Susquehanna Township Middle School Orchestra Syllabus 2016-2017 Please sign and RETURN the last double sided page by Friday SEPTEMBER 9 th, 2016.
Dear Middle School Orchestra Students and Caregivers, Welcome to the start of a new school year and what promises to be another fun and exciting year for our ensembles. My name is Doug Nyce and I will be continuing to teach strings and string ensemble (orchestra) at Susquehanna Township Middle School this year. I am pleased to be a teacher of music in an expanding program in this great district (The Middle School Orchestra has 80 students). Mr. Krauss and I look forward to continuing this growth so that this program (and consequently our children) can flourish. The high expectations that have been established will continue. This rigor will lead our students to stretch themselves toward greater accomplishments. Indeed, you should be proud of what your children have already accomplished. Orchestra, band and chorus continue to meet during Academic Enrichment at the beginning of every school day. 7 th /8 th Grade Orchestra will meet on Days 2, 4 and 6, while 6 th Grade Orchestra will meet on Days 1 and 5. The full orchestra 6/7/8 will meet every Day 3. When it is not a student s day to rehearse in orchestra (two to three days per cycle), they will be attending Academic Enrichment class elsewhere in the Middle School or another ensemble (if they are in band and/or chorus). They will also have regular lessons and sectionals. Orchestra continues to be a graded subject in MMS. I believe this will help all students to truly give their very best effort in orchestra, being both validated and rewarded for those efforts. Remember that the support you can offer to both your students and this program as a whole will be a big part of its success. Therefore, please encourage your students to work hard and practice. It truly is a privilege to play in an orchestra, let alone even have a public school orchestra program with the harsh financial realities districts all around us face. For example, there are at least four public school districts in Dauphin County with no orchestra program at all! Students with gifts in music are greatly disadvantaged by this. As you know, there is a close correlation between musical ensemble participation and academic success. I expect that the root of this is the self-discipline necessary for both. So I encourage you and your students to do all you can to stay involved and help your children reach the best of success as an STMS student. This handbook is designed to help both students and parents understand the expectations for orchestra members at STMS. Included in these expectations are the dates of performances and festival opportunities your child will be required to attend. Please be sure to mark your calendars! Additional required rehearsals leading up to concerts outside of normal class time will occur, and a list of such dates will be made available as soon as possible. I hope that you find this handbook both helpful and clear in describing my expectations. If you have any questions, please feel free to call or e-mail me while also checking my STMS teacher webpage and blog. If communication lines are open, we should be able to come up with workable solutions for any difficulties that may arise. I look forward to an exciting year full of experiences that will prove both challenging and rewarding; while resulting in musical growth for all of us. Thank you for your support. Sincerely, Dr. Douglas L. Nyce E-mail: dnyce@hannasd.org Cell Phone: (717) 480-1584 School: (717) 657-5125, ext. 32357
REMEMBER Parents and students should review the following information together to avoid any misunderstandings. Sign and return the necessary attached documents to me by the required date. Make certain that. - The student and parent have read and discussed the information contained on the following pages. - The calendar section has been thoroughly examined for conflicts. - The student and parent are willing to make a commitment to the orchestra program and fulfill ALL requirements. GRADING POLICY 1. Performance proficiency 40% (includes live playing exams, concerts, extra rehearsals, & playing quizzes) 2. Classroom productivity, performance & ethics 20% 3. Lesson (sectional attendance & performance) 20% 4. Practice Logs 20% PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS To achieve a successful orchestra program, students must behave as a member of a team. Each student has a responsibility to all other orchestra members to show up prepared for each rehearsal and sectional lesson (PRACTICE!!) and participation in all rehearsals and performances. The majority of our group rehearsal will take place during the school day from 7:35-8:25am. However, there may be times when extra rehearsal during or after school will be necessary as a performance nears. Students will always be given at least two weeks advanced notice in such cases. Since orchestra is a class for which you will receive a grade, attendance is required for every student for all rehearsals, lessons, and all events beyond regular school hours. These include, but are not limited to: concerts, performances for school, community, etc. and extra rehearsals as required. Therefore, it is the student s responsibility to mark down when these events will be, and address any conflicts that may occur. If conflicts occur with any other school sponsored activities, I must be notified by either a parent letter or email at least two weeks in advance so that a solution can be worked out with the other teachers, coaches, etc. Informing me of a conflict does not necessarily mean that it is excused. It is understood that attendance at these
functions is mandatory, and an unexcused absence will result in a ZERO. Performances are like final exams taken in public. Therefore, they cannot simply be made up. Exceptions to this policy are: religious holidays, documented illness, and family emergencies (all instances must be recognized and approved by school administration). Excused absences as listed above from concerts will require the assigning of an alternative assignment at the teacher s discretion. I do understand that things can come up unexpectedly, and I am willing to work through each situation so long as there is communication going on. My goal is simply to make it clear that in order to be a contributing member to the orchestra program, students and parents must be fully committed. CALENDAR The following dates involve all orchestra members (unless otherwise stated). Please place them in your family calendar, and avoid scheduling doctor and dentist appointments, family trips or outings, or other potentially conflicting activities around these days. At the same time, please share these dates with friends and family members that would enjoy hearing your students play, as all are welcome at our concerts. The concerts listed below are required. Rarely, extra rehearsals prior to a concert may be added. MS/HS WINTER CONCERT: Wednesday, December 7 th, 2016 at 7pm (call time 5:30pm) in STHS auditorium ** Snow makeup TBA MS Orchestra Performance 8am for STMS student body and at the PA State Capitol (12noon), rehearsal, concert, lunch and tour of the building: January 9 th, 2017 TH/MS SPRING CONCERT: Thursday, May 11 th, 2017 at 7pm (call time 6:15pm) in STMS auditorium MS Orchestra Tour: performances at Thomas Holtzman Elementary and Strawberry Square, May 25 th, 2017 from 8am to 2pm. 8 th Grade Performance at the Jewish Home of Greater Harrisburg (4000 Linglestown Road, 717-657-0700): June 1, 2017 at 10am. ORCHESTRA MEMBERS MAY PARTICIPATE IN THESE EVENTS (recommended for all) Fieldtrip to Music at Mt. Gretna Concert: September 4 th at 6:15pm.
TH/MS/HS COUNTY ORCHESTRA AUDITIONS: Tuesday, Nov. 15 th, 2016 at 6:15pm at Central Dauphin Middle School TH/MS/HS COUNTY ORCHESTRA FESTIVAL: Rehearsals January 10 th, 17 th and 19 th. The Festival on Sat., Jan. 21 st, 2017 from 9am-3pm with a concert at 1:30pm at Susquehanna Township Middle School ** Snow makeup for the Festival is Sat., Jan. 28 th, 2017 (tentatively) at 1:30pm CONCERT DRESS Orchestra students will be expected to purchase and wear the appropriate clothes at all performances. Boys: white dress shirt, black dress pants, black dress socks, and black dress shoes Girls: Tops must be solid black without any print or design. Sleeves are required and must at least cover the entire shoulder. Therefore, no low cut, spaghetti strap tank tops or anything else coming above the shoulder are acceptable. Bottoms must be solid black without any print or design. Pants must be full length; no capris. Skirts must at least cover the knee when seated, and all skirts must be worn with solid black tights/stockings. Shoes must be solid black dress shoes without any print or design. No flip-flops, sneakers, or jeans of any kind!! If purchasing the proper attire for these concerts is a financial hardship, please contact me ASAP. All information will remain confidential. LESSONS All students are required to attend administration approved lessons that will rotate through time slots on days 1 through 6, so that every student will have at least one lesson per nine cycle days. Each lesson will be worth 10 points toward the 20% lesson portion of each student s grade. It is understood that there may be times where regular class work will keep a student from attending regularly scheduled lessons. In such cases all missed lessons must be made up for full credit by attending make up lessons or attending the lesson of another student who plays the same instrument. Receiving 100% for lessons/sectionals is easily attainable if students are responsible in communicating directly with the director and their teachers when a conflict comes about. Lessons are a great way for students to have each of their individual playing concerns addressed by the director in a small group setting. All students and teachers will be provided with a schedule. Students may not be in the orchestra area unless they have a rehearsal, scheduled lesson or make up lesson. Any students not following this policy will be sent back to their regular class.
PRACTICE LOGS (80 minutes per week, due every Monday) In order to become accomplished instrumentalists along with being a positive contributor to the class, you must play your instruments! Therefore, all students are expected to practice playing their instrument at least (a minimum of) 20 minutes a day, 4 times per week (or a total of 80 minutes of practice per week). You may even choose to break up the 80 minutes into smaller amounts of time, and then practice more than 4 days out of each week. The main idea is that practicing for 15-20 minutes a day with attention to specific detail will produce much better results than running through scales and pieces for 40 minutes only twice per week. - Logs will be accepted late with a 1 point deduction. - Private lessons, lunch rehearsals, chamber group rehearsals and outside rehearsals (youth orchestras, etc.) DO count as practice time - Logs will be graded in the following manner: a) Practice time adding up to at least 80 minutes per week = 5 points; b) Correct distribution of practice time into small segments (at least 4) = 1 point; c) Signed by a parent or guardian = 1 point. Full credit would be 7 points per log. - Logs are due at rehearsal /advisory on Mondays. If you do not have orchestra that day, please submit the form to Dr. Nyce at the next scheduled rehearsal. MUSIC Orchestra members will receive their own individual music folder that will be used for all rehearsals, concerts, and at-home practicing. Orchestra members are responsible for taking great care of their folder and the music it contains along with making sure that it is always present for use in class each day. Students will be financially responsible for their folder and music if it becomes lost or damaged (copying costs). Having your folder and a PENCIL at every rehearsal is part of being prepared for class. EQUIPMENT/REQUIRED ITEMS Violinists and Violists: An instrument and bow in good playing condition must be brought to class every day along with an extra set of strings, rosin, and an adjustable shoulder rest. Students will be given a place to store their equipment during the school day. Cellists and Bassists: Instruments and bows will be provided for use during school rehearsals and may also be borrowed for use during at-home practicing if enough are available so long as an Instrument Loan Form is completed. Students must provide their own rosin and rock stop/cello strap. FORGOTTEN INSTRUMENTS Students are expected to be prepared for rehearsals and sectional lessons at all times with their music, pencil, and a properly set up instrument. Should any of these items be forgotten at home, points will be deducted from that day s grade for performance. If a school instrument is available, the student may borrow it (first come, first served). If no instrument is available, the
student is still expected to participate in the rehearsal by listening, answering questions, marking music, etc. Forgetting your instrument does NOT excuse you from rehearsal. INSTRUMENT REPAIRS If your instrument is out for repairs, tell me and ask the shop if they have a spare instrument you could borrow in the interim. Do not rely on a school instrument as there are only so many. Also, please get a firm date as to when the instrument is supposed to be returned to you. The director must be provided with a written note or email from a parent or the instrument shop performing the repairs to avoid losing points for not having an instrument in class. CLASS BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS (Follow ARROWS) 1. Ready to learn: Be prepared and on time to all rehearsals and concerts. Class will begin at 7:35am. All setting up, getting music, instruments, pencils, and much of the rough tuning should be completed at the bell (by 7:40). Tardiness and/ or cutting will be handled according to the school discipline policy. 2. Well-behaved: NO FOOD, DRINK OR GUM IN THE ORCHESTRA AREA OR STAGE, EVER. 3. Safe: Follow directions the first time they are given and have a will try attitude. 4. Respectful: Show respect for both me and your classmates by only playing and/or speaking when asked to while remaining quiet, focused and attentive to all class proceedings. No student will interrupt the progress of the group or an individual by being disrespectful, disruptive, or derogatory. 5. Organized: KEEP THE ORCHESTRA AREA, STORAGE ROOM, YOUR LOCKER AND THE AUDITORIUM CLEAN. Be respectful of all music and equipment. All music and instruments should always be put away neatly on storage racks. (Cellos and basses: endpins in and bows loosened.) All backpacks, purses, and cell phones (confiscated upon first sighting in accordance with STSD cell
phone policy) will be left either in the orchestra storage room or in the auditorium seats at the foot of the stage.. 6. Accountable: Attendance at sectional lessons is required, and grades are administered. 7. Accountable: Doing other class work during orchestra is prohibited. A performance grade deduction will result from such infractions. SOME INSTRUMENT/MUSIC SHOPS THE HORN HOSPITAL: SHANK S STRINGS: 3796 Valley Road 308 West High Street Marysville, PA 17053-9758 Elizabethtown, PA 17022-2140 (717) 957-2775 (717) 361-0511 www.hornhospital.com www.shankstrings.com LOSER S MUSIC: J.R. JUDD VIOLINS: 728 Cumberland Street 1964 Lycoming Creek Road Lebanon, PA 17042-5297 Williamsport, PA 17701 (717) 272-0381 (570) 321-8070 www.losersmusic.com THE COUNTRY STRING SHOP: www.jrjuddviolins.com Central Penn Music: 2849 Horseshoe Pike 8 N. Londonderry Square Campbelltown, PA 17010 Palmyra, PA 17078 (717) 838-8732 (717) 832-6110 www.countrystringshop.com www.centralpennmusic.com Forte Music: Menchey s Music: 550 N. Mountain Road 3907 Union Deposit Road Harrisburg, PA 17112 Harrisburg, PA 17109 (888) 856-8742 (717) 564-2299 www.fortemusicpa.com www.mencheymusic.com
ORCHESTRA CONTRACT Students are required to complete and submit this Orchestra Contract, along with the reverse side: Student Information Form, to Dr. Nyce by Friday, September 9 th.. Returning either of the forms listed above past due will result in a class productivity grade deduction for each day either is late. Let s have a great year and remember that orchestra is both a class and a commitment. By checking each item and signing this form, you agree that: I have received and read the STMS Orchestra Syllabus regarding student requirements, expectations, activities, dates and grading requirements. I have placed important dates on my calendar. I will acquire all required materials (including concert dress) for class and performances. I understand that I must attend all scheduled orchestra performances and activities and that an unexcused absence can result in being dropped from the group. I understand that receiving information this early in the year may result in changes to actual dates and scheduling of special activities, as well as the addition of other orchestra related events. I also understand that in regarding such changes and additions, I will be notified as soon as possible. * All orchestra information will be available through: 1) Dr. Nyce s Teacher Web Page incuding blog http://www.hannasd.org/domain/599 and 2) by Parent e-mail (make sure you include the one you check the most) via Director s e- mail: dnyce@hannasd.org Hard copies will often be distributed. Dr. Nyce may also communicate by text or phone call from time to time: via 717-480-1584. STUDENT S SIGNATURE PARENT S SIGNATURE
STMS ORCHESTRA STUDENT INFORMATION FORM ** Remember that this form is due back to Dr. Nyce by Friday, September 9th! NAME: GRADE: INSTRUMENT: MAILING ADDRESS: ZIP NAME OF PARENT OR GUARDIAN: HOME PHONE: CELL PHONE: WORK PHONE: **EMAIL: ** must have for class email lists!! PRIVATE TEACHER: # OF YEARS OF STUDY: (if applicable) ARE YOU CURRENTLY USING A SCHOOL-LOANED INSTRUMENT: Academic Enrichment Teacher and Room Number: Yes, I would be willing to be included on a text message list (remind) for lessons and other reminders. Preferred Text Message Number: STUDENT S SIGNATURE PARENT S SIGNTAURE