COBB Middle School Orchestra Handbook 2016-17 Jill Hesson, Director Jeffrey Walters, Harp Kecia Theodore, Principal
COBB MIDDLE SCHOOL ORCHESTRA HANDBOOK Preface Orchestra programs in Texas have a rich tradition of excellence and quality. Our success centers on the pursuit of excellence, pride, commitment to learning, and the willingness to work hard to achieve a common goal. As a member of the Cobb Orchestras you will make long-lasting friendships and develop a sense of camaraderie that is unique to our musical organizations. While we do not expect that every student in Orchestra will become a virtuoso musician, we do expect every student to establish both short and long-range goals for improvement on his/her instrument. We expect responsible attitudes and actions and a respect for all students and teachers. By accepting membership in the Cobb Orchestras, you agree to perform to the best of your abilities and work together with the orchestra staff to make this year s orchestras the finest musical organization that our combined efforts can produce. This handbook is designed to help you understand the expectations and guidelines of our organization. We hope the handbook can be used to answer questions of both parents and students and will prove to be a helpful guide for defining the boundaries that are important in keeping the Cobb Orchestras as quality ensembles. If utilized properly, the concepts of responsibility, teamwork and good citizenship will develop as each student experiences the world of music. Visit our web site found on the Cobb M.S. home page. Mrs. Jill Hesson Jeffrey Walters, Harp Cobb Middle School Orchestra Director hessonj@friscoisd.org
Orchestras at a Glance Orchestra C (Beginning) Play and read music comfortably in the range of his/her chosen instrument Performance of concert music as assigned by the director Development of individual skills and ensemble skills Students are encouraged to study privately either through a teacher through the school district or from a reputable teacher in the community Attendance at any after school rehearsals Students are encouraged to participate in solo/ensemble competition Preparation of audition music for orchestra placement held in May Orchestra B (Philharmonic/Intermediate) Performance of concert music as assigned by the director Development of individual skills and ensemble skills Students are encouraged to study privately either through a teacher through the school district or from a reputable teacher in the community Preparation of All-Region music Students are encouraged to participate in All-Region Orchestra Students may be asked to audition for the U.I.L. orchestra Students are encouraged to participate in solo/ensemble competition Attendance at sectional rehearsals and/or joint rehearsals after school Preparation of audition music for orchestra placement held in May Orchestra A (Symphonic /Advanced) Performance of concert music as assigned by the director Development of individual skills and ensemble skills Preparation of All-Region music during the fall. Students are encouraged to study privately either through a teacher through the school district or from a reputable teacher in the community Attendance at sectional rehearsals and/or joint rehearsals after school. Participation at UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest in March Students are encouraged to participate in solo/ensemble competition Preparation of audition music for high school orchestra placement held in May To be eligible for All-Region, Solo/Ensemble, UIL and festivals students must meet a grade requirement of at least 70 in all subjects during the 3 week period before the audition date or event.
Rehearsals and Sectionals Regularly scheduled sectionals and rehearsals provide the director opportunities to work with students on fundamentals of their instrument and difficult passages in the music. Attendance will be taken and academic grades can and will be given. A schedule of activities and events will be provided to students and parents the first week of the new school year. Supplemental schedules are provided as needed to students and parents allowing a minimum of one week s notice of a new or updated activity or event. 1. Participation in sectionals and rehearsals is required and will be integrated into the student s grade which is in accordance with the TEA/UIL guidelines. A written or e-mail notice from parents is required for any absence. 2. Excused absences include: personal illness, family emergency Orchestra Competitions and Festivals For those orchestras participating in festivals the following criteria must be met: 1. Pass all classes for the six weeks 2. Attend all rehearsals 3. Demonstrate competency in the music (bowing, intonation, rhythms, dynamics, etc.) 4. Demonstrate appropriate behavior in class daily 5. Demonstrate teamwork and willingness to improve everyday Communications Website- be sure to visit frequently for updates, forms and important information http://www.cobborchestra.com Charms- www.charmsoffice.com Orchestra Booster The main objectives of the Orchestra Booster Club is to provide support financially as needed, encourage musical growth and build community within the orchestra program. All parents are members of the booster club. Participation is encouraged and no dues are required to be a member. Parent Chaperones If you would like to assist as a parent chaperone for orchestra trips, social events and festivals, go to: https://forms.friscoisd.org/backgroundcheck/check01.aspx to complete the online application. You must be cleared through the district before you can chaperone.
Daily Supplies: Instrument and Supplies for your instrument From any music store: Instrument Rosin Cleaning Cloth Shoulder Rest- EVEREST or Kun (violin/viola) Rock Stop (cello/basses) Method Book: Orchestra C: Essential Elements for Strings, Book 1(brown) Orchestra B: Essential Elements for Strings, Book 2 (purple) Orchestra A: Expressive Techniques for Orchestra, Brungard/Dakow Tuner: Korg PC-1 (Violin, Viola, Cello)/Korg AW2 Bass Folding Wire Music Stand From any office supply store: 1 3-ring Black Binder to be used for ORCHESTRA ONLY! Dividers (8 with labels) Zipper Pouch for Pencils No. 2 Pencils (NO PENS) Highlighter (any color) Personal Instruments It is in the best interest of our beginning orchestra student to rent his/her instrument. Many local vendors offer instrument insurance. This is highly recommended. As your student progresses and demonstrates a high commitment level to orchestra, purchasing an instrument becomes an option. Please seek advice from either Mrs. Hesson or your child s private teacher BEFORE making this purchase. DO NOT PURCHASE AN INSTRUMENT THROUGH THE INTERNET!!! School Owned Cello and Basses All cello and bass students who are using a district owned instrument for classroom purposes are required to complete a Frisco I.S.D. instrument contract and the $100 usage fee. This fee will permit student to use a district owned cello, bass or harp during class. Payments will be submitted through My Payments Plus. Class Expectations: No gum, candy, food or drink in the orchestra room Question or comment? Raise your hand Remain in YOUR seat at all times Be respectful to teacher, classmates, instruments/equipment Be ready for class with your INSTRUMENT, MUSIC and A GREAT ATTITUDE!!
Grades Student grades are based on the following: Major Grades = 50% Minor Grades = 30% Daily Grades = 20% Major Grades- performances, dress rehearsals, playing and written exams. Minor Grades- rehearsals, sectionals, quizzes and practice cards for beginning and intermediate students Daily Grades- practice minutes/goals, class performance and organization Uniforms The following uniforms will be worn to all concerts and events unless otherwise stated. Formal Concert Attire: ALL BLACK Girls- long black dress or black skirt and black shirt/blouse. Dress pants may be substituted, especially for female cellists. Black shoes or sandals, no flip flops. Guys- black dress pants and a black dress shirt. Black shoes with black socks. Casual Concert Attire: Spirit Shirt Jeans- no holes Comfy shoes/no flip flops