Handbook

Cactus High School Music Classes 2017-2018

Where words fail,

Music speaks.
Dear Parent/Guardian:

Thank you for allowing me the privilege of teaching your

child this semester. I do hope that your child takes an
interest in guitar or piano and strives to be the best
musician that they can be. I am excited to be working with
your students, growing with them, learning with them and
to meet you and work with you this semester to make your
childs high school experience the greatest it can be.

Please thoroughly read this document with your child so

that you fully understand all that needs to be understood
when taking this course, sign it and have your child bring it
back at your earliest convenience. Once again, I look
forward to meeting you and if there are any questions or
concerns, please dont hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Andrew Heidorn
Director of Choral Activities

Contact Information:

Andrew Heidorn
aheidorn@cactus.net
(602) 686-2349

www.cactushighschoolmusicprograms.com
 Curricular Programs:
Intro to Guitar: This is a non-auditioned beginning guitar
ensemble available for any student. The classs main focus
is on building basic musical skills through learning music
theory and sight-reading, while learning/playing beginning
music to develop the beginning guitar players
fundamentals. This group of students will perform two
times a year of which all performances are required.

Intermediate Guitar: This course may be taken after a

student has taken intro to guitar, or if a student auditions
and shows competency in basic fundamental guitar
technique. This group of students will have had music
experience prior to being in this ensemble and will focus
on improving tone production more intermediate skills and strengthening their knowledge of
music theory. This group will perform four times a year of which all performances are required.

Beginning Piano Lab: This course is a non-audition beginning piano class for any student. This
class focuses on building musical skills through the learning of basic music theory, sight reading
and playing beginning piano music to develop finger strength and fundamentals. This group of
students will perform at least two times a year of which all major performances are required.

Intermediate Piano Lab: This course may be taken after a student has taken Beginning Piano
Lab, or if a student auditions with the music teacher and shows competency in basic fundamental
piano technique. These students will continue to hone their music theory skills and use them to
continue progressing at sight reading and playing more intermediate piano music. This group of
students will perform at least four times a year of which all major performances are required.

Piano Performance: This course is for advanced

piano players and may be taken after auditioned and
chosen for the course. This class focuses on building
on the students music theory knowledge while
preparing the students for success in piano
performance. This group of students plays advanced
repertoire and participate in various advanced sight-
reading exercises. This group of students will perform
at least four times a year of which all major
performances are required.
 Our Statement:
The Cactus High School performing ensembles provide a safe environment where students may
come to class and enjoy a time where they can create beautiful and meaningful music. The study
and practice of musical performance is beneficial for building confidence and is a fun and
exciting way to learn about our oldest art form. Participating in these arts programs and
performing in the recital/concerts helps build social skills, collaboration skills, builds confidence,
increases student drive and opens a new musical world to students.

Co-Curricular Opportunities:
Guitar Foundation of America Convention and Competition: Students will have the opportunity
to audition for the Guitar Foundation of America Convention and Competition held in Fullerton
California this year. Those who dont earn a spot in the competition have the opportunity to
attend and learn by watching performances and participating in guitar workshops to help hone
their skills as guitarists. This opportunity is available for Intermediate Guitar students.

Classroom Expectations and Procedures:

(Remember the 5 Ps)
1. Students will come prepared to each class session.
2. Students will practice good behavior.
3. Students will pay attention to the music teacher at all times.
4. Students will put their hand in the air if questions need be asked.
5. Students will produce professional quality music.

Classroom Management:
1. All CHS school rules must be followed at all times whether in the classroom or on trips.
2. The CHS guitar/piano ensembles classroom expectations and procedures are also to be
followed in addition to CHS school rules.
3. If an infraction occurs, the student will be written up.
4. Depending on each write up, and on a case by case basis, based on the decision of the
director, once a student receives three write ups, they are placed on probation.
5. If a student is placed on probation, the student will not be able to participate in the
following concert.
6. Two probations will call for the student to receive a failing grade and expulsion from the
course.
 Grading Policies:
Attendance and Participation (40% of grade)
This includes showing up to every class session and making sure to let the director know at least
24 hours in advance of an absence. Failing to let the director know of an absence will result in a
loss of participation points for the day. Students must always be attentive and focused during
class time by asking questions, making comments and being involved in the class.

Assessments and Projects (50% of grade)

This portion of your grade includes class projects given through out the year, listening
assignments, observation reports, reflections and tests. This also includes attending guitar and
piano recitals as well as choir, band and orchestra concerts. All concerts/recitals are mandatory
and are only excused in extreme cases (death in the family, serious injury, etc.). Failing to attend
a concert without proper notice will result in a grade of zero for the concert. If a student fails to
attend a concert, they will still be able to receive a passing grade through other assignments and
participation points.

Final Assessment (10% of grade)

This is the final exam that will be taken at the end of each term and will cover course work over
the entire year and a performance of a piece of repertoire of the students choice (with teachers
approval).

Grade Scale:

Attendance and Participation 40% of grade

Assessments and Projects 50% of grade
Final Assessment 10% of grade
Total = 100%

Important Dates:
Friday October 13th Mandatory Dress Rehearsal
Saturday October 14th Fall Piano/Guitar Recital

Friday December 15th Mandatory Dress Rehearsal

Saturday December 16th Winter Piano/Guitar Concert

Friday February 23th Mandatory Dress Rehearsal

Saturday February 24st Spring Piano/Guitar Recital

Friday April 27th Mandatory Dress Rehearsal

Saturday April 28th Summer Piano/Guitar Concert
 Performance Attire:
Intro to Guitar: All students will need white dress shirts with black slacks, black socks and
black shoes. Shoes must be black, closed toes, and if wearing heels, under 2 heels. Black belts
are required as well as a white undershirt. Shirts with designs on them that can be seen through
the white shirt are not acceptable for performance attire.

Intermediate Guitar: All students will need black dress shirts, black slacks, black shoes, black
belts and black socks. Shoes must be black, closed toes, and if wearing heels, under 2 heels.

Beginning Piano Lab: All students will need white dress shirts with black slacks, black socks
and black shoes. Shoes must be black, closed toes, and if wearing heels, under 2 heels. Black
belts are required as well as a white undershirt. Shirts with designs on them that can be seen
through the white shirt are not acceptable for performance attire.

Intermediate Piano Lab: All students will need black dress shirts, black slacks, black shoes,
black belts and black socks. Shoes must be black, closed toes, and if wearing heels, under 2
heels.

Performance Piano: Men may wear a tuxedo or a suit of their choosing for their performance,
and Women may wear any dress that falls below the knees with high heels that are shorter than 2
inches. Shoes must be black, closed toes, and if wearing heels, under 2 heels.

v All fees will be handled at the time we order uniforms; there will be fundraising
opportunities for those who would like to raise the money to buy their uniforms.

Materials Needed:
Music Folder
Course Required Textbook/Workbook
Pencil
Guitar/Keyboard (to practice at home)
Name of Student:_______________________________________________________________

Name of Parent/Guardian:________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Phone Number:___________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian email:___________________________________________________________

We have read the CHS music programs handbook and understand all the information that has
been listed and agree to abide by what is written in this document.

Date
Signature of Parent/Guardian

Signature of Student Date