Glauco High School

Music Department Handbook

2018-2019

Band and Choir Director:

Ms. Lindsey Friedrichsen
lindsey.friedrichsen@wolves.northern.edu
(605)-123-4567
Table of Contents
Welcome from the Director.......................................................................pg. 3

Statement of Purpose...............................................................................pg. 3
Mission Statement....................................................................................pg. 3-4
Ensembles................................................................................................pg. 4
Schedule……………………………………………………………………….pg. 4-5
Concert Dress...........................................................................................pg. 5

Classroom Rules......................................................................................pg. 5
Grading ………………………………………………………………………..pg. 5-6
Attendance Policy……………………………………………………………..pg. 6

Expenses..................................................................................................pg. 7
Agreement of Understanding...................................................................pg. 8

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 I. Welcome!
The GHS Music Department is excited to give students the opportunity to
perform successfully. Performing builds self-confidence and promotes
teamwork.
As your director, I look forward to getting to know each one of you. I am here to
help you reach your musicianship goals, whether your goal is to go into music
as a profession, or to be a music lover and supporter for the rest of your life. I
am passionate about music, and I am passionate about working with YOU!

II. Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this handbook is to inform every student participating in the
Glauco High School Music Program of the requirements, expectations and
privileges associated with being a part of this organization. Both students and
parents should read and understand its contents. As you examine these
policies and procedures, you will see that common courtesy, respect for
individual rights, a concern for safety and the need for group order and
responsibility dictate them.
The Music Program is made up of many different kinds of students. Most of
them have two things in common: an interest in music and a very busy
schedule. In other courses, oversights and mistakes hurt only the person who
causes them. In a music ensemble, each member’s activities and preparedness
are translated in the sounds and motions, which become the group’s
performance. One or two people who do not do their part can ruin or severely
damage the efforts of all the others who are trying to do their best.
Most students will normally follow these policies and do their best even if
this handbook did not exist. The goal is for EACH AND EVERY MEMBER to
adhere to the policies and procedures so that the entire group can achieve its
fullest potential. If we are going to reach our goals this year, each member
must be prepared to do their part and even sometimes a little bit more. Please
view this handbook as a formula for success and a guide to a great musical
education. I am very proud to have each student take part in the musical
activities of the Glauco High School Music Department.

III. Mission Statement

Music is a vital subject that should be required in all schools. Music is
beneficial to everyone in many different ways. Some of the ways music
positively impacts lives are by building self-esteem, teaching hard work,
building imagination, developing emotions, teaching about different cultures,
and encouraging students to learn how to work as a team. Music enriches
students’ lives and education.
As a music educator, I dedicate my life to sharing my passion for music and
teaching by encouraging my students to explore the world through music.
Music is a universal language that everyone is born with the aptitude to learn,
but this aptitude tends to stabilize around age 9. This is why it is necessary to
begin music education as early as possible. I will strive to provide a quality
education among my students to help them increase their music aptitude while
it is possible at the elementary level.

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 My mission is to be a positive leader and to ensure students are shown
compassion, care, and respect by providing a safe and loving environment. I
will be a role-model in my students’ lives whom they feel they can count on at
all times. I strive to be organized and to have an eye for detail. This will ensure
productivity in the classroom. Music is a wonderful way to express emotions
and can be an escape from everyday life problems. My music classroom will be
a safe haven for all students.
I will motivate my students to be creative, develop an appreciation for
music, and become caring and respectful individuals. Music is very expressive
and builds and develops imagination and creativity. I will encourage my
students to use music as their creative outlet. My students will develop an
appreciation for music by playing, singing, and listening. Students will be able
to feel proud of themselves by achieving musical goals. Whether we mean to or
not, we empathize with music. By listening and performing music, students will
develop a sense of empathy. My students will be respected and cared for and
will be held accountable for treating everyone they encounter with that same
care and respect.
Music is an essential subject and exceedingly beneficial. I will forever be
an advocate for music education and I strive to share my love for music with
my students. In my classroom, I will use music as a platform to teach my
students to be caring and respectful individuals. My students will use music to
show their creativity and will develop an appreciation for music. Above all else,
I pray that, through music, my students will become kind and compassionate
people.

IV. Ensembles
Concert Choir (CC): Concert Choir is an auditioned, mixed group for students
in grades 10-12 who wish to extend musical knowledge and participate in the
choral program.
Madrigals (M): Madrigals is an auditioned, mixed group for students in grades
9-12. There are only 20 spots to fill. Membership is based on ability, interest,
experience, grade point average, and director’s discretion. This is a
performance-based group
Freshman Choir (FC): This freshman choir is open to all freshman wishing to
extend their musical knowledge and participate in the choral program. This
ensemble is a mixed, non-auditioned group.
Concert Band (CB): Concert Band is open to students in grade 9-12 who wish
to extend musical knowledge and participate in the band program. It is a non-
auditioned entry group. However, you are required to audition for chair
placement.

V. Schedule
Required Performances:
You are required to be at every concert that you are involved in unless you
have an excused absence that is approved by me at least a week in advance.

Fall Choir Concert……………………………………………………………………………

Date, Time, FC, CC, M

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 Fall Band
Concert……………………………………………………………………………………….Date,
Time, CB
Christmas Extravaganza……………………………………………………………Date,
Time, FC, CC, M, CB
Spring Choir Concert……………………………………………………………….………
Date, Time, FC, CC, M
Spring Band
Concert……………………………………………………………………………………Date,
Time, CB
POPS
Concert…………………………………………………………………………………..Date,
Time, FC, CC, M

VI. Concert Dress

Concert Choir (CC): MEN: Choir robes and stoles will be provided. You will
need to wear your choir t-shirt, black pants, black socks, and black dress shoes.
NO TENNIS SHOES! WOMEN: Choir robes and stoles will be provided. You will
need to wear your choir t-shirt, black skirt/slacks, and black dress shoes. NO
TENNIS SHOES! The skirt will be at least fingertip length and will follow the
school dress code.
Madrigals (M): MEN: Tux and black bow tie provided, tux shirt, black socks,
and black dress shoes. NO TENNIS SHOES! WOMEN: Concert dress provided,
black dress shoes. NO TENNIS SHOES!
Freshman Choir (FC): MEN: Choir robes and stoles will be provided. You will
need to wear your choir t-shirt, black pants, black socks, and black dress shoes.
NO TENNIS SHOES! WOMEN: Choir robes and stoles will be provided. You will
need to wear your choir t-shirt, black skirt/slacks, and black dress shoes. NO
TENNIS SHOES! The skirt will be at least fingertip length and will follow the
school dress code.
Concert Band (CB): MEN: Black button up dress shirt, black dress pants, black
socks, and black dress shoes. NO TENNIS SHOES! WOMEN: Black dress, black
tights, black dress shoes or, black long sleeve shirt, black slacks/skirt, black
tights, black dress shoes. NO TENNIS SHOES! The skirt or dress will be at least
fingertip length and will follow the school dress code. Keep in mind what
instrument you play when choosing your outfit!!

VII. Classroom Rules

Make choices that help you and others learn
Use instruments and material with care
Speak, sing, and play only when asked
Immediately follow all directions
Consider others and be kind
All school rules apply!!

VIII. Grading
Rehearsal Participation (50%)
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• The student can receive 5 points each week for rehearsal participation and
exit tickets (choir).
• Regular attendance and cooperative behavior are required for full
participation points. This includes some early morning rehearsals that
will be scheduled periodically throughout the year.
• Respect for the teacher and fellow choir members is expected.
• The student should be in his/her seat with pencil and folder when the bell
rings.
• The student will refrain from eating at his/her spot.
• WATER bottles are encouraged, but other beverages should not be at the
student’s spot.
• The student is responsible for putting his/her music in the proper place at the
end of rehearsal, and making sure his/her assigned area is neat before lining up
to leave.
Performances (25%) Music is a performance-based class, attendance is
required for all concerts.
• The dates for required performances are found on page 4 of this packet.
• A written note from home is required for an excused absence. Students may
earn points for an excused absence by singing/playing, for the director, the
music from the missed concert, or through other options as the director sees
fit.
• The student cannot make-up points lost due to an unexcused absence. Some
unexcused absences include: working, oversleeping, not arranging a ride, etc.

Written Assessments (25%)

The student will be able to define musical vocabulary and correctly identify
music theory concepts taught during the daily rehearsals on written
assessments. Students will also participate in listening exercises.
Glauco High School Grading Scale
A+ = 98-100% B+ = 89-91% C+ = 80-82% D+ = 71-73%
A = 95-97% B = 86-88% C = 77-79% D = 68-70 %
A- = 92-94% B- = 83-85% C- = 74-76% D- = 65-67%

IX. Attendance Policy

 It is the student’s responsibility to contact the director within 24 hours of
absence from a required event, rehearsal or performance. You all have my
phone numbers and e-mail address.
 All absences and tardies MUST have a note from a parent and/or doctor on file
with the director.
 It is not the director’s responsibility to contact or remind the student
regarding an absence or tardy.
 Illness and death in the family are excused absences. The director MAY deem
other absences or tardies excusable after careful consideration.
 If an absence or tardy is excusable, the student may be assigned an
alternative assignment to make up the grade. Otherwise the grade will be
recorded as a 0.

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 Please note that the following absences or tardies ARE NOT EXCUSED: work,
extra-curricular activities, doctor’s appointments, babysitting, lack of
transportation. (This list is not exclusive.)
 It is important to understand that all absences and tardies will be considered
on an individual basis!
 If there is ever a question or concern about an absence or tardy, please
contact Ms. Friedrichsen.

X. Expenses
 The choir T-shirt is the concert attire for all concerts excluding the POPS
concert. Cost is $11-$15 per shirt.
 The POPS T-shirt is the concert attire for the POPS concert.
 Students in Madrigals will pay a $10 uniform cleaning fee.
 Lost items
o Choir folder: $20
o Concert Band folder: $20
o Madrigals Tux or Dress: $200
o Bow Tie: $10
o Choir robe/stole: $200
 Students can fundraise to cover music expenses

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XI. Agreement of Understanding
2018-2019 GHS
Music Contract
Agreement of Understanding
By signing this contract, I indicate that I have read, and understand the GHS
Music Handbook.

 As a student, I understand that I am an important part of this ‘team’, and my

participation and effort, whether positive or negative, greatly impact the overall
outcome.
 As a parent, I support my student’s decision to participate in choir at Glauco
High School.

I have read the policies and participant expectations, and agree to abide by
them.

Circle Ensemble: Concert Choir, Madrigals, Freshman Choir, Concert Band

Print Student Name_______________________________

Student Signature _________________________________ Date ___________

Print Parent Name________________________________

Parent Signature __________________________________ Date ___________

This contract can be turned in:

1) at the GHS Back-to School event

2) at the first day of class
3) by scanning and emailing as an attachment to Ms. Friedrichsen
If necessary, I will make an additional copy for my own records.