PHS Orchestra Course Syllabus 2008-09 Jeffrey Campbell, Director 810-225-5270 jcampbel@pcs.k12.mi.us Welcome to the PHS Orchestra. Every fine music program has high standards, not only in performance, but also in attitude and behavior ours is no exception! This guide of policies and procedures was prepared to inform both students and parents of the obligations and responsibilities of members of the PHS Orchestra. Please read this instructional guide carefully. This will help prepare you for the responsibilities that are yours as a member of this organization. Being a member of our orchestra is more than just sitting at home and practicing your instrument. Playing an instrument gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your musical ability, develop your potential talent and leadership skills, find new friends and work together as a team. The more energy you put into your group, the more satisfaction and reward you will get out of it. Anytime you have a question about the program, first consult this guide. If you do not find the answer, meet with Mr. Campbell and he will discuss your question with you. Through our combined effort and hard work, I know you will be proud of our orchestra. DAILY CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS AND ROUTINE 1. Read the board(s) at the front of the room and follow directions written on them. If there is nothing pertaining to the orchestra class on the board, automatically get out and prepare your instrument, pencil, and all of your music and classroom music books for use. 2. All students are required to have a pencil, all music needed for the class, their instrument in good working order, rosin, shoulder rest, or other music accessories required to perform the music of the day.
3. Put your instrument together quickly, sit in your assigned seat and warm up sensibly. When the director raises his hand, all talking and playing should stop at once and the students should be attentive throughout the class period. 4. Gum, candy, and beverages other than water, are not permitted during class. First offense for candy or gum is a verbal warning. Second offense is 5 points off of weekly participation grade and call or email home to parents. Additional offense(s) is after school detention(s). 5. Students are expected to keep all classroom space clean, neat and orderly at all times. All students will be provided with a specific place in which to keep their instrument during the day. 6. Students are expected to respect all school property (instruments, equipment, music books, sheet music, etc.) and the property of others in the class. Be responsible for your own instrument and music and do not share you instrument with others. Students are not to play or handle other school or privately owned instruments unless instructed by Mr. Campbell. 7. I expect you to do your very best on your instrument and in your behavior at all times. Failure to do so will reflect in your grade or citizenship marks on progress reports or report cards. SCHOOL EQUIPMENT If a student uses a school owned instrument, they will be given a contract with specific details regarding the instrument. Careless or accidental damage done in the handling of a school instrument or the defacing of an instrument will result in reimbursement to the school for any and all damages to the instrument while in the care of that student. MUSIC Every student will be issued their own copy of music being performed in class. You will be given a paper music folder at no cost to keep you music. I highly recommend purchasing a three ring binder for your music. Never mark on any music with ink. A music check will be done at the end of each quarter. Missing music will result in losing 20 points for each missing selection. Students may need to purchase a music book for their own use during the year. The average cost of the book is approximately $8.00. If you cannot afford to purchase one, please let Mr. Campbell know and he will arrange for you to have one for use during the school year and returned at the end of the school year. GRADES & RESPONSIBILITY Teamwork is a must for our success. Respect for the teacher, school equipment, other students and posessions is expected by all students. Responsibility for attending concerts, daily practice, and personal preparation for each class or rehearsal are necessary for a top grade in the class. The following criteria are used to establish an academic grade and responsibility mark for each student throughout the school year. 1. Daily rehearsal contribution and attitude-40% (30 points per week)
2. Tests, homework and 20% (10-25 points, minus 2 points for every day late) 3. Performances-40% (100 points per performance, 90 points if late) Missing a performance is the equivalent of missing a major examination. Therefore, missing a performance with an unexcused absence will lower the student s grade substantially for that marking period. Illness, family vacation, religious conviction or death in the immediate family will of course be accepted as a legitimate excuse for missing a performance. The director must receive a written excuse by a parent or guardian when a student misses a performance in order to schedule a make up assignment. A student who misses a performance for an excused reason will be given two days upon returning to school to play all music from the missed performance for the teacher after school. The teacher using a rubric evaluating the quality of tone, intonation, rhythm, technique assesses the performance musically, and interpretation displayed by the student. It is the student s responsibility to communicate with the director regarding a missed performance and arranging a make up assignment if necessary. AT HOME PRACTICE All students are expected to practice approximately 15-20 minutes per day as a minimum. Practicing one day per week for 2 hours is not a good way to practice. Consistent daily practice on different materials (sheet music, scales, lesson books, etc.) will yield the very best results and is a lot more fun. Practice with a recording, a friend, or performing for your family members is a great way to keep your skills sharp. PRIVATE LESSONS Taking private lessons on your instrument is the best way to develop great skills on your instrument. Private teachers can devote their entire time with you without a lot of other students in the room demanding the teacher s attention. You don t have to have a desire to become a professional to take private lessons. Most students who take them don t. They just want to get better in their instrument. The better you get on your instrument, the more challenging and fun music you will be able to play. The majority of our very best players take private lessons. I will help you find a teacher if you would like to study privately or refer to my private teacher list on my web page. PINCKNEY MUSIC BOOSTERS In order to run an outstanding orchestra program I need your help. There are a number of small jobs that need to be done. Every year I ask for parents to help coordinating orchestra activities. Parent involvement is needed for chaperoning, field trips, the annual Side-By-Side concert, Helluva Cruise, and other performances and music events. The Pinckney Music Boosters meetings take place at 7:00 p.m. in the high school band room on the second Tuesday of every month. The Pinckney Music Boosters website can be found under the Groups category of Yahoo and is listed there under Pinckney Band Boosters.
CONCERT DRESS The uniform of an ensemble in a concert is important to the performers and the audience. A quality visual impression of the ensemble is no small factor in the quality of any performance. Students will wear the following uniform for our concerts unless otherwise directed. A ten dollar usage fee is requested for use of the uniform for the school year. All uniform parts are the responsibility of the student and parents and must be returned at the end of the school year. Boys-Black Tuxedo, White Tux shirt, Black Bow Tie, Black Socks, Black Dress Shoes Girls- Black dress gown, black hosiery and black dress shoes. No flip-flop style sandals are permitted AWARDS & RECOGNITION 1. Freshman Orchestra Pin - successful completion of the school year including attendance at all concerts and performances with an A- average and participation/completion in one of the following: a. Audition for the MSBOA All State Orchestra b. Participate in the District Solo & Ensemble Festival c. Successfully complete the freshman instrument skills assessment. 2.Sophomore Varsity Letter- successful completion of the school year including attendance at all concerts and performances with an A- average and participation/completion in one of the following: a. Audition for the MSBOA All State Orchestra b. Participate in the District Solo & Ensemble Festival c. Successfully complete the sophomore instrument skills assessment. 3. Juniors Silver Star- successful completion of the school year including attendance at all concerts and performances with an A- average and participation/completion in one of the following: a. Audition for the MSBOA All State Orchestra b. Participate in the District Solo & Ensemble Festival c. Successfully complete the junior instrument skills assessment. 4. Seniors Gold Star- successful completion of the school year including attendance at all concerts and performances with an A- average and participation/completion in one of the following: a. Audition for the MSBOA All State Orchestra b. Participate in the District Solo & Ensemble Festival c. Successfully complete the freshman instrument skills assessment. Orchestra Festival- If the orchestra receives a Division 1 or 2 rating from the festival, an MSBOA approved medal will be ordered for each student and paid for by the Pinckney Music Boosters.
Solo & Ensemble Festival- Students are strongly encouraged to participate in the MSBOA Solo & Ensemble Festival. Students who earn a Division 1 or 2 will be given an MSBOA approved medal for each event in which they participate (maximum of 2). Director s Award- Selected by the director for exceptional contributions to the Pathfinder Orchestra during the senior year in the areas of musicianship and leadership. Other awards or certificates may be given at the discretion of director at the end of the year awards celebration. ACCEPTANCE OF RESPONSIBILITY After you have thoroughly read this instructional guide, please sign and return the form at the end of this pack. Keep the guide and the calendar for future reference, If you have any questions, please call the teacher for clarification or further explanation. Effective communication between parents and teachers is necessary if the student is going to be successful. Please communicate any problems or concerns you have with us as early as possible. Web Page Please consult Mr. Campbell s school web page for this instructional guide as well as other information which will enhance your orchestra experience.
PHS Orchestra Calendar of Events for 2008-09 All events listed on the calendar are required performances or rehearsals unless noted with an asterisk (*). Please put these dates on your family calendar/schedule as soon as possible. Date Time Place Event 9/26 Class Class All State Orchestra App. Deadline* 10/27 6:30-8p.m. Tasch Halloween Concert Rehearsal 10/28 7:00 p.m. Tasch Halloween Concert 11/1,2 TBA TBA All State Orchestra Auditions* 11/10?Class Class Poinsettia Sale Begins 11/7 Class Class Solo & Ensemble App. Deadline* 12/10?5-7 p.m. HS Poinsettia Pickup and Delivery 12/15 6:30-8 p.m. Tasch Orchestra Night Rehearsal 12/16 7 p.m. Tasch Orchestra Night Performance 2/6/7 TBA Walled Lake District Solo & Ensemble Festival* Northern HS 2/21 TBA HS Spaghetti Dinner Performance 3/5 7:00 p.m. Tasch Pre-festival Concert 3/20,21TBA TBA Orchestra Festival 3/28 TBA Chelsea HS State S&E Festival* 5/13 TBA Tasch A2SO Gala Rehearsal 5/14 7:30 p.m. Tasch A2SO Gala Performance 6/7 1:30 p.m. Hill Aud.-UM PHS Graduation Ceremony +Other events may be added to this calendar during the year.?= Date had not been confirmed at time of printing.
Assignment #1 Worth 50 points 1. Read the Pathfinder Orchestra Course Syllabus with your parent(s). 2. Fill out the form below. 3. Return this form by Friday September 5. Five points will be deducted each day the form is late. PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN THIS FORM BY SEPTEMBER 5, 2008 I have received and reviewed the PHS Orchestra Course Syllabus and Calendar of Events for 2008-09. I understand that if I have any questions regarding the instructional guide or calendar, that I should contact the director for clarification. (Contact information is found on title page of the instructional guide) Students Name (please print) Student Signature Parent/Guardian Name (please print) Parent/Guardian Signature Parent/Guardian email Date