Welcome to general/choral music at
The purpose of this packet is to
inform you and your parents of our music class policies and concert dates. You will note that your schedule lists D1 or
D2 as your assigned room. This room
assignment and your music teacher will change over the course of the year as
you rotate through the different courses.
It’s important for you to understand
that our expectations apply to both rooms.
We realize that you have already been introduced to the policies of your individual teams. Since we have a combination of teams in our classes, we do have a separate set of expectations that apply to music class. Please take time to familiarize yourself and your parents with our policies. We included our contact information at the top of this page for easy reference. We encourage you and your parents to contact us directly with questions regarding music class.
We are both happy to be here at East and anticipate a great year of learning!
General Music
Expectations (D1 & D2)
1. Follow established routines and procedures.
2. Be respectful to yourself, your classmates, your teachers, and the instruments.
3. Be prompt and prepared for class.
4. Demonstrate appropriate behavior.
Rewards
1. Self-satisfaction of a job well done.
2. Praise: directly to student and/or notes/phone calls home
3. Social time during the last 5 minutes of class.
4. “Select a Seat Day” (reserved for stellar class behavior)
Interventions*
1. Reminder of class expectations.
2. Redirect individual behavior.
3. Student-Teacher conference immediately following class.
4. 30 minutes Detention and a phone call home.
5. Office Referral
*Severe Clause: Students
demonstrating harmful or out of control behaviors will be sent directly to the
office.
**Exception: Unexcused tardies and excessive gum chewing automatically earn 30 minutes of detention.
Detention
Music detentions are served on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 3-3:30 pm. You are expected to be on time and have homework and/or a book to read for the duration. If you arrive late or without materials, you will need to reschedule your detention time. Your ticket into detention is the copy of the detention slip that your parent has signed. The detention will not count until that slip is returned. Do not ignore a detention. Failure to serve detention in a timely manner will result in additional time assigned and/or an office referral. Communicate with your teacher if you have issues regarding your detention.
Grading Policy
General Music grades are
determined by the following:
1.
Daily grades: We
give a maximum of 5 points daily based on attitude, behavior, cooperation,
participation, effort and progress.
Points are automatically deducted for disciplinary action. An occasional absence will not negatively
affect your grade; however, if you are frequently absent, you may contact your
teacher for an assignment to make up the time you’ve missed.
2.
Written
assignments, tests, quizzes, and singing/playing proficiencies. It is expected that homework will be
completed on time. Late work is subject
to reduction in points. Absent work is
due within the 2 days following a student’s return to class unless other
arrangements have been made with the teacher.
3.
Music
Trivia: Each week, a trivia question
will be posted in each classroom. The
answers are due by the end of the day on Friday of that week and correct
answers will receive 3 extra credit points.
4.
Possession of
binder with music section and appropriate class materials including a
pencil. Pens are rarely used in music
classes.
5.
Mandatory Homebase Rehearsals (for Grade 7 General Music and Grade 8
Choir, prior to each concert): Points
are deducted for disciplinary reasons, including a lack of participation. Severe disruptions will result in removal
from that rehearsal and possibly from the concert with parent notification of
the situation.
6.
Performance
Attendance (for Grade 7 General Music and Grade 8 Choir): Each concert is worth 300 points. Points are deducted for arriving late,
leaving early, lack of effort, and inappropriate behavior. If you must be
absent from a concert, your parent should notify your teacher as soon as
possible. Students who miss a
performance have an opportunity to make up the points by completing a written
assignment. It is the student’s
responsibility to request, complete, and return the assignment to the teacher
by the deadline given.
7. Outside Performing Arts Attendance: Each student is required to attend one performing arts event per quarter
and it must be one in which they do not participate as a performer. Any public performing arts event is
acceptable. For more details, see the
attached report form. Students need to
submit a program and completed form to receive credit. Additional forms are available in the music
classrooms. Partial credit may be earned for this requirement if the student
reports on an event he/she was in, but on the part he/she did not directly
participate, such as a concert of band, orchestra, and choir. We will keep the students informed as to
public school concerts, concerts in the community, and plays/musicals. The Hot Ticket in Friday’s Tribune is a great
resource. Elementary school performances
and videos of performances are not accepted.
Concert Behavior
When we go to concerts, we may go for many
reasons, but the most important reason is to watch and listen to the
performers. The performers are NOT on television. They
are alive; they can see and hear the audience; they want to be able to do a
great job for you. Good concert etiquette helps the audience have a good
experience. What some people fail to realize is that the audience can also help
the performers perform better. With no visual or auditory distractions,
performers can concentrate on giving a great performance. They are trying their
best to present an enjoyable performance for everyone.
To help the performers do their best:
- Stay in your seat, especially while the performers are performing. If you must get up, do it during the applause/transition time.
- Arrive on time. Stay until the end of the performance. If you are late, wait until a break in the action to find a seat.
- Don't take pictures. Especially flash pictures.
- Turn off all your noise making gadgets, like watches, phones and pagers.
- Take your coughs outside. Noisy kids, too.
- Clap enthusiastically to show your appreciation. Don't holler and hoot.
- Talk only during the applause/transition time.
If you are the
performer:
· While other groups are performing, heed the advice listed above.
· When it’s your turn to perform, stand tall and proud, arms comfortably at your side.
· Do not talk as you are moving to the risers and especially not while you are on the risers.
· Focus on your directors and give your best effort.
· When the audience is applauding you, face forward and smile. It’s rude to turn away.
· Remember that this is a group effort and do nothing that will draw attention to you.
Concert Attire
(for Grade 7 General Music and Grade 8 Choir)
As of now, we do not have a uniform shirt for performances. Therefore, for all concerts, students are asked to wear solid white shirts with solid black jeans or pants (please, no baggies nor shorts). For safety reasons, shoes that cover the entire foot are required for performances. (Absolutely no flip-flops!) Attire must comply with the school dress code. Students who arrive at a concert inappropriately dressed will not be allowed to perform. They will have the choice to change clothes or sit out the concert and complete the written assignment.
In addition, jewelry is considered a distraction, so necklaces, bracelets, big rings, and/or big, dangling, glittering earrings will not be worn. Other piercings should also be small and non-glittering. Also, some people have allergies to strong scents, so please don’t use cologne or perfume before a performance.
If you need assistance with concert clothes, please indicate on the signature page. We have limited resources, but will do our best to help out. If the need arises during the year, please give us as much notice as possible and we’ll try to work something out.
08-09 Concert Dates
Since music is a member of
the Performing Arts area, concerts are an important part of our
curriculum. We expect and encourage
student attendance and participation at concerts. Therefore, we are providing you with the
dates now to help you as you plan your schedule for this school year. All concerts take place in the
October 30: Ram Choraliers
(Grade 8 Choir)
December 16: Grade 7 Choir
December 18: Ram Choraliers
February 26: Ram Choraliers: MIOSM
concert at GFHS Old Gym
April 23: Grade 7 Choir and Ram Choraliers
Here is your first homework
assignment worth 25 points. Detach, complete and return this page by Sept 12.
I/We have read this material
regarding the general/choral music expectations and policies. I/We will contact
the instructors with our comments and concerns regarding our child and his/her
music education.
For parents of Grade 7 General Music students and
Grade 8 Choir (Ram Choraliers):
I/We understand that there are required
performances outside of the school day.
I/We will ensure my/our child’s attendance at all concerts and will
notify one of the instructors in advance if my/our child must miss a concert.
In that case, I/we are aware of the alternative assignment and will encourage
my/our child to complete it and turn it in.
I/We have discussed the
concert dress code with my/our child and will make sure they are appropriately
dressed for performances. I/We have
indicated below that I/we will need assistance with the uniform requirements.
Student Name
(printed)___________________________Class period ____
Parent/guardian signature
_____________________________Date_______
Please clearly print parent
name (first and last)________________________
Phone numbers: day_______________________evening_______________
Parent e-mail__________________________________________________
If your child cannot
participate in holiday and/or patriotic music, please indicate the reason here.
If you need help with the
uniform, tell us what you need (shirt, pants, shoes) and the sizes.