ONLINE HANDBOOK

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ATTENDANCE

The nature of collaborative performance requires consistent participation from all members.  The absence of one individual has a significant effect on what the rest of the group can accomplish.  Prompt and regular attendance is expected.  Superior performances are the result of superior commitment.  

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A calendar of all rehearsals and performances is available at the link on our web pages.  The calendar can be linked to most smart phones. When changes become necessary, they will be announced in rehearsal and appear on the calendar at least one week prior to the change.  For this reason, those who wish to print the calendar (for employers, the refrigerator, etc.) should print only one week at a time, and no more than one week in advance.  

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While the goal is that every participant will attend every rehearsal, absence is sometimes necessary.  The key to handling all attendance issues is communication.  The following policy is in effect for all St. Edward Performing Arts Activities:

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ABSENCE FROM PERFORMANCE DUE TO ILLNESS OR EMERGENCY:  These must be called-in to the Performing Arts Department at (216) 221-0793, ext. 255 (Mr. Burns) or ext. 209 (Mr. Kortyka) as far before the performance as possible, but no later than 30 minutes prior to the time a student is expected to be at the school.  Stage crew members may reach Mr. Goers at (216) 221-3776, ext. 263.

 

ABSENCE FROM REHEARSAL DUE TO ILLNESS OR EMERGENCY:  

School days:  If a St. Edward student’s parent called the attendance office that morning no additional action is required.  St. Edward students who attended school that day as well as all girls should call the Performing Arts Department at (216) 221-0793, ext. 255 (Mr. Burns) or ext. 209 (Mr. Kortyka) as early as possible on the day of the absence.  Stage crew members may reach Mr. Goers at (216) 221-3776, ext. 263.

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Non-school days:  All participants must call the Performing Arts Department at the above numbers.

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ABSENCE FOR OTHER REASONS must be sent by email to the appropriate director and/or advisor (example: Marching Percussion to Mr. Kortyka; Color Guard Mr. Kortyka) one week prior to the absence.  Only absences for family obligations (weddings, reunions, vacations, etc.) or school/church/community organizations (retreats, clubs, trips, teams, etc.) are excused.  Such excuses may not exceed two per month. 

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Work is never an excused absence.  The calendar should be printed and given to employers well in advance of when employers create their schedules.

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Students who exceed the number of allowed absences (2 per month, other than illness) or have unexcused absences may be sidelined for performances, forfeit recognition awards, receive lower grades, and/or be excluded from participating in other SEHS Performing Arts activities.  A student who discontinues their participation in any SEHS Performing Arts activity during its season may be excluded from participating in all other SEHS performing arts activities for the period of one year. If a student does drop from a performing arts organization before it's culmination, they must have a conversation with the director before returning to or beginning any SEHS Performing Arts activity to explain the reason for dropping and their level of future commitment to the program.

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SUMMER ATTENDANCE:  To encourage participation in the variety of life enriching activities available during the summer, upon consultation with the appropriate director and/or advisor the 2 per month limit may be waived for summer rehearsals.  Email notification is, however, still required.

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ALL ABSENCES WHICH ARE NOT PRECEEDED BY A PHONE CALL (Illness, Emergency) OR EMAIL (Planned Appointments, Family, etc.) ARE UNEXCUSED.  

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DISCIPLINE POLICY

Self-discipline is at the center of achievement.  High levels of achievement are attained only with high expectations.  All participants are expected to:

• treat other students, staff, all property and equipment respectfully (use appropriate language, be supportive and positive) - this also applies to spectators and students from other schools

• be on time

• dress appropriately

• have necessary materials

• prepare ahead of time (practice)

• participate fully (listen to and follow instructions)

• clean-up following the activity, properly storing equipment

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St. Edward High School discipline policies (outlined in the school handbook) are in effect.  Girls’ parents and their schools will be notified of serious discipline problems - particularly those for which St. Edward students may be suspended.

The following behaviors will result in a student being sent home for the day.  Upon review by the school administration, the student may be prohibited from returning.

• theft, vandalism, improper use of equipment or other behavior deemed harmful to persons or property

• fighting, threatening, teasing, hazing or harassing

• defiance or disregard for authority

• behavior which undermines positive progress, including inappropriate jokes, dishonesty, or neglect of responsibilities

• inappropriate public displays of affection

These discipline policies are in effect whenever students are on school property for performing arts activities.  

 

While waiting for rehearsal areas to become available, students should be seated on the chairs in the cafeteria.  Food and drink are always to be consumed in the cafeteria.  Food and drink may not be consumed in the band room or the school hallways.

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STUDENT LEADERSHIP

Developing leadership among student participants is a major goal of our programs.  The additional responsibilities undertaken by student leaders prepares them for real-life situations. Leaders include drum major, stage manager, crew managers, and section leaders.  

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Moderators choose student leaders based on integrity, initiative, ability to work well with others, and past performance.  Those chosen will have consistently set a good example - having been positive, helpful, and supportive of others.  Through past involvement they have demonstrated a superior level of commitment.

 

Leaders are expected to arrive early and stay late.  Leaders will discuss the duties and limitations of their positions with the moderator.  When practical, they are involved in planning performance goals for the group.  They take an active role in the realization of those goals by monitoring and encouraging progress.  They are key elements in identifying problems and potential problems, and are involved in resolving such.  

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Other students are expected to acknowledge the expertise and high level of trust afforded to leaders.  Instructions should be followed as if given by a member of the adult staff.

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Leaders who neglect duties, take advantage of their positions, or show indifference will be replaced.

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BOOSTERS
The parents of all participants are members of the St. Edward Performing Arts Boosters.  There are no membership fees. Parents are encouraged to attend meetings, dates of which can be found on the calendar.  The boosters provide a means of communication for parents as well as logistical support for programs (meals for students during extended rehearsals, post-concert receptions, uniform/costume alterations, equipment transportation, Spring Awards Banquet, overseeing fundraising, etc.).

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FUND RAISING

All participants are required to participate in fundraising activities to help offset costs.  These include selling business and personal patron ads for dramatic productions, and an annual product sale (candy/nuts/coupon book, etc.) and providing workers for concession stand events for music groups.  Requirements will be made known at the start of each activity.  After reaching their fundraising quota, a potion of music fundraising revenues are applied toward reducing the individual student’s fees for trips, band camp, etc.  Families may choose to make a donation rather than participate in fundraisers.  

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ACADEMIC CREDIT AND GRADES

St. Edward students must register for performing arts activities which are also classes.  These include Orchestra, Concert Band, Marching Band, Jazz Band, Choir, Technical Theater (stage crew), Theatrical Performance (cast), Music Theory, Music Technology, IB Music Perspectives and Independent Study.  Upon the approval of the ensemble instructor, after-school performance courses may be taken pass/fail rather than for a standard letter grade - these will appear on transcripts but not figure into the student’s GPA (helpful for students enrolled in aggressive AP and Honors programs).

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Grades are based on rehearsal preparation, participation, evaluation of progress during rehearsals and assessment of performances.  An unexcused absence from a performance may result in a failing grade. 

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AWARDS

Students who successfully complete an activity culminating in a performance will receive awards.  These are presented before families and peers at an annual Spring Awards Banquet (date can be found on the calendar).

 

Students receive a letter upon completion of their first year in an activity, and pins for additional years.  Seniors receive plaques honoring their years of achievement.  Special Senior recognition awards include the John Philip Sousa Award (a National band award), Director’s Award (for musical achievement) Louis Armstrong Award (National jazz award), and National Choral Award (choir).

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MUSIC, SCRIPTS AND BOOKS

All sheet music, textbooks and scripts are loaned to students.  They belong to St. Edward High School, the Lakewood Board of Education, or a licensing agent.  They must be returned at the end of an activity.  All marking must be made lightly and in pencil.  They must be thoroughly erased when returned.  Students are responsible for costs incurred due to loss, damage or late return.

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UNIFORMS AND COSTUMES

With the exception of summer band uniforms, stage crew t-shirts and concert ties which students purchase, all uniforms and costumes are loaned to students.  They are the property of St. Edward High School or a rental agency.  When not being worn, they must be properly hung and stored in approved areas.  Students may be required to purchase appropriate shoes, socks, undergarments, gloves, and other accessories.  Students are responsible for costs incurred due to loss, damage or late return.

 

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INSTRUMENTS, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

Most students provide their own instruments, however school-owned instruments are also available for student use.  Instruments are to be taken home daily (for practice) unless other arrangements have been made with the director.  Instruments that are kept at school must be properly stored when not in use.  School-owned instruments must be returned in the same condition in which they were issued upon completion of the student’s involvement in an activity.  Students are responsible for the cost of repair resulting from damage or improper care.  Daily maintenance is to be performed by students.  They must provide their own reeds, lubricants, swabs and other supplies.  Instruments are to be thoroughly dried before being stored in cases.  Slides and valves are to be lubricated every few days.  Music and accessories should never be crammed into cases which do not have specifically designed compartments. 

 

Due to the costly nature of maintaining percussion instruments and the need to provide students with compatible heads, sticks, and mallets, there is a yearly charge for use of percussion instruments.

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Students must be authorized to use tools, computers and all electronic equipment.  A staff member will train and verify that a student knows the proper way to operate equipment before he/she is permitted to do so.  Some tools and equipment require signing-out.  No tools or equipment may leave designated areas without proper authorization.  Students are responsible for the proper return and storage of equipment and tools following use, as well as any associated cleanup.  Computers are to be shut down and electronic devices turned-off when they are not being used.

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INSTRUMENT STORAGE

Instrument storage lockers are available for use during the school day.  They are located in the storage room, accessible from the Cafeteria before school and throughout the school day. Only musical instruments, sheet music and related accessories are to be stored in these lockers.  Textbooks, coats, backpacks and personal items are to be kept in school lockers.  Food may never be stored in the band room lockers.  Students will be assigned lockers and must provide their own SEHS combination locks.  Instruments and locks must be removed during extended breaks (winter, spring, and summer).  During rehearsal, empty cases should be stored in lockers.  Personal items should be stored under students’ chairs or along the perimeter of the band room.  Personal belongings and empty instrument cases are never to be stored in the cafeteria.

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CONCERTS
Concerts are presented at St. Edward several times each year.  Students are required to participate in all concerts.  Dates are listed on the calendar.  Friends, family, and the general public are welcome at these free concerts.  The Performing Arts Boosters provide a reception in the Cafeteria following concerts.  Students will be required to arrive prior a concert or performance to setup and prepare (usually 2 hours).  After the performance, members are required to help return all areas to their original state.

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CONCERT ATTIRE

Boys:  white dress shirt (long or short sleeve), black dress slacks, black (or very dark) belt (if slacks have belt loops), black crew length dress socks that cover the lower part of the leg when seated, dress shoes, and SEHS performing arts tie (cost $25).

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Girls:  all white long sleeve blouse, black skirt with the hem or slits no higher than the knee or black slacks, skin-toned nylons and dress shoes.

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No hats, scarves or other accessories.  Jewelry, makeup and hair are to be modest and conservative.  No member’s attire or physical appearance shall draw attention by standing out.