Albion Orchestra Handbook

Transcription

1 1 Albion Orchestra Handbook

2 ALBION MIDDLE SCHOOL ORCHESTRA PROGRAM 2 Welcome to the Albion Middle School Orchestra! This handbook is for parents as well as students to help them become acquainted with our program. Please take the time to read this document as it will explain our expectations, procedures and answer some questions you might have. Please save this document for further reference. After reviewing with your family, feel free to contact me via regarding any questions or concerns you might have for the coming year. Be sure to check out our Orchestra website as well! I look forward to making music with each and every one of you! Mr. Jordan Lawson, Orchestra Director: jlawson@scsmustangs.org albionorchestra.weebly.com COURSE OFFERINGS, PROGRAM POLICES, EXPECTATIONS & PROCEDURES COURSE OFFERINGS ORCHESTRA 7 or 8 (full year, curricular, elective course): Prerequisites/special requirements: Membership in orchestra the previous year or audition for the director demonstrating ability level equivalent to 7 th /8 th grade orchestra. The purpose of Orchestra 7/8 is to develop the fundamentals of group playing: tone quality, tuning, phrasing, musical style, balance of parts, bowing, intonation and listening. The music played and material learned is designed to fulfill the Ohio Department of Education Common Core Standards for music and prepare the student for advanced orchestra. Orchestra is a performing group and will perform in scheduled assemblies, evening concerts, and other out of school festivals and contests. Orchestra members are required to participate in these performances as part of the course. Orchestra members are also required to purchase concert attire and other materials necessary for their specific instruments as stated in the Instrumental Handbook. CHAMBER STRINGS 7 & 8 combined (full year, extracurricular): Prerequisites/special requirements: Audition (September). Chamber Strings members must be a member of the Albion Orchestra. This Advanced performance group meets once (sometimes twice) a week for an hour (specific day/time TBA). Students will perform more challenging repertoire and abide by a higher degree of expectations. Chamber Strings students will demonstrate - leadership within their sections and in Albion Orchestra, attentive and respectful behavior during rehearsal, and preparedness prior to and during rehearsal. Students who participate in other after school sports or activities are still encouraged to participate. The Albion staff is accustomed to sharing students between practices and rehearsals. Chamber Strings provides an opportunity to perform music more challenging than presented in class and to perform music at an advanced level. The Chamber Strings perform at school concerts as well as other special events as time and preparation allows. ATTENDANCE/PARTICIPATION Attendance and active participation is essential to a high quality musical ensemble. One might assume that one person missing or not participating does not make that much of a difference in a large ensemble, but in a musical group that is simply not true! When someone is missing, the sound is different. Every person in our ensemble is important to our sound. This makes it equally important to be at ALL performances and to actively participate in every rehearsal.

3 3 It is also expected that students will continue to develop their rehearsal/performance etiquette and skills in a manner worthy of a maturing musician. Students are expected to actively and appropriately contribute to the rehearsal and learning process. A schedule of performances and rehearsals for can be found in this handbook. All students and families will be responsible for the dates listed. Although Band & Orchestra are elective courses, this does not mean students/families choose which concerts/activities they will participate in and which ones they will not. ALL students are expected to attend ALL performances for their ensemble. Any performance that is indeed optional will be so noted on the performance calendar. Performances occur outside of normal school hours/days but they are considered curricular since they count toward the academic grade for the course; therefore performances take precedence over other activities that are not for an academic grade such as sports, vacations, social events, etc. Reasons accepted as an excused absence: 1. Personal illness 2. Death in family 3. Family emergency 4. Wedding of an immediate family member (parent/brother/sister) In the case of illness, particularly on the day/night of a concert, the parent MUST call the director(s) as soon as possible and leave a message as well as provide a doctor s note when the student returns to school. In case of a family emergency, a note afterward explaining the emergency is sufficient. In case of a wedding of an immediate family member, a note must be submitted to the director(s) at least a month in advance of the concert conflict in order to be considered excused. Only students with excused absences may make up missed rehearsals/performances via alternative assignment. Concert Make Up Assignment for Excused Absences: The student will perform all concert music, in its entirety, for the director(s) and a small audience (2-3 faculty). Since there is no true way of re-creating or making up a group performance, the student will be evaluated on their individual playing ability of the concert music. Reasons NOT accepted as an excused absence include but are not limited to: 1. Sporting events (school teams or travel teams) 2. Vacations, family business trips 3. School placement exams or visits 4. Work schedules 5. Camps/retreats (scouts, robotics, leadership, etc.) 6. No ride 7. I forgot Students considered unexcused will receive zero points for the performance and no alternative assignment will be given. For example, if a student misses a concert due to a family vacation or sporting event, they must realize their grade will be significantly affected. REHEARSALS Rehearsals take place regularly each day during school. During rehearsals, students are expected to concentrate on the task at hand, be attentive during class, have the proper materials for class (instrument, music, pencil, rosin, etc.) and behave in a manner that permits the rehearsal to progress. Students will lose points for not having materials and/or not consistently participating in the rehearsal. Distractions will not be tolerated and such problems will be dealt with according to the classroom management plan established by the teacher. Extra rehearsals may be scheduled as needed especially for combined events and concerts. All extra rehearsals outside of the normal school day will have advance notice. There will be both written and playing assessments in this course. Material will cover basic musical skills, terms, and knowledge that are incorporated into the rehearsal as well as evaluating the student s performance of the repertoire.

4 4 GUEST ARTISTS / CLINICIANS When possible we invite outside talent into the classroom or for concerts/master classes so the students may experience playing with or hearing professional musicians perform and talk about their careers. DRESS CODE FOR CONCERTS Men: Music department polo shirt Black pants (No jeans) Dress shoes (No tennis shoes) **Shirts will be worn tucked in*** Ladies: Music department polo shirt Black pants or skirts (no leggings or other tight fitting pants, no jeans) Dress shoes (No tennis shoes) The order form is attached to the end of this handbook. All checks are to be made out to Albion Middle School. Only new students or students who have outgrown their shirt need to order a shirt. If you have a hand me down from an older friend or sibling, that s ok! GRADES Grades will be weighted as follows: Performance 40%, Rehearsal Contribution 15%, Assignments 15%, and Evaluation 30%. For a quarter without a performance, the grade will be split 50% Evaluation, 25% Rehearsal Contribution, and 25% Assignments. Performance Every student will attend each concert and stay for the entirety; not just attend their portion of the program. All of our students deserve to perform to a full audience. All performances are graded. To earn an A students should have music prepared, arrive on time for warm up, wear proper concert dress and exhibit professional behavior in the warm up rooms, backstage, and at the concert both while they are playing and when it is their turn to be an audience member. Grades will be lowered for lack of musical preparation, lack of correct concert dress and unprofessionalism. Failure to attend will result in a grade of F for the concert. Excused absences as listed in the handbook will require make up work to receive a grade for the concert. Rehearsal Contribution Each student can earn up to 5 pts each day. Points will be deducted for the following: -2 pts: no pencil; students should not be getting out of their seats during rehearsal to go their band locker for a pencil -3 pts: not responding to conductor s directions, i.e. not being ready to play, playing on well after the cutoff, -4 pts: no music/binder, book, instrument supplies such as reeds, sticks/mallets, shoulder pad etc. -5 pts: no instrument *if your instrument is being repaired or is in need of repair, less than 2 weeks should be enough to get it fixed; make sure the repair shop can give you an instrument on loan and please pick up the instrument in a timely manner. Repairs or instrument retrieval taking longer than 2 weeks should not occur. If your repair shop is cannot repair the instrument within 2 weeks, please notify the director. The student will be expected to complete an alternative assignment in order to earn all of their daily points. Assignments Both written and playing assignments will be given as part of this course. Point values vary per assignment. Evaluation Students will receive a numerical score on written and playing exams. Playing exams will be graded according to a rubric. Rubrics are made available to all students so they understand the parameters & expectations of the assignment/evaluation. Copies of the rubric can be found in the student s music binder. Although the Rehearsal Contribution and Assignment categories will accrue more points over the course of the quarter than the Evaluation category, the computer will balance the overall points and percentages accordingly..

5 SCHOOL OWNED INSTRUMENTS Students who use a school owned instrument will be charged a $15 usage fee for the year. This fee helps to offset cleaning and maintenance costs of the instrument. Fees will be assessed on school instruments including but not limited to: string bass, cello, tuba, baritone, bari sax, tenor sax, bass clarinet, bassoon, and oboe. Students will also be required to sign a contract stating they take full responsibility for that instrument. The instrument is issued in playable condition and all defects are noted on the contract. ALL STUDENTS USING SCHOOL EQUIPMENT ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE CARE OF SAID EQUIPMENT AND KEEP IT IN GOOD PLAYING CONDITION. All damage to instruments above normal wear and tear will be assessed to issued party. PERSONAL INSTRUMENTS All privately owned instruments small enough to fit into a locker will be assigned lockers. Students will be issued a school lock. Students are expected to keep their locker locked at all times. Should the student damage or lose the lock, they will be responsible for replacing it at their cost. Students found flipping locks, vandalizing, or taking someone s equipment will be disciplined and possibly lose their locker privileges for the year. It is strongly recommended that all students have insurance on their instruments. Insurance companies offer riders to homeowner policy for musical instruments. Albion is not responsible for privately owned instruments. INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC SUPPLY LIST Pencil and eraser (bring to class each day) 1 inch ring diameter, BLACK, Heavy Duty, D-Ring or Slant D-Ring, View Binder (the binders with the plastic insert on the cover) with interior pockets. 1 set of insertable, multi-color (red, clear, blue, orange, yellow, green, pink, light orange) tab dividers, 8 tab Ruled paper, loose leaf (to put in binder) Rosin & cleaning cloth 5 Cellos and Basses $15 school instrument usage fee to help offset the costs of strings, bow rehairs etc., Rock Stop Violins and Violas MUST have a shoulder rest--recommended brands include Kun, Viva, Wolf, Bon Musica We will be making/using 3 ring binder portfolios instead of using typical music store folders. They will look more professional on stage during performances. All music, handouts, class notes, homework papers, journal entries, announcements to parents etc. will all be stored in the portfolio. These items tend to get wrinkled or lost when put into standard pocket folders (Optional but strongly recommended) Tuner & Metronome (with subdivision capabilities) The Korg TM-40 tuner/metronome combo device is recommended. If you have a smartphone or tablet, low cost ($1-4) apps are available; Cleartune & Metronome: Tempo are excellent; available on both Android/iPhone

6 ALBION MIDDLE SCHOOL INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM Keep this page for your records 6 INSTRUMENTAL CONCERT SCHEDULE Listed below is the school year calendar of events for the Albion Orchestra. Some concert dates have yet to be determined. Please mark the dates that apply to your child on your calendar and reserve that time to enjoy your child s performance, which is the culmination of long hours of preparation. All students are required to attend all performances of their ensemble. This list may be adjusted with additional performances if opportunities occur for their ensemble. In the event of additional or modified dates of performances, students will be given one week from the announcement to present a conflict in written form signed by their parent. A copy of this schedule can also be found on the Orchestra website albionorchestra.weebly.com DATE PERFORMANCE GROUP TIME LOCATION Thurs. Oct th & 8 th Grade Orchestra Fall Concert 7:00pm Albion Gym Tues. Dec th & 8 th Grade Orchestra Winter Concert 7:00pm Albion Gym TBA December Southpark Mall Concert 7:00pm Southpark Mall food court atrium Sat. Mar 19 Solo & Ensemble (Optional but strongly recommend) Hillside Middle School April 6/7 7 th & 8 th Orchestra (All City String Festival) 7:00 p.m. SHS Large Gym Fri. May 8/Sat. May 9 Band/Orchestra OMEA Adjudicated Contest (*Students/families are expected to keep BOTH dates available since our day/time will not be assigned until 2-3 weeks before the performance) TBA May 7 th & 8 th Grade Orchestra Fall Concert 7:00pm Albion Gym

7 ALBION MIDDLE SCHOOL INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM SIGN & RETURN THIS PAGE 7 INSTRUMENTAL CONCERT SCHEDULE Listed below is the school year calendar of events for the Instrumental Music Department. Some concert dates have yet to be determined. Please mark the dates that apply to your child on your calendar and reserve that time to enjoy your child s performance, which is the culmination of long hours of preparation. All students are required to attend all performances of their ensemble. This list may be adjusted with additional performances if opportunities occur for their ensemble. In the event of additional or modified dates of performances, students will be given one week from the announcement to present a conflict in written form signed by their parent. DATE PERFORMANCE GROUP TIME LOCATION Thurs. Oct th & 8 th Grade Orchestra Fall Concert 7:00pm Albion Gym Tues. Dec th & 8 th Grade Orchestra Winter Concert 7:00pm Albion Gym TBA December Southpark Mall Concert 7:00pm Southpark Mall food court atrium Sat. Mar 19 Solo & Ensemble (Optional but strongly recommend) Hillside Middle School April 6/7 7 th & 8 th Orchestra (All City String Festival) 7:00 p.m. SHS Large Gym Fri. May 8/Sat. May 9 Band/Orchestra OMEA Adjudicated Contest (*Students/families are expected to keep BOTH dates available since our day/time will not be assigned until 2-3 weeks before the performance) TBA May 7 th & 8 th Grade Orchestra Fall Concert 7:00pm Albion Gym Reasons accepted as an excused absence: 1. Personal illness 2. Death in family 3. Family emergency 4. Wedding of an immediate family member (parent/brother/sister) Reasons NOT accepted as an excused absence include but are not limited to: 1. Sporting events (school teams or travel teams) 2. Vacations, family business trips 3. School placement exams or visits 4. Work schedules 5. Camps/retreats (scouts, robotics, leadership, etc.) 6. No ride 7. I forgot Students considered unexcused will receive zero points for the performance and no alternative assignment will be given. For example, if a student misses a concert due to a family vacation or sporting event, they must realize their grade will be significantly affected. We have read and acknowledge the expectations and procedures presented in the Albion Orchestra handbook. Student Name Student Signature (Please Print) Parent / Guardian Signature Date Parent / Guardian Signature Date Please return by Friday, August 28, 2015

8 ALBION MIDDLE SCHOOL INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC DEPARTMENT 8 SHIRT ORDER FORM Dear Parents and Students, The dress code for concerts is as follows: Men: Music department shirt Black pants (No jeans) Dress shoes (No tennis shoes) Ladies: Music department shirt Black pants or skirts (No leggings, tight fighting pangs, no jeans) Dress shoes (No tennis shoes) Students new to Albion or that have outgrown their shirt, should use the order blank below to purchase a new shirt. Each shirt is priced at $ Checks should be made out to Albion Middle School. Please include the bottom half of this sheet and a check in a sealed envelope or Ziploc bag marked with the student s name and ensemble. Please avoid sending cash if possible. Orders are due to Mr. Lawson by Friday, August 28 th. Sincerely, Mr. Jordan Lawson Detach & return by Friday August 28th NAME Circle one: 7 th grade 8 th grade Circle one: Band Orchestra Please circle shirt size Adult sizes: S M L XL $12.95 (shirts available in adult sizes only and run big)