HART MIDDLE SCHOOL
CHOIR HANDBOOK

WELCOME

Dear Choir Students and Families,

Welcome to our new students and welcome back to those of you returning to the program!

I’m very excited for a school year with hopefully a sense of normalcy after such a long period of weirdness and chaos. This year, we’ll be engaging with music from a variety of lenses, beyond just learning to sing, and having lots of fun along the way!

Please read over this handbook during the next week. This is an excellent resource for all information about what will happen during the school year. It details class expectations for students and parents, as well as what you can expect from me.

Please contact me anytime via email if you have questions. I look forward to all of the expression, creativity, cooperation, and growth this year!

Musically yours,

Andrew Lu

Mr. Lu

How to Contact Mr. Lu

By email (alu@pleasantonusd.net) is preferred
In-person before/after class, or by appointment

Please allow 24-48 hours for an email reply (excluding weekends)

EVENTS

Students will have many valuable performing opportunities this year. Students are expected to be all performances that their class is listed under; please add these dates to your family’s calendar. Please note that dates and times are subject to change. Any changes will be announced in class and via email. See a complete list of event dates and times on the EVENTS tab above.

REQUIRED MATERIALS

Students will need the following materials for class:

A Chromebook
Earbuds / Headphones (that can connect to a Chromebook)
A water bottle

Earbuds/headphones will be crucial for recording projects. Sheet music and folders will be provided.

If you have any trouble acquiring any of these materials please contact Mr. Lu for assistance.

GRADING

“Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.”

The grading system used for the music program is designed to encourage learning and musical growth through excellence in performance, creation, and music appreciation. There are no “easy As” in music.

Assignments will be broken down into four main categories– performance, creation, responding, and other. These categories are not weighted, however, each assignment will be assigned an appropriate point value.

EXTENSIONS: Extensions will be granted as long as students request via email before the assignment due date. Students with IEPs/504s with extension accommodations do not need to separately request extensions.

REDOS/RETAKES: All assessments and most assignments will allow for one retake for a higher grade (up to full credit). Assessment retakes will be granted only after appropriate reteach measures have been taken.

LATE WORK: Late work is accepted up to 90% credit, until the end of the semester, unless noted otherwise.

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS

Students should refer to Hart Middle School expectations.

Classroom Citizenship: Students are respectful of the people and equipment around them. Food and drink are not permitted in the classroom due to rodents and cockroaches (water is permitted and encouraged). Students entering the classroom late should enter in a non-disruptive manner.
Digital Citizenship: Students know what’s appropriate to post and say online. Students will engage in extensive work this year, and are expected to maintain a collegial and professional presence in their communication with peers.
Questions: All questions about classwork and homework should be asked in class or via email (preferred). Questions left in the comments section of Google Classroom will not be addressed.
Emails: Emails from students must be formally written, with a relevant subject line, greeting, and signature. Use this as a quick reference guide on how to write an email.
RESPECT everyone: peers, teachers, guests, substitutes, etc.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

There will be many performances this year. Students are expected to attend all events that they are performing in (please note some events are for “All Choirs” and some are only for “Intermediate Choir”). Performances are a culmination of students’ work and an important part of music education.

As with all things, communication is important. If you cannot make a performance, please let me know as far in advance as possible so we can plan accordingly.

CONCERT ATTIRE

Students are expected to wear formal concert attire during select performances to demonstrate unity and professionalism. Requirements:

Formal white top (blouse, button-up shirt)
Formal black bottoms (dress, skirt, slacks, or dark black jeans)
Black footwear, with black socks
Optional: Modest splash of blue (necktie, bow, etc.)
Long hair pulled away from face

Avoid logos or prints. All attire must follow the school dress code. If you have any questions or require any accommodations, please do not hesitate to contact me.

MUSIC PROGRAM PICTURE DAY AND DRESS CHECK

November 16, 2021 - during class time

Students will be asked to bring and wear their formal concert attire to school on this day.

The Pleasanton Unified School District provides clothing and school supplies to families in need via The Hanger at Village High School. Contact the District for more information.

DISCIPLINE

Please refer to the school policy for procedures regarding academic dishonesty and attendance. Students who break classroom rules and expectations may be issued a detention or referral.

TRAVEL GUIDELINES

Ensembles may travel in chaperone vehicles, charter buses, and by foot for various performances during the school year. Student conduct is expected to be at the highest level on any trip.

Students must travel to events and return from events by the method specified on the field trip form. Any student wishing to travel via other arrangements must have written approval from Mr. Lu prior to the event.
Students must have all school required forms completed and returned in order to travel on any trip with the ensemble.
There Shall Be No Action For Which An Explanation Is Necessary. (Translation: If you think someone might ask you "Why did you do that?" then don't do it.) Think BEFORE you act and then DON’T DO IT!

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

We are lucky to be part of such a wonderfully diverse and accepting community in Pleasanton. My commitment to diversity is as follows:

I will do my best as a teacher to foster a safe and engaging learning environment for all students
Music studied by students will include a diverse mix of genres and composers/arrangers from various backgrounds

Parents and students should openly communicate with me, and through their IEP/504 when applicable, should any specific accommodations or modifications be required.

FOR THE PARENTS/GUARDIANS

“At the end of the day, the most overwhelming key to a child's success is the positive involvement of parents.” –Jane D. Hall

Parent support is the backbone of every great music program. Without the assistance and cooperation of program parents/guardians, there would be no chance for the level of success we want our ensembles to reach.

There are many things parents can do:

Be an Encouraging Parent. Please encourage your students to sing and attend all performances. Tell them how much you enjoy hearing them sing!
Be a Loyal, Appreciative Audience. Parents and family are always the best audience. Your presence at our performances will mean more to your child than words can describe. Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate your child's accomplishments!
Volunteer! We have many roles, big and small, that we need parents to fill. This ranges from event planning and serving on the Booster board, to serving food and chaperoning field trips. If you would like to volunteer, please complete volunteer clearance with Ms. Woo in the front office.
Get Involved with the Boosters. The Thomas Hart Music Boosters is a recognized non-profit organization that supports the music department. Music Boosters are run by generous program parents. They work hard to help make the music department run successfully, helping with music events, fundraising, and travel. Learn more at: www.thomashartmusic.org
Private Lessons. Private lessons are highly recommended and very helpful for students to dig deep into technical advancement on their instruments. Remote Music Academy is a wonderful resource. Names of local private instructors are available below.