Do's and Don'ts | Dress Code | Tuition Policy | Medical Release Form Artistic Director, Lynne Meyer, and her faculty have been leaders in the area of performing arts for many years. We believe that our success comes as a result of providing solid training and quality service, along with an underlying belief in the strength of our organization. We have created this handbook to offer our students and their parents a clear understanding of their commitments and responsibility to the our programs and the school.
- Dates and/or expenses listed in this handbook are subject to change. Please check the bulletin board each week for updates.
For Our Students Congratulations! You have joined the MusicWorks! program. The first step to becoming a successful student is making a solid commitment to your classes, rehearsals, and performances. Strong technique is a key ingredient and class is where you develop that technique. Come to each class prepared to learn and without personal distractions. Class time is your chance to focus on yourself, so try to leave your concerns or worries at the studio door. True progress is made when you look at each class, rehearsal, or performance as an opportunity to become better at what you love to do. Perform full out, stretch a little farther, become more aware of your technique, and make the most of every class. Respect for the teachers and choreographers is essential. Listen to each correction given, whether it’s directed to you or another student. A correction is an honor; it shows you how much a teacher cares about your progress as a student of the arts. Always say thank you when a teacher or choreographer offers you constructive criticism. Nothing can stop those students who apply themselves in every class and appreciate their teachers’ knowledge and experience. All additional rehearsals are dedicated to choreography, staging, or polishing the performance. A dancer who misses a rehearsal holds back the progress of the entire group. Repeating the choreography or staging from a previous session for those who were absent takes up valuable rehearsal time, which could result in a performance that is not up to par. When we rehearse, we may also make changes. Students who miss a cleaning session may not be properly prepared for the upcoming performance. Performances are your opportunity to show the world the results of your dedication and hard work. To make the most of this opportunity:
- Arrive at performances at least one hour prior to the scheduled time, unless otherwise advised by your teachers.
- Be sure you are properly warmed up.
- Present yourself in a professional manner, with costumes pressed, shoes cleaned, and all accessories accounted for.
- Go out there and show the audience how much you love to dance!
- True progress is made when you look at each class, rehearsal, or performance as an opportunity to become better at what you love to do.
For the Parents: “We’re in this together” We believe that our students’ success depends on the support of their parents or guardians. Because your commitment to the process makes an enormous difference, we encourage you to be a part of your child’s arts education. Our program relies on a positive atmosphere for our faculty, students, and their parents; it promotes a positive learning experience for all involved. Cooperation between all parents is expected. Showing respect for the other parents, along with the students and faculty, makes an important impression on the children. You are a role model for your child in how to interact with others in a professional setting. Your child’s presence at all classes, rehearsals, and performances is imperative. The spirit of teamwork and the lesson of dedication are a big part of our school’s educational process. Parents and teachers may look at a child’s learning from different perspectives. However, they share a common goal: to assure that every child receives the best possible training, both physically and mentally. Mutual respect between our faculty and our dancers’ parents provides the children with the ultimate care and education. Understanding Dance Education As a parent, the financial support of your student is important, but of equal—perhaps even greater—value is your emotional support. Encourage your child to be the best that he or she can be without regard to what others may achieve. Singing, dancing, acting and musicianship are individual art forms; each child needs to achieve at a pace that’s comfortable for him or her. No two students will progress at the same rate, even if they experience the exact same training. It’s important to encourage the children to focus on themselves, give their all, and be satisfied with their own accomplishments. Arts education encompasses far more than technique or the performance pieces your children will learn. We believe the discipline of arts training gives young people a better understanding of commitment by offering them the chance to learn, experience the spirit of teamwork, and understand what hard work can accomplish. Our goal is to educate the minds, bodies, and souls of our students, to teach them the skills needed for a successful life, whether or not they stay involved in studying the arts.
- The financial support of your student is important, but of equal—perhaps even greater—value is your emotional support.
Class or Choreography Placement The school faculty meets regularly to discuss the students’ progress and/or placement. It is our policy to offer appropriate opportunities to every child. Placement decisions are derived from many years of teaching experience. Often a child is placed in a particular group or class where he or she will feel confident, in order to promote the development of self-esteem. Some dancers who are placed in a higher level become discouraged, only to lose their passion for dance. Others respond to the challenge of being in a class with dancers who are more proficient by pushing themselves to work harder. Placement is highly individual and the factors that go into the decision are complex. Please see the school’s director if you have questions or concerns about your child’s placement.
Dos and Don’ts Some parents may compare their child’s progress or class or choreography placement to that of others in the program. Watch for this behavior in your children as well, and encourage them to focus on their own accomplishments. Looking to others for inspiration is a good thing; however, a negative focus or comparison distracts from the energy that could be focused on becoming a stronger artist. Children learn important lessons from their teachers and parents, acquiring important behavior patterns through their example. Our school’s faculty takes that responsibility seriously. It’s our philosophy to encourage our students to feel, think, and act respectfully to their peers, the adults in their lives, and themselves. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s arts education, don’t panic––and please don’t talk only with other parents when questions arise. Make an appointment to speak directly to your child’s teachers or the director of the school. Please conduct all communication through the school office rather than approaching your child’s teacher or the director between or during classes or calling them at home. If you do request a conference, please listen carefully to what your child’s teachers have to say. They spend a significant amount of time with your child and can offer expertise in the field of arts education.
- Class placement of students is highly individual and the factors that go into the decision are complex.
For Students and Parents
Image The children and parents involved in the program participate in many outside activities, each of which becomes a reflection of the school’s philosophy. Please keep the following in mind:
- We never speak negatively about teachers, students, or parents from other schools.
- We never create conflict with the directors or judges of events in which we participate.
- The school director handles all communication with the directors of our outside activities.
- No parent or student may call or question the directors of any event. If you have a concern, please contact the director of our school.
TIPS: DRESS CODE REQUIREMENTS BALLET:
GIRLS: Any color leotard with pink tights, pink ballet shoes.
BOYS: Black dance pants and a plain, white T-shirt. Boys ages 13 and over may be required to wear tights for ballet class. Black ballet shoes. JAZZ/TAP:
GIRLS: Any color of leotard with suntan tights or matching tights. Tan slip-on tap shoes and tan leather jazz shoes.
BOYS: Black dance pants and a solid color T-shirt with no print. Black tap shoes. Black jazz shoes. PRESCHOOL:
GIRLS: Pink leotard and tights for preschool. Pink ballet shoes.
BOYS: White T-shirt and black dance pants. Black jazz shoes. MUSICAL THEATRE:
GIRLS: Black dance pants and form fitting top. Tan jazz shoes. (May also need tan character shoes.)
BOYS: Black dance pants and solid color T-shirt. Black jazz shoes.
All dance participants must have the following shoes: Please see the dancewear order form for shoes, tights, and preschool dancewear. These should be purchased through the studio to insure that all students have the correct shoes and tights. Not all manufacturers carry consistent coloring or design.
- All dancers are required to wear appropriate shoes for all classes and rehearsals. Make sure shoes are clean and polished for each performance.
Classes All students are expected to attend their regularly scheduled classes. There may be additional classes, including master classes and conventions, in which it is encouraged that all dancers participate. There are additional charges for most of these classes. All students must show respect for their teachers at all times. Inappropriate behavior could result in dismissal from the program.
Rehearsal and Other Information Rehearsals are an important part of the commitment to the Arts Program. All students are expected to work hard and arrive early enough to give themselves time to warm up. Additional rehearsals may be scheduled at the discretion of the teacher/choreographer. All students are required to participate. No classes will be held during holidays or spring break. Please check your calendar for these closings. If you must miss a class, please call the studio as soon as you are aware of the absence. Any student excused from a rehearsal is responsible for learning any missed choreography, music, and staging prior to arriving for the next rehearsal. There are no refunds for missed classes. All students must attend rehearsals in proper attire and appropriate shoes. Female dancers are required to wear their hair pulled back or in a bun for all rehearsals.
- It is expected that all students will be on their best behavior during rehearsals and work as team players at all times.
Tuition and Expense Policy Part of the commitment to the Arts Program is being up-to-date with all accounts related to participation. Tuition is due by the 1st of each month. Payments made before the 5th of the month will result in a discount. Continuous late payments could result in possible dismissal from the program. If you need assistance with a payment plan, please check with the school office.
2009 Tuition Rates and Associated Fees Registration Fee: $15.00/single or $20.00/family
Dance, Musical Theater and Group Music Classes
30min/wk | $34/mo | 45min/wk | $38/mo | 1 hr/wk | $42/mo | 1 ¼ hrs/wk | $50/mo | 1 ½ hrs/wk | $60/mo | 1 ¾ hrs/wk | $67/mo | 2 hr/wk | $75/mo | 2 ¼ hrs/wk | $80/mo | 2 ½ hrs/wk | $89.00/mo | 2 ¾ hrs/wk | $95.00/mo | 3 hrs/wk | $100.00/mo | 3 ¼ hrs/wk | $108.00/mo | 3 ½ hrs/wk | $114.00/mo | 3 ¾ hrs/wk | $120.00/mo | 4 hrs/wk 5 hrs/wk+ unlimited | $127.00/mo $140.00/mo |
Musical Theater Packages:
| Triple Threats Prep+ 1 tap/jazz dance class | $55.00/mo | Idol Time + 1 tap/jazz dance class | $65.00/mo | Broadway Today + 1 tap/jazz dance class | $65.00/mo | Off Broadway Ensemble + 1 tap/jazz dance class | $65.00/mo | Plus…all musical theater students will receive a 20% discount on all other classes. | Good Value! |
Private Music Lessons:
| Private Piano | ½ hour per week =$65/month | Private Voice | ½ hour per week= $70/month | Private Voice | ¾ hour per week =$90/month | Private Harp | ½ hour per week =$80/month | Private Harp | ¾ hour per week =$100/month |
Private music students must purchase their own music books. Your instructor will provide you with a list of those materials. Other Fees & Associated Costs:
| Spring recital costumes | Approx. $45-$65/per costume/per class | Full payment due Nov. 1, | Performer’s recital fee | $15.00/individual $20.00/family | Due Feb. 1st | Tickets to holiday show | $12.00/adults;
$8.00 students (3-18 yrs.) | Purchase at door or in advance | Tickets to spring recital | $12.00/adults;
$8.00 students (3-18 yrs.) | Purchase at door or in advance |
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