MUSIC DEPARTMENT POLICY

At Fountainview Academy, all students have the privilege of being involved in the music program! Students may choose to join the choir, the orchestra, or both. The ultimate goal of this class is to inspire our audience to choose to be in heaven with us one day soon.

There are a lot of details outlined in this document that are designed to keep the program running smoothly, but the most important part of the music program is you, the student. You do not have to be a great musician to contribute. What you do need, however, is a mindset of ministry. One of our primary goals as a department is to nurture this mindset in each student. Because Fountainview music is all about sharing the joy and hope that Jesus gives us, we know that by sharing, you will not only develop a mindset of ministry, but you will also grow your artistic skills and develop new skills.

1. Practice Time and Rehearsal

(a)  All students are expected to be on time to practice time and rehearsals.

(b)  In order for a tardy or absence not to count against their grade, students who are late to either practice time or rehearsal because of a delay at work or school must bring a signed note from the teacher or work supervisor and give it to the music worker taking attendance.

(c)  Goofing off and wasting time during rehearsal and/or practice time will result in a grade dock.

(d)  Students taking instrument lessons are required to use their 30 minute practice time to prepare for their lessons and for music rehearsals. Students who are not taking lessons but would still like to make use of practice time for an instrument they play will need to make arrangements with the Music Department.

2. Music Lessons

(a)  The following instrument lessons are offered:

•   Cello

•   Clarinet

•   Double Bass

•   Flute

•   French Horn

•   Harp

•   Oboe

•   Piano

•   Piccolo

•   Tuba

•   Trombone

•   Trumpet

•   Viola

•   Violin

(If a student is interested in instruction for an instrument not listed above, they will need to make arrangements with the Music Director.)

(b)  A standard lesson length of 30 minutes is provided as part of your tuition with the option of lengthening the lesson to 45 or 60 minutes for an additional fee (see Fee Schedule in Music Lessons and Fees document).

(c)  Changes to lessons may only be made at the beginning of new semesters by communicating with the Music Director. Parents or guardians must also notify the Music Department of their approval via email before any changes will be made.

3. Responsibilities of Fountainview

(a)  Fountainview Academy agrees to provide sixteen (16) lessons per instrument.

(b)  Fountainview Academy is committed to providing quality teachers to educate our students. Fountainview students will take lessons from our contract teachers unless otherwise arranged with the Music Director.

(c)  If we are unable to provide enough students to make a teacher’s trip worthwhile, the Music Department may arrange for lessons to be taught via Zoom or an alternative online platform.

 

4. Responsibilities of Students

(a)  All students are responsible for keeping track of scheduled lessons and arriving at the appointed time, prepared and ready to learn.

(b)  The student is required to notify the Music Department of any planned absences that will affect their lessons at least two (2) days in advance so that the schedule can be adjusted accordingly.

(c)  Students are responsible for procuring and maintaining their own instruments for lessons.

 

5. Lesson Absences

(a)  NO-SHOW

      In the event that a student forgets their lesson or is absent without prior arrangement, the charge for the missed lesson will still be made to the student’s account and the student will have forfeited their lesson. No-show lessons will not be made up. All students are responsible for showing up at their lessons promptly.

(b)  SICK OR INJURED

      In the event that a student is sick or injured and unable to attend their scheduled lesson, we will do our best to make up the lesson at a later time, however, this is not guaranteed. If the student has sustained a long-term injury, making it impossible for them to continue their lessons, they will be removed from the schedule until recovered and these lessons will not be made up. Teachers will not be paid for students who are not on the schedule.

 

6. Instrument Policy

(a)  It is highly recommended that students insure their instrument(s). If you rent an instrument, we encourage you to purchase rental insurance through your rental company.

(b)  Fountainview Academy is not liable for damages or losses incurred during concerts or rehearsal or when the instrument is unattended.

(c)  In the event that an instrument is damaged during tour transit or at the fault of the school, an exception to item 6(b) may be made at the discretion of the Music Department.

(d)  If you leave your instrument behind on tour, you will be charged the shipping costs to retrieve it.

(e)  Any instruments, cases, or music uniform items left out of place on tour or in the school building may be confiscated and can only be retrieved for a $5.00 fee.

7. Tour Policy

(a)  Every student is expected to tour with Fountainview. See section 7(d)

(b)  Leaving tour early is not permitted. See section 7(d)

(c)  In the event that Fountainview tours near a student’s home, the student is allowed to stay at their home as long as they have permission from their head dean and have notified the Music Director. Parents, please keep in mind that our tour schedule is very involved and having your student on-time to soundcheck is very important!

(d)  Exceptions may, in some very specific cases, be arranged with the Music Department and the GM of Student Programs.

 

8. Uniform Policy

(a)  LADIES’ UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS: Ladies are required to purchase a uniform skirt and shirt from Fountainview Academy. Ladies must bring black dress shoes to wear for performance which must be closed toe with no heel. (A black slip & tank top for under the uniform is also recommended.)

(b)  MEN’S UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS: Men are required to purchase two ties from Fountainview Academy, one for Christmas concerts and one for the rest of our musical performances. Men must supply their own plain black suit pants and jacket as well as a long-sleeve white dress shirt. Men must also bring black shoes and black socks (no ankle socks). 

(c)  In the event that a uniform is lost or damaged in any way, the student will be charged to replace the item. Music uniforms left lying around during tour or at school may be confiscated and the $5.00 confiscation fee will apply.

 

9. Fees and Charges

(a) See "Music Department Lessons and Fees Form" for a break-down of costs and charges.

I/we agree to the music policy as outlined above: