DURANGO HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA HANDBOOK

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1 DURANGO HIGH SCHOOL Mr. Eric Maine, Orchestra Director ORCHESTRA HANDBOOK We, The Durango community, will challenge ourselves in every aspect of school life through dedication and hard work to ensure future success.

2 DURANGO HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA HANDBOOK The purpose of this handbook is to acquaint the music student and their parents with the expectations, policies and procedures of the orchestra program. I would suggest that both the student and the parent take some time to read and become familiar with what is expected of music students throughout the upcoming year. After the handbook has been read by both student and parent, the forms in the back should be signed and returned to the director indicating and understanding of material that is presented here. TO THE STUDENT Welcome to the Durango High School Orchestra program! As the director, I am confident that you will enjoy being a part of an organization of outstanding musicians that strives to maintain a high degree of musical excellence. There is a lot of hard work required, both in the classroom and individual practice at home, but when you give your best, the results will be amazing! If you work hard, give 100% effort, and have fun because I know you will, then I know we will have a awesome year experiencing the joys that making music together can bring! TO THE PARENTS As the orchestra director, I am here to ensure that your child receives a quality musical education. The benefits to musical training are endless and, if taken seriously, can be an investment in your child s future. There is a section in the handbook on individual practice and I hope that you will help in encouraging your child to find a quiet room where they can practice for a few minutes each day. Also, I would like to suggest that you keep the important dates calendar close, as it will be important for you and your child to attend the school concerts! It is so important that students are at every performance and that they have support from their family and friends. By having the dates planned in advance, students and parents should be able to make the necessary arrangements to ensure concert and/or activity attendance. I would also like to take a moment to stress the importance of your child having his/her own instrument. Although the school does supply instruments if necessary, having your own instrument makes the process that much more beneficial. By having their own instrument, students can gain responsibilities in instrument care and maintenance, as well as have a consistent instrument to practice and grow on throughout their musical career! Instrument rentals can be very inexpensive and with the use of payment plans. Often as you pay over time the instrument will become theirs in a short amount of time. Also, any damages that may occur are often covered during the rental process! I will be sending home information and flyers with your student about these great offers, but should you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me. I hope that we will be working together to teach, support, and encourage each student in the orchestra program. If I can assist you in any way or if you have suggestions now or during the school year, please feel free to call me at ext or send an to eamaine@interact.ccsd.net Sincerely, Mr. Eric Maine, Orchestra Director Coming together is a beginning Keeping together is progress Working together is success! 2

3 ORCHESTRA COURSE EXPECTATIONS COURSE DESCRIPTION: This one-year course designed for students who have developed skills beyond those outlined and described in the Junior High School String Music Procedural Guide. It includes further development of those skills necessary to become independent as musicians. The course emphasizes the place of string music in Western musical heritage, style development, articulation, dynamics, rhythmic patterns, and tone throughout history. The importance of sustained group and individual effort is stressed. A progression of technical proficiency is expected. Emphasis will be placed on having a variety of performing experiences. This course may be repeated for credit. This course will fulfill either the one arts/humanities credit required for graduation. COURSE GOALS: 1. To continue to develop performance skills necessary for independence as a string player. 2. To continue to develop performance skills necessary to create an ensemble sound. 3. To identify and respond appropriately to musical notation. 4. T o recognize form in music. 5. To identify and authentically perform the musical styles which developed throughout history. 6. To continue to develop the skills of listening to music. 7. To discriminate with regard to the quality of composition and performance of music. 8. To develop attitudes enabling one to continue participating in musical experiences throughout life. MATERIALS: Durango High School owns a limited number of violins and violas. They will be assigned to students on a first come, first served bases. Players who own an instrument are asked to bring it to and use it at school. I will have a limited strings (violin/viola) and rosin available for sale. Minor instrumental repairs can be completed; however, if your instrument is broken, you will need to get it fixed as soon as possible as you will not be able to participate in class and will lose your participation points. A fine may be applied to any damaged school instrument. Larger school instruments may be signed out upon instructor approval. However, the student is responsible for any loss of or damage that may occur while in their care (i.e. broken strings, cosmetic damage, instrument damage, etc.). I have limited amounts of rosin available for student use and it is reserved for school-owned instruments. I expect all students to have the following supplies with them every day in class: 1. Instrument in good playing condition 2. Bow 3. Shoulder rest (violins/viola players) 4. Rosin (violin/viola players) 5. Required music 6. Pencil on your stand for each and every rehearsal Practice copies of any music will be provided for pieces we are playing, but for concerts and festivals, Originals will be provided on loan to the student. Originals must be returned in the same condition that it was received. Any loss of or damage to the original parts will result in a fine. 3

4 STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR: Be prepared and on time, with all necessary materials at all rehearsals, and performances. (If you will be late you will need a late pass from the dean!) Be prepared for every rehearsal/class meeting with your instrument and accessories (rosin, shoulder rest, music and a pencil). Be respectful, quiet and attentive during all rehearsals/performances. Keep all rehearsal and performance areas clean and in good condition. This means NO GUM, FOOD, OR DRINKS (except for water) near the instruments. Treat all instruments, equipment, music and other classroom materials with respect at all times. RESPECT EVERYONE. Respect your director, staff and fellow students. I will always treat you fairly and with respect please return the favor! Inappropriate language during rehearsal and at performances will not be tolerated. As young adults and representatives of the Durango Community, I expect you to represent yourselves with pride, class and dignity. REHEARSAL GUIDELINES: Students should exhibit the qualities of an outstanding musician in the classroom and at all musical events both on and off school campus. DURANGO HS ORCHESTRA CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS 1. Enter quietly 2. Follow directions 3. Play only when told 4. Raise your hand to speak 5. Pack up and exit quietly CLASSROOM PROCEDURES 1. Enter the classroom calmly and quietly BEFORE THE BELL RINGS. Immediately get your instrument (and accessories), be seated, and remain seated for the entire period. 2. Get out your instrument, planner, music folder, and pencil. Place all other materials under your chair. 3. Within 2 minutes, you should have your instrument unpacked, bow rosined, music and pencil on the stand, and be ready to tune. 4. When we are tuning, nothing should interrupt it. Please, Do not talk, ask to go anywhere, or be a distraction. 5. Once rehearsal/class begins, there should be as few of disruptions and distractions as possible. 6. During rehearsal, all musicians must have correct posture and playing position feet flat, knees at a 90 degree angle, backs straight and away from the back of the chair, shoulders relaxed, the right thumb curved, and the left hand fingers on their tips. 7. Students may use the rest room if it is an emergency, however students will be limited to two bathroom breaks per quarter. 8. Business will be taken care of at the end of class. 9. Wait for the director to tell you to pack up. Always wipe your instrument off and loosen your bow when you are finished playing. 10. The bell is not your signal to get up and leave. The director will dismiss you. CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR Durango High School COURSE EXPECTATIONS All Durango High School policies will be enforced at all times. Progressive discipline will be followed. 4

5 A WORD ABOUT FINGERNAILS To play a string instrument correctly, one s fingernails must be trimmed behind the pad of the finger or NO WHITE SHOWING. I cannot insist that you have trimmed nails, but you will not be allowed to play as playing with long nails instills many bad habits that will take a long time to fix. Additionally, long fingernails damage strings. You will lose participation points for those days that you have long nails. If anyone is confused about how long too long is, please ask me and I will show you the correct length. TO SUM IT ALL UP (FOR STUDENTS) Be organized, responsible, polite and RESPECTFUL of instruments, materials, teacher/staff and students! Follow all classroom procedures to ensure that every student has a stress free learning environment! One of your main goals for orchestra (and for life) should be to do something better today than you did yesterday. Be willing to work hard! Practice and always be looking for ways to improve! Our ultimate goal should all be the same to be an awesome orchestra. Please remember that the purpose of anything I say or do in our rehearsal is to help us reach our goal. Your thoughts, actions, and words should also have the same purpose. GRADING POLICY CCSD Regulation 5121, Student Progress: Grading, Section II: The Clark County School District reports student achievement for all subjects in secondary schools (grades six through twelve) and computes grade point averages using the following symbols and scale: Grading Scale A=Excellent B=Above Average 80-89% C=Average 70-79% D=Below Average 60-69% F=Failure Below 60% Classwork/Participation and Homework = 25% Students are considered prepared by having their music, instrument, and pencil. Students should have any of the necessary supplies for performances (shoulder rests, rosin, rock stops, etc.) At times, in preparation for performances, we will have extra rehearsals. It is expected that all participants be at any additional rehearsals; attendance at these rehearsals account for a portion of the student s participation grade. Test, Playing Tests, & Quizzes = 35% Will be in the form of individual, section, and group assessments. Tests may be written or performance based. Performance/Rehearsal Participation = 40% Attendance at performances is required. An unexcused absence to a scheduled concert results in an F grade. Students can be considered absent from a concert if an excused absence form is received and approved by the director two weeks before the concert. Please note: not having a ride, sporting events, working, babysitting, or not having your uniform are not acceptable excuses. In the case of an excused absence, the student will have an opportunity to make up a portion of the points lost by completing an assignment at the director s discretion. 5

6 MAKE-UP WORK CCSD Regulation 5113, Attendance Enforcement, Section VII entitled Makeup Work: Teachers shall provide an opportunity for a student to make up missed work due to any absence, and students shall be held accountable for the work. When a student is absent, however, the educational experiences lost during that absence might be irretrievable because the instruction and interaction in the instructional setting cannot be duplicated through makeup work. After any absence, a secondary student is required to initiate contact with the teacher(s) to obtain appropriate makeup work within three school days immediately following the absence. Once contact has been made with the teacher(s) specific makeup work must be completed and returned to the teacher(s) within a reasonable length of time, to be determined by the teacher and communicated to the student/parent or legal guardian. The makeup work must be returned to the teacher(s) by the specified due date if it is to be acknowledged. Students shall be allowed a minimum of three (3) days to complete makeup work. FOR REHERSALS/CLASS INSTRUCTION- Students will complete a practice log (signed by parent), making sure to practice for the full length of class (50 Minutes) and complete any materials missed. FOR CONCERTS- Students will complete a report that will be assigned at the instructors discretion. Note: all make-up work is due up to 3 days after the original due date! COURSE FEES Due to significant cuts to the budget, students wishing to be a part of the Durango Orchestra Program must pay a $40.00 course fee. This non-refundable fee is required of ALL orchestra members. What is covered: The fee of $40.00 will pay for music, instructional material, classroom instrument maintenance, and string coaches. This is a one time, yearly fee, and it is due to the school banker by Friday, 9/14/13. You will need to verify that you have paid by showing me your receipt. If you need to arrange a payment plan, please contact me as soon as possible. Any unpaid fees will be charged to the students account. Any student that does not have their course fee paid in full will not be able to utilize a school instrument. What is not covered: Replacement strings, rosin, shoulder rests, rock stops, and uniforms are not covered by the Orchestra Fee. CONCERT ATTIRE The following is the only permissible attire for concerts: The first impression the orchestra gives the audience is its appearance. Presentation is 80% of your performance. Unless otherwise directed, concert dress is required and is as follows: Gentlemen - white tuxedo shirt, black tuxedo pants, black tuxedo jacket, black socks, black dress shoes, and black tie. (Gentlemen, you will need to purchase your own uniform. We will have you professionally fitted during the first few weeks of class). Ladies uniform black palazzo pants, uniform black top, black stockings, and black closed toe dress shoes. **No tennis shoes, boots, flip-flops, or sandals will be allowed. (Ladies, you will be professionally fitted for uniforms during the first few weeks of class). **Please direct all questions about the concert attire to the instructor PRIOR TO THE EVENT! IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE PROPER UNIFORM, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PERFORM. IF YOU DO NOT PERFORM, YOU WILL NOT GET THE POINTS ASSIGNED TO THAT PERFORMANCE. 6

7 IMPORTANT DATES The following dates are important to the success of the orchestra program and your child s performance experience. Please mark these dates down, as they are crucial for not only the experience, but also his/her grade. In addition, these performances are for you as parents/guardians! Here you and your family can share in the your child s hard work and success! Plan accordingly, and we look forward to seeing you there! Please note, all concerts are mandatory, however, some of the additional dates provided are to enhance the students musical experiences. *ALL DATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE* Date Event Location 9/27 Honor Orchestra Auditions Clark HS 10/18 HS Violin Day Centennial HS 11/15 Honor Orchestra Concert UNLV- Ham Hall 12/10 Orchestra Winter Concert Durango Theater 1/14-1/16 Semester Exams 1/24 Viola Fest Coronado HS 1/31 Bass Workshop Liberty HS 2/9-2/13 Durango Musical Durango Theater 2/28 Cello Day Basic HS 3/6-3/8 ASTA Music Festival Clark HS 3/10 Advanced Orchestra Pre-Festival Durango Theater 3/13-3/14 Advanced Orchestra Festival LVA 5/15 Band & Orchestra Concert Durango Theater TO SUM IT ALL UP Practice and hard work is key to your child s success! Please make sure your student practices, as it is very important to their development as an orchestral musician! Make sure your student is familiar with the Standards of Behavior. These are key to a productive rehearsal/learning environment. Try to rent your own instrument! There are many benefits to this, it helps develop of responsibility in your student, music stores can be very affordable and accommodating, and most importantly, your student will have an instrument that they can grow and develop with! Attend Concerts! These are valuable experiences that you can share with your student! They are something to be proud of and showcase your student s talent! Again, if you have any questions please feel free to contact me at any time either by eamaine@interact.ccsd.net, or by phone: ext I look forward to working with you and your child! Together we can make for a successful year here at Durango High School! Mr. Eric Maine Orchestra Director 7

8 Student Handbook Contract Durango High School Orchestra Membership Information Form Student Name: Grade: Student I.D. Number: Orchestra Period Address: City State Zip Student Phone #: ( ) (Cell/Home) Activities you participate in: Parent/Guardian s Name: Contact # :( ) (Cell/Home) Parent/Guardian s Name: Contact #: ( ) (Cell/Home) STUDENT: I have read this handbook and agree to abide by all policies and procedures herein contained. I understand that being a member of the Durango High School Orchestra requires commitment and dedication, and I agree to meet the high standards of the program to the best of my ability. Student Signature: Date: PARENT/GUARDIAN: I have read this handbook and agree to support and abide by all policies and procedures herein contained. I give permission for my student to be photographed and/or covered by any media while in connection with the Orchestra program. I will provide transportation home for my student should the director find it necessary during travel to discipline him/her. I understand and agree to comply with the attendance and discipline policies outlined in this handbook. I further understand that my student is obligated to all events listed on the schedule including travel, and understand that their grade will be affected if they do not participate. Parent Name (print): Parent Signature: Date: PLEASE RETURN THIS SIGNED CONTRACT BY 9/12/14 8