To: General Music Students and Parents

Purpose: The purpose of this letter is to inform and communicate the policies, procedures, and expectations of the General Music class with my students and their parents.

Greeting: Welcome! Their middle school years are critical in the positive development of young adults. Music education is an essential facet of this and I am proud to be a part of your child's education experience. My main objective is to help each child be successful. the remainder of this syllabus outlines various details needed to aid in your child's success and achievement.

Expectations: The General Music curriculum provides a wide variety of music experiences and opportunities, which require extreme amount of student cooperation and participation. Students should expect this course to be challenging, exciting educational and fun. To ensure a quality educational experience and efficient use of our time together these rules have been developed and will be consistently enforced.

1. arrive promptly (within 4 minutes from your previous class) and go directly to your assigned seat.

2. raise your hand to speak

3. no gum, candy, food, etc. is permitted

4. arrive prepared for class

Materials: A pencil is required for each class A notebook such as a three ring binder, folder, or spiral bound notebook is acceptable.

Instrument and Equipment Care: Throughout the year, the students will be using bell sets, guitars, keyboards, African Drums, computers and other sensitive equipment. All equipment is either school property or personal property of a Music teacher. Students are responsible for the care of the equipment that is assigned to them. In the event of damage , they will be held liable.

Curriculum: The curriculum revolves on twelve-week cycles. Each cycle will include history/theory, guitar, and keyboard instrument. Various styles of music and musical elements are approached through each of these areas.

Grading: Students will have written quizzes and tests, and a final exam on all information presented. Students may use their own notebook for a set time limit on the final exam. Performance tests will be given on all instruments and composition assignments. If a test score is low, I may request the students to have the test signed by a parent and returned to me. Seldom is homework given. A strong emphasis is places upon in-class work, participation and achievement.

Communication: As needed, I will contact you through the use of letters, phone calls interims, and grades. Please feel free to contact me at Marshall Middle School (724) 934-6060 or Carson Middle School (412) 369-5520 in the event of a question or concern, or send a note with your child. I will promptly return your phone call or respond to your letter.

Please sign and return the bottom portion of this syllabus verifying that you have read this syllabus and discussed it with your child. Keep the top portion for your records.

Sincerely,

Ms. Bauer

Marshall Middle School

Carson Middle School

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I have read the General Music syllabus and discussed the content with my child.