COURSE OVERVIEW
 Instrumental music instruction is offered one period each day at Blach School.  The instructional period is divided into two parts:
  1.  Technical instruction--40% of total time.  We work on scales, theory, exercises, and etudes.
  2.  Sight reading or concert preparation--60% of total time.  We use concert selections of increasing difficulty as the year progresses utilizing differing styles and forms.

GOALS
  -to increase the students technical musical knowledge
 -to become more proficient on his/her instrument
 -to work together as a team
 -to prepare the students for high school music
 -to perform concerts

CONCERT DRESS
 Students are expected to dress for concerts in the following manner;  Black dress slacks, Black shoes and socks.  Girls may wear black skirts kneelength or longer.  Blach music shirt with LOGO to be ordered.

HOME PRACTICE
 Although students are practicing a period each day at school, they also need to practice at home.  It helps for parents to encourage them.  Ask daily, "Is your homework and practicing done?"  Weekly records of practice time will be kept at school and will be used for partial grades.  These practice slips will be collected on Mondays and need parent's signature to verify the times. 120 total minutes per week will earn a 100% for practice time that week.

CONCERT and REHEARSAL ATTENDANCE
 Attendance at all rehearsals and concerts from start to finish is an expectation of this class.  The students are graded on their concert skills as a performer and as an audience member.  To be excused from a rehearsal or  performance, the parent must call Mrs. McNulty  or send an email at least two weeks in advance.    Since the concerts are our large test grade for each quarter, if a student misses a performance, he/she will be expected to make up for the missed work.  This work will be determined by the students and Mrs. McNulty.

GRADING PROCEDURE:   Grades are determined by the following criteria:
1.  1/3 Practice card. It is very important the students understand that practice time is necessary in order to improve on your instrument.  This is why so much weight is given to practice time.  Students must turn in their weekly practice time with a parent signature every Monday
2.   1/3 Tests and Concerts.  Playing tests,  written tests,  workpages and written assignments,will comprise one third of the grade.  A missed performance without being excused ahead of time will result in a 0% for that performance.  Please do not send notes.  Emergencies are excepted.  Any unacceptable behavior at a concert will affect the student's grade for the performance.
3.  1/3  Music attitude and dedication.Teacher's observation of student's effort and  behavior during daily rehearsal and concerts is a large portion of the final grade. Attendance at any extra rehearsals is also included in this portion of your grade.  Unexcused absences from extra rehearsals will bring the grade down.
 
 
 

 QUESTIONS OR CONFERENCE  Call or email Mrs. McNulty at home or school.
  (650) 964-0507h,  (650) 934-3850s,  (650) 245-6378 cell,  email: ScooterMcN@aol.com