awardopportunities

The following are some activities that students may participate in (Sept. - May) in order to win a special prize at the Spring Recital. These activities are designed to help learn notes, increase music theory understanding, and to broaden their knowledge of famous musical composers through music history research. These activities, as well as the recital(s), are strongly recommended but not required. Obviously, the more of these activities you do, the more chances you have to win the prize.

COMPOSER ACTIVITIES:

Essay:        Each month students are asked to do an essay of the Composer of the Month. Each student is also REQUIRED to do at least two essays. When you complete an essay, you will get a sticker on your name. The student with the most stickers will receive a gift certificate/prize at the Spring Recital!

Classic Concerts:        At any time during the year, students may research ANY of the Composers of the Month and design a poster advertising a concert by the composer. The posters should convey some of the information students learn about the composer from their essay. If you complete a poster (size 8-1/2 x 11), you will get a sticker on your name. The student with the most stickers by the middle of May will receive a gift certificate/prize at the Spring Recital!

MEMORY ACTIVITIES:

One-Minute Club:        Once a month, students may try out for the One-Minute Club. Students must answer 25-30 flashcards correctly under a minute in order to qualify. There are three levels to try for: Elementary (Levels 1 & 2), Intermediate (Levels 3 & 4) or Advanced (Level 5 and beyond). If you win, your picture will go on the website and you will get a sticker on your name to try and win a gift certificate/prize at the Spring Recital. If you do not qualify one month, you may try again the next month, or until you win.

Memorized Repertoire:        For every piece a student can play for me that is performance ready, i.e., correct notes, use of correct dynamics, articulation, tempo, etc., AND memorized, that student will get a note on their name as well as a prize from my bag. I have been a little lax in what I have allowed as memorized. I will be stricter about what I will allow beginning this fall! The student who has the most stickers on their name (Sept. - May) for memorizing will receive a gift certificate/prize at the Spring Recital! You must perform a memorized piece at the Recital in order to be eligible to win.

RECOGNITION AWARDS:

Student of the Month:        Once a month, one student will be chosen to be the Student of the Month. This student will be chosen by how much participation in the above activities was done, how their practicing has gone over the past month, and because I believe they deserve special recognition for their efforts. They will also have their name entered into a drawing to receive a free movie pass at the Spring Recital!

Student of the Year Award:        The student who wins this award, as well as a free movie pass at the Spring Recital, must have been a Student of the Month, become a member of the One-Minute Club, and done at least 2 Composer of the Month activities. They must also show significant or remarkable improvement in one or more of the following areas:
*TECHNIC                        *MEMORIZATION                *EFFORT
*ATTITUDE                        *ATTENDANCE                *PARTICIPATION

Weekly Practice Goals:        Each student should strive to practice each piece two times every day. If you have time to watch TV, you have time to practice. If you have time to go on the Internet, you have time to practice. Remember our motto: Make an effort, NOT an excuse!