Welcome to Frost Music
 

Welcome to the Frost Middle School Instrumental Music Department! Our program includes band, orchestra, and guitar. Students grow as musicians, performers, teammates, and leaders while developing skills that extend beyond the music classroom. Whether your student is beginning their musical journey or continuing from previous experience, there is a place for them in the Frost Music family.
 

Mission Statement
 

The mission of Frost Music is to provide every student with a meaningful, high-quality music education through performance, creativity, discipline, teamwork, and personal growth.
 

At Frost Middle School, the motto "All Means All" drives the climate and culture of our building. We are committed to creating an environment where all students feel a sense of belonging, are valued, and have the support they need to learn, grow, and succeed.
 

Classes Offered

Band

• 7th Grade Concert Band

• 8th Grade Symphonic Band
   

Orchestra

• 7th Grade Concert Orchestra

• 8th Grade Chamber Orchestra
   

Guitar

• Guitar Fundamentals
   

Communication
 

The Frost Music Program utilizes several communication tools throughout the school year.

Primary Communication Methods

• Frost Music Website

• Google Classroom

• Weekly E-Newsletter (Smore)

• Email

• Google Calendar
   

Additional Communication

• MusicFirst for assignments and practice resources

• Remind (used for tours and special trips when applicable)
   

Contact Information
 

Michael J. Rais
Director of Instrumental Music

Email: mrais@livoniapublicschools.org

Website: www.fmsmusic.org
 

MusicFirst
 

MusicFirst is used as both an instructional and assessment tool throughout the school year.

Students may use MusicFirst to:

• Complete assignments

• Submit assessments

• Access practice resources

• Reinforce classroom concepts

• Develop individual musicianship skills
   

Grades earned through MusicFirst will be entered into MiStar Parent and Student Connect.

Students will receive login information and instructions through Google Classroom.
 

Grading Policy
 

Student grades are based on participation, preparation, assessments, and performances.
 

Assessments – 60%

This category may include:

• Playing Tests

• Performance Assessments

• MusicFirst Assignments

• Quizzes

• Projects

This category reflects what a student has learned and can demonstrate independently.
 

Practice & Daily Work – 30%

This category may include:

• Daily Participation

• Rehearsal Preparation

• Class Assignments

• MusicFirst Activities

• Guided Practice Activities

This category reflects a student's effort, preparation, and engagement in the learning process.
 

CSA Assessments – 10%

This category may include:

• Performance Assessments

• Music Theory Assessments

• Note Reading Assessments

• Rhythm Reading Assessments

• District and Classroom Common Assessments

This category measures student growth and mastery of core musical concepts and skills.
 

Daily Participation
 

Students earn participation points through:

• Active engagement

• Preparedness

• Positive rehearsal habits

• Following classroom expectations
   

A typical week includes:

• 25 participation points (5 points per day)

• Additional concept demonstration points as assigned
   

Grading Scale
 

Retake Policy

Students receiving an assessment score of 80% or below may be provided an opportunity to:

• Retake the assessment

• Complete test corrections

• Resubmit qualifying MusicFirst assignments
   

Retakes must be completed no later than two weeks prior to the end of the marking period.

Unless otherwise approved by the teacher, a retake score may not exceed 80%.
 

Late Work Policy
 

Late work may be accepted until the completion of the unit assessment.

Points awarded on late assignments are at the discretion of the teacher.
 

Practice Expectations

Students are not graded on the number of minutes practiced.

Instead, students are expected to engage in purposeful and effective practice outside of class.
 

Suggested Practice Guidelines

7th Grade Students

15 minutes per day
3–5 days per week

8th Grade Students

25 minutes per day
3–5 days per week
 

Students are encouraged to:

• Practice method book assignments

• Review classroom concepts

• Utilize MusicFirst resources

• Complete guided practice activities posted in Google Classroom
   

Practice may also occur during:

• Falcon Time

• Before School

• After School

Remember: quality practice is more important than quantity. Smart, focused practice leads to the greatest improvement.
 

Performance Expectations

Performances are an essential component of music education and serve as a summative assessment of classroom learning.
 

Required Performance Events

• Winter Concert

• Spring Concert

• MSBOA Festival

• MMEA Festival (when applicable)

These performances are part of the curriculum and are required for all enrolled students.

Optional Performance Opportunities

• Solo & Ensemble Festival

• Honors Ensembles

• Community Performances

• Additional enrichment opportunities
   

Concert and Festival Attendance
 

Required performances are worth 100 assessment points.

If a student must miss a required performance:

• Parent/guardian communication is expected as soon as possible.

• Excused absences will be determined at the discretion of the director.

• Students may be assigned an alternate performance assessment.
   

Alternate Assessment
 

Students may be required to submit a video recording demonstrating their assigned music or complete another performance-based assessment as determined by the director.
 

Concert Attire
 

All performing ensembles utilize Concert Black attire.

Students should wear:

• Black dress shirt or black polo

• Black dress pants or knee-length black skirt

• Black socks

• Black dress shoes

White socks should not be visible during performances.
 

Classroom Expectations
 

Students are expected to:

• Be respectful

• Be prepared

• Participate actively

• Support fellow musicians

• Follow school expectations
   

Cell Phones
 

Cell phones may not be used during class unless specifically authorized by the teacher.

All school and state cell phone policies apply.
 

Attendance
 

Regular attendance is essential for ensemble success.

Students receiving three or more tardies may be assigned lunch detention in accordance with school procedures.
 

Instrument Responsibility
 

Students are responsible for the care and maintenance of their instruments.

Students should:

• Label instrument cases

• Keep instruments clean

• Store instruments properly

• Care for bows, reeds, and accessories appropriately

• Follow proper maintenance procedures
   

Forgotten Instruments
 

Students who forget their instrument will complete a rehearsal observation assignment.

Repeated occurrences may result in:

• Parent communication

• Counselor contact

• Additional interventions
   

Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
 

Frost Music students regularly participate in activities that extend beyond the school day and classroom experience.

These opportunities may include:

• Solo & Ensemble Festival

• MSBOA Events

• MMEA Events

• Honors Ensembles

• Educational Tours

• Community Performances

• Leadership Opportunities
   

These experiences allow students to grow as musicians, represent Frost Middle School, and create lasting memories.
 

Final Thought

Music is more than learning notes and rhythms. Through performance, collaboration, discipline, creativity, and teamwork, students develop skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. We look forward to another outstanding year of making music together.
 

"To provide every student with a meaningful, high-quality music education through performance, creativity, discipline, teamwork, and personal growth."