Kristopher Lane, Orchestra Director lanek@evsd.org E. 15711 Wellesley Spokane Valley, WA Phone: (509)-241-5115 Orchestra Handbook 2018-19 In conjunction with the high standards we have established for the East Valley High School Music Department, we also agree to abide by the Knights Code: E xcellence Always do your personal best. Inspire excellence in others. V alue Everyone Show consideration, respect, appreciation and acceptance towards others. H onor - Highest character and integrity are evident in the classroom, hallways and activities. S afety A positive learning environment which promotes service, security and citizenship. I was born with music inside me. It was a force already within me when I arrived on the scene. It was a necessity for me like food or water. -Ray Charles Music is a more potent instrument than any other for education, because rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul. -Plato Music is not what I do, It s who I am. 1
Welcome the East Valley High School Music Department. You have chosen to be a part of an outstanding and successful program, and have the opportunity to add to the heritage of excellence that has been established in previous years. What happens this year is entirely up to you and the level of commitment and work ethic you are willing to demonstrate. In this performing ensemble, we believe in PRIDE. P ersonal R esponsibility for I ndividual D aily E ffort For us this means we strive to become better individuals so when together we become a stronger, more confident group, which in turn reinforces the self-confidence and pride of each musician. All of us must work to achieve the highest character and keep our focus on our objective to make beautiful music throughout each rehearsal so our best efforts are a combination of everyone s collective efforts and energy. Always do your best, always strive for excellence, always take your commitment seriously, and be ready for what each day may bring. Be a positive and respected member of the department by setting a good example for others to follow. Regard the success in our past as the benchmark for our future. STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR Criteria for a Successful Rehearsal * The rehearsal time was well spent and left the students feeling better at the end of rehearsal than at the beginning * Everyone is prepared and on time * Positive comments outweigh negative comments during rehearsal * Expectations for the rehearsal were met or exceeded * Physical and mental efforts are maximized throughout the rehearsal without the need for the teacher or instructors to push the students General Rules 1. Be respectful 2. Be quiet and attentive during all functions 3. Be prepared and on time, with all necessary materials 4. Keep all rehearsal and performance areas clean and in good condition 5. You are expected to take care of all personal necessities outside of class time, i.e. bathroom, drink, stuff from your locker, phone calls home, please don t waste our time. 6. Do not bring food, drinks, or gum into rehearsals, or performances Water bottles that can be sealed are acceptable. Only water is allowed! Attendance Policy *A tardy occurs when a student is late for class or a performance without a written note from the attendance secretary or phone/note verification from a staff member or parent. *An unexcused tardy that is ten minutes past the start of the period may result in an unexcused absence or truancy. Students with excessive tardies are subject to corrective action. (See EVHS Student Handbook) In accordance with the EVHS Intervention Policy, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) will be utilized in the music department. Unless a student s behavior warrants immediate removal from class with a referral to the office. 2
FACILITIES Rules 1. The music room will be kept clean and neat at all times! 2. Do not misuse chairs, stands, or risers. 3. If it is not yours, DO NOT touch it! 4. Absolutely no food or drinks in the music room. You may have a sealable container for water only. Strolling Strings 0 period, must purchase ASB card. This class meets at 6:45-7:30 a.m. during zero hour class time Tuesday-Friday. No audition is required but students must also be in a 3 rd, 4 th, or 5 th period orchestra class during the regular school day. Regular orchestra classes teach skills and theory needed to achieve growth in performance. Strolling Strings is focused on memorization, movement while playing, and showmanship. This group is a shining representative of the school and district to the community. Freshmen will not start performing until late October or November after they have learned the music and dances. Strolling starts on September 4th. Attendance at performances is based off sign-ups and event size. Orchestra 3 rd /4 th period, must purchase ASB card. These are the general orchestra classes. Orchestra covers a wide variety of genres to challenge the participants. Music History and Theory are key components for the class. Students will develop technical excellence and musical expression, exploring the essentials of musicianship. Attendance at all performances (i.e. Concerts, festivals, graduation) is mandatory. Encore Orchestra 5th period, must purchase ASB card. Audition Required. This is the select ensemble. Orchestra covers a wide variety of genres to challenge the participants. Music History and Theory are key components for the class. Students will begin exploring finesse and musical artistry, as well as refined technique. Participants in this class may be required to attend extra rehearsals and sectionals. Additional repertoire will be assigned and select performance opportunities will be presented. Attendance at all performances (i.e. Concerts, festivals) is mandatory. All Ensembles Students are accountable for reasonable cleaning and upkeep of concert/strolling uniform while in their possession. Any concert or strolling uniform pieces returned in unsatisfactory condition will be assessed a cleaning/replacement fee. 3
CONCERT DRESS: As representatives of the EVHS Orchestra Program, East Valley High School, and ultimately themselves, all Orchestra Students are expected to wear appropriate concert attire. Any student inappropriately dressed will receive 0 points for their concert dress portion of their grade. Uniforms will be checked out to students for Orchestra and Strolling. Women must provide their own black shoes, and men must provide their own black shoes and black slacks. SCHOOL INSTRUMENTS The school has a limited supply of instruments available to use for a fee of $30. Any student checking out an instrument is responsible for its upkeep, repairs, and general maintenance during the time of possession. Students checking out an instrument will complete an instrument checkout form with the signatures of the parent and student. Parents or guardians will be held responsible for restitution for damage caused by the student or other external forces to school instruments. GRADING POLICY Grading Scale A 90-100% Daily Participation 5 pts/day B 80-89% Concerts 50-100pts/concert, including: C 70-79% call time & concert dress D 60-69% Class Assignments As assigned F 59% & Below *Students will be given points each day based upon participation, including being prepared for class (all music, folder, pencil, & any other materials distributed). *Students will be given assignments that will require time spent outside of class. *This is a participation and performance-based class. ALL STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO BE AT ALL PERFORMANCES. Excuses will only be made on a case by case basis. CONFLICTING WORK SCHEDULES WILL NEVER BE ACCEPTED AS AN EXCUSED ABSENCE FROM ANY MUSIC FUNCTION. To earn an A in orchestra, students should expect to complete: *Participation in all scheduled performances. *Preparation & participation in daily rehearsals. *All written assignments completed in a timely manner. Extra Credit may be given for the following, but not limited to: *Private Lessons *Attendance at performing events, with a concert critique written and submitted *Audition for All-State/Northwest Orchestra *Concert Set-up and Tear-down FUNDRAISING Every year there are festival performances in other cities and travel expenses that are not covered by the district. Fundraising opportunities are presented to offset the cost of participation and travel to these events. Participation in fundraising is optional. 4
Please complete and return by Friday, August 31st I have read this handbook and understand the contents within. I agree to abide by all rules stated. Signatures (Student) (Date) (Parent/Guardian) (Date) Parent/Guardian Email address: (This will allow Mr. Lane to send out emails with concert and trip information. Many communications are sent out by email. Provide one if comfortable, or contact Mr. Lane for alternate means of contact.) Please write any additional information Mr. Lane should be aware of below. Thanks! 5