Jane Ball Elementary School General Music
Mrs. Severs
219-374-3700 ext. 3739
asevers@hanover.k12.in.us
Dear Parents and Students,
I am looking forward to this school year! I have some new and fun things planned
for this year. Please read through this syllabus then fill out the last page and return it
by September 5th for 10 points.
Parents please feel free to contact me any time throughout the year. Updates are
available on my page on the Hanover’s website
(http://www.hanover.k12.in.us//Domain/253) if you would like to subscribe. Video
newsletters will also be available on the website so you can see what we are learning.
Music Rules:
1. Come to class with a positive attitude, ready to learn.
2. Enter and exit the classroom quietly.
3. Follow instructions the first time given.
4. Raise your hand if you have a question or comment.
5. Respect everyone and everything.
Rewards

Compliment cards- I will give out compliment
1. Verbal and/or nonverbal warning
cards for good things you do in class which
during or after class. Seat may also be
can be anything from playing well, good
temporarily moved.
behavior, being prepared, etc…

Consequences
2. Thinking wall- A designated place to
P.A.W.S. tickets- These go to students who
think about what you did wrong and
follow the rules of music class and Jane Ball.
how you can fix that. Points lost.

Emails/calls home
Conduct moved. Seat may be moved

Good grade
permanently.

Encouragement from me 
3. Email/call/note sent home to parents.
4. Detention.
*Violence is not tolerated and is an automatic
write up. Think before you act.
Jane Ball Elementary School General Music
Grading:

Daily participation- 5 points every music class; one for following each rule.

Singing- 1st- 5th grade will receive a grade for singing each quarter. This will
be done through singing attendance and/or any class activities. Below is the
rubric.
3
2
1
0
Singing voice used and
Singing voice and
Speaking voice used
Did not try
all pitches matched
speaking voice were
and pitches do not
given pitches.
interchanged and
match given rhythms.
intervals are sung
correctly but not at the
correct pitch
placement.

Instruments/Rhythm- 1st- 5th grade will receive a grade for using instruments
or rhythmic exercises each quarter. This will be done through class activities.
Below is the rubric.
3
2
1
0
Steady beat
Steady beat is
No steady beat is
Did not try
maintained
maintained
present and
throughout and
sometimes and
instrument is not
instrument held
instrument held
held correctly.
correctly.
correctly.

Quizzes/tests- points may very. Kindergarten does not have graded tests, first
through fifth grade will have 1-2 quizzes per quarter.

Worksheets- points may vary.

Recorder- 4th grade will be playing recorders December through March and
will be graded differently. A letter will be sent home explaining how they will
be graded before winter break.
Jane Ball Elementary School General Music

Guitar- 5th grade will be playing guitar for the first semester. There will be
playing quizzes throughout the semester.
Concerts:
If you are able to help with concerts there will be a place on the concert form sent home
with your child (one month before the concert) for you to let me know. If your child takes
piano lessons and would like to play at our recorder concert they may audition. More
information to come later on this.

Holiday Concert/3rd Grade Musical “Lights! Camera! Christmas!”
Date TBA Hanover High School West Gym
Grades 1 and 3

Recorder Karate Concert and Piano Students
Tuesday March 24th, 2015 Jane Ball Gym
Grade 4

Spring Concert (Ocean Theme) May 20th, 2015 Hanover High School West Gym
Grades 2 and 5

Kindergarten will be performing at their graduation ceremony.
Fundraisers: We may be doing some fundraisers this year. More information to come
via the school newsletter about this about how to help.
________________________________________________________________________
Contact Information/Concert and Fundraiser Help
*Return this filled out to Mrs. Severs by September 5th for 10 points.
I have read and understand the expectations for music class.
Student’s Name: __________________________
Grade: ________________ Homeroom Teacher: _______________________
Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Name: _________________ _____________________
Phone number(s): _____________________ ___________________________
Email(s): __________________________ ____________________________
Jane Ball Elementary School General Music