FHUHS Fine Arts

CLASS EXPECTATIONS

Behavior

Band is a unique class, in that everyone is in the class because the find it rewarding. Making music in a large group is exciting, joyful, and stimulating. It also gives the members something to be proud of and lets the musicians create a piece of art. My goal is for us to not lose sight of why we are a band, and have all of our rehearsals moving towards the goal of creating music as a unified focused ensemble.

Classroom management is one of the areas that I want to improve on the most this year. We lost a lot of time and energy to distracting behavior last year. Every one is in band because we enjoy making music. I am going work on keeping everyone focused on this pleasurable pursuit.

In an attempt to improve our rehearsals I am going be clearer about my expectations and the discipline. I believe that we will learn more and get a more enjoyment from our rehearsals once we develop a more respectful routine.

Expectations:

I expect that every student will come to rehearsal to learn and create music. This means that students will:

1. Come to rehearsal on time and promptly prepare their instrument and music.
2. Pay attention and not talk while Mr. Lenox is talking or rehearsing.
3. Focus on the music when we are playing and do not continue previous conversations, work on homework, or daydream.
4. Clean up at the end of the rehearsal. I will dismiss the band at least two minutes prior to the end of the period so students may lock up their instruments, put away their music, and stack their stands.
5. Respect your fellow musicians, the band?��s equipment, and myself.

Discipline Steps:

1st
I will warn a student that their behavior is not appropriate and disruptive to the rehearsal. Some behavior will not merit a warning, particularly insulting another student or myself.

2nd
I will send the student to the office so they can reflect on their actions and no longer disrupt the group. Since the largest portion of the band grade is participation the student will be assigned a written assignment to make up for the lost class participation. The assignment is due the following first period. Students are to pick up the assignment from Mr. Lenox prior to the end of the day they are sent to the office. If the work is not turned in by the next day the student will receive a zero for the previous day?��s participation.

3rd
If I continue to have a problem with a student I will contact their home and eventually refer the matter to Mr. Ducette.

HOME PRACTICE

Practicing music at home is the class’s daily homework. 20 minutes five days a week will help ensure that musicians learn their music and become competent high school musicians. Students desiring to compete at Districts, States, and New England are strongly encouraged to practice at least an hour every day. I will be grading students on their personal growth.

GRADES

Students are graded in two categories: Rehearsals and Performances

Rehearsals: Each student will receive a grade based on their behavior and attitude in rehearsals. The rehearsal grade will constitute 50% of the grade. A good rehearsal requires a lot of work, discipline, intelligence, and creativity. Worksheets and tests will also be entered as rehearsals.

Performances: Each mandatory performance will be graded. Students will be graded on effort, attendance, punctuality, coming prepared, and level of creativity.

The performance attendance policy

A student will receive a failing grade for the mandatory performance if they do not attend. Only a family emergency or severe illness will be counted as an excused absences. I must notified prior to the performance for the absence to be excused.

The performance attendance policy has not changed for this year but last year I was much more lenient in following the policy. As a result our performances have suffered, particularly our parades and graduation. We never achieved a 100% attendance at our performances. Every member of the band is crucial to achieving a successful sound. I do understand that the parades interfere with holidays and weekends, but the band owes it to the community. A band program is expensive when you count all of the music teachers, instruments, and budgets. The band needs to show it appreciation by making the sacrifice to march, especially if the band expects to continue to receive the community?��s support. Besides parades can be fun. (c: