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Students may enroll in the Beginning Band or Orchestra when they reach the fourth grade. Fifth grade students may begin Band or Orchestra but scheduling does not permit the formation of a fifth grade beginning class. These students will be in the same class with second year players; therefore outside private instruction is strongly encouraged. All music students must choose between Band, Orchestra, Chorus, or General Music because they may participate in only one of these subject areas at a time.
CLASSES
Students are taught two forty-five minute classes weekly, mixed instruments, during school hours. Band & Orchestra is scheduled during their “Special Area” time. Their special area schedule will be Band or Orchestra twice weekly, P.E. twice weekly and Art once weekly.
ATTENDANCE
Students are expected to attend Band or Orchestra class if they are at school, even if they have forgotten their instrument. Daily attendance and participation are expected. Only standardized testing preempts in public schools. Students, of course, will not be penalized if they miss class due to being absent from school.
GETTING AN INSTRUMENT
Parents are furnished a list of music dealers in the metro area who rent instruments. It is from many years of experience that we can advise you that the safe thing to do in the early stages is to rent, not buy. Be sure to get all the accessories listed, as they will be necessary for proper maintenance of the instrument. Please do not buy an instrument from a department store or membership type store since the quality and design is almost always significantly inferior to the suggested brand instruments. Please do not get an instrument until a letter has been sent home designating which instrument has been selected (4th grade and beginners only).
CHANGING INSTRUMENTS
Once a student has selected an instrument and begun the course, he may not switch to another instrument. In some very rare cases the director may suggest that a student change because of continued difficulty, but not without a Director/Parent conference.
TELEPHONE
Students are not allowed to use the telephone to call a parent to bring a forgotten instrument to school. Remember, students should still attend Band/Orchestra, even without an instrument.
BUS RULES
Because of safety regulations, the following instruments ARE NOT allowed on school buses. Snare Drum cases, larger Trombone cases (ask for a “shaped” Trombone case, it is allowed), Baritone Horn, Tenor Saxophone, Cello, and String Bass.
DO NOT LEAVE INSTRUMENT AT SCHOOL
It is unsafe to leave expensive Band/Orchestra instruments at school. They are not insured unless your homeowner’s policy has been amended.
PRACTICE RECORDS
A weekly practice record will be available for each student. He/She is to pick up a new copy every week after the one from the week before is turned in. Students are expected to practice outside of class, since we only meet twice weekly. They will be given “Band/Orchestra Homework” to complete between class times. Students are expected to practice a minimum of 1-1/2 hours per week. The best way is to practice for about 15 minutes per day. Some students will find they need to practice more to keep up.
GRADING
Students will be graded on class participation and attendance . Nine Weeks and semester music grades are recorded on the student’s regular report card and permanent record. A separate report card is not given. Progress reports will be given periodically during the year.
WITHDRAWAL
Students are scheduled for the entire school year. Only a written request to the assistant principal signed by a parent or guardian will be accepted. The director will follow up with a telephone conference with the parent, if necessary.
PARENT SUPERVISION
Few of us have not said, “I wish my mother had made me practice the piano,” or other instrument. There may be times of “slump” in the child’s enthusiasm and it will be necessary to be firm regarding daily practice. A daily “routine” is helpful. Some parents have said they use. . “Homework, Practice, Dinner, TV”. . as a routine and found it successful.