Group Class Attendance and Behaviour
Our group class attendance policy emphasizes the importance of group classes in a Suzuki program. The success of the Suzuki teaching method relies equally on private lessons and group classes. Consequently, at ESSM we have structured the program to provide a substantial group class experience and this is one of the strengths of our program. The obvious purposes of group class are social motivation (providing a fun and inspiring context to play music with peers) and concert preparation.

In addition, the following skills are learned in group class:

• Unison playing; preparation for playing in an ensemble or orchestra
• Musicality
• Confidence
• Focus
• Social skills related to group dynamics

Therefore, group class attendance is expected as part participation in the program. If you cannot attend a group class, notify your group class teacher as far ahead as possible by phone or email with your reason why you cannot attend. Group class content is planned with all the group members in mind. The absence of individuals will likely affect a teacher's plans for a particular class. In the event of a last minute problem, we appreciate that you had the courtesy to let us know the circumstances, even if you leave a message after the fact.

Parents are expected to attend group classes with their children. Students who disrupt the class with inappropriate behaviour will be asked to leave at the discretion of the teacher.

Concert Rehearsal Attendance
Concert Dress Rehearsal attendance is mandatory. Although concert material is rehearsed in group classes, there are few times in the year when we rehearse as a large group. We use a checklist of concert pieces to ensure students are well prepared for the concert performance. Therefore these rehearsals are important in a different way from a group class. There is not much that is more exciting than an excellent unified group performance resulting from everyone's best efforts and participation.

Orchestra Attendance
We continue to require 75% attendance at orchestra rehearsals in order to play in the concerts. Attendance will be taken each week. Again, notify Mrs. Harrison as far ahead as possible with your reason why you absolutely cannot attend a particular rehearsal.

Missed Lesson Policy
If a child misses a lesson for any reason, the teacher is not responsible for making up this lesson. Your teacher is a professional who has reserved a certain time in her weekly time schedule for you. Your teacher is at the lesson whether or not you attend.

Any lesson cancelled by the teacher will be made up. Make-up lessons from the fall term must be completed before the winter break and lessons from the spring term must be made up by one week after the end of lessons or the lessons will be forfeited.

The school will be closed for two weeks for Winter holidays and for one week for March Break (see calendar for specific dates). Lessons missed on any other week for these holidays will not be made up.

Any group classes cancelled because of inclement weather or other exceptional circumstances will not be made up.

Cell Phones
Cell phones have become an increasing distraction in lessons and groups. We are requiring that you turn them off during classes, except in an emergency. Please show your children this respect.

Parental Responsibility
In order to fully nurture your child's musical development, you are responsible for:

• Obtaining a properly sized instrument
• Pruchasing appropriate music instruction books and recordings
• Supervising your child's daily practice and listening
• Attending the appropriate parent education classes and discussions
• Familiarizing yourself with the Suzuki philosophy by reading such books as Dr. Suzuki's
  Ability Development from Age Zero and Nurtured By Love and William Starr's To Learn With Love.