Capt. John L. Chapin Orchestra Student Handbook Please read and save a copy for your file. Don t forget to fill out and hit submit on: www.chapinorchestra.weebly.com once you have reviewed the information. Check for your due date! 2016-2017 Course Descriptions All students will be placed in an orchestra that best suits his/her abilities. All orchestras will be given an opportunity to perform independently as well as combined. Varsity Orchestra The Varsity Orchestra is a PERFORMING ENSEMBLE. It will be designed for the student who demonstrates a high level of academic achievement, superior attitude and a high degree of proficiency on their instrument. On occasions, the Varsity Orchestra will be called upon to perform at public, private social and school related functions. Because of the high demand of performances that will be generated, it will be very important for Varsity members to always be eligible. Varsity members will be expected to audition for All-Region as well as participate in all district sponsored festivals and competitions. It is important to understand that the demands of this orchestra will be great at times. The Varsity Orchestra should be made to uphold the highest standards possible. Junior Varsity/Freshman Orchestra The Junior Varsity/Freshman Orchestra is geared towards strengthening fundamental playing skills in order to prepare students to audition for the Varsity orchestra. Select members of the Junior Varsity/Freshman will be expected to participate, by audition, in district/non district sponsored festivals and competitions. The Junior Varsity/Freshman orchestra will perform at all campus concerts. Some students will audition at the end of the fall semester for possible placement into the Varsity orchestra. The rest will audition at the end of the school year for placement the following year. UIL Stage Group Like the Jazz orchestra, the UIL Stage Group will comprise of Varsity, Non-Varsity, and Freshmen upon auditioning, to create the UIL Stage Group Orchestra. UIL Stage Group Orchestra will rehearse and perform primarily in the spring semester as well compete in the UIL Concert/Sight-reading Festival. Jazz Orchestra (Alternating Years) Upon auditioning, the orchestra students will combine to create the Jazz Orchestra. The Jazz Orchestra will rehearse and perform for competition in the EPISD Jazz festival that is held in the spring semester.
Materials, Rentals, Rehearsals/Performances, Eligibility, Student Travel, Fundraising All students will be required to have the following materials. All materials must be labeled with the students name! Instrument with Bow (in proper working order i.e. must have ALL strings, well haired bow. Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing a new instrument. Avoid spectacular deals online!!) Extra set of strings (NO RED LABEL STRINGS) Key lock Tuner ALL STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A TUNER-(KORG CA TUNER WITH MIC ATTACHMENT, NO EXCEPTIONS) Metronome (combination tuner metronomes are ok) Rosin Cleaning cloth Shoulder pad/cello stop PENCIL, PENCIL, PENCIL, PENCIL, PENCIL (did I mention a PENCIL!?) Mechanical or traditional but absolutely, certainly, unquestionably, indisputably, definitely, outright, supercalifragilisticexpialadocious NNNNNNOOOOOOO PEN!!! Composition Notebook INSTRUMENT RENTALS EPISD has a very limited supply of student model instrument on a first-come, first-served basis. It is strongly recommended to consider purchasing an intermediate to professional level instrument for your son/daughter (many local music stores will not rent instruments to high school students without purchase consideration). Please see me before purchasing an instrument! If possible, bring the instrument to me so that I may offer an opinion as to the quality and value of the instrument. There are several reputable music stores. These include: -Olivas Music -Whites Music Box -Strings and Things Music -Kirk Music -Roberstson & Sons Violin Shop (Albuquerque, NM) Our orchestra numbers are growing all around town and it sometimes hard to keep stock of all the materials required. With our advancing technology, supplies may also be ordered online. However, please cautious of "SPECTACULAR" deals on instruments, strings, supplies, etc. Sometimes the price you pay will be just that, really cheap. Some
reputable sites include: -Shar Music www.sharmusic.com -Southwest Strings www.swstrings.com While they wont be denied if they have been purchased prior to this school year, please avoid the latest fad of colored instruments. They are of poor quality but more importantly DO NOT STAY IN TUNE therefore being an instrument that is not in working order at all times and may result in lowered participation grade. EXTRA REHEARSALS, PERFORMANCES In preparation for upcoming performances and competitions, it will be become necessary to set up sectionals and rehearsals outside of school hours. In order to facilitate scheduling, parents and students will have access to a monthly calendar with upcoming rehearsals and events. Attendance is EXPECTED AND MANDATORY at all prearranged rehearsals and all performances. AN EXCUSED ABSENCE FROM ANY ORCHESTRA FUNCTION WILL FOLLOW THE SAME GUIDELINES AS BEING GRANTED AND EXCUSED ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL-personal illness, family emergency, or any other prearranged appointment confirmed by a parent. If other unavoidable conflicts are brought to the director's attention IN ADVANCE (minimum one week), arrangements can usually be made to excuse the absence. During the weeks immediately preceding a major competition, absences will be accepted only in cases of extreme emergency. From time to time there will be conflicts between orchestra and other activities. IT IS YOUR (THE STUDENT) RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE ALL SPONSORS ARE ALERTED OF ANY CONFLICTING MEETINGS OR REHEARSALS WITH PLENTY OF TIME! You are all assigned an agenda, USE IT! ELIGIBILITY You should be familiar with the phrase by now, "No Pass, No play." A grade of 69 or below on a student's report card will deny that student competitive performance privileges for up to six weeks. Ineligibility affects not only the individual student, but also the orchestra as a whole. Make it a priority to keep grades at a passing level. *Do everything you can to understand what the teacher is presenting *Ask for help!! *Prepare for tests and projects IN ADVANCE *Do homework on days they are assigned *TURN IN ALL HOMEWORK ON TIME.
STUDENT TRAVEL The Chapin Orchestra will be an active performing organization that will often be invited to perform or compete all over El Paso. Parent permission is required for transportation provided by the school district. Your student will receive this form and it will cover any student for this school year. PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN IT BY THE END OF THE FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL. An out of town trip is in the works for the 2016-2017 school year. More FUND-RAISING Fund-raising activities are essential in building and maintaining any outstanding organization. Proceeds are used to offset the cost of purchasing audio equipment, music, contest entry fees, instruments, and transportation costs. All students are strongly urged to participate in fund-raising, as they will benefit from the proceeds. Students and parents will be responsible for returning money and/or merchandise at the end of each fund-raiser. Please see fundraising contract form. Students without a signed form on file will not be allowed to participate. Students may not participate in a consecutive fundraiser if outstanding monies/items have not been cleared from the previous event. LYRES/BARS/LETTERING By participating in the numerous activities throughout the year, students have an opportunity to earn an orchestra lyre or bar. Students accumulating the total amount of points needed will be awarded a lyre patch. Students who have already earned a lyre patch are eligible for bar pin. CHAPIN H.S. ORCHESTRA BOOSTERS Behind every great music program, there is a great support system. The Chapin High School Orchestra Booster Club (CHSOBC) was established in 2002. CHSOBC has provided the orchestra students with an invaluable support system that has contributed to their many successes. It was through the booster club that this organization made it through a tough time. THANKYOU VERY MUCH! The objectives of the CHSOBC are: -To provide financial and other assistance to the Chapin Orchestra -To stimulate a spirit of fellowship and cooperation among the membership of the Booster club -To promote music education in the community. Currently our board consists of: Mrs. Martinez-President Mrs. Najera-Interim Vice-President Mr. Hoffman-Treasurer Mrs. Parra-Secretary
Mrs. Almanza-Parliamentarian More information regarding membership will be available at our membership drive in our Meet and Greet Ice Cream Social taking place in the first weeks of school. Outside Individual Performance Opportunities/Private Lessons OUTSIDE INDIVIDUAL PERFORMACE OPPORTUNITES Several outside performance opportunities are available and highly recommended. These include but not limited to: -TMEA All-Region, All-State -El Paso Symphony Youth Orchestras -Churches PRIVATE LESSONS Private lessons are always encouraged. They enable a student to progress almost twice as fast as regular class instruction. Private lessons are highly encouraged if you are considering auditioning for All-State. Please feel free to contact me for further information or check out: www.epmusic.com. **NEW for 2016-2017 private instruction will be required for students wishing to participate with a Class I solo for the Solo and Ensemble contest. Due to the proximity of the UIL Solo and Ensemble Festival (Feb. 4 th ) and the UIL Concert and Sight-reading Contest (Feb. 28 th ), outside class rehearsals will be focused and geared towards this event. Arrangements for Class I Ensembles will made for afterschool times only. If you cannot commit to an ensemble and afternoon rehearsals do not sign up! This only jeopardizes your ensembles entry/results. Solos must also secure own accompanist a minimum of 4 weeks prior to the event. No accompanist=no entry. Daily Procedures, Rules, Grading, Daily Practice DAILY PROCEDURES Each student is to be seated in his/her seat with instruments and materials by the time the tardy bell rings. It is imperative to make the most of each class period. Tuning will begin IMMEDIATELY after the bell rings so that no time is wasted. Remember a tuner with mic attachement is required, NO EXCEPTIONS. Discipline Participation in orchestra is unlike most other classes in that participation is considered a privilege. Classroom disruptions waste time and energy and create unpleasant rehearsals
for everyone. Misbehavior will not be tolerated!! Continued misbehavior may result in being denied the privilege of participation in orchestra. Rules of Conduct BE RESPECTFUL TO OTHERS AS WELL AS YOURSELF. Treat others as you would like to be treated. BE ON TIME. Always arrive no less than 20 minutes prior to the time you are asked to be there. (To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late!!) BE PREPARED. Always have YOUR music, rosin, etc. neat and orderly. Always have your music learned to the best of your ability. NO GUM. Always, no gum. Consequences Infractions of any orchestra, campus, or district-wide rules will be handled through the school's discipline plan, which is in accordance with the district s student code of conduct. See Student Code of Conduct for more details. Evaluation In determining an orchestra grade, the following areas will be considered (but not limited to): *Performing progress on instrument *General knowledge and aptitude *Attendance at rehearsals and performances *Attitude and effort (daily participation) *Practice methods The following grade point system will be used: 100-90 =A 89-80 =B 79-75 =C 74-70 =D 69-0 =F P = Pass/no numerical grades or points taken off Practice Daily practice is expected and required by all orchestra members. Practice does not always make perfect, but it almost ALWAYS MAKES PROGRESS!! The best way to make practice times more enjoyable and productive is to get into a regular habit of practicing every day. Studies also show that practicing in smaller increments everyday is better for memory and retention as opposed to "cramming" at the end of the week. When your playing improves, the orchestra as a whole improves!!