Course Info

 

Information relating to this class...
Absences:  Students are expected to be at all class meetings and performances. Written documentation as to the reason of the absence is required.  Students should inform the director of the absence as soon as possible, in case the absence means that part assignments or musical selections need to be altered or changed.  If documentation is not submitted, no credit will be given.  In the event of a questionable, the director and/or the administrator may use discretion to verify the legitimacy of the absence.

From time to time other unforeseen and unavoidable conflicts may arise. Since a policy which would anticipate every possible cause of absenteeism is impossible to formulate, such conflicts will be evaluated on an individual basis. The following criteria will be considered:

1) Is the absence unavoidable or is there an alternative.  (If a clear alternative is available, the student should be present.)

2) Is the absence school related, job related, etc., or is it recreational in nature.  (Generally enough notice is available so that job conflicts should be minimal if any.  The most current schedule of events is always available on my website.  Major events or district/regional/state SDHSAA events should always take priority over minor events.  If a student has a conflict due to another school-related activity, the student should come talk to the director and the other activity director to make sure an understanding is reached by all parties involved.)

3) Was notification given far enough in advance to minimize the impact on the rest of the group.  (If you will need to miss a concert it would be far better for you to discuss the matter 2 months in advance rather than 2 days in advance.)
Food & Drink:  Unless given express permission from the director, students may neither chew gum nor eat food during any rehearsal or performance. All fluids other than water are also prohibited during rehearsals and performances unless express permission is given by the director.  Over time, sugars will cause metal instruments to rot and food particles will clog up instruments.
Fundraising:  The instrumental music program participates in a magazine sale, usually in mid-October.  Monies raised from the fundraiser are earmarked for equipment and other special events and items.
Grading:  Students earn grades based on class participation and contribution, proficiency on their instrument and music, performance and rehearsal attendance, and other projects or work as assigned.  The exact breakdown of points varies from quarter to quarter.  Copies of the points possible will be made available to students and parents upon request.

Students in fifth and sixth grade band are evaluated on the S-U grading scale.
Lessons:  In order for our students to reach their full potential, and for our program to maintain its high standards, it is important that we build on our existing skills.  Students will have weekly lessons to help develop a level of musicianship that will foster a life-long love and appreciation of music.  See the lessons page for more details regarding lessons.
Performances:  In a typical school year, students participate in the following public performances:
  • Holiday Instrumental Concert
  • Spring Concert

This schedule may vary slightly from year to year.
Punctuality/Tardiness:  Punctuality is a matter of habit which must be formed by consistent demands that students be on time to all classes and rehearsals (marching band, jazz band, etc.) outside of the school day.

Tardiness is failure to be in your assigned spot at the prescribed time.  Excessive tardiness will result in detention as per school policy.  
Responsibility:  Students are responsible for the following:
  • Having all materials (music, books, instruments, reeds, stick, etc.) at every lesson, rehearsal, and performance.
  • Preparing their lesson materials and music through practice.
  • Taking proper care of their musical instruments.
Transportation/Trips:  When necessary, transportation will be provided by the school.  Parents may pick up their children at the conclusion of the events.  Please either give me a note and/or make sure I see you leaving together.  Any other transportation arrangements needs to approved by school administration prior to the event.  In the event that the above policy is violated, the student will not be permitted to perform with the group and will receive no credit for the performance.
Click here to return to the instrumental music page.