Jr. High/Middle School Choral Clinic Guidelines (updated 6/23/2008)

Registration.  Use the Registration Form specified for each JUNIOR HIGH/MIDDLE SCHOOL CHORAL CLINIC.

1. Registration must meet the postmark deadline (see REGISTRATION FORMS) and be accurate and complete in order for choruses to participate.
2. Participants in the clinics must be sixth, seventh, eighth, or ninth grade students attending a middle or junior high school and enrolled in the choral program of the school. Teachers must be current MENC members. Sixth grade students may only attend the 6th Grade Clinic.
3. Registration fee is $3.00 per student. TEACHERS MAY BRING ONLY THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS PREREGISTERED! Teachers may wish to pay for a few extra students. Payment MUST be made by checks or money orders only--no purchase orders.
4. A second choice must be indicated on the registration form and directors should prepare to attend either their first or second choice. Schools are assigned to clinics on a first come, first served basis.
5. Directors will receive confirmation via email of their clinic assignments within a few weeks of the registration deadline and should read this information carefully in case changes have been made to the original clinic date or location. Clinic chairpersons will send detailed information (schedule, directions, lunch arrangements, etc.) and name tags to clinic participants.
6. NO refunds will be made after the registration deadline date.
7. If a school is unable to attend a clinic for which it is registered, the teachers should contact the chairperson as soon as possible.
8. Schools or districts are not to: 1) send checks separate from the registration form, 2) send a combined check for more than one clinic or more than one school.
9. South Carolina State Ethics Law states that Clinicians or Accompanists who bring their own students will not receive payment.

Schedule/Rehearsal Session

1. Clinics must take place during school hours. The local chairman will determine the schedule for his/her clinic based on site restrictions, the number of schools participating, the clinician’s schedule, etc. The clinic schedule generally includes a morning rehearsal session, optional inclusion of a short lunch break at the clinic site, individual school performances and a final “performance” of clinic music.
2. If the clinic schedule includes a lunch break, students and chaperones should bring a bagged lunch and drink.
3. All schools participating must be prompt. Schools may need to find an alternative to school bus transportation should this pose a problem. If you are traveling out of town, do not expect to return by the end of your school day!
4. Each choral director is responsible for the advanced preparation of all the clinic pieces. Music must be memorized and students must have copies of the music available as the clinician desires. EXCEPTION: SSA and TTB students are NOT required to have the music memorized but must have the music in hand at the clinic. PHOTOCOPIED MUSIC OR WORD SHEETS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE.
5. If district transportation is unable to meet the clinic arrival and departure time, the school is to use alternative transportation. Clinics will not be held up for tardy groups. Late groups will be seated at the discretion of the site chairperson.

Behavior

1. The choral director can serve as a chaperone for 10 or less students. Each school MUST bring at least one chaperone per 15 students. Chaperones may include parents and teachers, but the choral director should not be counted as a chaperone.
2. Teachers and chaperones will constantly supervise their students during the rehearsal and individual school performances. Teachers who fail to provide adequate supervision for their students will be notified by the committee chairperson and appropriate action will be taken by the Junior High/Middle School committee.
3. Teachers will prepare their students concerning appropriate behavior for the entire clinic day:
   1. Students should exhibit correct posture during the rehearsal and during the individual performances.
   2. A positive attitude and a spirit of unity should be encouraged.
   3. No talking or disruptive behavior.
   4. No “booing” or other negative responses for any reason!
   5. Standing ovations are inappropriate.
   6. No hats are to be worn.
   7. No gum or candy is allowed
   8. Students must remain in the designated areas only and must be accompanied by a teacher or chaperone at all times.
   9. No electronic devices or cell phones are allowed.
   10. Restroom breaks are at the discretion of the local chairman and clinician.
4. Teachers with large groups are asked to bring their manageable, disciplined, best behaved students as well as adequate chaperones that assist in monitoring.

Individual School Performances

1. Each school will be encouraged to perform ONE selection, not to exceed eight minutes (including entering and exiting the stage area).
2. The director may choose the selection of his/her choice.
3. The individual performance piece cannot be one of the clinic selections.
4. Choreography (including snapping, stomping, etc.) should not be included during the individual performance unless it is part of the written score.
5. Groups may perform a cappella or with piano accompaniment only (taped/CD accompaniment not allowed). Other accompanying instruments such as flutes, tambourines, guitars, etc. are allowed if it is a part of the written score.
6. The director will receive comments only from the clinician. No ratings will be available.
7. Teachers must provide one copy of their performance piece with the measures numbered for the clinician. PHOTOCOPIES ARE ILLEGAL AND MAY NOT BE USED. Turn in clinician’s music at the registration table at your clinic site.
8. Each INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL PERFORMING GROUP will receive a certificate of performance or may purchase a PLAQUE. (Use the PLAQUE ORDER FORM.)
9. Each participating school that does not perform will receive a certificate of participation.

   All above guidelines must be followed or the director and/or school risks being placed on probation and/or barred from participation in future clinics.