August, 2006
Dear Parents,
The Lincoln Junior High music performance faculty welcomes you and your child to an exciting and challenging year. The following will explain the policies of the Music Department and we ask for your assistance in implementing them.
The main objectives of the music program are to encourage musical growth and provide a lifelong creative outlet for our students. Students and teachers must work together toward the common artistic goal of continually striving to achieve high standards. These can only be met with the utmost cooperation among students, teachers, and parents. Therefore, we ask you to please read the following information very carefully.
REHEARSALS AND LESSONS
Music rehearsals and lessons are held 3-4 times per week on a rotating schedule. When not in a performance music class, students attend supervised study.
In addition to the large group rehearsal, every band and orchestra student is to attend a small group lesson that meets once a week, on a rotating basis during regularly scheduled class periods.
Students are responsible for all assignments incurred in academic classes during their lesson time. Work must be turned in to those teachers concurrent with their policies. If a student must miss a lesson due to a major test in another class, the student is excused from the lesson. The music performance course grade will be affected when the student has an unexcused absence from a lesson.
Chorus students do not receive group lessons outside of chorus. Sectional rehearsals are scheduled on a rotating basis, during rehearsal time. This means, that a student in chorus may attend chorus as little as 3 times a week, or rarely, as many as 5 times, depending on the rotation. As to minimize academic workload, students receive the option of opting out of a chorus rehearsal three times per trimester (for a total of 9 absences per year) without penalty.
PARTICIPATION IN PERFORMING ORGANIZATIONS – Every band, orchestra and chorus student has enrolled in his/her performance class(es) on an elective sheet requiring parental signature. This voluntary parent-student commitment to a performing organization signifies special musical interest and motivation. It also means acceptance of the responsibility to support the performance team by recognizing and fulfilling these conditions:
1. Band, orchestra, and chorus are full year classes.
2. Once enrolled, students will be expected to remain in their performance classes throughout the school year, unless excused by the Director.
3. Students and/or parents should address all questions regarding participation in or attendance to specific performance class to the Director.
4. Qualified students who wish to join performance classes during the school year may do so with the approval of the Director.
5. Students are responsible for the folder and music issued to them. Students must pay replacement costs of all lost/damaged music.
GRADES- Evaluation is based upon:
· The student’s ability to play his/her instrument, their group lesson progress and lesson/rehearsal/concert attendance as well as participation and contributions to the group.
· The quality of the student’s commitment to the success of the performing organization, dedication to the achievement of organizational goals, and their lesson attendance in band, orchestra and chorus.
· The student’s attitude, behavior and sense of responsibility.
PERFORMANCES –Performance is an important part of the students’ musical education. It is a chance for them to show what they have learned in class, and provides an opportunity for the students to demonstrate musical growth and talent.
Participation in all performances is required of every student enrolled in a music performance class. If, due to extenuating circumstances, a student is to be absent from a performance, the Director must be notified by the parents at the earliest possible time, but always before the performance. Absences are excused at the discretion of the Director. Absence from a concert, parade, festival or solo/ensemble contest without a prior excuse approved by the Director will result in the lowering of the student’s grade by as much as two letters. If an emergency occurs on the day of performance, parents must call the school that day and leave a message, or call or email the Director personally.
CONCERT DRESS – All students are expected to wear BLACK pants or BLACK knee length skirt/dress (no sweats), the LJHS music shirt, and, preferably, black shoes and socks. It is important that we look professional. Therefore, everyone is expected to wear the proper concert attire. Please make sure that shirts are pressed and tucked in, regardless of style/type of pants/skirt. Department shirts will be available soon, and will cost approximately $15.
The Lincoln music faculty is very pleased that your child is participating in one or more of the LJHS music performance classes. We know that the policies we have outlined will enable the music program to run smoothly.
Your cooperation is greatly appreciated!
Sincerely,
Pam George, Russ Lipari, Brad Frendewey, Connie Reynolds, Ross Berkley
Principal Band, Band Orchestra Chorus
Music Coordinator
Music Department Calendar
October
5 NCHS/8th Grade Orchestra Workshop 8am-9:30, Concert @ NCHS 7pm
November
2 6,7,8 Orchestra Concert 7:30pm
6 Visting Artist-Bob Phillips Workshop, Orchestra Times, TBA
8 6,7,8 Band Concert 7:30pm
December
7 6,7,8 Chorus Concert 7:30pm
February
3 203 Jazz Festival @NCHS 8:00am
14 Southside Band Festival, NCHS-8th Band
21 6th Grade Music Concert, Band, Orchestra, Chorus 7:30pm
22 Music Concert, 7 Band, 6-8 Orchestra, Chorus 7:30pm
24 Solo/Ensemble Festival 6,7,8 Band/Orchestra @ LJHS
March
17 Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, Jazz Band, Blue Grass Strings, Chamber Chorus, Time TBA, am
April
11 Max & Erma’s Performance, Jazz Bands
25 8 Band, LJHS Feeder School Concert, 7:30pm
27-28 Spring Musical, 7:30pm
May
2 6,7 Band Concert, 7:30pm
15 7,8 Grade Orchestra Festival, 7:30 Concert, Madison Junior High
16 4-6 Grade Orchestra Festival, 7:30 Concert, Lincoln Junior High
17 6,7,8 Chorus Concert 7:30pm
28 Memorial Day Parade (Band, Bluegrass Strings)
Please return bottom portion by Monday August 28, 2006
We have read and understand the concept and philosophies delineated in the LJHS Music Department policy letter.
Parents’ Signature______________________________________________________________
Student Signature____________________________________________Grade(6/7/8)___________