Shepherd Institute of Music

Student Handbook

Shepherd Institute of Music
holds Membership with the following Organizations:
 National Guild of Community School of the Arts
MTNA – Music Teachers National Association
SAA – Suzuki Association of the Americas
AGEHR – American Guild of English Handbell Ringers

Dr. Diane Hope Float, Principal
On the campus of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church
2341 S. Military Trail – West Palm Beach, Florida 33415
(561) 439-4063

                                  Mission Statement

“The Shepherd Institute of Music exists to bring a community
Music Program of Excellence to area music students by
Preparing them for a life-long avocation of vocation in music”

                                 About the Institute
                         
                          A classical School of Music

     Suzuki and Traditional based school of instruction

             Stresses the highest standard of excellence

       Class Instructional setting with private and small

                           Group lessons side by side

     Student enrollment of Kindergarten through Adult

           Beginning classes through advanced levels

        Two semesters of study – September though May

                       Affordable music education

Spring/Summer Gap Terms and Private Lesson Programs

    Nurtures Students with love in a Christian Setting

                                    Institute Features
                        
                         Music Degreed Faculty
                                Master Classes
                          Symphony Orchestra
              Faculty Artist in Residence Recitals
          Community Performance Opportunities
                            Ensemble coaching
                 Music Theory and Appreciation

                           2008 – 2009 Institute Calendar
2008

Aug. 17,   Sunday  2 – 4pm       Open House/Registration for Semester I

Aug. 25,   Monday                      Classes begin for Semester I

Sept. 1,     Monday                     Holiday – Labor Day

Sept. 22    Monday 3 – 7:30pm  Fundraiser – “Walk for the Arts”
                                                    Parking Lot in front of Sanctuary.
                                                    bring pledge sheet to participate.

Sept. 29    Monday                      Money and sponsor pledge sheets due from
                                                    “Walk for the Arts”

Oct. 27      Monday 5 – 7           Autumn Fall Social in Fellowship Hall
                                                   Bring cupcakes before class.

Nov. 3, 10, 17, 24 7:pm             Departmental Recitals in Fellowship Hall

Dec. 5,      Friday 6:00 pm         Fundraiser – Madrigal Dinner –
                                                    Fellowship Hall
Dec. 8,      Monday 6 – 7:30pm Dress Rehearsal for Teddy Bear Concert

Dec. 14     Sunday 3pm             Performance – Teddy Bear Concert
                                                    $5.00 donation suggested at door
2009
       
Jan. 11       Sunday 2 – 4pm       Open House/Registration for 2nd Semester

Jan. 12       Monday                   Classes begin for 2nd Semester

Jan. 19       Monday                   Holiday – MLK Jr. Birthday

Feb. 9        Monday                    Valentine Social in Fellowship Hall after class
                                                    Bring cupcakes before class.

Feb. 16       Monday                   Holiday – Washington’s Birthday

April 19,    Sunday 3 – 5pm       Spring end of year concerts in Shepherd Auditorium
                                                    $5.00 donation suggested at door

May 4 -      Monday                   Tentative Spring-Gap Term begins for
June 22                                        Guitar and Strings only

May 25      Monday                    Holiday – Memorial Day

June 29       Monday 7pm           Summer Gap Concert  in Shepherd Chapel
                                                 $5.00 donation suggested at door

July –          Mondays                  Private Lesson Program
August

                                           Cost
Shepherd Institute will hold 2 semesters, each consisting of 12 weeks.
A fee of $200 per semester is payable prior to the first Class.  A limited
amount of private teaching will be provided at a cost of $20 per ½ hour.
The student will pay the teacher direct for private lessons.  Also,
Spring/Summer Gap Terms will be offered between semesters at a
nominal fee in order to keep students learning in the Institution.

                                           Refund Policy
To withdraw from instruction and receive financial credit, a student
must submit their request to the Director.  Notice to the instructor
is not sufficient.  Non-attendance does not constitute withdrawal.
Registration fees are non-refundable.  A full tuition refund will be
given for withdrawals made prior to the first lesson.  A full tuition
refund adjusted for classes attended will be given for withdrawals
made within the first two weeks.  No refunds will be made after the
first two weeks.  Used supplies may not be returned for refund or credit.

                                         Class Schedules
         4:00 – 5:00 – Private Lessons
         4:30 – 5:30 – Primary & Children Institute Classes
         5:30 – 6:00 – Private Lessons
         6:00 – 7:00 – Beginning Youth/Adult Classes
         7:00 – 8:00 – Intermediate & Advanced Youth/Adult Classes
         8:00 – 8:30 – Private Lessons 

                             Student/Parent Requirements
1.  Each student must own or rent an instrument in playable condition. 
     a)  Instrumental student must own a folding music stand.
     b)  Piano students must have a Keyboard stand and batteries for Keyboard.
     c)  Guitar students must have a footstool.
     d)  Ballet students must wear black leotards, tights and ballet slippers.
     These must be brought/worn to class each week.
2.  Parents will stay with their child during class unless excused by teacher.
3.  Each student must purchase accessories to keep their instrument in playing 
     condition (i. replacement strings, picks, valve oil, etc.)
4.  Each student must purchase all required music books for their course.
     These books will be available at local music stores and you will be
     provided with a list.
5.  Each student must have a name tag on their instrument case, music stand
     and keyboard stand.  All music should have the student’s name inside
     the front cover.
6.  No child is allowed to roam the campus alone.  This includes adults who
     are enrolled in class and bring their children to campus.  Child may sit in
     the rear of classroom doing their own work while parent is in class.

                                           Attendance
Each student must attend all classes as part of the Advancement requirements.
A missed  class will be excused in the event of sickness, death in family, etc.
There will be no make-up classes, however student may request the
assignments for any missed classes and complete them on his/her own time.

Shepherd Institute of Music follows the school year for Palm Beach County
Public Schools and follows their holiday schedule.
    
                                           Practice Time
Each student must practice according to the guidelines given below:

         Grade Kindergarten – 2     10 min. per day,  per week minimum
         Grade 3 – 5                        20 min. per day,  per week minimum
         Grade 6 – Adult                 30 min. per day,  per week minimum

                             Requirements for Advancement
A “Curriculum Concept Check List” will be emphasized within each
division of the Department and will be given to students by their teacher
on the first day of each Semester.  The concepts are as follows:
           
a)  Concert posture, position of holding instrument, breathing, etc.
            b)  Tone production
            c)  Technique including scales, arpeggios, finger patterns, etc.
            d)  Rhythmic concepts
            e)  Music reading
            f)   Sole repertoire
            g)  Ensemble/group repertoire
            h)  Singing concepts
            i)   We are a Suzuki and traditional based school of instruction.
                 All Departments will begin with Suzuki (where applicable.)
                 Supplemental material will also be brought in as approved
                 by Principal.

Students are required to perform in all Institute Concerts and/or Student
Recitals in order to complete their Semester Requirements for Advancement.

Each student will be assessed at the end of each Semester to determine if
the student can successfully demonstrate the requirements listed in the
Department’s Class Syllabus in order to advance to the next level of study.
Curriculum is to be “mastered” rather than “covered” to be promoted to
the next level class.

                                            Discipline
All students are expected to respect their instructor, as well as their peers
at all times.  The Instructor will speak directly with a parent/guardian if
needed for improper behavior.  If there is not change from the student,
the Instructor will take the matter to the Principal.
   
                              Campus and Concert Attire
Students are requested to wear the Institute blue t-shirt to class each week
with black slacks or skirts.  An Institute t-shirt may be purchased in the
Institute for $10.00.  Music bags are also available for $5.00.

Informal concert attire will be the Institute’s blue t-shirt and dark pants or
skirts, dark dress shoes (not tennis shoes or sandals.)

Concert formal attire will be worn for all student recitals and end of semester
Concerts.
           
For Ladies/Girls:  white long sleeve dressy blouse, black ankle-
                           length skirt or pants, black hose or black tights,
                             and dark shoes.
For Men/Boys:     white, long sleeve dress shirt, black dress slacks,
                         black socks, dark dress shoes, black bow tie.

                               Drop Off/Pick Up Procedure
Students below the age of 10 must be escorted to class and picked up from
class by the parent/guardian/older sibling of the students.  If there is an
emergency and the parent is unable to pick up child, please place in writing
your request that your child be released to another person.
    
Parents that are excused from attending child’s class by teacher must arrive
in time to help their child put away their instrument and materials.
                     
Students are to go directly to their assigned class room upon arrival on
campus and check in with their teacher who will mark them in attendance,
distribute notices, etc.

                                       Institute Fundraisers
Students are requested to participate in fundraisers.  These are held to keep our
Institute open in the coming year.  A donation of $5.00 at the door is requested
for all Concert Recitals of the Institute.

                                                 Institute Socials
At each semester mid-term a social sponsored by the P.T.A. will be held in
Fellowship Hall.  Cupcakes, fruit juice and coffee will be served.  Students are
asked to bring cupcakes on a paper plate to  the Fellowship Hall before class
for the party.
                                 
                                                  Campus Safety
Students are required to observe the following safety precautions at all times
while on campus.

1.  No running at any time, anywhere on campus.  Walk to and from class. 
2.  In case of a fire alarm, please proceed with teacher to  nearest exit door
     and walk away from building.  Remain  there until an official releases
     you to return to class with your teacher.
3.  No glass containers on campus at any time.  Plastic water bottles
     only are allowed.
4.  Instrument cases, music bags, and purses are to be kept under
     chairs at all times so that aisles remain free for teachers to instruct
     students at their seats or in case of an evacuation.
                 
                                           Campus Etiquette
The Golden Rule (treat others the way you would like to be treated) is in
effect on campus at all times.  In addition, the students are requested to keep
these other guidelines in mind while attending classes at the Institute.

1.  Students must be on time for start of class.  If you are unavoidably
     detained, please enter as quietly as possible and take your seat,
     ready to join the lesson.
2.  No gum-chewing is permitted on campus at any time.  Food and drink
     of any kind are not allowed in any building.  Water in non-spill
     bottles is permitted.
3.  Students must turn off cell phones prior to entering class and leave
     them off during their class time.
4.  Please place all used drink containers in garbage cans provided
     around campus.
5.  Before leaving classroom, please be sure you have all your possessions.
     Be sure to pick up anything on floor and replace chair if needed.

                             Concert Rehearsal and Performance
The 12th class of each semester will be a “dress rehearsal” for the
Upcoming End of Semester Concert.  Students are required to wear their
 “concert attire” (see “Campus and Concert Attire”) to the rehearsal as
this is when photos will be made.

Community Concerts for individual Departments of Music may be
scheduled at various times during the year.  Students are required to
participate.  The attire for these concerts will be announced prior to the
Concert.

                                             Advancement
The Institute is a non-accredited institution and our instructors are
Independent Contractors or music.  The Institute does not award grades
or provide transcripts.  The Institute will, however, provide an “Annual
Certificate of Completion” if requested, to all students who meet the
requirements.                       

Students will be assessed by his/her instructor to see if student can be
promoted to next level or needs to continue in the current semester
level for review.

              Annual “Certificate of Completion” (by request)
A “Certificate of Completion” will be given to each student who
Completes two full semesters at the Institute and meets the following
Requirement:

1.  Completes satisfactorily a performance exam with his/her
     Instructor to consist of music learned during the year.
2.  Attend all classes.  Any absences must be excused in writing.
3.  Attends all recitals and concerts during the year.

                              Parent Teacher Association
The P.T.A. will meet on the last Monday of each month from 5:30 –
6:00pm in Shepherd Chapel Auditorium.  The P.T.A. sponsors fund-
raising and assists in the lobby operations for concerts such as
ushering, collecting donations,  and hosting after concert receptions.

Upcoming Concerts

“It’s Soon Springtime at the Institute”

Join us in March and April for Five Glorious “Springtime Coffee Concerts”  Monday evenings in Shepherd’s Chapel at 6:30 – 7:30 P.M.  Free Admission

Hear our Artist Faculty and Symphony Orchestra perform “Music of the Masters” on Monday nights.  These inspiring evenings of Classical Music and Lectures on the lives of composers are a gift from the Institute to you!

Meet the performers and enjoy coffee and International Desserts after the concerts.
                                        Our 2009 Coffee Concert Series:

                        1.  Monday, March 2:  “All Baroque Night”
Shepherd Institute Concert String Orchestra and Faculty perform on violin, viola, cello and bass.
 
                          2.  Monday, March 16:   “Just Pianos and Bells”
 Our marvelous Piano Faculty and Handbell Choir perform concertos and solos to thrill the heart.

                              3.  Monday, April 23:  “The 3 B’s and More”
                              (Bach, Beethoven, Brahms and more)
      Our fabulous Symphony Orchestra and String Faculty perform your favorite music of the masterpieces of the Orchestra

                   4.  Monday, April 6:  “Handel’s Messiah Sing-In”
     Hear the glorious music of George Frederick Handel’s solos and choruses from the Easter portions of the Messiah with The Shepherd Institute Faculty accompanying.  Bring your  “Messiah” score and sing-a-long with the Institute Faculty and Friends!

         5.  Monday, April 20:  “Institute Night of the Stars Showcase”
 Hear and see all Institute Departments of Music perform with 150 students in concert.   6:30 – 8:30 P.M.

        The Institute is looking forward to presenting this gift of music to you and your families this spring.

Hope to see you at the Concerts!