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 teach students to be music missionaries, reaching the world with the gospel, one song at a time.

This document outlines a lot of details 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 is a mindset of ministry. Nurturing that mindset in each student is one of our department's primary goals. Because Fountainview music is all about sharing the joy and hope that Jesus gives us, we know that as you share, you will not only grow in that mindset of ministry but also develop and refine your artistic 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)  Some instrument lessons may be taught via Zoom or an alternative online platform if there are a small number of students signed up for that instrument.

(d) Students who wish to continue lessons with thier previous teacher remotely may do so during free time or designated practice time, provided this does not interfere with other student activities or scheduling. This arrangement is not coordinated or supervised by the school and remains the student's/family's responsibility to manage. Students playing their instrument in orchestra must still take lessons with the school's provided teacher, regardless of any outside arrangement. 

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 and leaving tour early is not permitted. 

(b)  In the event that Fountainview tours near a student’s home, the student may 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!

(c)  Exception to 7(a), 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. 

 

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: