Sacred Heart College Middle School

Instrumental & Ensemble Music Handbook

Welcome to the Sacred Heart Middle School Instrumental Music ProgramThe Instrumental Music Program provides the opportunity for all students to learn a musical instrument on an individual or group basis with an experienced and highly qualified teacher. Playing an instrument is a unique learning experience that allows students to be creative, while developing inner confidence through the art of performing. When committing to the Instrumental Program the contract of engagement is determined between the parents or caregivers and the instrumental teacher as the school is only an intermediary in this process.

This handbook outlines the Sacred Heart College Middle School Music Department’s policies and initiatives that aim to make the whole experience of studying and learning music or an instrument a worthwhile and enjoyable endeavour. To ensure the most success, students are to adhere to these guidelines. If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to contact:

Meagan KozlowskiPerforming Arts Coordinatormeagankozlowski@shc.sa.edu.au

Instrumental LessonsInstrumental lessons take place once a week at the Middle School during school hours and are 30 minutes in length. Lessons work on a rotating timetable so that the student does not miss the same classroom lesson each week.

CostThe cost for instrumental lessons comprises of lesson fees and instrumental hire, where applicable. The rate for lessons is set by the instrumental tutor. In 2017 lesson fees for individual tuition is $25.00 - $30.00 for a 30 minute lesson. For group lessons, the tuition fee is $15.00 - $20.00 for a 30 minute lesson. Please Note: Parents/Caregivers are invoiced for 8 to 10 lessons each term.

Hire of InstrumentsStudents will need to have their own instrument at home in order to practice. If you don’t own an instrument the, Middle School runs an instrument hire system. Name of instruments, hire rates and other costs will be forwarded to you upon your request. Please contact the Middle School Performing Arts Coordinator, Meagan Kozlowski for further information.

Instrumental ReportsInstrumental teachers will complete a written report on each student’s progress at the end of each semester. These reports will accompany the student’s academic report at the end of Terms 2 and 4.

Instrumental Music Staff 2017Performing Arts Coordinator

Meagan KozlowskiDrum Kit

Paul Lewis & Mike Ellul

Bass Guitar Felicity Freeman

Guitar Matt Hellak & Neil Christopher

Brass/ Woodwind Vanessa Saba & Jack Degenhart

Piano Pamela Buccini & Deb Skewes

Voice Antonietta Caruana

Intrumental Lesson ProgramThe timetable for each instrumental teacher’s lessons are posted in the Front Office and the Music Centre. Timetables are always subject to change and it is the student’s responsibility to check their lesson time carefully. It is recommend that students check their lesson time the morning of their scheduled lesson. Parents/caregivers must give 24 hours notice, where possible, to instrumental staff if the student is going to be absent from the lesson, otherwise they will be charged for the lesson.

Music Diary/SatchelMusic diaries and satchels are provided to all instrumental music students.

Music Ensembles (CEA)Students also have the opportunity to participate and be involved in the Middle School Ensembles as part of the College’s Curriculum Extension Activities (CEA). It is very important that students take up the opportunity to work in an ensemble or band with their fellow peers, as it develops musicianship and ensemble skills along with self-discipline and commitment. It also provides students with the opportunity to perform regularly within the College and wider community.

The following Music Ensembles are offered to students.

Brass Ensemble

Concert Band

Drum Corp

Drumline

Festival Choir

Groove Squad

Guitar Ensemble

Junior Rock Band

Senior Rock Band

Studio Band

Vocal Ensemble

Woodwind Ensemble

MUSIC ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE CALENDARCollege Ensembles will perform frequently throughout the year at various College events and within the community. It is an expectation that when students commit to an ensemble, they take on this commitment for the whole school year and perform when requested.

1. Instruments must be left neatly in the store room of the Music Centre.

2. Instruments must have the student’s full name and address clearly visible on the case.

3. All students must have a music diary, bring it to each lesson and have it signed weekly by their parent/caregiver.

4. Four practice session of 10-20 minutes per week is essential to students’ progress and is an expectation.

5. There will be 8 to 10 lessons per term at $25.00 - $30.00 per individual lesson and $15.00 - $20.00 for shared lessons per student.

6. Tuition fees must be paid as advised by the instrumental teacher. Many teachers insist on payment prior to the commencement of any lessons. Families with difficult financial circumstances are urged to speak to the Middle School Performing Arts Coordinator to facilitate payment negotiations. Any costs incurred in the recovery of fees will be the responsibility of the parent/caregiver. This includes the employment of debt collectors and/or legal costs.

7. The student must attend all scheduled lessons. In the case of absences, the instrumental teacher must be contacted personally and, where possible, give 24 hours notice in advance if the student will be absent, otherwise the parent/caregiver will be charged for the lesson.

8. Absences other than long term illness or long term vacation absences will be paid for and no lessons will be ‘made up’ when a student is absent without prior notice. Please notify the instrumental teacher directly if the student will be absent for a lesson or specify they will be absent from an instrumental lesson when phoning the school (before 9.00am).

9. A student may discontinue lessons only after consultation between a parent/caregiver, instrumental teacher and the Performing Arts Coordinator is made. Notice in writing is then required. Students must continue to study an instrument for no less than one term.

10. No refunds apply when a student ceases instructions mid term.

11. All students are encouraged to be a member of a College ensemble upon reaching the required standard.

12. Attendance at all lessons, rehearsals and performances is required. If students are unable to attend lessons, rehearsals or performances, contact must be made explaining the student’s inability to attend. Good behaviour and attitude in lessons, rehearsals and at performances is essential. Students will be dismissed from a lesson or an ensemble if their behaviour or attitude is detrimental to the progress and performance of other students.

13. The Instrumental Teacher may, in negotiation with the Performing Arts Coordinator, cancel the contract at any time if the parent/caregiver or student fails to comply with the conditions of the contract. Hire fees and tuition fees will not be refunded. Outstanding amounts will remain payable.

14. The student is responsible, and must pay for any damage to a hired instrument through negligence. Any damage must be reported immediately to the Middle School Performing Arts Coordinator.

15. Hired instruments will be called for checks and maintenance periodically. They must be brought in when requested.

16. Any fees incurred through hire of an instrument are the responsibility of the hirer. No instruments are to be left anywhere except the store room.

17. Year 9 students must return hired instruments at the end of the school year unless they are hired directly through an outside company. The Music Department will arrange and maintain hire instruments for current students only.

18. The Performing Arts Coordinator must be advised of any special conditions or considerations pertaining to the development of instrumental skills of students.

Contract ConditionsTo ensure success in the Middle School Instrumental Music Program, students and parents/caregivers are advised to please read the following guidelines thoroughly.

SHC291116