Practice Expectations
Band students should be practicing about 20 minutes every day. As beginning instrumentalists, students are training and strengthening muscles in a new way. In order to get the right notes, good tone, and “build chops”, practice is essential. It is understood that there will be days where practicing can only happen for 10-15 minutes, or maybe even not at all. The goal is to get the students into good habits of regular practice, so when those days happen they become the exception, and not the norm. Mr. Muse will help teach students how to practice at home.
Chorus students should always practice singing with proper breath support and posture. In the weeks before concerts, students may be asked to bring their music home to help with memorization.
Being prepared for class
Students are expected to bring their instrument and book/music with them to every weekly lesson. For chorus, students need a folder and pencil. Hearing students play/sing in class is the only way we can assess their strengths or needs for improvement.
If a student forgets his/her instrument or has a sore throat/cannot sing that day, he/she should still report to the scheduled band/chorus class to learn the material.
Expectations and Commitment
While these groups are voluntary classes, band and chorus should be treated as year-long commitments. If it is decided that a student is not going to continue with the performance group, we would like to know as soon as possible in order to set a goal to either finish through the next scheduled concert or through the end of the year.
Performances are mandatory. Please take note of these dates, and plan accordingly. In the event of an illness or family emergency, a note can be brought in the following day for verification.
Students are responsible for any missed work in their classroom while in band lessons and chorus. If a student is struggling to keep up with academic classes, there are many adjustments that can be made between me, the student, and the teacher to try to help the student academically while staying in the program. Please let us know about any concerns so we can approach them together!
Grading
All band students will receive a music rubric to assess their progress throughout the year.
Dropping Band or Chorus
If a student no longer wants to participate in band or chorus, he/she must speak with Mrs. Morgan or Mr. Muse. We can often work together to fix any issues or concerns without the students leaving the program, and we will make every effort to do so! Classroom teachers are extremely encouraging and supportive of the music program. Usually, we set a goal for students to perform in the next concert. If a student still wants to drop chorus and/or band, communication between teacher and parents/guardians is also required.
Being removed from Band or Chorus
If necessary, a student can be removed from band or chorus at the discretion of the director. Students and parents will have ample warnings and notices before such action is taken. Possible reasons for removal may include: extreme behavior issues in class, poor attendance, or disruptive attitudes.
Parent-Teacher Communication
Mrs. Morgan and Mr. Muse will keep regular contact with parents primarily through e-mail. E-mail addresses will only be used for this purpose, and will not be distributed to anyone else. Please check your e-mail for chorus and band updates, performance details, and information on how to get involved. If you have not given your e-mail contact information to Ms. Larsen or Ms. Dye, please contact them at the following addresses:
Mrs. Morgan: [email protected]
Mr. Muse: [email protected]
Band students should be practicing about 20 minutes every day. As beginning instrumentalists, students are training and strengthening muscles in a new way. In order to get the right notes, good tone, and “build chops”, practice is essential. It is understood that there will be days where practicing can only happen for 10-15 minutes, or maybe even not at all. The goal is to get the students into good habits of regular practice, so when those days happen they become the exception, and not the norm. Mr. Muse will help teach students how to practice at home.
Chorus students should always practice singing with proper breath support and posture. In the weeks before concerts, students may be asked to bring their music home to help with memorization.
Being prepared for class
Students are expected to bring their instrument and book/music with them to every weekly lesson. For chorus, students need a folder and pencil. Hearing students play/sing in class is the only way we can assess their strengths or needs for improvement.
If a student forgets his/her instrument or has a sore throat/cannot sing that day, he/she should still report to the scheduled band/chorus class to learn the material.
Expectations and Commitment
While these groups are voluntary classes, band and chorus should be treated as year-long commitments. If it is decided that a student is not going to continue with the performance group, we would like to know as soon as possible in order to set a goal to either finish through the next scheduled concert or through the end of the year.
Performances are mandatory. Please take note of these dates, and plan accordingly. In the event of an illness or family emergency, a note can be brought in the following day for verification.
Students are responsible for any missed work in their classroom while in band lessons and chorus. If a student is struggling to keep up with academic classes, there are many adjustments that can be made between me, the student, and the teacher to try to help the student academically while staying in the program. Please let us know about any concerns so we can approach them together!
Grading
All band students will receive a music rubric to assess their progress throughout the year.
Dropping Band or Chorus
If a student no longer wants to participate in band or chorus, he/she must speak with Mrs. Morgan or Mr. Muse. We can often work together to fix any issues or concerns without the students leaving the program, and we will make every effort to do so! Classroom teachers are extremely encouraging and supportive of the music program. Usually, we set a goal for students to perform in the next concert. If a student still wants to drop chorus and/or band, communication between teacher and parents/guardians is also required.
Being removed from Band or Chorus
If necessary, a student can be removed from band or chorus at the discretion of the director. Students and parents will have ample warnings and notices before such action is taken. Possible reasons for removal may include: extreme behavior issues in class, poor attendance, or disruptive attitudes.
Parent-Teacher Communication
Mrs. Morgan and Mr. Muse will keep regular contact with parents primarily through e-mail. E-mail addresses will only be used for this purpose, and will not be distributed to anyone else. Please check your e-mail for chorus and band updates, performance details, and information on how to get involved. If you have not given your e-mail contact information to Ms. Larsen or Ms. Dye, please contact them at the following addresses:
Mrs. Morgan: [email protected]
Mr. Muse: [email protected]