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August, 2015
Dear Parents,
The Lincoln Junior High music performance faculty welcomes you and your child to an exciting and
challenging year. The following will explain the policies of the Music Department and we ask for
your assistance in implementing them.
The main objectives of the music program are to encourage musical growth and provide a lifelong
creative outlet for our students. Students and teachers must work together toward the common
artistic goal of continually striving to achieve high standards. These can only be met with the utmost
cooperation among students, teachers, and parents. Therefore, we ask you to please read the
following information very carefully.
REHEARSALS AND LESSONS
Music rehearsals are held 3 times per week on a rotating schedule. When not in a
performance music class, students attend supervised study.

Link to weekly
schedule

In addition to the large group rehearsal, every band and orchestra student is to attend a small
group lesson that meets once a week, on a rotating basis during regularly scheduled class
periods. Chorus students attend a small sectional rehearsal during their chorus period.
Students are responsible for all assignments incurred in academic classes during their lesson time.
Work must be turned in to those teachers concurrent with their policies. If a student must miss a
lesson due to a major test in another class, the student must schedule a makeup lesson prior to the
missed lesson. The music performance course grade will be affected when the student has an
unexcused absence from a lesson. Please discuss any extenuating circumstances with the director.
PARTICIPATION IN PERFORMING ORGANIZATIONS
Students enrolled in Band, Orchestra, and Chorus have made a voluntary commitment to a
performing organization thus signifying special musical interest and motivation. It also means
acceptance of the responsibility to support the performance team by recognizing and fulfilling these
conditions:

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3.
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5.

Band, orchestra, and chorus are full year academic classes.

Once enrolled, all performance music courses are a full year commitment.
Students and/or parents should address all questions regarding participation
or attendance to their respective director.
Qualified students who wish to join performance classes during the school
year may do so with the approval of the director.
Students are responsible for the folder and music issued to them. Students
must pay a replacement fee of $5 for each piece of lost or damaged music.

GRADES- Evaluation is based upon:

The students ability to play his/her instrument, their group lesson progress and
lesson/rehearsal/concert attendance as well as participation and contributions to the group,
the quality of the students commitment to the success of the performing organization, dedication
to the achievement of organizational goals, lesson attendance in band, orchestra and chorus, and
the students attitude, behavior and sense of responsibility.

Link to
grade portal

PERFORMANCES Performance is an important part of the students musical education. It is a

chance for them to show what they have learned in class, and provides an opportunity for the
students to demonstrate musical growth and talent.
Participation in all performances is required of every student enrolled in a music performance
class. If, due to extenuating circumstances, a student is to be absent from a performance, the
director must be notified by the parents a minimum of two weeks in advance; absences are
excused at the discretion of the director. Absence from a concert, festival or solo/ensemble
contest without a prior excuse approved by the director will result in the lowering of the students
grade by one letter grade. If an emergency occurs on the day of performance, parents must call or
email the director personally.
CONCERT DRESS It is important that we look professional. All students are expected to
wear BLACK dress pants, the LJHS music shirt, and black dress shoes and black socks. Skirts,
shorts, and gym shoes are not considered appropriate. Everyone is expected to wear the proper
concert attire. Please make sure that shirts are pressed and tucked in, regardless of style/type of
pants. Department shirts will be available soon, and will cost approximately $12.
The Lincoln music faculty is very pleased that your child is participating in one or more of the LJHS
music performance classes. We know that the policies we have outlined will enable the music
program to run smoothly.
Your support and cooperation is greatly appreciated!
Sincerely,

Patrick Gaskin
Principal
630.420.6370

Jeff Kleinmaier
Band
630.420.6817

Brad Frendewey
Band
630.848.5315

Rita Feuerborn
Orchestra
630.548.4411

Ross Berkley
Chorus
630.983.2215

Performance
Calendar