Martin Luther King, Jr. Academic Magnet School Instrumental Music. MLK Orchestra INFORMATION AND POLICY HANDBOOK

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1 Martin Luther King, Jr. Academic Magnet School Instrumental Music MLK Orchestra INFORMATION AND POLICY HANDBOOK Director Anna Maria A. Miller, M.Ed ext MLK Music Website: mlkmusic.org MLK Orchestra Facebook Group: Martin Luther King Academic Magnet Orchestra th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37203

2 MLK Music MLK Orchestra Dear Orchestra Student and Parents: Welcome to the school year! I hope you had a great summer break and are looking forward to the coming school year. As you know, the MLK Orchestra has a long-standing reputation for excellence here in Middle Tennessee and throughout the State. I look forward to working together to continue that standard, expand our growth potential and musical experiences, and contribute to the legacy of musical excellence in the MLK Instrumental Music Program. Above you see our logo. This is the logo for MLK Music, which encompasses all instrumental music programming at MLK. The orchestra and band programs have joined forces in our continued collaborative efforts to strengthen and enrich the musical experience at MLK. In addition, we also have a website This website will include student resources, calendar of events, handbook, important forms and information regarding our audio and video recording assessment program. Please pay special attention to communications through EVRITS, as information will be distributed soon pertaining to our high school trip to New York and our middle school trip to Dollywood. This handbook is designed to give you an overview of the orchestra program. It includes information on class and rehearsal expectations and etiquette, grading policies, concert dates, concert attire, travel, fundraising, fair share, and outside performance and educational opportunities. Please take the time to read this handbook at your earliest convenience. Parents and students should sign and return the orchestra agreement form acknowledging they have read the handbook and understand its contents. Please return all forms to MLK no later than Monday, August 13, Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I look forward to working with you and to a great year! Best regards, Anna Maria Miller, M. Ed. Director of Orchestras Martin Luther King, Jr. Academic Magnet School Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet High School (615) annamaria.miller@mnps.org 2

3 Why study music? Why participate in orchestra? Participation in orchestra offers each member a wide variety of opportunities to collaborate and work together to achieve common goals. Students gain an understanding of teamwork and realize the value of each member s contribution to the ensemble. Every student MUST perform at the highest level of excellence or the performance of the whole will suffer. Through this realization, students develop a sense of self-worth, a connection to their ensemble, and a sense of satisfaction and pride understanding the importance of their contribution to the ensemble. The primary goal of the MLK orchestra is for each student to develop the highest-level of music skills possible, making the orchestra a quality, life enriching, and aesthetic musical experience. In addition to teaching performance skills, participation in orchestra teaches the student to be an active, critical thinker. For each note played, there are numerous considerations and instantaneous decisions to make. How loud or soft? How fast or slow? How does the note start? How does it end? Who else plays it? Am I in-tune? Nowhere else is the demand for active thought processes any stronger. Orchestra also teaches life skills. Communication is the main component of music. The rehearsal and performance schedule of the orchestra demands planning and time management...skills that will be valuable all through life. Goal setting, problem solving, and peer interaction--all of these develop quickly as a part of the orchestral experience. An overwhelming number of highly successful individuals, Fortune 500 executives, and those with appointments to military academies were involved in their school music programs. Students studying music consistently score an average points higher on the SAT than those not taking music courses. A study by the National Association of Secondary School Principals has found that participation in extra curricular activities (and particularly music) is the greatest predictor of student success in life. Objectives of the Orchestra Program Cultural - To foster the continued development of music appreciation and understanding through the study and performance of a variety of musical genres. Educational - To develop interested and discriminating listeners, provide a well-rounded music education including; music theory, composition, and music history, and prepare students for musical activities beyond high school. Service - To provide entertainment and atmosphere for school and community activities while promoting and enhancing the dignity and reputation of excellence of MLK Academic Magnet School. Citizenship - To develop the ability to function as a responsible member of a group, to enhance the member s ability to interact with others in a positive manner, and to develop the ability to function as a responsible member of the community. Recreational - To foster in each student a life-long appreciation for music, provide members with an emotional outlet, and participate in valuable social experiences. 3

4 MLK Ensembles and Performance Opportunities Martin Luther King Academic Magnet High School Orchestra I-IV The MLK Orchestra is made up of highly motivated and experienced students in grades This orchestra has a reputation for excellence in the mid-state as well as throughout the State of Tennessee. Students in this ensemble perform challenging repertoire from a variety of genres. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in private instruction to gain an increased level of proficiency on their instrument. Students are expected to practice and achieve mastery of their music. This ensemble will perform at the MTSBOA performance assessment in the spring. Individuals are encouraged to participate in solo and ensemble assessments, audition for selection in Mid-State and All-State Orchestras, and have travel and field trip opportunities. Members of this orchestra often collaborate with the band to give students a full orchestra experience. This performance-based course will require students to participate in various after school and/or evening rehearsals and performances. Contract Honors Orchestra Students at Martin Luther King Academic Magnet High School are given the opportunity to earn honors credit for Orchestra III and Orchestra IV. This honors credit is offered for the student who desires a more rigorous level of musical understanding and performance assessment. Students entering into an honors contract will be expected to substantially exceed the content standards, learning expectations, and performance indicators approved by the State Board of Education. In addition to meeting all the requirements as outlined in the course handbook for the MLK Orchestra, students who enroll in Contract Honors are required to complete several additional musical components. Students interested must complete the contract prior to August 27 th. See Mrs. Miller for requirements. 8 th Grade Orchestra This ensemble consists of students in their fourth year of playing. Students will review fundamentals of playing and advance into grade III literature. They will combine with members of the 7 th grade orchestra and will attend the MTSBOA performance assessment in the spring. Students in this ensemble are encouraged to participate in Solo and Ensemble performance assessments, are strongly encouraged to pursue private instruction on their instruments, have the opportunity for travel and are encouraged to audition for placement in the prestigious All Mid-State Orchestra. 7 th Grade Orchestra This ensemble consists of students in their third year of playing. Students will review fundamentals of playing and advance into grade II/III literature. They will combine with members of the 8 th grade orchestra for their winter and spring concerts and will attend the MTSBOA performance assessment in the spring. Students in this ensemble are encouraged to participate in Solo and Ensemble performance assessments, are strongly encouraged to pursue private instruction on their instruments, will have the opportunity for travel, and are encouraged to audition for placement in the prestigious All Mid-State Orchestra. 4

5 Other Performance & Educational Opportunities Middle Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association Concert Performance Assessment This large ensemble performance assessment takes place in March. A panel of judges made up of accomplished conductors, university professors or esteemed music educator s rates each ensemble on their stage performance and sight-reading ability. It is a comprehensive evaluation of the orchestra as a whole. Ensembles prepare two pieces for the stage performance and work to develop skills necessary to show mastery in sight-reading. All Mid-State and All-State Honor Orchestras The Tennessee Mid-State and All-State Orchestra audition process is a tremendously competitive opportunity for students. Students prepare a required solo, perform scales, and are asked to show sight-reading skills during an audition. Students from all over Middle Tennessee compete for placement in one of these ensembles. Auditions occur at the end of the fall semester and, if selected, students participate in the Honor Orchestra in January. Selection into these ensembles is one of the most prestigious honors a young musician can achieve and can often serve as a way to gain acceptance or scholarships from colleges across the country. Students are encouraged to challenge themselves and to strive for excellence in order to receive selection into one of the Mid-State Honor Orchestras. MLK has a high rate of acceptance into these organizations. The cost to audition is $10 per student. More specific information will be presented throughout the year. MTSBOA Solo and Ensemble Performance Assessments These performance assessments serve as an exceptional opportunity for students to receive an assessment on their individual performance by professionals on their instruments. It is an opportunity for specific feedback that may not always be available in the orchestra class setting. Students prepare and perform for an adjudicator at an off site campus and receive a rating and a medal, depending on the rating earned. This music should still adhere to MTSBOA selection policies, and the registration fee is $7 per student. This is a fantastic solo performance opportunity, particularly for students preparing for college scholarship auditions. All students in the orchestra are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. MNPS Middle School and High School Honors Orchestra The MNPS Middle School and High School Honors Orchestra is similar to the MTSBOA Mid-State Orchestra mentioned above, but the audition pool is restricted to MNPS middle school and high school students. It is a great opportunity for students to go through an audition process and develop their skills for the mid-state auditions. MLK students are strongly encouraged to audition, even if they do not intend to audition for Mid-State. MNPS Orchestra Camp This is an optional activity open to all string students grades five through twelve. It is traditionally held in June. There are chamber music opportunities, master classes as well as group instruction. MNPS is one of the few school systems that offer this kind of experience. We strongly encourage all of our students to take advantage of this opportunity. Brochures concerning cost and location will be available in the spring. 5

6 Chamber Ensembles Any student that is interested in exposure to a different type of musical experience and repertoire is encouraged to form a chamber group to practice at MLK. Chamber music is an excellent way to develop ensemble skills that are hard to achieve in a large ensemble setting. These students have performance opportunities that are different than the large ensemble opportunities. Private Lessons Private lessons are one of the greatest musical opportunities that the MLK Instrumental Music Program has to offer its students. MLK is fortunate to be able to host private lessons with highly qualified faculty and music industry professionals during the school day. Students can elect to take a lesson during a portion of their orchestra class once a week. The cost of these lessons will depend on the private instructor s fee. Many students elect to study with a private teacher outside of the school day. Students should provide the orchestra director with their private teacher s contact information. Other Ensemble Opportunities Students are encouraged to audition for acceptance to regional or pre-collegiate orchestral programs at the Blair School of Music, the Tennessee Youth Symphony or other ensembles and summer programs. Orchestra Travel Every two years members of the HS Orchestra have the opportunity to travel together with members of the band on a major trip. Middle School students have the opportunity to participate in a regional or day trip each year. All major and regional trips are optional. Spots for students are limited so it is important to sign up as soon as possible. This year s HS trip is to New York and the MS trip will be to Dollywood. Fair Share and Fundraising Opportunities It is an unfortunate truth that it takes a lot of money to finance a quality and active instrumental music program. We do everything in our power to keep costs as manageable as possible without sacrificing the quality of the program. Through the years, the generosity of the orchestra parents has made it possible for all students to participate fully in the music program. They provided the funds needed to support a highly successful and visible orchestral program that is recognized throughout the State. Fair Share The MLK Orchestra does not function on a traditional set of fees. Instead, we calculate an approximate amount that each student is asked to contribute or fundraise to help maintain the functioning of the program. This pledge goal is called the Fair Share. Each year we ask for $100 to help cover the cost of music, instruments, repairs, instrument storage, electronics, stands, instrument and classroom supplies, bus transportation to and from performance assessments and field trips. Any checks for the MLK Orchestra Fair Share should be made out to MLK Orchestra. The MLK Orchestra is available to all students who wish to participate, regardless of family financial situations. 6

7 Fundraising Opportunities There are several fund raising opportunities available to help orchestra members contribute to their fair share. This year we are partnering with the band to participate in two sales; the City Saver book and later in the Fall, the annual fruit and cookie dough sale. Profits from these sales help students support the MLK Orchestra. We appreciate your dedication to the orchestra program and thank you for your support! Concert Attire Students are expected to dress in the appropriate concert attire for each performance. 7 th and 8 th Grade Orchestra Girls: Black skirt or dress pants White Blouse Black hose or tights and black dress shoes (no flip flops) Boys: Black dress pants with a belt White long sleeved dress shirt Solid black long tie Black socks and black dress shoes (no tennis shoes) High School Orchestra Girls: Long black dress there will be a specific black dress that each high school student will order online ( Carina Dress. Dresses are $71 and are the property of the students. Black dress shoes Boys: Black tux or black suit (boys may purchase a tux/ tux shirt/ bow tie etc. from the link above as well) White wing tip tuxedo shirt Black bow tie Black socks Black dress shoes (no tennis shoes) 7

8 Class and Rehearsal Expectations: Rehearsal and Concert Etiquette Orchestra Expectations 1). Student backpacks will be housed on the metal rack in the orchestra room. 2). Students will refrain from plucking, bowing, or talking while the director is addressing the class on the podium. 3). When the conductor ends an exercise or indicates a release, students will immediately stop playing and listen for further instruction. 4). Chairs and stands must remain in rehearsal formation. 5). Rehearsal time is valuable. Arrive on time, unpack, get all necessary materials and get to your seat as quickly as possible. 4). No cell phones should be used during class unless directed by teacher. Students are to abide by the policy in the MLK Student Handbook. Students may not have a cell phone visible or audible unless instructed by the teacher. A device used outside these parameters will result in confiscation of the technology and given to a building administrator. 5). Rehearsal time is for music only. All musicians need to focus and be engaged during rehearsal. 6). Food, gum, and drinks (with the exception of water) are never allowed in the orchestra room. Ensemble Expectations 1). Each student is responsible for their own instrument (with name tag), shoulder rest/rock stop, music, accessories, 1 Black binder with sheet protectors, rosin, pencil, and yellow highlighter. 2). Students using school owned instruments are responsible for that instrument (including repairs) while they have it checked out. 3). All students are expected to contribute to the responsibilities of moving, setting-up and tearing down equipment for rehearsals and performances. 4). All instruments must be put in the designated storage area when not in use. Violin/Viola students will be assigned a locker and will need to supply a combination lock. Instruments cannot be left out in the classroom, hallway, or lobby as they can cause tripping hazards to other students. Rehearsal Expectations and Etiquette 1). Be respectful and considerate to your instructors or whoever is on the podium. When the director steps on the podium, all conversation and playing should cease. 2). Students should be in their assigned seat, with all materials, warming up, no later than one minute after the time class officially begins. Roll will be taken at that time. 3). Rehearsal will begin promptly, five minutes after class begins. 4). Be respectful to your fellow orchestra members. We should support and encourage each other. Keep hands, feet, and negative comments to yourself. 5). Be respectful of our facility, equipment, and instruments. Follow steps to properly maintain your instrument and never touch instruments belonging to others. 6). Maintain excellence in EVERYTHING you do. Give your best in every rehearsal and performance. 8

9 Concert Etiquette It is important students remember that their actions at concerts reflect on themselves, their family, their ensemble, and their school. The following guidelines are part of basic concert etiquette. 1). Students should conduct themselves in a mature, professional manner at all times. 2). Students should be in attendance for the entire concert to hear the other ensembles and to show respect and support for their peer s efforts. 3). Students should listen attentively to all performances and refrain from talking and/or using their cell phones during concert performances. Classroom Expectations/Rules There are three expectations/rules of classroom behavior that must be followed at all times to ensure all students have the opportunity to learn in a structured and productive large ensemble setting. 1. Absolutely no talking while the director is working 2. Music playing must stop immediately when the director gives the signal/release. 3. Absolutely no food or drink (except water) is allowed in the orchestra room. Students who choose not to follow the three classroom rules will be given orchestra detention. Students will sign-up for a specific day and will be required to serve 30 minutes of in-class detention. Detention time will be from 7:15 7:45 am. An orchestra detention does NOT affect the student s permanent record but rather will be managed by the orchestra director. If a student fails to show for his/her assigned detention, then an additional detention is assigned. If a student fails to show a second time then a disciplinary referral will be submitted to the appropriate administrator. Students will be taught the classroom expectations/rules during the first week of school and practice it during the first two weeks. This allows students an adjustment period in order to reflect on their own conduct and determine what is expected by the teacher. Academic Passes (Study Days) Due to the academic rigor associated with magnet school course study, MLK orchestra students will be allowed one free pass per semester to complete academic work. Students can only use this pass in one of three ways: 1) Work on a project/assignment in the orchestra room, 2) Get a pass and go to the library, or 3) Get a pass from another teacher to go to a specific location on campus to work on a project or make up a test. Students should not waste the passes; cash them in only when you really need them. Under no circumstances will a student be allowed to use these academic passes during the 2 week time frame prior to any concerts, festival, or other performances. Students may earn up to two additional passes in the spring semester by doing the following: 1). Participating in mid-state orchestra (one pass) 2). Participating in all-state orchestra (one pass) Parent Volunteers Thank you for your support of the MLK Orchestra program. We have a large orchestra program, which is awesome but challenging. If you have any time, I could really use some help with copying music, collecting fundraising money, chaperoning, and photographing concerts. If you would like to help, please me Annamaria.miller@mnps.org. 9

10 Grading Procedures Grading procedures for the MLK Orchestral Ensembles are based on assessing student development and mastery within the types of assessments listed below: % of Quarter Grade Description/Type of Assessment Multiplier Formative 0% Informational Assessments Only in class N/A Summative* - 90% Homework 10% Written Assessments/Literacy/Music Theory This category includes written assessments covering music literacy concepts, music theory, listening reflections or other interdisciplinary/historical/cultural related assignments. Technical Skills/Rehearsal This grade is compiled once a week and is based on a variety of skills learned and exhibited during daily rehearsals. These include: individual musicianship, proper posture and position, left hand and right hand technique, bow management, small group and section collaboration, rehearsal promptness and readiness, proper rehearsal etiquette, possession of all materials and supplies necessary to play your instrument, etc. *Scheduled after school rehearsals will fall into this category and be assessed with the same multiplier. Playing Assessments This category includes, but is not limited to, audio and video recorded playing tests and live playing tests on ensemble repertoire or technical exercises. The grade is based on mastery of performance. Performances Performances are treated as benchmarks and are a culmination of skills and techniques practiced and exhibited. These skills include: mastery of concert repertoire, appropriate concert preparation, proper ensemble etiquette (students must remain for the entire concert performance), having all necessary materials, etc. Homework This category includes various types of written or playing assignments *Performance and after school rehearsal grading is in alignment with the MNPS grading policy code IM * No assessment will be assigned a weight greater than a factor of 2. 10

11 MLK Music MLK Orchestra Events Calendar *All dates and times are subject to change; however, we do our very best to adhere to schedules as they are originally posted. *Performance and event dates and times are required for all performers unless otherwise indicated th Avenue N. Nashville, TN ***Please Note: Every effort will be made to communicate any potential adjustments to the calendar well in advance and to the best of our ability.*** DATES (2018) EVENT TIME Aug. 7 First day of school for students In class Aug. 13 Signed Handbook Orchestra Membership and Commitment Form Due in class Aug. 14 MLK Open House Aug. 20 Private lessons start (tentative) In class Aug. 28 City Saver Coupon Book kick-off in class Sept City Saver Coupon Book turn in. in class Oct. 11 HS Orchestra Deadline for students to order concert dresses/tux accessories Oct FALL BREAK Oct MLK Fruit & Cookie Dough Fundraiser Kick-Off In class Oct MNPS Middle School Honor s TBA TBA Nov. 1 Deadline to register for MTSBOA All-Midstate Auditions (payment & online in class form due) Nov. MNPS High School Honor s TBA TBA Nov. 6 End of Fruit Fundraiser, Final Turn-In Day. All orders and money MUST be In class submitted on this date. Nov. 17 MTSBOA Mid-State Auditions (MS Grades 7-8) HS Registration due by Nov. 1. Students must prepare material outside of class. Audition times/information given prior to Dec. 1 Dec. 3-8 Dec. 8 Dec. 11 Dec. 13 audition. MTSBOA Mid-State Auditions (HS GRADES Registration due by Nov. 1. Students must prepare material outside of class. Audition times/information given prior to audition. Fruit & Cookie Dough Fundraiser Product delivery time frame (tentative) MTSBOA Mid-State Auditions (HS GRADES 9-10 HS Registration due by Nov. 1. Students must prepare material outside of class. Audition times/information given prior to audition. Winter Concert Middle School Orchestra/Band (MLK Auditorium) Students arrival time TBA Students should plan on staying for the duration of the concert. Performance mandatory! Winter Concert High School Orchestra/Band (MLK Auditorium) Students arrival TBA. Students should plan on staying for the duration of the concert. Performance mandatory! :00 PM 6:30 PM Dec. 14 All Mid-State participant forms and fees due In class Dec. 14 All instruments go home for Winter Holiday

12 MLK Music MLK Orchestra Events Calendar DATES (2019) EVENT TIME Jan Jan. 31, Feb. 13, Feb. 13, Feb.27 Feb. 2 Feb. 23 MTSBOA Mid-State Honor ORCHESTRA Clinic (selected students based on successful audition) Event is held at Embassy Suites in MURFREESBORO, TN. Concert locations TBA. Detailed info & schedule forthcoming HS Combined CPA ORCHESTRA REHEARSAL 7 th /8th Combined CPA ORCHESTRA REHEARSAL MS CPA Clinic (Saturday) Performance mandatory! HS CPA Clinic (Saturday) Performance mandatory! Event times (AND call times) are subject to change. We do our best to communicate these well in advance :20-4:50 PM 3:20-4:50 PM Feb. 28 CPA Preview MLK Auditorium 6:00 PM Mar. 4-6 MTSBOA Concert Performance Assessment (MLK HS Orchestra, 7 th /8 th Orchestra) One Day Event TBA Detailed info & schedule to follow for each participating ensemble. Event is MTSU Mar High School Orchestra/Band Trip to New York --- April 4 Apr May 1 Spring Concert HS Orchestra/Wind Ensemble Concert (MLK Aud.) Students arrival TBA dressed in concert attire. Students should plan on staying for the duration of the concert. Performance mandatory! TN Music Ed. Assoc. Annual Conference & ALL-STATE HONOR ORCHESTRA (in Nashville, TN) MTSBOA Midstate Event. Detailed info & schedule to follow. Selected 9-12 students based on successful audition Solo and Ensemble Festival Performance Assessment (Oliver MS) Student must prepare material (chosen by director/student) outside of class. Please play for a director in advance TBA 6:30 PM TBA HS Music Honors Solo Recital & Internet Cafe 6:00 PM May 9 Spring Concert 7 TH /8 TH Orchestra, MS 7 th Grade Band, 8 th Grade 6:00 PM Band (MLK Auditorium) Students arrival TBA dressed in concert attire. Students should plan on staying for the duration of the concert. Performance mandatory! May 10 MS Music Department Day Trip to Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, TN. TBA MLK Class of 2019 Graduation Location TBA Mandatory HS Orch. & Wind Ensemble performance. Details forthcoming May 14 All School-Owned Instruments Due Keep this calendar in a convenient place. It is the parent s and student s responsibility to understand all date/time commitments as well as expectations. Extra rehearsals or sectionals may be called as needed. Please notify the directors of any absence or late arrival. Excused absences are granted on a case-by-cas 12

13 MLK Orchestra Orchestra Membership Agreement and Commitment As a member of the MLK Orchestra, I agree to contribute to the betterment of the orchestra by supplying my personal best effort and being responsible for all requirements, both as a student or a parent. I realize that conscientious attendance and preparation for rehearsals and performances are essential for the MLK Orchestra to operate successfully and maintain its reputation of excellence. I have read and understand the conditions, date/time commitments, grading procedures and consequences set forth in the Martin Luther King Academic Magnet Orchestra Information and Policy Handbook and agree to abide by them. I understand that all students/families are asked to contribute $100 as a fair share pledge through fundraising, sponsorships, or individual donations/payments. I also permit my child to be photographed as part of the MLK Orchestra and permit those photos to be published to the Martin Luther King Jr. Academic Magnet Instrumental Music website, MLK printed materials, the Martin Luther King Academic Magnet Orchestra Facebook Group and the MLK Instagram account. Student Name (printed) Parent Name (printed) Student Signature Parent Signature Date 13

14 MLK Orchestra Private Lesson Interest and Permission ***Only complete this form if you are interested in private lessons for your child My child,, has permission to take private music lessons at Martin Luther King, Jr. Academic Magnet School. By granting permission, we (student and parent/guardian) understand that: The Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools will allow private lessons to take place in its buildings for the convenience of the parent/guardians and the students. The MNPS teacher to which the lesson is connected will set the schedule for the lessons. The student or parent/guardian will make payment for lessons directly to the private lesson instructor. At no time will any Metropolitan Nashville Public School or its employees (orchestra director) involve itself in payment of a private instructor. If the student takes a private lesson before or after school, the responsibility of transportation falls upon the parent/guardian. Rescheduling of lessons or makeup lessons are to be worked out by the private instructor and parent/guardian of the student. At no time will the school or orchestra director be involved in these discussions. All private lesson instructors have had a background check, been fingerprinted and received clearance from MNPS. Parent/Guardian Signature Print Parent Name Student Signature Print Student Name Date Please fill in the following information, including study hall period and location. INSTRUMENT GRADE/ENSEMBLE STUDY HALL Period/Teacher *PLEASE NOTE: OUR PRIVATE LESSONS FACULTY WILL CONTACT YOU TO SCHEDULE LESSONS, DISCUSS FEES AND PLICIES, ETC.* 14