Festus R6 School District

Second Semester Choral Opportunities

Hello, I just wanted to let you know that there will be extra opportunities for choral performances and experiences during the 2nd semester for those students still participating in choir.  We discussed these things in class last week, and I will be sending out a form to fill out later in December.  Students that are chosen to participate in these events will be part of our 6th Grade Select Choir.

There is no audition for Select Choir as I already know each student's capabilities and ability to be coached.  Students will remain in their current choir class, but will have an extra rehearsal once a week during 6th Grade PAWS.  In this time we will develop our current songs at a deeper level, work to add more musicality and understanding, and raise the level of choral technique and performance.  Students in this group will be given the opportunity to see a performance at the Sheldon Concert Hall in February as well as participating in the local R-7 Music Symposium in April.  As this is a select group, there are several things that I will use as a guide in selecting students for this ensemble.

1.  Students must have shown commitment to their choir.  They have worked hard in class, have learned to listen to the director and their peers, and cooperate with one another well.

2.  Students must have shown academic ability and school citizenship.  These students will be representing FMS at outside events, and must have shown themselves to have self-discipline and organization so that they don't miss events due to grades, missing assignments, or behavioral issues.

3.  Students have shown a desire to improve and become better musicians.  This is a select group and students must show themselves to be high level musicians and ensemble members.

If your student is interested in this opportunity, please fill out the form that will be sent out after the Winter Concert in December.  Thank you for being a part of our choral program!

Caleb Zustiak
FMS Choir

Second Semester Choral Opportunities

Hello, I just wanted to let you know that there will be extra opportunities for choral performances and experiences during the 2nd semester for those students still participating in choir.  We discussed these things in class last week, and I will be sending out a form to fill out later in December.  Students that are chosen to participate in these events will be part of our 7th Grade Select Choir.

There is no audition for Select Choir as I already know each student's capabilities and ability to be coached.  Students will remain in their current choir class, but will have an extra rehearsal once a week during 7th Grade PAWS.  In this time we will develop our current songs at a deeper level, work to add more musicality and understanding, and raise the level of choral technique and performance.  Students in this group will be given the opportunity to participate in the Union Music Festival in March and the Six Flags Music Festival in May.  As this is a select group, there are several things that I will use as a guide in selecting students for this ensemble.

1.  Students must have shown commitment to their choir.  They have worked hard in class, have learned to listen to the director and their peers, and cooperate with one another well.

2.  Students must have shown academic ability and school citizenship.  These students will be representing FMS at outside events, and must have shown themselves to have self-discipline and organization so that they don't miss events due to grades, missing assignments, or behavioral issues.

3.  Students have shown a desire to improve and become better musicians.  This is a select group and students must show themselves to be high level musicians and ensemble members.

7th grade students may also sign up to be considered for our solo program.  These students, if selected, will work after school with Mr. Zustiak for 20 minutes a week on a song picked for them to perform at the Union Music Festival in March.  This is a great opportunity for these students to improve their singing, gain experience as a performer, and prepare for All-District and All-State auditions at the High School level.  Students will be selected based on their availability, where they are in their voice change, and their confidence as a musician.  We will also try to have a short recital for these students in late March as well.

If your student is interested in these opportunities, please fill out the form that will be sent out after the Winter Concert in December.  Thank you for being a part of our choral program!

Caleb Zustiak
FMS Choir

Second Semester Choral Opportunities

Hello, I wanted to let you know that there will be a couple of extra opportunities for students who would like to expand their individual abilities as well as develop themselves as performers and musicians.  These are not required for any students, but are available for those who are interested.

First, we will have East Central Honor Choir at the High School PAC on Saturday, February 21st.  This is an honor choir similar to the All-District Honor Choir our High School students participate in during the Fall Semester.  We will have 20 students participate in Mixed Choir (SATB) and 12-16 students participate in the Treble Choir (SSA).  These students will be moved to my PAWS class after first semester and we will work to learn the music of both groups all Jan and Feb each day during PAWS.  On that Saturday, we will come to the PAC to work with an exceptional director during the day and have a huge performance that evening.  Last year, the Mixed Choir had 180 singers and the Treble Choir had 120 singers.  This is a great opportunity for these musicians to work with another director, hear other school's singers, and prepare for High School Honor Choirs.  

Second, several students will be chosen to perform solos at the Union Music Festival.  Students will work with Mr. Zustiak once a week for 20 minutes on a song selected for their voice type.  Students will continue to develop the song on their own, and ​will then perform for a judge at the Union Music Festival before the large choir portion of the event.  This is a great opportunity for students to develop their own sound, learn how to deal with performance, and prepare for the High School audition process for All-District and All-State.  Students will be selected depending on their availability, music potential, and choral confidence.

If your student is interested in these opportunities, please fill out the form that I will send out after the Winter Concert.  Students will be selected over Winter Break, and we will begin work in January.  Thank you for being a part of our Choral Program!

Caleb Zustiak
FMS Choir

East Central Honor Choir is an opportunity for our 8^th Grade Students to learn new music, work with a new director, and sing with one of the largest Middle School Choirs in the State.  Students selected for this opportunity may be placed in either Treble or Mixed honor choir, and will work with Mr. Zustiak during PAWS to learn their music to perform on Saturday, Februrary 21^st.  We will be the host school this year, so rehearsals and performances that day will be at our own PAC attached to the High School!  More information will be sent out after the Winter Concert in December – thank you!

7th Grade Select Choir is our auditioned group of 7th graders that will join the 8th grade groups to perform at the Union and Six Flags music festivals in the Spring.  Students will have the opportunity to ask to be selected for this performing ensemble in December and membership is based on their effort, enthusiasm, and cooperation with others throughout the first semester.  More information about this group will be given in November.

Hello, and thank you for allowing your students to be a part of our caroling group this semester!  As we are nearing December, I wanted to let you know about the times and places we will be caroling, although a couple of adjustments might need to be made.  These students have done a wonderful job not only developing their sight reading ability, but diving in to the carols that have been sung for generations and are an important holiday tradition!  Our students normally dress in appropriate caroling attire (Christmas Sweaters, Holiday shirts, Elf Hats, Antlers, ect.) and keep in mind that weather will sometimes be a factor.  Here is what is planned thus far, and I look forward to presenting these students to you!

Caroling for family and friends:  Sunday, Dec. 7th at 2:00 PM at FMS in main foyer area.
Caroling for Festus Elementary and Festus Intermediate:  Mon, 12/15
Caroling for Fountainbeu, Crystal Oaks, and Festus Pre-School (eating at McDonalds): Wed, 12/17
Caroling for FMS students at start of school day - arrive at FMS at 7:00 AM for final PAWS breakfast and celebration:  Fri, 12/19

Please let me know if you have any questions, I look forward to seeing you at upcoming events!

Caleb Zustiak

If your child is in any ensemble that performs in an event outside our district, a choir uniform is required for these performances.  The uniform consists of the black FMS music polo, khaki pants, black belt, black shoes, and black socks.  You will need to purchase a shirt from Mr. Zustiak but if you already have one from a family member or an older sibling that was in choir you can use that one.  We always buy the same uniform every year.  If you are a 7th grader I suggest buying a size larger than what fits exactly so that you can wear it for both 7th and 8th grade.  Khakis, shoes, and socks are available at any store that you prefer.

To purchase a choir polo please send $20 cash or a check made out to Festus Middle School in an envelope with your child’s name, their shirt size, and FMS choir written on the front of the envelope.  Please keep in mind that these are adult sizes - youth sizes are not available - and that it is 100% cotton so there will be some shrinkage. 

I am still working on what we will do for our 6^th grade select choir.  Many students will grow out of their choir polo by 8^th grade if we buy one in 6^th grade, so I am looking at other options that will be easy but still look nice.

Thank you for participating in our choral program.  If you have any questions or are in financial difficulty please contact Mr. Zustiak at the e-mail below.

Caleb Zustiak

FMS Choir

zustiakcaleb@festusedu.com

Please ensure these dates are on your calendar if your child is in a performing ensemble so that we avoid conflicts with other activities and events.  Thank you.

• Concert Choir to SEMO (full day trip!!!) - November TBD

• FMS Choir Winter Concert - Tuesday, Dec. 9th

• Sheldon Concert Hall Field Trip - 6th and 8th grade, February TBD

• East Central Honor Choir - Saturday, February 21st (inclement weather day, February 28th)

• Union Music Festival - Saturday, March 7th

• FMS Choir Spring Concert - Tuesday, April 14th

• Six Flags Music Festival - 7th and 8th Grade, Friday, May 8th

The Union Music Festival is for our 7^th and 8^th grade choirs and will be held on Saturday, March 7^th in the morning for soloists and in the afternoon for large ensembles.  More information will be sent out as we near the date, thank you!

8th grade and 6th grade will attend a Sheldon event during the school day in February of 2026.  I will send out exact dates and information when we get to 2^nd semester, thank you!

7th and 8th grade choir students may be participating in the Six Flags Music Festival this year in May.  Right now, season passes are as inexpensive as they will be the entire year, so you may want to purchase one if you think your child will participate in this event.  This does not guarantee this participation, but it is an option if you think that is the best choice for your family.

More information will be sent out about this event in March.  Thank you!

Select students will participate in the solo/ensemble opportunities at the Union Music Festival as well as performing for family and friends in a choral recital.  Information on this opportunity will be sent out for 7th and 8th graders in December.  Thank you!

This page will have information about upcoming tests and quizzes.  Please check Google Classroom for review activities and more in-depth information.  Thank you.

SLANT - Acronym that represents

S - Sit and stand up

L - Listen

A - Ask and answer questions

N - Nod your head

T - Track the speaker

The 6 points of alignment are:

1.  A/O Join (Atlanto-Occipital)

2.  Shoulders

3.  Base of spine

4.  Hips

5.  Knees

6.  Feet

Four Areas of Breathing.

1.  Ribcage

2.  Diaphragm

3.  Abdominal Wall

4.  Pelvic Floor

Three Basic Concepts of Choral Tone:

1.  Spacious

2.  High

3.  Forward

Treble Clef

Students will need to match the correct symbol with the correct letter names on the lines and spaces on the Treble Clef Staff.  Review activities are available on Google Classroom.

Bass Clef

Students will need to match the correct symbol with the correct letter names on the lines and spaces on the Bass Clef Staff.  Review activities are available on Google Classroom

Rhythm Symbols

Students will need to match the correct symbol with the correct definition AND name.  If a student needs to see the symbol a simple google search will show them what it looks like.  Whole Note and Rest, Half Note and Rest, Quarter Note and Rest, Eighth Note and Rest, Sixteenth Notes and Rests.  Review activities are available on Google Classroom.

General Music Symbols

Students will need to match the correct symbol with the correct definition AND name  If a student needs to see the symbol a simple google search will show them what it looks like.

1.  Treble Clef - used for the notes above middle C on the staff.

2.  Bass Clef - used for the notes below middle C on the staff.

3.  Sharp - raises the pitch one 1/2 step. (looks like a hashtag)

4.  Flat - lowers the pitch one 1/2 step. (looks like a little b)

5.  Natural - returns the pitch to its original, 'natural' state. (looks like a box with something sticking up and down from it)

6.  Staff - the 5 lines and 4 spaces music is written on.

7.  Fermata - hold the note or rest until the Director indicates to continue. (also called and looks like a bird eye)

8.  Repeat Sign - repeat the previous section of music.  (two lines with two dots on one side)

9.  First/Second Ending - repeat the previous section of music, then take the second ending to go on.

10.  Staccato - play the notes short and detached (small dot under note).

11.  Tenuto - play the note slightly longer and fuller (line under the note).

12.  Accent - play the note louder, with more emphasis than surrounding notes (greater than symbol underneath the note).

13.  Coda - the last section of a piece of music.

14.  Segno - signifies the beginning or end of a repeated section.

Second Semester Information can be found below

Dynamics

Students must be able to identify and give the definition for the following dynamic symbols:  Crescendo, Decrescendo, Fortissimo, Forte, Mezzo forte, Mezzo piano, Piano, Pianissimo.

Tempo

Students must be able to identify and give the definition for the following tempo vocabulary:  Lento, Adagio, Andante, Moderato, Allegro, and Presto

Key Signatures

Students must be able to understand the relationship of the Key Signature and the pitch numbers we use to sing.  For example, when we are in the Key of 'F,' the pitch 'F' is one.

There are review opportunities in Google Classroom for those who need to review all the concepts above.