Note to Parents

        Music performance classes differ from other academic classes in allocation of student time and requirements for student participation.These differences are due, in part, to the fact that these classes combine elements of other academic courses and of co-curricular activities. Many activities that are central to the curriculum in music performance classes require not only daily class time, but also after school rehearsal, evening and/or weekend performances, trips, or special fees for uniforms and the use of school owned instruments. While a student may possibly pass a music performance class by participating only in daily class, he/she will certainly not realize the full benefit or enjoyment from the class without full participation in its every aspect and activity. Experience shows that students that have difficulty in music performance classes most often do so because they choose not to take part in some phases of their class’ activities.

        This handbook has been developed in an effort to inform students and parents in as complete a manner as possible of the expectations and requirements of the music performance program at South Western High School. We urge you to read it thoroughly and review the information with your child. You can help him/her to take responsibility for participating fully in each activity the class undertakes and by following through on all assignments. Together, with your assistance, we believe we can help your child have a positive, meaningful, and memorable experience in music this year.

                                                  South Western High School Music Department

                                                Mrs. Erika McKee, Department Chair, Choral Director

                                                Mr. Bill Kirsch, Band Director

                                                Mr. Larry Kuntz, Orchestra Director

Introduction and Philosophy

        Our major goal each year is to develop and maintain outstanding instrumental and vocal programs. The music experienced through participation in music performance classes must be of a standard that imparts lasting values. A school music program based upon respect for music as an art imparts aesthetic values, self-discipline, commitment, and teamwork that significantly contributes to the development of the student.

        The philosophy of music education in performance classes at South Western High School places great emphasis on the individual student’s self-development and self-fulfillment. Participating in a music performance class can help build morale, character, and a cultural life of worth. It is the responsibility of the music educator to develop such a program. The disciplines which come from such participation should be positive. Student awareness of the effect of his/her role as a member of a musical organization is of utmost importance. In other disciplines he may function as an individual; however, in the music performance class, all aspects of his/her work and deportment affect those around him/her and the overall development of the musical experience of both him/herself and others.

 

Objectives

Cultural
To develop an appreciation and an understanding of the art of music through the study and performance of an extensive and varied repertoire.

Educational
To develop comprehensive musicianship through a well-rounded music education; learning basic musical skills and concepts, becoming discriminating listeners, and achieving a high level of musical performance.

Service
To provide programming, consistent with the curriculum, for school and community functions.

Recreation
To provide students with the opportunities for the worthy use of leisure time, good group social experiences, and a positive emotional outlet.

Citizenship
To promote the values of positive and constructive attitudes, a code of behavior conducive to a good learning environment, and an image of dignity and respect for self and others.

Academic Eligibility

        It is the philosophy of our high school that students must earn the privilege to participate in extra-curricular/co-curricular activities by fulfilling the following academic requirements:

1. •Students must be passing all coursework during a semester in order to be eligible to participate in extra-curricular and co-curricular activities.
   

2. •Students’ grades will be monitored on a weekly basis in order to determine academic eligibility.
   

3. •Students who are not passing all coursework at the end of a school week will not be allowed to participate in extra-curricular contests or performances for a period of one week (Sunday through Saturday).
   

4. •Students who are not passing all coursework at the end of a marking period, semester, and/or school year will not be allowed to participate in extra-curricular practices, contests, or performances for a period of fifteen school days.
   

        If a student is placed on academic ineligibility from a school-sponsored activity it is expected that they will put forth an effort to remediate their grade. During the period of ineligibility, the student should use after school time to meet with their classroom teacher in tutorial when convenient. Other alternatives include using one (1) hour of school assigned academic detention following school, working with the classroom teacher and providing written proof of time invested, or one (1) hour of school-assigned detention. Upon meeting the above criteria, the student may participate in school sponsored practices or meetings for their activity, but may not participate in contests, performances, or activities until attaining a passing grade average in all coursework.

 

Performance and Rehearsals Required Outside of Class Time

        Your class is a music performance class. As such, the performances we schedule at various times during the year are the culminating activities of our class work; giving you the opportunity to demonstrate your mastery of the material you have learned. They are similar to unit tests or semester exams in other classes in this regard. The announced after-class rehearsals for these programs are necessary and required to complete the finishing touches for the performance we cannot accomplish during our regular class time. This is especially the case with performances such as winter and spring concerts. All students are expected to participate in all rehearsals and performances assigned for their class. If there is a legitimate problem with meeting this requirement, then you must follow the procedures outlined in this handbook. In all other cases, students who do not participate in assigned, required rehearsals or performances will not meet all of the requirements for the course and will therefore receive a grade of zero (0) for these activities. This may result in a failing grade for the marking period when grades are averaged. Concerts constitute 25% of a marking period grade.

        All students should realize that membership in a musical performance organization demands extra time in addition to the regular class period. While we try to limit rehearsal time outside of class to the minimum necessary, some extra time will be required of all music performance students at some time during the year. The students should be willing and able to give this time in order to produce musical performances in which the student, school and community can take pride.

        Performances, such as public concerts, assemblies and graduation ceremonies, etc. highlighting the instructional program are natural outgrowths of our classroom work. They are our culminating activities and as such, are most essential. The term “performances” implies all programs, both on and off-campus. These are integral parts of the instructional process and planned part of the classroom exercises. It is therefore, important that each member of the performing organization be present for each performance.

Uniforms

Students in the SWHS Music Department will be provided a uniform for most groups in which they participate.  Students are responsible for the care and maintenance of the uniform provided for the duration of the school year.  This will often require laundering and/or possible dry cleaning.  Not all uniforms are machine-washable.  Students are expected to return all uniforms at the end of the school year in the condition in which it was received.  Should a uniform be returned and cannot be distributed for wear the following year, the student will be charged the full, current replacement cost of the uniform.  The individual instructor for each organization will provide specific care and replacement costs.

Fundraising

During the course of the year, several fundraisers are held with the Music Department.  All music students MAY participate.  Some fundraisers are profit sharing fundraisers that allow us to fulfill needs not able to be met through the regular department budget.  Specific information regarding dates and times of fundraisers will be announced by the Music Directors.

Absence Policy

        On rare occasions, emergency situations do arise that may make it necessary for you to miss or be late for a scheduled performance or rehearsal. If you should find yourself in this position, please follow the procedure below:

Personal illness or serious illness in your immediate family
Notify the director as soon as possible in advance of the scheduled event. A written note from a parent/guardian must be presented the day upon your return stating a reason for absence. In some cases, a physician’s statement may be required

Travel (family or school-related) and/or direct participation in special religious services
This must be approved at least 10 school days in advance of a scheduled performance. A written note from a parent/guardian or sponsoring organization with the approval or the principal/designee (in the case of travel) must be presented.

Work
Generally speaking, after school employment will not be an acceptable reason for missing a scheduled performance or rehearsal. However, special situations that cannot be resolved by the director, student and employer after a conference with all three parties will be treated as special cases. This provision will not excuse students who fail to notify their employer of performances or rehearsals in sufficient time for their schedules to be adjusted.

The director has the prerogative to deny the privilege of performing or participating in any music activity to any student who fails to meet the announced dress and grooming requirements. Such absence will be deemed unexcused.

 

Grading Criteria

        Below is an explanation of the grading system used in the music performance class. The grade the student receives will be based on the degree to which he/she meets the demands of the total program content. The purpose of this grading system is to encourage everyone to work to the best of his/her ability so that their time spent in the music department is productive and positive.

Criteria considered in the overall evaluation include:

1. •Written and/or performance evaluations
   

2. •ACTIVE participation
   

3. •Attendance patterns at rehearsals and performances
   

4. •Student Effort and Behavior Report (See end of handbook)
   

5. •Make-Up Work
   

        If a student is absent from a performance for a legal excuse as deemed by the previous information and has followed the correct procedure outlines, he/she will be able to make-up the missed performance. The procedure will be as follows:

1. •The student will individually perform all concert repertoire for the music director(s).
   

2. •The make-up performance must be completed within ten (10) school days of the missed performance.
   

3. •It will be the RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT to meet with the director(s) to schedule make-up performance time.
   

4. •A grade of zero (0%) will remain for the 25% of the student’s grade until this make-up work is completed following the above guidelines.
   

The exact nature of the make-up assignment will be determined by the director. Failure to do or turn in assigned make-up work for an excused absence will be handled according to regular policy for any given class. Unexcused absences will have no opportunity to complete make-up work.

 

How Parents Can Help

1. •Show an interest in the music study of your child.
   

2. •Teach him/her to attend and be on time to rehearsals and performances.
   

3. •Encourage him/her to take advantage of musical opportunities which arise in the school and community that may enrich their education.
   

4. •Notify the director if the student is to be absent or tardy for a rehearsal or performance and explain the reason for absence.
   

5. •See that he/she maintains classroom studies and makes up work that has been missed.
   

6. •Discuss with the director anything that will help him/her to understand the student and any problems or concerns that parents or students may have.
   

7. •Attend concerts and performances whenever possible.
   

8. •Become involved with Department activities.

South Western High School

Music Department Handbook

Handbook Verification Form

Behavior Rubric