The Wonder Way

Focused Practice

Daily practice is required for most classes. Specific requirements will be assigned in class. Expected practice times will vary depending on the class level. Typical requirements would be practicing for 30 minutes, five to six days a week. Weekly Focused Practice Records must be signed by a parent and turned in every week at class.

We encourage every student to do their part in each ensemble and intend to honor those who show dedication through the consistent practice of their instruments. Surprise rewards will be offered throughout the year to students who’ve received high points for practiced times, along with our end-of-year awards. Keep in mind, individuals who do not practice may have their seating/role changed, be placed in a lower class/ensemble, or may be dismissed from class.

Attendance will be taken during every class and event (when applicable).

Class Attendance

Wonder programs depend on every participant to be prepared, present, and on-time during each class, rehearsal, concert and event. Please give prior notice of any schedule conflicts by calling the Wonder Attendance Line, in advance, and following the prompt when leaving a message. This applies to all participants who are unable to attend a class or required event, will arrive late, or will leave early.

Performance Attendance

Participants are expected to attend all classes, rehearsals, concerts, and/or performances. Participants are required to attend dress rehearsals and the rehearsal prior to a performance unless excused. Individuals with more than 2 absences during a performance period or miss the rehearsal prior to a performance may have their seating changed or be denied permission to perform.

Class and Performances Etiquette

• Show proper respect to peers and instructors.
• Do not talk or visit during class time or performances.
• Phones and electronic devices should be put away during class/performance and only be checked between classes or after an event. Violations may result in the device being confiscated until the end of class or event.
• Participants should be prepared with the necessary materials and equipment for each class.

Instrument: Students should arrive in time to have music on stands and instruments out, tuned, and ready to begin at class start time. Those who need assistance tuning their instrument should arrive 15 minutes prior to class start time. Bring a black 3-ringed binder to keep your music, along with a pencil (no pens) to each rehearsal and performance.

Voice: Students should arrive in time to have music on stands and ready to begin at class start time. Bring a black 3-ringed binder to keep your music, along with a pencil (no pens) to each rehearsal and performance.

Movement: Students should arrive in time to get properly dressed (with appropriate shoes) and ready to begin at class start time.

Property & Facilities Code

• Please remember we are guests in the facility. Show proper respect for the property and facilities, as well as those who may be using the facility.
• Be considerate of the custodial staff who care for the building, please pick up after yourself, and leave the space better than when you arrived.
• No running or roughhousing will be permitted.
• Parents are financially responsible for the cost of repairing damage caused by the negligence or neglect of their child on the premises.
• Food or beverage is not permitted outside of designated areas (except tight-lidded bottles with water only).

Dress and Grooming Code

Wonder strives to create an enriching environment for individuals to learn music and art. This includes the expectation for proper attire and grooming among our participants. We do not intend to dictate each type of clothing to be worn during the program but occasionally find it necessary to say what shall not be permitted. We expect individuals to wear normal clothes in a normal manner.

Simple guidelines for appropriate dress and personal appearance are:

• Tops: All students are required to wear a Wonder t-shirt to weekly classes. New students will receive a Wonder t-shirt at no additional cost. In cases where students are not required to wear their Wonder t-shirt, halter-tops, bare midriff, tank tops, off-the-shoulder tops, muscle shirts, and see-through apparel are not to be worn as outer garments. Tops, dresses, etc. worn as outer garments must be must have closed backs and straps must be at least three (3) inches wide at its narrowest section. Layering shirts to meet this requirement is not permitted. Cleavage must be covered. All students and participants (male and female) must keep tops on at all times; no shirtless play or leisure during sport or water activities.
• Pants: All pants and slacks must be worn at the waist with no visible undergarments. Not too tight or baggy. Dresses, skirts, or shorts (including slits) must be knee-length. Tights, leggings, or other types of hosiery must be accompanied by knee-length or longer top or dress. Fashionably-ripped or torn pants must not expose skin above the knees.
• Shoes: Shoes must be worn at all times. No bedroom or house slippers or shoes with cleats may be worn. Footwear deemed inappropriate will not be permitted. Discretion should be used as to the appropriateness and safety of certain types of shoes.
• Sweaters and sweatshirts: Sweaters and sweatshirts are permitted if modest, loose-fitting, plain, and worn over a Wonder t-shirt. Coats are only permitted when entering or exiting the building. Students are advised to wear sweaters or sweatshirts if they feel the need for additional warmth. Blankets are not permitted in class; except for pre-school-age children.
• Headcoverings and accessories: Headcoverings (including wraps, scarves, kippahs, yarmulkes, wigs, etc) worn for religious or modesty reasons are allowed. Hats (baseball caps, cowboy or cowgirl hats, visors, etc.) are allowed but students and participants may be asked by Wonder staff to temporarily remove them if they interfere with the program or any activity. Bandanas, dew rags, sunglasses, rollers, and picks are not to be worn in the building.
• Pajamas. School-age students and participants are not permitted to wear pajama pants, pajama shirts, or bedroom slippers during the program. Pre-school-age students and participants may wear pajamas if permitted by their parent or guardian. Pajamas may be worn on Wonder-approved special dress-up days.
• Any apparel, jewelry, cosmetics, chains, makeup accessories, notebooks, or manner of grooming which by virtue of its color arrangement, trademark, or any other attribute denoting membership in a gang or advocating drug use, violence, or clothing bearing racially or sexually offensive messages are not permitted. Pajamas may not be worn. No body-piercing jewelry or exposed tattoos.
• Attire that may damage property or cause personal injury to others (such as chains or studded items) is not to be worn.
• Clothing or accessories that are suggestive, have a double meaning or innuendo or suggests inappropriate ideas is unacceptable.
• Swimsuits and water attire: Midriff must be covered at all times. Medium neckline. No plunge or low scoop fronts. No extreme scooped or plunging backs. No high cut thighs. No white swimsuits, tops, or trunks. No see-through swim attire may be worn (wet or dry). No thong-style bottoms. No white trunks. Knee-length shorts or trucks and short or long-sleeve rash guards required.
• In all instances, attire that resembles cross-dressing is prohibited.

Individuals whose appearance interferes with the learning process by drawing undue attention of other participants or Wonder personnel, by posing as a potential safety hazard to themselves or others, or by being interpreted by Wonder personnel to be offensive in either the message that is implied or the parts of the body that are revealed will be addressed privately with the individual and may be given appropriate attire at the cost of the family or will not be permitted to attend class or other functions.

Health Policy

A sick participant who is unable to participate in the program in a meaningful way should be kept home to rest and recover until symptoms resolve. This helps protect other students, staff, and family members from contracting an illness that can be spread from person to person.

Any participant (parent, student, family member, or visitor) must remain home if he/she has any of the following symptoms:

• Fever: A fever of 100° F or above and should only return after he/she has been fever free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medicines or treatments.
• Vomiting/Diarrhea: Return only after being symptom-free for 24 hours.
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye): Following a diagnosis of pink eye, a participant may return 24 hours after the first dose of prescribed medication has been administered.
• Rashes: Common infectious diseases with rashes are most contagious in the early stages. A participant with a suspicious rash should return only after a health care provider has made a diagnosis and authorizes the participant’s return in writing.
• Head Lice (pediculosis): Participants who have an active case of live lice may attend class only after treatment which eliminates all live lice. Head lice do not jump or fly and are most commonly contracted by head-to-head touch (i.e. taking selfies, sharing pillows, and sharing brushes/combs/hats).
• Colds: Participants experiencing any cold symptoms, such as nasal congestion and cough.

Thank you for helping us prevent and/or minimize local outbreaks of contagious diseases.

Code of Conduct

If an individual is on the property (in or outside the facilities), whether before, during, or after a Wonder function, the following behavior will not be tolerated:

• Disruptive behavior during class or Wonder function
• Disrespect for those in authority
• Foul language or unwholesome speech
• Physical display of affection
• Roughhousing
• Damaging of other’s property
• Possession or use of harmful substances/drugs
• Possession or use of weapons or an item usually considered a weapon
• Other inappropriate behavior determined by Wonder Team

Participants with behavior problems or who have repeatedly displayed characteristics contrary to the Wonder Way may be dismissed from the program.

Damage done to facilities or its equipment will be the financial responsibility of the individuals involved in causing the damage. 

Teamwork

Wonder members are encouraged to work together as a team. We strive to create opportunities to exercise responsibility and teamwork and build camaraderie amongst each other. One way we do this is by involving all of our members in the setup and breakdown of weekly rehearsals, as well as concerts, performances, and events. Everything runs smoother when all hands are on deck. As the saying goes, many hands make light work.

We appreciate the great attitudes and dependability of our students!