• Instrumental Policies and Behavior Contract

     

    All band and strings members are expected to attend lessons, rehearsals, and performances.

    Students who frequently miss rehearsals or lessons without an excuse, or are a constant behavioral issue may be removed from the roster. If a student must miss an after-school rehearsal, that student is expected to provide a written note or email from a parent/guardian. A calendar will be provided to each student that contains relevant after-school rehearsal information in advance, and will also be indicated on the school website and on the activities calendar, which is accessible online. A late bus is provided for those students who need transportation home. Students are permitted no more than 3 unexcused absences from any rehearsal per concert. A student is only excused from their weekly lesson if instructed by the classroom teacher to remain in class. If a student is present in school, they are expected to attend all lessons or rehearsals that they have scheduled. Students are responsible for any work missed during any lesson or rehearsal. In the case when a student exceeds the allotted amount of absences, it will be the discretion of Ms. Beekman or Ms. Reilly as to whether or not the student is fit to continue in the program for the remainder of the year.

     

    All students involved with the performing arts program at WMS are subject to ALL school policies as stated in the WMS handbook.

    Any student who demonstrates behavior that is not in accordance with the discipline code as set forth in the WMS handbook may be removed from all performing arts activities at the discretion of the principal.

     

    Students will arrive to all rehearsals, including in-school and after-school rehearsals, promptly and prepared.

    As travel time is built into the school schedule, students are expected to be prepared to begin lessons and rehearsals no later than two minutes past the start time. Four late arrivals will be considered a cut. You must have your music, instrument, and a pencil at every rehearsal. If a phone call reminder must be made to get you to your lesson or rehearsal, points will be deducted from your participation grade. If a student is unprepared for their lesson or for rehearsal, points will be deducted from their grade and they may or may not be returned to class.

     

    CONCERTS ARE MANDATORY

    (After all... Isn’t that the point?)

     

    Winter Concert: Thursday January 16, 2020 @ 7:00pm

    Spring Concert: Thursday, May 14, 2020 @ 7:00pm

    These concerts will take place at the Rancocas Valley Regional High School Performing Arts Center. Any student who misses a concert will compromise their standing in the program, a lowered grade, and will prohibit themselves from attending any scheduled field trips run through the music program.

    **Symphonic Band will perform at the above dates.  Grade 5 Chorus will perform at the Westampton Intermediate School Concert on Thursday, May 21st @ 7:00pm in the APR at WMS

     

     

    Band and Strings Grading Policy

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    Rehearsal Attendance: 30%

    Students will receive a grade for each rehearsal they are in attendance for.  An unexcused absence will result in a 0 for that day. Excused absences include, but are not limited to, TUTORIAL, GYM/HEALTH, ILLNESS.  If a student is in school, they are expected to be in rehearsal. A note from a teacher is required when making up class work. If a student misses a concert, they will receive a 0 for the event.  A makeup assignment will be available if requested, but will only give the student a 50 as the grade.

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    Lesson (Attendance and Behavior): 40%

    If a student forgets their lesson, the teacher will call them down.  We call students every other time they forget. If you are learning something new or taking a test, please bring a note as soon as possible to excuse your absence.  Students can earn a total of 30 points each lessons

    Instrument: 10 points

    Attendance: 5 points

    Music: 5 points

    Participation/Preparedness: 5 points

    Behavior: 5 points

     

     

    Practice Records: 20%

    *Students are expected to practice a MINIMUM of 20-30 minutes, five days a week*

    10 points are awarded for a completed practice log

    Required amount recorded: 5 points

    Signed by parent/guardian: 5 points

     

    SmartMusic/Playing/Theory/Etc.. Assessments: 10%

    Various SmartMusic and Music Theory worksheets will be given based on the group and what is being learned in rehearsal.  SmartMusic assignments will include, but are not limited to, technical exercises, scales, and repertoire excerpts.