Liberty Hill Middle School Orchestra Handbook 2015-2016 Kaitlin Hampton, Director
August 2015 Dear Orchestra Parents: Welcome back to the hustle and bustle of a new and eventful school year. I am really excited about the orchestra program at LHMS this year. We have a fine orchestra and there will be many opportunities this year to show- off our students. A complete schedule is in this packet. Please put these dates on your calendar in order to avoid any surprises. I will notify you of any changes as soon as I can, and please contact me if you need clarification about a date. As a member of a performing group, your child will be representing the Orchestra, Liberty Hill Middle School, and Killeen ISD in several events. Performance is the end result of the learning process and is used to display to the student and the parent what has been learned. Extra rehearsals, especially section rehearsals, provide for a smaller student/teacher ratio. In this way, the individual needs of the student can be met. We will schedule section rehearsals and full orchestra rehearsals this year as needed. These extra rehearsals will be kept to a minimum and will be a required part of the orchestra grade. Uniforms are an important part in making a positive impression with an audience. This year s concert attire is described in detail in each orchestra s Expectations and Requirements page. Intermediate 7 th /8 th and Advanced Orchestras will have parts of their uniform supplied. Everybody must have an Orchestra Shirt (same shirt as last year), and the order form is in the back of this packet. Grades will be based on playing tests, written tests, extra rehearsals, participation, and performances. All grades will be Formative (45%), except for performances, which will be worth three Summative (55%) grades. Playing, written, and rehearsal techniques grades will be taken weekly. If you have any questions, please feel free to call or email me. Also please be sure to sign and return the pages in the back by September 4th. I am looking forward to a great year working with you and your students! Sincerely, Kaitlin Hampton Orchestra Director Kaitlin.hampton@killeenisd.org 254-336- 1398
About the String Instrument Family When you look at a string instrument, the first thing you'll probably notice is that it's made of wood, so why is it called a string instrument? The bodies of the string instruments, which are hollow inside to allow sound to vibrate within them, are made of different kinds of wood, but the part of the instrument that makes the sound is the strings, which are made of nylon, steel or sometimes gut. The strings are played most often by drawing a bow across them. The handle of the bow is made of wood and the strings of the bow are actually horsehair from horses' tails! Sometimes the musicians will use their fingers to pluck the strings, also. The strings are the largest family of instruments in the orchestra. The instruments which we will use in this class are: the violin, viola, cello, and the double bass, sometimes called the contrabass. (Bass is pronounced "base," as in "baseball.") The Violin is the smallest, and is therefore the highest in pitch. It is played with the instrument under the chin while sitting or standing. The Viola is very similar to the violin, only slightly larger, and slightly lower in pitch. It may be played while sitting or standing, and its tone is regarded as mellow and sweet. The Cello is much larger and lower than the viola, and must be played while sitting with the instrument between the knees. Fortunately, cellos are made for students of all sizes. The Bass is the largest and lowest string instrument in the orchestra. It is played while standing or sitting on a stool. It is also made in different sizes so that any size student can do well on the bass. All of the instruments all similarly shaped, with curvy wooden bodies and wooden necks. The strings stretch over the body and neck and attach to small decorative heads, where they are tuned with small tuning pegs. The harp is also available to those students who take private lessons on piano and are willing to take private lessons from a harp instructor. For students who have never played before, the first couple of weeks of the school year are devoted to helping students decide which instrument they want to play. I will consider student interest, size, the balance of the orchestra, and instrument availability when making these decisions.
Killeen ISD Orchestra Supply List **Students must have all supplies by no later than Friday, September 4th** Uniform: see details under expectations/requirements for your class. All students must also have the orchestra shirt (fill out the order form located in the back of the handbook) Black 1 or 1.5 three- ring binder with a pencil Accessories: o o o o o Rosin: Violins, Violas and Cellos will all use the same type of rosin. Basses are to use Bass rosin. Soft rag: like an old, clean wash- cloth. Used to wipe rosin off of the instrument after playing. Shoulder rest (violin and viola only) Rock- stop (cello and bass only): students may use chair straps or the round rubber kind Extra strings: D Addario Helicore brand Method books: Essential Elements 2000 for Strings, Books 1, 2 and 3 Instrument: There are many string instruments available for purchase or rental and that making a decision on what to equip your student with can be overwhelming. This list is intended to inform you about what specific brands and instruments we recommend (and where to get them) based on our collective years of experience to simplify this process. No student will be denied the opportunity to participate in the instrumental music program of KISD on the basis of quality or brand of instrument played. However, an instrument of poor quality may impede your student s progress. We would like to ensure they are set up for success right from the very beginning! Please be cautious of instruments found on the Internet; deals and specials are often not what they seem. Before you purchase or commit to an instrument that is not on this list, make sure that you can borrow it on trial and bring it to your director for inspection. This will ensure that you are getting your money s worth for any equipment you choose to purchase. We are glad to be of assistance! Note to Beginners: Beginners need to be sized correctly for their instrument. Do not proceed with getting an instrument until the director has sized your student.
Rental Programs and String Instrument Supply Stores: Renting an instrument is an excellent and affordable option for beginning students. We have several businesses in the area that offer rental programs for our students and also have instruments and supplies available for purchase. We encourage you to pick up a brochure from your director, visit their websites or call them directly for information. Getting your student set up for the year is quick and easy! Please rent or buy your own instrument if financially possible. Cello and Bass players will be provided with an instrument to play while at school, but you need to have one for home practice and concerts. Contact Ms. Hampton immediately if you need a school instrument for use at home. I must have a parent note or email to provide a school instrument. Lisle Violin Shop, Houston (delivers to Killeen) Website: www.violins.com Rental options can be found under Forte Rentals (direct link below) http://www.violins.com/t- rental.aspx Phone: (800) 545-4573 The Band Room, Killeen Website: http://www.thebandroomtx.com/eastman_strings.htm Phone: (254) 669-2263 Violins Etc., Austin www.violinsetc.com (512) 452-5617 Westbank String Shop, Austin www.westbankstringshop.com (512) 326-4898 Blackerby Violin Shop, Austin www.violinshop.com (512) 469-9343 This online website has great rates on supplies: www.southweststrings.com Recommended Instruments: o Violin and Viola: Lisle Model 112, Eastman Model 300 o Cello: Lisle Model 336, Eastman Model 300 o Bass: Christopher Academy Acceptable Instruments o Violin and Viola: Lisle Model 96, Eastman Model 100 or 200 o Cello: Lisle Model 312, Eastman Model 100 or 200 o Bass: Christopher Academy
Instrument Care Guidelines 1. Never touch the bow hair. 2. Protect your instrument from extreme heat, cold, and quick temperature changes. A good guideline is to keep your instrument in a room where you would be comfortable to be in. 3. After you are done playing, wipe any rosin off of your instrument with a soft cloth. 4. Violin and Viola players: place a cloth over your instrument before closing your case. This will protect it from scratches. 5. Make sure to latch and zip your case completely. 6. Loosen the bow hair after every use. Tighten it the same amount every time before playing. 7. Do not let other students have possession of your instrument at any time. This means in class or outside of it. You are the only person who should be carrying, dropping off or picking up your instrument from the orchestra room. 8. Do not attempt to repair your instrument. Tell Ms. Hampton or take it to a string instrument shop if something needs to be fixed.
Beginning and Intermediate 6 th Grade Orchestra Expectations/Requirements Academic Achievement: Each student is expected to maintain passing grades throughout the school year in other classes. If a student becomes academically ineligible, he/she is unable to participate in certain Orchestra events. It is of utmost importance that students maintain passing grades in order to fulfill expectations of the orchestra. Instrument Sections and Parts: As the director of the orchestra program, I reserve the final judgment in placing students in certain sections and on certain parts. This applies especially to violin players, as they are divided into two sections. It is imperative that I have strong players in both of the sections, and will consider each student s strengths and weaknesses as I place them on a part. I may occasionally hold auditions in order to give students the chance compete to be in the section they wish to play in. Attendance: Attendance at all assigned rehearsals and concerts is mandatory. Dress Code: Different events call for different attire (see calendar for details). Below are the two types of attire we use most often: Formal Orchestra Uniform: Ladies: White blouse with sleeves, black slacks (not jeans) or a long black skirt (must fall past knees when student sits), black dress socks/hose, and black dress shoes (not tennis shoes). Men: White button- down top, black slacks (not jeans), black dress socks, and black dress shoes (not tennis shoes). Concert Dress Attire: Ladies: Dress slacks and blouse, skirt and blouse, or a dress. Dresses and skirts must fall past knees when student sits. Flats or heels. No jeans or tennis shoes! Colors of your choice. Men: Polo shirt/button- down shirt and slacks. No jeans or sneakers! Colors of your choice. Instrument selection/maintenance: Students need quality instruments and supplies to perform with in order to achieve characteristic string sounds. I will be checking student instruments for quality and may be contacting individuals about options for upgrading. A great way to improve the sound of an instrument is having high- quality strings. For that reason, I recommend that students in this group have a brand such as Thomastik Dominant or D Addario Helicore. Other options are available, but please check with me before purchasing anything else. Supplies: Black binder, pencil, and Essential Elements books 1, 2 and 3 are required. Students are to keep music organized in the binder and come prepared to class with all music given. Practice: Practicing daily is your homework!! Violins and Violas: make sure to take your instrument home everyday to practice. Bring it back to the orchestra room every morning. Cellos and Basses: practice daily on your home instrument. Bring your home instrument to me once a week to tune it. Students are to practice a minimum of 20 minutes a day.
Intermediate 7 th /8 th Grade Orchestra Expectations/Requirements Academic Achievement: Each student is expected to maintain passing grades through- out the school year in other classes. If a student becomes academically ineligible, he/she is unable to audition for Region Orchestra or perform in UIL Contest. It is of utmost importance that students maintain passing grades in order to fulfill expectations of the orchestra. Instrument Sections and Parts: As the director of the orchestra program, I reserve the final judgment in placing students in certain sections and on certain parts. This applies especially to violin players, as they are divided into two sections. It is imperative that I have strong players in both of the sections, and will consider each student s strengths and weaknesses as I place them on a part. I may occasionally hold auditions in order to give students the chance compete to be in the section they wish to play in. Attendance: Attendance at all assigned rehearsals and concerts is mandatory. Dress Code: Different events call for different attire (see calendar for details). Below are the two types of attire we use most often: Formal Orchestra Uniform: Ladies: Your dress is provided this year. You must purchase your own black socks/hose and close- toed, black dress shoes (no sneakers!). Men: Your shirt, tie and cummerbund are provided this year. You must purchase your own black pants, black belt, black socks, and black dress shoes (no sneakers!). Concert Dress Attire: Ladies: Dress slacks and blouse, skirt and blouse, or a dress. Dresses and skirts must fall past knees when student sits. Flats or heels. No jeans or tennis shoes! Colors of your choice. Men: Polo shirt/button- down shirt and slacks. No jeans or sneakers! Colors of your choice. Instrument selection/maintenance: Students need quality instruments and supplies to perform with in order to achieve characteristic string sounds. I will be checking student instruments for quality and may be contacting individuals about options for upgrading. A great way to improve the sound of an instrument is having high- quality strings. For that reason, I recommend that students in this group have a brand such as Thomastik Dominant or D Addario Helicore. Other options are available, but please check with me before purchasing anything else. Supplies: Black binder, pencil, and Essential Elements books 1, 2 and 3 are required. Students are to keep music organized in the binder and come prepared to class with all music given. Practice: Practicing daily is your homework!! Violins and Violas: make sure to take your instrument home everyday to practice. Bring it back to the orchestra room every morning. Cellos and Basses: practice daily on your home instrument. Bring your home instrument to me once a week to tune it. Students are to practice a minimum of 30 minutes a day.
Advanced Orchestra Expectations/Requirements In order to become a member of the LHMS Advanced Orchestra, each student had to exhibit responsibility, dependability, academic achievement, and musical achievement. A student who does not follow the requirements below risks being moved out of the advanced group. Academic Achievement: Each student is expected to maintain passing grades through- out the school year in other classes. If a student becomes academically ineligible, he/she is unable to audition for Region Orchestra or perform in UIL Contest. It is of utmost importance that students maintain passing grades in order to fulfill expectations of the orchestra. Instrument Sections and Parts: As the director of the orchestra program, I reserve the final judgment in placing students in certain sections and on certain parts. This applies especially to violin players, as they are divided into two sections. It is imperative that I have strong players in both of the sections, and will consider each student s strengths and weaknesses as I place them on a part. I may occasionally hold auditions in order to give students the chance compete to be in the section they wish to play in. Sectional Rehearsals: In order to fully prepare music which we select for concerts, it is mandatory that students attend sectional rehearsals. These will take place from 7:25-7:45 AM as needed. Each section (Violin I, Violin II, Viola, Cello, Bass) will have an assigned weekday to come in to sectionals. These rehearsals will be for a grade. Attendance: Attendance at all assigned rehearsals and concerts is mandatory. Dress Code: Different events call for different attire (see calendar for details). Below are the two types of attire we use most often: Formal Orchestra Uniform: Ladies: Your dress is provided this year. You must purchase your own black socks/hose and close- toed, black dress shoes (no sneakers!). Men: Your shirt, tie and cummerbund are provided this year. You must purchase your own black pants, black belt, black socks, and black dress shoes (no sneakers!). Concert Dress Attire: Ladies: Dress slacks and blouse, skirt and blouse, or a dress. Dresses and skirts must fall past knees when student sits. Flats or heels. No jeans or tennis shoes! Colors of your choice. Men: Polo shirt/button- down shirt and slacks. No jeans or sneakers! Colors of your choice. Instrument selection/maintenance: Students in this top- performing group deserve high- quality instruments and supplies to perform with. I will be checking student instruments for quality and may be contacting individuals about options for upgrading. A great way to improve the sound of an instrument is having high- quality strings. For that reason, I will require that students in this group have a brand such as Thomastik Dominant or D Addario Helicore. Other options are available, but please check with me before purchasing anything else. Supplies: Black binder, pencil, and Essential Elements books 1, 2 and 3 are required. Students are to keep music organized in the binder and come to class with all music given. Practice: Practicing daily is your homework!! Violins and Violas: make sure to take your instrument home everyday to practice. Bring it back to the orchestra room every morning. Cellos and Basses: practice daily on your home instrument. Bring your home instrument to me once a week to tune it if you cannot tune it yourself. Students are to practice a minimum of 30 minutes a day.
Classroom Expectations/Disciplinary Procedures: Entering Orchestra: - I will give you 1 minute beyond the tardy bell to be IN YOUR SEAT with: Instrument, music/book, pencil - Violins and Violas: bring your instrument to my room in the morning before going to your 1 st period class. Your instrument stays in this room - Leave all other belongings by the door as you enter the room. - Take care of restroom needs while passing between classes. - DO NOT RUN In Orchestra: The following actions/behaviors qualify you for an MOR, a student- teacher conference and/or a parent- teacher conference and further consequences : Being tardy Not having an ID tag Violating the dress code Disrupting Class Chewing gum Eating or drinking in class (bottled water is OK) - Disruptive Behavior - Electronic Devices that are ON without permission Leaving Orchestra: - Towards the end of class I will instruct you to pack up your instruments and supplies. You may not pack them up until that instruction. - Violins/Violas may leave their instrument here and get it after school - You may leave this room: 1) When the bell has rung AND 2) When I have given you permission J
Liberty Hill Middle School Orchestra 2015-2016 Calendar October 13 th, 2015 (All students) November 14 th, 2015 (Only Advanced and select Intermediate 7/8 orchestra students) December 12 th, 2015 (Only students who made Region Orchestra) December 14 th, 2015 (All students) February 8 th and 9 th, 2016 (Select classes) February 26, 2016 (Only students who play Pre- UIL) March 7 th, 2016 (Only students who do not play in UIL) April 23, 2016 (All students) May 14, 2016 (All students) (Date may change if gym unavailable) Spring Trip, 2015 LHMS Fall Concert Harker Heights HS Auditorium 7:00 PM (detailed schedule TBA) Formal Orchestra Uniform Region Orchestra Auditions Harker Heights HS Schedule TBA Casual Attire Region Orchestra Clinic/Concert Baylor University Schedule TBA (all day event) Casual Attire, bring Concert Dress Attire LHMS Winter Concert Harker Heights HS Auditorium 7:00 PM (detailed schedule TBA) Formal Orchestra Uniform Pre- UIL Concerts Harker Heights HS Schedule TBA (after school) Formal Orchestra Uniform UIL Concert/Sight- reading Contest Temple HS Schedule TBA (school hours) Formal Orchestra Uniform KISD Orchestra Festival Harker Heights HS Auditorium Schedule TBA (after school) Formal Orchestra Uniform Solo and Ensemble Liberty Hill MS Schedule TBA (pick your time, 8-5) Concert Dress Attire KISD Orchestra Spring Concert Harker Heights HS Gym Schedule TBA Orchestra shirt/dress code bottoms TBD- Orchestra shirt/dress code bottoms
Would you like updates/reminders about upcoming events? 1) Sign up on Remind! This is a website which I use to send notices to parents and/or students through text and/or email. You choose who gets messages and in what form they come. Just visit the link for your class below: Beginners 1 st period: remind.com/join/begorch1st Beginners 2 nd period: remind.com/join/begorch2nd Intermediate 6th: remind.com/join/int6orch Intermediate 7 th /8th: remind.com/join/int78orch Advanced: remind.com/join/advorch678 2) Like us on Facebook! Find links to music and concert updates at our page: Liberty Hill Middle School Orchestra 3) Keep your info updated on Home Access Center! I frequently email reminders about upcoming events, so please check your email J
KILLEEN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN SECONDARY BAND, CHOIR AND ORCHESTRA 1. Students shall receive grades for participation in all curricular performances which involve their class, including those performances which take place outside the normal school day. 2. Students will be excused from participation in curricular performances in the event of personal illness, family emergency or dangerous travel conditions. Students will be expected to notify their teachers in advance of all absences from performances. In the case of a sudden emergency which makes prior notification impossible, a letter from the parent explaining the circumstances must be sent with the student upon return to school. A determination will then be made whether the absence from the performance is to be excused. 3. Curricular performances are graded activities. Students who have an unexcused absence from a curricular performance will receive a zero for that graded activity, which will be counted as a maximum of 20% of the overall grade for the nine weeks. 4. Students will be expected to participate in all extra- curricular activities of the organization of which they are members. Students will be provided information regarding specific criteria for these performances in the performing organization to which they belong. 5. Students who are habitually absent from extra- curricular activities for unexcused reasons or due to ineligibility may, at the director s discretion, be moved to a lower performing group at the earliest possible time this can be scheduled. Students may be removed from the instrumental program at the end of a semester if they are unable or unwilling to participate in curricular and/or extra- curricular activities or are ineligible because of grades on a continuing basis. 6. Directors may make additional requirements of students in regard to dress, grooming, behavior and preparation for performances. 7. At the beginning of the school year, students and parents will receive a calendar of rehearsals and performances which have been scheduled at that time. 8. Each student enrolled in secondary instrumental or choral programs will be provided a copy of this letter and an acknowledgment to be signed by his/her parent or legal guardian and returned to the instrumental or choral director.
TO: Parents of LHMS Orchestra Students FROM: Kaitlin Hampton, Director DATE: August 2015 SUBJECT: Participation in Performance Activities Sometimes misunderstandings arise concerning student participation in instrumental or choral performances and activities which are scheduled after school hours, on Saturdays, on holidays and on other special occasions. The purpose of this letter is to inform parents and students of expectations in regard to these activities. The State Board of Education has defined the course requirements of knowledge and skills for each subject taught in the school curriculum. Included in the requirements for all secondary instrumental and choral classes are performances related to classroom activities. These curricular performances are clearly a part of the curriculum for band, choir and orchestra. Participation by students in these activities is a course requirement, not an optional activity. The school district recognizes a second category of performances as extra- curricular. These include performances at athletic events, service clubs, parades, UIL marching and playing contests, and all inter- school competitions. Students must meet state- mandated eligibility requirements and arrange their personal schedules so that they can participate in these activities. The school district has established these policies for all secondary band, choir and orchestra programs. We would appreciate your reading the information and then signing the attached response form and returning it to the school within one week. If you have any questions or concerns regarding these policies, we would be happy to discuss them with you.
***These last forms are due back no later than Friday, September 4th*** Killeen Independent School District Parental Response to Secondary Band/Choir/Orchestra Participation Policy Name of Organization: Liberty Hill Middle School Orchestra Name of Student: I have read the policies regarding my child s participation in curricular and extra- curricular performances with the LHMS Orchestra as outlined above, and I agree to these as a condition for enrollment of this student in that course. I further agree to make every effort to see that my child attends all performances, which are required for participation in the program. Furthermore, my student will have all supplies for the course no later than September 4, 2015. If we are unable to provide our own instrument, I will contact Ms. Hampton immediately because I understand the school s supplies are limited. If I have any other questions I will contact Ms. Hampton so that I am fully prepared to succeed in orchestra. Parent of Guardian Date
Orchestra T- Shirt Order Form Every student is required to have an LHMS Orchestra T- shirt. It is the same design as the last few years, so if you still have that shirt and it still fits, no need to order a new one. All students new to LHMS Orchestra will need a shirt. You also have the option to buy a hoodie sweatshirt with the same design. Hoodies do not take the place of the required t- shirt. Order forms are due September 4 th. Please send payment with form if possible. **Choose from Adult S, M, L, XL, 2X or 3X** Student Name T- Shirt Cost: $15 Shirt Size Shirt Size Shirt Size Quantity Total Cost Quantity Total Cost Quantity Total Cost Hoodie Cost: $25 Hoodie Size Hoodie Size Hoodie Size Quantity Total Cost Quantity Total Cost Quantity Total Cost Total Payment Amount: Cash Amount Check Amount Check # **Make checks payable to LHMS. Please write DL# and phone# on the check and write the student name in the memo line**