1. The Service undertakes to provide regular and efficient group tuition in Orchestral and Band instruments in accordance with the selection procedure and tutorial arrangements agreed with each school, subject to exigencies of the Service.

2. Group tuition will be provided:
(a) to a standard equivalent to grade 5 of the graded examinations of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM);
(B.) in support of students undertaking music as a specified subject in GOOSE examinations.

3. Instrumental students will be prepared and encouraged to enter for PRISM practical examinations by their tutors when deemed ready for external assessment. Preparation will consist of technical and musical instruction in the playing of the instrument in accordance with PRISM syllabus requirements and excluding aural training and piano accompaniments which are the responsibility of the school.

4. Examination fees should be paid direct to the school at the time of entry.

5. The names of candidates withdrawn or absent for any reason can not be carried forward to a later examination period but may be entered again in the normal way. The full fee is required for re-entry. Candidates absent through illness or quarantine may be granted a discretionary refund of up to 60% of the entry fee, providing a medical certificate showing the inability is received at the Music Centre no later than the day of the missed examination appointment.
NOTE: Candidates appearing for examination appointments must use original printed music. Photocopies are illegal and are not permitted.

6. Continuation of instrumental tuition will depend on the student:-
(a) attending regularly and punctually for lessons and all school ensemble activities;
(B.) carrying out all instructions issued by the Tutor regarding tutorial work and home practice;
(C.) maintaining a rate of progress acceptable to the Tutor and school music staff;
(d) providing all necessary method books and examination music as advised by the Instrumental Tutor;
(E.) enrolling in a Music Centre group activity if selected to do so.


CONCLUSION: The opportunity exists for students to enrol in the internal evening teaching facility operated by the Music Centre as soon as they can satisfy entry requirements. (Further information can be obtained from the Music Centre or Instrumental Tutors).


09/98

These conditions apply to instruments (owned by the South Eastern Education and Library Board), used by students receiving tuition from Music Centre tutors through the Boar d's Instrumental Teaching Support Service to Schools (ITS).

1. A nominal annual fee is payable for each instrument available to the Instrumental Teaching Support Service to Schools. This fee is paid by schools but may be `passed on' to students, except those who are entitled to Free School Meals.

2. The term "instrument" includes the complete musical instrument together with case and/or cover and any accessories that may be listed on the Hire Agreement Form.

3. Acceptance of the hire will be taken as an acknowledgement that the instrument has been received in a playable condition, that all instructions regarding its care will be followed and that it will be properly maintained and safeguarded at all times.

4. The instrument is, and will remain, the property of the South Eastern Education and Library Board and must be returned for inspection at any time upon request by Music Centre personnel.

5. The instrument is issued for the sole use of the person to whom it is registered and must not be loaned to any other person or used for external purposes unless written author is at ion has been received from the Music Centre.

6. The holder will be responsible for the replacement of all consumable accessories e.g. bows, strings, reeds, lubricants etc. and any other permanent accessory or integral item present at the time of issue.

7. INSURANCE: The legally responsible parents/guardians must arrange insurance cover for loss, damage or theft within seven days of receiving the instrument (see Links page). In the event where loss or theft occurs it is the responsibility of the registered holder to provide a replacement instrument, approved by the Music Centre, within a period of 8 weeks from the date of the loss.

8. If an instrument is damaged, the incident must be reported verbally to the Music Centre within TWO DAYS so that arrangements can he made regarding repairs and/or an exchange of instrument. If the damage is not the result of "fair wear and tear" the full repair charge will be passed to the signatory on the Hire Agreement. Under no circumstances should an amateur repair be attempted regardless of the nature of the damage. NOTE: ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE IS NOT CONSIDERED TO BE "FAIR WEAR AND TEAR".

9. If an instrument is lost or stolen the full circumstances must be reported, firstly, to the Police and then in writing to the Music Centre, WITHIN 3 DAYS, stating all known facts including the Police Station to which the loss was reported, the date, time and name of the officer who recorded the statement.
NOTE: Your insurance company will also require this information.

10. Upon completion or termination of tuition, the instrument and all listed accessories must be returned immediately to the Instrumental Tutor and the Music Centre notified so that arrangements can be made for the cancellation of the Hire Agreement. NOTE: If an instrument is damaged, or incomplete, full restitution will be required before the Agreement can be cancelled.

11 .The use of non Board instruments by students is encouraged provided the quality and/or general condition is not a hindrance to progress. Instrumental Tutors have the absolute discretion not to teach students where these circumstances exist.

1. MEMBERSHIP

Continued membership is dependant on regular attendance, steady progress, good behaviour and the care taken with Music Centre equipment and printed music.

2. TUITION

There are two levels of tuition:
(1) Low grade (shared lessons);
(2) Advanced (individual lessons).

Students accepted for tuition will be enrolled in, and directed to, Group Activity according to ability and the needs of the service.

3. BEHAVIOUR

As the Music Centre carries on its operations in schools as guests of Principals and their Boards of Governors, it is essential that all students behave in a manner which will enhance the good name and reputation of the Music Centre.

4. INSTRUMENT POLICY

Students are not permitted to play or handle instruments not registered to them. This restriction particularly includes pianos and all percussion equipment at each Music Centre location. To avoid unnecessary accidental damage, students should `case' their instruments when not in use and place on floor, clear of walkways and exits.

5. ABSENCE

Intended absences should be notified, in writing, to the District Co-ordinator or Conductor as soon as possible before the absence occurs. If the circumstances surrounding the absence are considered legitimate an "excused" mark will be registered. Unavoidable `last minute' absences should be notified, in writing, to the District Co-ordinator and/or the appropriate group conductor at the next session following the absence, otherwise absence "without notification" will be registered. This DEMERIT registration will be considered for end of term reports and may effect continuation of membership.
DO NOT register absences with the Music Centre administrative staff.

6. PROGRESS REPORTS

Tutors will submit reports to Heads of Departments and the Director, who will if necessary determine any alteration to a student's course of study or, in extreme circumstances, termination.

7. EXAMINATIONS

Students receiving tuition will be required to enter for the graded examinations of national examining boards (e.g. the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music), as required by their tutor and must be prepared to pay the appropriate entry fee. Students are responsible for obtaining all required examination music as advised by their tutor.

8. CAREER GUIDANCE

Students and/or parents seeking advice regarding further study of music, including entry to Higher Education or Teacher Training may do so by appointment with the Director. It is preferable that such advice is sought at an early stage (no later than immediately after GCSE results are known) so that an appropriate course of work can be followed with the Music Centre.

9. DRESS

Unless coming direct from school students are requested not to wear school uniform when attending Music Centre activities. The required wear for concerts will depend on the nature of each performance and students will be advised by the conductor in advance.

10. SCHOOL AND MUSIC CENTRE ACTIVITIES

An important aspect of Music Centre ethos is to support instrumental work in schools. Music Centre students are therefore required to participate in relevant school musical activities as actively as possible whilst taking into account the need to meet Music Centre commitments. Advanced notice must be given where these activities will interfere with scheduled Music Centre tutorials, rehearsals or performances.

11. EXTERNAL PERFORMANCES

Before taking part in any other public performances, students must obtain consent from their Head of Department. This condition is made to avoid misrepresentation and interference with planned courses of work. Students who are members of external musical organisations must give Music Centre activities priority in the event of simultaneous engagement dates.


12. CHANGE OF CIRCUMSTANCES

It is the responsibility of students to inform the Music Centre office immediately of any change in their circumstances (i.e. change of address, telephone number etc).


13. GROUP ACTIVITIES - AGE LIMIT

All Group Activity members who have reached the age of 21 years before 1 September will not be eligible for re-enrolment in any Music Centre group for the ensuing academic year. This condition is made to ensure progression of existing members throughout the system and to enhance membership opportunity of prospective applicants.
NOTE: This condition does not apply to the Teaching Service.

14. INQUIRIES
Any inquiries regarding Music Centre services should be addressed to:

Instrument Hire Fees are requested from Music Centre members by invoice normally within 7 days of issue and thereafter in the Annual Notice of Fees prior to each new Academic Year.

REFUNDS

It is accepted practice by the South Eastern Education & Library Board not to give refunds relating to Instrumental Hire or Course Fees. This applies, particularly, to the Music Centre where all charges are heavily subsidised. However, while this custom will be strictly applied to students in attendance, it is Music Centre policy to accede to written requests for full Course refunds from students who have not attended their first tutorial/group rehearsal, and provided a letter of withdrawal has been received at the Music Centre before the official start date of the course(s).