Beginning Guitar Class                                   

 

Mr. Pfaff                  

 

Welcome to Beginning Guitar Class. 

Below is a brief description of some of the expectations and policies for the upcoming year.  This letter contains information you may need later, so do not throw it away.  Please show this to your parent/guardian and return the page with the approprate signatures and information filled in.  I will be happy to answer any questions you have.  

This document, and many other BCTHS Music resources, are available online at http://www.andrewpfaff.com/BCTHSmusic.

 

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

 

This course is an introduction to playing the guitar.  You will learn how to hold and tune a guitar, how to play from written notation, how to form and play chords, and play as an ensemble.  Get ready for a lot of fun and a lot of learning.  The more you put in, the more you will get out of this class.

We give a public recital near the end of the school year.

 

 

 

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

 

You are expected to:

 

            Come to class prepared and on time.

 

            Behave appropriately in class. 

 

            Work well with others AND independently.

 

            Show respect to your classmates and your teacher.

 

            Practice regularly. 

 

            Actively participate in the lessons and rehearsals.

 

            Students are expected to follow the schools policies.  (See Student Handbook.)

 

 

 

 

GRADING

You are graded on Participation and Performance.

 

50% of grade

Participation Grade

Some of you may be hesitant or scared, because you are learning a musical instrument for the first time, or for a variety of other reasons not feel confident in your ability to learn guitar.  Part of my mission is to help you get over that!  I need you to demonstrate a good faith effort in learning the material we cover in class.  This means cooperating by playing along when we practice music as a group, keeping an attitude of helpfulness to fellow students at all times, and being willing to accept help from me and others.

 

50% of grade

Performance Grade

Each week you will be expected to learn new material and reinforce previously learned material.  In class, you will perform this material -- demonstrating that you have practiced well and effectively.  These very brief one-on-one sessions are my chance to evaluate the progress you are making and the effort you are putting in. 

 

Additionally, the guitar class performs a recital during the school year.  This year, the recital is scheduled for Thursday, May 31, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. in the Auditorium.  Attendance and participation in the recital is MANDATORY.  You must have a signed note from your parent or guardian to be excused from the recital.  Unexcused absence from the recital will result in a two-letter drop in marking period grade.

For all BCTHS Music performance dates, please visit: http://www.andrewpfaff.com/BCTHSmusic/calendar.htm

 

 

MATERIALS

While guitars and textbooks are provided for use in class, students need to have access to a guitar and textbook at home to practice.  If you donÕt have a guitar, you need to get one immediately!

You will sign out a textbook for practice at home.  If you lose this book, you will be required to replace it.

The required text is called Mastering the Guitar by William Bay and Mike Christiansen.  List price is $14.99.  There are several versions -- be sure to buy the ÒCLASS METHOD Level 1/Beginning 9th Grade and HigherÓ.

 

 

 

STUDENT ABSENCES AND LATENESS

 

When you are absent, you are expected to make up any missed work and are responsible for any material covered.  You will be expected to get the notes for the missed lesson(s) from a classmate.  When you miss a lesson, it is your responsibility to get caught up.

 

If you will be absent for an extended period of time, arrangements can be made for you to receive the assignments at home.

 

You are considered late to class when arriving without a pass after the bell has rung.

 

 

 

 

 

CONTACTING ME

 

If you have any questions for me or there are any matters you would like to discuss, now or any time throughout the year, feel free to speak with me outside of class time or email me at andpfa@bergen.org.

 

This invitation also extends to your parents and/or guardians, who are encouraged to contact me at any time.  They may also contact me by phone at 201-343-6000 xt 5148.

 

 

Looking forward to a year of great music, 

 

Mr. Pfaff

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BY SIGNING BELOW, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THE FOLLOWING:

I have received and read the information given to me by my teacher.  This includes student expectations, the grading policy, and the materials needed.  I understand the policies explained by my teacher.  I have also shown this material to my parent / guardian. 

 

 

STUDENT INFORMATION -- Please fill out and return this page.  The other pages will stay in your binder.

 

Students name                                                 Students signature

 

 

__________________________________    __________________________________

 

Parent or Guardians name(s)                           Parent or Guardians signature

 

 

__________________________________    __________________________________

 

Hometown / Sending district                          Mailing Address

           

                                                                        __________________________________

__________________________________    __________________________________

 

Home phone number                                       Best Time to Call

           

 

__________________________________    __________________________________

 

Daytime phone number                                   Best Time to Call

 

 

__________________________________    __________________________________

           

Parent / Guardians Email address(es)

 

 

__________________________________    __________________________________