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Hello everyone! I hope that you and your family are staying well. I have attached below a plan to help our students maintain some of the skills that we have been working on throughout the school year. I have no idea how long we will be out of school, so I have included 6 weeks worth of material. None of this is for a grade of course. It is just good practice and something that might help pass the time.

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I apologize that I forgot to send out a reminder for to you about our fundraiser being due today. If you have been selling (and I hope you have!), please turn it in by Wednesday, November 14. We want to make sure that everything is ordered before we leave for Thanksgiving break.

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Parents,

This is just a friendly reminder about the Choral Extravaganza tomorrow evening at Southside Baptist Church. Students need to arrive at 5:00 PM. The event starts at 6:30 and will probably end aroun 8:00. Please have then in their Chorus uniforms (Chorus shirt and khakis). Thank you!

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This is a friendly reminder about the Choral Extravaganza coming up on Tuesday Nov. 6. The event is slated to begin 6:30 PM at Southside Baptist Church. There will be a large number of groups performing, so we have several thing to go over that evening before it starts. I am asking the students to arrive wearing their chorus uniform (Chorus shirts and khakis) at 5:00 PM. If rides are an issues, please let me know ASAP so that we can figure out how to make sure everyone is able to come. Your student is VERY important to our group! The event concludes in the 7:45-8:00 PM range.

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Forms and money are due tomorrow!!

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I need to update you on upcoming Chorus opportunities. First I need to discuss the Choral Extravaganza which is going to be held on Tuesday, November 6 at Southside Baptist Church. On the Chorus calendar that I sent home at the beginning of the year, I wanted all grades to participate in the Extravaganza; however, our time table for our shows got pushed back a by a few weeks because the show materials took longer than expected to arrive. I am now only asking that the 8th graders participate in the Extravaganza so that the other grades can focus just on their respective musicals.

Eighth graders, the Extravaganza takes place on the evening of November 6. I believe it begins at 6:00 PM and students need to arrive at Southside by 5:00 PM. I t is difficult to get buses at that time, so I am asking that parents drop students off like we have done in the past. If we need to help our friends get to and from the event, let us know, and we’ll work on that. Students need to wear their chorus uniform (shirt and khakis). The event will end around 7:30ish.

There is another opportunity for our boys (just the boys, sorry girls!). This event takes place during the school on Monday, November 5 (the day before the Extravaganza). It is called #RealMenSing. The intent of this event is to allow middle school boys to learn about how Chorus works at the high school level and to meet and interact with the high school Chorus teachers and the high school guys. It costs $15 to participate. This includes pizza for lunch and a t-shirt. The guys will learn 2-3 songs while there and will present one of them at the Extravaganza the following evening (even if they are in 6th or 7th grade). So guys that attend #RealMenSing are going to be expected to also attend the Extravaganza the following evening. Please fill out and return the permission form by Friday if you wish your student to attend.

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Parents,

I want to remind you all about the upcoming Chorus Concert next Monday evening, October 1 at 6:00 PM. Students need to either stay after school with me or return to school by 5:15.

The Chorus shirts have come in, and I will begin passing those out tomorrow. They are $20, and I cannot give those out until they are paid for. Several students still need to pay.

I also need to sheepishly confess that I have been telling the students the wrong date for the concert for the past week. I have been telling them that it is on October 2, but when I went back to look at the calendar, I realized my mistake. October 1 is the date on the Chorus Calendar that I sent out at the beginning of the year, so we will follow that schedule. My apologies for any confusion!!

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Parents,

This is just a reminder of our trip to see Aladdin this Saturday. For those attending, we need to meet at the school at 10:00 AM, so that we can leave by 10:15. We will eat lunch at the Varsity in downtown Atlanta. Please send at least $10 to cover lunch. Students may also purchase concessions if they wish at the Fox Theatre. The show will end around 4:30, so we will likely stop for a quick meal on the way back. We will call to give an exact return time when we are in the Macon area.

***I have also been made aware of one ticket that is now available. The first one to turn in money for the ticket will receive it. ***

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6th grade Statewide Honor Chorus Information

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6th grade Statewide Honor Chorus Information

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Dear Parents,

I would like to inform you of an opportunity available to our 6th grade Chorus students. The Georgia Music Educators’ Association is holding its annual 6th Grade Statewide Honor Chorus at the Classic Center in Athens, Ga on February 22-23, 2019. This is highest honor available to 6th grade Chorus students in the state of Georgia! The event consists of special rehearsals with highly skilled conductors in a choral setting with some of the best 6th grade singers in the state. It culminates with a concert on the evening of February 23. The schedule is not yet available but will be given out as soon as possible.

Students who wish to participate will need to present an audition for Mr. Maddox on Friday, September 21 in class. The audition will include at least 30 seconds from a school appropriate song (not a rap song) of the student’s choice, singing the major scale with handsigns, and a short sight-singing example.  After auditions, students names will be submitted to GMEA, and GMEA will make the final selection. If your student is selected, a $35 registration fee along with acceptance paperwork will be due to Mr. Maddox.

After acceptance, students will be provided with music and a practice CD. Mr. Maddox will meet with students occasionally to assist in the learning process, but it is the responsibility of the students to learn the music! Parents please assist with this! Students who are unprepared will be asked not to attend!

The event itself takes place in Athens, and there will be travel and lodging expenses. Each student needs a parent or guardian to accompany him or her as a chaperone. Parents will also be responsible for the transportation of their students to the event and back in addition to any driving required while at the event. Information regarding GMEA’s attendance policy, Code of Conduct, and Dress code along with a list of GMEA sponsored hotels will be provided to those who are accepted.

Sincerely,

Ryan Maddox

Choral Director

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Shirt orders are due tomorrow!! (Friday, September 14)

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Hello everyone! I am excited about our new year. I have attached a copy of the 2018-2019 Handbook. Everyone needs to fill out the last page and turn it in by tomorrow. I have also attached a Chorus Calendar for the year. Please go ahead and mark down the important dates!! We have a busy schedule this year!

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Lion King is quickly approaching, and here is a reminder of the schedule and some things that I need help with:

Schedule:

Tomorrow, May 1, Rehearsal: 3:00-6:00

Thursday, May 3, Rehearsal: 3:00-6:00

Wednesday, May 9: Rehearsal: 3:00-5:30

Thursday, May 10, Show: 6:00 PM

Students can either stay after school with me, or they need to be to the Chorus room by 4:30 for costumes and make-up.

Needs:

I need a parent volunteer to help out with backstage supervision during our rehearsal. It can be a different person each day, so let me know what you can do!

We also need some concession items (2 liter sodas and Fun-sized candies).  Anything that you could bring would be a big help!!

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Parents,

This is just a quick reminder about the upcoming rehearsals and performance for Lion King.

May 1: 3:00-6:00

May 3: 3:00-6:00

May 9: 3:00-5:30

Performance May 10: 6:00 Call time: 4:30

I do need some backstage help during the rehearsals to help monitor students. One or two per rehearsal is plenty. Let me know if you can help out!

Thanks,

Ryan Maddox

Choral Director

Thomson Middle School

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We are in need of a couple of things for Shrek.
1. I need one parent for each after school rehearsal who can help monitor backstage for me. Dates are below.

2. We need concessions. I need two-liter bottles of soda and FUN size candies. Flavors do not matter.

Rehearsal Dates:
Thursday (3 days from now) March 22 3:00-6:00
Monday, April 2 3:00-6:00
Wednesday,  April 4 3:00-5:30

Show:
Thursday, April 5 6:00
Call Time: 4:30

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6th Grade Parents,
We sell concessions at our shows, and anytime we get concession items donated, it simply helps us cover expenses for the show itself. With that in mind I ask that as many as are willing to donate it some concession items, please do so!

I typically need two-liter bottles of soda (The big three are Coke, Diet Coke and Sprite. Others are great too, but those are the go-to drinks.)

I also need "Fun-sized" candies (NOT Mini-sized or regular sized). Any kind or flavor will work.

I also do popcorn, but I have that covered.

If you are planning on donating items, please have turned in by Tuesday, March 13. If we still need more items, I will go purchase them. I appreciate your help and support!!

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As many of you know, our shows need some volunteers and helpers to handle some of the logistics for the each event. I do my best to get parents from the two grades that are not presenting on  the night in question so that parents who have students on the stage can watch and enjoy. The 6th grade show is coming up on Thursday, March 15, and so I am asking 7th and 8th grade parents to help out. Here is a list of jobs that I need assistance with. If you are willing to help, please let me know!

Concession crew (2 Parents)

Ticket Takers (2 Parents)

Program Maker (1 Parent)

Backstage supervisors (1-2 Parents)

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I sent home some boxes today with most of our students. They all volunteered to decorate them as large pieces of candy to be part of our Willy Wonka set. They can use wrapping paper, colored plastic wrap, markers, paint, etc. in decorating them. They don’t have to look like name brand candies. They just need to look and be recognized as candy. Thanks for your help with this!!!

Here is a reminder about our schedule for rehearsals and the show itself: (Note the times particularly on March 14)

March 12: Rehearsal 3:00-5:30

March 13: Rehearsal 3:00-5:30

March 14:Rehearsal 3:00-5:00

March 15: Show at 6:00. Students need to be at TMS by 4:30 or they may stay with me after school.

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Permission slips for LGPE were due today, but students can still turn in a permission slip first thing Monday morning. I have send a list of students to teachers. No permission slips will be accepted later in the day, and students without permission forms cannot attend.

Other details:

Students need their Chorus uniform (polo and khakis)

Students need $10 for lunch at the mall

I still need another couple of chaperones. Please come and help us out!!

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Tomorrow: LGPE Quiz in class. Must make an 85 or higher to attend LGPE.

Thursday: LGPE Rehearsal after school from 3:00-4:00 for those who pass the quiz tomorrow.

Tuesday, February 13: LGPE Event. Students need their Chorus uniform (polo and khakis) and $10 for lunch at the Galleria Mall.

P.S.

I could use 3-5 chaperones for LGPE. Let me know if you are interested.

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The 7th and 8th Grade Choruses have been preparing off-and-on the entire school year for our Large Group Performance Evaluation (LGPE). This is an adjudicated performance where we will received feedback and an overall rating for our singing and performance abilities as a Chorus. This is the first year in several years that a Chorus from TMS will attend LGPE, so it’s sort of a big deal. Because of the nature of this event, I have set in place a quiz for all students that is designed to test their ability to sing our music with all of the details that we have practiced (correct volume, vowels, articulation, etc.) This quiz is NOT designed to be difficult to pass. It simply tests students over the concepts that we work on every day. Students who pay attention in class and do what is asked of them will have no problem achieving a high grade on this quiz. Only students that receive a qualifying score on that quiz of an 85 or higher will receive a permission slip for LGPE.

Other important LGPE details:

Quiz on Tuesday, February 6 in class

After School Rehearsal Thursday, February 8 3:00-4:00

LGPE Event Tuesday, February 13 at The Assembly Church (Bus will leave from TMS and return to TMS. Details on permission form.)

We will need our Chorus uniform (polo shirt and khakis) and some money for lunch at the Galleria after we sing ($10 recommended).

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Just a few quick reminders about our UGA trip tomorrow!

1.       Arrive at TMS by 6:45 so that we can leave by 7:00. I can’t really hold the bus because of our timetable. Please be on time.

2.       Eat breakfast beforehand

3.       Bring money for lunch at the game ($15-20).

4.       Wear your Chorus Uniform.

5.       Parents and siblings can ride separate. All Chorus students need to ride the bus!

6.       We should be back to TMS around 5:00 PM. We will call on the way home to give a specific time.

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For those participating in the UGA trip to sing the National Anthem. That is the first Saturday (Jan 6) after we return from Christmas Break. Don't let it sneak up on you! Remember we need to wear our Chorus Uniforms!

The Lion King Trip to the Fox Theatre is the following Thursday, Jan 11. A few folks still owe the final $50 payment. Please be sure to turn that in. I can't let those student go that haven't!!

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$55 is due on Friday!!

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This is just friendly reminder about our concert this Thursday, Dec. 14 at 5:30 in the cafeteria. This is a free event!! All students need to wear their Chorus uniform (shirt and khaki bottoms) and arrive by 5:00. Students are welcome to stay with me after school as well. Band folks, we’ll be done by 6:30 so that you can attend the band concert in the gym! Please let me know if there are any questions!

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$12 per person is due tomorrow!

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The due date for money for the UGA National Anthem trip is Tuesday, December 5. It is $12 per person. This is open to Chorus students and parents.

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There are a couple of things to remember in the next couple of weeks. Here they are:

Nov. 28: Money and Forms are due for those interested in attending the Jr. Thespian Conference in February. ($75)

Dec. 5: Money due for National Anthem at UGA ($12 per person)

Dec. 14: Christmas Concert 6:00 PM in the TMS cafeteria

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

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Here are some reminders about upcoming Chorus events:

1.       Time change for the Dec. 14 Chorus Concert. The new time is 5:30 instead of 6:00. We ran into a scheduling conflict and this fixes things for us. Students need to be at TMS by 5:00 or they can stay after school with me.

2.       Due date for Jr. Thespian Conference money and forms is tomorrow. $75

3.       Due date for National Anthem at UGA is Dec. 5. $12 per person.

4.       8th Grade spring trip second payment is due Dec. 15. $55

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The $50 final payment for those attending the Lion King is due tomorrow! The grand total is $70. Some students have fundraiser money or have paid more upfront. Most people owe $50 though.

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The Choral Extravaganza is tomorrow evening. Students need to be at Southside Baptist Church by 5:00pm for a rehearsal with the other groups. The event begins at 6:30. Parents will be allowed in at 6:10. I believe that the event will end around 8:00. Students need to wear their Chorus uniform.

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There is a performance opportunity for our 7th and 8th grade guys! It is called #RealMenSing. We are trying to get as many of our Chorus guys together to show them just how great it can be when guys get together and sing! Thomson participated in last year’s event, and it was tremendous fun for the guys that went. Here are the details:

When: November 6

Where: Houston County High School

Time: 12:30-4:00ish (We’ll need parents to pick up students at HOCO. System buses are not available at that time of day.)

Cost: $10 (covers pizza and a t-shirt)

This is the day before our Choral Extravaganza. That is on purpose. The guys of #RealMenSIng will perform one of the songs from that event at the Choral Extravaganza.

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Here are some reminders regarding up-coming dates for Chorus (some of these are grade specific):

November:

6: Deposit due for 8th Grade Spring Trip ($55)

6: #RealMenSing Event at Hoco ($10)

7: Choral Extravaganza at Southside Baptist Church (Student arrive by 5:00. Event starts at 6:30)

9: Final Payment for The Lion King Trip due ($50)

28: Money and forms due for Junior Thespians Conference ($75)

It’s busy week in November! We just finished up the Fruit Fundraiser, and I will have slips going home for those who participated regarding the amounts that they were able to raise for their Chorus needs.

Thanks for your help and support!

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When: November 7

Where: Southside Baptist Church

Times: Students need to arrive by 5:00 for a rehearsal. The event begins at 6:30 and ends around 8:00.

What to wear: Students need to wear their Chorus shirt and Khaki pants or skirt.

Cost: Absolutely Free!!

*Conflicts: If there is a conflict already on your schedule for November 7, let me know about it in the next few days so that I can make appropriate plans.

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A few students and parents have asked me about a potential conflict with Dessert Theatre next Thursday. Our TMS football games are normally on Thursdays and the first playoff games are scheduled for next week. I double-checked with the coaches today. The playoff games are on Wednesday NOT Thursday for TMS. We are good to go!

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Dessert Theatre and Chorus Shirt Reminder

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Dessert Theatre and Chorus Shirt Reminder

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This is a reminder about our Dessert Theatre this upcoming Thursday, October 5 at 6:00 PM. Students need to be in the Chorus room by 5:15. This is a ticketed event that serves as a fundraiser. Admission is $5 per person (elementary aged and younger are free), and admission also purchases a drink and a dessert item. Additional drinks and dessert can be purchased for $1. I have had several parents offer to donate desserts for the event, but we could still use a few more! I could also use a couple more volunteers to help with things like selling tickets and video recording. If you help out in any way, I would love to let you attend for free!

Chorus shirts are on their way! They should be here any day now! Students will need to wear these for the Dessert Theatre performance. Many students have turned in the $20 for the shirts, but many still need to as well. Bring in that money ASAP!

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Parents,

Dessert Theatre is coming up on October 5 at 6:00 PM. This is an excellent performance opportunity for our students that also doubles as a fundraiser for us. It is a ticketed event ($5 per ticket), but your ticket also purchases a serving of a dessert and a drink. Additional drinks and desserts are available for $1 each. We always need help with setup and donations for desserts. If you're willing to help in any of those areas, I'll gladly let you in the show for FREE!! Just send me an email at christopher.maddox@hcbe.net

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Our reward party for those students who sold 20 or more certificates for our Krispy Kreme fundraiser was supposed to be yesterday. We, of course, could not do that with school cancelled. It has been rescheduled for TOMORROW from 3:00-5:00 PM. Remember only those who sold 20 or more certificates (and one guest of their choosing) are invited.

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Parents,

The list below  is the names of those students who have turned in money for the Lion King Trip. You can still turn in money, and I know a few students have asked about turning in money on Monday. Just know that are opening up this opportunity to the 7th grade Band as well. We needed to pre-order our tickets, so when we reach our ticket limit, tickets will no longer be available for purchase. Turning money in on Monday should be no problem. Turning in money ASAP is a good idea though.

Thank you,

Ryan Maddox

Choral Director

Thomson Middle School

| Arianna Parks
| Waker Durham
| Amber Stitt
| Hope Harris
| Thomas Phan
| Annalise Sexton
| Ethan Hammack
| Samaya Whitehead
| Rachel Klein
| Natalie Burtt
| Caitlyn Pollard
| Virginia Meadows
| Nia Quimby
| Austin Medlin
| Taleeya Robinson
| David Wood
| Raven Dupree
| Allayana Croom
| Mikayla Gammage
| Jessica Lopez
| Mikayla Smith

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The $20 deposit for our Lion King trip is due tomorrow,Sept. 8!!

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I have the final information regarding the new Chorus Shirt for this year. The cost is $20 and payment will be due by September 15. Students that have participated in the Krispy Kreme fundraiser can use money earned from that to help offset the costs. I will send home that information soon. Attached is a mock-up or the shirt. Students will also need to wear either khaki pants or a khaki shirt of appropriate length. I appreciate your help and support.

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As many of you know, our 7th graders will be presenting Disney’s The Lion King as their 7th grade musical. It just so happens that the national tour of The Lion King is coming to the Fox Theatre this upcoming January, and we would like to take as many 7th graders as possible to go and see the full Broadway version of their show! Here are the things that you need to know:

When: January 11 – We will leave Thomson Middle around 9:30 AM and return between 6:00 and 7:00 PM

Where: Fox Theatre, Atlanta, Ga

Cost: $70 (includes a ticket and covers bus expenses)

Additional Needs: Students will need money for two fast food meals. ($20 recommended)

Payment Schedule: $20 deposit due by Friday, September 8. The remaining $50 will be due by Thursday, November 9.