inCHOIRing minds

2013-01-13T17:33:00.000-06:00

SUPPORT SMS CHOIRS - join our Groundhog Day Trivia Party.
YOU buy your table ($100 for 8-10 players) -
invite your guests, gather your table decorations & snacks.
WE provide everything else you need:
Questions, answers, inimitable Quizmaster John Bartel &
... PRIZES: Best team name, Best decorated table, Trivia CHAMP!

Reserve your table - mail check (payable to SMS Choir) to
SMS Choir Boosters, c/o Jeff Stevens, VP Finance
2610 W 105th Street
Leawood, KS 66206

2012-12-04T23:08:00.001-06:00

SMS Choir enters $5,000.00 Contest

Shawnee Mission South's Heritage Singers has made the TOP 8 in radio station 99.7 The Point/KC Youth Symphony's $5,000 Christmas Choir Comp. The winner, chosen after another 3 rounds, will receive $5,000 for its school's choir program. South is the only SMSD school in the competition - remaining challengers are from Blue Springs, KCK, Lee's Summit, Liberty, Olathe & Tonganoxie.

Technically, the final vote is by official judges, but they may be swayed by the audience's vote (by text & special keyword).

Our first round, when our rendition of "Let It Snow" will be played on the air, is TODAY, Wed, 12/5 - 7:15am, 9:15am, 1:15pm, 3:15pm & 5:15pm. YOU can vote all day once the text & keyword are announced.

More info at the 99.7 website, where you can hear all the entries: http://www.997thepoint.com/99-7-The-Point-Presents-The-5K-Christmas-Choir-Com/14893864.

You can also go to our SMS Facebook page where we will keep updated information available! LIKE US on facebook!

PLEASE support the SMS Music Department!

THERE IS NOTHING GREATER THAN A RAIDER!!!

2012-10-31T20:40:00.001-05:00

Cabaret is almost here!!!!

Parents & Students...

Please bring the following items to school either Thursday or Friday...

1. Floor lamps (clearly labeled with names)

2. Extension Cords (clearly labeled with names)

3. Desserts for our Guests

4. Ticket orders

2012-10-31T20:38:00.000-05:00

"An Evening of Cabaret"

Attend an evening of great music and a silent auction

Seating begins @ 6:15 pm

Show begins @ 6:30 pm

Friday, November 2, 2012

SMS Cafeteria

Contact Ms. Peterson @ sopetere@smsd.org for tickets

Tickets are only $6.00 (in advance) or $7.00 (at the door)

Hope to see you there!!!

2012-10-22T19:25:00.003-05:00

South Area Choir Festival

A Cappella Choir & Heritage Singers meet in the gym at 9:45 a.m.

Wear your choir t-shirt to school tomorrow!

South Area Choir CONCERT

Start Time: 7:00 pm in SMS Main Gym

Admission is FREE

All singers are needed to stay following the concert to help with clean-up!

2012-10-04T22:18:00.001-05:00

ALL CHOIR MEMBERS

Wear your choir t-shirts TOMORROW (Friday)

We are performing the Alma Mater at the Assembly

Meet in the GYM @ 9:45 a.m.

See you there!!!

2012-09-06T18:31:00.000-05:00

Reminders

Parents of Heritage Singer Members

Please send payments for dresses ($130), jewelry ($17.25), shoes ($27), vests and ties ($60),

black shirts ($15), t-shirts ($10) as soon as you are able.

Parents of Chanticleer Members

Please send payments for dresses ($130), jewelry ($13.25), shoes ($27), vests and ties ($60),

black shirts ($15) t-shirts ($10) as soon as you are able.

About 75% of the attire is here and all the jewelry is all here (ready to turn it over to you)!!!

Thank you!

2012-09-04T08:02:00.000-05:00

ALL PARENTS INVITED TO ATTEND!!!

SMS Choir Boosters Annual Meeting

September 6, 2012

SM South High School Choir Room

6:30 pm

2012-08-22T20:30:00.000-05:00

Parents of Chanticleer and Heritage Singers

You will have the opportunity to complete your uniform payments at the picnic Friday (8/24/12). Please bring cash or your checkbook.

Chanticleer and Hertiage WOMEN - Costs:
     Dresses: $130.00
     Shoes: $30.00
     Jewelry: $15.00
Heritage MEN:
Vest, tie, and shirt: $75.00
Vest and Tie only: $60.00
RENTAL Fee for tux pants & coat:
    Payment due September 10th - 14th - Pay to SMS Orchestra ($20)

Our website: www.smschoir.com - you can pay for your items using a credit card!!

T-shirt Designs Due TOMORROW

2012-08-21T19:20:00.003-05:00

Any student who wishes to submit a t-shirt design for this year's choir t-shirt, submit your design to Ms. Peterson before the end of the school day, Wednesday, August 22nd.

Can't wait to see your cool design!!!

Choir Picnic...Please sign up!

2012-08-20T19:55:00.002-05:00

The BEST picnic EVER...the Annual Choir Picnic!!

Please sign up in the choir room, indicating the number people in your family who can attend!

Friday, August 24th

6 - 8:00 pm at Marty Park (103rd & Marty)

Parent Meeting at 7:15 pm

Class Supplies Due Monday!

2012-08-19T10:48:00.001-05:00

What a GREAT first week of classes...Thank you for your hard work and enthusiasm. It is going to be an amazing year!

Class supplies are due MONDAY, AUGUST 20th - please come prepared!

Items needed:
One - 1/2" 3-ring, BLACK binder
One - Pencil (no pens)
10-15 sheets of notebook paper (in your 3-ring binder)

See you tomorrow!

SENIOR Choir Meeting

2012-08-12T09:30:00.000-05:00

Make plans to attend a meeting for choir seniors only in the

Choir Room at 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 16.

Donuts and juice will be provided.

Looking forward to meeting with you and getting to know you!

Looking forward to a GREAT year!

2012-08-10T21:18:00.005-05:00

Parents and Students:

Tuesday marks the start of an awesome, awe-inspiring year! I look forward to meeting each of you and the chance to be a part of something truly special at SMS. I have met several new teachers, staff members, students and parents...I have been so impressed as I visit with them. Each speaks very highly of the choir program, its history, the entire school and you, the parents & students. I cannot wait to be a part of the enthusiam! Let's have a fantastic year!

Meet Ms. Peterson Ice Cream Social!

2012-06-06T21:11:00.000-05:00

Meet your new choir director and have some ice cream!

Tuesday, June 12, 2012 - from 6-7p in the court yard at SMS (in the choir room if it rains)

Hope to see you there!
Cates

Chant/Heritage Tux/Dresses

2012-06-03T22:03:00.001-05:00

Girls from Heritage & Chanticleers -- and ALL Heritage guys -- You need to be fitted for next year's "performance attire" at Natalie M by Jun 7. THAT'S THURSDAY!

The guys' package (vest, tie & black shirt) is $57. Guys should be ready to pay Natalie M the full amount at their fittings this week.

Dresses will be $130. Girls have 2 payment options:

Write a check for the full amount, payable to the Booster Club, and mail by this Friday, June 8. (Jeff Stevens, 2610 W 105th St, Leawood, KS 66206)
Look for a PayPal button on the website in the next couple of days so you can pay the Booster Club in installments by credit card:
$50 by Friday, June 8
$50 by Monday, July 2
$30 by Wednesday, August 1

Contact Barb Trites for questions about attire or payment options.

Natalie M is located not far from Saint Luke's South:

12601 Metcalf Ave.
Overland Park, KS 66213
913.469.0888 or 800.908.2688
Mon-Fri 10-8 Sat 10-6 Sun 1-5

Welcome Ms. Peterson!

2012-06-02T21:42:00.001-05:00

SMS Choir Students & Parents:

My good friend and colleague, Ms. Elise Peterson, has been named the new director of choirs at Shawnee Mission South!

For the past two years Ms. Peterson has served as choral director at Pioneer Trail Jr. High in Olathe. I had the opportunity to hear her choir last fall and they were one of the best middle school choirs I've heard. Before PTJH she was director of choirs at Hays High School. I heard the Hays High Chamber Choir at KMEA under Ms Peterson's direction and they were outstanding!

Ms. Peterson has served as chair of the Kansas All-State Choir and serves with me on the board of the Kansas Choral Directors Association.

Most important Ms. Peterson has a passion for making meaningful music and having fun while doing it!

I am excited for Ms. Peterson because she gets to work with the amazing singers and parents at SMS. But, I'm even more excited for you--Ms. Peterson is among the best choral directors Kansas has to offer. The tradition of AWESOME singing at SMS will not skip a beat under the leadership of Ms. Elise Peterson!

Please stay tuned for information about a meet and greet event where I will be able to introduce you to Ms. Peterson!

GET EXCITED!!

Peace.
Cates

Update: Tuesday, May 22

2012-05-22T14:33:00.002-05:00

SMS Choir Students & Parents:

It seems that the news has "gone viral" but for those of you who have not heard: I will not be returning to South next year. I have accepted a position as the Director of Choral Activities at Olathe East High School. This was an incredibly difficult decision to make. Teaching choir at Shawnee Mission South is such a huge part of my life and who I am. Its difficult to imagine anything else. That said, my choice to take this new position wasn't based on my love for South, my awesome kids or my amazing parents, but on new opportunities and what is best for my family.

Even as soon as today, I know that our administration is working to find an outstanding person to take over as your new choir director. Just like when I came to South six years ago, the new director will only be successful with the 100% support of all of you! Give that new person everything you've got!

Last, thank you for the opportunity to laugh, cry, learn and make music. I will always have a piece of SMS with me wherever life takes me. The last line of our Alma Mater seems to make more sense now than ever before!

Raiders we ever shall be!
Cates

PS--Have you turned in your cookie dough money?!?!

Cookie Dough Pick-Up TODAY

2012-05-17T12:20:00.000-05:00

ITEM PICK UP
The Cookie Dough delivery is TODAY. The delivery should arrive around 1:30p. Items may be taken home from school or picked up after-school. All items must be picked up by 6:00p tonight--no exceptions.

MONEY FOR ORDERS
Money from fundraiser items is due by Tuesday, May 22.

OUR GOAL IS 100% PICK UP and 100% OF THE $$ IN ON TIME--DO YOUR VERY BEST!

A Cappella Grad Performance

2012-05-15T13:42:00.002-05:00

ATTENTION A CAPPELLA CHOIR/SENIORS
Don't forget we perform for Graduation tonight. Arrive at 7:00p in the choir room for warm-up. Ceremony will begin at 8:00p. We should be finished by 9:30p. (FREE COOKIES IN THE COURT YARD AFTER..mmmm)

What do we wear?
If you are graduating...go with the cap and gown...I hear its in this spring. If you are not graduating we'll go with the sleek and versitile SMS Choir robe. We'll accessorize with black socks, dress pants and dress shoes if you are a guy and black character shoes if you're a girl.

Reminders for Seniors

1. Process in with your class.

2. Once you have reached your seat and your row is in place come up to the choir (I will be motioning to encourage you to make the move, you’ll look at me like, “now?” and I’ll shake my head yes)

3. We will sing the National Anthem. You’ll sit with the choir and then we’ll sing “With A Little Help”

4. After “With a Little Help…” you’ll go back to sit with your class.

5. After you receive your diploma I will be waiting to remind you to re-join the choir to sing the Alma Mater

6. After all diplomas have been passed out, we’ll sing the Alma Mater

7. After the Alma Mater you go back to sit with your class, throw your hat up in the air and you’re done

Update: Week of May 14, 2012

2012-05-14T14:15:00.004-05:00

SMS Choir Students & Parents:
We did it! With the exception of A Cappella Choir's performance tomorrow night at Graduation we have completed another AMAZING year in choir at Shawnee Mission South! A HUGE thank you to the best choirs and parents in the world!

Peace.
Cates

A CAPPELLA CHOIR: GRADUATION PERFORMANCE
A Cappella Choir will perform at tomorrow's Graduation Ceremony. Non-senior A Cappella Choir students should report to the choir room by 7pm for warm-up. Please plan extra time for parking. Graduation begins at 8pm. The ceremony typically lasts a little over an hour. We will sing: The National Anthem (we will review it tomorrow in class), With A Little Help From My Friends and the Alma Mater.

Graduation Rehearsal
We will have a quick rehearsal for our Graduation performance right after lunch tomorrow. Non-senior A Cappella Choir members should report to the choir room right after lunch. Seniors - you are welcome to rehearse with us, meet us on the field at 1:15p.

RAIDER REVUE ODDS & ENDS
Ticket Money
Raider Revue ticket money is WAY past due. If you have your ticket money please turn it in no later than this Thursday or a hold will be placed on your grades. Each student must turn in unsold ticket or money for the tickets they sold.

Ticket Sales Contest
If you sold more than 15 tickets verify your ticket sales with Cates by tomorrow morning. We will announce our winners tomorrow after-school via the blog, facebook, twitter and text!

COOKIE DOUGH DELIVERY DATE
Items from our trip-fund, Cookie Dough Fundraiser, will be delivered this Thursday, May 17. Arrangements must be made to pick up items between the end of school and 6:30p. Fundraiser items not picked up will be the financial responsibility of the individual student.

Money for fundraising items will be due: Tuesday, May 22.

RETURN CHOIR-OWNED ITEMS
If you have a: Robe, Stole, Blazer, Tie etc. These items must be returned to the choir room by Friday to avoid a hold being placed on your grades.

CHOIR ROOM LOST-AND-FOUND
Choir dresses, character shoes, tuxes, dress shirts, jackets, sweat shirts--these are just a few of the items that have made their way into the choir room lost and found over the course of the school year. All of these items will be taken to Goodwill at the conclusion of the school year. If you are missing any items pick the up ASAP.

2012-2013 BOOSTERS POSITIONS
The Choir Boosters are currently filling various positions for the 12-13 school year. If you are a returning parent and would like to help please email Boosters President, Dr. Barb Trites: barbaratrites@yahoo.com or Cates at dustincates@smsd.org. WE MAY BE CALLING YOU :-)

Banquet & TShirt Deadlines

2012-05-07T12:27:00.000-05:00

TWO IMPORTANT DEADLINES TODAY

Choir Banquet Reservations

CLICK HERE to download invitation to turn in with a check (payable to SMS Choir) or cash.
Pay and make your reservation online: www.smschoir.com.

Tshirts

Order Online: CLICK HERE (print receipt and bring it to class for pick-up)
Bring $11 cash or check (made payable to SMS Choir) and turn-in in class.

TGIF! May 4, 2012

2012-05-04T13:40:00.002-05:00

SMS Choir Students & Parents:
There are TONS of things happening in SMS Choir next week. PLEASE stay connected and informed so we can end the year in style!

Peace.
Cates

LETTER FORMS DUE BY MIDNIGHT TONIGHT
The eForm for earning a Letter in choir must be submitted by midnight tonight. Artifacts for validation (emails from voice teachers, programs etc.) may be brought in on Monday but no later. If you do not remember your total points from last year enter "unknown" in that field.

To complete your Letter Form CLICK HERE.

RAIDER REVUE TSHIRTS
Each SMS Choir member must have a Raider Revue Tshirt. Students will wear their tshirt and a pair of nice jeans and tennis/casual shoes. Raider Reuve Tshirts must be paid for by Monday! To order pay for your shirt online CLICK HERE. Print your receipt and bring it to class to pick-up your shirt. You may also pay with cash or a check (payble to SMS Choir) in a sealed envelope marked with your name, Raider Revue Tshirt and $11.00.

RAIDER REVUE TICKETS
SELL! SELL! SELL! With this year's show being on Thursday and Friday there is a slight chance that we may see less revenue from Raider Revue (the show is normally Friday/Saturday). Do your best to sell those tickets! You may also direct ticket buyers to www.smschoir.com to purchase online. Also: each night is different so there is reason to come to BOTH performances!

RAIDER REVUE PROGRAM ADS
Ads for the Raider Revue program must be submitted by this evening. For ad information CLICK HERE. Ads can be paid for at www.smschoir.com.

CHOIR AWARDS BANQUET
The Choir Awards Banquet is on Friday, May 11, before Raider Revue. The buffet opens at 5p and the awards presentation begins at 5:30p. If you would like to eat you must have a reservation. To make your reservation online CLICK HERE. To download the form and turn-in in class CLICK HERE. Reservations due: May 7.

A CAPPELLA CHOIR GRADUATION PERFORMANCE
As always, A Cappella Choir will perform at Graduation. This year's Commencement is Tuesday, May 15, at 8p. Call time for A Cappella Choir is 7:00p. Remember to plan time for parking--there will be TONS of people in attendance.

TURN-IN CHOIR RELATED ITEMS
If you have any choir-owned item (a robe, a tie, a blazer etc.) these items must be turned in by Monday, May 14 for seniors and by Wednesday, May 23 for underclassmen. Failure to turn in these items will result in a hold on your transcripts/grades. This is BAD.

Update: May 1, 2012

2012-05-01T15:56:00.002-05:00

COOKIE DOUGH FUNDRAISER
Order Forms DUE TUESDAY
Cookie Dough Fundraiser Order Forms were due in-class today. Order forms may be brought to Cates Wednesday morning (2/2/12). Forms turned in after Wednesday morning risk not being delivered before the last day of school. IMPORTANT: Be sure you have filled out your form completely (name and other info) and filled in the total number of items and total you must collect.
Money Turn-In
Money for fundraiser items isn't due until after you deliver the items. If you have already collected the money you may turn it in now. Many of you have done this. IMPORTANT: money must be submitted in the collection envelope provided and the collection envelope must be filled out completely. If we cannot connect you to the money you turned in you will owe--this is bad.
Delivery Date
Once we have submitted our order the fundraising company will inform us of our delivery date. When the date is announced plan accordingly to pick-up items that day. Items will not be stored for pick-up on an alternate day.

RAIDER REVUE TICKETS
Raider Revue tickets are on sale now! Tickets are: $6 in advance, $7 at the door, $5 for students and senior citizens (+65) and Free for children 10 and under. Each SMS Choir student is expected to sell 5 tickets. Singers participating in a solo or small group must sell 10. Additional tickets may be checked out in the choir room before or after class.

RAIDER REVUE TICKET SALES CONTEST
Students selling more that 15 Raider Revue tickets are eligible to participate in the Raider Revue Ticket Sales Contest. Prizes will be given for the top 3 ticket-sellers who sell more than 15 tickets.

1st Prize: iPod Touch
2nd Prize: iPod Nano (in the color of your choice)
3rd Prize: iPod Shuffle (in the color of your choice)

RAIDER REVUE T-SHIRTS
Each student must have a Raider Revue T-Shirt to perform in Raider Revue. Concert attire for these performances will be: Raider Revue T-Shirt, Blue Jeans (no holes), Clean/nice casual/tennis shoes appropriate for dancing. There are two options to purchase your Raider Revue t-shirt. All students must pay for their tshirt by Friday, May 4.

Raider Revue Tshirt Purchase Options

CLICK HERE to purchase your shirt online.
Turn-in $11 cash or a check made out to SMS Choir. Payment will only be accepted in a sealed envelope clearly marked with: Student Name, Raider Revue T-Shirt and the amount in the envelope.

RAIDER REVUE PROGRAM ADS
Click here for information about purchasing an ad for the Raider Revue program. Ad information and payment is due Friday, May 4.

CHOIR AWARDS BANQUET
The Choir Awards Banquet is a time where we honor those students who have excelled in choir during the 2012-2013 School Year. This year's banquet will be May 11, 5p dinner, 5:30p awards, before the Friday performance of Raider Revue. If you plan to eat the meal catered by Cinzetti's you must have a paid reservation. You may choose to attend the awards program only and arrive at 5:30p.

Banquet Reservations Options

CLICK HERE to make a reservation and pay for the Choir Banquet online.
CLICK HERE to download the invitation. Return the form with payment (checks payable to SMS Choir) in a sealed envelope clearly marked with: student name, Choir Banquet Reservation and the amount included.

PARENTS: HELP...WE NEED SOMEBODY...HELP...
Parent volunteers are needed for both Raider Revue and the Choir Banquet. We need ticket takers for both nights of Raider Revue, set-up and clean-up crew for the Banquet and much more. If you would like to help please email Cates: dustincates@smsd.org.

Cookie Dough Reminders

2012-04-27T13:42:00.002-05:00

Goal: 10 items
Order Forms are Due: Tuesday, May 1 (late orders will not be accepted)
You may collect money at the time of the order OR when you deliver the items