Vocal Music Department Rules and Expectations

Perry Middle School Music Department Policies and Expectations 2015-2016

Brad Hruska, Instrumental Jeff Miller, Instrumental Elizabeth Singer, Vocal [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 440-259-9300 ext. 19528 440-259-9500 ext. 9527 440-259-9300 ext. 9526

BAND WEBSITE: http://www.perry-lake.org/Band.aspx CHORUS WEBSITE: http://www.perry-lake.org/Chorus.aspx

Please see the above website for additional information about our music department as well as important announcements. Parents and students should also check Infinite Campus for grades and/or missing assignments.

Grading Scale: 90-100% A I. Daily Rehearsal Grade: 50% 80-89% B II. Public/Classroom Performances: 30% 70-79% C III. Playing & Written Assignments: 20% 60-69% D 0-59% F I. Daily Rehearsal Grade: Each student may earn up to 4 points per day based on the following expectations:

1. The student arrives on time and participates in both individual and group warm-ups. Students who miss an extraordinary amount of instructional time due to being out of the classroom may/will lose points on their daily grade. 2. The student has all materials necessary to be successful, including instrument, music, pencil, reeds, etc. The student is expected to write their name on their music and place in their music folder. The student must have their instrument/drum sticks every day unless their instrument is in for repair. If the instrument is in for repair please send in a note stating that it is in for repair and the name of the music store. The student who has a cold but is in school must have their instrument for class as well and may be allowed to do “air instrument” for their daily grade. The student who does not have an instrument or drum sticks for class cannot participate fully in the rehearsal and cannot receive their daily grade. 3. The student follows all classroom and school policies as outlined in handbooks. 4. The student demonstrates a solid musical effort including good posture. 5. The student refrains from talking and follows directions the first time they are given. 6. The student is respectful to his or her teachers and classmates. 7. The student does not chew gum, eat or drink during the rehearsal/performance.

II. Performance Grades:

Because this is a performance-based class, students are required to attend all rehearsals and performances. When a public performance is not scheduled during the regular grading period, a classroom performance may be graded. If a student is ill and misses a concert, a make-up must be scheduled within 5 days of the concert. The make-up work will consist of a written assignment or playing assignment that will correlate to the program and the time invested by the other students who attended the program. Excused absences from a performance or rehearsal will be determined by the director using similar criteria as excused or unexcused absences from school. Unexcused absences cannot be made-up by the student.

Music Department Rehearsal/Performance Absences:

Absences are excused if those absences fall within the guidelines of the PMS/PHS student handbook/agenda. In all cases, it is the student’s responsibility to provide a written note (not an email or phone call) from the parent or guardian to the director(s) upon their return to school (and not later than 2 days after their return). For any pre-arranged absence, it is the individual responsibility of the member of a musical ensemble to give the director(s) at least 2 days notice if they know in advance that they can not attend the rehearsal or performance. Failure to meet the timelines may result in the loss of all points for that rehearsal or performance.

Concert Attire/Uniform for Performances:

Directors will inform students of the appropriate attire/uniform for each performance. Students are expected to follow the guidelines and remain in the appropriate attire/uniform for the entire performance. Wearing the proper attire/uniform is an individual responsibility for a member of a musical ensemble. The director reserves the right on an individual basis to deduct points from the performance grade or not allow the student to perform if they do not have the required attire/uniform. Students who do not perform will not receive credit for the performance and will not be allowed to make-up the grade. Students are responsible for the care of the attire/uniform while in their possession.

Audience/Performer Etiquette

As the audience, you are an important part of a concert. When you participate in listening to the music or performing music, you will be playing an important role by sharing this experience with others in the audience and with the musicians on stage. Formal concerts are much different from rock concerts or sporting events, and require you to know some specific concert manners. All Students will review the audience/performer expectation during the school year and before a performance. Students will be expected to follow these guidelines both in the audience and on stage at all times.

III. Playing & Written Assignments:

Assignments are given and graded according to current course Power Objectives. A specific point total will be assigned to each assignment. Students must complete assignments and submit to the teacher by the due date. The teacher will use professional judgment in accepting late work/missing work. Parents and students should review the current Grading and Reporting Policies of Perry Local Schools and should also read the PMS Agenda for grading and homework policies. Students and parents should use Infinite Campus weekly to review progress and check current grades.

Unacceptable behaviors – corrective actions Corrective actions for unacceptable behaviors will be outlined in the Perry Middle School Teacher Handbook and the Perry Middle School Student Agenda. Students are expected to read their middle school agenda and know the process and procedure. Corrective actions in the teacher handbook will be posted in the band room and chorus room for students to review. Students may receive lunch detentions/after school detentions/Wednesday school for missing work and/or for not having materials or instrument for rehearsal.

ROOM POLICIES:

 All instruments are to be stored in assigned locker areas in a closed and latched case.  Percussion equipment will only be used by percussion students.  Students may not use the stereo equipment without permission.  The band room and choir room may only be used for practices and rehearsals or other approved events.  Treat all furnishings and equipment in the band room and choir room with care and respect.  No food, drinks or gum in the choir room, band room or band locker room at any time.  No non-band books, binders, backpacks, book bags, cell phones or electronic devises permitted in the band room or the band area during rehearsal or the school day. Please leave all non band items in the hallway outside of the band room.  Electronic devises seen during class will be confiscated and given to office administration; no questions asked, no exceptions! Chromebooks will only be allowed into the rehearsal room when the director(s) ask for students to bring them.  We will remain hat-less inside the band room/choir room and stage areas.  Pick up and properly dispose of all trash.

PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY BY AUGUST 28, 2015. KEEP THE PREVIOUS PAGES AS A REFERENCE! STUDENTS WHO ARE IN BAND ONLY AND BAND AND CHORUS SHOULD RETURN THIS PAGE TO MR. MILLER.

I, the undersigned student, have read and understand the policies, procedures, expectations and required performances explained in this handbook. I understand that it is my responsibilities to complete all assignments and inform my parents/guardians of any missing assignments and the performance schedule for the 2015-2016 school year. As a member of the Perry Middle School Music Department, I understand that nothing less than my personal best is expected in participation, conduct, attitude, and musical performance.

______STUDENT’S SIGNATURE DATE

Dear Parents/Guardians:

Being a responsible member of a musical organization often becomes a “family affair.” Please sign below acknowledging the fact that you have read this document and will help your son/daughter fulfill the requirements of this program including using Infinite Campus to check progress and assignments and attend performances scheduled for the 2015-2016 school year. Please be aware that we believe that it is in the best interest of the student (and the program) for each member of the organization to remain in that organization until the end of the year. I also understand that occasionally band rehearsals may be recorded for evaluative purposes only. If my child plays a school owned instrument, I agree to be totally responsible for the instrument on loan from the Perry Board of Education during the school year. Any loss or damage to the instrument or case will be my sole responsibility and will be repaired by a qualified repair technician or replaced by a qualified music store as determined by the music director(s). Thank you for your support of the Perry Middle School Music Department, and do not hesitate to contact any director if you have any questions or concerns.

______PARENT’S/GUARDIAN’S SIGNATURE DATE

______E-MAIL ADDRESS (important announcements/updates may be communicated to parents via email)

Circle One: Personal Instrument School-Owned Instrument

Instrument: ______

Manufacturer: ______

Serial Number: ______

PMS MUSIC DEPARTMENT 2015-2016 PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE (schedule subject to change)

September 8, 2015 5th Grade Band Parent Meeting PMS Cafeteria 7pm

September 16, 2015 Practice with the PHS Marching Alumni Field 6pm Band for Pre-Game Performance (7th and 8th Grade Bands only and additional information will be sent home with students later)

September 18, 2015 Pre-Game Performance with the Alumni Field 6pm PHS Marching Band (7th and 8th Grade Bands Only)

December 15, 2015 5th and 6th Grade Winter Concert Goodwin Theatre 7pm

December 16, 2015 7th and 8th Grade Winter Concert Goodwin Theatre 7pm

January 14 - 16, 2016 BGSU Honors Band Bowling Green State (optional 8th graders only) University

February 25 - 26, 2016 OMEA District 7 MS Honor Band Mentor Fine Arts Center (optional 7th and 8th graders only)

April 16, 2016 OMEA MS Solo and Ensemble South Euclid/Lyndhurst Contest Memorial Jr. High School (optional 7th and 8th graders only)

April 21, 2016 Jazz Band Concert with HS Jazz Goodwin Theatre 7pm Band and Show Choir

May 3, 2016 5th and 6th Grade Spring Concert Goodwin Theatre 7pm

May 4, 2016 7th and 8th Grade Spring Concert Goodwin Theatre 7pm

ALL REHEARSALS AND PERFORMANCES (not appearing in italics) ARE GRADED AND MANDATORY. PLEASE CONTACT THE DIRECTORS IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR TO REQUEST AN EXCUSED ABSENCE.