Expectations of Caley String Students

Welcome to the Caley string program! I am excited to work with each of you to learn how to play your string instrument. Listed below are some expectations for string students. Please read each section with your child, and then sign, date, and return to Mrs. Kalsky at the first lesson. This information will also be available on my website on

LESSONS:

  1. Each student enrolled in the string program will receive one thirty-minute group lesson.

Students need to arrive promptly at their assigned lesson time with all materials: instrument, music, signed practice record, and pencil.

  1. To attend each lesson, students must have practiced (see below for details) and have a parent signature. Students cannot miss their academic subjects if they have not practiced or are not prepared for class.
  2. If a student is unable to attend a lesson due to absence or being unprepared, it is their responsibilityto come to the music room at the end of the day or the next morning to get their assignment.
  1. If a student is unprepared or cannot proficiently perform assignments over a three-week period, the principal will meet with the student to determine his/hereligibility to continue lessons.
  2. Unprepared- not bringing their instrument, not coming to class, not practicing, or coming with an incomplete practice record.
  3. Forgetting an instrument/music:
  4. Calls home may be made first thing in the morning at the main office.

PRACTICING:

  1. Students are expected to practice their instrument at home for at least 100 minutes a week in order to master the assignment.
  2. Some students may need to practice more than 100 minutes a week to achieve mastery.
  3. Students may practice 4 times a week for 25 minutes each practice, or 5 times a week for 20 minutes each practice.
  4. Students at this age and ability should not practice longer than 25 minutes.
  5. Each time the student practices, he/she will record the date of the practice on the practice record and then ask their parent to sign their practice record.
  6. It is the student’s responsibility to bring their practice record to their parent to have it signed.

SAMPLE PRACTICE RECORD

Homework:
1. pg. 4 #6-9
2.pg. 5 #11
3.complete worksheet
4. / Days Practiced:
1.9/3 - 20
2.9/4 - 20
3.9/6 - 20
4.9/7 - 20
5.9/8 - 20 / Parent’s signature:
Patty Parentus / Parent Comments:
Susie is having trouble putting
Her fingers on the tape. / Teacher Comments:
We worked on this today. Practice fingering the exercises before plucking or bowing,

STRING ENSEMBLE:

String ensemble is when students from different lesson groups, grades, and ability levels meet to practice together and learn the skills needed to play in a group. String ensemble meets once a week for forty minutes, during the school day.

Requirements to join Ensemble:

Students can identify, pluck, and bow all notes on the G, D, and A strings.

Proficiently perform all exercises in their lesson book up to page 21.

Proficiently perform two ensemble pieces.

  1. Once students have met these criteria, a letter will be sent home inviting them to join.
  2. Once a student joins, they are expected to attend each practice prepared.
  3. If students do not meet the criteria, they will not be invited to ensemble; however they can still continue taking lessons.
  4. Ensemble is not mandatory, however students must attend ensemble to perform in the concert.

We have read, understand, and agree with all the expectations involved in participation of the Caley string program.

Parent’s signature ______Date ______

Student’s signature ______Date ______