ORCHESTRA CLASS HANDBOOK Mr. Torchia Elementary String Orchestra Teacher Teacherpress.ocps.

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1 ORCHESTRA CLASS HANDBOOK Mr. Torchia Elementary String Orchestra Teacher Teacherpress.ocps.net/franktorchia Audubon Park, Brookshire Dommerich, Lakemont, and Lake Sybelia

2 You will find information about the following subjects in your handbook: Class schedule, course outline, instrument care, materials list, music stores, policies and expectations, concerts, practicing, and class contract. CLASS DAYS AND TIMES Class times are subject to change Mon Tues Wens Thur Fri 5 th -10:30-11:10 4 th - 8:45-9:25 5 th -10: th -11:05 11:45 5 th -10:30-11:10 4 th - 8:45-9:25 5 th -10:15-11:00 4 th -8:45-9:35 5 th -8:45-9:35 4 th -9:40-10:30 Lakemont Lake Sybelia Lakemont Audubon Brookshire 5 th -12:15-12:55 4 th -2:20-3:00 5 th - 2:10-3:00 4 th - 1:15 2:00 4 TH - 12:30-1:10 5 TH -1:15-2:00 4 th 2: th - 12:30-1:00 5 th -12:15-12:55 4 th -2:20-3:00 Dommerich Audubon Brookshire Lake Sybelia Dommerich In order to participate in orchestra, permission from the parents and the classroom teacher must be obtained. The contract on the last page included in this booklet will also need to be completed by the student, teacher, and parent before participation. Thanks, Frank Torchia String Orchestra Teacher Frank.Torchia@ocps.net PLEASE KEEP THIS BOOKLET FOR FUTURE REFERENCE!!!!!

3 Beginning Orchestra Class Course Goals Students will learn: *the parts of the violin and bow *care and maintenance of the violin and bow *correct posture, left hand position, and bow grip *basic left hand and bow technique *ear training *rhythmic training *A, D, and G scales *many songs, incorporating different styles of music *improvisation and music creativity * beginning note reading 5 th Grade Orchestra CLASS GOALS Students will learn: *Those students who switch instruments will learn new left hand and bow position if applicable. *review techniques from beginning strings *more complex bow and left hand technique *pieces will increase in difficulty and will be played as an ensemble *A, D, and G scales with arpeggios *advanced note reading *more complexity in rhythmic training *increase skills in improvisation and music creativity *basic music theory

4 Taking Care of Your Instrument! 1. Keep your instrument and bow in its case when not in use. Cellos: take the bow out first; put it away last 2. Don t let others play your instrument. 3. Loosen the bow before you put it away. Never over-tighten the bow; it should always curve toward the hair 4. Don t let your instrument get too hot or cold. Never leave it in your car for even 5 minutes; temperatures in a hot car can soften the glue and cause the violin seems to open up and destroy the varnish. 5. Do not touch the bow hair with your fingers. This will cause the rosin not to stick to your bow hair. 6. Keep a clean soft cloth in your case to wipe rosin dust off of your violin before you put it away. 7. Do not bump the case a lot. This could damage the instrument and also cause it to go out of tune. 8. Do not touch your pegs or fine tuners until you are taught how to tune your instrument. 9. Wash your hands before you play, and keep left hand fingernails very short. Materials 1. instrument, bow, and case 2. rosin (in a wood block) 3. Essential Elements for violin for 4 th grade. New Directions for Strings Vol.1 for student s instrument for 5 th grade 4. set of violin, viola, or cello strings, for your size instrument 5. folding music stand, for practice at home 6. shoulder rest for proper size violin or viola 7. cello and basses endpin stop 8. 3 ring binder with dividers and page protectors 9. pencil 10. soft cloth for cleaning your instrument OCPS policy: Students are ultimately responsible for their personal property, not the class. Orange County Schools does not have insurance or any other plan that will cover damage, theft, or loss of privately owned instruments and equipment. If it is to be covered, it must be through a parent s personal insurance, or instrument insurance purchased through the instrument vendor.

5 PRACTICING Practicing your instrument is one of the most important things you can do in your instrumental learning experience. Throughout the year awards will be given to students that master their scales and different pieces with the proper technique and intonation. Practicing at home is essential to your progress. String Orchestra class is just like any other subject in school. Part of your homework is practicing at home. Here are some practicing tips. 1. Practice every day. Try setting a timer for 15 minutes and practice until it rings. Work your way up to 30 minutes or more! 2. Decide how many times you will practice each piece or exercise (i.e. 5 times CORRECTLY) clip 5 clothes pins on your stand. Each time you play it correctly drop one clothespin 3. Practice only as long as you can keep good posture and hand position. It is better to do 3 10 minute sessions with good position, than one long 30 minute practice session with poor position. Don t teach your muscles how to do it wrong by practicing a poor position. ALWAYS KEEP A POSITIVE ATTITUDE! Remember people learn differently and at different paces. If you are struggling with anything, please let me know and I will give you a different way to approach it. Remember, persistence, patience and passion to achieve your goal always pays off!

6 EXPECTATIONS Practice your instrument daily Participation is required during and sometimes after school for concerts. Students must attend every concert PARTICIAPTION IS MANDATORY High expectations for attendance and tardiness will be strongly enforced in order to promote excellence in learning Students are responsible for making up any missed work from their classroom if their orchestra class takes place during academic time. Students are responsible for taking good care of their instrument and getting necessary repairs done quickly so learning can continue. There is a no-tolerance policy on negative behavior or negative comments. All students are expected to complete the full year of strings class. Once you are enrolled in class there is no dropping out. Students will lose their privilege to participate in strings if they do any of the following: Forget their instrument and supplies 3 or more times in a semester Frequently fail to practice and come to class unprepared Unexcused absences Fails to make up classroom work as a result of attending Orchestra Fails to participate in class Behavior If your child is asked to leave the program and you have rented an instrument through the school it must be returned immediately and you will not receive a refund CONCERTS 1. Students need to wear black bottoms and white tops, with black shoes. 2. Arrive early and stay for the entire performance. 3. Do not talk or make distracting noises during the concert. (cell phones off) 4. You may video tape but please do not block anyone s view. 5. No flash photos during the performance

7 *Specialize in String Instruments MUSIC STORES Allegro Music, 1042 E. Semoran Blvd, Casselberry American Music, 667 Fl Central Pkwy, Longwood, *Atlantic Strings, Inc. 750 N. Mills Ave Orlando Fl The Band Room, 3233 Curry Ford Road, Orlando *Gainesville Violins, Jammer s Music, 23 Broadway, Kissimmee, Lewis Music Store, 117 Broadway Street, Kissimmee *Muni Strings 433. West New England Ave, Suite D, Winter Park Music and Arts wgreen@musicarts.com *Music Makers 1218 Dunbridge Street Apopka Fl Music Shack, 1271 Semoran Blvd, Suite 145, Casselberry, Music City, *Shar Products, *Southwest Strings, String works, USA violins, PLEASE DON T BUY A BARGAIN VIOLIN! Sometimes well meaning parents find violins at low prices on the internet or at pawn shops. Buying one of these is not a good idea because: The violin may be an inappropriate size for your child They are usually not good quality, requiring costly upgrades or repairs to get them in playing condition The instrument does not stay in tune and wastes class time tuning the instrument DO NOT BUY A COLORED VIOLIN! IF YOU CAN T RETURN IT, DON T BUY IT!

8 STRING ORCHESTRA CLASS CONTRACT Name of student (please print) Name of Classroom Teacher School and grade level PARENT CONTRACT I give permission for my child to participate in orchestra class. I understand that my child will have to make up all classroom work if orchestra is during class time. I understand that my child will practice at home in order to be properly prepared for orchestra class. If my child is not meeting satisfactory academic progress they risk dismissal from orchestra class. I will support my child in his/her participation in strings class. I will help my child remember his/her instrument on class days, I will encourage home practice, I understand that concerts are a mandatory part of the class and not attending may result in my child s dismissal from the program. I will make sure that instrument repairs are completed in a timely manner. I understand this is a class and there is No Quitting. Parent or guardian signature STUDENT CONTRACT I understand that I have been selected to participate in orchestra class. I understand that I will represent my school as member of the orchestra in performances at school and in the community. I will be dedicated to doing my best while I am rehearsing or performing in Orchestra. If my classroom teacher feels that I am not making satisfactory academic progress, I understand that I will no longer be eligible to participate in Orchestra. I will attend all concerts and complete the full year of strings class. I will be a model citizen and take pride in being a member of the Orchestra. student signature CLASSROOM TEACHER CONTRACT I understand that my student has been selected to be a member of the orchestra and that my student will need to be dismissed from my classroom early to make it to the beginning of orchestra class so students are prepared to begin class in a timely manner. My student will be required to make up any classroom work that he/she misses while attending orchestra. If I feel that this student is not making satisfactory academic progress because of his/her participation in orchestra class, he/she will no longer be eligible to participate in Orchestra. If orchestra is during specials I understand students always attend orchestra instead of specials even if they forget their instrument. I will support and encourage my students in his/her participation in orchestra class. TEACHER SIGNATURE PLEASE NOTE, THE ORCHESTRA CONTRACT MUST BE SIGNED BY THE STUDENT, THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN, AND THE CLASSROOM TEACHER IN ORDER TO BE ADMITTED TO STRINGS CLASS!