CE Williams Middle School Mustang Orchestra Handbook 2017-18 This handbook has been assembled to inform students and parents of the orchestra s policies. Please read it carefully and keep it in your student s orchestra binder for future reference. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email or call me. COMPLETE AND RETURN ALL FORMS BY FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 1ST ORCHESTRA DIRECTOR Jonathan DePriest 843-801-2036 Jonathan_depriest@charleston.k12.sc.us https://williams.ccsdschools.com/staff_directory/en_core_/mustang_orchestra
PURPOSE The Mustang Orchestra program exists to give students an accessible means to learn the art of making music through playing a string instrument. Learning to play an instrument is a challenging but attainable skill. In addition to music, students learn self-discipline, problem-solving, goal-setting, self-expression, memory skills, concentration, poise, enhanced physical coordination, high self-esteem, and the importance of teamwork skills in great demand in almost every aspect of life. Like all the arts, music has a profound effect on the academic success of students. Orchestra students are expected to develop a sense of pride and respect for the orchestra. This sense of pride and respect will result in the group spirit necessary for the continued success of the orchestra program. Your child will be able to take advantage of musical performances and competitions at the local, state, and regional level through middle and high school. Orchestra students can also audition for the Charleston County School of the Arts, district level orchestras, artistic gifted and talented identification, and the summer SMAART strings program. The opportunities for playing a string instrument after high school are abundant, with many universities offering scholarships for musicians. Orchestra provides a great foundation for your child in all aspects of life! 6TH GRADE ORCHESTRA This orchestra is for beginners and second year string students. The primary goal is to learn how to read music, use correct posture, and become proficient in fundamental string technique. We will cover Essential Elements book 1 and 2 and progress from grade.5 up to grade 2 music/skills by the end of their first year. 7TH & 8TH GRADE ORCHESTRA This orchestra is for advanced students that successfully complete 6th grade orchestra and pass their proficiency test, or whom audition for Mr. DePriest. The primary goal is to learn how to read higher level music, learn advanced skills like shifting and vibrato, and go to competitions. We will cover Essential Elements book 3 and progress from grade 2 up to grade 3 music/skills by end of their 8th grade year. ORCHESTRA FEES Fees are in place to ensure students have necessary supplies for the greatest chance of success, and to maintain a standard of excellence for the program as a whole. These fees offset the cost of music books, shirts, tuners, sheet music, accessories (pencils, rosin, shoulder rests, rock stops), and to maintain the instrument inventory. These items are not covered by CCSD or CEWMS, so they are funded by fees. Paying these fees helps us pay our bills on time. Fees are due by September 29th and are non-refundable. Please note that this assessment does not pay for field trips. It is the desire of the director to take field trips each year. No member will be denied the opportunities of our organization due to financial difficulties. If there are financial issues, please contact Mr. DePriest! Please note that checks or money orders should be made payable to CE Williams Middle School, and individual student accounts do not carry over to the next school year. 6TH GRADE ORCHESTRA CLASS FEE 7/8TH GRADE ORCHESTRA CLASS FEE Polo Shirt $25 Polo/Hoodie/Jacket $25 (jacket for 8th grade only) Tuner $10 Tuner $10 Theory Book $7 Theory Book $7 Method Book $8 Method Book $8 TOTAL $50 SC CPA Competition $5 SC Regions Audition $10 TOTAL $65 Optional Orchestra Instrument Fee $50 for renting a CCSD instrument for 2017-18. Optional SC Solo & Ensemble Fee $5 For more information regarding SC Concert Performance Assessment (CPA), Regions Auditions, or Solo & Ensemble festival, please look at the Orchestra Opportunities section of this handbook.
ORCHESTRA CALENDAR Please transfer important dates or deadlines to your calendar. Attendance and participation is required for items that are underlined. Please note that CPA and region auditions are 7/8th grade only. Any changes to the schedule will be communicated as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience and support! DATE EVENT GROUP PLACE TIME September 8 Fall Coupon Book Fundraiser Begins All Students CE Williams September 15 SC Region Orchestra Registration Deadline 7/8 Orchestras CE Williams October 6 Fall Coupon Book Fundraiser Ends All Students CE Williams October 7 SC Region Orchestra Auditions 7/8 Orchestras Ft. Dorchester TBA Individually October 15 SC Region Pre-Registration Deadline Select Students CE Williams October 26 Orchestra Fall Concert w/wahs All Orchestras WAHS 6:30-7:30pm November 10-11 SC Region Orchestra Weekend Select Students Wando HS TBA December 8 Marion Square Holiday Performance Select Students Charleston TBA December 10 District Orchestras Winter Concert Select Students SOA 4:00-5:00pm December 19 Orchestra Holiday Concert All Orchestras WAHS 6:30-7:30pm TBA Community Performances Select Students TBA TBA TBA Annual Oyster Roast Fundraiser All Students TBA TBA January 6 All State Orchestra Auditions Select Students Lexington HS TBA Individually February 15 SC Solo & Ensemble Registration Deadline Select Students CE Williams February 23-25 All State Orchestra Weekend Select Students Irmo HS TBA March 13 West Ashley District Orchestra Concert All Orchestras WAHS 6:30-7:30pm March 15-16 SC Concert Performance Assessment (CPA) 7/8 Orchestras TBA TBA April 26 Fine Arts Night All Orchestras CE Williams 6:30-7:30pm April 29 District Orchestras Spring Concert Select Students SOA 4:00-5:00pm TBA SC Solo and Ensemble Festival Select Students TBA TBA Individually May 24 Orchestra Spring Concert All Orchestras WAHS 6:30-7:30pm TBA Out of State Festival Performances Select Students TBA TBA ATHLETICS AND ORCHESTRA CONFLICT POLICY I am thrilled to have many students involved in sports at the school and community level. Athletics can be very beneficial for their musical skills such as improving hand eye coordination, reaction time, stamina, posture, teamwork, and many other benefits. Please review the policy below: 1. Conflicts between practices/rehearsals will be worked out between the coach and director so that the student will participate in approximately 50% of the practice/rehearsal. 2. Conflicts between a rehearsal and an athletic game - student will take part in the game. 3. Conflicts between a performance and an athletic practice - student will take part in the performance. 4. Conflicts between a performance and a regular season athletic event - student will take part in the performance. 5. Conflicts between a performance and a playoff game - student will take part in the playoff game. 6. Conflicts between a multiple performance (ex. play or musical) and an athletic event must be dealt with by the coach and director. While some of the guidelines listed above may seem strict, Mr. DePriest will always work with the students in an effort to enable them to participate in all events on a given day. All potential conflicts must be turned into Mr. DePriest, in writing by September 1st if possible. This may include a schedule of an entire athletic season. All parents and students must communicate conflicts with Mr. DePriest and with the coach of the sport. Conflicts that are not communicated to in writing will be considered an unexcused absence. For more information on concert grades and excusable absences, please review the grading section of the handbook.
REQUIRED MATERIALS Please have these by Friday, September 1st All of these items are available at the local or online music stores listed below: 1. Instrument Outfit from store or CCSD (including case, bow, rosin, cleaning cloth) 2. 1 hardback 3 ring binder with clear sleeve for a front cover and 3 tab dividers 3. Clear sheet protectors to keep music in binder (minimum 25) 4. Pencil for every class 5. Extra set of strings (encouraged but not required) 6. Shoulder rest (violin/viola only) **included with district rental 7. Rock stop (cello/bass only) **included with district rental Please note that method books, theory books, and clip on tuners will be provided using class fees. Local Stores Music and Arts Center Fox Music House Southern String Supply 975 Savannah Hwy 3005 W. Montague Ave. 502 Wando Park Blvd #106 Charleston, SC 29407 Charleston, SC 29418 Mt Pleasant, SC 29464 (843) 852-0900 (843) 740-7200 (843) 225-2467 www.musicarts.com www.foxmusichouse.com www.theinstrumentdoc.com Online Stores Shar Music Southwest Strings Johnson String Instrument 2465 South Industrial Hwy 1721 S. Cherrybell Strav 11 John Street Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Tucson AZ, 85713 Newton Center, MA 02459 1-800-248-7427 1-800-528-3430 1-800-359-9351 www.sharmusic.com www.swstrings.com www.johnsonstring.com INSTRUMENTS Every student must have an instrument. The most cost-effective way to acquire an instrument is to purchase one outright from a string instrument dealer. Most stores offer affordable lease to purchase plans. DO NOT PURCHASE instruments from another source before consulting with Mr. DePriest. Poor quality instruments are the #1 reason students quit. (Beware of Internet, Craigslist, and Pawnshop Deals! ) It is important to invest in an instrument that will sound good and not be constantly in the repair shop because of inferior construction or condition. We can work together to find the best instrument for the individual student s needs. Charleston County Schools owns and supplies a limited number of string instruments that can be rented on a yearly basis. Many parents rent a school instrument to leave in the classroom so that they don t have to carry their personal instrument to and from school on a daily basis. However, district instruments can be taken home daily if approved by Mr. DePriest. Instruments will be assigned on a first come, first served basis. The instrument rental fee is $50 for this academic year. This fee helps to cover string replacement (a set of bass strings alone run $100-$200) as well as instrument repair and maintenance. Parents and students are financially responsible for damage to a school instrument that exceeds their rental fee. Students are expected to keep these instruments in good working order and clean at all times. The orchestra also owns stands, storage racks, music, and other items. Should a student damage any of these items, a sum will be charged for repair or replacement. No member will be denied the opportunities of our organization due to financial difficulties. If there are financial issues, please contact Mr. DePriest! Please note that checks or money orders should be made payable to CE Williams Middle School, and individual student accounts do not carry over to the next school year.
INSTRUMENT REMINDERS 1. Take care of your instrument. Keep it clean and stored in a climate-controlled facility. Do not leave in a car or garage since extreme temperatures can damage the instrument. Instruments should be stored in their cases when not in use and never left on the floor, furniture, or on top of a case unattended. Violins and violas should never be hung from the lip of a music stand. Bows should be loosened and put away when not being used and cello/bass endpins must be in before returning them to racks. Any damage incurred to an instrument due to the failure to follow these procedures or by negligence on the part of the student is solely the responsibility of that student. 2. All instruments will be stored in the orchestra room or in a school issued locker. Take your instrument home to complete daily homework (practice). 3. If your instrument is in need of repair, do not attempt to fix it yourself. Bring it to Mr. DePriest first. If it is a minor problem and I can fix it, I will. If I cannot, I will direct you to a reputable repairman. HOMEWORK IS PRACTICING OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL Students will receive homework assignments each day focused on specific skills and excerpts of music that they must master. They will be expected to log their practice minutes on a practice record, get a parent signature, and turn these records in weekly for a homework grade. Students who have a regular time to work every day tend to practice more consistently and are better prepared for class, concerts, and proficiency tests. Consistency is the key to success. All students must take their instruments home after school if they do not already have one at home for practicing. Parents, please encourage your son or daughter by providing time for practice every day. 99% of students need daily parental support and encouragement to practice. For more information on practice records, look in the grading section. ADVANCING IN ORCHESTRA Beginning (6th grade) Orchestra is open to everyone. To advance to 7th and 8th grade Orchestra, students must pass their proficiency test at the end of each semester. On the rare occasion that students are not being successful or having a positive experience, I will contact their parent(s) or guardian(s) to plan an intervention. If corrective action is made but the child continues to struggle, it will not benefit them or their classmates to force them to stay involved in a class in which they are not successful or productive. The following conditions are causes for intervention: Does not practice enough to learn skills and music in a timely manner to keep up with their peers Does not accept correction and continues using incorrect technique negatively affecting their peers Does not participate fully in mandatory rehearsals and performances Regularly forgets to complete work, practice logs, or bring required materials to class Regularly has discipline problems that cause significant loss of instructional time for the class Is currently failing or close to a failing grade due to any or all of the above You are always welcome to contact me to inquire about how your child is doing in orchestra class. Please understand that persistent problems may require them to discontinue orchestra for their sake, and the sake of their peers. There are a wealth of ENCORE class opportunities at CE Williams available to students.
GRADING POLICY The Grading Scale used for all classes at CEWMS is: 90-100=A 80-89=B 70-79=C 60-69=D 59 and below=f Grades will be based on the following criteria: Binder Grade 10% Class Participation 20% Concerts & Rehearsals 30% Performance & Written Tests 20% Performance Quizzes 10% Practice Records 10% Binder Grade Students are required to bring a 1 three-ring binder to class each day with loose-leaf paper, sheet protectors, and dividers. Please note that larger binders or ones combined with other subjects will not be accepted for credit. The binder will be used for taking notes, organizing playing/written tests, music, and holding a copy of the handbook. Binders will be graded at random each nine weeks based on neatness, completion, and order. Worksheets will cover elements of theory, music history, and evaluating musical performances. The binder order is listed below: Front Cover Mr. DePriest will supply an insert to include the student s full name & grade Inside Orchestra Handbook 1st Tab Music and sheet protectors 2nd Tab Graded and Returned Work 3rd Tab Notes and loose leaf paper Class Participation In order for an ensemble to be successful, active student participation and preparation is essential. First and foremost, a student must be in class. There is no way for a student to make-up an entire period of rehearsal. Only those absences excused by the office will be excused when a class is missed. Students must have their instrument, book, binder, and pencil at every rehearsal and show maximum effort and focus. Each day of class is worth 10 points. Students begin each day with full credit. Points are deducted for not having materials, being unprepared, and for behavior infractions. Concerts & Rehearsals Please make sure the dates and times of these events are in your calendar now so that conflicts can be minimized. If there is a conflict, please contact Mr. DePriest well in advance of the scheduled event (not on the day of the event!). A student s grade will be reduced for tardies or leaving early without approval from the director. In music, concerts are the same as a championship game in sports. Everyone is needed and must be there to rehearse and perform. Students concert grades are 60% participating fully in all aspects of the performance, 20% being on time and staying for the entire event, and 20% being fully in uniform. There are three excused reasons for missing a rehearsal or concert: 1. Death in the family or comparable family emergency 2. Student illnesses verified by a doctor s excuse 3. Documented religious holiday. For an excused absence or tardy, or permission to leave an event early, parents must send written notification to the teacher (in advance when possible) describing the nature of the absence (email is good!). Any other absences or tardies are excused at the discretion of the director. Students that miss a
performance, even if excused, will be required to perform a portion of the concert for their peers in class. A written assignment may also be given to help make up the missed points. Lack of transportation will not be excused. If transportation is an issue, please contact Mr. DePriest at least one week prior to the scheduled rehearsal or concert so that arrangements can be made. Students who come to a concert performance in unacceptable attire will have their concert grade reduced. In extreme cases, a student will be restricted from performing the concert and may receive a zero for their concert grade. See concert attire. Performance & Written Tests Playing tests will be given to evaluate students on mastery of music and technique units. (example: scales, rhythm, concert music, shifting, music theory, etc.) Students will be tested individually or in small group performances during class. Written tests will cover elements of theory, music history, and musical performance that we have covered in class. Students will be given advanced notice of a test. Performance Quizzes Students will have specific assignments everyday that they are to learn for the next class. Students will demonstrate their mastery of those assignments through individual or small group performances in class. Students may or may not be given advanced notice of a performance quiz, but material will always have been covered in class before an evaluation is given. Practice Records Students must complete a weekly practice chart signed by their parents. Students need to write down specifically what they practiced at home, how many minutes, and get your signature indicating you verify that practicing occurred. Please do not sign them if you are not sure if your child practiced as we want to encourage honest accountability. A minimum of 20 minutes of practice for 5 days is expected from every orchestra member. Students who practice more consistently are better prepared for class, perform better at concerts, and are more likely to enjoy their instrument than those that struggle to keep up. PLEASE continue to encourage your child to practice regularly and provide time and space for them to do so without distraction. For more articles regarding the importance of practice and how you can help: http://www.bulletproofmusician.com/how-many-hours-a-day-should-you-practice/ http://www.wikihow.com/practice-violin http://www.npr.org/sections/deceptivecadence/2012/06/18/155282684/getting-kids-to-practice-music-witho ut-tears-or-tantrums http://www.bhg.com/health-family/parenting-skills/family-relationships/how-to-help-kids-practice/ Extra Credit Each nine week period students will have the opportunity to receive extra credit through performing in public. In order to receive extra credit, students are required to perform in any public setting for at least 30 minutes AND bring or send me a picture/video clip of the performance. Students can perform by themselves or in groups. Students should have someone take a picture/video of the performance. Why performing and why the picture/video? Not everyone attends music concerts or listens to it on their own at home. We need to be our own advocates for bringing the great music that we play out into our communities! Through performing in public, students will provide exposure to music to community members, gain valuable performance experience, and also represent the thriving music department that we have here at CE Williams Middle School. The picture/video will be used to verify that the student(s) performed. For every 30 minutes that a student performs in public I will raise one practice record or performance quiz grade to a 100%. Students can receive a maximum of two grade increases per nine weeks (60 minutes of performance).
CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS Students are expected to demonstrate PRIDE and SLANT while in orchestra class. These expectations are taught and enforced school wide at CE Williams Middle School. Additionally, there are 4 simple class rules: 1. Do not talk without permission. 3. Only play when directed by teacher. 2. Sit correctly at all times. 4. Have fun making music! Inappropriate Behavior Students and parents must believe in the ideals, principles and rules of the organization. Each member must always be aware of good behavior and think for themselves. Any misconduct casts a bad light on the orchestra program, as well as our school and our community. Consequences for inappropriate behavior will include: 1st Offense Verbal warning and explicit instruction 2nd Offense Loss of class participation points, loss of playing privilege, alternate assignment 3rd Offense Contacting parent(s) or guardian(s) and referral to administration Severe or habitual misbehavior may result in ineligibility for concerts, field trips and other special events/activities. Extreme discipline problems will warrant automatic referral to administration. TARDY POLICY Students must be on time in orchestra class in two ways. First, they must be in the orchestra room when the bell rings. Second, they must be completely ready to begin class two minutes after the bell rings. This includes unpacking their instrument, rosining their bow, having all materials out and ready, and being seated in their assigned chair. The students will practice this procedure the first week of school before it will be enforced. The CE Williams Middle School tardy policy and procedures will be followed. FINGERNAIL POLICY One sacrifice we make in order to play our instrument correctly is having short nails. Are they too long? Test: with a straight finger, firmly press the fingertip down onto the top of a table so that the finger is perpendicular to the table. If the fingertip can firmly press to the table without the nail getting in the way, the nail is short enough. If the nail gets in the way, it is too long to play a string instrument correctly. Wearing salon nails to orchestra is like wearing high-heels to PE. They make it hard to be successful. Repeat offenders may lose class participation points and may not be allowed to perform. FORMAL CONCERT ATTIRE Gentlemen should wear white button down collared shirt, with a black tie, socks, and dress shoes. Black sport coats are encouraged but not required. Shirts must be tucked in and a black belt worn. Ladies should wear a black dress OR black and/or white blouse with a skirt or dress pants. Ladies dress shoes can also be a nice pair of flats or heels. Dresses and skirts should be knee length or longer when seated and NO strapless dresses.** I STRONGLY recommend students try to play their instruments in their concert attire at home before they show up at a concert. Sometimes untested or new clothing can restrict a musician s ability to perform well. INFORMAL CONCERT ATTIRE Ladies and gentleman should wear the mustang orchestra polo shirt (provided) with khaki bottoms. Khaki bottoms can be shorts, pants, or capris of appropriate length. Sneakers, deck shoes, or similar casual footwear may be worn but no flip flops. Shirts must be tucked in with a belt unless otherwise notified.** ** Students must be dressed in complete concert attire in order to perform.
FUNDRAISING Over and above staffing, Charleston County does not fund our orchestra program WE DO! This is why fundraising is so critical to the mission and success of our program. Why do we need to have fundraisers? 1. to offset the additional cost, over and above the orchestra fees, which allows us to keep the orchestra fees at a level similar to other area middle school orchestra programs. 2. to provide a vehicle for families to fund their student s strings account to assist in paying for class and instrument fees, event fees, field trips, and other qualifying events. 3. to raise money so that we may continue to provide our students with the instruments and equipment that are needed to ensure the excellence of our orchestra program. FIELD TRIPS Musical field trips have educational and social value. All students are encouraged to attend these trips. Mr. DePriest puts a great deal of time and preparation into our music field trips and is committed to making these trips fun and safe for everyone. Students who cannot follow directions in class or who are chronically disruptive will not be allowed on field trips. Students with less than satisfactory grades or behavior in any class may be restricted from orchestra field trips. ORCHESTRA OPPORTUNITIES Auditioning for CCSD School of the Arts High School Orchestra http://www.soaorchestra.org/ http://soa.ccsdschools.com/ Students can apply and audition for the Charleston County School of the Arts (SOA), High School Orchestra (HSO) program. SOA is annually recognized as one of the best academically challenging high schools in our state, has competed and won top scores and awards in orchestra competitions, and has some of the most comprehensive opportunities for students to pursue their artistic passions. The SOA HSO is under the leadership of Dr. Christopher Selby, a nationally recognized string clinician, author, and orchestra director. You can find a wealth of information about this program by visiting the orchestra and school websites listed above. I am strongly encouraging all my 8th grade students to apply and audition to be a part of this high level, established, and well supported orchestra program. Currently there are 4 high schools in CCSD that offer HSO: James Island Charter, SOA, Wando, and West Ashley. Students and parents may elect to attend another school even if they are accepted to SOA, but will not have the opportunity to apply and audition if they miss the deadline. Please don't let your child miss out on this wonderful opportunity. Private Lessons https://williams.ccsdschools.com/staff_directory/en_core_/mustang_orchestra/private_lessons/ I encourage the highly motivated children, and those that need extra support, to consider private lessons. While we make good progress when I see them in a mixed ensemble every day, great strides can be made with one on one instruction. Private instructors teach at the student's pace, and help each student develop technical and musical skills specific to their instruments. These skills can be well applied in an orchestra setting, and in most cases, students who work with a private instructor progress much faster than those who do not. Teacher fees and lesson lengths vary. If you are interested in getting instruction, see the orchestra website for a list of local private teachers. CCSD District Orchestra http://districtorchestras.wixsite.com/ccsd Charleston County Schools offers district level orchestra programs to CCSD string orchestra students. Prospective students must be recommended by their teacher, pass an audition, and participate in the strings orchestra program at their school if one is offered. Students must be able to play the required scales, perform a solo from the approved list or of similar caliber, and sightread. Please speak with Mr.
DePriest for audition help. The goal of the district orchestras is to provide a challenging orchestral experience for gifted CCSD string students beyond that normally provided by the general school program in order to achieve their potential. These orchestras allow students to perform with gifted and talented students from all areas of Charleston County, work closely with conductors, study advanced orchestra literature, and achieve higher performance capabilities. District Orchestras hold rehearsals weekly on Monday evenings at SOA, operate on a semesterly basis, and hold auditions and performances each semester. If you are interested in auditioning, please contact Mr. DePriest for an application. SCMEA Region and All-State Orchestra http://www.scmea.net/divisions/orchestra-division/region-orchestra/ All 7th & 8th grade Orchestra students are required to audition for the Low-country Regions Orchestra Clinic & Concert each October. 6th graders that take private lessons may choose to audition with Mr. DePriest's approval. Students who prepare fully and show up to audition will receive a 100 test grade for first quarter even if they are not accepted. This can be a very challenging but positive experience for students and the key is in attitude and preparation. All SC middle & high school orchestra students that are enrolled in their school's orchestra programs are eligible to audition for the annual Regions Orchestra Clinic & Concert. The Lowcountry Region Orchestra (region 4) is a two-day event held November 11-12th for the strongest string players in the Coastal Carolina region. On average, over 500 students audition each year to try and land a spot in the top 60 for their grade divisions: 6-8th grade, 9-10th grade, and 11-12th grade. Students who participate in their Regions Orchestra may audition for the South Carolina All-State Orchestra, drawing from the most talented players in the entire state. Both events are wonderful opportunities for students to perform with the finest student musicians in South Carolina and to perform under the direction of a nationally/internationally renowned conductor. A private teacher is strongly encouraged if you pass the audition and need to prepare for regions or all-state weekend. SCMEA Solo and Ensemble Festival http://www.scmea.net/divisions/orchestra-division/solo-and-ensemble-festival/ I encourage interested students to participate in our state's Solo & Ensemble (S&E) Festival each spring. This is an excellent opportunity for the students to perform solo or as a small ensemble, and receive constructive critiques regarding their performance technique and musical interpretation. Participants will also receive a certificate of participation, comments from the judges, and a medal if they score high marks. If you are interested, see Mr. DePriest for more information and a registration form. WORDS OF WISDOM "Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it." Lou Holtz South Carolina Football Coach 1999-2004
ORCHESTRA CONTRACT Detach and Return by September 1st (Please complete both sides of this sheet and return to Mr. DePriest) Student: I have completely read the Mustang Orchestra Handbook. I understand and agree that: 1. I will follow all policies, rules, and procedures outlined in the handbook. 2. I will practice at least 5 days a week to learn my skills and music in a timely manner 3. I will bring my book, binder, instrument, and pencil to class every day. 4. my contribution to the orchestra is an important part of the ensemble s success. 5. if I miss a rehearsal or concert that my grade and participation will be affected, unless the absence is excused. Student Name Student Signature Date Parent: I have completely read the Mustang Orchestra Handbook. I understand and agree that: 1. I will follow all policies, rules, and procedures outlined in the handbook. 2. I support the student agreement listed above and my child signed it. 3. If I have questions or concerns about my child s experience, I will contact Mr. DePriest first to give him a chance to address them. 4. I must pick up my child no later than 15 minutes after an event has ended. If I am going to be late, I will call Mr. DePriest to make him aware of the situation. 5. my family has a financial obligation to the orchestra program. This will ensure my child has necessary supplies for the greatest chance of success, and to maintain a standard of excellence for the program as a whole. Parent s Name Parent Signature Date Please fill out the information below to assist in orchestra communication: Home Address: Phone #1: Phone #2: E-mail Address: **Email is our primary form of communication. Please update the director if it changes.
Charleston County School District Instrument Agreement Fill this out ONLY if you are applying for a district instrument. Student s Name School Year Type of Instrument: (circle one) violin viola cello bass Type of Rental (Check all that apply) School Use: Year 2017-18 Rental ($50) Summer 2018 Rental ($25) Home Use: (if available) Please inform me if we can take the instrument home. We have our own instrument at home. The orchestra director will fill out this section of the form. Please sign at the bottom of the page. Make Serial Number Value Accessories Condition Charleston County School District (CCSD) charges a rental fee for the use of a district owned instrument and equipment. This fee is used to maintain and repair the instruments throughout the academic year and over the summer. The undersigned agrees to rent the following instrument from CCSD for the period of time indicated above. Rental fees are non-refundable. No member will be denied the opportunities of our organization due to financial difficulties. If there are financial issues, please talk with us! The undersigned assumes full responsibility for the proper handling and care of the instrument and equipment. All repairs that exceed the rental fee collected for the rental period above (e.g. replace strings or rosin, set sound-post, etc.) are the responsibility of the renter. Those repairs must be accomplished within a reasonable amount of time. If the instrument and equipment becomes lost, stolen, or destroyed while in the care of the renter, it will become the renter s responsibility to reimburse the district the replacement value of said instrument and equipment within a reasonable amount of time. Students may forfeit their use of school owned instrument and equipment if it is found that the student is willfully and/or negligently abusing or harming it. All fees are due before the instrument can be released to the renter. Instruments must be turned in at the end of the rental period indicated above. Checks or money orders should be made payable to CE Williams Middle School. Parent/Guardian Name (Please Print) Signature of Parent/Guardian