Welcome to Kaleidoscope Show Choir. Participation in Kaleidoscope is both an honor and a major commitment. Show choir is not simply another extracurricular activity. It is a competitive performance ensemble that requires teamwork, accountability, preparation, discipline, and trust between students, families, directors, chaperones, and boosters.

This handbook is designed to clearly communicate expectations for all students and parents involved with the Kaleidoscope Show Choir program during the 2026-2027 season.

By joining Kaleidoscope Show Choir, students and parents agree to support the culture, standards, and expectations outlined in this handbook.

Kaleidoscope Show Choir is designed to provide students with:

·       High-level musical instruction

·       Performance opportunities

·       Team-building experiences

·       Leadership development

·       Competitive show choir experiences

·       Travel opportunities

·       Life skills involving discipline, preparation, accountability, and professionalism

Students are expected to represent themselves, the program, Musselman High School, and the community with pride and professionalism at all times.

Kaleidoscope Show Choir is a full-year commitment.

Students selected for the ensemble understand that membership is intended to last for the entire school year, including rehearsals, performances, competitions, choreography camps, travel events, fundraising obligations, and all required appearances.

Because every student plays a specific role in choreography, vocals, staging, formations, costumes, and travel planning, students may not quit simply because the season becomes difficult, stressful, busy, or inconvenient.

Exceptions may only be considered for:

·       Serious medical circumstances

·       Family emergencies

·       Academic ineligibility

·       Situations approved by the director and administration

Participation in other activities, sports, work schedules, vacations, or social events will not automatically excuse a student from Kaleidoscope Show Choir obligations.

Practices are not suggestions. Rehearsals are mandatory.

Students are expected to:

·       Arrive on time

·       Be mentally and physically prepared

·       Know choreography, music, and assigned materials

·       Wear appropriate rehearsal clothing and shoes

·       Maintain a positive attitude

·       Participate fully throughout rehearsal

·       Respect directors, choreographers, staff, and fellow students

Repeated tardiness, absences, lack of preparation, or disruptive behavior may result in:

·       Loss of performance opportunities: Students who are not consistently present or prepared may not be able to safely or successfully participate in every performance opportunity.

·       Alternate status: Students may be placed in an alternate role if attendance, preparation, or behavior prevents them from meeting performance expectations.

·       Removal from trips or competitions: Students who do not meet expectations may lose the privilege of traveling or competing with the group.

·       Additional assigned rehearsals: Students may be required to attend extra rehearsal time to catch up on missed material or improve preparation.

Attendance is critical to the success of Kaleidoscope Show Choir.

Students are expected to attend:

·       Weekly rehearsals

·       Choreography camps

·       Sectionals

·       Dress rehearsals

·       Competitions

·       Performances

·       Required travel events

·       Fundraisers

·       Additional rehearsals as announced

Excused absences may include:

·       Illness

·       Family emergencies

·       School-required academic events

·       Director-approved conflicts

Whenever possible, communication regarding absences should occur in advance.

Unexcused absences may affect a student’s standing within the ensemble.

Kaleidoscope Show Choir is a team activity.

Students are expected to:

·       Support one another

·       Encourage positivity

·       Handle criticism maturely

·       Accept changes in choreography, placement, or solos professionally

·       Demonstrate respect at all times

·       Maintain professionalism while representing the program

Negativity, bullying, disrespect, excessive drama, or behavior that damages ensemble culture will not be tolerated.

Students represent the choir department, school, and community both on and off stage.

Travel is an important part of the Kaleidoscope Show Choir experience.

Students are expected to:

·       Follow all school and travel policies

·       Respect chaperones and directors

·       Remain with assigned groups when instructed

·       Follow hotel rules and curfews

·       Respect public venues and competition sites

·       Demonstrate appropriate behavior during travel

Any major disciplinary issue during travel may result in:

·       Parent pickup at the family’s expense

·       Removal from future trips

·       School disciplinary consequences

·       Possible removal from the ensemble

Students will have designated chaperones while traveling and performing with Kaleidoscope Show Choir.

Normal and reasonable precautions will be taken to ensure student safety.

Participation in Kaleidoscope Show Choir involves financial obligations necessary to support:

·       Costumes

·       Choreography

·       Music

·       Travel

·       Lodging

·       Transportation

·       Competition fees

·       Clinicians

·       Props

·       Staging

·       Equipment

·       Show design expenses

Student Dues

The dues for the 2026-2027 Kaleidoscope Show Choir season are:

·       $440 standard payment amount

·       $400 if paid in full by Tuesday, June 2, 2026

·       $420 if paid in full by Friday, August 7, 2026

Standard Payment Schedule

·       August 4, 2026: $215 due

·       September 1, 2026: $75 due

·       October 1, 2026: $75 due

·       November 1, 2026: $75 due

Show Choir Band/Tech Dues

Show choir band and technical crew fees are $225 total. If paid in full by September 1 the amount will be $195.

Payment Schedule

·       October 1, 2026: $75 due

·       November 1, 2026: $75 due

·       December 1, 2026: $75 due

Students may be restricted from travel and/or performances for failure to pay dues.

Alternative payment schedules may be arranged through communication with Mr. Miller when necessary. ‍

Kaleidoscope Show Choir depends heavily on fundraising support to help offset program costs.

Because dues alone do not cover the entirety of yearly expenses, students and families are expected to actively support fundraising efforts throughout the season.

Fundraising participation may include:

·       Working fundraising events

·       Assisting with set construction or prop movement

·       Hosting competitions or events

·       Booster activities

·       Selling fundraising items

·       Supporting organizational events

Families who do not participate in fundraising expectations may be assessed additional trip or participation fees to help offset program costs.

The goal of this expectation is fairness and shared responsibility across the entire program.

Students are also responsible for meal money during trips when meals are not otherwise provided.

Liability for loss of personal or school property rests solely with the student while participating in Kaleidoscope Show Choir activities.

Students are responsible for:

·       Costumes

·       Garment bags

·       Uniform pieces

·       Personal belongings

·       Electronic devices

·       School-owned materials

All information collected through participation forms is confidential and will only be disclosed to Kaleidoscope Show Choir representatives on a need-to-know basis.

For safety reasons, pertinent medical information may be shared with directors, staff members, and chaperones strictly on a need-to-know basis.

In the event of a medical emergency and inability to contact a parent or guardian, parents authorize licensed healthcare providers and accredited medical facilities to perform necessary examinations, x-rays, medical treatment, and/or surgical procedures deemed necessary for the safety of the student.

Parents and guardians remain financially responsible for any medical expenses incurred.

Strong communication between students, parents, directors, and boosters is essential.

Parents agree to:

·       Support attendance expectations

·       Ensure students arrive prepared and on time

·       Communicate respectfully with directors and staff

·       Support the culture and goals of the program

Questions or concerns should be addressed respectfully and privately with directors rather than through social media or public criticism.

‍ ‍

July 2026-April 2027

Please note that dates and times may change throughout the season. Families should monitor all communication platforms regularly.

July 2026

·       July 2026: Summer communication and preparation period

August 2026

·       August 3-7: Show Choir Camp: This is a major preparation week for the season and should be treated as mandatory for all members.

·       August 4: $215 Camp Fee Due or $420 Full Dues Due: Families should submit payment by this deadline unless a payment plan has been arranged.

·       August 9: Show Choir Rehearsal 3:30-6:30 PM: Students should attend this scheduled rehearsal prepared to review and continue learning material.

·       August 10: Show Choir Rehearsal 3:30-5:30 PM: Students should attend this scheduled rehearsal as part of the early season preparation process.

·       August 11: Isaac Choreography Day 9:00 AM-5:00 PM: This is an important choreography instruction day and should be treated as mandatory.

·       August 17: No Rehearsal: There is no scheduled rehearsal on this date.

·       August 19: First Day of School: Regular school-year expectations begin.

September 2026

·       Weekly Rehearsals Continue: Students should continue attending all scheduled rehearsals as music and choreography instruction intensifies.

·       September 3: Kaleidothon Fundraiser at Musselman High School: Kaleidothon is one of the program’s major fundraising events where students perform and televise solos and performances in order to raise money for the program and support yearly expenses. Student participation is expected.

·       September 7: $75 Payment Due: Families should submit payment by this deadline unless a payment plan has been arranged.

One of the major goals of the 2026-2027 season is for Kaleidoscope Show Choir to participate in a large parade performance opportunity. Fundraising efforts throughout the year help support travel opportunities such as this.

October 2026

·       Weekly Rehearsals Continue: Students should continue attending all scheduled rehearsals as the competition show develops.

·       October 4: $75 Payment Due: This payment is part of the standard dues schedule.

·       October 6-7: Steffahn Choreography Days: These are important choreography instruction dates and should be treated as mandatory.

·       October 18: Apple Harvest Performance: Students should plan to participate in this scheduled performance.

·       October 29 at 6:00 PM: Tribute Concert: Students should be present for this required concert performance.

November 2026

·       Weekly Rehearsals Continue

·       November 1: Final $50 Payment Due

·       November 10-11: Isaac Choreography Days

December 2026

·       Weekly Rehearsals Continue: Students should remain committed through the busy holiday performance season.

·       December 6: South Berkeley Parade: Students should participate as part of the program’s community performance schedule.

·       December 8: Winter Concert: Students should be present for this required concert performance.

·       December 10-12: Snow Globe Diner: Students should be available for this major program event.

·       December 14: Holiday Party: This event serves as a team-building and celebration opportunity.

·       December 28, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM: Isaac Day: This is an important rehearsal/choreography day and should be treated as mandatory.

January 2027

·       January 3: Isaac Day

·       January 13: Preview Show

·       January 20: Preview Show Snow Date

·       Additional weekly rehearsals continue

February 2027

·       February 11: Clover Hill Show Choir Competition

·       February 18: Robert C. Byrd Show Choir Competition

·       February 24-25: Grove City Competition

March 2027

·       March 10: Manchester Competition

·       March 17-18: Scranton Show Choir Competition

‍ April 2027

·       April 13: Invitational Rehearsal

·       April 14: Creative Arts Night