MEANS OF COMMUNICATION
DIRECTOR: Marsha Brower
EMAIL: CoHomeschoolMusic@protonmail.com
QUICK ANSWERS-TEXT: 303-596-8526
ABSENT NOTIFICATIONS: Please use the BAND app for your specific classes, in order to notify the instructors.

Castle Rock
CHM-Castle Rock:https://band.us/n/a7a996f8R1Pel
CR-Pre-Band: https://band.us/n/a4a59af2Rfn4s
CR-Beginning Band: https://band.us/n/a2a495f7R1ne2
CR-Percussion Fundamentals https://band.us/n/ada593If91oa8
CR-Intermediate Band: https://band.us/n/a9a09bf4R1naJ
CR-Drumline: https://band.us/n/a4a493f8Rcoez
CR-Choir: https://band.us/n/abaa9df1Rco5m
CR-General Music: https://band.us/n/afae9df2RfoeL
CR-Orchestra: https://band.us/n/a7a79bfeR8P9a

Colorado Springs
CHM-Colorado Springs: https://band.us/n/a1a798f8R6R2N
COS-Pre-Band: https://band.us/n/afa19ff1R0V5Z
COS-Beginning Band: https://band.us/n/aaa691f8R2Vci
COS-Intermediate Band: https://band.us/n/a7a999f9ReW7A
COS-Drumline: https://band.us/n/a9a996f1R7x2a
COS-Choir I: https://band.us/n/ada19bfdRfxem
COS-Choir II: https://band.us/n/aea792f7Rax9v
COS-General Music: https://band.us/n/a6a29dfeR7x7b
COS-Orchestra I: https://band.us/n/acaa9ff8R1xaW
COS-Orchestra II: https://band.us/n/a4a194f4ReyaE

COMMUNICATIONS VIA WEBSITE/BAND APP
The Colorado Homeschool Music website, CoHomeschoolMusic.org, and the BAND app are our primary means of communication year-round and a ready reference and wealth of information. The BAND app will be used for day to day communications between students and instructors (assignments and other information), the calendar and events. The website will host general information and events. It is the responsibility of both parents and students to check the website and BAND app regularly for the most current information. Each class enrolled in and the location BAND should be checked.

CHM CALENDAR
UPCOMING EVENTS will be on the website calendar and on the calendar on the BAND app. We will also update the Calendar pages throughout the year. The yearly Calendar will be posted by September and updated as needed. Note important dates on your home calendars. Please advise the Director, via band, of any conflicts as soon as you are aware of them, especially for a performance or any of the 3 practices prior to. See also “Reporting Absences and Date Conflicts” found under “Attendance” in the Handbook. Periodically check the Calendar throughout the year for updated information.

IN CASE OF EMERGENCIES
On your registration form, we asked for a cell phone number for emergencies only. This number will be used to contact you for any situation pertaining to your child whether you are on or off campus.
The main page on the BAND app for your location (CR, COS) will be used to contact you for weather or other unforeseen, last minute problems that can cause a delay or cancellation of a rehearsal or event.
Please have your cell phone on and BAND app notifications on en route to music-related events so we can reach you should the need arise.

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY:
When winter weather requires a delay or cancellation of rehearsals, check your location’s main page on the BAND app. Class information will be posted by 7:00 a.m. on the morning of classes. It is the responsibility of each family to check the BAND app and make a personal final determination as to driving conditions. As weather conditions vary around Colorado, please exercise due caution accordingly.

Our status will be posted using three levels:
GREEN: Rehearsals are a “GO.” No change in rehearsal schedule.
YELLOW: Delayed Start: Highlighted times show the delayed schedule.
RED: ALL CLASSES CANCELED for the day

SUPPLIES
LABEL ALL YOUR BELONGINGS! We don’t want to collect things in Lost and Found. Label your music folder, all your own books, jackets, lunch bags, music stands and refillable water bottles, etc. These are the items left after practice most frequently. Found items can be claimed for $1, if you consider your found item trash, it will cost you $5. This includes candy and food wrappers.

SUPPLY LIST
Supply lists will be distributed by the teacher/director of individual classes prior to the first day of rehearsals.

YEARLY SCHEDULE
CHM is a year long program. It is not optimal but there are valid reasons that students can participate only at certain times of the year. If this is your family’s situation, CHM needs to be notified at the time of registration or you will be responsible for the full year tuition.

Three to four concerts are scheduled each year. First concert is scheduled in the November-December months, the last day of classes may include a (second) concert at a mall, a retirement or something like this. The third concert takes place during March at Homeschool Music Fest Days-usually scheduled for early March, this is more of a musical education experience than a concert. The final concert is at the end of the year celebration and normally takes place the last day or week of classes. Members are expected to make a commitment for scheduled concerts and the 3 rehearsals leading up to the concerts. There may be a few additional performance opportunities during the year, as well.

PROBLEMATIC DEVICES
Cell phones: Cell phones need to be off or on silent mode and put away during practices, rehearsals, and performances. The only exception is when used as a tuner in band/strings classes. Instructors may make exceptions for their own classes as needed.

EXPECTATIONS OF PARENTS
Parents have the regular responsibility of getting their student(s) to and from classes/rehearsals each week, on time, at least 10 minutes before their start time. Please make sure they are prepared and adhere to the dress code included in this handbook. Dress codes for rehearsals and for concerts are listed in detail. We ask all parents to review the Dress Codes with their students a couple weeks before each concert or performance. At the same time, check the fit and readiness of the items they will need to wear for performances. Performing parents should adhere to the dress code as well.
Lastly, parents should carefully review the sections titled “Rules of Conduct and Building Rules,” and “Attendance” with their students so all are aware of what is expected.

EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS
Arrive early to get your area in class set, especially instrumental students. Students should bring all materials needed in class: instrument, instrument supplies, music, pencil, handouts, etc. Students are to come prepared for class by having studied and practiced the assignment during the week preceding.
If student is not able to keep up with the class, they must take private lessons until such time that the student is at class level or above.

Students should be familiar with “Rules of Conduct and Building Rules” and “Attendance”.

ARRIVAL TIMES FOR ALL MUSICIANS
All students need to arrive early enough (at least 10 minutes before their rehearsal time) to prepare instruments, stands and music, and be ready to begin rehearsal promptly at their practice time. Percussionists need to assist with ALL the instrument set-up necessary for their band, before their practice time begins, as well as clean-up. Percussionists may need to arrive 20 minutes early in order to unload equipment and bring it to the rehearsal room. In order to be certain that there is personnel to set up and tear down the percussion equipment, families/students will sign up for specific days and be reminded via the BAND app when they are scheduled. It is the responsibility of the student/family to find a replacement when situations arise and the commitment cannot be kept.

AT REHEARSAL
Directors may be walking around during practice and space is limited. Instrument cases and backpacks can be left on the floor (out of the way); small cases can be tucked under your chair. Cases or belongings are not to be left in the percussion section, including those of the percussionists. It is necessary to move around the percussion area throughout practice and that space needs to be free of clutter. Cases and belongings can also be left in the hall on one wall only (COS) or on the unused seats away from the band, orchestra and percussion in the sanctuary (CR).
 
Talking During Rehearsal – Talking between songs is generally not a problem unless the Director is speaking, in which case all should be quiet. There should also be no talking once the Director begins to work on a piece of music. While practicing a song, he/she may make frequent stops in order to fine-tune something, pick apart a passage or work on a problem area. It is difficult, if not impossible, for him/her to speak to students and be heard over the chatting. This is not a problem if members wait patiently, remain quiet, and pay attention. The director may be saying something that will help you with your playing or singing; it is beneficial to listen to all instructions.

MUSIC RESOURCES – AUDIO LINKS
Audio links will be posted on the BAND app, if available. It will greatly aid your personal progress and mastery if you play/sing along with these links in your daily practice. Of course, it will probably take a while until you are able to play at the tempo of the recording. You will find just listening to the music frequently, apart from your practice time, will improve your ability to learn and play the song. It is recommended that you save the files/links to your computer/phone.

SmartMusic ONLINE PRACTICE
SmartMusic will be used for assignments and your own personal practice needs. Payment for this app is included with your tuition. Assignments given on SmartMusic are intended for your benefit and should be completed by the set deadline. This helps the directors know what needs to be addressed in class and to plan accordingly. SmartMusic will be used for Band, Choir, Orchestra and Drumline. Pre-Band students may be able to use SmartMusic for some practice. Students signing up after classes have started may have to purchase SmartMusic privately.

REPORTING ABSENCES and DATE CONFLICTS
Absences, whether anticipated or not, should be reported as soon as possible. The Director expects notification for any and all absences.The more advanced the notice, the better. Notifications should be sent no later than before the day of practice, if possible. Please state the student’s name as well as what ensemble(s) and use the Chat feature on BAND to communicate to all directors. Date conflicts, whether for practices or performances, are to be made AS SOON AS POSSIBLE to the Directors.

ATTENDANCE CHOICES AFFECT THE ENSEMBLES
There are a myriad of interesting activities in which to participate. One of the most popular categories is sports. As a comparison, here’s some food for thought: Most often, sports programs require multiple practices and a game or two each week. Many sports have multiple people to play the same position, or positions may rotate. This is not the case with band, strings and choir. There is only one practice each week, for 12-15 weeks before a performance-our one and only “game." Individuals are assigned one part to practice on their own over the semester. There is not always someone else with the same part. It is not fair to other students to expect someone to “cover” a part when they have not had it to practice. If you choose to miss practice, you are missing 100% of that week’s practices.
As performance time approaches, each practice becomes more and more critical. When one student is missing, it can, and does, affect that week’s entire rehearsal. The absent person is not affected by it, but the hole that is left is very noticeable to all present. Of course, we understand illness and other serious problems may arise, causing an occasional absence. We are asking you to consider seriously your commitment to the ensemble, especially your regular attendance at weekly practice, when making your choices. If attendance is sporadic and one of the last 3 rehearsals leading up to the concert is missed, the student may be asked to forgo participation in said concert.

GUIDELINES FOR KEEPING SICK STUDENTS HOME
Please keep students at home if they are sick. 
A sick child cannot learn effectively and is unable to participate in classes in a meaningful way. Keeping a sick child home prevents the spread of illness in our community and allows the child an opportunity to rest and recover.
If the driver (parent/guardian) is ill but the student is not, please try to find a way for the student to attend classes.

Refunds shall be given as follows:
Full refund minus processing fees and online SmartMusic account set up, if notified in writing at least 2 weeks before the start of the program.
A 75% refund will be given if requested within 30 days of program start.
A 50% Refund will be given between 30 and 60 days.
A 25% refund will be given 61 -90 days.
** exceptions may be made based on circumstances such as military orders, a medical injury, or other unforeseen circumstances on a case by case basis.
Upon determining that you are entitled to a cancellation/refund pursuant to this policy, CHM will promptly issue an instruction to its payment processor to issue the refund. CHM does not control its payment processor and will not be able to expedite any refunds.

CONDUCT
Conduct will be enforced before, during, and after rehearsals anywhere on the properties in which the groups rehearse or perform. Directors reserve the right to deny participation in rehearsals or performances due to inappropriate behavior, and the following will result in immediate disciplinary action:

- Foul language, coarse joking, or unwholesome or disrespectful talk to students or adults.
- Roughhousing.
· Disruptive behavior.
- Physical displays of affection.
- Disrespect for those in authority.

- Use/possession of illegal drugs, alcohol, smoking/vaping, or inappropriate materials.
 
DISCIPLINE
Directors will discipline as deemed fit for each offense, but in most cases will use the following guidelines:
- First offense: Warning.
- Second offense: Dismissal from current practice/performance. Student and parent return to the next 2 practices and must sit together. Following this, a meeting with the student, parents, and Director must take place to reevaluate the situation.
- Third offense: Dismissal from the ensemble for the remainder of the semester without refund. Student and parent must meet with the Director to determine if re-enrollment is allowable.


BUILDING RULES
In addition to the above, these rules apply to our rehearsal facility and any other practice or performance facility the groups use:
- Other than a water bottle, no food or drink allowed in rehearsals.
- Keep the facility/property clean. Pick up trash and dispose of it properly.
- Children are not permitted to play in or around cars in the parking lot.
- COS-The daycare playground is off limits for CHM students.
- Younger children must be supervised when not in class.
- Children are not permitted to be outside without parent supervision.
- Damage done to a facility or equipment will be the financial responsibility of those involved in causing the damage.
- No students are allowed to be in smaller classrooms unless under adult supervision.
- There are pianos through out our locations. There will be no banging on any pianos or pumping of pedals. Please treat all instruments like you’d want yours treated.
- CASTLE ROCK-Please take advantage of agreeable outside weather, but also be mindful of your students’ whereabouts and activities. Parents, please know where and with whom your students are when they are outside. It is best that a parent be present.
- COLORADO SPRINGS-This facility has nothing to do outside. You may enjoy your friends in one of the rooms designated for lunch or games. Please do not use the school work room for socializing.
- There is to be no food or drink other than water in the rehearsal rooms or social areas. Lunch/snacks may be eaten in the lunch room/areas at the tables during your break.
- Please dispose of trash properly when finished. Please use the restrooms prior to rehearsal. This is especially important for our younger students (parents, please assist in reminding students before rehearsal begins).

DRESS CODES
Our dress code is not a judgment on individual dress styles or personalities but is expected for participation in the Colorado Homeschool Music program for the purpose of appearance, unity, and maintaining an academic environment. There are many positive ways to stand out in our organization, and opportunities for self-expression and individuality abound in CHM through music and leadership.

DRESS CODE FOR PRACTICES
Parents are responsible with regards to their student’s personal appearance. We desire that students’ clothing be appropriate for a Christian academic environment and demonstrate respect for others. Outfits that are immodest, too tight, too short/revealing, contain inappropriate messages/symbols, or attract undue attention are not acceptable. Parents, please show appropriate consideration.

DRESS CODE FOR MUSIC PERFORMANCES: A UNIFORM LOOK
As in many performing groups, our goal is to provide a clean, neat, uniform appearance in our music performances. We strive to become one ensemble, one look, one sound. In order to do this, no one member’s appearance should stand out. We are a group with a common goal and focus.
For formal performances, our attire will follow the definition for Concert Black.
- CHM polo shirt, tucked in.
- All-black on the bottom (black pants, or below the knee-length black skirt when seated).
- Long black socks/tights (skin should not be seen underneath pants or skirts when seated)
- Black dress shoes.
- Polos should be tucked in and black belts used on those garments with belt loops.
- Women have the option to wear pants or long skirts, no leggings.

For more informal performances, we will wear the CHM polo shirt and blue jeans (or below-the-knee jean skirt).