Clubs & Activities 2011-2012
Mission Statement
At the William Davies Middle School, we recognize the importance and are committed to educating the Whole Child. At this crucial time in our students’ lives, we not only feel that it is our responsibility to provide for their academic growth, but we are equally conscious of providing for their social, emotional and intellectual development. With this philosophy in mind, we have chosen to offer a variety of clubs, activities, and intramural sports to guide them in this journey.
Academic Support 6-8 : Ms. W. Brown
Ms. J. LaTorre
Meets 1 time a week Ms. B. Holdren
Starts: October 2011
An after-school program designed to provide tutorial services to students based on individual student’s needs. Students that are eligible for assistance within this club are students participating in accelerated and general education courses other than those students eligible for assistance within After School Study Club, TFS Math, TFS LAL or TFS ELL (please see those descriptions below).
Academic Team: Ms. B. Holdren
Mr. G. Stanford
Meets 1 time a week (Thursdays)
Starts: November 2011
The Academic Team is for academically-oriented students to compete in interscholastic academic competition. Interscholastic competitions will include Think Day at Mainland Regional High School.
(*Note: There are a limited number of team members able to attend the competition at Mainland. Team members will be selected based on a test prior to the competition.)
After School Study Club 6-8: Ms. D. Stickle (6th)
Ms. L. Pickering (7th)
Meets 1 time a week Ms. N. Arsenault (8th)
Starts: October 2011
The After School Study Club is a tutorial program designed to meet the academic needs of Special Education students. This club will reinforce and review fundamental reading, writing and math skills. The students will also learn study skills and test taking skills in preparation for the NJ ASK standardized test.
ENVIRONMENTAL CLUB: Ms. G. Laubert
Ms. L. Campbell
Meets 1 time a week (Monday’s or Tuesday’s)
Starts: November 2011
The Davies Environmental Science Club raises awareness of environmental issues by first educating ourselves, our student body, and our community; and second, by empowering students to effect change by thinking globally while acting locally.
Education + Empowerment = Effective change in Environment
In this club, students will learn about environmental issues facing the world today (global warming, pollution, animal/habitat loss, etc.) and learn to be proactive by working to affect change locally and globally. The students will improve and maintain Serenity Pond and our Butterfly Garden. They will produce how-to posters, booklets, power points or websites to teach other students to be more environmentally aware. In addition, the students will do projects, experiments and participate in community activities to learn how one person can make a difference.
INTRAMURAL SPORTS: Ms. M. Miller
Ms. C. Yutzy
Meets 1 time a week
Starts: October 2011
Intramural sports are available to all boys and girls in grades 6, 7, and 8. These activities are held after school on scheduled activity bus days. Programmed activities will be announced during the school year prior to the start of the activity.
Students are required to sign up on a weekly basis for their chosen activity. All students are responsible to hand in a parent permission slip for their chosen activity. Along with that a current doctor’s physical needs to be on file with the school nurse.
Various activities to be held will be dependent upon the sports season and student interest.
Flag Football Wiffle Ball Volleyball Group Cooperative Activities Basketball Rec. games
NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY: Ms. M. Giardino Mr. D. Weber
Meets 1 time a week (Thursdays)
Starts: October 2011
The National Junior Honor Society is an organization which recognizes outstanding scholarship, character, leadership, service, and citizenship. Members have a responsibility to continue demonstrating these qualities and may do so through a variety of projects, fundraisers, and school/community service.
Eligibility in the National Junior Honor Society is based on academic criteria recommended by the National Council of the National Junior Honor Society. However, eligibility does not guarantee selection as a member. Those who are eligible and are interested in seeking membership must complete the Student Resume Form and return it and an essay to one of the advisors. Upon receipt of your materials, a faculty council will review the candidacy based on a resume form, teacher and administrative input, and available records. A faculty council vote will then be taken, and candidates receiving a majority vote will be inducted into the Chapter. The decision of the council is final and confidential, as are materials used by the council in its decision.
The William Davies Chapter organizes several activities during the school year including a food drive, winter coat collection, and toy drive. In addition, the members generally host the Halloween Dance and help at orientation and Back to School Nights. The induction ceremony is held in the spring when the members present their annual gift to the school, purchased with funds raised at the dance.
R.A.T. Ms. L Rosenberger
(Renaissance Academic Team) Ms. A. Corson
Meets approximately 2 times a month
Starts: November 2011
R.A.T.s are students who promote academic leadership and school spirit throughout the year. Students must be a gold, silver, or bronze card holder to be in the club and be of excellent behavior. Students will promote pride in Davies by decorating the halls, walls, and doors of classrooms. They will help plan, decorate, or participate in Renaissance activities such as a school dance, talent show, and reward programs.
SCHOOL STORE: Is open daily Ms. J. Welsh
Starts: September (During Homeroom)
Students will develop strong interpersonal communication skills and strengthen their mathematical skills by working in the school store during school hours. They will also earn satisfaction from providing a valuable service for the school community. The school store is open every day during homeroom. We sell the basic school supplies like binders, dividers, composition books, pens, and pencils, additional items like locker shelves, magnets, and earbuds, and gift items such as birthday pencils.
STUDENT COUNCIL: Mrs. J. Hayden
Meets 2 times a month (Mondays) Mr. B. Beck
Starts: September 2011
The Student Council is an organization consisting of elected team representatives and officers. Members will facilitate various school activities including morning announcements and public relations. Student Council members learn about the election process, parliamentary procedure and develop skills in leadership and team work. During the school year we plan to attend some civic meetings and events.
SWAT (Student Working to Advance Technology): Ms. E. Pitman
Mr. K. Morrison
Meets 2-3 times monthly
Starts: November 2011
An after-school club that advances students’ knowledge of technology and empowers them to assist other students and staff at the William Davies Middle School. Students will use cameras, video, netbooks, and other equipment to create various types of digital productions throughout the school and community.
TFS ELL High: Ms. G. Dzialo
Meets 1 time a week (Thursdays)
Starts: October 2011
Participation in this after school program titled Testing for Success” (TFS) is recommended for English Language Learners (ELL) to assist them in meeting with academic success. Students receive extra time and assistance in completing academic class requirements needed, such as Book Reports. ELL will benefit from additional time on tasks before taking the state standardized tests in the spring. The ELLs will practice Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking activities comprised of fun, problem-solving practice, writing tasks, and test-taking strategies.
FS ELL Low: Ms. G. Dzialo
Meets 1 time a week (Tuesdays)
Starts: October 2011
Participation in this after school program titled Testing for Success” (TFS) is recommended for Entering and Beginning English Language Learners (ELL) to assist them in meeting with academic success. ELL will benefit from additional time on tasks before taking the state standardized tests in the spring. The basic activities will be comprised of fun, English Proficiency Practice in practice Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing and activities.
TFS LAL 6-8: Ms. K. Muldoon (6th) Ms. T. Yard (7th and 8th)
Meets 1 time a week
Starts: October 2011
An after school program entitled “Testing for Success” (TFS) is available for basic skills students that continue to struggle academically despite participation in the District’s Basic Skills Inclusive In-Class Support Program. Additional support for remediation of essential skills in language arts literacy will be provided as needed for identified basic skills students. The activities will be comprised of fun, problem-solving practice, writing tasks, and test-taking strategies through the utilization of web-based activities.
TFS Math 6-8: Mr. T. Morey (6th)
Mr. J. Akers (7th)
Meets 1 time a week Ms. J. Tobin (8th)
Starts: November 2011
An after school program entitled “Testing for Success” is available for basic skills students that continue to struggle academically despite participation in the District’s Basic Skills Inclusive In-Class Support Program. Additional support for remediation of essential skills in mathematics will be provided as needed for identified basic skills students. The activities will be comprised of fun, problem-solving practice and test-taking strategies.
CONCERT BAND………………….……………………Gr. 6/7/8
PREMIERE BAND…………………….……………………Gr. 6
(NOTE: Concert Band is only open to 7th/8th grade band members in the fall)
Mrs. D. Berchtold / Mr. A. Seigel / Ms. C. Coats / Mr. Jim Daniels
The Concert Band is open to all six, seventh, and eighth grade students who have studied a concert band instrument for at least one year. All students must achieve required skill levels to perform in the ensemble. Students will be tested for seating placement and advanced status. Students interested in Wind Ensemble or Jazz Band will be required to audition for placement within the group. Advanced 6th – 8th grade band members will be invited to audition for “South Jersey Junior High Band”, perform in the annual Recital Night (March), and perform at the Atlantic County Teen Arts Festival (May).
6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Concert Band class meets daily for the first 3 marking periods of the school year.
Grading is based upon the following: Class Participation through Individual and Ensemble Performance, Theory Book work, Worksheets and Question Answer Sessions in Classes. Knowledge and Performance of all scales / rudiments required for class. Rhythm Reading and Note Reading performances. Tone Quality, Articulation, Preparation, and Sight Reading
Band performances and activities, in the past, have included: Winter Concert; Spring Concert; Davies Showcase; Elementary schools’ assemblies; co-sponsor the annual Sock op; Davies Graduation Ceremony; 2006 Multicultural Day Concerts and Community Event / Atlantic County Criminal Court House, Mays Landing; NJ Music Educators’ Concert Band Festival at Rowan University; annual Star Spangled Banner performance at the Atlantic City Surf Game, school and community dedication ceremonies. In May 2005, the Concert Band received an award with Excellent Ratings at the Rowan NJMEA Concert Band Festival and at Music in the Parks, Jackson, NJ. On April 16, 2009, the Davies Band members performed with DALLAS BRASS, in concert, at the Hess Complex.
Lesson and Rehearsal Schedules are emailed to all members/parents, and may be found through the school’s web site: www.hamiltonschools.org. Search for Related Arts: Andrew Seigel and / or Donna Berchtold.
Students will receive instrumental lessons on a “Rotating Basis”. Students will miss one class every five (5) weeks in order to attend a lesson.
Example: John is in the advanced trumpet group. His lesson will be on Tuesdays. Week 1 he will come to lessons during 1st period. Week 2 – Adv. Trumpet will be on Tuesdays – Period 2; Week 3 – lessons will be on Tuesdays – Period 3, and so on……
Music Dept. phone numbers are: 476-6241, x1013 (Mrs. Berchtold) or x1078 (Mr. Seigel).
Note: Band members may audition and participate in the Wm. Davies School Choral Program.
Instrumentalists interested in being involved in the Wind Ensemble or Jazz Band, (spring semesters only) must first be a member in good standing with the Concert Band.
Attire for the Band and Choir:
Black Pants and Black Shoes. No fashion statements please. Black Dockers or Wal-Mart Brand cotton twill pants are perfect…belted loops and black belts. No Lo-Rise pants ! NO TIGHT/STRETCH PANTS.
Shoes – Boys: Black Loafers or Black Tie Shoes (No Sneakers)
Girls: Black Pumps, 1 ½-inch heel – no higher: no clogs, no thick platform shoes. (We need to dress appropriately for performing ; this pertains to shoe height and uniform dress). SAFETY is important. Inappropriate footwear can cause tripping, twisting and injury of ankles. (Shopping ideas? Payless Shoes – great prices)
Red Davies Performing Arts Shirt is Mandatory for Band/Choir; Percussion Ensemble wears their Black Davies shirt.
Holiday Concerts – Long sleeve white blouses, long sleeve white shirts. No sheer blouses – girls may need camisoles. REMEMBER, the students will be elevated and in bright lighting while performing. Lights tend to show the audience many things that should not be seen. Therefore, our music ensembles always dress decently so as not to cause any embarrassment.
Percussion Ensemble………………….….…Gr. 6/7/8
Mrs. D. Berchtold / Mr. A. Seigel/ asst. Mr. F. Rushmore
The Percussion Ensemble is a select group of Percussionists with Advanced Middle School Percussive Skills, seeking to explore and develop themselves further in the World of Percussion. Students participating should have a through knowledge of a variety of simple and compound meter as well as at least a “working knowledge” of Pitched Percussion Instruments. Technical ability and very good music reading skills are a must. Auditions will be based on graded S.J.B.O.D.A. solos, rudiments and scales.
The group will consist of 10 students who are in good standing with their middle school band directors. Selection will be accomplished through auditions held the 1st week of October. Rehearsals will be scheduled, at least once a week.
Performances will be in conjunction with school music department performances both in and out of school as well as select individual ensemble performances (TBA). A schedule of rehearsals and performances will be ongoing and updated throughout the school year. The ensemble will officially come to an end after the Spring Concert.
Instrumentation of the ensemble will be a wide array of pitched and non-pitched Percussion Instruments. All members of the Ensemble will be expected to play/perform on a variety of percussion instruments at the discretion of the directors. The basic performing outfit will consist of Black Pants, BLACK Performing Arts Shirt, Black Socks and Black Shoes.
Past Performances include: Multi-Cultural Day – Mays Landing Court House, February 2007; Hamilton Mall Performance – May, 2007; Williamstown TOB Competition, Spring, 2008 – 1st Place Trophy – Middle School Percussion Ensemble Competition / non marching division; Atlantic-Cape Teen Arts Festival, Stockton State College, May 2008. In March of 2011, members of the Davies School Percussion Ensemble performed with the West Chester University Percussion Ensemble in a live, Visiting Artists Series Concert at the Hess Complex.
Attire for the Band and Choir:
Black Pants and Black Shoes. No fashion statements please. Black Dockers or Wal-Mart Brand cotton twill pants are perfect…belted loops and black belts. No Lo-Rise pants ! NO TIGHT/STRETCH PANTS.
Shoes – Boys: Black Loafers or Black Tie Shoes (No Sneakers)
Girls: Black Pumps, 1 ½-inch heel – no higher: no clogs, no thick platform shoes. (We need to dress appropriately for performing ; this pertains to shoe height and uniform dress). SAFETY is important. Inappropriate footwear can cause tripping, twisting and injury of ankles. (Shopping ideas? Payless Shoes – great prices)
Red Davies Performing Arts Shirt is Mandatory for Band/Choir; Percussion Ensemble wears their Black Davies shirt.
Holiday Concerts – Long sleeve white blouses, long sleeve white shirts. No sheer blouses – girls may need camisoles. REMEMBER, the students will be elevated and in bright lighting while performing. Lights tend to show the audience many things that should not be seen. Therefore, our music ensembles always dress decently so as not to cause any embarrassment.
Choral Music Ensemble Syllabus
TREBLE CHOIR……………………………………………….………….…..Grades 6-7- 8
Mr. A. Seigel / Mrs. D. Berchtold / Ms. C. Coats / asst. Mr. Jim Daniels
The Treble Choir is the basic introductory course in chorus and concentrates on the fundamentals of vocal / choral singing and performance.
Students in grades 6, 7, and 8 may audition. Students are selected for the Treble Choir based on their auditions scores derived from their choral audition. Each student must maintain a positive discipline record and must maintain his/her grades. Students who encounter behavioral and /or academic problems during the year will be dealt with on an individual basis and in cooperation with the administration; continued problems may result in probation from the choral program.
Students will develop an understanding of the basic elements of melody, rhythm, harmony, and dynamics.
Students will gain music literacy skills (music reading, sight-reading, sight singing, singing technique and tone production) Students will develop skills in tonal matching, pitch recognition, scale singing, and fundamental choral singing in one and two part harmony.
Treble Choir members have a responsibility to perform at concerts, and attend all scheduled S.P.P. (Home Room), after school rehearsals and performances. The course also provides aesthetic experience in:
a. creating and performing
b. critical/ analytic/ judgment/valuing
c. esthetic / personal philosophy
d. historical /cultural /social concepts.
Students must maintain at least 60% attendance in this group.
SHOW CHOIR………………………………………………………….. Grades 6, 7, 8
Mr. A. Seigel / Mrs. D. Berchtold / Ms. C. Coats / asst. Mr. Jim Daniels
The Show Choir is the advanced chorus ensemble. The group focuses on 2, 3, and 4 part harmonic choral works and integrating choreography/movement into the context of their performance.
Students in grades 6, 7, and 8 may audition. Students are selected for the
Show Choir based on their auditions scores derived from their choral
audition. Each student must maintain a positive discipline record and must
maintain his/her grades. Students who encounter behavioral and /or academic
problems during the year will be dealt with on an individual basis and in
cooperation with the administration; continued problems may result in
probation from the choral program.
Students work to refine and master elements of music such as melody, rhythm, harmony, dynamics, music reading, sight singing, and tone production. Choral music will be performed in two, three, and four part harmony. Members in this program have a responsibility to learn choreography, memorize music, and perform at concerts, competitions, festivals and all scheduled S.P.P. (Home Room) and after school rehearsals and performances. The course also provides aesthetic experience in:
a. creating and performing
b. critical/ analytic/ judgment/valuing
c. aesthetic/personal philosophy
d. historical/cultural/social concepts.
e. interpretation and analysis of musical style, sounds, and symbols
Students must maintain at least 60% attendance in the group, and 75% attendance for solo opportunities.
Note: Choir members who play a band instrument may also participate in Band.
General History and Description
The Show Choir performances and activities have included: 2007-2008, MAPS FOUNDATION performance at the Taj Mahal, Atlantic City; 2005-2008 Holiday Broadcast and Taping – Light Rock 96.9 WFPG Radio; 2005-2007 Multicultural Day Concerts and Community Event / Atlantic County Criminal Court House, Mays Landing; co-sponsoring the annual Sock Hop Dance with the Concert Band; 1990 to present - WMGM TV 40 Choral Fest (Shore Mall), the winter and spring concerts, Elementary School assemblies, the Songs for Senior Citizens Holiday concert; Davies Showcase; the NJ Music Educators’ Choral Festival at Rowan University. School and community dedication ceremonies including, Hess, Davies, the Atlantic County Superior Court House, Atlantic City – Naturalization Ceremony, the Tony Canale Fire Training Academy, Egg Harbor Township, March of Dimes Telethons, and the Opening Ceremonies for the Atlantic City Convention Center. For 9 years, the choir also performed the National Anthem with the band at the Atlantic City Surf Game (June) until the Surf closed it’s doors. In May, 2005, the Show Choir received Excellent and Outstanding Soloist ratings at the Rowan NJMEA Choral Festival, and at Music in the Parks, Jackson, NJ.
Region Honors Choirs / Performance Opportunities
ELEMENTARY CHORAL FESTIVAL
Sixth Grade Choir Members interested in participating in the annual Elementary Choral Festival sponsored through the South Jersey Choral Directors Association may audition before the choral directors for placement in this group. Auditions will be held in December. Only 2 Sopranos and 2 Altos are permitted by SJCDA to represent the Davies School in this Festival (the Festival Concert is held in March). Selected students are responsible for practicing and learning the music for this honors ensemble.
SOUTH JERSEY JUNIOR HIGH CHORUS
Advanced 7th and 8th Grade Choir Members will be invited to audition for South Jersey Junior High Chorus (November), the annual Recital Night (March), and at the Atlantic County Teen Arts Festival.
ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
Advanced 7th and 8th Grade Choir Members may be invited to perform in the annual Performing Arts Recital Night (March), and at the Atlantic County Teen Arts Festival (May). Eighth Grade Choir members perform the National Anthem,
a cappella, at the 8th Grade Graduation Ceremonies.
Attire for the Band and Choir:
Black Pants and Black Shoes. No fashion statements please. Black Dockers or Wal-Mart Brand cotton twill pants are perfect…belted loops and black belts. No Lo-Rise pants ! NO TIGHT/STRETCH PANTS.
Shoes – Boys: Black Loafers or Black Tie Shoes (No Sneakers)
Girls: Black Pumps, 1 ½-inch heel – no higher: no clogs, no thick platform shoes. (We need to dress appropriately for performing ; this pertains to shoe height and uniform dress). SAFETY is important. Inappropriate footwear can cause tripping, twisting and injury of ankles. (Shopping ideas? Payless Shoes – great prices)
Red Davies Performing Arts Shirt is Mandatory for Band/Choir; Percussion Ensemble wears their Black Davies shirt.
Holiday Concerts – Long sleeve white blouses, long sleeve white shirts. No sheer blouses – girls may need camisoles. REMEMBER, the students will be elevated and in bright lighting while performing. Lights tend to show the audience many things that should not be seen. Therefore, our music ensembles always dress decently so as not to cause any embarrassment.
Updated: 11/1/11
Additional Information
Rehearsal Schedules and a Music Department Newsletter “NEWSY NOTES” are emailed to all members/parents and may be found through the school’s web site:
www.hamiltonschools.org. Search for Related Arts: Andrew Seigel and / or Donna Berchtold.
Music Dept. phone numbers are: 476-6241, x1013 (Mrs. Berchtold) or x1078 (Mr. Seigel).
CHOIR AUDITION
REQUIREMENTS
A. Low and High Diatonic Scales
Soprano 1 - E A
Soprano II – C G
Alto 1 A E
Alto II G* C
Tenor D* F
Bass G* D
(*) This scale will descend first and then ascend.
All scales are sung on the vowel “ah” as in “father”, for advanced choir student auditionees.
First time students may sing their scales either by singing in numbers:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Or by solfeggio……
DO RE MI FA SO LA TI DO’
B. AURALS – Ear Training Skills
Each student will have to echo sing 3 note passages of varying intervals.
The teacher will: play a three note example on the piano
The student will: sing back “on la” the pitches to the best of his/her ability.
If the child demonstrates an inability to match pitches correctly, the teacher will “sing” the pitches
Rather than play them on the piano (this technique may help the students hear the pitches better).
If the student continues to demonstrate an inability or poor judgment to matching pitch, the teacher will stop providing assistance and will move on to the next part of the audition.
C. SOLO – jumping the octave
Each student will sing the solo – “Happy Birthday”. The starting pitch will be given on the piano.
The teacher will analyze the solo for “phrasing”, “musicianship”, diction, “tone quality”, and the octave interval jump. A student having difficulty singing the octave jump will be given one more chance, by following the demonstration presented by the teacher.
· Students are scored in four categories
o High note scale
o Low note scale
o Aurals
o Solo
· Each category has a range of 10 points ( 1 = best score 10 = worse score)
· Total amount of points equals 40
· Students accepted into choir generally have a final point range of 1-20 points( 4 = best, 20 is considered an average grade)
WIND ENSEMBLE………………………………………………….Gr 6/7/8
(Spring Semester only) …… Mr. Seigel,/ Mrs. Berchtold / Ms. Coats / Mr. Daniels – assistant
The Wind Ensemble is a select group of students comprised from members of the Concert Band. Established in January, 2006, the Wind Ensemble features the talents of the Advanced Instrumentalists who have excelled in many areas of Instrumental Achievement Goals.
Students interested in becoming a member of the Wind Ensemble must first be a member of the Concert Band. Auditions for Wind Ensemble will begin in late December and rehearsals will begin in January of each year.
Students accepted into the Wind Ensemble will also perform with the Concert Band for the spring concert and at special public and adjudicated events.
SWING KIDS JAZZ BAND ……………………………………….Gr 6/7/8
(Spring Semester only) …… Mr. Seigel,/ Mrs. Berchtold / Ms. Coats / Mr. Daniels – assistant
“The Swing Kids” The focus of this ensemble is the training of skilled junior high musicians in the jazz idiom, which will enable them to read and perform in a variety of jazz styles. We also explore the basics of jazz improvisation. This is a challenging task, especially when the performer is a young teenager still learning the fundamental skills required to perform on their chosen instrument. Jazz training requires intensive study and practice, as well as music theory skills and aural (ear) training. Adherence to rehearsal dates, attendance policies, and student commitment are essential elements in cooperatively achieving our goal of an outstanding performance ensemble.
Auditions: 3rd week of December
Rehearsals & Performances: Spring Semester
Attire for the Band and Choir:
Black Pants and Black Shoes. No fashion statements please. Black Dockers or Wal-Mart Brand cotton twill pants are perfect…belted loops and black belts. No Lo-Rise pants ! NO TIGHT/STRETCH PANTS.
Shoes – Boys: Black Loafers or Black Tie Shoes (No Sneakers)
Girls: Black Pumps, 1 ½-inch heel – no higher: no clogs, no thick platform shoes. (We need to dress appropriately for performing ; this pertains to shoe height and uniform dress). SAFETY is important. Inappropriate footwear can cause tripping, twisting and injury of ankles. (Shopping ideas? Payless Shoes – great prices)
Red Davies Performing Arts Shirt is Mandatory for Band/Choir; Percussion Ensemble wears their Black Davies shirt.
Holiday Concerts – Long sleeve white blouses, long sleeve white shirts. No sheer blouses – girls may need camisoles. REMEMBER, the students will be elevated and in bright lighting while performing. Lights tend to show the audience many things that should not be seen. Therefore, our music ensembles always dress decently so as not to cause any embarrassment.