Updated March 5, 2009

General Information

Required practice: 2 hours per week.

Practice Slips are the weekly homework assignment and are graded at one point per minute practiced. This means that students who do not turn in their practice slips will find their grade suffering.

Practice sheets are handed out on Fridays and include items to work on as well as upcoming events. Extra copies are on the wall near the folder slots and on the website. In the absence of an available practice sheet, please use binder paper clearly marked with your name and ensemble. Practice sheets are due the following Friday. Parent signature is required.

Should a student practice a week that a practice sheet is NOT due (which will be announced by the teacher), that time will count as extra credit if it is turned in properly.  Consider utilizing time during vacation weeks.

Band Uniforms and Supplies:
Members of the music department are expected to dress according to the requirements of their ensemble. Neckties, vests and matching bowtie are assigned by the music department. It is the student's responsibility to return these items at the end of the year or provide compensation for lost items (vests: $40.00, ties: $25.00)

During performances, especially festivals, musicians are judged on their presentation (looks) as well as their music. Uniforms must be clean and wrinkle-free for each performance. Hair should be kept neat and simple, makeup and jewelry to a minimum. No perfume.

Informal Attire (Band, Choir, Chaperones):
This consists of the official Ida Price Music Department T-shirt, pants or shorts (school dress code regulation length) and tennis shoes. The informal attire is worn during spirit rallies and non-formal performances, and for special off-site

events (Disneyland, Great America, etc.). The T-shirt is sold through the music department and is available in all sizes. Extras may always be ordered for family members and replacements. Mrs. Lorigan or Mrs.Norman will let you know when informal attire is appropriate.

Formal Uniforms:
Band or choir members wear the formal uniform when they perform for public functions during non-school hours. Be sure to check your group in case there are changes from the previous year.

In all cases, should a student have financial issues in securing their uniform, they should contact Mrs. Norman as early in the school year as possible so that arrangements can be made.

Performance Etiquette:
During a performance, the audience views members of the music department at all times, whether playing or waiting. Professional behavior is expected.

No parent wants to be distracted from watching his or her child in performance. Make sure you are never the cause of distraction. It is a pet peeve among most adults.

• Use the restroom before the performance.
• No getting up or wandering during the concert.
• No talking to your neighbor.
• If you are not performing, remain seated, giving full attention to those who are currently performing.
• The last thing you want is for everyone to be looking at you instead of those performing.
• Remember that you are a representative of your school, your music group and your family. Behave accordingly.
• Never, ever, ever look as though you are making fun of another group. It is the absolute worst of bad manners.

Audience Etiquette:

• Please turn off cell phones and beepers during performances. This is disturbing to both audience members and musicians.
• Please keep any young children with you. Do not allow them to wander.
• Be aware of those around you. Screaming, and yelling to individual performers is inappropriate and disruptive.
• We ask that you stay for the entire performance. Our musicians have put in so many hours of practice, and they deserve an audience to play to.
• If you must leave, please wait for an appropriate time, such as when groups are changing.