William
B. Travis High School
Orchestra
Handbook
Susan Rozanc M.M.E, Director
Course Syllabus
Travis High School Orchestra
TEACHER:
Ms. Susan Rozanc
[email protected]
414-7728 (office)
Materials:
Music and technique books will be provided by the teacher.
Students must provide a 2”3-ring binder and pencils.
Students are responsible for bringing their OWN music, their
instrument and a pencil to class EVERY day. Failure to do so will result
in loss of daily grade points.
Expectations:
Good behavior is expected at all
times.
--Be in your seat with your instrument out before the tardy bell
rings.
--Enter and leave the room in a quiet and orderly
manner.
--NO GUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
--NO Talking after the bell rings.
--No vandalism
--Remain seated for the entire class unless otherwise instructed to so by the director.
--DO NOT touch other people, or their instruments.
--NO food or drink in class.
--Cell phones are only to be used with tuner/metronome app.
******The discipline procedure outlined in the student handbook
will be strictly adhered to.
Homework:
Practice will make up the bulk of assigned homework. Each student will be required to practice
at least 2 hours per week outside of class. Students will turn in a practice record signed by a
parental unit at the start of each week. Practice records must be signed by a parent, or they will
not be accepted. Practice records can also be signed by the director.
Grading: Students will be graded in
the following areas:
Performance: There is no excuse for missing a performance.
Every student is a vital member of the team and absences not only affect
the person missing but the entire ensemble, causing a drop in performance
standards. Failure to attend a performance will result in the loss of two hundred points from the test
grade. Two weeks written notice from a parental unit must be given if a performance is to be missed.
If a performance is to be missed and it is deemed excused, written work will be given to make up for the
absence.*
Daily Grade: This grade includes attendance, and participation in the rehearsal.
If a student does not have appropriate materials for class or fails to perform as asked,
this grade will be lowered.
Assignments: This grade includes all written assignments and sectionals.
Sectionals WILL be attended each week. Sectionals will be scheduled by the section
leader at a time that is convenient to all. Failure to attend a sectional results
in a detention and loss of participation points, thus lowering the assignment grade.
Tests/Quizzes: This grade includes periodic playing and written tests.
Playing tests and quizzes will be both announced and unannounced!
Any music in the folder is fair game for a playing test.
Semester exams will cover all materials covered in class (if you heard it in class, it is fair game).
These exams will count for 25% of each semester grade.
Additional requirements: T-shirt: A t-shirt fee will be assessed per year.
T-shirts will be worn for all Orchestra activities.
Performance dress code:
Women: All black full length uniform dress (to be provided by the director, a rental /cleaning fee will be assessed),
black dress shoes.
Men: Uniform tuxedo(to be provided by the school a rental/cleaning fee will be assessed),
black dress shoes (NO athletic shoes)
Fair share/Instrument rental fee: Each Orchestra member will be assessed a fee of $20 per semester
instrument rental fee and a yearly $20 uniform rental/cleaning fee.
Course Content: The course will include, but not be limited to: Independence in
musicianship, Performance techniques, and aesthetic awareness through
rehearsal and performance of varied Orchestra literature.
Table of Contents
I. Philosophy
II. Goals
III. Scheduling
IV. Supplies
V. Concert Dress
VI. Classroom Rules and Behavior
VII. Student Responsibility
VIII. Practicing
IX. Grading
X. Instrument Care, Repair, and Insurance
XI. Caring For Music
XII. Extra Rehearsals
XIII. Concerts
XIV. Fundraisers
I. Philosophy
Through the support of the director, principal, staff, and community, the William B. Travis
Orchestra Program is designed to provide an experience for students that will enable them to
develop a life-long understanding and appreciation for music. Through their education as
musicians, opportunities will be provided for them to develop their performance, leadership,
self-confidence, and teamwork skills. It is the music departments belief that music is an
integral part of every child’s education and that the experiences and knowledge that a person
gains through the study of music helps to develop highly successful world citizens.
II. Goals
Students will understand and demonstrate the ability to care for a delicate instrument.
Students will demonstrate correct instrument position, hand position, proper bowing, as well
as the ability to read music and reproduce note names and note values using various systems
including but not limited to their instruments. Knowledge of these fundamentals will be
demonstrated through daily practice, class and public performances, written exercises,
composition, and competition. Students will also learn about the history and development of
the guitar. Students will learn the discipline involved in practicing rehearsing and preparing for performances,
and the music terms, symbols, rhythms, and styles involved in the study of string instruments.
III. Scheduling
All students signing up for Orchestra regardless of level will be placed in Orchestra class.
Orchestra meets two or three times per week depending on the schedule.
IV. Supplies
All students will be responsible for acquiring and caring for the following supplies for Orchestra class.
A. Instrument– Students who do not own their own instrument will be permitted to use a school
instrument. Violin and Viola players should consider purchasing their OWN instrument.
Students using school owned instruments will be assessed a rental/materials fee each semester.
B. Music Binder– Each student must have a 1&1/2 inch, 3 ring binder for safekeeping of
music, assignments, and practice logs. This binder should be used for Guitar class
ONLY and should not be shared with another subject. Each student must have their
OWN binder and not share with another student.
C. Pencil– Each student must have their OWN pencil that will be stored inside their
binder. Pens are not permitted to mark on music or for homework assignments,
quizzes, or worksheets under ANY circumstances.
V. ConcertDress
All Orchestra students are required to have specific dress for concerts. Uniform concert dress
allows the audience to concentrate on the performance without distracting dress. Concert dress
is as follows:
Men: Uniform tuxedo, and black DRESS SHOES (NO athletic shoes)
Women: Uniform full length black dress, black DRESS SHOES.
VI. The Classroom
The classroom exists not only as a place of instruction, but also serves as a common area for
ensemble members to store instruments, practice, and socialize. All ensemble members are
welcome to spend time in the classroom before and after school, at lunches, and during advisory
(FAS).
Classroom Rules:
·Only Guitar, Orchestra and Choir members are to be in the classroom and practice rooms
at any time. Please do not bring friends who are not ensemble members in the classroom
or into practice rooms. Students must have director permission to use practice rooms.
·
Students
should not enter the classroom during classes other than their own or during
passing periods without prior permission and a pass from the
director.
·
The
classroom will be open by 8:15am and will close by 4:30pm.
After school schedule will be flexible depending on the director’s
schedule.
·
Students
will not be permitted to use the phone during the school day.
The director’s phone is for business purposes
only.
·
There
will be no roughhousing or horseplay on the classroom at any time.
Please have a specific reason (practicing, a lesson, doing homework) for
being in the classroom at any given time.
·
Students
may not use classroom equipment (computer, stereo) at any time without prior
permission from the director.
·
NO
FOOD DRINK OR GUM IN THE CLASSROOM AT ANY TIME. Students will not be permitted to
eat breakfast or lunch in the classroom. Students who bring food or drink
into the classroom will be asked to throw the food out or leave the
classroom.
·
Practice
rooms are for practice, sectionals, or private lessons only.
Students must have permission from the director to use practice rooms at
any time. Abusing the use
of practice rooms will result in the privilege of using the rooms to be
revoked.
·
There
is to be no primping or personal hygiene in the classroom.
This includes makeup, hair straightening, and hair brushing etc….. There is a time and place for these
things, and the classroom is not it.
Classroom Behavior
Expectations:
1.
Bring
ALL materials and supplies to class EVERY
day.
2.
Arrive
on time to class. Students
should be in their seats and tuned no later than three minutes after the tardy
bell rings. Wait to be
dismissed by the director at the end of class.
3.
Leave
non-orchestra related items (backpacks, purses, skateboards) in the front of
the classroom away from the performing area.
4.
Respect
others people’s and school property by handling only
your own belongings or what has been assigned to
you.
5.
Remain
positive about your own performance and
others.
6.
Display
proper audience etiquette while others are performing and while the teacher is
teaching. DO NOT TALK
DURING REHEARSAL TIME. Raise your
hand to ask a question or make a constructive
comment.
7.
Treat
you instrument, your classmates, and your director with respect at all
times!
If the above expectations are not met in a satisfactory manner,
the following consequences will be used, not necessarily in this
order:
1.
Student
will be asked to put their instrument away and written work will be
assigned.
2.
Parents
will be contacted.
3.
Detention
will be assigned. Food, or
gum, will result in automatic detention.
-
Detention
will be served in the classroom outside of class time and will consist of
straightening and cleaning the classroom.
4.
Teacher/student,
or teacher/parent conference will be
requested.
5.
Referral
to the principal’s office .
Attendance and Tardy
Policy
All absences will be reported to the attendance office per AISD
policy. Excessive absences
will be dealt with through the school. It is helpful to know if the
student is to miss more than two consecutive days of school.
Since music is a cumulative subject, the student needs to meet with the
director to discuss any missed work or grades as soon and he/she returns to
school. It can be difficult
to “jump right back in” is a major concept is missed.
All work must be made up by the time the student has been back at school
for two days, unless other arrangements were made in advance.
Students will be asked to attend tutoring outside of the school day if
necessary.
Being on time for is a necessity for all musicians.
When the beginning of a rehearsal or performance is missed, the lack of
proper warm-up and tuning can affect the entire group’s performance!
All Orchestra students will adhere to the school-wide tardy policy. A student is considered tardy for
Guitar class if:
1.
He/she is not in the classroom when the
tardy bell rings and/or
2.
He/she
is not in their seat ready to rehearse 3 minutes after the tardy bell
rings.
VII.
Student
Responsibility
A major emphasis of the Travis Orchestra program is placed on
teaching students how to meet obligations in a responsible and timely
manner. Giving students an
unlimited amount of time to comply with obligations can adversely affect the
organization and success of the entire group. Therefore the following policy
has been established:
Student fees and forms, such as contest fees entry fees, uniform
fees, permission slips, etc… will be due on a specific day.
All fees and forms will be due on the prescribed day.
Students will receive one “grace day”following the established
deadline. Failure to comply
with the “grace day” will result in loss of participation points and possible
loss of that opportunity for the student. In the event that a deadline
extension is necessary for financial reason, the student should present a not
to the director from a parent or guardian an extension prior to the “grace
day”.
VIII.
Practicing
Practicing
is necessary in learning and maintaining skills on ANY instrument;
therefore, conscientious, consistent practice is required of all students. Practicing can be equated as your
“homework”for Orchestra class.
Every student is required to practice daily.
To monitor practice, practice records or logs will be turned in
weekly.
·
Weekly
practice records are a major part of the nine weeks
grade.
·
To
receive credit, practice logs must be signed by a parent or guardian and turned
in at the beginning of each week.
·
Practice
records will only be accepted late in the case of
illness.
IX.
Grading
A student’s nine weeks grade in Orchestra class will be based on
the following.
·
“Daily
Grades” – which consists of being prepared, having proper equipment, skill
demonstration, and classroom participation.
·
Supply,
instrument, equipment, pencil, and binder
checks
·
Performance
exams and quizzes
·
Concert
rehearsals and performances
·
Required
event performances
·
Written
work, quizzes, and homework
·
Practice
logs
·
Extra
Credit
X.
Instrument
Care, Repair and Insurance
Instrument Care
String instruments are delicate. With proper care a good quality
instrument can last many, many years (in some cases, hundreds of years). All students will be thoroughly
educated on how to properly care for their instruments.
Instruments (including school instruments) will be checked periodically
checked for cleanliness and upkeep. It is the students’
responsibility to report any problems to the director as soon as possible and to
provide proper maintenance items and supplies (like strings) for the
instruments. AISD does not supply
these services. Students
using school owned instruments will be assessed a rental fee each semester. This fee will cover the cost of
these supplies. Students and
parents should never attempt to repair instruments on their
own.
Insuring Your Instrument
All students are strongly recommended to insure their
instruments. Check with your
homeowners or renters insurance to see if it is possible to cover the
instrument. Some music
stores offer policies as well.
It is important to check that the instrument is covered for loss, theft,
and accidental damage inside and outside of the home.
Most policies are based on the value of the
instrument.
XI.
Caring
for Music
Music is a large expense for most music programs.
Students will be expected to treat music as they would a textbook and be
responsible for it in the same manner. All music will be stored in their
binder at all times. Binders
will be checked periodically for organization, neatness, and contents. There will times when students
will be asked to write or make noted on their music.
This is to be done only in PENCIL. Music that is marked in pen will
be considered damaged and must be replaced. The cost of replacing damaged
music is 25 cents per page. The teacher is NOT responsible for binders that are lost or stolen. Students may store binders in the
classroom, but if the binder is lost or stolen, they will be charged for each
page that must be replaced.
XII.
Extra
Rehearsals
From time to time it may be necessary to rehearse before or
after school in preparation for competitions or concerts.
All rehearsals will be scheduled well in advance.
These rehearsals are designed to help the students and the ensemble to
perform better. Students will
be expected to attend all scheduled rehearsals and will receive a grade for the
rehearsal. Absences will be
considered only if:
1.
The
absence is communicated in advance to the director
AND
2.
The
absence is considered excused by school attendance
policy.
XIII.
Concerts
Instrumental music is a performing art, and students will have
the opportunity to perform throughout the year. Concerts are scheduled well in
advance so that arrangements can be made for attendance and transportation. ALL CONCERTS ARE MANDATORY and
will be graded. Concerts are
a summative assessment and are considered an exam after many hours of
preparation, practice and study. When students
are missing from the expected and rehearsal sound, the total group can sound
dramatically different.
Therefore, members who elect to join in the school group are expected to
be loyal and to follow through with their commitments to the group.
Unexcused absences will result on a zero for that grade or grades. Absences are excused only if the
absence is considered excused by school policy. If transportation is an issue,
please notify the director in advance so assistance can be provided.
Prior to each performance, students will be given an information sheet
that lists when, where, and what time it is that students should arrive to the
classroom for tuning and warm-up as well as what students should wear. The time listed as ‘call’ is when
students should be in their seats ready to begin the warm-up sequence. When planning transportation,
always allow extra time for students to come to the classroom and assemble
equipment and take their seat.
Parents, friends, and family are strongly encouraged to show their
support for the developing musician. This is a crucial part of their
musical education and can have a huge impact on their
success.
XIV.
Fundraisers
Each year the music department must undertake a fundraiser. The money raised by our students
is used to buy new instruments, purchase sheet music, and to fund the operating
expenses for the ensembles.
All students are encouraged to participate for the benefit of the
program.
XV.
Fees
Students who use school instruments will be assessed an
instrument rental/materials fee of $20.00 per semester.
This fee assists with the repair and maintenance of the instrument. Students who have a financial
difficulty must discuss the rental fee with the director.
Orchestra students will also be assessed a uniform fee of $20 per
year.
B. Travis High School
Orchestra
Handbook
Susan Rozanc M.M.E, Director
Course Syllabus
Travis High School Orchestra
TEACHER:
Ms. Susan Rozanc
[email protected]
414-7728 (office)
Materials:
Music and technique books will be provided by the teacher.
Students must provide a 2”3-ring binder and pencils.
Students are responsible for bringing their OWN music, their
instrument and a pencil to class EVERY day. Failure to do so will result
in loss of daily grade points.
Expectations:
Good behavior is expected at all
times.
--Be in your seat with your instrument out before the tardy bell
rings.
--Enter and leave the room in a quiet and orderly
manner.
--NO GUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
--NO Talking after the bell rings.
--No vandalism
--Remain seated for the entire class unless otherwise instructed to so by the director.
--DO NOT touch other people, or their instruments.
--NO food or drink in class.
--Cell phones are only to be used with tuner/metronome app.
******The discipline procedure outlined in the student handbook
will be strictly adhered to.
Homework:
Practice will make up the bulk of assigned homework. Each student will be required to practice
at least 2 hours per week outside of class. Students will turn in a practice record signed by a
parental unit at the start of each week. Practice records must be signed by a parent, or they will
not be accepted. Practice records can also be signed by the director.
Grading: Students will be graded in
the following areas:
Performance: There is no excuse for missing a performance.
Every student is a vital member of the team and absences not only affect
the person missing but the entire ensemble, causing a drop in performance
standards. Failure to attend a performance will result in the loss of two hundred points from the test
grade. Two weeks written notice from a parental unit must be given if a performance is to be missed.
If a performance is to be missed and it is deemed excused, written work will be given to make up for the
absence.*
Daily Grade: This grade includes attendance, and participation in the rehearsal.
If a student does not have appropriate materials for class or fails to perform as asked,
this grade will be lowered.
Assignments: This grade includes all written assignments and sectionals.
Sectionals WILL be attended each week. Sectionals will be scheduled by the section
leader at a time that is convenient to all. Failure to attend a sectional results
in a detention and loss of participation points, thus lowering the assignment grade.
Tests/Quizzes: This grade includes periodic playing and written tests.
Playing tests and quizzes will be both announced and unannounced!
Any music in the folder is fair game for a playing test.
Semester exams will cover all materials covered in class (if you heard it in class, it is fair game).
These exams will count for 25% of each semester grade.
Additional requirements: T-shirt: A t-shirt fee will be assessed per year.
T-shirts will be worn for all Orchestra activities.
Performance dress code:
Women: All black full length uniform dress (to be provided by the director, a rental /cleaning fee will be assessed),
black dress shoes.
Men: Uniform tuxedo(to be provided by the school a rental/cleaning fee will be assessed),
black dress shoes (NO athletic shoes)
Fair share/Instrument rental fee: Each Orchestra member will be assessed a fee of $20 per semester
instrument rental fee and a yearly $20 uniform rental/cleaning fee.
Course Content: The course will include, but not be limited to: Independence in
musicianship, Performance techniques, and aesthetic awareness through
rehearsal and performance of varied Orchestra literature.
Table of Contents
I. Philosophy
II. Goals
III. Scheduling
IV. Supplies
V. Concert Dress
VI. Classroom Rules and Behavior
VII. Student Responsibility
VIII. Practicing
IX. Grading
X. Instrument Care, Repair, and Insurance
XI. Caring For Music
XII. Extra Rehearsals
XIII. Concerts
XIV. Fundraisers
I. Philosophy
Through the support of the director, principal, staff, and community, the William B. Travis
Orchestra Program is designed to provide an experience for students that will enable them to
develop a life-long understanding and appreciation for music. Through their education as
musicians, opportunities will be provided for them to develop their performance, leadership,
self-confidence, and teamwork skills. It is the music departments belief that music is an
integral part of every child’s education and that the experiences and knowledge that a person
gains through the study of music helps to develop highly successful world citizens.
II. Goals
Students will understand and demonstrate the ability to care for a delicate instrument.
Students will demonstrate correct instrument position, hand position, proper bowing, as well
as the ability to read music and reproduce note names and note values using various systems
including but not limited to their instruments. Knowledge of these fundamentals will be
demonstrated through daily practice, class and public performances, written exercises,
composition, and competition. Students will also learn about the history and development of
the guitar. Students will learn the discipline involved in practicing rehearsing and preparing for performances,
and the music terms, symbols, rhythms, and styles involved in the study of string instruments.
III. Scheduling
All students signing up for Orchestra regardless of level will be placed in Orchestra class.
Orchestra meets two or three times per week depending on the schedule.
IV. Supplies
All students will be responsible for acquiring and caring for the following supplies for Orchestra class.
A. Instrument– Students who do not own their own instrument will be permitted to use a school
instrument. Violin and Viola players should consider purchasing their OWN instrument.
Students using school owned instruments will be assessed a rental/materials fee each semester.
B. Music Binder– Each student must have a 1&1/2 inch, 3 ring binder for safekeeping of
music, assignments, and practice logs. This binder should be used for Guitar class
ONLY and should not be shared with another subject. Each student must have their
OWN binder and not share with another student.
C. Pencil– Each student must have their OWN pencil that will be stored inside their
binder. Pens are not permitted to mark on music or for homework assignments,
quizzes, or worksheets under ANY circumstances.
V. ConcertDress
All Orchestra students are required to have specific dress for concerts. Uniform concert dress
allows the audience to concentrate on the performance without distracting dress. Concert dress
is as follows:
Men: Uniform tuxedo, and black DRESS SHOES (NO athletic shoes)
Women: Uniform full length black dress, black DRESS SHOES.
VI. The Classroom
The classroom exists not only as a place of instruction, but also serves as a common area for
ensemble members to store instruments, practice, and socialize. All ensemble members are
welcome to spend time in the classroom before and after school, at lunches, and during advisory
(FAS).
Classroom Rules:
·Only Guitar, Orchestra and Choir members are to be in the classroom and practice rooms
at any time. Please do not bring friends who are not ensemble members in the classroom
or into practice rooms. Students must have director permission to use practice rooms.
·
Students
should not enter the classroom during classes other than their own or during
passing periods without prior permission and a pass from the
director.
·
The
classroom will be open by 8:15am and will close by 4:30pm.
After school schedule will be flexible depending on the director’s
schedule.
·
Students
will not be permitted to use the phone during the school day.
The director’s phone is for business purposes
only.
·
There
will be no roughhousing or horseplay on the classroom at any time.
Please have a specific reason (practicing, a lesson, doing homework) for
being in the classroom at any given time.
·
Students
may not use classroom equipment (computer, stereo) at any time without prior
permission from the director.
·
NO
FOOD DRINK OR GUM IN THE CLASSROOM AT ANY TIME. Students will not be permitted to
eat breakfast or lunch in the classroom. Students who bring food or drink
into the classroom will be asked to throw the food out or leave the
classroom.
·
Practice
rooms are for practice, sectionals, or private lessons only.
Students must have permission from the director to use practice rooms at
any time. Abusing the use
of practice rooms will result in the privilege of using the rooms to be
revoked.
·
There
is to be no primping or personal hygiene in the classroom.
This includes makeup, hair straightening, and hair brushing etc….. There is a time and place for these
things, and the classroom is not it.
Classroom Behavior
Expectations:
1.
Bring
ALL materials and supplies to class EVERY
day.
2.
Arrive
on time to class. Students
should be in their seats and tuned no later than three minutes after the tardy
bell rings. Wait to be
dismissed by the director at the end of class.
3.
Leave
non-orchestra related items (backpacks, purses, skateboards) in the front of
the classroom away from the performing area.
4.
Respect
others people’s and school property by handling only
your own belongings or what has been assigned to
you.
5.
Remain
positive about your own performance and
others.
6.
Display
proper audience etiquette while others are performing and while the teacher is
teaching. DO NOT TALK
DURING REHEARSAL TIME. Raise your
hand to ask a question or make a constructive
comment.
7.
Treat
you instrument, your classmates, and your director with respect at all
times!
If the above expectations are not met in a satisfactory manner,
the following consequences will be used, not necessarily in this
order:
1.
Student
will be asked to put their instrument away and written work will be
assigned.
2.
Parents
will be contacted.
3.
Detention
will be assigned. Food, or
gum, will result in automatic detention.
-
Detention
will be served in the classroom outside of class time and will consist of
straightening and cleaning the classroom.
4.
Teacher/student,
or teacher/parent conference will be
requested.
5.
Referral
to the principal’s office .
Attendance and Tardy
Policy
All absences will be reported to the attendance office per AISD
policy. Excessive absences
will be dealt with through the school. It is helpful to know if the
student is to miss more than two consecutive days of school.
Since music is a cumulative subject, the student needs to meet with the
director to discuss any missed work or grades as soon and he/she returns to
school. It can be difficult
to “jump right back in” is a major concept is missed.
All work must be made up by the time the student has been back at school
for two days, unless other arrangements were made in advance.
Students will be asked to attend tutoring outside of the school day if
necessary.
Being on time for is a necessity for all musicians.
When the beginning of a rehearsal or performance is missed, the lack of
proper warm-up and tuning can affect the entire group’s performance!
All Orchestra students will adhere to the school-wide tardy policy. A student is considered tardy for
Guitar class if:
1.
He/she is not in the classroom when the
tardy bell rings and/or
2.
He/she
is not in their seat ready to rehearse 3 minutes after the tardy bell
rings.
VII.
Student
Responsibility
A major emphasis of the Travis Orchestra program is placed on
teaching students how to meet obligations in a responsible and timely
manner. Giving students an
unlimited amount of time to comply with obligations can adversely affect the
organization and success of the entire group. Therefore the following policy
has been established:
Student fees and forms, such as contest fees entry fees, uniform
fees, permission slips, etc… will be due on a specific day.
All fees and forms will be due on the prescribed day.
Students will receive one “grace day”following the established
deadline. Failure to comply
with the “grace day” will result in loss of participation points and possible
loss of that opportunity for the student. In the event that a deadline
extension is necessary for financial reason, the student should present a not
to the director from a parent or guardian an extension prior to the “grace
day”.
VIII.
Practicing
Practicing
is necessary in learning and maintaining skills on ANY instrument;
therefore, conscientious, consistent practice is required of all students. Practicing can be equated as your
“homework”for Orchestra class.
Every student is required to practice daily.
To monitor practice, practice records or logs will be turned in
weekly.
·
Weekly
practice records are a major part of the nine weeks
grade.
·
To
receive credit, practice logs must be signed by a parent or guardian and turned
in at the beginning of each week.
·
Practice
records will only be accepted late in the case of
illness.
IX.
Grading
A student’s nine weeks grade in Orchestra class will be based on
the following.
·
“Daily
Grades” – which consists of being prepared, having proper equipment, skill
demonstration, and classroom participation.
·
Supply,
instrument, equipment, pencil, and binder
checks
·
Performance
exams and quizzes
·
Concert
rehearsals and performances
·
Required
event performances
·
Written
work, quizzes, and homework
·
Practice
logs
·
Extra
Credit
X.
Instrument
Care, Repair and Insurance
Instrument Care
String instruments are delicate. With proper care a good quality
instrument can last many, many years (in some cases, hundreds of years). All students will be thoroughly
educated on how to properly care for their instruments.
Instruments (including school instruments) will be checked periodically
checked for cleanliness and upkeep. It is the students’
responsibility to report any problems to the director as soon as possible and to
provide proper maintenance items and supplies (like strings) for the
instruments. AISD does not supply
these services. Students
using school owned instruments will be assessed a rental fee each semester. This fee will cover the cost of
these supplies. Students and
parents should never attempt to repair instruments on their
own.
Insuring Your Instrument
All students are strongly recommended to insure their
instruments. Check with your
homeowners or renters insurance to see if it is possible to cover the
instrument. Some music
stores offer policies as well.
It is important to check that the instrument is covered for loss, theft,
and accidental damage inside and outside of the home.
Most policies are based on the value of the
instrument.
XI.
Caring
for Music
Music is a large expense for most music programs.
Students will be expected to treat music as they would a textbook and be
responsible for it in the same manner. All music will be stored in their
binder at all times. Binders
will be checked periodically for organization, neatness, and contents. There will times when students
will be asked to write or make noted on their music.
This is to be done only in PENCIL. Music that is marked in pen will
be considered damaged and must be replaced. The cost of replacing damaged
music is 25 cents per page. The teacher is NOT responsible for binders that are lost or stolen. Students may store binders in the
classroom, but if the binder is lost or stolen, they will be charged for each
page that must be replaced.
XII.
Extra
Rehearsals
From time to time it may be necessary to rehearse before or
after school in preparation for competitions or concerts.
All rehearsals will be scheduled well in advance.
These rehearsals are designed to help the students and the ensemble to
perform better. Students will
be expected to attend all scheduled rehearsals and will receive a grade for the
rehearsal. Absences will be
considered only if:
1.
The
absence is communicated in advance to the director
AND
2.
The
absence is considered excused by school attendance
policy.
XIII.
Concerts
Instrumental music is a performing art, and students will have
the opportunity to perform throughout the year. Concerts are scheduled well in
advance so that arrangements can be made for attendance and transportation. ALL CONCERTS ARE MANDATORY and
will be graded. Concerts are
a summative assessment and are considered an exam after many hours of
preparation, practice and study. When students
are missing from the expected and rehearsal sound, the total group can sound
dramatically different.
Therefore, members who elect to join in the school group are expected to
be loyal and to follow through with their commitments to the group.
Unexcused absences will result on a zero for that grade or grades. Absences are excused only if the
absence is considered excused by school policy. If transportation is an issue,
please notify the director in advance so assistance can be provided.
Prior to each performance, students will be given an information sheet
that lists when, where, and what time it is that students should arrive to the
classroom for tuning and warm-up as well as what students should wear. The time listed as ‘call’ is when
students should be in their seats ready to begin the warm-up sequence. When planning transportation,
always allow extra time for students to come to the classroom and assemble
equipment and take their seat.
Parents, friends, and family are strongly encouraged to show their
support for the developing musician. This is a crucial part of their
musical education and can have a huge impact on their
success.
XIV.
Fundraisers
Each year the music department must undertake a fundraiser. The money raised by our students
is used to buy new instruments, purchase sheet music, and to fund the operating
expenses for the ensembles.
All students are encouraged to participate for the benefit of the
program.
XV.
Fees
Students who use school instruments will be assessed an
instrument rental/materials fee of $20.00 per semester.
This fee assists with the repair and maintenance of the instrument. Students who have a financial
difficulty must discuss the rental fee with the director.
Orchestra students will also be assessed a uniform fee of $20 per
year.