SECTION 4: Parent Permission
Please have a parent or guardian read this letter and sign at the bottom.
Dear Parent or Guardian of Applicant,
I am very glad that your child is considering and applying for our music program here at Surfside. This program is a great opportunity for enjoying music, relaxation, and creativity in any class schedule. This class includes creating music that brings notes and language to life! In rehearsal we learn proper vocal techniques through a diverse and culturally representative collection of songs (repertoire), we learn how sight-sing music (see a melody and sing, harmonize with other voice parts), study composers of the music we are working on, we listen, hear, and write down what we experience, and learn music theory (how to use and write the music symbols). Most importantly music gives a student a place to belong, develop social and emotional skills, and honor responsibilities necessary to succeed in life.
With the benefits of a well-rounded education, comes one of the most important skills in middle school, becoming responsible and understanding that their presence has an impact on the group. Music programs come with valuable responsibilities and skills for the success of a group. Your student may be expected to stay after school for an occasional rehearsal, such as preparing for a Christmas concert, Music Performance Assessment, or Spring Musical production. Your student will have an occasional after-school/evening performance (December, March, and April). If attending an occasional rehearsal or performance after school is not ever possible for your child, this may not be the class for them. Every music student will be expected to do his/her/their best while being enrolled in music and to perform their work in a concert or musical event. Understand that performances, like tests, weigh 95% of the student’s average. Unnecessarily missing concerts, not having a ride, not participating in class, poor attitude and disruptive behavior may be causes for removal from the class, in addition to a low grade.
Each music student will be required to pay $40 in class dues within the first month of enrolling in the program (this includes their Music Department tee-shirt and materials). Understand music programs do not receive the traditional funding that the core subjects receive; thus, class dues are important to the success of the arts program.
Surfside Musical Events
Performances, the effort and weeks of preparation in rehearsals, participation, sectional rehearsals, and after-school rehearsals (limited to a few), will be used to determine the student’s grade. Our performances have taken weeks of preparation and should not be taken lightly in regard to attendance. Each student must be self-motivated toward their own growth in music and the growth of their group in the Music Department. The students in the group will be graded based on the combination of the efforts of the entire group and their own contributions to the class. Students need to be able to encourage their peers by speaking up and helping the rehearsal process.
Behavioral Expectations
We are building our program for positive and creative students who behave and follow their director(s). For students to create freely, and express music, they must feel safe and fit in well with structure. If your child has had (but is not limited to) behavior issues in their former schools, classes, or with their previous teachers, has been assigned ISS, or OSS, has trouble controlling their emotions or has a problem with authority, this class might not be for them. Please, continue reading.
Everyone deserves a second chance, anyone can make a mistake, and everyone should have a place to belong. Music can be that special place for a fresh start; however, there cannot be the recurring poor performance of the student at the expense of the well-being of the entire group. If the director notices poor performance in rehearsals, on stage, or in their behavior/attitude, he will need to discuss options with the parents or guardians of the student.