Expectations
Introduction
We would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to the Wilson Elementary Instrumental Music Program. We are looking forward to an exciting and successful year! Wilson takes pride in being able to offer instrumental music classes. Although we consider participation in instrumental music programs a right of all students, we do expect certain standards of each student enrolled in this class:
Responsibility
Dependability
Continue to strive for musical excellence
Dedication
It is our goal to produce an outstanding instrumental music program. It is also our belief that students learn more and develop better self-discipline, responsibility, and knowledge, as well as take more pride in superior programs than poor ones. Excellence takes a commitment. We should not allow ourselves to strive for anything less.
Purpose
The instrumental music classes meet once a 6 day cycle for lessons and once for advanced orchestra students. The nature of this class requires the development of skills, concepts, and attitudes to be learned in class. Often these skills must be demonstrated apart from class via many forms of performances. The broad objectives of the class are to improve playing skills, play a wide variety of musical literature, expand the students knowledge of history, sound and techniques of music, and enjoy the gift of music!
Member Responsibilities
By joining instrumental music, you become an important team member. Each and every one of you is equally important to the success of the team. Therefore, the musicians in this group are asked to abide by the following:
Respect yourself and others.
Respect your instrument and your surroundings.
Be in the room on time.
Be attentive and quiet during class.
Follow instructions.
Come prepared with your materials.
Turn in permission slips and forms on time.
Touch only your instrument.
Put your name on your case, folder, and additional accessories (rosin, rockstop, shoulder pad)..
Materials
Instrument
Music
Folder / Lesson Book
Student Performance Expectations
Arrive on time and at the correct location.
Dress Appropriately
Leave all personal belongings in the appropriate area - not the performance area.
Look at the director, not the audience. When not performing, students need to direct their attention to the focus of the concert
If not involved in the musical selection but still in the performance area, students are to sit quietly and demonstrate appropriate concert etiquette.
Audience Concert Etiquette
(Adapted from MENC Teacher Success kit by Randy Hise.)
Audience members need to be seated and quiet when the performance is in progress.
If it is necessary to arrive late or leave before the concert is over, please do so between musical selections.
Clapping is the appropriate way to show appreciation for the performance. Laughter is acceptable when appropriate. Whistling, yelling, or screaming are not appropriate at any time before, during, or after a concert.
During a jazz concert, clapping is an appropriate way to acknowledge a single soloist. During multiple solos, please wait for all soloists to finish performing before applauding.
Parents should keep small children seated with them and not allow them to move around during the concert. If very young children become restless and disrupt others' ability to listen, please take them from the performance area until they are quiet.
It is customary to welcome the director with applause.
Listeners and performers are distracted by extra sounds and movements from the audience.
Hats or caps should be removed during a concert. Food or beverages should not be present during the concert.
Watch the director when the music stops to decide whether or not to applaud. Some musical works have extended endings, several parts, or multiple movements and the audience is expected to applaud only after all movements have been performed.
Cellular phones interrupt a performance. Please be sure they are turned off.
Concert Dress
Girls and Boys
Dress your best!
No jeans, please!
It's your time to shine! Dress to impress!
Equipment
The following will be expected of all members:
All instruments are to be in good playing condition. Proper maintenance is REQUIRED.
Need to have rosin, hard or soft shoulder rests, cleaning cloths, pencils, good strings, etc. cello and basses should have rock-stops at all times.
All instruments should be labeled clearly with the student's name.
Should you break a string, tell your teacher right away. Let's get it fixed! Call the String Tree 610.670.5434.
Parent Communication
Should there be any problems or concerns, please feel free to email me or call me at:
610.670.0180 ext. 3004
Practice and Attendance
At home practice is an essential part of a students' development on their instrument. Students are required to practice at home. Students should set a goal for each practice session. Keep practicing until the goal is reached. It's called STRIVE FOR FIVE. We are looking for 5 practice logins in between lessons. This could be anywhere from 15-30 minutes per practice session. The amount of time a student spends is not as important as the reaching of the goal. You want your child to make a positive relationship with their instrument. It will become their best friend. Make sure you fill out your practice chart! It is educationally sound for students to attend class on a regular basis. Since we only meet once a 6 day cycle, it is imperative to remember your instrument/music and come to lessons so you do not fall behind.
Final Words
Wilson has one of the finest music programs. Together, we can build on this program and make this a successful year. Please feel free to contact us at school should you have any questions or concerns. Your child's success in instrumental music not only depends upon their dedication and commitment, but also on parent support. Here are some thoughts as we enter into this new school year.
Show an interest in your child's musical study by asking them to play for you and attending concerts.
Establish a regular time for practice.
Find a quiet place for practice without interruptions.
Never make fun of strange sounds that may be made.
Be patient, be patient, be patient!
Be committed to your child's participation in instrumental music.
Teach your child to be on time to rehearsals and concerts.
We are looking forward to an enjoyable and prosperous year and encourage you to take part in your child's music education as well as their academic progress.