March 11th, 2013 Dear Parents and Students, Welcome to another year at Cedar Creek Middle School.

I am so excited about this school year and look forward to share many wonderful experiences with you that will be afforded to us throughout the school year. Students, I encourage you to plan out your schedules and become involved not just in our fine arts department but also at Cedar Creek Middle School. These opportunities are once in a lifetime chances. The goal of the Cedar Creek Fine Arts Department is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for students to understand and present music. Parents, I encourage you also to become as active as you can in your students music education. We will give many performances this year that you are free to attend and observe what your student is working on in the classroom. Also, I encourage you to become an active fine arts booster. Without the involvement of parents, we cannot fund and participate in many exciting events, trips and activities. Please read through this handbook and return the necessary documents no later than March 13th, 2013. This handbook will answer many of the questions you may have regarding grades, participation, concerts etc If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kheshtinejg@gmail.com or my assistant mclaughlink@gmail.com for the quickest reply. I look forward to the 2013-2014 school year at Cedar Creek Middle School and to continuing the traditions we have come to love. Best wished to all. GO WILDCATS! Sincerely,

Garrett Kheshtinejad

This Fine Arts Department handbook is compiled of information regarding the various phases and activities in the orchestra, band, and choral department. It contains the policies, procedures, and expectations of the department. All members and parents are urged to read this handbook in its entirety in order to gain clarification on anything that you do not understand. This will help the organization run smoothly and efficiently. CCMS Choral Department Mixed Concert Choir -The Mixed Concert Choir is a non- auditioned group comprised of 6th-8th graders who are experiencing membership in a choir for the first time and have a need of improving in the areas of sight reading skills and rehearsing. Outside rehearsals may be required in order for this group to be prepared for performances. This group meets during 4th period. A Cappella Choir -The A Cappella Choir is an auditioned choir comprised of 6th-8th grade students who have had previous experience singing in an ensemble. Expectations include ability to sight- read simple melodies as well as an outstanding academic success. This group will perform a variety of music and will explore advanced repertoire for performances in all style periods. Outside weekly rehearsals will be required to prepare for performances. This choir only has 25 available spots and meets after school 3:30- 5:30. CCMS Band Department Concert Band -The Concert Band is a non-auditioned ensemble open to 6th-8th grade students who have not had much experience in a band or are just learning how to play an instrument. Also this group is comprised of those in need of developing and improving their playing and musicianship skills. Outside weekly rehearsals will be required for your student to get acquainted with their choice of instrument and to prepare for performances. This group meets during 4th period Wind Ensemble -The Wind Ensemble is an auditioned choir comprised of 6th-8th graders through with previous playing experience, a high level of adaptability, and a good academic standing. These students must also exhibit an excitement for their instrument and

be able to play it efficiently. Outside weekly rehearsals will be required for the group to adequately prepare for performances. This ensemble meets after school from 3:30 to 5:30 on Mondays.

CCMS Orchestra Department

String Ensemble -The String Ensemble is a non-auditioned orchestra comprised of 6th-8th graders who have no previous experience being in a string ensemble. These students will learn proper playing technique and improve their skills in playing their string instruments with others. Outside weekly rehearsals will be required in order to adequately prepare for performances. During the school day however this ensemble meets during 4th period. Chamber Ensemble -This Chamber Ensemble is an auditioned choir comprised of 6th-8th graders who have had past experience in playing in a string ensemble, exhibit a passion for playing, and have a high academic standing. These students must also have the motivation to the department and its overall success. Previous sight-reading experience is necessary. Outside week rehearsals will be required in order to adequately prepare for performances. This ensemble meets once a week on Mondays from 3:30-5:30. Traveling Students in an auditioned ensemble take annual tours, which will be discussed fully at a few parent meetings in the fall. This is primarily up to the discretion of the director. Practicing All students are expected and encouraged to practice outside of their respected department on a daily basis if they wish to succeed in the ensemble. CCMS GRADING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Daily Participation/Rehearsals/ Music Analysis/Performance Grade/ Sight reading Skills Musicianship Points (All Grades are based upon a 100-point scale) 50% 50%

Daily Participation Grades are based on the individuals participation during classroom rehearsals, which may be during and or after school rehearsals. Points will not be given on days that the student is absent. Non-participation includes but is not limited to the following: talking during rehearsals, sleeping, doing work from another class, not paying attention, and anything else that hinders the rehearsals productivity. Absolutely no food, candy, or any beverage other than bottled water will be allowed Any student who chooses not to adhere to these policies will forfeit daily participation points, which will affect the overall grade of the student. It is the students responsibility to inform his or her director of an illness at the beginning of class. Failure to do this could result in lose of participation.

Performance Grades are based on the students participation in a scheduled festival, musical and or performance. All the classes in the fine arts department are a performance-based class; therefore, it is required to attend all concerts and festivals Attendance Policy -There will no excused absences for missed performances or after school rehearsals. - A student is allowed to two excused or unexcused absences without grade deduction on regular class days. Two tardies result in one unexcused absence. -It is up to the discretion of the directors if a student arrives late to a performance as to whether he or she can perform. Additional Guidelines and Eligibility Please be advised that non- passing grades received in this or any other class can keep a student from participating in performances/ contests/ festivals. It is extremely important for you to a keep a 70% passing all subjects. Students who fail any single class will automatically become ineligible seven days after the last day of the six weeks in which they failed. Students may become eligible again if passing all class at the three-week mark in the following six weeks. Feel free to look into this matter further at ccms.edu/eligibility Grade checks will be given for your student to fill our periodically in order for myself as well as the other directors to view their progress. You will discover that most teachers are willing to go above and beyond to see that you pass your classes.

Please do not wait until the last minute to fill these out for this will results in grade deduction. Please do not wait until you have a failing grade to begin to show some kind of concern. Added Performances and Conflicts A schedule of this years performances is posted on our website. We have tried to get as many dates as possible to you early. However, sometimes, especially during the holiday season, there will be performance opportunities that arise. Announcement will be made prior to students of at least two weeks in advance. It is then their responsibility to inform their parents. If any conflicts present themselves individual, the directors need to receive a notice in writing within two days after the date has been announced. Participation in More than one Ensemble A student is allowed to participate in one ensemble. It is possible for a student to be in a non-auditioned choir and an auditioned band vice versa depending on their individual skills. Fees How much does it cost to be in these groups? Each ensemble has a fee of $50.00. This includes purchasing of music, uniforms and a composite picture for the year. This also includes refreshments at certain events. These fees are due the third week of school. There is numerous fundraiser opportunities for your student to raise the money if need be. Contacting the Directors If you have any suggestions feel free to call the office phone number as well as email any of the directors. Your childrens safety and well being is our primary concern over anything else. The fine arts department telephone number is 972-4562321.