Student Handbook

Please read this Handbook in order to understand the declaration you are making when you register at MCM. Thank you!

Student Handbook - Maryland Conservatory of Music 2007/2008
701 E. Churchville Road / Bel Air, Maryland / 21014
Website: www.musicismagic.com
Email: info@musicismagic.com
Phone: 410-399-9900
Director’s Welcome: It is a pleasure to be in our fifth year of operation as an organization contributing to the arts in the greater Harford County region. Our Main Academic Year runs from September 10, 2007 to June 7, 2008. Our student population has grown toover 300 students and our ensemble and course offerings have become quite diversified. We have entered into an exciting partnership with Harford Community College. and as a result, some of our programs and recitals are taking place at Joppa Hall on the campus of Harford Community College. We are also actively working to establish and develop our Parents Association to help with our annual fund raiser, Bugle Call on May 17, 2008, and our annual showcase concert, “Music is Magic” scheduled for April 27, 2007.
Please check the calendar and mark down key dates including our five student recital weekends and the “Guest ArtistSeries” featuring areas musicians like Jonathan Carney of The Baltimore Symphony giving a Master Class for string players. Additional events and activities (i.e. Community Performance, Guest Artist Series, etc.) will be communicated to you through the monthly Newsletter and or postings at the conservatory. We encourage input as we strive to operate with the most efficiency, clarity, and completeness - please feel free to leave comments in the “Comment Box” located on the wall just outside the office door. I look forward to working with all of you as we continue to create an environment centered around our PASSION for music.
- Duke Thompson, Director
Three Important Notes:
1). The conservatory will be closed Thanksgiving, Winter Break and Spring Break as noted on the calendar (next page). There are thirty-six weeks during our MAIN ACADEMIC YEAR. If you will be out of town for a recognized and observed religious or civic holiday AND you provide written notice two weeks in advance, the lesson will be made up. Classes and ensembles may observe some holidays as noted on the activity’s registration forms.
2). EXCHANGE PHONE NUMBERS WITH PRIVATE TEACHER: The office is not able to relay communications between student and teacher with regards to all things related to the private lesson such as missed lessons, rescheduled lessons, late lessons, repertoire, rehearsals, re-auditions, etc.. You must contact your teacher directly
3). READ THIS HANDBOOK CAREFULLY: There are many policies and procedures designed to make operations clear, logical, and safe. Everything in this handbook should be considered policy.
Table of Contents
Calendar Page 2
Parking Page 3
Unexpected School Closings - -
Missed Lessons - -
Faculty Absences - -
Dress Code Page 4
Practicing - -
Group Activity - -
Auditions/Student Recitals Page 5
Accompanying - -
“Music is Magic” concert - -
Community Performance Page 6
Photographs and Recording - -
Assessment and Recognition - -
Student Progress - -
Additional General Policies Page 7
MCM Gift Shop - -
Administrative staff - -
Faculty Page 8
Student Accompanist Registration Page 9
Student Success Story Page 10
Calendar:
September 8 Open House: 1-4 pm
September 10 First Day of Main Academic Year 2007/2008
October 13: Faculty Fall Fest
October 27/28 STUDENT RECITALS; Times TBA
November 22-23 Closed for Thanksgiving

Dec. 7, 8, 14, 15 MCM Musical “Remembering Uncle Scrooge”
December 21/22 STUDENT RECITALS; Times TBA
Dec. 23-Jan 2 Closed for Winter Break
January 3Conservatory reopens for lessons and classes
February 22/23 STUDENT RECITALS; Times TBA
March 17-24 Closed for Spring Break
April 18/19 STUDENT RECITALS; Times TBA
Music is Magic 2007, April 27 @ 3 pm John Carroll School

Preakness Party: May 17, 4-8 pmTBA
June 6,7 STUDENT RECITALS; Times TBA
June 7Last Day of Main Academic Year
June-August Summer Semester (Camps, Lessons, Workshops)


Parking
During the hours of 8 am to 2:30 pm, MCM has access to parking spaces within the MCM carport area - these spaces are identified with yellow stripes instead of the white spaces for John Carroll students. After 2:30 pm MCM has access to white or yellow parking. Please park in marked spots only. Parking at Harford Community College should follow college regulations and signage directives.
Unexpected School Closings
In some cases, weather or other situations may raise questions as to whether Maryland Conservatory of Music will open (or remain open) for any given day. We do not follow the decisions of area County Schools since MCM hours of operation differ. Efforts will be made to communicate through radio and television, but this is not always thorough. We will update messages on our telephone answering system as readily as possible. All programs at Harford Communty College will follow the decisions of Harford Community College for Continuing Education.
Missed Lessons
MCM teachers are active as performers and guest artists which is one of the reasons they are such good teachers. There may be a week where the teacher has a conflict in their schedule, which you would know about from your teacher at the earliest possible time. If a student misses a lesson for a recognized religious or civic holiday, AND they have given at least two weeks notice in writing to the MCM Office, AND if this lesson is not agreed to be one of the “extra weeks”, this lesson will be made up. Other lessons that are missed are not made up although your teacher can choose to make up a missed lesson in extra-ordinary circumstances (illness is normally not considered extra-ordinary) to a maximum of three for the year (to be pro-rated for those who register after September 30). REMEMBER TO EXCHANGE PHONE NUMBERS with your teacher so you can call them directly regarding your private lessons (i.e. will be late, going to miss, etc.). MCM office will not be able to relay messages to teachers

Faculty Absences
Planned: Known absences for activities like performances, workshops, etc. should be communicated to the student first and MCM Office at the first knowledge.
Unplanned: Emergencies such as sudden illness, a death in the family, or unexpected transportation difficulties should be communicated to students first and the MCM Office second ASAP . (REMEMBER TO EXCHANGE NUMBERS AT FIRST LESSON)
Rescheduling of a lesson missed by faculty is the faculty member’s responsibility and should be coordinated directly with the student after insuring room availability through the MCM Office asap. Principles in re-scheduling a lesson missed by faculty member are: 1) try to avoid putting a make-up lesson with-in 48 hours of another lesson, 2) avoid as much as possible giving a make-up through extending other lessons 3) make up the lesson in the summer if mutually agreeable with student/guardian. Make-up lessons can be scheduled during times the conservatory is closed if it is pre-arranged with the conservatory.
Dress Code
Students are responsible to dress and present themselves in a way that is safe, inoffensive, and non-disruptive. For performances, MCM students should wear “Concert Attire” which most resembles clothing worn at church or at a wedding.

Practicing
It is so important to let the instrument/voice become an extension of the student’s creative and expressive personality. This can only be achieved through daily practice that is done with purpose and concentration. We encourage students to practice at the conservatory building (as rooms are available) especially just before and after their private lesson. To insure a practice time, please contact the conservatory ahead of time to confirm that a practice space is available and to insure that conservatory staff will be in the building.
Private lessons
There are two options for private lessons at MCM. The heart of the MCM programs is the Private Lessons Package (PLP) in which students take a private lesson once a week along with a weekly group activity (see description in next heading). In addition PLP students are elligible for community performance opportunities (including “Music is Magic”), workshops, and master classes as they present themselves during the year.
Students wishing to take private lessons only can do so in the program entitled Lessons Only (LO). Students in this program are not elligible for student recitals, community performance, or any of the programs listed under “Group Activity”.
Group Activity (Repertoire Class and Ensembles)
Every student in the Private Lessons Package will also be enrolled in a group activity which will meet once each week. The options are Repertoire Class or one of our ensembles.
Repertoire Class, students get the opportunity to try-out the music they are working on in their private lessons during a group repertoire class. This is highly recommended for those who work on a fair amount of recital repertoire. Also there is exposure to ear-training, music history, and music theory. A regular occurrence in these classes is the “Topic of the Week”; students are divided into two teams: Amadeus is the team of students whose last name starts with A-Mm and Mozart, the team of students whose last names start with Mo-Z; the private teacher will often take a few minutes to preview the Topic of the Week with the student in the private lesson.
Ensembles include Youth Jazz Ensemble, Youth Orchestra, Choir, Contemporary Music Group, Guitar Ensemble. Some ensembles require a placement audition – check with the office to find out these particulars.The ensembles are Youth Choir, Adult Choir, Popular Music, Intermediate Orchestra, Youth Jazz Band, Chamber Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble. Please contact the office to confirm the days and times for these ensembles.
If a student would like to participate in two group activities (i.e. the Repertoire Class and an ensemble OR two ensembles), this is contingent upon scheduling. It should be noted that a second group activity carries a tuition fee that ranges from $7 to $15 per contact hour. PLP students receive a 20% discount on their second group activity.
Auditions/Student Recitals
There are five Student Recital weekends during Student Recital dates are listed in the calendar (page 2). Auditions for these recitals take place during Rep Class on the two weekends preceding the Student Recital. There will not be any auditions given at times other than these four days. Audition results are posted outside the office door on Monday at 5 pm the week of the recital. Recitals will be scheduled for Friday evening and Saturday. Questions regarding recital auditions and recital placements should be made directly to your private teacher.
Accompanying
Piano students who would like to register to be a student accompanist should do so by speaking to their private teacher and fill out the Student Accompanist Registration form at the back of this handbook.
Students who need an accompanist will be guided by their private teacher. The private teacher will facilitate the coordination and acquisition of an accompanist through one of four options:
1). Request a staff accompanist through the Staff Accompanist Request Form. This requires an accompanist fee of $15 (for accompanying a work that is up to five minutes in length). This fee is due with the request form and will be refunded in the rare occasion of a staff member not being available to accompany. The completed request forms must be submitted three weeks before the performance (it is advised to aim for four weeks prior to allow time to provide any incomplete information).
2). Request a student accompanist throught the Student Accompanist Request Form. (Students who are interested in being considered as a student accompanist must fill out the Student Accompanist Registration Form, which needs to be signed by their private teacher) There is no fee if a student accompanist is approved to do the accompanying request. The deadline for this form is 5 weeks prior to the performance. If a student is not available, the request will normally be treated as a “Staff Accompaniment Request”.
3). An outside accompanist can be used. The outside accompanist must participate in the audition (and re-audition, if needed). Any compensation is between student and accompanist. In this case, it is possible for the accompanist and student attend a repertoire class prior to the auditions to assist with the preparation process.
4). On occasion, some private teachers will accompany their student at the audition and performance, but this is often not possible due to availability of the teacher and or the need for the teacher to be in the audience for assessment.

“Music is Magic” concert
Each year, Maryland Conservatory of Music puts on a showcase concert in a large venue in the community. Performers are chosen from students, faculty members, and guests. This year’s showcase will take place during the Spring (time/date/place TBA). Students are invited to perform in this recital based on performances at Student Recitals earlier in the year and from specific Music is Magic auditions (these will take place one to two weeks prior to the concert date. It is important to keep in mind that due to a certain theme, time restraints, and or for purposes of diverse programming, not all students who audition will be able to participate in Music is Magic. Students who are interested in being part of Music is Magic should consult with their private teacher to plan a strategy for having a piece or song ready for this event.
Community Performance
Maryland Conservatory of Music gets numerous requests by organizations in the county to perform. We take advantage of these opportunities as much as we can. Normally, the private teacher recommends students for whom they feel this would be a positive experience. Students who are interested in being considered for community performance should speak to their private teachers. Ensembles at MCM also perform at Community Performance events as appropriate; if an ensemble director would like to plan for their group to perform, they should contact the Performance Coordinator.
Photographs and Recordings
If students would like a recording of their MCM performance they may request this through the MCM Office. There is a $5 fee for this service. All photos and recordings of students taken during MCM programs or events by MCM staff.volunteers are the property of MCM and may be used for the promotion of the conservatory. If the student (parent if the student is under 18) does not want their name and or photo to be used, a written statement to this effect should be submitted to the office.

Assessment/Recognition of Students
1). Private Lessons: Private teachers will assess attendance through the Private Teaching Record form. Written comments on a student’s work may be requested.
2). Classes, Ensembles, Workshops, Camps: Teachers of these activities can provide a comment sheet at the end of the activity upon request.
3). Any student who demonstrates superior effort and achievement can be nominated by their private teacher for Student of the Month - submissions for this honor are due into the office by the 25th of the month for the upcoming month.
4). Student Highlights: If a student has received an award or recognition, MCM would like to recognize this. The student’s private teacher and or parent/guardian should fill out and sign the “Student Success Story” form (at the back of this handbook).
5). All students at MCM are expected to show progress. If a teacher feels a student is not achieving and or participating at an acceptable pace, a conference with the parent/guardian may be scheduled to strategize a plan for improvement.Additional general policies and information
1. MCM reserves the right to withdraw a student for reasons that include lack of effort/achievement, disciplinary problems, or non-payment of fees.
2. Student Fees: There will be a $45 fee assessed for any bounced checks or any late payments.
3. MCM reserves the right to place minimum limits on classes and ensembles
4. FOOD or DRINK is permitted in the Community Room ONLY. The only exception to this is for wind players and singers who are permitted to have bottled water during their lessons if reccommended by their teacher – in these cases the water bottles should only be opened in the studios and they should never be placed on a piano.
5. The kitchen is for faculty and staff. Students are not permitted in the Kitchen area.
6. The Main Performance Room is a restricted-use area. Approved use will be determined by the director.and must always be under faculty/staff supervision. only for use as determined by the director. This space is used for classes, masterclasses, and ensembles that are approved by the director.
7. Maryland Conservatory of Music has a no-smoking policy that is consistent with the policy for both John Carroll School and Harford Community College.
8. Any room that is found to be in unacceptable condition and or has evidence of food or drink should be communicated to the MCM Office.
9. MCM office equipment (fax machine, copier, phone) is for faculty and staff use that relates to MCM teaching and administration only.
10. MCM students should only be taught on the MCM campus. Any change to this, including make-up lessons, should be approved by the Director.
11. Students are not permitted in kitchen or copy room unless accompanied by staff.

MCM Gift Shop
MCM has and will have various items for sale that are dsplayed in the Gift Shop Window in the Community Room. These items include faculty CDs, MCM shirts, and CD cases. To purchase any item, please inquire at the office.

Administrative Staff
Dr. Duke Thompson: Director, Kris Faatz: Assistant Director, Serap Esin: Program Coordinator, Julie Hiscox, Program Assistant. Mr. Andrew Lewis: Programs, Performance, Accompanying

Faculty
Bagpipes Andy McIntyre Master of Modern Studies Loyola College
Bassoon Kimberly Kelley Doctor of Musical Arts University of Illinois, U-C
Cello Tim Wilson Master of Music Eastman School of Music
Clarinet Noelle Presby Master of Music Peabody Conservatory
Composer Brian Comotto Master of Music New York University
Flute Alicia Kosack Master of Music Peabody Conservatory
French Horn Kurt Wittstadt Master of Music Towson University
Guitar/pop Jim Bowley Bachelor of Music Ed. Towson
Guitar Serap Esinr Master of Music Eastman School of Music
Harp Jackie Pollauf Bachelor of Music Peabody Conservatory
Oboe Vladimir Lande Master of Music St. Petersburg Conservatory
Oboe Leah Moss Bachelor of Music Peabody Conservatory
Percussion George Carroll Bachelor of Arts eq. RCN Music School/career
Piano Kris Faatz Master of Music Peabody Conservatory
Piano Virginia Chang Doctor of Musical Arts University of Maryland
Piano Hyeree Chung Master of Music University of Minnesota
Piano Christopher Dillon Doctor of Musical Arts Peabody Conservatory
Piano Andrew Lewis Master of Music Towson University
Piano Joe Satava Doctor of Musical Arts Peabody Conservatory
Piano Duke Thompson Doctor of Musical Arts Arizona State University
Saxophone Jeremiah Baker Master of Music Peabody Conservatory
Trombone Alan Carr Master of Music Juilliard School
Trumpet John Mathis Bachelor of Music Peabody Conservatory
Violin Linda Molina Master of Music University of Michigan
Violin Christine Robbins Bachelor of Arts Glassboro State College
Violin, viola Dennis Hertzog Master of Music Towson University
Voice Richard Disharoon Ph.D Education University of Maryland
Voice/jazz Sheila Ford Bachelor of Music eq. Berklee College/career
Voice Yvonne Hook Master of Music Northwestern University
Voice Marge Phillips Master of Music Towson University

We don’t just teach music, we live it!

Student Accompanist Registration
Maryland Conservatory of Music - 2006/2007
Please Print Clearly
Student______________________ Student’s phone #_________________ Teacher_____________________ Teacher’s Phone # _________________Student’s Lesson day/time_____________ Student’s Birthday _____/_____/_____Number of years of piano lessons ___ Accompanying Experience ___Yes ___NoPrivate Teacher’s Endorsement: The student named on this form is able to accompany another student, given enough lead-time to prepare the accompaniment, if I approve that the specific accompaniment is within the student’s skill level. I understand that I will be given the opportunity to approve the ability of this student for any proposed accompaniment.
__________________________ Date______________
(Private teacher’s signature)

Office Use Only ______________________________
(Please make a copy of this handbook form, fill it out, and submit it to the office)

Student Success Story
Maryland Conservatory of Music - 2006/2007
Please Print Clearly
Student______________________ Student’s phone #_________________
Teacher_____________________ Teacher’s Phone # _________________
Describe the success story of the student: __________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Submitted by: ___________________ Parent___ Teacher___ Other__________
(describe)
Phone #_____________________ Email________________________
Signature_____________________ Date ______________________
Note: MCM strives to share success stories through our numerous communication vehicles both internally and externally, however, due to space restraints and deadlines, we may not be able to post every story we get.

Office Use Only ______________________________
(Please make a copy of this handbook form, fill it out, and submit it to the office)