Sells Middle School Orchestras 150 West Bridge Street Dublin, OH 43017 Chris Lape, Director lape_christopher@dublinschools.net www.rockprideorchestra.weebly.com 8th Grade Orchestra Parent & Student Handbook 2016-2017 Welcome to the Sells Middle School Orchestra Program! It is a great honor and privilege to have you be a part of our program! I m here because I am passionate about music and I m dedicated to providing outstanding musical training. I strive to provide you with educational opportunities that encourages musical growth, as well as a lifelong appreciation and enjoyment of music. I can provide the training necessary to be successful in orchestra. You must put in the time and dedication in order to develop your talent and abilities. Just like any sport or academic class, you must practice daily what we explore and learn in class. Excellence takes dedication. The following handbook provides information that you will need throughout the school year in order to be successful orchestra students. Parents and students should read all items in the handbook and complete the Agreement Form, which can be found online through the Documents tab on the SMS Orchestra Webpage or at the following url: https://goo.gl/forms/giv7z75rtk7jjzbz2
Welcome back to the 2016-2017 school year! I wanted to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Chris Lape and I am the new Orchestra Director at Sells Middle School! I am very excited to join the Dublin City Schools orchestra program. I spent the last 3 years as Director of Orchestras for the Newark City Schools, where I taught middle school and high school strings. I graduated from The Ohio State University, where I earned dual undergraduate degrees in violin performance and music education. Following my time at OSU, I attended the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) where I received my Master's degree in viola performance. I perform as principal violist of the Newark-Granville Symphony. I also often perform with the Westerville, Central Ohio, and Springfield Symphonies. I live in Gahanna with my wife, Adrienne, and my mini long-haired dachshund, Sonata. I love watching Buckeye football, Columbus Crew matches, trying new restaurants with my wife, and I'm a HUGE movie buff. I'm looking forward to kicking off the new school year. I have heard many wonderful things about the students in the Sells Orchestra program. I'm excited to work with you all and start making music! Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I look forward to meeting you all as the year unfolds. Musically, Chris Lape
I. Course Goals Student Musicians will: 1. Continue to master fundamental skills, including left hand, right hand, bowing, and tuning. 2. Develop musicality through the knowledge and application of key signatures, rhythm, tempo, phrasing, and dynamics. 3. Perform expressively with a beautiful, resonant tone. 4. Develop abilities that are essential to perform as an orchestral musician, ensemble musician, and soloist. 5. Mature socially through working with peers toward a common goal TEAMWORK! 6. Develop musical independence and autonomy demonstrated by self-directed practice, reflection, and assessment. 7. Develop musicianship skills through a deeper understanding of music history, music theory, composition, and aural skills. 8. Expand knowledge of music as it relates to the fine arts, history, and society. 9. Develop a lifelong appreciation for music. 10. Participate in musical experiences that enriches their lives and supports their future endeavors. II. Orchestra Classroom Rules 1. Respect yourself, classmates, director(s), and other teachers/staff 2. Respect property that is not your own. Only touch what is yours. 3. No Gum, No Drinks, No Food. (water is permitted) Food/Drink/Treats at discretion of the teacher 4. Keep electronic devices silenced and put away during rehearsal unless otherwise directed by the teacher. (Tuner apps during tuning time are encouraged!) 5. Stay focused always follow directions. 6. Come to class with a positive, hard-working attitude III. Grading Policy Grade Breakdown Classroom & Rehearsal Grade 40% Concerts & Performances 30% Quizzes & Tests 20% Homework & Assignments 10%
Classroom & Rehearsal Grade 10 points per class (40%) As musicians, our habits in rehearsal will set the stage for how we perform. Students earn points for positively contributing to each rehearsal by the following: 1. Be prepared to start on time: Each student must be in their seat, unpacked, and ready to tune 2 minutes after the bell. 2. Have all necessary materials for class. This includes instrument, shoulder rest/shoulder pad for violin/viola, pencil, Essential Elements book, Music, and Homework. 3. Demonstrate appropriate classroom behavior by following all classroom and school rules. 4. Demonstrate a positive attitude toward other orchestra members. Your orchestra is your team. Our success as an ensemble depends on you working together effectively. Any unkind behavior towards another orchestra member will not be tolerated. Students who do not meet the above expectations will receive a grade reduction for that class period. Students who do not have their instrument for class will receive zero daily points, however, points can be earned back by properly completing an I Forgot sheet. Concerts & Performances (30%) Orchestra is a team effort. You are expected to perform at every concert. Concert absences must be excused according to the Dublin Schools Policy, or a minimum 2 weeks advanced notice to the director. Students excused from performances will be required to perform the concert music for Mr. Lape within 5 school days after the performance. Full concert credit is given when you are in attendance at the requested time, required uniform, expected concert behavior, and are prepared with the required materials. Quizzes/Tests (20%) Written and playing assessments will cover material taught during the course. A missed assessment that is excused can be made up within five school days. Any student who misses an assessment is responsible for contacting Mr. Lape to schedule a make-up. A student may redo any assessment one time. In this case, the two scores will be averaged. Homework & Assignments (10%) Homework and assignments will periodically be assigned and will cover material taught during the course. Extra Credit Extra Credit opportunities will be available throughout the school year. Students may receive extra credit at any time by attending or performing on their instrument in a classical music concert. These attendances must be verified by a program. 5 points for an attendance, 10 points for a performance.
V. Required Class Materials Instrument and bow in good working condition Pencil 1 three-ring black binder (for music and assignments) Violin/Viola: shoulder rest or shoulder pad Music (provided by school) Method Book Essential Technique for Strings (green book) VI. Seating Seating is constantly rotated and is not according to playing ability. Student seating within the ensemble is based solely on the director s discretion. Students may be moved at any time throughout the school year. The goal is to have a balanced orchestra that works as well as possible for everyone. VII. Instruments Violins and violas are expected to rent or purchase an instrument for their use. Instruments are expected at school every orchestra day unless told otherwise. Cello and bass players may use school instruments. Students are expected to rent or purchase an instrument for home practice. School instruments are to be treated with the utmost respect and handling. If any abuse is noticed, disciplinary action will be taken. More information about instrumental rental shops can be found on the New Student Information of the Sells MS Orchestra website. www.rockprideorchestra.weebly.com/new-student-information.html Required Instrument Supplies Violins & Violas Shoulder pad or shoulder rest (I recommend Everest or Kun brands) Rosin Cleaning cloth Instrument name tag Set of extra strings (typically included with rental) Cellos & Basses Rock stop Rosin Cleaning cloth Instrument name tag Recommended Accessories Folding music stand for home practice Tuner / Metronome The Dublin City School District does not have insurance or any other plan that will cover damage, theft, or loss of privately owned equipment. If that equipment is to be covered, it must be through the parents personal insurance, such as homeowner s policy, etc.
VIII. Concert Attire SMS Orchestra Polo: All orchestra students will wear a SMS Orchestra Polo for performances. An order form will be sent home to purchase this shirt. *Students who have previously purchased the SMS Orchestra T-Shirt may continue to wear them for concerts, however, polos will still be available. All new students will be required to purchase a polo. Ladies: SMS Music Polo, black pants, capris, or skirt that reaches past knees when seated. Nice shoes, your choice in color, black is recommended. Gentlemen: SMS Polo, black dress pants, black or dark dress shoes, black socks IX. SMS Orchestras are online! Orchestra Website The Sells Middle School Orchestra program has a website. All families and friends of the orchestra program are invited to view the website. Forms, information, photos and orchestra news will be available. Photos from class/music events will be shared on the site. Full names of students will not be published. www.rockprideorchestra.weebly.com Schoology The district is integrating Schoology this year as the main learning management system. Assignments, reminders, and communication will be posted frequently on Schoology. Please make sure that your account is setup. Apps There are a lot of helpful music apps available for ios and Android. Here are a few that I recommend, but there are many other cool apps! Tempo metronome app instuner tuner app Tenuto music theory practice Follow the SMS Orchestra Program on social media for orchestra news, events, photos, articles, and more! Facebook: search for John Sells Middle School Orchestra Twitter: @smsorchestra
Practice Tips 1. Do not practice with a time goal, practice with a musical goal. 2. Build routine into your practicing, which will then become habit. Always practice in the same place, at the same time, and with the same frequency. 3. Practice the class assignment before playing stuff for fun. Work from hard to easy, or boring to fun. 4. Practice with friends or play for your family frequently. Build fun activities into your practicing. 5. Have fun!! If you are frustrated, stop practicing and come back later. Warning: Your practice time is just like homework. If you do not practice regularly you will not improve, and you will not succeed in this class. Practicing is one of the most important parts of your orchestra experience. You will not always want to practice, but the more it becomes habit the more successful you will be! First homework assignment Due by Wednesday, August 31 st Parents and students: Read all items in the handbook and complete the Agreement Form, which can be found online through the Documents tab on the SMS Orchestra Webpage or at the following url: https://goo.gl/forms/giv7z75rtk7jjzbz2 Concert Schedule: See Attached