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University Children’s Chorale 2008-2009 Handbook
GENERAL INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION The University Children’s Chorale (UCC) is a nonprofit organization created as a partnership between the Clark County School District, Clark County private schools and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
UCC consists of two choirs: Bel Canto and Youth Chorale. Membership in each choir is determined by musical ability and age of the chorister, as well as the total number of choristers. As our numbers continue to grow, we anticipate expanding into additional choirs which will best meet the needs of our students’ ages and abilities.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the University Children’s Chorale is to develop in its students a love of, and respect for, learning about music. The Chorale maintains high standards in the areas of musicianship, performance and presentation.
The program emphasizes the development of musical skills and understanding through exposure to a wide variety of choral literature.
The program is open to students of all races, cultures, religions and economic backgrounds within the community.
COMMITMENT TO SCHOOL MUSIC PROGRAMS
The success of the UCC is dependent, in a large part, on the support of music teachers through the elementary and secondary public and private schools throughout Clark County. UCC singers should be leaders in their school music ensembles. All UCC singers are required to be active participants in their school choirs, orchestras or bands, unless these ensembles are not available or the student’s academic schedule doesn’t allow for said participation.
MEMBERSHIP
Membership in the University Children’s Chorale represents a commitment on the part of the chorister, parents and directors to work together to achieve the highest attainable level of musicianship. In order to achieve this level, it is expected and required that choristers will make attendance at rehearsals and mandatory performances a priority over other extracurricular activities. Each child is holding a valuable place in his/her choir.
It is further expected and required that parents will support this commitment through (a) timely payment of fees, (b) ensuring that their chorister will be transported to and picked up from said rehearsals and performances on time and (c) additional participation, as may be requested from time to time.
It is further expected and required that the Directors will ensure that rehearsals be well-planned, in order to achieve the best possible musical learning and growth, and that schedules will be communicated to choristers and parents in a timely and conscientious manner in order to allow families to plan for Chorale rehearsals and events with minimal interruption to school, church and family obligations.
We expect each singer to live up to their commitment to sing for the entire season. If, however, an extremely unusual circumstance occurs which would prohibit a singer from honoring that commitment, a personal conference between the directors and parents will be required before submitting a letter of resignation.
If a student resigns, the parent is still responsible for the entire tuition fee.
AUDITIONS Open auditions for the University Children’s Chorale 2009-2010 season will be held in May. Current members of UCC will need to re-audition for appropriate placement in next year’s Chorale.
CURRICULUM The University Children’s Chorale is designed to be a special learning environment which will provide rich and rewarding musical experiences for each child. The children will study and perform a variety of music from simple unison folk songs to contemporary literature. Both sacred and secular repertoire, including folk, gospel and patriotic music will be selected. As the repertoire is not selected to intrude upon anyone’s personal beliefs, but rather for their musical enrichment, it is essential that all singers be willing to sing all repertoire.
Masterpieces of music from all styles and periods form the foundation of musical learning and serve as the basis for the curriculum. Through exploration of great music, choristers will learn to read music and achieve a superior vocal tone.
We believe that “children should be led to musical masterpieces by means of musical masterpieces. ” ~ Zoltan Kodaly
THE PROGRAM The University Children’s Chorale consists of Bel Canto choir and Youth Chorale, dedicated to excellence of musicianship by developing the skills of each member.
Beginning on Wednesday, August 27th, Youth Chorale will meet once weekly on Wednesdays from 4:30-6:00 at the Beam Music Center located on the UNLV campus (near Flamingo Road and S. Maryland Parkway, directly across from University United Methodist Church). Youth Chorale is comprised of choristers in sixth through twelfth grade who have demonstrated a superior note reading ability and are ready for more challenging repertoire.
Beginning on Wednesday, August 27th, Bel Canto will meet once weekly on Wednesdays from 4:30-6:00 at the Beam Music Center located on the UNLV campus (near Flamingo Road and S. Maryland Parkway, directly across from University United Methodist Church). Bel Canto is comprised of choristers in second through fifth grade who have demonstrated a high degree of vocal ability and solid beginning note reading ability.
All choirs will emphasize note reading, vocal training and performance skills.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The University Children’s Chorale requires each member to pay certain fees related to membership. Fees are payable in one payment, or a three payment schedule as defined below. In addition, students pay rental fees for their embroidered vest (Bel Canto) or blazer (Youth Chorale) The remaining Uniforms cost are additional and discussed further in the Uniform section.
NOTE: Tuition and Blazer rental fees should be made payable to “Board of Regents,” while other uniform pieces will be purchased from approved uniform suppliers as detailed below.
TUITION POLICIES
Bel Canto annual tuition is $275 paid on or by August 27th, or three payments of $100 on August 27th, October 1st and November 1st. Vest rental fee for Bel Canto choristers is an additional $15.00, payable no later than September 6th.
Youth Chorale annual tuition is $325 paid on or by August 27th, or three payments of $120 on August 27th, October 1st and November 1st. Blazer rental for Youth Chorale choristers is an additional $25.00, payable no later than September 6th.
Payment may be made through PayPal, bank automatic draft, cash or personal check payable to “Board of Regents”.
The tuition is expected to be paid in full, preferably by August 27th, and no later than November 1st. In the event that full payment is not possible by the first choir meeting, monthly installments will be accepted on August 27th, October 1st and November 1st, as defined above.
As this commitment is for the entire season, tuition for the entire season is due, even if the child drops out of the program at any time during the season. Written requests for a waiver of this policy will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
A limited amount of financial assistance for tuition and other costs is available to qualified singers. It should be understood that scholarship students will most likely not receive financial assistance for touring, unless a benefactor for that specific capacity can be identified. Scholarship students should attempt to raise funds for their tour accounts if they wish to participate in summer tours.
If you would like to be considered for financial assistance, you must complete the Scholarship Application form which can be obtained from Mrs. Lovell, our Executive Director. Completed forms may be returned to Mrs. Lovell no later than Saturday, September 6th. Forms will be reviewed and assistance awarded at the discretion of a committee appointed by the UCC Board of Directors. Scholarships will be awarded based upon financial need or special circumstances as documented on your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Determination of assistance awarded for the season will be made and applicable families notified on or about mie-September.
Nonpayment of fees may jeopardize a member’s place in the UCC as well as their participation in any concert in which the member’s choir may be performing. Fees must be kept current.
All checks returned to UCC by the member’s bank will be charged a $25.00 fee per item.
Payments should be made by check or money order, made payable to “Board of Regents”. Payments may be handed in before a regular rehearsal to either Mrs. Danna Lovell, Executive Director, or Mr. Tim Buer, Financial Director at the rehearsal site. Directors will not collect payments. Payments may also be mailed to:
University Children’s Chorale c/o 7950 Cina Avenue Las Vegas, NV 89147
TOURING ACCOUNTS
UCC began to tour during the 2004-2005 season, with a one day trip to Long Beach, CA and a five day tour to New York City. In the summer of 2006, we traveled to Canterbury, England to participate in the 10th Annual International Children’s Choral Festival. Only Youth Chorale students, and those who have been accepted into Youth Chorale (age 11 and up) for the upcoming year, are eligible to tour. It is expected that we will tour on a bi-annual basis, attending choral festivals throughout the U.S. and Europe. On alternating years, we will plan shorter trips within the Western U.S.
On July 14-22, 2009, UCC will participate in the Pacific Rim Children’s Chorus Festival in Hawaii. The cost of this tour is $1,845 per person, plus airfare. Details regarding this 9 day tour will be discussed at the Parent Meeting on Saturday, September 6th.
To help prepare for the expense of touring, choristers will each have a touring account into which funds can be deposited and banked for future tour expenses. In general, scholarship students will not have available financial assistance for tour expenses, and should work to deposit funds into their tour account if they desire to participate in the summer tours. Bel Canto choristers are also encouraged to begin working on their tour accounts for their eventual touring when they become members of Youth Chorale.
The tour accounts can be increased by direct donation to an account by parents or family members, or by funds raised through specially designated UCC fundraisers. It should be noted that while donations to UCC are generally tax-deductible, donations to your child’s account are not tax-deductible. We anticipate that donations to an individual chorister’s tour account will be available on the UCC website so that family and friends outside of Las Vegas can contribute to these accounts. Please clearly mark donations to designate “tour account for (chorister’s name)”. Otherwise, they may be credited to the UCC general fund. Any donation to a chorister’s tour account should be made payable to “UCC” and noted as a “tour account” donation in the memo.
Tour accounts will be maintained for the entire time that a chorister is active in UCC. When a chorister leaves UCC, the funds in their tour account may be directed to the touring account of a sibling, however, if there is no sibling in UCC, the tour account funds will remain with UCC. In that event the funds will be placed into a tour scholarship fund to help underprivileged choristers with tour expenses and will be dispensed at the sole discretion of the directors.
UCC will hold planned fundraisers each year which will be solely for the purpose of helping choristers to raise funds for their tour accounts.
UCC UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS 2008 - 2009
YOUTH CHORALE
Dress Uniform Girls Boys Plaid Skirt* Navy Trousers* Short Sleeve White Oxford Shirt* Short Sleeve White Oxford Shirt* Choir Tie (floppy bow)** Choir Tie* Suntan hose/skin tone hose Navy or Black Socks Slip Black Belt Dress Black Shoes*** Dress Black Shoes*** Blazer (rent or purchase)** Blazer (rent or purchase)*
Casual Uniform Girls Boys French Toast Navy Skort* Navy Trousers* UCC Polo Shirt ** UCC Polo Shirt ** Black Belt Black Belt White Tennis Shoes*** White Tennis Shoes*** White (no show) socks White (no show) socks
*purchase new through Campus Club (see below) or through UCC Uniform Exchange **order through UCC ***purchase through Payless Shoes
BEL CANTO
Dress Uniform Girls Boys Plaid Skirt * Navy Trousers* Long Sleeve White Oxford Shirt* Long Sleeve White Oxford Shirt* Choir Tie (floppy bow)** Choir Tie* Suntan hose/skin tone hose Navy or Black Socks Slip Black Belt Dress Black Shoes*** Dress Black Shoes*** Choir Vest** Choir Vest**
Casual Uniform Girls Boys French Toast Navy Skort* NavyTrousers* UCC Polo Shirt** UCC Polo Shirt** Black Belt White Tennis Shoes*** White Tennis Shoes*** White (no show) socks White (no show) socks
*purchase new through Campus Club (see below) or through UCC Uniform Exchange **order through UCC ***purchase through Payless Shoes
Buy Anywhere Items Buy through UCC Hose, slip, socks polo, blazer (rent or purchase), floppy bow (girls) French Toast navy 2 buckle skort Uniform exchange plaid skirt, white short Navy trousers (boys) Sleeved shirt, boys’ tie
Buy Through Campus Club Uniforms: Dress uniform plaid skirt, short sleeved and long sleeved white oxford shirts, boys’ red tie, boys’ navy trousers, girls’ navy skort (may also be purchased separately)
Campus Club 2411 Tech Center Ct. Behind La Petite Smoke Ranch Rd. near Tenaya . Las Vegas NV 89128 360-0555 Open Mon-Fri
Payless Shoe Stores: (throughout valley or order online)
Girls Formal shoe: Payless - American Eagle Ava Mary Jane - Lot # 056825 $17.99 (Available in children’s regular and wide sizes) For adult sizes, purchase Payless American Eagle Cherish Mary Jane $21.99
Boys Formal shoe: Black, lace up oxford style dress shoe
White Ked Lace-up shoe: Girls/Women’s white “Ked” style lace up shoe (leather look preferred)
Boys’ White Lace-Up shoe
Or any similar, leather look completely white lace up athletic shoe
The UCC Uniform Exchange currently has a large number of plaid skirts. It is suggested that you look there first. However, if you need to order a new plaid UCC skirt from Campus Club:
------ ORDER EARLY. DELIVERY CAN TAKE 4 - 6 WEEKS. ------
CONCERT DRESS
It is important that the Chorale look as good as it sounds. A well-groomed, neatly uniformed ensemble is essential for a truly professional and artistic experience. Good personal hygiene is a must for all singers. · Shirts are to be tucked in. · Skirts hems are to be 1” above the knee, NO EXCEPTIONS. · Hair should be clean, groomed away from the face and may be fastened with a natural (matching hair color) barrette (no bows, ribbons, or colored barrettes, headbands or “scrunchies”). · No unusual colored hair dye, obvious make-up, or perfume is permitted. · Jewelry: earrings (only stud earrings will be allowed), accessories, bracelets, necklaces, etc. should not be worn. Small wrist watches with silver, gold or leather bands are allowed. · UCC pin should be fastened to the right side lapel at the lapel point.
A singer who fails to dress or groom properly for an event will NOT be allowed to participate.
CASUAL/REHEARSAL UNIFORM
In certain venues and while traveling we will utilize our casual and rehearsal uniform, consisting of navy skort/trousers, UCC polo shirt, black belt (boys), white (no show) socks and white tennis shoes. · Proper grooming, hair and jewelry guidelines above still apply. · Shirts must be tucked in · Sleeves MAY NOT be rolled up
Choristers are encouraged to wear their UCC tee shirt, other UCC logo shirts or casual uniform to UCC rehearsals.
REHEARSAL GUIDELINES
SCHEDULE Bel Canto and Youth Chorale will rehearse Wednesdays at the Beam Music Center on the UNLV Campus (near Flamingo Rd and S. Maryland Parkway, across from University United Methodist Church). Extended rehearsals may begin two weeks before a major performance. Please check the calendar. Transportation to and from rehearsals and performances is the individual responsibility of the parents, as are carpools, etc. Rosters will be issued to facilitate transportation arrangements. Within the first few weeks of rehearsal, a chorister directory will available to Chorale members in the secured sign-in area of the website. The website can be found at: www.ucchorale.org
ABSENCES/CHOIR COORDINATOR
Each choir will have an assigned Choir Coordinator who will take attendance and follow up on any unexcused absences. Parents must submit a written note for each tardiness or early dismissal. A written note should include the child’s name, reason for tardiness or dismissal and parent signature. In cases of a planned absence, notice as far in advance as possible is appreciated. If at all possible, a telephone call to the choir coordinator should be made prior to the missed rehearsal.
Choir coordinators will call if your child is absent and we have not received prior notification.
Two (2) or more absences within one semester for any reason, including illness or other excused absence, may be grounds for immediate dismissal from the ensemble. In the event of two (2) or more absences, the chorister must make arrangements with the directors for a make up session.
Students should expect to attend 100% of all rehearsal time.
Exceptions to Attendance Policy
Exceptions to the attendance policy may be made for major illness, death in the family or mandatory school performance. Legitimate academic and school music performances are considered to be excused absences. However, other extra curricular activities, including school and community sports participation, dance and drama are NOT considered to be excused absences.
Excessive absences for any reasons other than those stated will be considered on an individual basis by the directors.
Attendance and punctuality that do not demonstrate commitment to the Chorale will result in probation and possible dismissal from the program.
An absence, for any reason, from a final rehearsal before a performance on the choral calendar will normally result in the singer being excluded from the corresponding performance. Membership in the UCC will be reviewed if more than one scheduled mandatory performance is missed during the season.
PROCEDURES Choristers should check-in with Choir Coordinator upon arrival and place their name tag on their shirt, in a highly visible spot. Use of restrooms, drinks of water, etc. should be taken care of BEFORE scheduled rehearsal time. Rehearsals will begin promptly and all choristers must be seated, with music in rehearsal order, ready to begin at the appointed time. Directors will always have the rehearsal order posted on the board prior to the rehearsal. Choristers are responsible for bringing his/her choir folder or binder and a pencil to each rehearsal. No gum or food is allowed. Water bottles or containers that securely close are allowed. Please do not use anything other than a pencil when marking the music. Do not draw pictures on or renumber your UCC music. Do not use permanent markers or otherwise “decorate” your UCC binder. They belong to UCC and must be maintained.
MUSIC Choristers will be issued a UCC choir folder which will contain their music and other information. Music folders should be brought to every rehearsal to allow for proper learning and memorization of each piece in the quickest possible fashion. Choristers are responsible to maintain this folder throughout the year. It may not be decorated or written upon. Do NOT put your name or other artwork on the binder; it belongs to UCC. The number of each piece of music contained therein will be noted on a check out form signed by the chorister and a choir coordinator. It is each chorister’s responsibility to maintain these materials in excellent condition. All music will be returned to the Chorale on designated dates during the semester and must be completely returned by the end of the semester. The choir coordinators will review the forms to ensure that each chorister has returned the materials checked out to them.
Materials which have been damaged or lost must be paid for by the chorister.
DISMISSAL PROCEDURES
Our dismissal policy has been formulated to keep in mind that we rehearse on a large university campus that is open to the public. To ensure the safety of all
choristers, it is imperative that the following procedures are followed
regarding dismissal.
3.
Parking on the UNLV campus is by pre-paid parking permit ONLY. Parents
are NOT able to remain parked in the Beam Hall parking lot. Arrangements
have been made for our families to use the parking lot of the University
United Methodist Church across Maryland Parkway from Beam Hall.
6. We appreciate your consideration in being on time to pick up your child after each
rehearsal and performance. Remember that the parent volunteer that
evening will not leave until every child is picked up by a responsible
adult, so please plan your driving time accordingly. If you are
delayed, please call your child, if they have a cell phone, or Mrs.
Goodman (683-2420). WE WILL ASK STUDENTS TO TURN OFF CELL PHONES DURING
REHEARSAL TIME, BUT YOU SHOULD CALL TO LEAVE A MESSAGE IF YOU ARE
DELAYED.
PARKING ON CAMPUS
UNLV parking policies require a paid parking decal in order to use the University lots. Each lot and parking garage area is clearly marked for “handicapped” “faculty” and “student” parking. If you have a handicapped license plate, or placard, you may park in any marked “handicap” spot. University parking rules are not in affect after 7:00 p.m., however, prior to that time parking tickets may be issued if you are parked improperly.
Parents are NOT able to remain parked in the Beam Hall parking lot. Unauthorized cars, even those with people sitting in them, will be ticketed.
Please help us with
this! We promote ill will among UNLV faculty when they are unable to
use the faculty parking lot. They must pay for the privilege of parking
there; please do NOT sit in this lot. Drop off your student and then
park in the lot across the street. Thank you! Parents have the following options for parking during weekly rehearsals:
1. Arrangements have been made for our families to use the parking lot of the University United Methodist Church across Maryland Parkway from Beam Hall. There is a newly installed crosswalk that makes crossing Maryland Parkway very safe, for adults and you will find it is quite easy to come back to Beam Music Center to wait. At the end of rehearsal you can collect your child and escort them back to your car, or get your car and come back to pick up your child. WE WILL NOT ALLOW THE STUDENTS TO CROSS MARYLAND PARKWAY TO MEET YOU, again as a matter of their safety.
2. Parents may remain in their cars and wait for their students in the TURNAROUND AREA ON THE NORTH END OF BEAM MUSIC CENTER (NOT THE PARKING LOT FOR THIS BUILDING).
3. Parents may purchase daily parking permits at the Department of Public Safety located on the University campus near the tennis courts. Refer to the University map at www.unlv.edu Daily parking permits are $3
4. Parents may park in the metered parking within the lot outside Beam Music Center and also on Cottage Grove across from the parking garage. Metered parking is not usually ticketed after 5:00 p.m.
PLEASE NOTE: that the church does have a weekly service on Wednesdays and has requested that our parents do not park in the lot closest to Maryland Parkway. However, the lot behind the church building (there are some modulars there) is open and accessible to our parents. The church office has given us their permission for this use only and we are so grateful to them!
Cars that are parked in the lot behind the strip mall may be towed!
When we are performing in Ham Concert Hall, it is best to park in the parking structure located off Cottage Grove, which is the street intersecting Maryland Parkway directly north of our usual rehearsal building, Beam Music Center.
PERFORMANCE GUIDELINES
COMMITMENT
All choristers are expected to participate in every performance of the University Children’s Chorale. Parents are responsible for bringing their child, completely dressed (including ties being tied) and ready for performance, to the performance site at the appointed time. Performances during the school day will be kept to a minimum, however, they may occur. In this event, it is agreed that choristers will be in attendance, unless the performance directly conflicts with a scheduled exam or school performance, in which case a letter from the parents will be required for an excused absence.
PROCEDURES
Choristers should be ready to perform at the appointed place and time. This means that the child is well-rested, and fed and groomed appropriately according to Chorale guidelines. If the child is ill, the Choir Coordinator should be contacted immediately and s/he will be excused from the performance. Students will never need to bring their music binders to a scheduled performance, unless specifically told a the dress rehearsal to do so.
Choristers who are on probation due to excessive absences should attend performances, in concert attire, expecting NOT to perform, but to assist the Chorale in other ways.
PARENTAL ROLE AT PERFORMANCE VENUES
Parents, you’ve already done the biggest and best job by far just by ensuring that your child is properly rested, fed and groomed for the performance and that they are there at the appointed time. When you get to the performance venue, please escort your chorister to the gathering place for check in. Once your child is in the presence of one of the assigned chaperones, please leave the gathering place and move to your seats at the performance. There is really very little room for additional people at these times, and we appreciate your cooperation in allowing us to get the students warmed up and ready to perform.
If you are assigned a role at a performance, such as a chaperone, etc., please make arrangements for your younger children so that you can give your assigned task your undivided attention.
In the actual concert venue, we appreciate your enthusiasm, but please remember that proper concert etiquette applies. Clapping is certainly appreciated; whooping and shouting is not appropriate. Please remove any crying or loud infants or younger children from the venue in order to not interfere with the performance.
Videotaping in Ham Hall is NOT usually permitted, so please leave those cameras at home. When we perform in Rando Recital Hall, you are welcome to bring your video cameras!
Performances with the Las Vegas Philharmonic are strictly regulated by the Musician’s Union and forbid any kind of recording, either aural, video or still photos. We have no control over this, but the ushers will confiscate any recording or photo equipment, so please do not bring them with you to these specific performances.
UNIVERSITY CHILDREN’S CHORALE FAMILY COUNCIL
Mission Statement
The mission statement of the University Children’s Chorale Family Council is to provide assistance and support through fundraising and volunteerism to ensure the well being of all choristers and the overall quality of the University Children’s Chorale.
The success of the UCC depends, in large part, on parental involvement and participation. The Parent Support Program aids in the many details of this organization, including chaperoning, transportation, attendance, uniform and appearance, music library, fundraising, etc. We request that you carefully consider your level of involvement in this organization.
Parent boosters are needed to help perform functions within the following committee areas:
ATTENDANCE, DISMISSAL, REHEARSAL committee members - monitor drop-off area outside Beam Hall; check in choristers; help with name tags; monitor restrooms during rehearsal times; room chaperone during rehearsals; supervise students to correct parents/cars; help to coordinate carpools; rehearsal room setup; and choral camp
FUNDRAISING – Tuition fees cover about 60% of our yearly budget. In an effort to keep tuition down, the fundraising committee works on fundraisers for both general budget and tour accounts (golf tournament, cookie dough sale, gala dinner, etc.); choral camp
COMMUNICATION - Creating and/or facilitating phone trees; directory corrections/changes; articles for newspapers, UNLV newsletter and UCC newsletter; media promotion to local television; photography; historian; programs; website
PERFORMANCES, UNIFORMS, TRANSPORTATION- helping backstage; distributing programs; chaperone students in green room; riser setup; sizing and coordinating uniform orders; checking chorister’s uniforms and grooming prior to performances; secure buses and coordinate arrangements for off-campus or out of town performances; travel chaperone; choral camp
SOCIAL - end of year picnic, snack shack, awards banquet, holiday reception, swim parties, rehearsal/fun day in the park, UCC fair, Youth Chorale tea, choral camp, etc.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS YOU MAY NEED:
Choir Coordinator, Bel Canto : Elizabeth Mayers 241-1253 Choir Coordinator, Youth Chorale: TBA
UCC Executive Director, Danna Lovell: 245-6397 (c) UCCDannaLovell@aol.com UCC Uniform Director UCC Logo Items Coordinator:
Contact Mrs. Goodman at: lizwgoodman@cox.net UCC phone number will be activated shortly! J
PLEASE ONLY CALL THE UNLV NUMBERS AS A LAST RESORT. It is actually harder to get messages to us when you call UNLV.
Mrs. Buer – 355-0225 UNLV Music Department Office 895-3332 David Weiller, Director of Choral Studies 895-3008
In the event of an absence or question, please call the Choir Coordinator for your choir; If you are unsuccessful, then call Mrs. Lovell, or e-mail Mrs. Goodman. Please make sure that you communicate with us!
Calls to Mrs. Buer, Mr. Weiller or UNLV Music Office should be your last attempt at reaching us. Thank you!
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