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Music
Music
Austin
High School
Songwriting Handbook
2017-2018
TR Forrest
Director of Choirs
Austin High School
1715 W. Cesar Chavez
Austin, Texas 78703
(512) 414-7374
tr.forrest@austinisd.org
Monday, August 21, 2017
Welcome! You and your musician are a member of the Stephen F. Austin High School Music
musical experiences designed to promote the continuous growth of students in musical understanding,
skills, and knowledge so that they can discover, understand, enjoy, and create music as art and as a
Please read the handbook and agreement form. My conference hour is 1st period on “A” days
and 7th period on “B” days. If you have any questions or would like to discuss any ideas for the
Respectfully,
TR Forrest
T.R. Forrest
Music Theory/Songwriting Department
Songwriting Objective: Use Music theory use create a unique, finished, quality piece of
music.
3. ILLNESS All students are expected to be at rehearsals and sectionals if in class. If you are ill, you are
expected to participate.
4. LECTURES There will be no days off or free time in Composition. We have much to cover and practice
and/or have class bell to bell every day. Please plan accordingly.
5. DISCIPLINE--The Golden 10 Every student should come to class prepared with prepared assignment,
homework, folder, pencil, and manuscript paper.
6. GUM, candy, food, or drinks are not allowed during rehearsal. H2O with a bottle-cap is allowed.
7. Interruptions during class must be kept to a minimum. The Director determines when and where
interruptions can occur. As always, you may raise your hand periodically to ask questions.
8. The choir room has a variety of expensive equipment. All facilities, especially pianos, should only be used
with director’s approval.
9. Student’s belongings should not be left in the Theory room for any reason. Items left in the Theory room
will be taken to the 1st floor lost and found office each Friday.
10. The Theory room is immediately across from a water fountain and both restrooms. It is requested that these
things be taken care of during passing periods.
11. Inappropriate behavior such as excessive talking, disrespect, gossip, rude gestures or language, or any
behavior determined inappropriate by the director will result in the below consequences--swiftly and
immediately.
12. CONSEQUENCES--The Ugly 5 All will be documented. 1st Step--verbal warning. 2nd Step--verbal
th
warning 3rd—Teacher/Student Conference 4 Parent Contact 5th--Administrative Referral --
No exceptions
13. ASSIGNMENTS There will be a minimum of two daily grades per week. Scheduled tests are announced and
are usually on Thursday or Friday. Various pop quizzes may be given to ensure students keep up.
14. If an assignment is missed due to an absence, the student is responsible for making up the work within 3 school
days. Make-up work must be completed individually during FIT or after school—not during class.
15. LATE ASSIGNMENTS Late work or projects will lose 10 points for each school day that the assignment is
late. Late work is considered late if the assignment has been collected by the teacher and placed in the Music
Theory box.
16. SEATING Students will be assigned seating. Unfortunately, special requests cannot be honored.
17. TUTORING The Director is available before school, during lunch, FIT and after school by appointment
18. THEORY NOTEBOOK You must keep a binder with all notes in it for reference. The notebook will have the
first divider for notes, second for hand outs and third for quizzes and tests. You may NOT use a binder for
another class but you must have all five sections listed. Notebooks will be graded once a six weeks. You may
store them in the orange cabinet but you are responsible for your own folder.
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Student Signature Date
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Student Signature Date