Student/Parent Handbook

Transcription

1 Ah, music. A magic beyond all we do here!." Student/Parent Handbook Waubonsie Valley High School Kristine Marchiando, Principal Indian Prairie School District 204 Kathryn Birkett, Superintendent Prepared by WVHS Orchestra Staff August

2 Waubonsie Valley High School Orchestras Mr. John William Burck Fine Arts Chair Symphonic Strings Technique Classes Mrs. Kathryn Dressler Concert Orchestra Technique Classes Miss Krista Halvorson Concert Strings Symphonic Orchestra Chamber Strings Technique Classes Dear WVHS Orchestra Parents and Students, The Indian Prairie School District takes pride in being able to offer orchestra classes at Waubonsie Valley High School. The orchestra program at WVHS consists of 200 string students in five curricular orchestras. Concert Orchestra and Concert Strings consist exclusively of members of the freshman class. The Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Strings consist of sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Each of the five curricular orchestra classes meets daily during the school day. In addition to the daily rehearsal, Concert and Symphonic members have a group technique class during the corresponding lunch period once a week. Chamber Orchestra members will work on chamber music and combined rehearsals with wind players in replacement of the technique class requirement. In addition to these curricular orchestras, WVHS String Department has a wonderful tradition of Warrior Strings, an extracurricular string ensemble that meets once a week outside of regular school hours. The goal of this fun and high-energy auditioned ensemble is to be the ambassadors of the string program as they vigilantly present themselves in exciting and highly exposed community events. The following pages outline the basic requirements for the high school orchestras. Please return the last page of this handbook to the school orchestra directors with all information completed and signed. This will indicate your notification and acceptance of the policies of the Waubonsie Valley High School Orchestra program. Keep this handbook in your orchestra binder for quick and easy access when necessary. Sincerely, Mr. John William Burck john_burck@ipsd.org (630) Mrs. Kathryn Dressler kathryn_dressler@ipsd.org (630) Miss Krista Halvorson krista_halvorson@ipsd.org (630)

3 Content Calendar of Orchestra Events....4 Curricular Concert Descriptions....5 Fall Concert Prism Concert Meet-the-Artist Concert Music-In-Our-School Month Concert Senior Concerto Concert Fine Arts Festival Orchestra Pops Concert Co-Curricular Events. 6 Warrior Strings IMEA District All-State Orchestras IHSA Solo and Ensemble Contest District 204 Solo and Ensemble Festival Fox Valley Festival Musical Tri-M Honor Society Standard Operating Procedures..7 Absence Policy Attendance Equipment Student Expectations Uniforms Audition Procedures Grading Policy.10 Orchestra Parent Association (OPA)...12 Private Lesson Teachers...13 Point System for Orchestra Awards Student Exec Board Application.. 15 Student/Parent Signature Page. 16 Handbook Assignment

4 Calendar of WVHS Orchestra Events Key: WS Warrior Strings, CO Concert Orchestra, CS Concert Strings, SO Symphony Orchestra, SS Symphonic Strings, Chamber Chamber Strings, Select Selected Members from the organizations listed Date Time Location Event Group September 9/3-4, 8-9 2:30pm-3:00pm Orchestra Room Warrior Strings Auditions Any October Tues. 10/6 After school Addison Trail HS IMEA District Auditions Select Wed..10/21 7:30pm-9:00pm WV Auditorium Orchestra Fall Concert #1 with Scullen/Still MS Chamber, SS Thurs. 10/22 7:30pm-9:30pm WV Auditorium Orchestra Fall Concert # 2 with Fischer MS CO, CS, SO November Sat. 11/21 8:00am-5:00pm T.B.A. IMEA Dist. 9 Festival IMEA Selectees Mon. 11/23 8:00pm WV Cafeteria Warrior Strings Dessert Dinner WS December Wed. 12/9 6:00 9:00 pm WV Auditorium Mandatory Prism Dress Rehearsal Thurs. 12/10 6:00pm & 8:15pm WV Auditorium Prism 2008 Sat. 12/12 6:00pm & 8:15pm WV Auditorium Prism 2008 January SO, SS, Chamber, WS SO, SS, Chamber, WS SO, SS, Chamber, WS Wed. 1/6/2010 6:00pm-9:00pm WV Auditorium Meet the Artist Dress Rehearsal CO, CS Thurs. 1/7 7:30pm-9:00pm WV Auditorium Meet the Artist Concert CO, CS Tues. 1/12 2:45pm-6:00pm Orchestra Room Senior Concerto Audition Seniors All-State Wed.-Sat. 1/27-1/30 Peoria, IL IMEA All-State Conference Selectees February Mon. 2/15 8:00am-1:00pm, 7pm NVHS D204 Solo & Ensemble Festival/Honors Recital Any Sat. 2/20 8:00am-3:00pm NVHS D204 Organizational Festival Chamber/SS/CS March Thurs. 3/4 7:30pm-9:00pm WV Auditorium Music in Our School Month Varsity Concert Chamber Sat. 3/6 All Day T.B.A. IHSA Solo & Ensemble State Contest Any Tues. 3/9 6:30pm, 8:00pm WV Auditorium Music in Our School Month Concert 6:30-SO, 8:00-SS Thurs. 3/11 7:00pm-9:00pm WV Auditorium Music in Our School Month Concert 6:30-CO, 8:00-CS April Tues. 4/13 7:30pm-9:00pm WV Auditorium Senior Concerto Concert Chamber, SS Sun. & Mon. 4/25-26 TBA TBA Fox Valley Festival Select May Tues. 5/4 6:00pm 8:30pm WVHS 8 th & 9 th Grade FAF Rehearsal CS, CO Sat. 5/8 8:00am-4:00pm WVHS Fine Arts Festival All Sun. 5/16 6:00pm-8:30pm WVHS Cafeteria Orchestra Awards Banquet All Wed. 5/17 2:30pm-5:00pm WV Auditorium Pops Dress Rehearsal All Thurs. 5/18 7:30pm-8:30pm WV Auditorium Orchestra POPS Concert All 4

5 Curricular Concerts Fall Concert The Fall Concert showcases each individual ensemble and allows us to demonstrate the skills that we have developed in the first quarter. In order to give each group a little more performance time, we will have two separate concerts on this evening. (All Orchestras) Prism Concert The Prism Concert, one of the hottest tickets in District 204, presents vignettes of the music department in a cohesive 70-minute concert event. The concert began as a simple idea and has grown into an enormous success. Tickets are free, but are required for admission. Watch for information regarding the distribution of tickets in late November. The tickets typically sell out in a matter of hours. However, provisions are made for students to get tickets before the general public. (Chamber Strings, Symphonic Ensembles, and Warrior Strings) Meet the Artist The "Meet the Artist" Concert features all of the talents of our freshmen music ensembles. For an entire week in January, a guest artist is in musical residency at WVHS working with all freshmen ensembles. Similar to the Prism Concert, the music flows nearly continuously presenting the each of the individual ensembles. The final musical selection is a piece written or arranged by the guest artist specifically for the WVHS freshmen ensembles. This selection is a spectacular culmination that brings all of the freshmen musicians together! (Concert Ensembles) Music in Our School Month Concerts These are a series of concerts that feature the entire music department throughout the month of March. (All Orchestras) Senior Concerto Concert The WVHS Music Department sponsors a concert for outstanding seniors to have the opportunity to solo with the WV Chamber Orchestra. This competition will be open to any senior in the music department (band, chorus, and orchestra). Information will be available in October and auditions will take place in early January. Seniors -- Plan on choosing a piece with orchestra accompaniment now and start practicing! (Chamber Strings & Symphonic Strings) Fine Arts Festival The Fine Arts Festival is a showcase of the arts that every music student in District 204 participates in each year. (All Orchestras) Orchestra Pops Concert This concert has become a tradition at WVHS. Started in 1992 as a way to encourage more people to attend an orchestra concert, it has become one of the most anticipated events of the year for music students and community concertgoers! For those who have not experienced this event you are in for a great surprise! (All Orchestras) 5

6 Co Curricular Events Warrior Strings This is an auditioned extra-curricular string ensemble that functions as the ambassador of the WVHS Strings Department. This strolling ensemble performs for a delicious dessert concert as well as the PRISM concert. Auditions may include solo performance, sight-reading, and scales. Students should demonstrate ability and comfort to perform music of various styles. IMEA District IX Orchestra Entrance into the group is based on highly competitive auditions consisting of scales, sight reading, and predetermined orchestral excerpts. If you are interested in auditioning see your orchestra director. (Chamber Strings) IMEA All-State Orchestra The top students (sophomore, junior, and seniors) from the District IX orchestra are invited to attend the Music Educator s All-State Conference, which is held in Peoria at the end of January. The orchestra, comprised of the top students from each of the nine district orchestras, meets for several days of rehearsals in preparation for a final gala concert. IHSA Solo and Ensemble Contest This is an opportunity for students to perform a solo and/or ensemble for a judge. This is a great motivation for many students. Scales are required, as well. Typically, no verbal comments are given, however, written comments are provided. (All Chamber Orchestra Students are required to participate in this event.) District Solo and Ensemble Festival District 204 instituted this event in Clinicians are invited to adjudicate student solos and ensembles performances. Following the performance, a short clinic is given, in which the clinician gives helpful suggestions and works with the students for several minutes. Several of the best-prepared players are selected to play in an honor recital on the same evening. (Members of all auditioned orchestras are expected to participate in this event.) Fox Valley Festival The Fox Valley Festival is a large-scale concert featuring outstanding students from 30 area high schools located up and down the Fox River Valley. Students who wish to take on an extra challenge and playing opportunity are encouraged to participate. The festival requires a Sunday afternoon rehearsal, as well as missing school on the following Monday for the concert. Musical The pit orchestra is, without a doubt, one of the most advanced instrumental ensembles at WVHS. Auditions typically consist of sight-reading, scales, etudes, and a prepared piece. Auditions coincide with the orchestra audition process in early March. Although the pit orchestra involves a great deal of extra outside preparation, rehearsals, and performances, it is also one of the most rewarding musical experiences WVHS can offer. Tri-M Music Honor Society Founded in 1936 by Alexander and Frances Harley, incorporated and renamed Modern Music Masters in 1952, and in 1983 recognized as the Tri-M Music Honor Society, Tri-M is a student-run organization sponsored by the Music Educators National Conference (MENC). Miss Halvorson is the faculty sponsor of this group, which is open to any sophomore, junior, or senior WVHS music student based upon the recommendation of his/her respective ensemble director, the approval of the music department, and a 3.50 or higher GPA. The purpose of Tri-M is to honor our very best music students as well as afford them an opportunity to enhance our music department through service projects and various activities. 6

7 Standard Operating Procedures for the WVHS Orchestras Absence Policy Concerts, Technique Classes for Concert and Symphonic Orchestra members, and Chamber Ensembles for Chamber Strings members are considered part of the class requirements for orchestra. Good communication between teacher, student and/or parents can prevent misunderstandings. 1. For concerts, written notices from parents are required for all absences a minimum of 30 days before the performance. Verbal or written excuses from students are not accepted. 2. Students are required to complete a make up assignment to fulfill the missing points for all excused absences. 3. Advanced notices are required for all conflicts. A conflict is defined as a date already committed to another event when the schedule is announced. Students are expected to request that their work schedules be arranged to accommodate all rehearsals and concerts. 4. In the case of illness and/or family emergency, the parents should send a written notice to the orchestra director as soon as they are aware that such a situation exists. If it is an emergency situation, e.g. something that happens 30 minutes before the rehearsal is to begin, it may be impossible to get in touch with anyone, thus, please follow this up with a written note by a parent or legal guardian. 5. Religious holidays or conflicts with individual religious beliefs are considered excused if the director is notified in writing by a parent. 6. All absences in the above categories, verified by parent note, will be considered excused. 7. An absence from a performance will result in an F for the event. A make up assignment will be accepted for the points lost. All make up assignments will be due within three (3) school days after the missed performance. Please communicate directly with the conductor if there are individual or unusual circumstances, which may be a problem. Although it would be impossible to include a complete list, the following items are examples of unexcused absences. 1. Commitments accepted after a rehearsal or concert date is announced. 2. Homework (please plan your time in advance so you may do your orchestra homework). 3. Transportation problems (last minute mechanical problems are excused). This refers to the students who repeatedly fail to arrange transportation in advance. 4. Babysitting. 5. Watching TV. 6. Falling asleep 7. Forgetting instrument and/or music. 8. Failure to request the time off from a job. Attendance An orchestra performs at optimum with all members present. Missing an orchestra concert is similar to not turning in a final report or project for any academic class. Therefore, students are required to participate in all rehearsals and performances. Throughout the year a number of performances are requested of the group and/or small ensembles. Once students have committed to a performance, it is then required and the same attendance policy will be observed as previously described. Throughout the year, a number of extra or co-curricular opportunities may arise. Once a student is committed to an event, he/she is bound by the attendance policy. Equipment The following will be expected of all orchestra members: 1. All instruments are to be in good playing condition. Proper maintenance is REQUIRED. 2. Students are expected to have rosin, shoulder pads, rock stops, cleaning cloths, pencils, good strings, notebook, metronome, wire stand with case, combination padlock (for violins & violas). 3. All instruments kept in the school orchestra room during the day should have the student s name clearly printed on a tag outside of the case. 4. Students will put away all music and instruments after rehearsal each day. There will be no instruments, cleaning clothes, rosin, bows or shoulder pads left out in the orchestra room. 7

8 5. Violin and viola lockers are for INSTRUMENTS ONLY, not to be used as hall lockers. 6. All violins and violas must obtain and use a combination lock for their instrument locker. It is required that students keep their instruments securely locked when not in use. The combination number should be recorded with their music directors. Student Expectations The actions of each musician directly affect the productivity of each rehearsal. We expect students to behave in a professional and respectful manner. To that end we have included the following list of expectations for each musician during every rehearsal. Students will be in the room getting instruments and music ready when the bell rings. Students will treat each other and directors with respect during the rehearsal. Students will not bring food or drink into the orchestra room. Students will have a pencil for every rehearsal. Students will not chew gum during rehearsal. Uniforms Uniforms will be required and worn at each performance. Men: Women: Black dress pants (NO DOCKERS) White, long sleeve shirt (Concert Ensembles) Black dress socks Black dress shoes Black, long sleeve dress shirt (Symphonic Ensembles) Tuxedo (Chamber Only) Black dress, full length black skirt, or black dress slacks NO MINI SKIRTS or TIGHT PANTS Black shirt or blouse (shoulders covered, modest necklines) NO TANKTOPS Black dress shoes no open toes Black hosiery No jewelry or hair accessories that would attract attention (i.e. red hair clips, etc.) Audition Procedures Auditions are used to evaluate an individual student's readiness to participate in some of the orchestras at Waubonsie Valley. Like many high schools, the WV orchestra program consists of auditioned and non-auditioned orchestras that together create a "tiered" program. Orchestras are grouped according to ability levels to better serve the needs of all students. Currently, the orchestras at Waubonsie are tiered according to the following model: Ability Level Most Advanced Chamber Strings (9-12) Advanced Intermediate (non-auditioned) Symphonic Strings (10-12) Concert Strings (9) Symphonic Orchestra (10-12) Concert Orchestra (9) 8

9 Each year, students must complete an audition if they wish to be considered for the following orchestras: Concert Strings, Symphonic Strings, and Chamber Orchestra. Any student who does not want to audition can simply enroll in Concert Orchestra (9th grade) or Symphonic Orchestra (grades 10-12). In the event of a tie, callback auditions will be offered to the students involved. Make-up auditions will only be held for students with an excused illness on the day of auditions. Make-up auditions should be scheduled as soon as possible following the student's absence. How are students evaluated? The audition process consists of the IMEA three octave scales, selected etude, and/or orchestral excerpt. The WV orchestra staff has developed an audition rubric that considers several areas of musical achievement. If my student is in an upper ensemble this year, is he/she they guaranteed a spot in an upper ensemble next year? Because ability levels are very diverse and change from year to year, students are expected to re-earn their membership in all of our orchestras. Placement in a particular orchestra does not guarantee placement in the same orchestra (or higher) the following year. If I complete an audition, will I automatically be placed in an auditioned orchestra? A student will be placed in the orchestra that most appropriately matches his/her ability level. Therefore, completing an audition does not guarantee a student placement in an auditioned orchestra. On the basis of the strength of an individual's audition, he or she might be recommended to enroll in Concert Orchestra or Symphonic Orchestra. Students cannot be assured placement in an auditioned orchestra solely on the basis of completing an audition. How many students will be accepted into each orchestra? A good orchestra sound is a direct result of proper instrumentation. The orchestra directors reserve the right to determine the instrumentation of their ensembles based upon the overall ability levels of the student performers. Typically, the instrumentation of each ensemble fluctuates slightly from year to year. Will the parents or students have access to the judge's ratings? The orchestra staff does not distribute or post the judge's ratings for two main reasons: 1) out of respect for the wide diversity of ability levels throughout the program and 2) to protect the integrity of the audition process. We do not wish to create an environment in which students compare their results. Students receive ample feedback about their individual playing as a result of their daily participation in orchestra class and weekly completion of technique classes. The orchestra staff would like to emphasize that the audition process is meant to connect students with the ensemble that most appropriately serves their musical needs for the coming year. The most important outcome of auditions is that we all continue to make music together! 9

10 10 Grading Policy Grades are updated at a frequency that is appropriate for student learning and teaching. Some assignments may be graded, returned to students, and posted to the grade book quickly, in the matter of a few days. Other assignments may require longer grading cycles. It is the philosophy of the orchestra program that grades should reflect the effort, ability, attitude and visible dedication that each student demonstrates on a consistent daily basis in a particular ensemble. The orchestra grading policy is based on the following components: Semester Progress: 20% Daily Class Participation Students are expected to participate positively, never hindering the efforts of other students or the conductor, and demonstrating a high regard for preparation and contribution. Students are expected to be professional and respectful at all times and to be accountable for their actions. 25% Performance Each performance is a culminating experience that results from many weeks of preparation. ATTENTANCE AT CONCERTS AND DRESS REHEARSALS IS MANDATORY. If you have an EXCUSED absence you will be offered an alternate assignment (see Absence Policy on page 7). 15% Evaluations The director will use a variety of assessments including quizzes, written assignments, playing tests, part checks, and special assignments. 5% Concert Review Students are expected to attend one (1) artistic performance per quarter in which they do not perform. Events outside of District 204 must be pre-approved by the ensemble director. To receive credit, the student must complete the Concert Review and submit the paper within one week after the performance. 35% Technique Class Students in the concert and symphonic ensembles are required to attend technique class one day per week during one half of their option period. Students with scheduling conflicts are expected to make arrangements with their technique teacher to complete all assignments in a timely fashion. Students will need to bring a binder to technique class each week. Each student must come prepared to each technique class. Being prepared means to be on time, instrument out of case, student has reviewed assignment, and has all materials. Students will receive points according to the following rubric: Mastery: Performance on this assignment achieves and exceeds expectations of high standard work. (Resonant, Clear, Warm Tone, Consistently Good Intonation, Steady Beat, Accurate Rhythm, Correct Pitches, Excellent Posture) Emerging: Work on this assignment has been completed, but all or part of the student s performance is below high standard level. (Minor Problems with Tone Production, Minor Problems with Intonation, Unsteady Beat, a Few Missed Rhythms, a Few Incorrect Pitches) Novice: Work on this assignment has been completed, but performance is substantially below high standard level. (Major Deficiencies in Tone, Tuning, Timing, and Technique) 0 points: Student did not attend weekly technique class. Students must make up a missed technique class before or after school within 2 school days. It is essential that each student complete each assignment on a weekly basis. 35% Chamber String Requirements: Students in Chamber Strings are required to attend weekly small ensemble and/or extended rehearsals. A student will receive ½ credit if he/she forgets to bring chamber ensemble music for rehearsal on the day of the rehearsal.

11 Each Chamber Strings member is assigned to a small ensemble. These small chamber ensembles are expected to perform throughout the year. Chamber Strings students are expected to arrange their schedules to be available both 3rd and 4th periods. If a student is not available during 4th period, they are required to attend a weekly technique class or meet with the Director for an alternative assignment. Each chamber ensemble member will: Rehearse weekly (typically 3 times a week) with their assigned ensemble. Meet with Miss Halvorson weekly at a regularly scheduled time. Be available to meet with the orchestra winds or sectional during 4 th period. Perform with their small ensemble for the final exam. Final Exams There will be both a written and playing final exam (jury) at the end of each semester. A jury is a live playing exam for your orchestra teacher of either your orchestra or technique class music. The final written and playing exams are 20% of your semester grade. Final Exam (20% of semester grade) = written exam + playing exam Semester Grades Semester Grade = Semester progress (80%) + Final Exam (20%) 11

12 Orchestra Parents Association (OPA) The Orchestra Parent organization is a vital and active part of the WVHS Orchestra Program. The members of the Orchestra board meet once each month to discuss the needs of the orchestra program. We encourage all parents to become active members in the O.P.A. Please contact your orchestra director or a board member for more information. WVHS Orchestra Parents Association Mission Statement As parents of students in the Orchestra Program at WVHS, our purpose is to provide opportunities and resources relating to the orchestra organizations beyond the District 204 orchestra curriculum. The curriculum and its supporting resources are the responsibility of District 204. We seek to expand the musical and social opportunities that orchestra membership offers our children through financial and volunteer support, in conjunction with input from the Music Department Faculty Members at WVHS. Calendar of OPA Meetings First Tuesday evening of every month, 7:30 9:00 p.m. Date Location Event Tuesday, September 8th Green Orchestra Rm. Exec. Meeting Monday, October 5th Green Orchestra Rm. Exec. Meeting (This is a Monday meeting due to IMEA auditions) Monday, October 2nd Green Orchestra Rm. Exec. Meeting (This is a Monday meeting due to Election Day) Tuesday, December 1st Green Orchestra Rm. Exec. Meeting Tuesday, January 5th Green Orchestra Rm. Exec. Meeting Monday, January 1st Green Orchestra Rm. Exec. Meeting Tuesday, March 2nd Green Orchestra Rm. Exec. Meeting (This is Monday due to evening conferences) Tuesday, April 6th Green Orchestra Rm. Exec. Meeting Tuesday, May 4th Green Orchestra Rm. Exec. Meeting Board Members Mary Greenburg President Mgreenb710@aol.com (630) Julie Knox Vice President Knox1375@wowway.com (630) Secretary Ken Wieland Treasurer Swim12321@aol.com (630) You don t come to rehearsal to learn your part, you learn what you are apart of.

13 Private Lessons This is frequently updated please check for the most recent updates! Individual private lessons are the best way for students to progress quickly on their instruments and help them maintain interest in their musical studies. Private teachers help students with everything from Solo and Ensemble Contest pieces to learning more advanced concepts on their instruments. Private lessons are perfect for giving students one-on-one musical attention. It is recommended that students take lessons once each week for 30 minutes. More advanced students may wish to take 45 min or 60 min. lessons. The average price for a 30-minute lesson is $ Please call the private teacher directly to arrange lesson times, place, and discuss tuition. We maintain this list for informational purposes only. A teacher's name being present on this list is not necessarily a recommendation from our staff. Please let us know how the experience with the private teacher is progressing so we can continually update this list. Please note: Some teachers' schedules may be full at this time, while others will have openings. Please call the individual teacher to determine availability. Violin/Viola Jason Bonham: NVHS (847) viola only Karen Campbell : Loretta Valentin: Loretta_valentin@ipsd.org; David Dai: (will come to your house) Mark Djordjevic: (NVHS, viola only) Kristina Enstrom: teacher in district-(847) John Fitchuk: viola only Beth Myers: (630) Jeannette Hoyt: (708) Musical Expressions in Naperville Christie Keiko Abe: ; christieviolin@yahoo.com Jennifer Silverstone: teacher in district Jackie Usnik: , (815) ; smacky79@yahoo.com Theses violin teachers only take serious students: Alison Dalton: (847) Naperville Drew Lecher: Naperville Ann Griffin: Wheaton, NVHS Nicole Grueneberg , Aurora Jonathan Koh: (Naperville, local call, cell phone number) Andrea LaFranzo: (North Aurora) Lisa Tang: (David Dai's wife-will also go to home) Bass Richard Armandi-Glen Ellyn-College of DuPage (708) only teaches 60 min. lessons Phillip Serna: (NVHS and WVHS) Gallifrey 76@hotmail.com Bass, continued Virginia Dixon: (Lombard) Megan Zalokar: teacher in district: Mary Olds: (Streamwood) Cello Claire Coyle: (Naperville) 13 You don t come to rehearsal to learn your part, you learn what you are apart of.

14 Point System for Orchestra Awards The WVHS Orchestra program offers numerous extracurricular performance opportunities for orchestra members. The WVHS Orchestra Awards are intended to recognize students for their comprehensive involvement in these ensembles and activities during a school year. The awards are intended to recognize service, participation, and achievement. Students will use this page as a tally sheet to keep track of their total points throughout the year. Students will be presented with their awards at the Spring Orchestra Awards banquet. The following is a list of the activities for which orchestra members can earn award points, and the number of points that are earned upon successful participation: Orchestra Extra-Curricular Activities IMEA District Festival Preparation and Audition 2 points IMEA District Festival Selectee (patch) 2 points IMEA All-State Selectee (state letter) 6 points Prism Chamber Ensemble (viola ensemble, string quartet, etc.) 1 point per performance District 204 Solo & Ensemble Preparation and Performance (patch) 4 points per event IHSA Solo & Ensemble Performance (medal) 2 points per event Fox Valley Festival 2 points Extra -Curricular Ensembles Warrior Strings (patch) 10 points Pit Orchestra (patch) 10 points Miscellaneous Performances at School Related Functions 1 point per performance Executive Board Meetings before school 2 points for year Tri-M Music Honor Society 2 points Award Requirements Freshmen 12 or more points Numerals Sophomore 14 or more points Letter Junior 16 or more points Orchestra Patch Senior 18 or more points Senior Award 14 You don t come to rehearsal to learn your part, you learn what you are apart of.

15 Student Exec Board Each ensemble will have several student representatives. These students represent their orchestra, and act as liaisons that frequently communicate with the directors and OPA during and outside of school. Student representatives are required to meet on a regular basis as an executive board. A meeting schedule will be decided collectively by the board during its first meeting. Officers are also expected to help out with the orchestra needs (i.e. concert stage preparation, banquet preparation, fundraising, carwash, bowling, fall picnic, etc.) The Procedures to become a Student Representative: To become a student representative, please fill out the following information by Friday, August 28, 2009, and turn it in to your director. Decisions will be made by the directors, and accepted students will be notified. Once the Student Exec Board members are elected, they will meet and elect a board president. Name: Orchestra: Freshmen Sophomore Junior Senior Please state several reasons why you want to represent your orchestra. This may include your personal strengths, dedication to the orchestra program, ideas that contribute to the WVHS orchestra program, etc. Student Signature Date Parent Signature 15 You don t come to rehearsal to learn your part, you learn what you are apart of.

16 Waubonsie Valley High School Orchestra Handbook PLEASE RETURN THIS PAGE TO YOUR ORCHESTRA DIRECTOR By Friday, August 28, As a member of the WVHS orchestra program, I have read this handbook and understood the membership requirements, particularly in regard to study, practice, rehearsals, and concert attendance. As a student of the WVHS orchestra program, I will assume the obligations and responsibilities and do my utmost to accomplish the objectives and follow the principles, rules and regulations. I understand that the Music Department will not tolerate cheating. The WVHS Honesty Policy will be followed. Student s Signature Date Student As the parents/guardians of this child, we understand the rules and regulations, which our child is expected to follow. We have marked the orchestra dates on our family calendar. Parent/Guardian Signature Date Parent Subscribe to the Orchestra Parents News List! To join the Waubonsie Valley High School Orchestra Parent Association News List, go to at the bottom of the page under "Choose A School" pull down to "Waubonsie Orchestra Parents" and enter your address. Please list any conflicts you have with the dates listed under Calendar of Events : 16 You don t come to rehearsal to learn your part, you learn what you are apart of.

17 Name Orchestra Orchestra Handbook Assignment Due at the beginning of class on Friday, August 28, ) List the concerts that your curricular ensemble will perform. Date(s) Performance * BONUS* You will get 1 extra credit point if a parent signs below, verifying that your concert performances have been recorded on the Family Calendar! Parent Signature 2) What is the date of the District 204 Solo/Ensemble Festival? 3) What is the dress code for YOUR orchestra? BE SPECIFIC! 4) Which extremely popular curricular concert first started in 1992? 5) What is the difference between an excused and unexcused absence? 6) All music students are expected to behave in a professional and respectful manner at each rehearsal. List three student expectations. Three Student Expectations You don t come to rehearsal to learn your part, you learn what you are apart of.

18 7) There will be both a written and playing exam at the end of each semester. What is the percentage of the final exams in relation to the entire semester grade? 8) List a private lesson teacher for your instrument. If you are taking private lessons from an instructor that is not on the list, please list his/her name and phone number. 9) When is the application due to be considered for the Student Exec Board? 10) Finish the following sentence. You don t come to rehearsal to learn your part. 18 You don t come to rehearsal to learn your part, you learn what you are apart of.