A Letter from Mr. HammerbacherAugust, 2017
Dear Parents, I would like to welcome you and your child back to St. Gregory the Great School. As in all subjects there are multiple components to your child's music grade: Tone Chime note reading and playing Grades3-8), rhythm exercises, singing and behavior. TONE CHIMES. The school has purchased Tone Chime books which teach reading and playing music notation. This knowledge enables students to play songs. Writing in the books is only to be done in pencil, and drawings and other doodling are not allowed. Please advise your child to follow these directions. Points differ according to the number of exercises on a page. RHYTHM. Rhythm exercises involve using hand balls to toss, sticks to tap, dance steps, rhythm instruments all done to a rhythmic pulse (beat). Points are performance based having varying values. SINGING. Singing grades are based solely on participation. I will announce to the class that this is a singing session and that they will be graded on participation. Since I memorize most of the lyrics, I am able to look about the room to see who is participating. Each singing session is worth 20 points toward the music grade. If a student is not participating or singing out, he/she will be of the need to participate. Further reminders will result in point deductions. Points received will be based on how much a student participates. The grade is not based on who sings the best but on a child's full and active participation. This is the portion of music class where points are the easiest to accumulate by simply participating or may be easily lost due to low or non-participation. PLEASE discuss this critical grade component with your child. BEHAVIOR. Behavior is 25% of the grade. There is a total of 4 points per week. For those in classes that meet twice a week, 2 points are awarded per class. A student is given ONE WARNING and then points begin to be deducted. THERE ARE NO EASY "A'S"!! If your child desires a good grade he/she will have to work for it. The most important things your child can do to be successful and achieve a good grade is to be a good listener, follow directions, and stay on task. Because there are times when only some students play, other students must be respectful by listening, and behaving like a good audience. If your child is disruptive in any manner I will notify you and trust that you will discuss this with your child. Music is fun but like all life lessons, it is work! Thank you, Mr. Hammerbacher |