Loudoun County High School Orchestra Student and Parent HANDBOOK Ms. Andrea Pulley, Orchestra Director
August 2016 Dear Student and Parent(s)/Guardian(s), Welcome to a new school year & the orchestra program at Tuscarora High School. I hope you had a relaxing and enjoyable summer vacation. I am excited to have recently moved to Virginia from Georgia and especially excited to teach your amazing young string players. The success of our orchestra program centers around responsibility, dependability, dedication, and working toward musical improvement individually and as a group. It is my goal to produce an outstanding orchestra and with each person working together and doing his or her part, we can achieve this goal. This handbook contains very valuable information and will prove to be a helpful guide for defining the expectations that are important for keeping the Tuscarora Orchestra a quality organization. Please read this handbook carefully, and return the requested pages to the director with all the pertinent information completed and signed. This will indicate your receipt and acceptance of the policies of the Tuscarora Orchestra. Please return all signed information pages by Thursday 9/1 or Friday, 9/2. This will be recorded as your child s first participation grade which will be an automatic 100%. Communication between the director, parents, and students is very important. I will do my best to relay important information concerning your child to you in a timely manner. If you ever have any questions or information for me, please feel free to contact me through the administrative offices at Simpson Middle School. Sincerely, Ms. Andrea Pulley Orchestra Director J. Lupton Simpson Middle School Tuscarora High School Loudoun County High School
Course Description The following skills and concepts will be developed by means of orchestral literature, etudes and technical studies appropriate to the needs and abilities of the student: 1. Correct posture and position 2. Tone production and vibrato 3. Major and minor scales and arpeggios 4. Bowing styles, articulations and techniques 5. Listening skills 6. Musical interpretation and expression 7. Music history and theory 8. Advanced positions in various keys 9. Concert and rehearsal etiquette Grading System Orchestra students will be graded in the following manner Assessment Performances, Rehearsals, Recorded Playing Tests submitted to Schoology, Written Tests, Quizzes etc. Homework Practice Logs. Daily Participation Arriving on time, having all required materials, actively participating in class rehearsal etc Classwork Check Ups (Concept Checks), Worksheets, Study Guide completion, Review etc 50% 25% 20% 5% This is a professional performing organization and a performance based course. As such, it is very important to prepare skill studies, exercises, and concert pieces at home.
Extracurricular Activities Orchestra members are able to participate in many extracurricular activities which are fun and educational for the student and also benefit the orchestra. I strongly encourage students to take part in as many of these as possible. They include: Junior Regional Orchestra All County Orchestra State Assessment (Performance Evaluation) Chamber Music Groups Other Church and Community Performance Opportunities Musical Auditions Hershey Park Adjudication Many more Tuscarora Orchestras The program is comprised of two performing ensembles: Advanced/Artist and Intermediate Orchestra. Performance selections will be rehearsed during the student s orchestra class and also during occasional after school rehearsals. Attendance for after school rehearsals are MANDATORY for all students and will be posted to Phoenix Gradebook. Parent Involvement : ) A successful orchestra needs the involvement of parents in many ways. Some of the ways parents will be asked to help are: 1) Supervision of a regular home practice routine, 2) Fundraising assistance, 3) Coordination of special events, 4) Attendance at concerts, and 5) Chaperones. ***Practice Policy*** It is understood that students will need to study and practice at home on a regular basis. Because this is an ensemble class, the lack of preparation by one student affects all other students in the group. To be a learning contributing member of the Simpson Orchestra, you are required to practice and log your time. 8 th Grade Practice Logs are due the first day of each week that orchestra meets (Monday or Tuesday depending on A or B day). 6 th and 7 th Grade Practice Logs are due at each and every class session unless stated otherwise. Sectionals and orchestra rehearsals do not count towards the overall total. This will count as a part of your homework grade. You are given free passes which will be discussed during class. ***Private Lessons*** It is strongly encouraged that students take private lessons to enhance their orchestral learning experiences. Through concentrated and individualized help on specific techniques and
literature on the student s specific instrument, progress will be more readily visible and audible at home as well as at school. Private instruction also greatly increases a student s chances of being selected for All-State, Governors Honors and scholarships. Please let me know if you would like a list of recommended private teachers. Concerts Concerts are the culmination of many hours of hard work. They are a vital part of the course objectives and the grading policy. Therefore, attendance at concerts and extra rehearsals is mandatory. Concert and rehearsal dates are announced well in advance with the expectation that medical/dental appointments, soccer practices, piano lessons, etc. will not be a source of schedule conflicts. Excused absences from an after-school rehearsals and concerts will be granted only in extreme circumstances (illness, family emergency, religious observance). In cases where a true emergency arises and a student is unable to attend a rehearsal or concert, he or she will complete an alternate assignment. ****As Ms. Pulley s students and member of this organization, you are expected to look and act professionally in class and at performances. To achieve success requires a tremendous amount of self-discipline. We should demand excellence in everything that we do, and should expect the same in our musical performance. Every student who is a member of any Tuskie string ensemble is subject to all school and county policies regarding behavior, in addition to following rules and expectations listed below.**** The student: RULES 1. Be respectful of everyone and everything. 2. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself. 3. No food, drink, or gum in class. EXPECTATIONS Will arrive on time, be seated in his/her assigned chair with their instrument ready. Will come to all activities prepared with required class materials, including their instrument. Will have electronic devices turned off and put away at all times. Will be an active listener during rehearsal. (i.e. no talking while other students are working.) Will have a sharpened pencil at every rehearsal! (NO PENS, even if they are the erasable kind.)
Be Ready Be Responsible Be Respectful Be Musical! CONSEQUENCES FOR INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR First offense ------------------------------- > Warning. Second offense ---------------------------- > Lunch Detention assigned. Phone call home. Third offense ------------------------------ > Referral. UNIFORMS Your concert attire for all performances (unless stated otherwise) MUST BE STANDARD CONCERT BLACK. THAT MEANS BLACK DRESS PANTS, BLACK DRESS SHOES, BLACK SOCKS, BLACK BELTS...etc. Invest in your wardrobe and make sure it fits you properly. Yoga pants, stretchy work out pants, tennis shoes these are not appropriate for the stage. Ladies MUST wear their hair up in a bun (obviously shorter hairstyles may be worn down but pulled from the face). This will be discussed during class. *T-shirt to wear at Busch Gardens more details will be given during class REMIND NOTIFICATIONS If you are able to do this please take the time to set up your phone/e-mail to receive alerts regarding our events throughout the school year. This has been very useful in the past and I will continue using both this and the Phoenix e-mail system to keep everyone in the loop : ) Please TEXT @raider216 to 81010 and follow all prompts
How To Conduct Yourself In the LCHS Orchestra Student/Parent Agreement Parents and Students must read, understand, and sign this contract. I, understand that playing in an orchestra requires team effort and cooperation between the musicians, instrumental coaches, and conductor. Realizing that we have limited rehearsals and that absences affect our preparation, I agree to be part of the team and to adhere to the following guidelines: 1) I agree to be present at all rehearsals, and I understand that the following would constitute an excused absence. Permissible Absences: -Illness -Family Emergencies -Special Circumstances with the consent of the Program Director *Unexcused absences or excess tardiness may result in a lowered grade. 2) I understand that attendance to the entirety of all concerts is mandatory for students (if you must leave directly after performing Ms. Pulley MUST be notified. We stay for the entire concert out of RESPECT and to support our colleagues. 3) I agree to arrive at the scheduled times with my instrument, music, and pencil, to check- in with the Program Director, Ms. Pulley, and to promptly find my seat, tune, warm-up and be ready to rehearse. 4) I agree to prepare the orchestra music to the best of my ability both at home and during class and TURN IN MY PRACTICE LOGS. 5) I agree to display mature, non-disruptive behavior at all times and to act respectfully towards the conductor, parent volunteers, and my fellow colleagues (students).
How To Conduct Yourself In the LCHS Orchestra Student/Parent Agreement 6) I agree to respect the conductor s decisions as final regarding my ensemble and seating placement. Please sign below to acknowledge that you have read and understand to abide by the rules and procedures detailed in this document. Please refer to the director s letter for contact information if you have any questions. *You will receive a separate list of rehearsal and concert dates once they have been finalized. Student Name (printed) Student Signature Date Parent Name (printed) Parent Signature Date How Ms. Pulley looks when you turn stuff in on time.
Music Stores MUSIC STORES Day Violins (recommended) 14221A Willard Rd #500, Chantilly, VA 20151 (703) 391-9444 Leesburg Music and Arts Marketplace at Potomac Station 617 Potomac Station Dr. Leesburg, VA 20176 (703) 779-4905 Guitar Center (a few supplies) Melodee Music 46077 Lake Center Plaza Sterling, VA 20165 (703) 450-4667 ONLINE (please ask about specifics before you buy) www.sharmusic.com www.southweststrings.com NEVER EVER ORDER FROM PAWN SHOPS, WALMART, OR EBAY************** The Potter Violin Company (recommended) 4706 Highland Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814 (301) 652-7070 Weller Violins (violin maker) 705 King Street Second Floor Alexandria, VA 22314 (703)-548-3799 REQUIRED MATERIALS I know, seems like a lot but really it s the Instrument, the book, and the accessories to take care of your investment : ) Instrument in good working condition (PLEASE ASK ME BEFORE YOU BUY). o There are a number of options if you decide to purchase OR rent from the stores listed above. o We do have school cellos and basses we can loan for $100 for the school year. This is on a FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS. If you have financial concerns PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO SPEAK WITH ME IN PERSON and we can figure something out together. 1 set of extra strings (Prelude strings are affordable and sound pretty good) o For more advanced musicians you may want to try the following: o Dominant (highly recommended) o Peter Infeld o Pi o Evah Pirazzi Intermediate: Essential Technique for String Orchestra, Book 3
Music Stores Advanced/Artist: Advanced Technique for String Orchestra, gold book 3-RING BLACK BINDER WITH SHEET PROTECTORS (In which to keep all music and method book.) Pencil (needs to be kept in music binder at all times!) Rosin (purchase with your instrument rental) Small, soft cloth for wiping off instrument. Shoulder Rest (violins and violas) (type - Kun or similar ) Rock Stop (cellos) Tuner o Snark is the brand we have for class use only o You may choose to download a tuner app I have downloaded DaTuner Lite on my own personal phone) Music stand (for at home practice) a folding wire stand is perfectly fine