XVII. Performing Arts

Major Music Performing Groups

(Credit-Bearing) Membership and participation earn 1/2 credit per year. The numerical grades for these groups are used when computing class rank and average for Honor Roll.

• CVA Concert Choir

• CVA Orchestra

• CVA Symphonic Band

Extracurricular Performing Groups

The music department offers the following extracurricular performing ensembles:

• CVA Chamber Choir

• CVA Chamber Singers

• CVA Chamber Strings

• CVA Jazz Ensemble

• CVA Pep Band

All of the above ensembles are optional performing opportunities offered by the Music Department. These select ensembles specialize in a variety of styles of music. All ensembles perform often throughout the year both at school and elsewhere in the community. All performances are mandatory and quality work is expected, but fun is also an important ingredient. Rehearsals may be held during and/or after school. No credit or grades are awarded. Please contact any member of the music department for detailed information and policies.

Extracurricular Theatre Opportunities

The Fine Arts department offers the following extracurricular theatre opportunities:

• CVA Drama Club

• CVA Fall Cabaret (featuring Drama Club and CVA Chamber Music Ensembles)

• CVA Spring Musical

Classroom

We offer the following classes: Complete descriptions are found in the Guidance Department Course list.

• College Now Music Appreciation (every other year)

• College Now/AP Music Theory (every other year)

• College Now Music Theatre (every other year)

• College Now Performance Theatre (every other year)

• Guitar

• Piano 1 and 2

Any College Now class or Piano 1 and Guitar (or Piano 1 and 2) satisfies the Senior High graduation requirements for the Fine Arts.

For students wishing to receive a five-credit Fine Arts Sequence in Music, they must take 4 years of a Performing Ensemble, College Now Music Appreciation, College Now/AP Music Theory, Piano 1 and 2 or Piano 1 and Guitar.

For students wishing to receive a five-credit Fine Arts Sequence in Theatre, they must take 4 years of CVA Concert Choir, College Now Music Theatre, College Now Performance Theatre, Piano 1 and 2 or Piano 1 and Guitar

Music Lesson Policy

All music lessons are scheduled on a rotation basis. The lesson rotation will cause a student to miss an individual class as seldom as possible.

Students are instructed to personally see their classroom teachers before attending each lesson. Students are responsible for all work and/or homework that are assigned during the class that day.

Students should strive for 35 points of lessons each marking period. Each lesson is worth up to 5 points. On average, there is an opportunity for students to attend 10-11 lessons a marking period to achieve this goal.

Students who have a test or lab during a scheduled lesson should be allowed to attend their class once they have notified their music teacher.

Make-up lessons may be granted at the discretion of the music teacher. All Make-up lessons should take place during the student’s free time (before school, study halls, lunch, or after school). If this is not possible, the music teacher will make arrangements with the teacher of the class the students will miss in advance of the make-up.

Performance Attendance Policy

The most educationally fulfilling aspects of enrollment in a music performing group are participation in the various concerts and performances throughout the year. As a result, the music department enforces the following policy with regards to performance attendance.

Students who are absent from a performance and unexcused by the director will receive a zero for the participation portion of their grades for the marking period in which the concert occurred. This makes 80% the highest grade possible for the marking period. The director will consider excuses no later than two weeks prior to the performances. Only unavoidable legitimate conflicts will be accepted as excuses. All excuses must be written and signed by a parent/guardian. Excuses for unforeseen emergencies will be considered at any time.

Students who receive a Pass/Fail grade will receive a failing grade for any marking period(s) during which they have not participated in a performance and were unexcused.

It is the responsibility of each child and their parents/guardians to be aware of the performance schedule and provide excuses that are necessary in a timely fashion. All participants will be issued a calendar at the beginning of the school year. All performances are also on the Central Valley CSD School website.

Other

We will also encourage students to audition for All-County, Area All-State and Conference All State as well as attend NYSSMA solo festivals each spring. We also attend music festivals and perform on other occasions each year.

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