Centennial High School Orchestra Handbook Daniel Rivera, Director 1950 S. Sonoma Ranch Blvd. Las Cruces, NM 88011 (575) 527-9330 Centennial High School takes pride in being able to offer an orchestra program with instruction in string pedagogy where students are encouraged to participate in a variety of performing groups. Though we consider participation in a performing group a basic right of all orchestra students, it is understood by the orchestra director and administration, that the selection to and participation in this group is a PRIVILEGE and not an automatic right. This privilege is earned by an orchestra student showing: 1. Responsible behavior. 2. Dependability. 3. Musical excellence. 4. Dedication. 5. Academic achievement. It is the goal of the director to produce an outstanding orchestra program. It is also the belief of the director that students learn more and develop better self-discipline, responsibility, knowledge, commitment, and more pride in outstanding orchestras than in poor ones. To produce an outstanding orchestra requires that each student accept certain responsibilities. The following pages will outline basic requirements, standards, goals, and objectives for all orchestra students. PLEASE PRINT AND RETURN THE AGREEMENT ON THE LAST PAGE OF THIS HANDBOOK TO THE ORCHESTRA DIRECTOR WITH ALL REQUESTED INFORMATION COMPLETED. This will indicate your notification and acceptance of the policies outlined by the Centennial High School Orchestra. Please have your child print a copy of the handbook and carry it in his\her three ring music binder so that you may refer to it when necessary. If the student does not return the signed page, this will be considered an indication that the student and family find the responsibilities contained herein unacceptable. In this case, the student will be considered willingly, and without prejudice, a nonperforming orchestra member. Therefore, the student is not eligible to participate in concerts, solo and ensemble, field trips, receive extra credit or orchestra awards.
PURPOSE Centennial High School Orchestra students will acquire the development of skills, concepts, and attitudes to become successful learners in regular string class. These challenges must, however, be demonstrated with commitment outside of class via many and varied forms in performances for parents, school, and community. CONDUCT Being that the conduct of Centennial High School Orchestra student reflects not only on himself/herself, but all orchestra students as well as his/her school; each student is required to follow these rules: 1. Common courtesy. 2. Mature conduct. 3. Classroom rules as outlined by the director in the orchestra handbook. 4. School rules and policies as outlined in the Centennial High School and District Student Handbooks MEMBERSHIP TO A PERFORMING GROUP Selection to a performing group is based on the following criteria: 1. ORCHESTRA DIRECTOR'S RECOMMENDATION. 2. WELL-PREPARED INDIVIDUAL EXPECTATIONS. 3. ORCHESTRA S INSTRUMENTATION NEEDS. 4. POSITIVE ATTITUDE OF THE INDIVIDUAL. 5. DEDICATION EXHIBITED BY STUDENT. 6. COMMITMENT TO THE ORCHESTRA. 2.
ATTENDANCE An orchestra cannot perform at optimum with members missing. Students are required to participate in all rehearsals and performances unless excused by the director or by the administration - please refer to EXCUSED ABSENCES. It is understood by the director that performance dates will be announced as far in advance of the event as possible. Although all dates for the year cannot be given at this time, as many as possible are provided at the end of this handbook and in the orchestra website under Centennial High School. All rehearsals, performances, and other important dates will be WRITTEN ON THE BOARD in the orchestra room as they are arranged. It is the student s responsibility to write these dates and information in their school s activity/calendar/assignment books. No further written notice will be given. Therefore, it is the responsibility of each student to convey this information to his or her parents. Please check your child s calendars and orchestra s website www.chshawkorchestra.weebly.com to avoid problems. EXTRA REHEARSALS AND INDIVIDUAL HELP Rehearsals outside of regular school time are a must for our orchestra. Some rehearsals will be scheduled far in advance so transportation arrangements can be made BEFORE SCHOOL or AFTER SCHOOL. Individual help will be available on a voluntary basis after school. There should be no need for this if each student is practicing at home. Some sectional rehearsals are required of all students. Those who have mastered their parts may be excused on occasion. Students who do not attend any scheduled extra rehearsals will not perform in concerts unless arrangements with the director have been made. EXCUSED ABSENCES The following qualify for excused absences: 1. Personal illness. 2. Doctor s appointment. 3. Death in the family. 4. Approved school/district-sponsored activities. 3.
UN-EXCUSED ABSENCES 5. Religious holidays with parent written request in advance. 6. A family emergency approved by an assistant principal. 7. All other excused absences must be cleared by the director and/or cleared by the principal or assistant principal. A written note of explanation, phone call, or email from parents is required for all of the above excuses. Never assume an absence will be excused. You must communicate directly with the director if there is a problem that cannot be fixed. Although it would be impossible to include a complete list, the following identifies examples of un-excused absences: CLASSROOM RULES 1. Cutting class Truancy. 2. Unplanned transportation - No ride. 3. Birthday celebrations. 4. Baby sitting. 5. Oversleeping - alarm did not go off. 6. Make up piano lessons - any lessons that conflict. 7. Forgetting instrument and or music. 8. Completely forgot about it. 1. BE IN CLASS ON TIME: Must be inside classroom with instrument before tardy bell rings. 2. HAVE ALL CLASS MATERIALS: Must have music, music folders, pencil, and instrument. 3. NO TALKING OR PLAYING WHILE INSTRUMENTS ARE BEING TUNED. Must raise hand if you have questions at any time. 4.
CONSEQUENCES 4. RESPECT OTHERS AND THEIR PROPERTY: Must conduct yourself in a responsible and appropriate manner. Use appropriate language and gestures at all times. No name calling, put-downs, or bullying. 5. MISCELLANEOUS: Chewing gum not allowed, stay in seat, and follow directions. No Electronic Devices in the orchestra room. No Food or Drinks Allowed. Only Water. First Offense - warning. Second Offense - written and or verbal notification to parents. Third Offense - referral to the office. Other Consequences - After school, or lunch detention. Removal from class. Possible dismissal from the orchestra. Severe Clause - Any severe behavior problem will result in a student/assistant principal conference and removal pending a satisfactory parent conference. EVALUATION, PROGRESS REQUIREMENTS, AND EXPECTATIONS FROM THE NEW MEXICO MUSIC STANDARDS BASED CURRICULUM. 1. Participation in Performance requirements. 2. Knowledge of musical terminology. 3. Daily preparation and perception of musical notation. 4. Daily participation - NO INSTRUMENT/NO GRADE. 5. Etiquette, conduct, and attitude. 5.
6. Technology. 7. Written and oral examinations. 8. Correct posture and playing positions. 9. Individual and group evaluations 10. Extra rehearsals and make-up assignments. Students desiring a 90%-100%=A grade should do the following: 1. Demonstrate good posture and position at all times. 2. Master the required music. 3. Make an effort to improve deficient areas. 4. Trim fingernails to the appropriate performing length. Long fingernails do not allow for correct left and right hand positions, therefore, limiting good intonation and class participation on a string instrument. Long Fingernails will result on a 0 in participation.. 5. Have all music properly marked. 6. Have proper accessories and music folder for each class. 7. Pay attention in class. 8. Demonstrate proper conduct/attitude in class. 9. Attend and be on time for all classes, rehearsals, and concerts. 10. Prepare for playing, oral, and written exams. 90%-100%=A 80%-89%=B 70%-79%=C 60%-69%=D 0%-59%=F 6.
EXTRA HELP If extra help is needed to master the necessary skills required, the director is available after school to help students. It is, however, the student's RESPONSIBILITY to contact the director and make this arrangement. NOTE: Making arrangements toward the end of the nine weeks might be too late. CARE OF MUSIC Students are responsible for all music they receive. Missing or damaged music will be replaced by student or a fine of 25 CENTS PER PAGE must be paid. Any missing or damaged music must be reported right away. All music will be turned in at the end of the school year unless other arrangements have been made by the director. The following will be considered as damaged: EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES 1. Torn pages. 2. Extraneous markings. 3. Writing in ink or magic marker. 4. Any other markings or damages which might hamper any future use of the music. The following will be expected of all orchestra members: 1. All instruments are to be in good playing condition. PROPER MAINTENANCE IS REQUIRED. 2. Students are expected to have proper shoulder pads, rock-stops for cellos and basses, rosin, cleaning cloth, proper strings, clean or re-haired bows, etc., at each rehearsal and performance. 7.
CONCERT/FORMAL UNIFORMS 3. Students are required to have as school supplies, one 1 three ring flexible black binder with sheet protectors (non-glare) for music. 4. Students are required to have a pencil on their stand at every class rehearsal with their music binder. 5. DOMINANT STRINGS FOR VIOLINS AND VIOLAS, LARSEN STRINGS FOR CELLOS are recommended, not required, for the best quality of sound. It will always be with great pride and honor to represent our school and district at competitions and other public appearances with a uniform that gives the orchestra a feeling of unity and great self-esteem. Details on purchasing or obtaining the required uniform or orchestra t-shirt will be available in a future parent letter or orchestra website. Students are responsible for replacement costs of any damaged, lost or unreturned issued uniform items. Students are responsible for dry cleaning the tuxedo or dress at the end of the year. INFORMAL Orchestra Shirts: Orchestra students will wear an orchestra t-shirt. This t-shirt will be the uniform for informal performances. Orchestra t-shirts will be worn with black dress pants, black jeans, or blue jeans depending on the occasion. FORMAL Girls: Black formal dress or all black attire. Boys: Tuxedo or all black attire. Note: Always follow our school and district dress code policy. 8.
GRADE POINT REDUCTIONS, SUSPENSIONS, ELIGIBILITY, EXTRA CREDIT, AND PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS. INSTRUMENT STORAGE 1. Un-excused absences from rehearsals will result in a parent conference, zero grades, and a possible suspension from future orchestra activities. 2. An un-excused absence from a concert will result in, a zero grade and conference with parents and assistant principal. Suspension from other performances is probable. 3. All point reductions are in conjunction with the director's grading system as outlined in the District, School, and Orchestra s Grading Policy. 4. A Centennial High School Orchestra member should maintain a passing grade in all of his/her classes. A FAILING GRADE MAY RESULT IN A STUDENT TO BE INELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY EXTRA CURRICULAR PERFORMANCE. 5. Students in the Advance Orchestra are REQUIRED to participate in district activities like MPA Festival, Solo & Ensemble Festival, & All-State Auditions by director s recommendation. All of these activities are considered as REQUIRED MAJOR GRADE PROJECTS along with all other year round concerts: 40% = 1 st and 2 nd Nine Weeks 40% = 3 rd and 4 th Nine Weeks 20% = Final Exam Centennial High School and the orchestra director are not responsible for any instruments damaged or stolen during school hours or instruments left overnight at school. There are adequate storage facilities available. Every student must take all possible precautions in proper handling and care of instruments. No student should leave their instrument overnight in the orchestra room - exceptions apply only to the string basses because of their large size. 9.
FUND RAISING, ACTIVIY FEES, EXPENSES AND MATERIALS COSTS All orchestra fund raising projects and Orchestra Activity Fees ($100) are approved by the school and district. It is encouraged that all students participate in the fund raising projects to benefit the orchestra. Any student with parents consent choosing not to take part in this activity will need to cover the additional cost of course expenses, materials cost, orchestra awards, orchestra T-shirts, pizza lunches in school, and other materials which are purchased from fund raising and activity fees. No money will be refunded due to ineligibilities, transfers, or drop outs. ORCHESTRA TRIPS State Contests or out of town trips provide outstanding opportunities for orchestra students to participate in community presentations/performances that will enhance student s learning. All trips are open to eligible students, selected students, or students recommended by the orchestra director. Additional information on traveling varies depending on the trip. ORCHESTRA PARENTS As an orchestra parent, you are invited to attend all of the orchestra concerts. Your child will proudly see that you care and appreciate their hard work and dedication. Your encouragement and support will help all of us meet our goals toward developing a better student and building an outstanding orchestra program at Centennial High School. You are encouraged to keep open communication with the director for the benefit of your child s learning and progress. Please attend and participate in the parent meetings held by the Centennial Orchestra Parent Association to help organize performances, fundraisers, trips, etc. Provide generous financial and other voluntary assistance to the orchestra. Orchestra parents, please allow your children to expand their creativity, imagination, and spirit which we must help grow in education. Strive to maintain the quality and high standards that the director has set in this handbook with your invaluable involvement in the Centennial High School Orchestra. 10.
Centennial High School Orchestra PLEASE PRINT, SIGN, AND RETURN THIS PARENT/STUDENT AGREEMENT I have read the Orchestra (Print student s name) Handbook and am ready to participate in all daily instruction and orchestra activities and performances at Centennial High School for the 2017-2018 school year. I agree to follow all rules and regulations outlined in the Orchestra Handbook which is available to me on the CHS Orchestra website. Date Student signature I agree to support my child in his/her ROLES, RESPONSIBILITIES, and FEES required by the Centennial High School Orchestra. My child will also be held accountable for the behavior expectations and consequences described in the handbook. I understand that the CHS Roles and Responsibilities are subject to change after notification. Date Parent or guardian signature
HIGH SCHOOL Handbook