Guitar Curriculum Workshop
Class Guitar Guidelines Teacher: Sean Hartmetz E-mail: [email protected]
Dear Parents and Students,
Welcome to the Harmony Middle School Guitar Program. We are beginning a new year and I know it will be an exceptional one. Everyone who elects to enroll in Guitar at Harmony is committed to growth and personal best. That is what the music program is all about. Your students will be learning about many aspects of the guitar including: Note Reading/Ensemble Playing Chords Bass lines Improvisation Solo Classical and Fingerstyle Technique Music Theory
Material Requirements
1. Students are required to purchase one text book for guitar class. The books can be purchased at local music stores or online. They both are available with CD or without CD. The CD is not required for the class, but is an excellent practice tool. 7th Grade: “Essential Elements for Guitar, Book 1” by Will Schmidt and Bob Morris, Published by Hal Leonard. 8th Grade: “Essential Elements for Guitar, Book 2” by Bob Morris, Published by Hal Leonard.
2. 3 ring binder – ½” or 1” 3. Pencils #2 4. Music stand for use at home. 5. Guitar Foot Stool – Stagg or other brand from local music store. 6. Tuner – clip on tuner. Fender, Korg and Fishman are some reliable brands. 7. Concert Wear – 7th Grade - Gentlemen: Black dress pants, Black dress Shoes, Black socks White button down, long-sleeved, collared shirt, A tie of your choice. Ladies: Black dress pants or full length black skirt, Black dress shoes, appropriate hosiery. White dressy top, long sleeves preferred. 8th Grade - Gentlemen: Black dress pants, Black dress Shoes, Black socks Black button down, long-sleeved, collared shirt. Ladies: Black dress pants or full length black skirt, Black dress shoes, appropriate hosiery. Black dressy top, long sleeves preferred.
(If you have a question about concert dress see me.)
9. Nylon String Classical Guitar for home practice and performances.
Students will use school instrument for day to day classes, but will need their own guitar for home practice and performances at school. Their personal guitars will only need to come to school occasionally. When investing in a guitar it is best to purchase through a local music store who is capable of doing a proper set up, maintenance and warranty work. If purchasing a new guitar you will need to spend at least $150 in order to have an instrument that is worth spending money on. Some examples are a Yamaha CG 101 – This is a fine entry level guitar with a laminated top, sides and back. Yamaha CG 111S or 111C – this guitar has a solid top and will give a richer tone. Yamaha CG 150S or C this guitar has a solid top, rosewood back and sides and will give a richer tone. It will be a guitar they can play all through high school. Other well-built guitars include: Takamine, Fender, Ibanez, Seagull (Godin), Taylor, Martin.
If you have difficulty obtaining any of these items please contact Mr. Hartmetz.
Rehearsal/Performance Requirements
1. Students will be required to practice a minimum of 20 minutes, six days per week OUTSIDE OF CLASS TIME, on the assigned material. 2. Each student is expected to bring their book, folder, footstool, pencil and tuner to EVERY class. 3. Two minutes after the bell rings, the student will be seated with instrument in hand and book, pencil, music folder (3 ring binder) and tuner on the stand. 4. Students will treat school instrument used during class with respect. If a student is careless with the instrument at school, they will lose the privilege of using one and will have to bring their guitar and a combination lock from home for in- class use. Personal guitars cannot be stored overnight at school. 5. All Instruments and materials must be put away at the end of class. 6. Required Attendance Outside school hours: Attendance at the following rehearsals and performances is a requirement of the course (See grading policy).
8th Grade Winter Concert: Harmony Auditorium, Dec.12th, 7:00 p.m. Spring Concert: Harmony Auditorium, June 3rd, 7:00p.m.
7th Grade Rehearsal: Monday, June 2nd, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. Spring Concert: Harmony Auditorium, June 3rd, 7:00p.m.
Grading Procedures
Students will receive two formative assessments for each summative assessment. Formative assessments are opportunities for formal feedback to students and parents without counting in the numeric grade. Summative assessments make up the student’s grade. Any summative assessment may be retaken before or after school anytime before the last week of the quarter.
Required attendance outside school hours count heavily in a student’s quarterly grade. Students who have a conflict must submit a note from their parent/guardian at least 48 hours in advance so that seating can be re-arranged. They will then be required to make a recording of the pieces that would have been performed at the rehearsal or concert. The recording will be made after school within one week of the students return to class.
I hope to meet with all of the parents at open house. I believe that Arts education is vital to student development and that self-expression and creativity are developed through self-discipline. If there are any questions, feel free to contact me.
Sincerely, Sean Hartmetz
PLEASE FILL OUT THIS FORM AND HAVE YOUR STUDENT RETURN IT BY FRIDAY, September 6th!
CLASS ______BLOCK ______
PARENT/STUDENT AGREEMENT FORM
I have read and agree to the attached guidelines for Guitar Class:
Parent name (print) ______
Parent Signature ______o J
Student name (print) ______
Student Signature ______