Jane Ball Elementary School General Music
Mrs. Severs
219-374-3700 ext. 3739
Dear Parents and Students,
I am looking forward to this school year! I have some new and fun things planned for this year. Please read through this syllabus then fill out the last page and return it by September 5th for 10 points.
Parents please feel free to contact me any time throughout the year. Updates are available on my page on the Hanover’s website ( if you would like to subscribe. Video newsletters will also be available on the website so you can see what we are learning.
Music Rules:
- Come to class with a positive attitude, ready to learn.
- Enter and exit the classroom quietly.
- Follow instructions the first time given.
- Raise your hand if you have a question or comment.
- Respect everyone and everything.
Rewards / Consequences
- Compliment cards- I will give out compliment cards for good things you do in class which can be anything from playing well, good behavior, being prepared, etc…
- P.A.W.S. tickets- These go to students who follow the rules of music class and Jane Ball.
- Emails/calls home
- Good grade
- Encouragement from me
2.Thinking wall- A designated place to think about what you did wrong and how you can fix that. Points lost. Conduct moved. Seat may be moved permanently.
3.Email/call/note sent home to parents.
4.Detention.
*Violence is not tolerated and is an automatic write up. Think before you act.
Grading:
- Daily participation- 5 points every music class; one for following each rule.
- Singing- 1st- 5th grade will receive a grade for singing each quarter. This will be done through singing attendance and/or any class activities. Below is the rubric.
3 / 2 / 1 / 0
Singing voice used and all pitches matched given pitches. / Singing voice and speaking voice were interchanged and intervals are sung correctly but not at the correct pitch placement. / Speaking voice used and pitches do not match given rhythms. / Did not try
- Instruments/Rhythm- 1st- 5th grade will receive a grade for using instruments or rhythmic exercises each quarter. This will be done through class activities. Below is the rubric.
3 / 2 / 1 / 0
Steady beat maintained throughout and instrument held correctly. / Steady beat is maintained sometimes and instrument held correctly. / No steady beat is present and instrument is not held correctly. / Did not try
- Quizzes/tests- points may very. Kindergarten does not have graded tests, first through fifth grade will have 1-2 quizzes per quarter.
- Worksheets- points may vary.
- Recorder- 4th grade will be playing recorders December through March and will be graded differently. A letter will be sent home explaining how they will be graded before winter break.
- Guitar- 5th grade will be playing guitar for the first semester. There will be playing quizzes throughout the semester.
Concerts:
If you are able to help with concerts there will be a place on the concert form sent home with your child (one month before the concert) for you to let me know. If your child takes piano lessons and would like to play at our recorder concert they may audition. More information to come later on this.
- Holiday Concert/3rd Grade Musical “Lights! Camera! Christmas!”
Date TBA Hanover High School West Gym
Grades 1 and 3
- Recorder Karate Concert and Piano Students
Tuesday March 24th, 2015 Jane Ball Gym
Grade 4
- Spring Concert (Ocean Theme) May 20th, 2015 Hanover High School West Gym
Grades 2 and 5
- Kindergarten will be performing at their graduation ceremony.
Fundraisers: We may be doing some fundraisers this year. More information to come via the school newsletter about this about how to help.
______
Contact Information/Concert and Fundraiser Help
*Return this filled out to Mrs. Severs by September 5th for 10 points.
I have read and understand the expectations for music class.
Student’s Name: ______
Grade: ______Homeroom Teacher: ______
Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Name: ______
Phone number(s): ______
Email(s): ______