Amanda Nelson

ED 492
Blackfoot High School
Motivation & Management
10/3/17

Students are expected to be in their seats with music and a pencil in hand by the time
the starting bell rings. If students do not have music or a pencil or are not in their seats by the
time of the tardy bell, they will be marked tardy. Roll is called immediately after the tardy bell
rings and is timed by the instructor. The class with the fastest time is featured on the front
whiteboard. This motivates the choir classes to be completely ready for class by the time of the
bell. They enjoy competing with the other classes for the fastest roll time.
All bags, personal items, cell phones, and food (if neatly enclosed) are to be left at the
back of the room away from students to eliminate distractions. Absolutely no food is allowed in
the choir room. Gum is fine as long it is not a distraction to the student.
Cell Phones are not to be used in class at all. If a cell phone is seen, it is considered
their first infraction and is followed by a warning. The student must also immediately put it away
with their other personal belongings against the back wall. Cell phones cannot be taken by the
teacher. If the cell phone is seen again, the second infraction is met with a formal behavior write
up and the student will serve lunch detention. Third and fourth infractions are dealt with by
administration. We motivate students to not use their cell phones by having an open
conversation with them at the beginning of the semester. We discuss the importance of focused
rehearsal time in a group and address that even if we arent instructing them individually or even
their section -- they should be actively listening to the instruction being given to others because
it more than likely applies to them as well. More than that, (especially in auditioned choirs) we
tell them if they ever come across a spare moment in choir, it should be used going over music,
difficult sections, or memorization. We like the cell phone discussion to be student led, but we
make sure that all students are very clear on expectations. Cell phone expectations are the
same throughout the school and can be found in their manuals as well as the class syllabus that
is both signed by parents and students.
If students are absent from school, they are responsible for making up all missed
assignments. Students are allowed 6 absences each trimester. On the 7th absence the student
loses credit and will need to contact an administrator to appeal for credit.
Our ultimate goal for our students is progress. We want them to be an active part in
learning music and feel free to creatively express themselves at appropriate times. To motivate
them into taking that active roll, section leaders are selected at the beginning of the year, based
on past behavior, grade, and participation in class. We allow conducting opportunities for some
of the more advanced students, and even allow them to critique and give rehearsal notes to the
choir. To break up the rehearsal process, section leaders will lead sectionals in practice rooms
to help their part learn the assigned music.
Students are expected to take music home to study and memorize as performances and
concerts draw nearer. Students are personally responsible for their own music. When music is
distributed to students, the number on the music matches the number on their folder. If music is
lost, destroyed, or marked with in pen, the student is financially obligated to replace it. The
student and parent sign to this in the class syllabus sent home at the beginning of the year.