Frequently Asked Questions
Check below for the most frequently asked questions. You are always welcome to contact me at school with additional questions.
How do you select what you teach in music class?
The Bellevue Public Schools has adopted a music curriculum which lists the skills and elements that students should learn. Individual music teachers may select literature that teaches these skills. We have developed references which assist us in our planning and lesson presentation. Generally, students learn a variety of music including folk music, patriotic music, multicultural music, and classical music.
Does my child learn patriotic music?
Yes, the Bellevue public schools requires children to learn "America" in grades K-2, "America the Beautiful" in grades 3-4, and "The Star Spangled Banner" in grades 5-6. Parents may opt their child our of patriotic activities through sending a note to school.
What should my child wear to music class?
There is no specific dress for music class. It is recommended that students should dress comfortably for class. Many lessons include movement. Because of our active music making environment, we have no chairs in the music room.
How can I support my child in music class?
Talk to your child about what they are learning in music. You may not remember all of the terms, but ask them about the songs they are singing, instruments they are playing, or games they've done. We learn a lot through games and many students have favorites that they request.
What if my child isn't musical?
Every individual possesses musical ability. Music learning is not just for the talented few. Since we learn music through many ways - singing, rhythmically speaking, instrument playing, moving, and creating - your child will have one area in which they are good at.
What if my child doesn't do well on an assessment?
Students who score lower than advanced on an assessment will be provided opportunities to work with the concept more and be reassessed. The score of the latter assessment replaces the original assessment. You will be able to see in the score comments if your child has taken the assessment more than once.
When I look in PowerSchool I see percentages but they don't match up. What's that about?
PowerSchool automatically converts letter scores to percentages. Please disregard these percentages and pay attention only to the letter grade which your child has earned. For information on evaluation, please the classroom information page.
Who plays recorders?
Students in fourth and fifth grades play recorder.
What grades come to music class?
All students in grades K-6 come to music class. The Bellevue Public Schools requires music in the elementary school. Students at the secondary level may elect a certain number of fine arts credits.
When should my child bring their recorder?
Fourth and fifth grade students should bring their recorder with them every time they come to music class after they begin playing recorders in the fall. A storage box is provided in the music room if your child chooses not to take their recorder with them.
When does band start?
Band is offered to students in the sixth grade. At Fairview, we have a separate band teacher.
Do you give private lessons?
No, I don't not give private lessons. According to the ethics of the State of Nebraska, I am unable to instruct for private gain any student to which I am assigned. Check the my main page for a private lesson handout that has been prepared by the Bellevue Public Schools.
Do you know teachers who give private lessons?
Yes, there are several teachers and organizations which offer private music lessons. Please contact me or check the homepage for a list or organizations which have private music teachers. As a faculty member of the Bellevue Public Schools, I am unable to recommend specific teachers.
Are concerts required?
Yes, attendance at the concerts is required. In extenuating circumstances, students may be excused from the concert. Please see information on Concerts on the Classroom Info page.
What does my child wear to the concert?
There are no special clothes required for the concert performance. It is recommended that your child dress nicely.
Can I videotape the concert?
Yes, personal videotaping of the concert is encouraged.
May I invite friends and family members to the concert?
Absolutely! The concert is free and open to the public. The students always appreciate performing to a large crowd.
Can I buy a videotape of the concert?
Due to copyright law, we, unfortunately, will be unable to video record the performance as a school and distribute copies through the Parent-Teacher Association. In an effort to comply with requirements set forth by international law and MENC (The National Music Education Association) we are forced to make this change to our concert recording tradition. You may bring a personal camera and record the concert personally.
What time should I arrive to the concert?
Students who are performing are only required to arrive 10 minutes prior to the start of the concert. Students should give their coat to their parents and then join their class in the reserved section of the auditorium.
Can I leave after my child is finished performing?
Please try and remain for the entire concert. Not only does getting students out during the concert interrupt the performance, your child will miss the finale, which includes all students on the program.
When are the concerts?
Please check the home page for the dates of the concerts.
Where are the concerts?
We hold the concerts at Bellevue East High School, which is located at 1401 High School Drive, Bellevue, NE 68005.
Are there directions to Bellevue East High School?
1. Fairview Road east to Highway 75/JFK Freeway.
2. Highway 75 north to Cornhusker.
3. Exit at Cornhusker.
4. East on Cornhusker to Lincoln Road.
5. South on Lincoln, to parking lot at Bellevue East High School.
6. The auditorium is located on the far side of the building.
7. Enter the doors marked “Auditorium” and look for the signs directing you to your child’s reserved seat.