Beginning Orchestra Syllabus 2017-2018 Teacher: Mrs. Smith Email: asmith18@yisd.net Google Classroom code: Period 3: t4yvs7 Period 7: gmxej8a Remind YWLA code: @20172018yw Remind Class code: @d9b38h Conference: Period 1: 7:45-8:30am Course Description Beginning Orchestra is for students who are new to playing string instruments or for students who have had less than six months of instruction. No prior music experience is required. The focus will be on the basic techniques for playing string instruments, basic music theory, as well as basic music literature and history. This group will perform two concerts during the school year. Tutoring Day/Time: Tuesday and Thursday- 3:25 to 4:00 Cottage 3 Extra help will be provided during this time for any orchestra student. 1st 9wks Overview Unit 1: Basic Musicianship and Care of Instruments (Pages 1-19 Essential Elements) 1. Correct instrument position/correct bow hold 2. Pizzicato/ Shadow Bowing 3. Rhythm: Quarter notes and quarter rests 4. Music Theory Basics and note reading 5. D Major Scale 2nd 9wks Overview Unit 2: Winter Concert (Page 20-27 Essential Elements) 1. Rhythms concepts: Half notes, half rests, Eighth notes 2. Dynamics, First and Second Endings 3. 2/4 Time Signature, Using Fourth Finger 4. Tempo Markings: Allegro, Moderato, Andante 5. Music and Composers of the Classical period 6. Rounds, Chords, Harmony, G Major Scale 3rd 9wks Overview Unit 3: Expanded Musicianship Development, Solo Preparation (Page 28-36 Essential Elements) 1. ¾ Time, Tie and Slur, Major Scale 2. Upbeat or Pick up, D.C. al Fine 3. Low second finger (F natural and C natural), Chromatic Notes 4. Music and Composers of the Renaissance and Latin America
4th 9wks Overview Unit 4: Spring Concert (Page 36-41 Essential Elements) 1. C Major Scale 2. Whole Notes, Whole Rests 3. Arpeggio, Staccato, Hooked Bowing 4. Extending the Range to higher and lower strings 5. Music and Composers of the Baroque Era Homework, Quizzes, Tests, Projects, and 9 Weeks Tests to expect: Homework: -Students are expected to bring their instrument home and practice at least 15 minutes each day. -Specific instructions on what to practice will be posed in Google classroom. -Additional resources will be given to use at home when needed. Quizzes: Will be given once per week to include current concept being taught as well as spiraled curriculum. Tests: A playing and/or written test will be given at the third and sixth week of the 9 weeks. Project: One project will be done each nine-weeks. Orchestra projects include topics such as music compositions, solo repertoire, composers, and improvisation. 9 weeks tests First 9 weeks test: October 16-20, 2017 Second 9 weeks test: December 11-15, 2017 Third 9 weeks test: March 5-9, 2018 Fourth 9 weeks test: May 29 -June 1, 2018 Online Resources/Textbooks: SanFrancisco Symphony Interactive Website: http://www.sfskids.org/ Instruments of the Orchestra, recordings of masterworks Classics for Kids: https://www.classicsforkids.com Composers, Music History, Podcasts New York Philharmonic: http://www.nyphilkids.org Puzzles, Games, Composers Music Theory Lessons and Instruction: https://www.musictheory.net https://www.teoria.com http://oneminutemusiclesson.com/lessons/ Instruments 1. Students in the YWLA orchestra will need a high quality instrument that is in good working condition. In an effort to help our orchestra look and sound professional, we ask that all students use wood instruments with a natural wood color. If you wish to purchase or rent your own instrument, please be very careful. Unfortunately, there are many poor quality instruments for sale. Poor quality instruments may not hold their tuning and create a frustrating learning situation for both the student and the teacher. High quality equipment increases the opportunity for success and enjoyment when playing an instrument. Renting an instrument from a music store or the district will ensure quality. Please contact Mrs. Smith before purchasing an instrument.
2. YWLA and YISD have a limited number of instruments available for student rental. We do not have enough instruments for all students. If you are able to rent or purchase your instrument from a music store, we encourage you to do so. The cost for a school or district rental is $25 for the year. (cash only, please). Mrs. Smith will collect rental money at the beginning of the school year. The instruments will be given out on a first come, first serve basis. 3. If you already have an instrument, it is a good idea to have it looked over by a repair professional about once a year to make sure all parts are working properly. Strings should be replaced about every 1 to 2 years (or sooner if needed), and bow hair should be replaced about every 2 years. Where to get an instrument and accessories: Here is a list of several quality music stores in El Paso. Olivas Music Eastside: 1320 N. Zaragoza, Suite 115 El Paso, TX 79936 915-858-6700 Olivas Music Westside: 125 Thunderbird, Suite H, El Paso, TX 79912 915-833-0346 Strings and Things: 10568 Montana Ave, El Paso, TX 79925 915-629-9004 Whites Music Box Eastside: 1475 D George Dieter, El Paso, TX 79936 915-525-9052 Whiles Music Box Westside: 7040 M North Mesa, El Paso, TX 79912 915-833-0909 Symphony Strings Music Co: 7355 Remcon Cir, Ste 101, El Paso, TX 79912 915-581-7505 Bubblenut Music 7612 Waterhouse Dr., El Paso, TX 915-383-5970 Additional Materials Needed for Orchestra: These may be purchased at a music store. 1. All orchestra students need the Orchestra Lesson Book: Beginning Orchestra: Essential Elements for Strings Book 1 Symphonic Orchestra: Essential Elements for Strings Book 1 AND Essential Elements for Strings Book 2 Chamber Orchestra: Essential Elements for Strings Book 2 AND Essential Technique for Strings Book 3 2. Violin and Viola Shoulder Rest (I recommend Everrest Kun or Artino ) Rosin for Violin/Viola Soft cloth to wipe your instrument 3. Cello and Bass Rock Stop Rosin (Bass players should purchase Pops Bass Rosin ) Soft cloth to wipe your instrument 4. OPTIONAL, but highly recommended: Wire folding music stand for practice at home A music stand allows your student to practice with correct posture, which is essential to producing the proper tone. 5. OPTIONAL: Electronic clip-on chromatic tuner (such as a Snark, Musedo, or Yamaha brand) Electronic tuners should be kept in the instrument case and will help with daily tuning. Proper Care of String Instruments: 1. Instrument case and accessories must be labeled with student name 2. Students need a soft, clean cloth to wipe off rosin 3. Avoid EXTREME temperatures. (Do not leave instrument in car.)
4. Instruments need a safe storage place at home 5. Do not force zipper to close 6. NO extra items in interior of case 7. Do not let siblings touch or play instrument. 8. Take care when transporting. 9. Do not touch bow hair. 10. Loosen bow each time after you play. Repair and Maintenance If your instrument needs repair, please take it to a certified repair technician. DO NOT attempt repairs on your own. If you are using a school or district rental instrument needs repair, Mrs. Smith will assess the damage and will bring it to the district string repair technician. Note: If students purchase extra strings, Mrs. Smith can change out broken strings. Program Fee: 1. All students in the music program are asked to pay a $25 program fee. (Cash only, please). (This fee is separate from the $25 rental fee.) 2. This fee will cover all the music we will be playing this year, the music binder, sheet protectors, and fees for music events (like the solo and ensemble contest). 3. Program Fee is Due by November 1. Please speak with Mrs. Smith if you need to work out a payment plan. Performance Attire for Beginning Orchestra and Symphonic Orchestra Plain black dress pants (no jeans or leggings) Plain white dress shirt with short or long sleeves, tucked in if possible (no tank tops or sleeveless) Black dress shoes and black socks or hose (no sneakers) Performances 1. Performances are mandatory and are part of the class grade. 2. Individual participation is crucial to the success of the orchestra as a whole. 3. Absences from performance are unexcused and will affect the student s grade. 4. Illness or family emergencies are excused absences. 5. Mrs. Smith should be notified as soon as possible about an absence for a performance. Performance Dates: Please mark your calendars. 1. Orchestra Winter Concert: Monday December 11, 2017 6:30pm, YISD District Office Theater (9600 Sims Drive) 2. Orchestra Spring Concert: Wednesday, May 23 6:30pm, YISD District Office Theatre (9600 Sims Drive) Other Music Events Saturday, October 21 - All-Region Orchestra Auditions (Selected students only) Saturday, May 5, 2018 - Solo and Ensemble Contest (Optional Event)
Fingernails: Orchestra students must keep their fingernails short and trimmed to play their instrument correctly. Short fingernails are needed for good intonation and bow hold. Students should not grow their fingernails long or get acrylic nails. School-wide Expectations: 5 P s: Be Prompt, Prepared, Productive, Polite, and Passionate Attendance Policy: 90% RULE FOR LOSS OF CREDIT A student must be present 90% of the days the class is offered in order to receive credit (middle and high school) or to be promoted to the next grade level (elementary school). All absences, whether excused or unexcused, must be considered in determining whether a student has attended the required percentage of days. Parents will be notified prior to and at the actual point the student s attendance, in any class, falls below 90%. When a student s attendance drops below 90% but remains at least 75% of the days the class is offered, the student may earn credit for the class by completing a plan approved by the principal. If the student fails to complete the plan set by the principal, or if attendance falls below 75% of the days the class is offered, the student, parent, or representative may request award of credit by submitting a written petition to the appropriate campus attendance committee. Petitions for credit may be filed at any time the student receives notice but not later than 30 days after the last day of classes. An attendance committee at the campus will determine if credit will be awarded or if the student will be promoted to next grade level based on extenuating circumstances and what is in the best interest of the student, as provided in Policy FEC (LOCAL). The attendance committee may also impose conditions for the student to abide by for the remainder of the grading period before awarding credit/promotion. This applies to all grade levels. See Policy FEC (LEGAL) and (LOCAL). School-wide Policies: Review attached link: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1oqh4h7uqtda3lrbyf3erlfwsitqzgs-m3w6i9s7hqkq Upcoming School Events: Mark your calendar 8/21 Meet the Teacher night 9/4 Labor Day No School 9/27 Early Release 10/24 PSAT 10/25 Early Release 10/27 End of Nine Weeks Parent Homework: Encourage your daughter to set aside time each day for instrument practice. Encourage her to play a line from the book or other orchestra music for you.