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Secondary Ensemble Handbook
Secondary Ensemble Handbook
Dear Parent/Guardian:
Sincerely,
Andrew Heidorn
Director of Choral Activities
Contact Information:
Andrew Heidorn
heidorn.andrew@gmail.com
(602) 686-2349
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. These groups of students are required to
perform two times during the year.
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. These groups of
students are required to perform two times during the year.
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 continue to hone their music theory skills and use them to
continue progressing at sight reading and playing more intermediate piano music. These groups
of students are required to perform two times during the year.
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. These groups of students plays
advanced repertoire and participate in various
advanced sight-reading exercises. This group of
students is required to perform two times during the
year.
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 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.
Grade Scale:
Important Dates:
Friday October 13th Mandatory Dress Rehearsal
Saturday October 14th Fall Piano/Guitar Recital
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 chose to wear all black formal wear; if wearing a dress, the dress must have
sleeves and fall below the knees. Shoes must be black, closed toes, and if wearing heels, under
2 heels.
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 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