all performers.  Do not get up before you are excused, unless you have already notified your teacher.  
9. Help will be needed to break down risers, load the sound system and percussion, and fold up chairs at this time. You may then enjoy the food and activities available at the park. 

​REMINDERS:
Transportation to and from the event is your responsibility, as is having your full uniform.  Do not forget that your attendance and appropriate participation is a grade!
Appropriate behavior should be observed at ALL times. All school rules apply before, during, and after the performance.  Gum is not allowed until after the performance! SAY PLEASE & THANK YOU!
Invite everyone you know to attend the concert. Food and activities are free for all (adult and child) who attend.
Have fun!  You have started to work hard, now enjoy!
 

There's some confusion regarding what we call the "Uniform fee" - this should answer all your questions!

Q: HOW MUCH IS IT? 
A: For 7th-8th graders, it is $30, or $15 if you already have the appropriate, fitting uniform shirt (from a sibling, for example)
    For 6th graders, it is $20.  If you already have the appropriate fitting (white) shirt, $5. 

Q: WHAT DOES IT PAY FOR? 
A: The uniform fee covers several things: 
     The uniform shirt, which you will own. 
     A Festival medal students will earn when we compete in March
     Helping to pay fees for accompanists who will perform with us on our concerts in December, March, and May
     Helping to purchase music for students to use (between $2-4 per copy per song, plus accompaniment tracks at $30-80!) 

Q: WHEN IS IT DUE? 
A: Friday, September 20th is the due date

Q: HOW DID MY CHILD SELECT THEIR SIZE? 
A: Mr. Martin helps each student select the appropriate size shirt in class, as he's done for 20+ years. 

Q: WHAT IF THE SHIRT DOESN'T FIT
A: In the unlikely event the shirt is not appropriately sized, Mr. Martin always orders a few extras just in case. 

Q: WHEN WILL MY CHILD GET THEIR SHIRT? 
A: Shirts were ordered September 6 and are being made now.  They will be delivered no later than Wednesday, September 25, the day before our concert.  Usually, they arrive sooner. 

Q: CASH OR CHECK? 
A: Cash is preferred.  You may send a money order instead.  Every time you send in money, expect a receipt.  Mr. Martin ALWAYS gives receipts for money that comes in. Checks are not preferred because of very high fees in the event that a check does not clear. 

Q: WHAT ELSE DOES MY CHILD NEED FOR THE UNIFORM? 
A: Solid black dress slacks or school uniform pants, solid black shoes (of ANY kind, even athletic), solid black socks.  A black belt is nice but not required.  If a skirt is preferred, it must be below the knee and worn with solid black leggings or tights, so no skin is showing below the waist. 

Q: I NEED MORE TIME TO PAY
A: No problem!  Simply contact Mr. Martin and let him know when you can pay by. 

Q: I NEED HELP TO PAY FOR THE UNIFORM FEE
A: No problem!  Simply contact Mr. Martin and let him know what you need.  Every year, students are given uniforms on "scholarship" due to need.  No child is ever excluded from the program because they cannot afford the uniform fee.  I ask that you please make sure your child has the pants and shoes, but I can help with that also, if only you ask. 

Q: I DON'T WANT MY CHILD TO CARRY CASH ALL DAY BEFORE CLASS
A: Kids can bring money to Mr. Martin first thing in the morning.  

Q: I NEED TO KNOW MORE
A: Visit the Uniform page on this website, and the Grading and Expectations page on this website.  If what you need isn't there, contact Mr. Martin. 

Q: WHEN IS THE FIRST CONCERT
A: We perform at Heritage Park at 4pm on Thursday, September 26 (1 week from when I type this!).  EVERYONE is invited, the event is FREE, and food and activities are FREE for EVERYONE.  Come hear what we can accomplish in just 3 weeks of school!

Hello, students and parents!  Here's a couple of reminders for you: 

1. Uniform $ ($20 for 6th graders, $30 for 7th/8th graders, or $15 if you don't need a shirt) is due on Friday, September 20.  Please send cash or money order to West Middle School.  Your child will get a receipt from me when they turn it in. 
2. If you need more time or need help with the uniform fee, I only need you to contact me by phone, remind, email or note.  No child is taken out of Chorus because they can't afford the uniform. 
3. If your child doesn't yet have solid black dress pants and black shoes (as well as socks), then please take them shopping soon!  We will need our uniforms for the September 26 show at Heritage Park (4pm).  See the uniform policy here. 
4. Shirts will be delivered during the week before the show, on the 25th at the latest, but likely sooner.  
5. Everyone is invited to the September 26th Taylor Rotary Family Fun Day show, and the event features not only the West Band and Chorus, but also free food and activities for EVERYONE.  Please come, and invite everyone! 
6. Attendance on September 26 is mandatory and graded.  Please see our attendance policy here, and contact Mr. Martin with any conflicts. 

Here are some photos from last year's event: