Lessons

Small group lessons are an important part of our music ensemble curriculum. Because our classes are quite large and we are building towards our final summative assessment (the concerts), it is impossible to assess and help each individual during our regular class time. These lessons help students achieve to our high standards and the best of their ability. We have been running lessons since we went from the block schedule to the 6 period day. This is a reminder for all staff and especially for new staff who have not been a part of music lessons here.

Each instrumental music student gets 2 or 3 lessons a trimester. Vocal music students will get 1 lesson per trimester. These rotate class periods throughout the trimester so that a student is scheduled to miss a particular class only one time per trimester. We have a procedure in place to minimize classroom disruption. Students are to show teachers their lesson pass the day before their lesson, and then on the day of their lesson, they are to check in at the beginning of class to get their assignment before coming down to the music wing for their lesson. The lesson lasts the whole class period, except on block days, when they last the same length of time as a non-block period. This will show up as an excused absence on your attendance.

Students are expected to make up the work in the missed class in the same way they would make up the work if they were gone for any other reason (illness, doctor appointment, etc…). At the same time, if you are having an assessment or lab that is impossible to make up, you may use your discretion to keep the student in class that day. They will have to make up their music lesson another day at the same time so that we can keep the rule of missing a class period only one time per trimester. Music students in general are reliable for getting their work done, and it is on them to follow your make up procedures.