NW ACDA Childrens Honor Choir 2014 ACCEPTANCE LETTER Congratulations! In the Northwest Division of ACDA, which covers six states, there are thousands of eligible singers in ACDA members choirs. Out of all of those singers, you have been selected to represent your choir, town, state and our division as one of the very best. Again, congratulations! SCHEDULE Please see the attached DRAFT of your honor choir schedule and start planning your travel! Note that the conference runs from Thursday, March 13, 2014 through Sunday, March 16, 2014. Remember, each singer is REQUIRED to attend all honor choir activities (rehearsals, social activity, performance, etc.), so make your travel plans accordingly. HOUSING ALL singers MUST stay at the Seattle Sheraton (6 th Ave) for the duration of the Conference (check-in Thursday March 13, check-out Sunday March 16). Reservations for Children s & Youth Honor Choir should be made ASAP once chaperone assignments are clear (if your singers are sharing rooms/chaperones. See below.) PLEASE CALL THE SHERATON AT 888-627-7056 and be sure to tell them you are with the ACDA Honor Choirs. They have given us a special rate of $145 per night (plus taxes/fees) this is significantly lower than the public rate!! Again, you MUST tell them you are with the ACDA Honor Choirs in order to make the reservation and to get this special rate. When making your reservation, please list each honor choir singer and chaperone in the room. Be advised that parking is expensive ($46/day at the Sheraton), so you may consider ways to alleviate that. (Online reservations are blocked, so call the hotel directly.) FEES Please know we have been extremely diligent in keeping the cost for honor choirs as low as possible. The fee is only $200 per singer, but does NOT include the hotel cost. This expense covers 3½ days of great rehearsals and performances, fees for the conductor and accompanist, sheet music, rehearsal CD s, T- shirts, three breakfasts (for the singer only) and other activities and items. Be confident that our Honor Choir Committee is working hard to ensure that each singer will be provided the greatest experience possible for the best price possible. Families need to begin the discussion NOW regarding a payment method. DO NOT wait until the last minute to ask for a check to be cut or for financial support from your organization. Most school districts and organizations require at least a week or two to process a check. Directors, please have your organization (school, church, community choir, et. al.) write a single check combining the fees for all of your Children s Honor Choir singers when possible, rather than sending multiple checks from individual families. (Should an individual check need to be included, please put the singer s name in the memo line.) Checks or bank checks mailed with registration forms must be made payable to NW ACDA. DIRECTORS CAN ALSO LOGIN TO OPUS EVENT AND PAY ONLINE. We will not accept Purchase Orders or Cash. Remember, ALL FEES ARE ABSOLUTELY NON-REFUNDABLE. FORMS Each singer must complete the following three forms, printed separately (not back to back copies). BOTH the Liability Waiver and the Medical Permission Form must be completed and signed by the parent/ guardian and NOTARIZED. The Housing Agreement must be completed and signed by the singer AND parent/guardian. (Notaries public are generally available at most county offices, such as a county clerk, as well as at insurance companies, banks, credit unions, and law offices. Proof of identity will be required for the service, and there may be a fee charged.) The three forms, along with the payment (or online payment receipt), must be sent to the honor choir chair by the director and be postmarked by DECEMBER 1, 2013. (Please have everything returned to your director, by the earlier date on the next page in order to process everything to meet this deadline.)
CHAPERONES For the Children s, Youth and Jazz Honor Choirs, chaperones will need to stay in each room with the singers. Parent chaperones are a vital part of the success of these groups. Each student will need a chaperone. However, one chaperone may serve more than one singer. Chaperones will be responsible for singers at all times, except when singers are at breakfast or in rehearsal. (Chaperones may be asked to supervise during rehearsal as well.) Chaperones are NOT required to pay a fee. Chaperones will NOT be granted access to any ACDA events (except honor choir rehearsals) without purchasing separate registration or concert tickets. Chaperones will NOT receive breakfast. If a singer is having difficulty finding a chaperone, we encourage you to look at the list of accepted singers posted on NWACDA.org and contact another singer from your area to see if their chaperone would be willing to assist and also save a little on housing costs. If you continue to struggle to find a chaperone, please contact me (Stacy Brown) for assistance in connecting with other singers. Once chaperones have been secured, the chaperone or parent needs to contact the Sheraton in Seattle and make a room reservation for the conference (checking in Thursday, March 13, 2014 and checking out Sunday, March 16, 2014). Make sure to ask for the American Choral Directors Association Conference/Honor Choir rate. (See Housing information above.) HONOR CHOIR REGISTRATION DEADLINE December 1, 2013 Forms & checks due to your director Registration deadline for all accepted singers. All (three) forms and payments must be postmarked (or paid online) by this date and mailed directly to the Honor Choir Chair by the director. Hotel reservations at Seattle Sheraton must be made by this date as well. CHILDREN S HONOR CHOIR MAILING ADDRESS / CONTACT INFORMATION Directors must mail all singers paperwork and payments (no staples, please!) in one mailing, to: NW- ACDA Children s Honor Choir Leora Schwitters, Chair 1745 Brookside Dr. SE Issaquah, WA 98027 L.schwitters@mac.com Directors may also log back in to OpusEvent (www.nwacda.opusevent.com) and pay registration fees online for your accepted singers. If you pay online, please print out your receipt and include it in your mailing. If you have any questions regarding Honor Choirs, please do not hesitate to contact me! This conference and these honor choirs are certainly going to provide many wonderful musical opportunities. I look forward to our shared experience next March in Seattle! Musically Yours, Stacy Brown, Honor Choirs General Organizing Chair - Northwest ACDA Division Conference Seattle 2014 imsprwmn@yahoo.com 206-310-2087 (cell)
NW ACDA Honor Choir 2014 LIABILITY WAIVER CHILDRENS HONOR CHOIR I hereby release, indemnify and hold harmless the American Choral Directors Association ( ACDA ), its trustees, employees, volunteer workers, students, agents and assigns from any and all liability, damage, claim of any nature whatsoever arising out of or in any way related to my/my child s participation in the NW ACDA Honor Choir at the NW ACDA Division Conference in Seattle, WA, from March 13-16, 2014. Participating in any activity is an acceptance of some risk of injury. I agree that my/my child s safety is primarily dependent upon him/her taking proper care of himself/herself. Despite precautions, accidents and injuries may occur and injury and/or loss or damage to personal property may occur as a result of participation in the NW ACDA Honor Choir; therefore, I assume all risks related to participation in the NW ACDA Honor Choir. I also hereby acknowledge that the American Choral Directors Association, its trustees, employees, volunteer workers, students, agents and assigns assume no liability whatsoever for personal injuries or property damage that may arise out of my/my child s participation in the NW ACDA Honor Choir at the NW ACDA Division Conference in Seattle, Washington on March 13-16, 2014. My signature on this form indicates that I have read, understood and freely signed this agreement. I expressly agree that this agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with laws of the state of Oklahoma (ACDA home state), with Oklahoma County being the court of exclusive jurisdiction, and I consent to the jurisdiction of the state of Oklahoma and of the courts of Oklahoma County. I agree that this waiver and release is intended to be as broad and inclusive as permitted under the laws of the state of Oklahoma so that if any portion hereof is held invalid, the balance shall continue in full legal force and effect. (Name of Singer) Notary Seal: (Signature of Parent or Legal Guardian) Signed in my presence this day of (month & year). Witness my hand and seal this day of (month & year). *Notary Public:. My Commission expires:. *This is not a legal document without the signature and seal of a Notary Public!!! Notaries public are generally available at most county offices, such as a county clerk, as well as insurance company, credit union, bank and law offices. This ORIGINAL DOCUMENT (photocopies are unacceptable) and all other registration forms and payments must be postmarked by December 1, 2013 as per previous instructions.
Please do not print anything on the back of this form. NW ACDA Honor Choir 2014 MEDICAL PERMISSION FORM CHILDRENS HONOR CHOIR Please type or print Participant s name (Last) (First) (Middle Initial) Date of Birth / / Participant s Health Insurance Co. (Name and Policy Number) I am currently taking the following prescription medication(s): Prescription Name Frequency Prescription Dosage Medical reason List any other medications you might be taking on the back side of this form. Known allergies Dietary Restrictions Physical Limitations My physician s name (Last) (First) (Middle Initial) Address of physician (Street) (City) (State/Province) (Zip/Postal Code) Physician s Office phone ( ) - Physician s Emergency Contact # ( ) - If the participant, listed above, should require medical attention while participating in the ACDA Honor Choirs in Seattle, WA, from March 13-16, 2012, the designated Honor Choir Chair, Honor Choir Chair Assistant, and/or Honor Choir Coordinator, and the designated chaperone (if other than parent), has my permission to treat onsite or take said child (listed above) to a doctor, hospital, or any other medical facility for necessary medical treatment. (Name of Singer) (Signature of Parent or Legal Guardian) Notary Seal: Signed in my presence this day of (month & year). Witness my hand and seal this day of (month & year). *Notary Public:. My Commission expires:. *This is not a legal document without the signature and seal of a Notary Public!!! Notaries public are generally available at most county offices, such as a county clerk, as well as insurance company, credit union, bank and law offices. This ORIGINAL DOCUMENT (photocopies are unacceptable) and all other registration forms and payments must be postmarked by December 1, 2013 as per previous instructions. Please do not print anything on the back of this form.
NWACDA Honor Choir 2014 HOUSING & CONDUCT AGREEMENT CHILDRENS HONOR CHOIR This Code of Conduct will ensure a great musical experience for the ACDA Honor Choir members. No student may participate in the Honor Choir without this signed agreement completed and returned. 1. No student will leave the hotel unless accompanied by a chaperone. 2. Possession or use of tobacco, alcoholic beverages or controlled substances (drugs or other illegal materials) WILL NOT BE TOLERATED! In-room bar cabinets must remain locked and secured during the duration of your stay. 3. For security and identification purposes, all Honor Choir participants are required to wear their Name Badges and Lanyards at all times for the duration of the Honor Choir experience, except while in their own hotel rooms or out and about in the city. 4. Students requiring prescribed medication must inform their chaperone and note this on the health form included as part of the registration materials. 5. PROMPT attendance at ALL rehearsals and the performance is MANDATORY. The only exception will be for students performing in another choir appearing on the convention program and only with prior approval by the honor choir chair. 6. Be aware of the time. You are expected to arrive at rehearsal 10 minutes before it begins. Attendance will be taken and late arrivals noted. 7. Students will be expected to be on their best behavior AT ALL TIMES. Inappropriate behavior both in and outside of the rehearsals WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. 8. Students MAY NOT WEAR HATS OR SUNGLASSES DURING REHEARSALS. 9. Listen to and follow instructions given at rehearsals. You are responsible for any information given. 10. Attendance at all activities (breakfast, social activity, etc.) is mandatory. 11. Cell phones and other electronic devices are NOT TO BE BROUGHT to rehearsal. Your cell phone will be confiscated. I agree to support and abide by the rules of conduct. I understand that failure to comply with the rules listed above may result in the loss of my participation in these choirs and I will be sent home at the expense of my parent/guardian. In this case, I understand that NW ACDA representatives will immediately release me to the care of my ACDA sponsor in Seattle. Name & Relationship of Chaperone: Cell # & email of Chaperone: ( ) - ; @ Student Printed Name Student Signature Date Parent Printed Name Parent Signature Date This ORIGINAL DOCUMENT (photocopies are unacceptable) and all other registration forms and payments must be postmarked by December 1, 2013 as per previous instructions. KEEP A COPY FOR REFERENCE AT THE EVENT. Please do not print anything on the back of this form.
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE DRAFT Children's Choir Thursday, March 13, 2014 2:00-4:00pm Open registration in the Grand Ballroom Foyer (2 nd floor), Sheraton. Directors should be in attendance to facilitate check-in of your singers when possible. Following ACDA check-in, singers will need to check into Sheraton hotel rooms at the hotel s check in desk. 4:00-5:30pm Dinner on your own 5:30-6:30pm Honor Choir Meeting Grand Ballroom A, Sheraton Parents, Sponsors, & Directors encouraged to attend 6:30-8:00pm Rehearsal Grand Ballroom A, Sheraton Friday, March 14, 2014 7:45-8:45am Breakfast Grand Ballroom B, Sheraton 9:00am-12noon Rehearsal Grand Ballroom A, Sheraton 12noon-1:00pm Lunch on your own 1:00-1:30pm Meet for details and travel together to EMP Grand Ballroom D, Sheraton 1:30-3:30pm Special Choir Activity at Experience Music Project 3:30-5:30pm Free time with Chaperone and Dinner on your own 6:00-8:00pm Rehearsal Grand Ballroom A, Sheraton 8:00-8:15pm Honor Choir Announcements Saturday, March 15, 2014 7:45-8:45am Breakfast Grand Ballroom B, Sheraton 9:00am-12:00noon Rehearsal Grand Ballroom A, Sheraton 12:00noon-1:30pm Lunch on your own 1:30-4:30pm Rehearsal Grand Ballroom A, Sheraton 4:30-6:00pm Dinner on your own 6:00-8:00pm Rehearsal Grand Ballroom A, Sheraton 8:00-8:15pm Honor Choir Announcements Sunday, March 16, 2014 7:00-8:00am Breakfast Grand Ballroom B, Sheraton 8:30-9:30am Final Rehearsal at Performance Site First Presbyterian (walking distance) 9:30-10:00am Check Out of rooms at hotel s main desk 10:00-11:00am Take luggage to the storage area in Grand Ballroom D, Sheraton 11-11:45am Lunch on your own 12:15-1:45pm Honor Choir Concert #1 Children's and Youth Honor Choirs
Director s Checklist for NW ACDA Children s Honor Choir 2014: November 1: Inform your singers/parents of their acceptance and give them the Acceptance Letter packet ASAP. Give them a firm date to get the forms and payment in to you, so that you will have time to make sure everything is completed properly and so the checks can be processed. Be VERY clear that your deadline needs to be well in advance of the published December 1 postmark deadline. November 15 (suggested): Collect all forms/payments by now. Make sure all forms are originals and that the Notary seal is an original, bumps and all NO PHOTOCOPIES, and no forms back to back. Follow up to make sure all hotel reservations are secured. Make absolutely sure all forms are completed correctly (i.e., are the Last and First names in the specified places? Is it Christian David or David Christian?) November 16 or earlier: Please notify Stacy Brown of any cancellations. If we know early enough, an alternate singer may be offered the opportunity to sing. Not notifying us causes unfilled chairs, a choir that is not balanced, and a budget that cannot meet expenses. November 18: Ask your organization to cut a check made out to NWACDA for the combined fees for all of your singers in the Children s Honor Choir. (Do NOT combine these with fees for singers involved in any of the other honor choirs.) Alternatively, ask for your organization s credit/debit card in order to make the payments online (www.nwacda.opusevent.com). Be sure to print the receipt to mail with the forms as proof of payment. Before November 30: assemble all of your Children s Honor Choir singers forms (using paper clips if you wish, but not staples, please!) into one envelope along with this summary form and your organization s check made out to NW ACDA or the online payment receipt. If you do need to include any individual checks, be certain that the memo line identifies the singer. Please don t include any in-house communications you may have shared with your singers. Ensure the mailing is postmarked by December 1. If you are not sure if your organization will prioritize this requirement, take it to the Post Office yourself, please. Mail to: Leora Schwitters 1745 Brookside Dr. SE Issaquah, WA 98027-4820 Director s Summary of Participants Director s Name Organization Email Main Phone Cell Phone Singers: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.