Middle School Instrumental Program

Handbook

MUSIC PARTNERSHIP

Cover Note

Parents/ Caregiverss and Students,

The Instrumental Program

Handbook has been designed to

inform both parents/caregivers and students

of the organisation and policies of the Music

Department at Sacred Heart College Middle

School. This involves a number of initiatives to

make the whole experience of studying and learning

music or an instrument a worthwhile and enjoyable endeavour.

The Handbook sets out a number of guidelines, which must

be adhered to, to ensure the most success.

If you have any queries do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely

Meagan Kozlowski

Performing Arts Coordinator - Instrumental Music and CEA

meagankozlowski@shc.sa.edu.au

Please keep this handbook for easy reference throughout the year.

mailto:meagankozlowski@shc.sa.edu.au

Instrumental Music Program

Instrumental Music Program

The Instrumental Music Program provides the opportunity for students to learn to

play a musical instrument on an individual or group basis with an experienced and

highly qualified teacher. A contract is determined between the family and the

instrumental teacher as the school is only an intermediary in this process.

Individual/ shared lessons on an instrument are optional for students studying music

in the classroom at Year 6 & 7. Instrumental lessons are a pre-requisite for students

studying music in the classroom at Year 8 & 9.

Instrumental Lessons Instrumental lessons take place once a week during school hours and are half an hour

in length. Lessons are on a rotating timetable so that the student does not miss the

same classroom lesson each week. Cost

The cost for instrumental lessons comprises of lesson fees and instrumental hire,

where applicable. Individual lesson fees are charged at $25.00–$30.00 per half hour.

Shared lesson fees are charged at $15.00–$20.00 per student, per half hour. Please

Note: Parents/Caregivers are invoiced for 8-10 lessons each term. Shared lessons

apply mainly to students in Year 6 & 7. Year 8 & 9 students are generally required to

have individual lessons, some exceptions may apply. Hire of Instruments

Many instruments are available for hire and information is available from the

Performing Arts Coordinator. Name of instruments, hire rates and other costs will be

forwarded to you on request. Contact Miss Kozlowski for further information.

Reports

The instrumental teacher 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 Term 2 and 4.

Music in the Curriculum

Year 7 students who choose to

continue with instrumental tuition in

Year 8 will be expected to study music

as a subject in Year 8. Year 8 students

who choose to continue with

instrumental tuition in Year 9 will also

be expected to study music as a

curriculum subject in Year 9. Those

who successfully complete Year 9

Music will be eligible to study music at

the Senior School.

We strongly recommend that students

take up a musical instrument as soon

as possible, if they are not already

doing so in order to ensure that they

are well prepared as performers and

musicians as they enter the Senior

School.

Feel free to contact Miss Kozlowski if you

would like to discuss anything.

Music and Instrumental Staff 2016 Performing Arts Coordinator (CEA & Instrumental Music) Meagan Kozlowski Drum Kit Paul Lewis Mike Ellul Bass Luke Lendrum Guitar Matt Hellak Neil Christopher

Brass/ Woodwind Vanessa Saba Jack Degenhart Piano Pamela Buccini Deb Skewes Voice/ Choir Antonietta Caruana

Music Ensembles (CEA)

Students who learn a musical instrument also have the opportunity to be

involved in one of our school ensembles. It is very important that students take

up the opportunity to work in an ensemble with their fellow peers as it develops

skills in musicianship, teaches students how to sight read, understand how music

works and ensemble skills. It also provides students a chance to work in team and

develop self discipline. Being in an ensemble also means that students are given

the opportunity to perform regularly, at school but also within the community.

Ensembles Include: Studio Band directed by Mike Ellul Middle School Band directed by Meagan Kozlowski Groove Squad directed by Emma Hickmott Vocal Ensemble directed by Meagan Kozlowski Festival Choir directed by Antonietta Caruana Brass Ensemble directed by Vanessa Saba Woodwind Ensemble directed by Vanessa Saba Junior and Senior Rock Band directed by Luke Lendrum DrumCorp directed by Paul Lewis DrumLine directed by Paul Lewis Guitar Ensemble directed by Neil Christopher and Matt Hellak

CALENDAR Choir/Band performances will be frequently occurring throughout the year. The

dates and times will be forwarded as soon as possible.

ROOM BOOKINGS The music rooms can be booked for practice by instrumental students and/or small

groups. The room is to be left tidy and students must be out before the bell.

LESSON TIMETABLE The timetable for each teacher’s lessons is posted in the front office and the

Music Centre. Copies can be given to students but they are subject to change.

Students must check the time for their next lesson after the completion of each

lesson and on the morning of their scheduled lesson.

MUSIC DIARY/SATCHEL Music diaries and Satchels are invaluable resources and will be supplied. Replacements are available from the Music Office.

Instrumental Lesson Guidelines

for parents/caregivers of students receiving instrumental tuition

Developing musician is a demanding but valuable experience. The

instrumental/band student will quickly attain better concentration skills,

stronger self-discipline and will take these skills with him through further

academic study.

Regular daily practice is essential. The time will be stipulated by the

teacher.

Correct posture, straight back, relaxed body, no slouching whilst

practicing are all important, whether sitting or standing.

A music stand or an adequate substitute is important.

Please leave any repairs including the removal of stuck mouthpieces in

brass instruments, to the teacher.

The greatest assistance you can give your child is continual encouragement

CONTRACT CONDITIONS Please read the following guidelines thoroughly.

1) When brought to school, instruments (only) must be left neatly in the store room of the

Music Centre. Instruments are not to be left on carpeted areas.

2) Privately owned instruments need to be privately insured.

3) Instruments must have the student’s name and address clearly visible on the case.

4) All students must have a music diary. It must be brought to each lesson.

5) A practice of 10-20 minutes per session during the first year of tuition and 30 minutes per

session subsequently must be followed and an entry made in the Instrumental Diary to

this effect, signed by a parent/guardian. We encourage daily exposure to practice,

however 4 sessions per week of concentrated work will suffice.

6) There will usually be 8 lessons per term at $25.00 – $30.00 per individual lesson and

$15.00 – $20.00 for shared lessons per student.

7) Tuition fees must be paid as advised by the instructor. Many teachers now insist on

payment prior to the commencement of any lessons. Families in difficult circumstances

are urged to speak to Meagan Kozlowski IMMEDIATELY to facilitate payment

negotiations. Any costs incurred in the recovery of fees will be the responsibility of the

parent/guardian. This includes the employment of debt collectors and/or legal costs.

8) The student must attend all scheduled lessons. In the case of absences, the

INSTRUMENTAL TEACHER MUST BE CONTACTED PERSONALLY and, where possible,

given 24 hours notice in advance if the student will be absent, otherwise the student

will be charged for the lesson.

9) 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 your son will be absent for a lesson or specify he will be

absent from an instrumental lesson when phoning the school (before 9:00 am).

10) A student may discontinue lessons only after consultation between a parent/guardian,

instrumental teacher and the Performing Arts Coordinator is made. Four weeks’ notice

must be given. Notice in writing is then required before the end of term; otherwise the

next term’s lessons must be paid for. Students must continue to study an instrument for

no less than one term.

11) No refunds apply when a student ceases instructions mid term.

12) All students are required to be a member of the school band, choir or other official

school ensemble upon reaching the required standard.

13) Years 8 & 9 students who learn an instrument are also encouraged to study Music as

a core subject. These students will be given a priority with private instructors.

14) Attendance at all lessons, rehearsals and performances is required. A note in the

diary explaining a student’s inability to attend these times must precede and good

behaviour and attitude in lessons and rehearsal 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.

15) The Instrumental Teacher may in negotiation with the Performing Arts Coordinator,

cancel the contract at any time if the student/parent/guardian fails to comply with

the conditions of the contract. Hire fees and tuition fees WILL NOT be refunded.

Outstanding amounts will remain payable.

16) The student is responsible, and must pay for any damage to a hired instrument

through negligence. Any damage must be reported immediately to Meagan

Kozlowski.

17) Hired instruments will be called for checks and maintenance periodically. They must

be brought in when requested. All instruments must be returned for checking at the

end of Week 7 Term 4.

18) Any fees incurred through hire of an instrument are the responsibility of the hirer.

Instruments must be returned to the Hire Company directly. No instruments are to be

left anywhere except the store room.

19) School leavers must return hired instruments unless they are hired direct through an

outside company. SHC Middle School will arrange and maintain hire instruments for

current students only.

20) The Performing Arts Coordinator must be advised of any special conditions or

considerations pertaining to the development of instrumental skills of students.

Remember to notify the instrumental teacher directly if your son will be

absent for a lesson or specify he will be absent from an instrumental lesson

when phoning the school (before 9:00 am)

Important Details for your records

Instrumental Teacher: ______________________________

Contact Phone No: _________________________________

Mobile: ___________________________________________

Instrument: _______________________________________

Serial No: _________________________________________

Hire Company:_____________________________________

Phone: ___________________________________________

Date Hire Commenced: ______________________________