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Andrew Burris
Music Education K-5
Room 113
512-417-3973
aburris@Humbleisd.net
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Class Philosophy
Class Philosophy
Dear Parents & Guardians,
I would like to welcome you to our music classroom. While students are in music class, it is my goal to open them up to a wide variety of music, from rap to country to classical. It is essential that we as human beings are able to interpret the musical world around us and see how it is related to the rest of our culture and subject areas. Music plays such a vital role in the majority of our lives, and it is my duty and responsibility to teach students the basics of reading, writing, playing, listening to, and analyzing music.
At Elm Grove Elementary, the music classroom will be where we establish and grow the basic building blocks of a successful and fruitful music appreciation. As a dedicated, qualified music educator, I PLEDGE TO:
= Create a positive and inviting atmosphere for each and every student
= Follow the National Standards of music and the state TEKS in music education in each lesson plan.
= Have each student handle instruments in some capacity.= Teach a variety of musical concepts using a variety of techniques that promise to be both fun and educational.= Allow every student, regardless of ability, the opportunity to further their musical understanding.
= Promote and build positive and strong student character.= Help students understand and express their musical selves in creative ways.= Guide students towards setting and completing personal musical goals.
= Provide frequent, honest, and constructive feedback to help each student's musical ability grow.
= Emphasize group harmony by provided numerous opportunities to work as a team or ensemble.
= Show the importance of practice and developing a musical skill.
The school year at Elm Grove Elementary will be both challenging and exciting. Students will have many musical opportunities that they might not have anywhere else in their lives. As the year progresses, they will see their talents develop and realize talents they might not have known they had. By providing every child the opportunity to participate in a highly diverse music curriculum, I am confident that Elm Grove Elementary can have a music program that fosters critical listening, musical literacy, and numerous performance opportunities. Thank you so much for your time, and I look forward to getting to know both you and the students.Andrew Burris
General Music
Elm Grove Elementary
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Class rules and guidelines
Class Rules and Guidelines
Nurse NotesBecause there will be numerous activities that require moving, all students are expected to participate unless there is written notification of a medical condition, injury, or other health-related issue that will limit or restrict the student's ability to participate. Written notification should be from the parent/guardians, school nurse, or family physician.
Class RulesBe kind to all, including yourselfShow respect to people, equipment, and materialsTry your best at everything you doDisciplineClass management will be handled in an appropriate, fair, and positive manner following the Capturing Kids' Hearts model. Disciplinary action is on an individual basis and will be communicated to the parent/guardian via email, phone, or letter. Negative choices will result in completing a form in the "Think Station." Multiple trips to the Think Station will affect a student's grade. Please note:First Think Station visit: Sit out of activitySecond visit: Sit out of activity, email home, minor/major incident report (depending on circumstances)Third visit: Sit out of activity, phone call home, minor/major incident report (depending on circumstances)Fourth visit: Sit out of activity, phone call home, minor/major incident report (depending on circumstances), office referralParents will be notified via email or note after the 3rd infraction.GradingStudents will receive grades for music. Grading will be based on numerous criteria and numerous assessments regarding topics in class. Demonstration of learned skills, participation, attitude, and behavior will determine the grades for students in music. Below is a review of the grading policy:E/4 = Students earn an E or 4 when they display a mastery performance of the learned skills and activities and have one or less visits to the Think Station in one grading period.S/3 = Students earn an S or 3 when they display the required performance of the learned skills and activities and have two visits to the Think Station in one grading period.S/2 = Students earn an S or 2 when they display a developing performance of the skills and activities and have have two visits to the Think Station in one grading period.N/1 = Students earn an N or 1 when they display significant struggles performing the skills and activities and have had 3 visits to the Think Station in one grading period.U/0 = Students earn a U or 0 when they refuse to perform the skills and activities, and have have had 4+ visits to the Think Station in one grading period.Participation = A portion of each child's grade is determined on their desire to participate in a solo atmosphere (singing/performing by themselves) as well as their participation in group activities, games, songs, etc. Please note the following grading scale:4 = The student always volunteers and always participates in group activities.3 = The student occasionally volunteers and regularly participates in group activities.2 = The student rarely volunteers and hesitates participating in several group activities.1 = The student never volunteers and rarely participate in group activities.0 = The student never volunteers and regularly refuses to participate in group activities.Because music is a skill-based class, participation is vital. Please encourage your student to participate in each and every activity to the very best of their abilities. That is the only way to get a proper assessment of their true skills and abilities.
