- Adult Participation: This is an adult participation class! Children must be accompanied by a participating adult!!! Adult participation is compulsory, and I will be calling on the adults in the class to help show the children what we want them to do. When the adults unite in any action, the kids are drawn into joining, but when the adults don't participate, the kids see it as an excuse to not participate themselves. The adults are the models of how we want the kids to behave in the class, and must sing and do the moves and behaviors all class long.
- After every song we all throw our hands as high as they’ll go and shout “HEY!” This shows the kids that we just finished a song, and it makes it feels like we just had a strong finish. When all the adults do this, the children will join (eventually). It’s a great way to get everyone on the same page. Adults have to do this after every song, so please be prepared.
- Adults must be Covid vaccinated and wear a mask.
- Sick adults and children cannot attend class. You cannot attend if you or anyone you’ve been in close contact with has recently been exposed to COVID-19, even if there are no symptoms present.
- Health and Instrument Protection: Please protect children and instruments from unsafe behaviors. At first they will have no idea that the instruments must be handled safely, or what that means. Please keep a lookout and intercede immediately if you see unsafe behavior.
- Oral Explorations: In order to keep ourselves, our band mates and the band instruments healthy, we're working towards not putting instruments or fingers in our mouths and noses. I realize that many children might not be able to stop themselves at first, or even ever, but we must let them know that that is what we're working towards. Please do go through the motions of stopping them especially the very first times they attempt oral exploration in the class. This will let them know right away that the classroom is a special place where new rules about oral exploration apply. If I find it to be truly necessary, I might gently ask them to stop as well, and hopefully at some point we will have some success in keeping everyone safer, and the instruments relatively sterile and free of harmful moisture and germs. Please remember, I don't expect oral explorations not to happen, but I do hope to begin working towards the goal of trying to get them to stop during class. And thanks for your help with this, I know it's no fun!
-Time to adjust: For many children this is their first class ever, and for others it's like no other class they've been a part of. In order to make these instruments available, which no other class does, children sometimes have to take turns and wait for things. At first this can be quite a challenge for some. Don't worry if at first your child is unable control their urges to try and get what they want when they want it, or if they're upset when they are gently prevented from doing so. Eventually with calm and consistent guidance they will be able take turns on the many instruments. Please don't expect your first preview class to be an indication of how the class will be for you and your child once they adjust to the class and it's rather unique curriculum. Children who need to and are given the chance to eventually adjust are in for a treat.
- Food: Please do not bring any food out in the classroom. If hunger becomes an issue, please step outside and take a little break from the class.
- 1 adult per child only!!! 1 adult with 2 kids can possibly work, let me know if you want to try this.
- Guests: No extra adults or children are allowed into the class without prior permission!
- Cell Phones: No cell phone use except for emergencies or cameras or audio recordings.
- Taking video or pictures of your child is usually fine, but I might ask you to stop if I for any reason if I think it's best for the class. Please refrain from taking images of other children and Jon without prior permission.
- Email and Text Communication: For cancellations and adjustments that might need to occur, a group email will be used up until an hour before the class starts. A group text with on site adjustments will be used starting one hour before class. (Please make sure I have your phone number...)
- Makeups are possible during the quarter in which you are enrolled only (no limits as long as there's space in other classes).