ORCHESTRA AND MARIACHI CLASS

Transcription

1 ORCHESTRA AND MARIACHI CLASS Teacher Information Teacher Office Location & Phone Mr. Julio Contreras L105, General Information Welcome! Welcome to the KMS Orchestra/Mariachi class! Orchestra is a unique way for students to explore the world of music while being part of a learning community. The Mariachi ensemble provides a different alternative to learn and experience music while meeting the criteria of traditional music ensembles. Expectations and Goals Our primary goals are to learn about being an active learner, inquisitive thinker, team player and a good musician. The following classroom rules would help us to create an effective learning environment: Be respectful to others around you Be respectful to the equipment in the room Be respectful to yourself Always try your best! *Not following the rules can lead to different warnings (Example: verbal warning, moving seat, talk outside the door). Students will learn the basics in string technique, music theory as it applies to their string instrument, and ensemble playing. Emphasis is placed on posture, position and note-reading skills. Assessment includes periodic practice assignments, comprehensive playing exams, and public performances. P a g e 1 7

2 Course Materials Orchestra Materials Instrument (To be sized by the music store or myself), bow and case Rosin Pencil Clean cloth A folder for the class to keep assignments and music Shoulder rest for Violins and Violas (recommend Everest or Viva) Rock-stop or endpin strap for cellos and bass Music Books: 6th Grade Text: Essential Elements String Book 1 Mariachi Materials Instrument (provided by school or rental) Pencil A folder for the class to keep assignments and music Violin: Essential Elements String Book 1 *If you play viola, cello, or bass in Mariachi you must get the essential elements book of your instrument as well! Trumpet: Standard of Excellence book 1 (Bb Trumpet/Cornet) * Instrument rental is highly recommended! - Call or visit as many vendors as possible to compare rates. - Contact Mr. Contreras if you need help! P a g e 2 7

3 Classroom Procedures/Behavioral Expectations 1. The students will arrive to the orchestra classroom (L105) in time for their elective class (orchestra, mariachi). 2. The students will gather in line outside the classroom (south area, in between the classroom and the basketball courts) to proceed one by one into the classroom in the most organized manner. 3. The bass players will be at the front of the line, followed by cello players, viola players, and finally violin players. 4. The bass players will go inside the classroom, find their assigned seat, leave their backpacks under their sets, proceed to get their instruments and go back to their seats as soon as possible. 5. The cello, viola, and violin players will follow the same procedure. Students are expected to follow directions and behave in a respectful manner towards the classroom, classmates and teacher. 6. Students are expected to remain quiet while in line to avoid disrupting other classes and wait for directions from the teacher. 7. As the students walk inside the classroom, chairs and music stands must remain in place. Students should not move, kick, or play with chairs and music stands. Failure to follow these directions will result in different penalties and warnings (Penalties, warnings, points system explained later in this document). 8. Once every student is on his/her seat, they will wait in silence for the teacher s directions. 9. The orchestra will proceed to tune. It is very important that the students follow every direction from the teacher since tuning can take a lot of time. 10. A pitch will be given with a drone to assist students in their tuning. The teacher will walk around the classroom to help the students tune. 11. During the tuning process, everybody must play ALWAYS soft. It is very difficult to tune when people are playing loud. 12. After a student is done tuning, or has already been helped by the teacher, the student will remain in rest position, in silence, and wait for the teacher s directions. 13. Once every instrument has been tuned, the rehearsal will begin. *It is the same procedure for Mariachi. Sections/instruments are different but the main goal is the same: getting ready to play as soon as possible. P a g e 3 7

4 Rehearsal Etiquette 1. Students will arrive to class on time. 2. Students will bring their instrument and any necessary supplies to each class (If the instrument is being repaired, please bring a signed note from your parent/guardian). 3. Bring your own music folder to each class. 4. Bring your own pencil to each class. 5. Students will maintain correct body posture and left/right hand playing position during rehearsals. 6. Students will positively communicate with the conductor and the rest of the ensemble. 7. Students will demonstrate appropriate ensemble skills and be musically engaged throughout the entire rehearsal. 8. It is ok to talk: - during packing up time, organized discussions, designated free time. 9. It is not ok to talk: - during tuning procedures, during lessons/activities, rehearsals, while the teacher is talking or when a classmate is asking the teacher a question. Please raise your hand and wait to be called on if you have something to say during class time! 10. Be respectful of the equipment in the room. 11. Respect each other Please use behavior that is appropriate and kind to all of your classmates so that as a class we can have a safe and positive environment for everyone. 12. Please get a drink of water and/or use the bathroom before coming to class. An orchestra/mariachi is a team and we need everyone present to have a successful rehearsal. 13. Students must have short fingernails on both hands! Keep in mind that fake fingernails will greatly impact the performance of the student. It has a negative impact on learning a string instrument. 14. Students will remain in the orchestra room (L105) until they are dismissed or the bell rings. 15. HAVE FUN! P a g e 4 7

5 Instrument Care 1. Find a safe place to store the instrument- away from younger children. 2. Temperatures greatly affect the instruments, do not leave instrument in extreme heat or cold, and especially NOT in a car. 3. Keep instrument in case whenever it is not being used. 4. Keep a clean, soft cloth in the case to clean the instrument with after every use. 5. Do not over-tighten the strings or the bow since they will break. Also, do not overly loosen the bow. It can come apart. 6. Do not attempt to glue the bridge or any parts in place. 7. Do not touch the bow hairs, because the oils of the hand ruin the hair. 8. Always loosen the bow hairs after every use. Grading % = A 80-89% = B 70-79% = C 60-69% = D 0-59% = F Rehearsal Skills = 50% Performance = 20% Graded Assignments = 15% Practice Assignments = 15% Rehearsal Skills Be at class on time every day Bring instrument and music (cellos and basses usually stay at home) Follow directions P a g e 5 7

6 Behave respectfully and appropriately Work diligently to improve Performance At least two formal performances per year Concert attire Orchestra: Black pants or long skirt, orchestra shirt, black shoes, socks Mariachi: Black pants or long skirt, mariachi shirt, black shoes, socks Playing tests Graded Assignments Article review Theory assignments Performance reflections Research Writing assignments Quizzes Practice Assignments One practice assignment every two weeks Students will be given specific content/materials to work on At the end of each period (two weeks), the students will perform the material in class to receive feedback from the teacher and a grade. P a g e 6 7

7 Orchestra and Mariachi Contract Student's Name: Grade: Instrument: Homeroom Teacher: Room # Address: City: Zip Code: Mother's Name: Phone #: Father's Name: Phone #: Or family Please read the entire Handbook. When finished, please sign below indicating your support for the Orchestra and Mariachi policies. Orchestra and Mariachi are also understood to be a one year commitment. Return the signed contract to get the first 100 points of the year! Student Signature: Parent Signature: Date: P a g e 7 7