This section is designed to give you help with any questions you may have about homework, policies, handing in money, what to do when you miss a class, google classroom, etc. 

 

 

WHAT DO I DO IF I MISS CLASS?
First of all, make sure someone has called the absence to excuse your absence. This is very important. Next, check the board (ESDH) or the table (GBJH) to see if you missed any music/handouts while you were away. Finally, come see me (outside of class hours, class time is too busy) and we will go over anything you missed and I will set new due dates for you. 

A note: This is the procedure for an excused absence. If you have an unexcused absence, you have missed the chance to complete the work assigned the day you were absent. 

 

CAN I EARN EXTRA CREDIT? 

No, extra credit is not something that is offered. There are plenty of opportunities to meet curriculum outcomes (and I will often give you another chance to learn something, since practice leads to mastery.) I can offer you alternative assignments if you were excused for a portion of our class and missed a chance for assessment. 

CAN I PRACTICE FOR AN HOUR INSTEAD OF PRACTICING FOR 20 MINUTES A DAY? 
You *can* practice in one chunk, but smaller chunks of time are better for your development. Playing an instrument is a very delicate balance of skill and muscle memory. The more chance your body has to remember a pattern, a fingering, a breath, the better chance you have in improving. 

WHEN ARE YOU FREE FOR EXTRA HELP? 

I am usually travelling from ESDH to GBJH (or vice versa) during my lunch hour, which makes extra help difficult over lunch. I am available before and afterschool for extra-help and will try my absolute best to find a time that will work for both of us! Come see me and we can chat about what will work. 

 

WHY DO WE HAVE TO WEAR UNIFORMS? 

Wearing a uniform creates a unified team, and allows us to focus on the music. If we look polished and professional, then we are one step closer to having a polished and professional performance. 

 

WHAT ARE SOME OTHER ITEMS THAT COULD HELP ME IN MUSIC? 
An instrument in good, working condition is the most important thing! Next to that, the following items will help you: 

  • A music stand at home to practice (all grades) Ms. Penwell is able to order you one for $20.00. 
  • A tuner https://www.long-mcquade.com/7419/Guitars/Accessories/Korg/CA-1_-_Chromatic_Tuner.htm (all grades - they are not instrument specific) 
  • A metronome (these are also easily downloaded on your phone) 
  • Trumpet players: a straight mute (grades 9+) https://www.long-mcquade.com/23390/Band/Brass_Accessories/Denis_Wick/Trumpet_Fiber_Straight_Mute.htm
  • Upgrade your mouthpiece (it will change your life!) Ask me for recommendations. 
  • Vandoren reeds 

 

 

CAN I PAY WITH CHEQUE IF I AM PAYING FOR SOMETHING? 
Yes, you can! Please, write all cheques out to the school you are attending (either "Eastern Shore District High School *or* "Gaetz Brook Junior High School." 

 

HOW DO I GET ON TO GOOGLE CLASSROOM? 
First, you will need your gnspes password. 

After that, you are able to sign in to your google account (gmail). From there, you will be able to access our class (You will be able to see the "classroom" icon - click it, and you're there!) 
I can invite you to our class, or you can type in a class code (which you can get from me) and - voila! You will be in our google classroom. 

 

MY INSTRUMENT IS BROKEN - WHAT SHOULD I DO? 
Come see me first! Sometimes, small things can slip and I can easily fix that on the spot. Other times, it may take me a day or two. I will let you know if I can't fix it, but it will save you time and money if I can help you. 

 

Note: When you do take your instrument in, have your parents email me/bring in a note to let me know when it's being dropped off.

 

WHAT DO I DO WHILE MY INSTRUMENT IS BEING FIXED? 
Chances are, we have an instrument you can use. Bring your mouthpiece/reeds (flute excluded) to school and we will find you something to play. Instruments generally take 1-2 weeks to fix, so I will do my best to find you an instrument to play. 

Alternatively, you can ask your repair shop if they have an instrument you can borrow while yours is being repaired. 

 

I SEE YOU'RE AN ALLY - WHAT IS THAT? 
I am an ally (thanks for noticing). From the website:  An Ally is something who accepts, appreciates and celebrates lesbain, gay bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) youth. Allies can be of any sexual orientation or gender identity. They work together to help put an end to discrimination and fear, and work to make Nova Scotia a safe place. From me: I just want everyone to know that my classroom is a safe place for you to be you. I am intolerant of anyone behaving, or using language that could be hurtful or discriminatory towards others.

I GOT A LOW MARK ON AN ASSIGNMENT - CAN I RE-DO IT? 
The short answer is 'no.' However, it's not always black and white. Did you do poorly because you lacked effort, didn't complete the entire assignment, or didn't put forth your best effort? If the answer is "yes" then chances are, you cannot redo this assignment. Are you struggling with a topic and have come in for extra-help? If the answer is yes, then you and I can chat about what we can do to help bring up your mark. 

Note: In this question, I am referring to in-class assignments/projects and NOT tests/quizzes. 

 

WHAT CAN I DO TO RAISE MY MARK? 

First thing I want you to think about is whether you are completing (and handing in) your work, and are attentive in class while participating. If you are, then it's time we start looking at where you are struggling. Consider asking yourself the following questions:

  • Could you participate more in class (remember, positive participation)?
  • Are you asking enough questions when you don't understand?
  • Are you having trouble focusing in class?
  • Are you picking groups wisely when doing group work? 
  • Are you practicing at home in an effective way? Are you spending time on the "tough stuff?" 
  • Are you spending your time wisely when working in class? 
  • Are you organized - do you have your materials? 


WHY SHOULD I PARTICIPATE IN A MUSIC PROGRAM? 

 

Music Hones the Brain

Studies show that the brain of a musician is far more developed and contains more complex connections than the brain of a non-musician. The action of creating music involves using parts of the brain that are not usually reached by a single school subject. While playing a musical phrase, the brain is required to recognize variations in pitch and articulation (language skills), detect intonation issues and how to fix them (sound physics and problem-solving), divide and multiply fractions (math skills), and concentrate on a single part while fitting into the larger sound of the group; and the brain has to do all this in a split second. Studying an instrument sharpens the brain’s ability to do these things, which translates into their other subjects. Participation in band enhances a child’s brain development and sets them up to use critical thinking for the rest of their lives. Check out this amazing video! How Playing an Instrument Benefits Your Brain

Music is an Achievement

Music requires practice and dedication. Students spend hours developing their skills to create a pleasing and beautiful work of art. Students get the opportunity to showcase their hard work in concerts. Participating in concerts boosts the student’s confidence, helps to eliminate stage fright, and creates a sense of accomplishment when they hear the audience applauding for their work. Giving a student something to strive for enforces a good work ethic and sense of accomplishment.

Music Fosters Friendships

Participating in an ensemble like band or orchestra brings students together to develop lasting friendships. In the often tumultuous years of adolescence, students need friends to lean on for support and acceptance. Participating in a music activity fosters support, and team cooperation. And, it’s fun! Students get to spend time with their friends while participating in something that they love. Music is an excellent opportunity to create wonderful memories with wonderful people.

“I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.” Billy Joel

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