The STARS Foundation
Student Handbook – Music
Thank you for choosing the STARS Foundation, your educational institution for the fine arts.
Philosophy and Mission
· To nurture the artistic spirit in each individual and foster a lifelong love of music and learning through a wide varied repertoire.
· To help each student achieve his or her highest musical potential through performance, technique, theory, sight-reading, music history, composition, ear training, and memorization.
· To have fun while learning!
The study of a musical instrument fosters a lifelong skill plus the appreciation and understanding of music. In addition to the joy that comes with progress on one’s instrument is the added benefit of intellectual and creative growth, self-discipline, poise, and confidence.
The goal of the instructor is to inspire students to love music and to develop their potential through the study of primarily classical music (as well as other styles), technique, theory, sight-reading, ear-training, memorization, and performance. Playing by ear, composing, ensemble playing, and accompanying are also encouraged.
Mrs. Peterson’s teaching style reflects her experience as a performer. She is able to share with her students the path to polished playing for efficient learning based on real life experience. She encourages them to share their polished music with family and friends, at retirement homes, for competitions or festivals, or for recitals.
The partnership between the student, parents, and teacher is essential for success. Our instructors are committed to the student’s musical growth and look forward to sharing with the student the gift that lasts a lifetime.
Attendance
Students are expected to attend all lessons and classes. Please call before class if your child will be absent. Students should arrive early enough to be prepared for their lessons and classes. Lessons and classes will start and end on time due to the very tight schedule that has been set. Students arriving more than 5 minutes late without notifying STARS will be marked as absent. If more than three classes are missed (other than excused illness), students will not be permitted to continue and will be excused from the program. Snow days or cancelled classes are not included.
The student is required to participate in the end of semester recital and concert that occurs the first weekend in December and the first weekend in May. Please mark your calendars!
Classroom Etiquette.
Students are expected to respect their instructors and fellow students at all times. Students who repeatedly disrupt class will be asked to sit out. No gum chewing is allowed. No food or drinks other than water are permitted in the building. Please help us keep the studio clean by reminding children to clean up after themselves.
Parental Responsibilities
· Check the STARS Blog regularly. This is the primary means of communication between STARS and parents/students. Visit www.thestarsfoundation.blogspot.com.
· Encourage progress! Please check your child’s notebook for practicing goals and pertinent information.
· Set aside time to help your child develop good practicing habits and self-discipline. Be sure that they practice DAILY. Quality practice is more important than the quantity of practice.
· Communicate with the instructor if there are any concerns.
· Please drop off and pick up your child promptly. The schedule is very tight and STARS wants to conduct effective lessons and classes.
· You are responsible for any damages to instruments in your rental possession or studio possession. You will be billed accordingly.
Student Responsibilities
· The student agrees to arrive at each lesson on time, well prepared, and with all necessary materials including notebooks. If you arrive five minutes late, your lesson is five minutes shorter. You reserve the time slot, not the number of minutes.
· Practice your lesson material EVERY DAY. A minimum of five days per week is expected.
· Students will, on occasion, be tested to see if they are learning and understanding the material they have been taught. This not only helps the student see their progress, but helps the instructor recognize the student’s needs. They must perform at an 80% level to participate in the orchestra. This is meant to encourage, not discourage.
Missed Lessons
NO refunds or credits will be given for missed lessons. Make-up lessons are only offered for illness, and students must give notification at least eight hours in advance. Please do not bring your child if he or she is running a fever or showing symptoms of contagious illness.
Please do not request to alter the schedule to accommodate extracurricular activities. In the unusual event a lesson is cancelled, the instructor will gladly reschedule a make-up lesson at the earliest possible time.
Parking
Parents may park in Mrs. Peterson’s driveway or along the street directly in front of her house. Please DO NOT use any of her neighbors’ driveways for any reason and DO NOT park in front of any of her neighbors’ houses.
At the STARS building, be sure you park on the east and west sides of the building because you are there for a long time and we do not want to congest the parking on Main Street for other businesses and store owners. Thank you.
The STARS Foundation
Student Handbook – Dance
Thank you for choosing the STARS Foundation, your educational institution for the fine arts.
Philosophy and Mission
Our students benefit from dance training through:
· Physical discipline and general body awareness and control.
· A sense of physical and mental confidence.
· Development of social interaction through friendships.
· An understanding of the relationship between music, rhythm, and controlled movement.
· An insight into art forms associated with dance.
Attendance
Students are expected to attend all classes. Please call before class if your child will be absent from class. Students arriving more than five minutes late without notifying the office will not be able to participate in that class and will be required to watch. The beginning of class is spent warming up, and is very important so that you don’t injure yourself. If more than three classes are missed (other than excused illness) students will not be permitted to perform. Snow days or cancelled classes are not included.
The student is required to participate in the end of semester recital and concert that occurs the first weekend in December and the first weekend in May. Please mark your calendars!
Classroom Etiquette
Students are expected to respect their instructors and fellow students at all times. Students who repeatedly disrupt class will be asked to sit out. Students must be properly dressed with hair in a bun, ponytail or other pulled up style for classes or they will sit out. No gum chewing is allowed. No food or drinks other than water are permitted in the building.
Please help us to keep the studio clean by reminding children to clean up after themselves.
Parental Responsibilities
· Please inform instructor of any medical, physical, or emotional problems your child may be experiencing.
· Check the STARS Blog regularly. This is the primary means of communication between STARS and parents/students. Visit www.thestarsfoundation.blogspot.com.
· Make sure your child is dressed with hairstyle according to the dress code.
· Please pick up your child on time. We are unable to be responsible for keeping track of your child after his or her lessons. Students who are consistently picked up late without notification will be charged a $5 fee.
· Parents are to wait in the parents’ waiting area upstairs or outside. The parent’s presence may be a distraction to students, making them unable to concentrate on what is being taught.
Missed Lessons
NO refunds or credits will be given for missed lessons. Make-up lessons are only offered for illness, and students must give notification at least eight hours in advance. Please do not bring your child if he or she is running a fever or showing symptoms of contagious illness.
Please do not request to alter the schedule to accommodate extracurricular activities. In the unusual event a lesson is cancelled, the instructor will gladly reschedule a make-up lesson at the earliest possible time.
Parking
At the STARS building, be sure you park on the east and west sides of the building because you are there for a long time and we do not want to congest the parking on Main Street for other businesses and store owners. Thank you.
Dress code
Pre-ballet and student levels
· Black, short-sleeve or cap sleeve leotard.
· Light pink tights.
· Pink ballet slippers (split sole preferred).
· Ballet alignment belt (1/2” elastic or stretch headbands will work), provided.
· Hair must be in a tight bun.
· Ballet skirts may be worn only on the first lesson of the month.
Company level
· Black leotard, style of choice. A black short-sleeve or cap sleeve leotard will be needed for performances and when classes are combined.
· Pink convertible tights.
· Pink split sole ballet slippers.
· Ballet alignment belt (1/2” elastic or stretch headbands will work), provided.
· Hair must be in a tight bun.
· Ballet skirts and/or leotard color of choice may be worn only on the first week of the month.
Boys
· White t-shirt
· Black shorts
· Black ballet shoes
· White socks
Jazz and Tap – Girls
· Black short-sleeve or cap sleeve leotard.
· Convertible tan tights. Pink tights may be worn to class.
· Black spanky shorts.
· 6 – 10 years, black jazz shoes
· 10 years and up, tan undeez-type lyrical jazz shoe
· Black tap shoes for tap classes.
Jazz and Tap – Boys
· White t-shirt
· Black shorts or exercise pants
· Black jazz shoes for jazz
· Black tap shoes for tap
Ballet Curriculum
Children’s Division
· Pre-ballet 3-4 years: Designed to give young children an enjoyable first exposure to dance, focusing on developing movement skills through structure and creativity.
· Pre-ballet 5-6 years: Introduces children to ballet, emphasizing basic positions, ballet steps, and terminology, while leaving time in each class for creativity and expression.
Student Division
· Ballet 7-10 years, Ballet 10 and up: Emphasis on basics, while developing coordination, grace, and discipline. Builds strength in fundamentals and vocabulary. Emphasizes correct body placement and alignment. Provides a solid foundation in the traditional classical training for serious students as well as developing an appreciation of the art.
Company
· Continuation of studies with an emphasis on a solid basis of classical training for serious students. Company also performs at extra events.
All student and company ballet levels (7 and up), will be adding progressing Ballet Technique in their ballet classes this year. Progressing Ballet Technique is an innovative program for students to understand the depth of training muscle memory to achieve their personal best in classical ballet.
Each student will be required to purchase an exercise ball in the size needed for his or her height:
· Under 4’8” – 45 cm ball
· 4’8” – 5’3” – 55 cm ball
· 5’4” – 5’10” – 65 cm ball
· 5’10” up – 75 cm ball
The STARS
Foundation
Student Handbook – Clogging
Class Descriptions
Clogging is a great way to have fun and exercise your body AND your brain! All ages and all ability levels are welcome. Classes will be divided not by age but by the level you are most comfortable actively participating in. All three levels will have their own routines specific to their class, but there will be a group piece that everyone learns each semester as well so that we can all perform together when the opportunity presents.
Clogging is a great way to have fun and exercise your body AND your brain! All ages and all ability levels are welcome. Classes will be divided not by age but by the level you are most comfortable actively participating in. All three levels will have their own routines specific to their class, but there will be a group piece that everyone learns each semester as well so that we can all perform together when the opportunity presents.
Beginner
Suited to the beginner clogger, whatever your age. The first Beginner class of each semester will include info on shoes and have a Q&A period. Subsequently, time will be spent learning clogging basics, controlling new muscle groups, learning steps and combinations and incorporating them into Basic and Easy Intermediate routines. Dancers with experience singly in tap, Irish or other step dance are encouraged to attend the first several sessions to get their feet in order (having gone from clogging to tap, I guarantee there will be a few kinks to work out). They may progress into the Intermediate class as soon as they’re ready.
Suited to the beginner clogger, whatever your age. The first Beginner class of each semester will include info on shoes and have a Q&A period. Subsequently, time will be spent learning clogging basics, controlling new muscle groups, learning steps and combinations and incorporating them into Basic and Easy Intermediate routines. Dancers with experience singly in tap, Irish or other step dance are encouraged to attend the first several sessions to get their feet in order (having gone from clogging to tap, I guarantee there will be a few kinks to work out). They may progress into the Intermediate class as soon as they’re ready.
Intermediate
Previous experience in clogging, tap or other step dancing is required. As the Beginner class is just before the Intermediate class, all Intermediate students are welcome and encouraged to attend and work on their core skills. Your clogging vocabulary will expand as you learn new steps and combinations. Less time will be spent on basic instruction with the emphasis on learning new routines, improving agility and having fun.
Previous experience in clogging, tap or other step dancing is required. As the Beginner class is just before the Intermediate class, all Intermediate students are welcome and encouraged to attend and work on their core skills. Your clogging vocabulary will expand as you learn new steps and combinations. Less time will be spent on basic instruction with the emphasis on learning new routines, improving agility and having fun.
Advanced
Previous experience in clogging required. This class is a higher energy, faster paced environment with more challenging steps and timing, as well as faster music. Students in this class will be pushed harder, mentally and physically. Advanced students are welcome and encouraged to attend the Beginner and/or Intermediate class as well, both to work on core clogging and to mentor students in the those classes. They are also encouraged to learn how to read a cue sheet (will be covered in class).
Previous experience in clogging required. This class is a higher energy, faster paced environment with more challenging steps and timing, as well as faster music. Students in this class will be pushed harder, mentally and physically. Advanced students are welcome and encouraged to attend the Beginner and/or Intermediate class as well, both to work on core clogging and to mentor students in the those classes. They are also encouraged to learn how to read a cue sheet (will be covered in class).
Syllabus
Goals
Students will learn a variety of ability-appropriate routines. Students will also learn a single routine each semester to be performed as one group. We will perform these routines as called upon.
Students will learn a variety of ability-appropriate routines. Students will also learn a single routine each semester to be performed as one group. We will perform these routines as called upon.
Dress
There is no dress code for clogging classes at this time. Come in something you’d be comfortable working out in as you will get warm. Any long pants should be short enough to not be stepped on.
There is no dress code for clogging classes at this time. Come in something you’d be comfortable working out in as you will get warm. Any long pants should be short enough to not be stepped on.
Shoes
Shoes with taps are preferred but beginners may use any low-top, hard-soled shoe (sneakers, lace-up dress shoes, etc) that will stay on their foot. No boots, no mid- or high-tops as that will restrict range of motion at the ankle. Part of the beginner class will be an introduction to the different kinds of clogging shoes and taps available so that you don’t have to make a blind purchase. White clogging oxfords (solid or split-sole) will be required for performances.
Shoes with taps are preferred but beginners may use any low-top, hard-soled shoe (sneakers, lace-up dress shoes, etc) that will stay on their foot. No boots, no mid- or high-tops as that will restrict range of motion at the ankle. Part of the beginner class will be an introduction to the different kinds of clogging shoes and taps available so that you don’t have to make a blind purchase. White clogging oxfords (solid or split-sole) will be required for performances.
The STARS Foundation
Student Handbook – Hoop Dance
Children's Movement Class
This class will be held on ___________at_______________ and will focus on promoting healthy play and encourage children of all ages to find the joy in dance and movement. Children will be motivated to explore space, rhythm, music and imagination with a variety of objects but focusing on the Hula Hoop. Children in this class will participate in group activities that teach them teamwork, patience and how to express themselves through dance and movement.
For this class your child will need to wear comfortable clothing and have a basic children’s Hula Hoop. You can follow this link to order one. When ordering please use this promo code "Jackierocks" for a 10% discount.
Any questions you may contact Gailya Sanders (417)-349-2198 or gailyasanders@gmail.com
Women's Movement Fitness
This class will be held on ___________at_______________ and will focus on cardio vascular health and toning. The hula hoop, as simple as it is has amazing health benefits. In this class we will discuss these benefits and practice exercises to accompany them. We will start with waist hooping, the foundation for hooping but also it helps gently massage your digestive system, this action also tones your "core" and is great for your heart. I am including a link that contains a list of various benefits hooping has. https://www.amoils.com/health-blog/10-really-good-reasons-to-take-up-the-revitalized-hula-hoop/
For this class you will need to dress comfortably, you may wear tennis shoes or foot undeez, but bare feet are also acceptable. You will also need a hoop that is properly designed and weighted for your body. You can determine the proper hoop for you by simply measuring the distance from your toes, to your belly button. For example, from my toes to my belly button is 36' so when I order my beginner hoop I will make sure the diameter is 36'. This is just a standard measurement, if you feel you will need something bigger or smaller then that is fine. Its important you feel comfortable with your hoop. Here is a link to the webiste to purchase a hoop. Please make sure to use the promo code "Jackierocks"for a 10% discount.
Any questions you may contact Gailya Sanders (417)-349-2198 or gailyasanders@gmail.com
Hoop Dance and Flow Theory
This class will be held on ___________at_______________ and will be focusing on learning step by step hoop tricks while also learning the transitions that tie each trick together. In this class we will explore how the hoop interacts with our bodies, momentum and also how to manipulate the hoop to create beautiful movements. We will use a variety of methods to learn these tricks so each class we will go over several variations, for each student to practice throughout the week.
For this class each student will need to wear form fitting clothing, loose clothing can get caught in the hoop and prohibit the student from completing the sequence. A shirt that exposes the shoulders, the hoop to skin contact on your shoulders allows for proper shoulder hooping. It is important the student either have a pair of lyrical sandals or foot undies as well. I would like each student to have one to two (your choice) HDPE hula hoop/hoops. To determine the size you simply measure from your toes to your belly button. For example from my toes to my belly button its 36', so the diameter of my hoop will be 36' when ordering. You may pick any color you like and grip tape if you would like.
Please use the promo code "Jackierocks" for a 10% discount on your order.
Any questions you may contact Gailya Sanders (417)-349-2198 or gailyasanders@gmail.com
The STARS Foundation
Student Handbook – Theater
Thank you for choosing the STARS Foundation, your educational institution for the fine arts.
Philosophy and Mission
Our students benefit from theater training through:
· Discipline awareness.
· A sense of physical and mental confidence.
· Development of social interaction through friendships.
· An understanding of the technical terms of theatrics and mechanics.
· An insight into role training and memorization.
Attendance
Students are expected to attend all scheduled rehearsals. Please call before rehearsal if your child will be absent. Students arriving after role call without notifying the office will not be able to participate in that class and will be required to watch. The beginning of class is spent warming up, and is very important so that you are prepared and show team work and support. If more than two rehearsals are missed (other than excused illness) students will not be permitted to perform. Snow days or cancelled classes are not included.
The student is required to participate in ALL the Performances unless given permission otherwise. Please mark your calendars!
Theater Etiquette
· Students are expected to respect their instructors and fellow students at all times.
· Support the roles given and encourage each other with positive comments.
· Students who are repeatedly disruptive will be asked to sit out.
· There is to be NO talking until break time.
· Come prepared with lines and instruction given for each practice. Those not following these guidelines will not be allowed to participate.
Please help us to keep the theater clean by reminding children to clean up after themselves. We are not responsible for anything left behind in the building.
Parental Responsibilities
· Please inform instructor of any medical, physical, or emotional problems your child may be experiencing.
· Check the STARS Blog regularly. This is the primary means of communication between STARS and parents/students. Visit www.thestarsfoundation.blogspot.com.
· Make sure your child is dressed according to the dress code.
· Please pick up your child on time. We are unable to be responsible for keeping track of your child after rehearsals. Students who are consistently picked up late without notification will be charged a $5 fee.
· CHILDREN UNDER 10 MUST HAVE AN ADULT PRESENT DURING ALL REHEARSALS.
Policies
· NO refunds or credits will be given.
· Please do not request to alter the schedule to accommodate extracurricular activities.
· At any time, a role can be changed by the director to ensure professional performance.
Parking
At the STARS building, be sure you park on the east and west sides of the building because you are there for a long time and we do not want to congest the parking on Main Street for other businesses and store owners. Thank you.
At the theater during rehearsals you are free to park in the front or back of the theater. However, during performances we ask that you park farther away and allow guests to park near the theater. Thank you.
Dress code
Students must be properly dressed. T-shirts with shorts or pants that would follow public school guidelines are appropriate. No tank tops or spaghetti straps, hats, flip-flops, sandals, or bare feet will be permitted on stage. Long hair should be pulled back.
