Dear parents,
At Lakeshore Elementary, 4th & 5th grade students have a unique opportunity to be involved in the Spotted Half Notes; a performing ensemble outside of the music classroom. The Spotted Half Notes will focus on Shona-style marimba playing, a style popular in south Africa. The ensemble is an audition only ensemble where each child will be expected to audition, and if chosen, must commit to the ensemble for the semester. Please read through the expectations below. If both you and your child agree to the expectations, please fill out this form. Auditions will be held for interested students between Monday, January 23rd and Friday, February 3rd. Students must have a completed permission form on record before being allowed to audition. Students should go to the music room between 7:30am and 7:50am to audition. Once a child auditions, they do not need to return to the music room. Students that made the ensemble will be notified on Friday, February 3rd by the end of the school day. There are between 12-16 spots available.
The first rehearsal is Monday, February 13th.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expectations for Lakeshore’s Spotted Half Notes:•
Students can echo rhythmic patterns on mallets, drums, and other instruments using quarter, eighth, and sixteenth notes and echo patterns that use syncopation.
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Students can play basic melodies and patterns on mallet instruments. Students can play independent patterns while a different pattern is being performed.
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Students will play any and all instruments as directed.
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Students will exhibit confidence and adequate stage presence.
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Students will maintain excellent, positive attitudes and participate fully in both music class and the mallet group.
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Students will maintain a good attitude in all school areas and classes and will not have a conduct grade lower than “S” in ANY subject.
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Students will keep up with their homework and will not have an academic grade below 70% in ANY subject.
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Students are expected to attend every rehearsal and performance. A student who misses three rehearsals without an excuse note will be dropped from the ensemble. Only Mr. Kaciuba may excuse students from rehearsals and proper documentation (parent/doctor note/email) must be presented within 3 school days of the missed rehearsal. Emergency absences will be dealt with on an individual basis.
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Rehearsals will be Monday through Thursday (4 days a week) before school from 7:35am-7:55am. Members of the Half Notes should be at school no later than 7:35am and must report immediately to the music room. Classroom instruction begins promptly at 7:55, so rehearsal needs to end at 7:50 sharp to allow students time to get to their classrooms. Punctuality is important so that we can have a full 20 minutes to rehearse. Members who are regularly tardy will be dropped from the ensemble.
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The first rehearsal for the second semester is Monday, February 13th.