Myers Park High School. Orchestra Handbook

Transcription

1 Myers Park High School Orchestra Handbook

2 Welcome! Welcome to the Orchestra Program at Myers Park High School! Your participation in this program is invaluable, and I hope you will find the study of orchestral performance to be rewarding and fun. As your director, I enthusiastically embrace the opportunity to guide you through the challenges and joys of learning about music. Discipline, hard work, and commitment are essential in achieving excellence. You will get out of this program what you put into it! The following handbook contains pertinent information regarding our Orchestra Program. We will review the information extensively in class, as some policies and procedures may be different from those of years past. I would request that each student please share this handbook with his/her parents. Parent communication and support is crucial to the success of our program. Parents, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns at feliciak.sink@cms.k12.nc.us or Our orchestra webpage is myersparkorchestras.weebly.com. Please check this page frequently for updated information. I look forward to an exciting new year filled with many enriching musical experiences! Sincerely, Felicia K. Sink Director of Orchestras David W. Butler High School Myers Park High School - 2 -

3 Orchestra Program Objectives In Orchestra students will: 1. Develop technical advancement on their respective instrument 2. Demonstrate the ability to read, write, and execute musical notation 3. Explore and interpret music from diverse genres and style periods 4. Develop a contextual relevancy of musical history and theory 5. Understand global, interdisciplinary, and 21 st century connections with music 6. Apply practice skills for the preparation of concerts 7. Learn to work effectively, both as an individual and as a team member 8. Become poised performers that exhibit appropriate concert etiquette 9. Create meaningful musical experiences and most importantly 10. HAVE FUN! Program Ensembles and Course Descriptions Concert Orchestra For students who have played for 2 or more years and exhibit intermediate technical/musical skills. *REQUIRED TEXT: Sound Innovations: Sound Development Intermediate String Orchestra by Bob Phillips and Kirk Moss Symphonic Orchestra For students who have played for 3 or more years and exhibit proficient/advanced technical/musical skills. *REQUIRED TEXT: Sound Innovations: Sound Development Advanced String Orchestra by Bob Phillips and Kirk Moss Chamber Orchestra For students who have played for 3 or more years and exhibit an advanced technical/musical performance level. Focus will be on the study of advanced/professional level String and Full Orchestra literature. *REQUIRED TEXT: Sound Innovations: Sound Development Advanced String Orchestra by Bob Phillips and Kirk Moss Additional Required Materials for ALL String Classes: Instrument and Bow in proper working condition Rosin Soft cloth for cleaning Shoulder Rest or Sponge (violin and viola players) Rock stop or strap (cello and bass players) Extra Strings Mute Orchestra Folder (this will be provided) PENCIL (No Pens, Please!) *Please obtain and bring the above listed materials to class by the end of the first week

4 Orchestra Class Rules and Expectations Exhibit the highest level of RESPECT and KINDNESS for everyone Participate FULLY in each class Come prepared to every class with all required materials No gum, food, or drinks (except water) are allowed in the classroom Be punctual for class, go to your assigned seat, unpack and store belongings under your chair or along the side wall of the room (not in the aisle-way) Use warm-up time effectively by tuning (smartphones may be used for tuning only, unless otherwise permitted by director) and reviewing scales and repertoire Refrain from talking and playing when the director is on the podium Please raise your hand if you have a question or wish to contribute to class discussion. Do not interrupt the director or fellow peers. Exhibit good posture by sitting up straight and keeping both feet on the floor Keep fingernails short, as long fingernails will inhibit the proper development of left hand technique Take personal accountability for keeping the facilities neat and clean by properly disposing of trash and properly storing instruments and music Most importantly, come to class with a POSITIVE ATTITUDE! Restroom Privileges Students will be allowed to use the restroom during class for emergencies only. Students may not use the restroom during the first or last 10 minutes of the class period. Students are to raise their hands, request permission, and take the hall pass located at the front of the classroom. Only one student may take the pass at a time. The director reserves the right to limit and/or suspend restroom visits to any student who abuses the privilege. Attendance Policy It is of paramount importance that students attend class each day. Orchestra is a performance based class and it is only through participation that students will learn and develop musicianship. The overall success of the orchestra depends on each individual student s participation. Students will be held accountable to the MPHS rules and attendance policies. In the event of an absence, the student must be responsible for inquiring about missed work, and it is the responsibility of the student to complete all such work. Incompletion of work will result in a loss of points proportional to the specified delinquent assignment. Grading Policy The following is a breakdown of the student grade: 70% Class Participation: Attend class with all required materials, be engaged, and have a positive attitude! 30% Concerts: Orchestra is a performance based class; the concert is a culmination of all preparation done both in class and at home

5 Playing Assessments and Quizzes: Assigned scales and passages from repertoire to be formally assessed by the director. Written Work: May include practice reflections, music theory and history assignments, listening logs, and/or special projects. Concert Attire An orchestra or chamber ensemble is a team. For purposes of unification and presentation it is important to have a dress code. Ladies: Black dress (sleeves must cover upper arm and be at a minimum of elbow length and neckline must be no lower than collarbone. Length must be below knee when sitting in chair) OR Black blouse (sleeves must cover upper arm and be at a minimum of elbow length and neckline must be no lower than collarbone) WITH Black skirt (length must be below knee when sitting in chair) OR Black pants (No jeans, jeggings, or athletic pants, please!) AND Black dress shoes (No sandals, please!) Gentleman: Black tuxedo with black bow tie, OR Black suit with white dress shirt and black bow tie, AND Black dress shoes. Attire must adhere to CMS dress code policies. Students who violate the dress code will lose points towards their concert grade. If a student is dressed in a manner deemed disrespectful or inappropriate, the director reserves the right to prohibit that student from performing in the concert. Concert Etiquette All students are expected to conduct themselves in a poised and dignified manner before, during, and after the performance. Students will participate as follows: Arrive punctually at the assigned concert call Warm-up in the designated area only Process onto the stage quietly and orderly Display good posture at all times Refrain from talking as EVERYTHING is audible and visible to the audience Exercise extreme focus and concentration in producing the highest quality performance possible Follow the director s cues in acknowledging the audience Be engaged audience members in support of peers who may be performing in other ensembles Help with the set-up and breakdown, as this too, is part of a concert production - 5 -

6 Alternative Concert Project In the event that a student is absence from a concert, the student must complete an alternative concert project in order to maintain the concert percentage portion of the grade Student will perform several selected excerpts from the concert repertoire for the director Student will write a research paper (length to be determined by the director) on an assigned topic relating to an aspect of the concert program, (i.e. composer, piece, style period, and/or instrument) Student will give a presentation on the assigned topic to the class **Concert Dates** for Season Fall Concert: Thursday, October 20, 2016 Winter Concert: Tuesday, December 13, 2016 Spring Festival Concert: Thursday, March 2, 2017 Late Spring Concert Finale: Wednesday, May 24, 2017 All concerts will take place at 7:00 pm in the Auditorium. Concert call time is 6:00 pm. Students will be responsible for arranging transportation to and from school on the scheduled concert evenings. Orchestra Program Facilities and Equipment Instrument Storage Area The instrument storage area is a space available to all orchestra students for the storage of their instruments. It is important that we all take responsibility for the cleanliness and safety of this area. Please attach a name tag to your instrument Store instruments in available shelving spaces and racks, only Be advised, there are no provisions for individual locks School Owned Instruments MPHS owns several string instruments that may be available for student use. The following is required: Only students assigned to a particular instrument may use that instrument Students will make a concerted effort to treat school instruments as their own Respect and care must always be exercised when handling any instrument Student and Parent must sign a loan contract from CMS that is legally binding Pay a nonrefundable $20.00 usage fee for the school year Agree to assume financial responsibility for any damage incurred or repairs (other than normal maintenance) that are necessary for the duration of usage Student Owned Instruments Students are responsible for their own instruments at ALL times

7 Instruments should only be stored in the designated storage areas All student instruments must clearly be marked with the student s name Student must give the director the instrument s maker and serial number The school does not have insurance to cover the loss or damage of student instruments or property***store at your own risk*** CMS Disclaimer Form All orchestra students in CMS will receive a disclaimer form. This form must be read and signed by the student and parent. In order to remain in the orchestra program, this form must be completed and returned to the director as soon as possible. Closing Again, I look forward to having an enjoyable and successful year with the MPHS Orchestra! Please sign below and return this form to Mrs. Sink along with a $25 donation fee to the MPHS Orchestra Friends of Music for materials and supplies to successfully begin the school year. Thank you! Parent/Guardian Signature Date Student Signature Date - 7 -