NOGALES HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC DEPARTMENT GUIDELINES REGARDING
CLASS ATTENDANCE, ATTITUDE, CONCERT PARTICIPATION, AND
PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS
There are approximately two major concerts each semester for
every performance organization. Concerts are a culmination
of dairy rehearsals and class work and are REQUIRED
laboratory experiences equal in importance to regular class
attendance. Concerts are a unique musical experience, the
value of which cannot be duplicated. It is essential that
ALL students be present for each performance, as it is a
"team" effort, and the absence of ANY student reduces the
educational and enjoyment value for all.
In the event a student misses a dress rehearsal or
performance, the following procedure will be in effect:
EXCUSED ABSENCE (which must be verified with a note
from a parent/guardian) will result in me semester grade
being reduced by ONE LETTER GRADE for each absence
from a scheduled concert or dress rehearsal. Points to
reverse this reduction and restore the student's grade may
be earned by completing make-up work assigned by the
director.
Excused absences from a concert or dress rehearsal include:
A. Student illness
B. Death in the family
C. Family emergencies
D. Religious holidays (director must be notified in advance)
E. Curricular excursions (director must be notified in
advance)
All other absences from a scheduled concert or dress
rehearsal will be considered UNEXCUSED, and will result in
the semester grade being reduced by ONE LETTER GRADE for
each absence. Grade reduction resulting from unexcused
absence CANNOT be reversed.
Unexcused absences from concert or dress rehearsal include:
A. Study or private lessons
B. Family vacations or trips
C. College visitations
D Work
E. Baby Sitting
Students assume the responsibility for making up all missed
class work. In the event of any excused absence, it is the
student's responsibility to contact the director and discuss
material missed or to obtain additional help. Punctuality to
class, rehearsals, and concerts is also very important.
Tardiness cannot be allowed. Policies regarding class
attendance and tardiness with respect to grading have been
established by the school. Individual teachers will define
specific class requirements.
Any conflicts that may arise in the application of these
procedures will be resolved by the Director and the school
administration.
NOGALES HIGH SCHOOL
MUSIC DEPARTMENT POLICY REGARDING GRADING
It is the philosophy of the Music Department
that grades should reflect the effort, ability, attitude and
visible dedication that each student demonstrates on a
consistent dairy basis in a particular ensemble.
By using activities such as individual small group singing,
in some cases, written tests, or student auditions, grades
will be assigned using the following general standards.
The grade of "B" will be given to those students who
meet the following requirements:
1. Attendance at all scheduled rehearsals, concerts and
performances, including dress rehearsals and rehearsals
other than those scheduled on a daily basis;
2. Punctuality at all rehearsals and performances;
3. Demonstrated ability to perform the assigned part;
4. Daily demonstration of a mature, positive and
professional attitude while rehearsing and performing;
5. Bringing necessary materials to rehearsals on a daily
basis.
Grades lower than "B" will be reserved for a student
who needs improvement in the areas listed above.
NOGALES HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC DEPARTMENT GUIDELINES REGARDING
CLASS ATTENDANCE, ATTITUDE,
CONCERT PARTICIPATION, AND PROGRAM EXPECTATIONS
The grade of "A" is reserved for those students who
demonstrate the requirements listed for the B grade, in
addition to the following...
1. A willingness to assist as needed or requested either by
the director or other students who can benefit from
your example and talent (e.g.: exhibiting leadership in your
section, showing interest in co-curricular musical
activities, or by auditioning for solo opportunities).
2. An actual individual demonstration of superior technical
and musical ability through the performance of
passages from compositions rehearsed during the grading
period as requested by the director.
NOGALES HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC DEPARTMENT BEHAVIORAL EXPECTANCIES
"The best discipline is SELF-discipline." ALL
time spent on discipline matters is a waste of time and
effort, and is completely away from why we are ALL here,
namely, the study and enjoyment of music. Therefore, a
grading policy that takes into account the attitude of a
performer is vital to the development of a performance group
that maintains a positive, professional atmosphere in
rehearsals and performances. It is important that the
students understand exactly what is expected of them if
grading for attitude is to be effective. Attitudes almost
always translate into actions. The following could be used
as a checklist when grading the attitude of individual
members.
An individual with a positive attitude and self-discipline:
1. Is considerate of the needs and feelings of others;
2. Leaves his "ego" at the door and becomes a team player;
3. Helps others to learn their part;
4. Is helpful and attentive in situations when the director is not
present (e.g. sectionals, student or substitute
teachers);
5. Refrains from making jokes at the expense of others;
6. Is courteous to the non-teaching school employees as well as
members of the faculty;
7. Turns in all music when requested, so as not to become a burden
to others who must refile parts returned
late;
8. Refrains from using profanity in and around the Music Department,
or anywhere he can be identified as an
ensemble member;
9. Tries to support other members of the department by attending
concerts presented by peers;
10. Treats all performers with respect, understands what it
means to be a "good audience member," and
appreciates all performances with appropriate,
supportive behavior;
11. Is present at ALL concerts and dress rehearsals, or
produces an acceptable excuse well in advance;
12. Does not act in an immature manner when in public places
while with the ensemble;
13. Always employs the best technique and sensitivity in
warm-up, rehearsal, and concert;
14. Is on time to rehearsals and concerts;
15. ALWAYS brings necessary materials to class;
16. Approaches ALL new music with an open mind seeing each
piece as an opportunity to learn;
17. Recognizes warm-up time as an important part of class;
18. Uses a pencil to mark parts;
19. Is quiet at the proper times during rehearsals;
20. Acts as a professional when rehearsing and PERFORMING;
21. Practices music regularly;
22. Attends concerts away from school of groups performing
music similar to that of his ensemble;
23. Maintains in proper condition, and wears the appropriate
uniform for concerts;
24. Participates in extra-curricular music activities;
25. Assists in keeping the rehearsal and performance areas
neat, clean, and orderly;
26. Does not participate in or encourage vandalism of school
property, or the belongings of others;
27. Assists after performances or rehearsals with equipment
that needs to be moved or attended to;
28. Abides by school rules and regulations;
29. Does not deface signs posted in the building;
30. Does not mistreat school instruments, pianos, etc.;
31. Turns in excursion cards and any other forms, completed
and on time;
32. Does NOT thrive on complaining or finding fault with the
direction or leadership of the ensemble, or the
efforts of its members;
33. Employs creative thinking skills to solve problems and
voice concerns.