RHTA

Music Department Handbook

 Objectives:

Welcome to the RHTA Music Program! The purpose of this program is to provide a quality music education for every learner. Music and the arts are an essential part of living a well-rounded life. Music constantly engages our learners’ brains and there are many studies citing reasons music makes you smarter.

Policies and Procedures:

1.       Learners should have all necessary materials every day including a working instrument, music, and pencil. Inability to complete this will impact a learners grade.

2.       Learners will be ready to warm up when the timer goes off.

3.       Learners are not permitted to bring cell phones or other distractions to class.

4.       No GUM is allowed in the music room.

5.       All equipment must be treated with respect.

6.       Learners are required to take their instruments home and practice periodically.

7.       Learners must always have a positive attitude when they come to music.

Consequences:

There will be a zero tolerance for misbehavior in music.

Grading:

Grading is determined as follows:

1.       Daily in-class activities

2.       In class Tests/Quizzes: playing or singing, or written evaluations.

3.       Concerts: Concerts are MANDATORY for music. The only excused absences are personal illness or a death in the family or prior excused absences by contacting Coach Cormack. Sports practices/games, dance practices, or other club activities are not excused. To receive full credit towards your grade, learners must participate in the concerts listed in this handbook. Any missed events will require a make-up assignment/activity and will be counted as partial credit. .

4.       Concert attire: Black Top, Black Pants, Black Shoes, unless otherwise noted or decided by the group.

5.       Concert Behavior: Learners are expected to participate during the concert as an exemplary audience member.

6.      Solo and Ensemble Contest: Contest is optional for 7th and 8th grade band and choir members. The middle school date this year is April 13th, 2024. See Coach Cormack if you are interested.

Private Lessons:

The best way for learners to get better is to take private lessons. Lessons are encouraged for ALL LEARNERS whether they are beginning or advanced in their level of music. See Coach for more info on lesson teachers in the area!

 Practicing:

I encourage learners to practice EVERY DAY but I understand sometimes that doesn’t happen. Please encourage practicing at home each night and I will encourage practicing using our practice goal chart at school! Please sign off on each day they practice to help them reach their goal!

Communication:

Google Classroom: Each class will have their own google classroom with assignments, goals, announcements, and recordings.

Email: Please email Coach Cormack with questions at lisacormack@nrcs.net OR message me in Class Dojo.  

Thank you for taking the time to read through and I look forward to a wonderful year making music with you at RHTA!

Sincerely,

Coach Cormack

Music Stores and Private Lessons

**Denotes places that RENT instruments

Avon School of Music

440.934.9988

https://avonschoolofmusic.org/

Baldwin Wallace University Community Music School

440.826.2365

https://bwcommunityarts.bw.edu/

Educators Music**

216.226.6166

http://www.educatorsmusic.com/

Oberlin College Community Music School

440.775.6972

https://www.oberlin.edu/community-music-school

Rettig Music**

440.808.0900

https://rettigmusic.com/locations-westlake-oh/

Skyline Music**

440.871.4140

https://www.skylinemusic.com/

Band Info:

• Supplies needed

• Instrument in good working order (percussion should have bell set and drum pad)
• 5th-6th grade: Do It! Play (Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Percussion
• 7th-8th grade Habits of a Successful Middle School Musician (Scott Rush) Yellow book for your instrument
• Constant supply of reeds (2 ½) for clarinet/saxophone, valve oil for trumpet/trombone, slide grease for trombone
• Learners may talk to Coach Cormack about instrument recommendations or go to one of the shops listed above and try out instruments. We will be offering flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, percussion, beginning piano, and guitar and electric bass this year.  

• What brand should I buy?

• If you are renting, please use one of the companies listed previously. They have quality instruments in good working condition. If you choose to purchase an instrument, please use a music company. DO NOT PURCHASE THROUGH PLACES LIKE WALMART, AMAZON, ETC. These instruments are not of good quality and make it very hard for students to learn on.

• Instruments should not be plastic or colored. They do look fun but are hard to get a good sound on.
• The school does not provide students with an instrument at this time.
• If there is a problem with the rented instrument, please contact the rental company.
• What if your learner is getting braces? No worries! It may take a little bit to adjust but the more practice the better.

5-8th grade Band/Choir Concert Schedule 2023-2024

October 6th Friday: Homecoming Marching Band 8th Grade night (8 only)

December 11th Monday 6PM : Grades 5-8 All Musicians (no beg. band)  (after school practice/pizza with concert to follow)  

December Winter Nursing home immersion: TBD during school hours

January 17th: HS Band 8th Grade Parent Meeting @ NRAC 6:30PM

February 26th Monday: Talent Show for grades 2-8 @ NRAC

March 8th Day concert for 4th grade at RHTA, Band, Choir, Pop (no 5 band)

March TBD : Night to Shine, concert for grades all musicians 7-8 @ NRAC

April 13th: Solo and Ensemble 7-8th grade soloists only, not required

May 1st Wednesday: Spring Concert @ 6 PM NRAC Cafetorium (after school practice/pizza with concert to follow)  

May 6th Monday: LIVE Webcast concert broadcast, grades 2-4 1:15PM

Spring Nursing Home immersion: TBD during school hours

Handbook Agreement Form

We have read and understand all parts of the RHTA music handbook, including concert dates.

Please fill out the google form by Friday, September 1st

https://forms.gle/NRWngUpaB4Dtv5RK7