Forest Park Lesson Program

The What

Our Music Department is fortunate to provide a lesson program in addition to our performance ensemble courses. These 20-minute small group lessons will provide targeted, individualized instruction to help each student develop their skills on their instrument.

The Why?

Small group lessons are an integral part of the Wisconsin music curriculum, and widely accepted as beneficial for students. Lessons allow students to refine their technique, improve their musicianship, and receive the focused feedback that is often difficult to achieve during larger class rehearsals. They are also an opportunity for students to learn and refine interpersonal skills, time management, communication, responsibility, and other career skills.

This time also allows educators time to diagnose strengths and weaknesses and help catch or prevent issues before they become overwhelming for students.

The How

• Students must attend 6 of the 9 lessons in a quarter

  • • If a student misses a lesson, they can sign up for a makeup lesson. The sign up sheet is located on the Band Room Door.

• Summatives, presentations, labs, are examples of excused absences. An "Excused Band Lesson" slip is required.

  • • Slips are located on the table outside of the Band Room.

At the start of each quarter, a class period is dedicated to review expectations, logistics, and for each student to create a mini lesson schedule. Students are expected to attend 6 lessons during each 9 week quarter. This allows the flexibility to stay in their regularly scheduled class if there is an assessment, presentation, lab etc. If a student needs to miss a lesson, it is their responsibility to communicate with us and their normal teacher prior to their lesson. The students are expected to catch up on regular classwork missed during their lesson time. We will be working collaboratively with teachers and students to ensure they aren’t falling behind.

We ask for your support in reinforcing the value of these lessons. The time spent in a small group setting is critical to each student’s progress, enjoyment, and overall success in the program. We also encourage students to communicate with their classroom teachers if they anticipate any conflicts with their lesson times, as we are committed to helping them balance their music studies with other academic responsibilities.

Thank you for your continued support of our Band program. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the pull-out lessons or any other aspect of the program, please do not hesitate to contact us.