Highland Park Middle School/MIS Orchestra Handbook & Calendar Louise Rossi, Head Director rossil@hpisd.org 214.780.3667 Ted Grille & Rebecca Seiver, Associate Directors grillet@hpisd.org & seiverr@hpisd.org
Dear Orchestra Students and Parents: Welcome to the Highland Park Middle School/McCulloch Intermediate School Orchestra Program. You have chosen to participate in a program that has an established reputation of educational, performance and competition successes. These accomplishments have been reached because of the diligent work of so many who have come before you. Please respect our tradition of excellence and have fun! 1. RESPONSIBILITY 2. DEPENDABILITY 3. MUSICAL EXCELLENCE 4. EXCELLENT CONDUCT It is the goal of your directors to produce outstanding orchestras. It is also the belief of the directors that students learn more and develop better self discipline, responsibility, and knowledge, and take more pride in superior orchestras than in poor ones. Producing an outstanding orchestra requires that each student accepts certain responsibilities along with excellent conduct. The following pages will outline the basic requirements for orchestra at HPMS/MIS. Please return the last page to Ms. Rossi with all the requested information completed and signed. This will indicate your notification and acceptance of the policies of the HPMS/MIS Orchestra Program. Please retain the remainder of the handbook so you may refer to it when necessary. I congratulate you on being part of a superior organization and hope each of you will feel pride in being part of our Orchestra Family. Sincerely, Louise Rossi, Head Director rossil@hpisd.org
GOALS, GRADING SYSTEM AND SUPPLIES GOALS 1. Understand and use musical terms 2. Read and understand pitch notation. 3. Execute rhythmic notation. 4. Use proper left and right hand techniques. 5. Use eye to hand coordination. 6. Perform in an ensemble. 7. Interact in large group discipline. 8. Interact socially with peers. 9. Accept and utilize constructive criticism. 10.Exhibit excellent and respectable conduct. GRADING SYSTEM The grading system is broken down into three categories: 1. Performances, playing and written tests, rehearsals and sectionals 2. Daily rehearsal 3. Daily tuning, preparedness and written work Practice records are checked every Tuesday and must be signed by a parent. TIME PRACTICED = GRADE 6 th grade Concert Honor 105 min. 140 min. 210 min. _ 100 90 min. 120 min. 180 min. _ 90 75 min. 100 min. 150 min. _ 80 60 min. 80 min. 120 min. _ 70 MUSIC AND SUPPLIES The following will be expected of all orchestra members: Tuner (provided by school) Black, 3 ring binder (provided by school) ALL students are required to keep in their Orchestra binder: Orchestra Calendar All sheet music Students are responsible for the maintenance and accountability of all school supplies materials, just as they are responsible for textbooks in other classes. Lost or damaged music/or folders must be paid for by the student.
PURPOSE, ELIGIBILITY AND ABSENCE POLICY PURPOSE Orchestra is a year long course that meets regularly during the school day. The nature of this class requires the development of skills, concepts, and attitudes. These must, however, be demonstrated outside of class in rehearsals and performances. ELIGIBILITY The Texas Education Agency has a specific list of activities which require a student to be eligible to participate. These include competitions and activities which charge an admission fee. For more information about eligibility, see UIL-TMEA SIDE BY SIDE at www.tmea.org, the website for the Texas Music Educators Association. Students must have a grade of 70 or above in all classes, including P.E., athletics, and electives as well as academic classes on the report card to be considered eligible. It is the student s responsibility to maintain eligibility. ATTENDANCE REHEARSAL AND CONCERT ABSENCE POLICY An orchestra performs at optimum with all members present. Therefore, students are required to participate in rehearsals and performances unless excused by the director. Good communication between teacher, students, and parents can prevent misunderstandings. Please read the following rules and contact the director if you have any questions. 1. Written notice from parents is required for all absences. Verbal or student-written excuses are not accepted. E-MAIL is acceptable. 2. Advance notice is required for all prior commitments. A prior commitment is defined as a date already committed to before the orchestra schedule is given out in August. 3. In the case of illness and/or family emergency, the parents should send a written notice to the director as soon as they are aware of the situation. Illness that does not result in absence from school will be excused only at the director s discretion. If there is a family emergency situation, e.g. something that happens 30 minutes before a concert, it may be impossible to get in touch with anyone. Please follow up with a written note as soon as possible after the fact. This in the ONLY category where absences will be excused the same day or after the fact. 4. Students who have an excused absence from a performance will be given the opportunity during morning tutorials to perform their
concert songs as a make-up assignment. Students who have an unexcused absence from a performance will receive a major grade of a zero. INSTRUMENTS, SUPPLIES AND MUSIC ENRICHMENT INSTRUMENTS All instruments must be in good playing condition at all times. Proper maintenance is required. Students are expected to have rosin, shoulder rests (violin, viola) and rock stops (cello, bass). School owned instruments are the responsibility of the students to whom they are checked out. The school is unable to pay for repairs due to student negligence. ATTENTION 6 th graders! PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE A BEGINNER INSTRUMENT WITHOUT HAVING A DIRECTOR APPROVE THE INSTRUMENT! Some internet instruments are good, but many are not playable and/or will not stay in tune. A reputable dealer will allow complete satisfaction or the return of the instrument. Instrument Rental Options: Music and Arts: 972-424-1317 Brook Mays Music: 972-233-9633 STEP-UP INSTRUMENTS Step-up instruments are not required, but many 7 th and 8 th grade students will be interested in obtaining one as the student progresses. General information for step-up instruments: 1. Before purchasing an instrument, please ask a director and/or private instructor for advice. 2. Do not buy your beginner instrument. You will outgrow its ability. 3. Buy a step-up instrument only from a recognized music dealership. Frequently, instruments that look pretty are not necessarily of good quality. Step-up instruments are designed to enhance one s playing, and not just look pretty. Many factors contribute toward a good quality instrument. 4. If the instrument has the name Stradivarius in it, it means it is a copy of a Stradivarius. 5. Step-up instruments do not come as an outfit. You must purchase the bow and case separately from the instrument. 6. Always try out several instruments before purchasing. A reputable seller will allow you take the instrument with you to play for a few days.
7. There is not just one brand or price for step-up instruments. There are several makes and models designed for middle school, high school and beyond. 8. Please remember that a step-up instrument is carved by a craftsman and is each one is unique. It takes time and care to select the right one. SUPPLIES Supplies are available for purchase from Music & Arts through the orchestra office. You do not need to go to the music store to get: STRINGS, ROSIN, SHOULDER RESTS, CLEANING CLOTH, POLISH, TUNERS, METRONOMES A price list will be posted outside the Orchestra office. Please send checks only, payable to Music & Arts. Students will be given the item after payment is received. Always check with a director before taking an instrument to be repaired. We might be able to fix it! MUSIC ENRICHMENT In addition to individual orchestra classes, we also have a wonderful staff of private music instructors. Each teacher is an expert on his or her individual instrument and undergoes a stringent approval process to teach in our district. The private lessons last half of the class, once a week, at a cost of $20.00 per lesson. Times are worked out between the student and teacher. Private lessons are not required and will not affect your grade. However, students who take lessons usually find themselves at a much higher level much faster than is normally expected. If you are interested, a form can be found in this packet or on the website.
ORCHESTRA DISCIPLINE PLAN 2015-2016 EXPECTATIONS 1. Have all materials (instrument, bow, pencil and music) at your seat, ready to begin class 2 minutes after the tardy bell. You must be in the classroom when the bell rings. 2. Raise your hand for permission to leave your seat or speak in class. 3. Keep hands, feet, and all other objects to yourself at all times. 4. No gum, food or drink is allowed in the Orchestra Room. 5. Take care of all the equipment in your Orchestra Room. 6. Keep your violin/viola in your arms at all times never on the floor or hanging from a stand. 7. Keep your instrument in its assigned storage place.
UNIFORMS AND ORCHESTRA FEES UNIFORMS Uniforms will be worn for all concerts and pictures. Students will NOT be allowed to perform without complete uniform. 6 th graders will wear: Sunday Best 7 th and 8 th graders will wear: Boys: Black button-down long sleeve shirt Black dress pants Black dress shoes and socks Girls: Black tea-length skirts Black blouses Black, close-toed dress shoes Black hose or tights INFORMAL ATTIRE In addition to the above, there may be occasions where the orchestra students will wear an informal uniform (Raider Orchestra T-shirt). In such cases, each student is expected to wear the appropriate attire and dress in a dignified manner. The cost of the orchestra t-shirt is included in your orchestra fee. All students are expected to sport the OFFICIAL HPMS/MIS Orchestra SHIRT on all concert days, competition days, and to all other specified events. ORCHESTRA FEE Each student in the HPMS/MIS orchestra program will need to pay an annual fee. This fee will cover expenses such as: transportation, trophy engravings, t-shirts and clinicians. The fee will be $50.00. Please make checks payable to HPMS/MIS. *Additional fees may apply through out the year for items such as music books and orchestra outings, etc.
HPMS/MIS In-School Private Lessons The HPMS/MIS Orchestra Program is fortunate to be able to offer our students the opportunity to receive private music instruction here at school. All teachers are well-qualified and respected string instructors who will give your child a worthwhile and valuable experience. Private instruction is available once a week during your child s orchestra class. Private lessons are strongly recommended for any student who has a desire to develop his/her talent to its fullest potential. Your child will have a private lesson on a specific day each week, lasting 25 minutes. If a student must miss a lesson due to illness, field trip, program, assembly, medical appointment, etc., the teacher must be notified at least 24 hours in advance. In the event of a sudden illness on the day of the lesson, Contact the private teacher in the morning or at school, so he/she can adjust his/her teaching schedule. Lessons are $20.00 each. Checks should be paid directly to the private teacher. If you have any questions, please call or email Ms. Rossi at 214-780-3667. Lessons during school class time fill up quickly, so please respond promptly. Yes, I would like in-school private lessons for my child: Student s name Instrument: Parent s name: Parent s signature: Date:
HIGHLAND PARK M.S./MIS ORCHESTRA CALENDAR 2015-2016 **Students need to arrive 30 minutes BEFORE all concerts start for tuning** OCTOBER Thurs, 1 6 th grade rehearsal 3:45-4:30 Thurs, 1 6 th grade Demo Concert 5:00pm HPMS Auditorium (Doors open at 4:45) Sat, 17 Region Orchestra Auditions @ South Grand Prairie H.S. 7 th & 8 th Tues, 27 - Fall Hauntcert 7:00pm Northpark Mall 6/7/8 graders (A Halloween "Hauntcert" in costume. NorthCourt between Nordstrom and Macy's) NOVEMBER Tues, 10- Region Orchestra Sectionals @ Houston MS 6:30-9:00 7 th & 8th Tues, 17 Skate Party @ White Rock Skate 4:00-6:00 (additional fee will apply) Fri/Sat, 20/21 Region Orchestra Clinic/Concert @ Conrad HS 7 th & 8th DECEMBER Thurs, 3-6 th grade rehearsal 3:45-4:30 Thurs, 3 - Winter Concert 7:00pm HPMS Auditorium 6/7/8 graders Tues, 8 HP High School Concert 7:00pm HPHS Auditorium (not required) JANUARY Tues, 26 HP High School Chamber Music Concert 7:00pm (not required) MARCH T/W/T, 1/2/3- UIL Concert and Sightreading contest (Honor Orchestra only) Thurs, 17 6 th grade rehearsal 3:45-4:30 Thurs, 17 Concert 7:00pm HPMS Auditorium 6/7/8 graders Tues, 22 Highlander Festival Rehearsal 4:00-5:00 (6 th and Honors only) Wed, 23 Highland Festival Concert 7:00pm HPHS Gym (6 th and Honor only) MAY Tues, 17 HPHS Concert 7:00pm HPHS Auditorium Thurs, 19 6 th grade rehearsal 3:45-4:30 Thurs, 19 - Spring Concert 7:00pm HPMS Auditorium 6/7/8 graders TBD- Day at Waterpark (additional fee will apply) This calendar will be updated periodically. Please check the orchestra webpage and group e-mails for updates.
PLEASE RETURN THIS PAGE TO YOUR DIRECTOR ALONG WITH YOUR ORCHESTRA FEE OF $50.00 As a student member of this orchestra, I have read this handbook and understand the membership requirements, particularly in regard to home practice, rehearsal, and concert attendance. I will assume the obligations and responsibilities and will do my best to accomplish the objectives and follow all rules. Print student s name Orchestra Class Student's signature Date As a parent (guardian) of this student, I understand the rules and expectations for my child. I agree to abide by the rules and regulations stated in this handbook. Parent's signature Date