South Miami Middle Community School Orchestra Handbook Besnik Hashani, Orchestra Director Fabiola Izaguirre, Principal 2018-2019 1
Table of content A Message from the Director.3 General Classroom Policies 3 Ensemble Syllabi Vivace Orchestra (Period 1) 4 Concert Orchestra (Period 4).5 String Symphony (Period 3) 6 Chamber Orchestra (Period 2)..7 Music Theory Syllabi Theory 1 (Period 6).8 Theory 2 (Period 5).8 After School Rehearsals..9 Instrument Care..9 Concert Attire...10 Concert Etiquette. 10 Parental Involvement (Booster)...11 Calendar of events..12 List of Private Teachers. 12 Parent and Student Information Sheet (due back to director) 13 2
A message from the Director: Dear South Miami Middle Orchestra Families, Welcome to the 2018-19 school year! I am very excited to see the 7 and 8 graders back and welcome the 6 graders to our orchestra family. This year will be filled with playing, learning and performing. I am looking forward to working with the students and parents, so we can have another successful year. Each one of the students has been handpicked through the audition process to be part of our great program. I am hoping that through my guidance every single student will be able to realize their full potential as a musician and that they all become lifelong learners. Whether you are looking to audition for high school, learn a new challenging song for solo and ensemble, or need any help whatsoever, please feel free to contact me. I am here to help you. Sincerely, Besnik Hashani South Miami Middle School Orchestra Director bhashani@dadeschools.net General Classroom Policies: Please adhere to the following rules when you are in the orchestra classroom: 1. Always apply the Golden Rule : don t do to others what you don t want to be done to you. 2. Be respectful to all the adults in the classroom no matter who they are. 3. Be respectful to all the students in the classroom. 4. Use instruments with utmost care, they are meant to last many lifetimes (the Stradivarius violins were built in the 18 th century and are still used today). 5. Treat all school and personal property of all students with care. 3
Vivace Syllabus The students from Vivace are experienced orchestra players who still need reinforcement in some of the basic skills on their instrument. These are the skills and goals that we will work on attaining: 1. Beginning Techniques 2. Proper posture and position 3. Fluency in reading and playing in first position 4. Beginning music theory as related to string instruments 5. Music history and diversity 6. Careers in music 7. Rehearsal etiquette 8. Performance etiquette Grading will be based on the following: 1. Class Participation 2. Rehearsal Etiquette 3. Playing Quizzes 4. Seating Auditions 5. Performance Participation and Etiquette 4
Concert Orchestra Syllabus The students from the Concert Orchestra have mastered the rudimentary techniques on their instrument and are ready to play with a more comprehensive technique. The goals and objectives of this orchestra for the year are: 1. Proper posture and position 2. Fluency in reading and playing in first position 3. Introduction to 2 and 3 nd position (violin/viola) 4. Introduction to thumb position (cello/bass) 5. Introduction to vibrato 6. Mastering of shifting 7. Intermediate music theory as it relates to string instruments 8. Playing with correct phrasing 9. Playing with correct dynamic contrast 10. Preparation for high school string programs 11. Music history and diversity 12. Playing with sound tone quality 13. Playing efficiently with: staccato and spiccato 14. Rehearsal etiquette 15. Performance etiquette Grading will be based on the following: 1. Class Participation 2. Rehearsal Etiquette 3. Playing Quizzes 4. Seating Auditions 5. Performance Participation and Etiquette 5
String Symphony Members of the String Symphony are veteran players of our school. They have extensive performance experience and are looking for higher level of artistry. The following are the goals and objectives for the school year: 1. Proper posture position 2. Fluency in 1 st, 2 nd, and 3 rd positions (violin/viola) 3. Introduction to 4 th and 5 th positions (violin/viola) 4. Fluency in thumb position (cello/bass) 5. Fluency in vibrato 6. Advanced music theory as it relates to string instruments 7. Playing with smooth legato tone 8. Playing efficiently with: Staccato, Spiccato, Sautille and combinations of these bow strokes 9. Preparation for high school string programs 10. Community outreach and involvement 11. Music history and diversity 12. Rehearsal etiquette 13. Performance Participation and Etiquette 14. Being able to carry the section independently when needed Grading will be based on the following: 1. Class Participation 2. Rehearsal Etiquette 3. Playing Quizzes 4. Seating Auditions 5. Performance Participation and Etiquette 6
Chamber Orchestra Chamber Orchestra is the elite performing ensemble of our program. The students have been picked for their ability to play in an artistic and sophisticated manner. Apart from the regular school performances the Chamber Orchestra will be asked to perform in different outreach concerts in the community. Performances are only part of what chamber orchestra does. The objectives and goals of Chamber Orchestra are the same as for String Symphony but include the following as well: 1. Playing FOA All State Audition requirements 2. Being able to phrase consistently 3. Being able shift to 4 th and 5 th position with fluency (violins and violas) 4. Being able to use thumb position and read tenor clef with fluency (cellos) 5. Being able to carry musical line individually 6. Being able to use vibrato consistently 7. Being able to play music in any style (i.e. Baroque, Classical, Romantic, etc.) Grading will be based on the following: 1. Class Participation 2. Rehearsal Etiquette 3. Playing Quizzes 4. Seating Auditions 5. Performance Participation and Etiquette 7
Music Theory 1 Students will review or be introduced to the following concepts: 1. Basic notation symbols 2. Scales 3. Key Signatures 4. Intervals 5. Triads 6. Rhythmic patterns and their execution 7. Ear training for intervals, scales and triads Tentatively the students will be introduced to the following Music Technology concepts: Music Notation (Finale Software), Midi Tech and Track Mixing (Audacity and Pro Tools software) Grading will be based on the following: 1. Class participation 2. Theory tests and quizzes 3. Various in class projects Music Theory 2 Students will review or be introduced to the following concepts: 1. Basic notation symbols 2. Scales 3. Key Signatures 4. Intervals 5. Triads 6. Rhythmic patterns and their execution 7. Ear training for intervals, scales and triads 8. Triad inversions 9. Basic chord progressions and practical implementation 10. Improvisation 8
Tentatively the students will be introduced to the following Music Technology concepts: Music Notation (Finale Software), Midi Tech and Track Mixing (Audacity and Pro Tools software) Grading will be based on the following: 1.Class participation 2.Theory tests and quizzes 3.Various in class projects After School Rehearsals The times reserved for afterschool rehearsals are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:15 to 4:30. These rehearsals will be used as necessary and the parents and students will be notified at least one week in advance. If an afterschool rehearsal is scheduled, then this rehearsal does become mandatory for the students of the scheduled ensemble. Instrument Care Here are some basic tips about how to care for your instrument: 1. Never leave your instrument in the trunk of your car. The heat will damage it. 2. Never leave your instrument in direct sunlight. 3. Never let anyone else use or touch your instrument. 4. Never leave your instrument unattended when it is not in the case. 5. Always carry the instrument by the handle or strap. 6. Always use caution when you are handling the instrument and bow 7. Do not leave your instrument or bow on the floor ANYWHERE!!! ***If a student does purposeful damage to any school instrument or school property, on top of being referred to the administration, charges may be pressed for vandalism. We work extremely hard to fundraise and pay fees to have our instruments maintained and acquired! *** 9
Concert Attire Middle School Men: Required Dress for all middle school boys consists of black pants (no black jeans), a white dress shirt with long sleeves, black sox, black shoes and a black bowtie. The bowties can be ordered on this website: www.drillcomp.com Middle School Women: A long black dress and black shoes. Jewelry should be understated so it does not interfere with the performance. No rings or bracelets should be worn during performances. The dress can be ordered through this link: http://www.drillcomp.com/concert-dresses/cwjudrb.html. ***NOTE: The shipping and handling of the dresses takes up to 6 weeks, please order early*** Concert Etiquette Performers on Stage Musicians should never talk to audience members from the stage DO NOT GO ON STAGE CHEWING GUM Do not talk during playing on stage Once you get on stage you may warm up and play your instrument if the conductor is not there yet. If you happen to make a mistake while performing, do not draw attention to yourself by making faces or laughing At the end of a piece, the conductor may request that you stand up and bow, please do so when you are asked Audience Members Avoid anything that makes noise during the performance of the people on stage: Talking, coughing, unwrapping candy, jingling with jewelry, tapping your foot or snapping your fingers ETC. Remember that whatever noise we make it affects the recording of the concert or performance. If you have an emergency and need to leave immediately, please leave as quiet as possible. If you can wait for end of the song to leave that would be ideal. Do not scream people s names that are on stage while applauding! Do not leave the concerts early, you should show respect for all the groups performing. 10
Parental Involvement and practicing As in any part of a middle school student s life, parental involvement is crucial when it comes to the orchestra class. The parents must be vigilant and encourage the students to practice at home. Students go naturally through ups and downs in their motivation to practice, and sometimes students will be excited, and sometimes practicing will feel like a chore. Either way, consistency in practicing the instrument is essential. The minimum required practice time is 30 minutes a day. This means EVERY day. Playing at school, with a youth orchestra or with a small ensemble does not count. This time is reserved for working on one s own technique and needs. I realize that that private instruction can be pricy especially during these tough economic times. But let me assure you that affording private lessons to your child is one of the best investments you will make in their music education. Communication between parents and teachers is essential in the success of the student. Therefore please do not hesitate to contact me for whatever concern you have. The best way to contact me is via email: bhashani@dadeschools.net. The Wildcat Orchestra Booster Club helps the program tremendously in fundraising and organizing events for the orchestra program. Without the help of the booster the quality of the program would suffer, and the students would not have the opportunity to participate in events and performances that they do. It is very important that more parents get involved with the Booster. The more parents get involved the less work there is for everybody to do. I always encourage the parents to help with one of the three T s: Time, Talent, or Treasure. Please join us and give us your input on how we can improve our events. 11
Calendar of Events 2018-2019 SOUTH MIAMI MIDDLE SCHOOL ORCHESTRA Date Activity Location Audience and eligibility August 27 Last day to submit payment and paperwork for ALL STATE Audition Classroom September 13 All State Auditions (after school) Coral Reef Senior High School November 17 First Annual Orchestra Thanksgiving TBA Picnic 12:00 PM-4:00 PM December 10 8 th grade recital 7:00 PM South Miami Middle Auditorium December 18 WINTER CONCERT 7:00 PM South Miami (Students call time 6:00 PM) Middle Auditorium January 9-12 Florida Music Educators Convention Tampa, Florida and ALL STATE January 17 New World Symphony Field Trip Miami Beach (8:15 AM- 12:30 PM) January 24 Superintendents Honors Orchestra South Miami AUDITIONS Middle School 7 th and 8 th graders 7 th and 8 th graders 8 th grade students (MANDATORY) Students who passed the All State Audition (Chaperones needed) February 9 Solo and Ensemble FOA TBA February 14 Valentines Pasta Dinner South Miami Middle Cafeteria March 5-8 MUSIC PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT Coral Reef Senior FOA (Mandatory for the selected High School students) April 3, 11 and 12 April 13 May 29 June 5 Superintendents Honors Orchestra REHEARSALS (5:00 PM 8:30 PM) Superintendents Honors Orchestra CONCERT and DRESS Rehearsal END OF THE YEAR CONCERT 7:00 PM (Student call time 6:30 PM) End of the year Award Ceremony and Banquet South Miami Middle School TBA South Miami Middle Auditorium TBA (Chaperones needed) Students who passed the Superintendents Honors Audition Students who passed the Superintendents Honors Audition (MANDATORY) 12
List of recommended Private Instructors: Violin: Melissa Lesniak 305 282 8064 Vivian Ventura 786 564 6862 Ana Ventura 305 322 2402 Laura Wilcox 305 898 9541 Fidel Garcia 786 253 2043 Keisha Frith 786 556 2910 Viola: Melissa Lesniak 305 282 8064 Laura Wilcox 305 898 9541 Keisha Frith 786 556 2910 Cello: Tinder Burris 786 493 1236 Wells Cunningham 305 582 8581 Edder Rivera 305 431 8816 William Locke 301 467 2916 Double Bass : Jon Dadurka 305 984 5725 Jeff Kipperman 914 552 8618 There are many other private teachers in the community. The private teachers listed here have been proven to produce great results with their students and therefore are presented here. For information about prices and availability please contact the teachers directly. Teachers are not listed in any particular order. 13
Student and Parent information and Acknowledgment Form (Print only this page and turn in to the Orchestra Director) Student Name: Orchestra Period: (Print Legibly) Parent (Guardian) Name: (Print Legibly) Parent Phone Number: Parent email: (Print Legibly) I have read and agree to the enclosed procedures, rules, guidelines and requirements as described in the Orchestra Handbook Student Signature Date Parent Signature Date 14