Name High School Orchestra Handbook

2013-2014

Orchestra Handbook
A handbook for the Name HS Orchestra students and parents

Name High School 123 45th ST. Des Moines, IA 67890

Teaching Staff and Administration Director: Kendra Peterson NHS Principal: Nakita Beck

Table of Contents 1. Welcome Letter 2. Courses 3. Responsibilities and Expectations 4. Attendance/Grading Policy 5. Seating/Uniforms/Etiquette 6. Student Information Form 1 2 3 4 5 6

Dear Orchestra Students and Parents,

Welcome to Name High School orchestra program! My name is Ms. Peterson. I am a Drake University graduate with a degree in Music Education and ESL Education. I have been teaching orchestra for 10 years now and am happy you will be joining the NHS orchestra team. I am excited to start working with you. This handbook provides you with important information about the orchestra program here at Name High School. Lets have a great year working together! Sincerely,

Ms. Peterson

Courses
Orchestra This is the orchestra for all students who wish to participate in orchestra. It is required that all musicians must participate in this ensemble for at least one semester. After the first semester, students may choose to stay in this ensemble or choose to audition for the Chamber Orchestra. Chamber Orchestra This ensemble requires an audition. Students who audition for this ensemble must be prepared for more challenging music and be prepared to have sectionals outside of the regular class period.

Responsibilities and Expectations

Music
Students are expected to take care of their individual pieces of music, including originals and copies. Students are expected to retrieve their folders of music before every class and return these folders to their proper place.

Instrument care
Students are expected to treat their instruments with respect. This means placing the instrument properly on chairs or in laps when not in use and cases are outside of the rehearsal chairs. For cellos and basses, this includes putting instruments on their sides and returning the cellos and basses correctly. This means putting the endpins in when the instrument is not in use. This also means respecting OTHERS instruments and property.

Punctuality
Students are expected to arrive to class on time. This means students are in their seats, with instruments ready to play, with a pencil and sheet music when the bell rings. This also includes being prepared for concerts. Students should arrive and in their seat, ready to play, at least 15 minutes before the concert.

Class Participation
Orchestra is for performing and learning about music. All students must participate daily in class and, if required, outside of class during sectionals. Students are not to bring any drinks or food, with the exception of water, into the orchestra room. If food or drinks, other than water, is brought into the classroom, it will be immediately thrown into the trash. During tuning, students are NOT to talk or practice during tuning. Students are expected to stop and start with the conductor during rehearsals and at the concert. While practice logs are not required, students are expected to practice at least 30 minutes a day outside of orchestra.

Attendance/Grading Policy
Participation Expectations
Students are expected to participate in all rehearsals and all concerts with ALL materials (music, pencils, and instruments). Attendance at concerts is required since dates are given at the beginning of the year. If there is a conflict, it must be given in writing to Ms. Peterson explaining the situation. Excused absences will be considered at an individual basis and will be discussed privately according to individual circumstances. An unexcused absence to a dress rehearsal and/or concert will result in a lower grade. However, all excused and unexcused absences will need to be made-up to receive credit for the missed event. This will be discussed on an individual basis.

Written and playing tests/exams

A major part of a students orchestra grade is the various written and playing tests and exams. Written tests will consist of the nonperformance content that we are learning in the classroom. Playing tests will consist of short excerpts from the pieces we are playing in orchestra or solo repertoire. Exams will be given at the end of the semester and will be cumulative. Students are expected to do their own work when taking these exams and tests. While group study and practice is acceptable, the students are expected to show their own individual ability for the exams and tests. I want to see what YOU know, not what your neighbor/friend knows.

Seating/Uniforms/Etiquette
Seating
Seating will be determined by the scores of the playing tests. Students are expected to do their best on playing tests to give an accurate representation of their abilities. The first stand in each section is called the section leader. These pairs will be in charge of taking attendance before each class begins and will be in charge of making decisions on things like bowings, fingerings, etc. They are expected to lead their sections.

Uniforms
For all concerts, students will wear the appropriate uniform. Part of each performance grade will be based upon how you wear your uniform neatness, accuracy, alterations, cleanliness, etc. If there are any alterations needed to make you uniform look better, you may have them done provided that they are temporary alterations and no fabric is cut at all! Informal uniforms will need to be purchased by the student. Ladies formal uniform: Formal orchestra dress, black or off black hose and black shoes. Please no chains, bracelets, or large necklaces. You may wear small earrings. Mens formal uniform: Black tuxedoes, bow ties, and cummerbunds, white wing collar tuxedo shirt with pleats, black socks, black shoes. Please no chains, bracelets, or rings. If you are unsure if your shoes are appropriate please show your director and they will make a decision on a case by case basis.

Concert Etiquette
These school orchestra concerts are expected to be treated like professional concerts. This means audience and musicians must put their phones on SILENT and not text or answer phones during the performance. It is also appropriate to arrive before the performance. Talking during pieces is considered rude and conversations should wait until intermission or during applause. Please wait to applaud after the conductor has put down her hands after conducting.

Please fill out the following and return to your director by Friday August, 30th 2013. Student Name:______________________________________________ Student Cell #:______________________________________________ Primary Guardian Name:______________________________________ Primary Guardian Home #:____________________________________ Primary Guardian Cell #:______________________________________ Primary Guardian E-mail Address:______________________________ Secondary Guardian Name: ___________________________________ Secondary Guardian Home #:__________________________________ Secondary Guardian Cell #:____________________________________ Secondary Guardian E-mail Address:____________________________ Student Home Address:_______________________________________ City:____________________ State:_____ Zip:___________ I received, reviewed, and understand the policies and guidelines in the 2013-2014 Name High School Orchestra Handbook. I agree to abide by the procedures set forth. Student Name: __________________________________ (print) Student Signature _______________________________ I received and reviewed the 2013 - 2014 Name School Orchestra Handbook. Parent Name ___________________________________ (print) Parent Signature ________________________________ Date ________________