Music Enrichment Program
INTRODUCTION
The CISD Music Enrichment Program (MEP) offers opportunities for students to receive supplemental instruction from a specialist with extensive knowledge of their specific instrument. An emphasis is placed on nurturing the independent thinking and individual performance skills critical to the development of maturing musicians. The focus of instruction is based on acquiring refined levels of technical proficiency and sight-reading in tandem with the attainment of advanced performance techniques and musical interpretation.
The band staff is often asked by parents whether participation in the Music Enrichment Program is appropriate for their child and the answer is a resounding “YES!” You should think of our MEP instructors like “personal trainers.” People visit personal trainers for several reasons: to improve their overall health, to build upon on strengths, to focus on weaknesses in need of improvement, and to maintain wellness with a specialist. MEP instructors can do the same in assisting your child. They serve to improve students’ overall musical skills, foster their strengths, identify and improve upon weaknesses, and provide continuous, student-specific support. In other words, ALL STUDENTS will benefit from participation in the MEP.
The importance of the music enrichment program cannot be overstated. While participation is not required, it is strongly encouraged. The time each week that your child would spend with a specialist on his/her instrument is infinitely more important than the 4 hours the student spends with a band director during class!
SCHEDULE AND LOCATION
It is recommended that students receive one lesson per week. Lessons will be scheduled before or after school or during the student’s band class time on the student’s home campus. It is sometimes possible for instructors to coordinate with the band staff to arrange an altered band class and lunch schedule that would allow the student a lesson time during their lunch period.
The student will inform their instructor of all performance and rehearsal requirements for the band, which would result in any interruption of lessons. In some cases, before or after school lessons will be scheduled at Cleburne High School.
ATTENDANCE
Students are expected to make every effort to attend each lesson, and are not to miss school or schedule medical, dental, or other similar appointments on lesson days. Excused absences will be defined as a medical emergency, significant illness, or death in the family. Unexcused absences will be defined as medical appointments, work, oversleeping, or family travel. To avoid any complications, please give MEP Instructors at least 24-hours notice if the student is unable to attend a scheduled lesson. Notification of a student absence less than 24 hours before the lesson or no notification at all will result in an unexcused absence. Excused absences will be rescheduled or credit will be applied towards future lessons. Unexcused absences will not be refunded.
The Cleburne ISD MEP Instructors are expected to maintain a consistent teaching schedule. In the event of an instructor’s absence, lessons will be rescheduled or credit will be applied towards future lessons. Students, parents, and band staff will receive at least 24-hours notice of an anticipated absence. Notification of an emergency absence will be communicated to students, parents, and band staff as early as possible.
PAYMENT
The CISD Music Enrichment Program rate is $17 per lesson. A lesson is defined as half of the student’s band class or, if scheduled before or after school, 30-minutes time. In some instances, 1-hour lessons may be scheduled, for which the instructor will determine an appropriate fee. Cash or checks made payable to the instructor will be accepted.
Please keep in mind that each of our MEP instructors account for the income of lesson payments when establishing their monthly budgets. As such, it is required that the monthly fee be paid in full at the first lesson of the month unless otherwise specified by the instructor. The number of lessons in each month varies, so please coordinate payments with your private instructor. No lessons will be given if payment is not made in advance.
BEGINNING BAND “BUDDY LESSONS”
Beginning band students in the Smith MS and Wheat MS band programs are eligible to participate in the “buddy lesson” program. Buddy lessons are intended to encourage young students to participate in the music enrichment program in pairs. The rate for a buddy lesson is $10 per student per lesson, to be paid monthly at the first lesson of month.
SCHOLARSHIPS
The CISD band staff works to make these available to any student wishing to enroll in the MEP. In some cases, partial scholarships are available for students in need. Please contact your band director for more information.
ENROLLMENT
Although strongly recommended, participation in the Music Enrichment Program is strictly optional. Students who do not participate in the MEP will not be penalized in grading, chair placement, or band placement.
To enroll in the MEP, complete the attached form and turn it in to your band director ASAP. Lesson schedules are determined in part on a first come, first served basis. It is expected that, once enrolled, students continue to participate in the MEP through the end of the school year. Termination of lessons by student, private instructor, or band director will be in writing to all three parties.
QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS
Questions regarding the assignment of a private instructor should be directed to the band director. Questions concerning the lesson schedule, number of lessons, or payment should be directed to the private instructor.
For information regarding the CISD Band Music Enrichment Program, please contact Brock Feller, MEP Coordinator and CHS Associate Band Director.
Office: 817.202.1229
E-mail: [email protected]
Superior Standards ~ Superior Success
