Orchestra Manual

Introduction

The following expectations are listed to create an atmosphere conducive to musical learning:

1. Show respect for peers, teacher, and self.
2. Be in your seat with instrument and music, ready to play when the bell rings.
3. Come prepared for class with the appropriate materials: instrument, music, pencil, and planner.
4. No gum, food, or drink in the classroom.
5. Display proper rehearsal etiquette. Refrain from talking and respond appropriately to direction given by instructor.
6. No homework or sleeping in rehearsal
7. Be responsible for your music and equipment
   

Equipment

1. Instrument, bow, rosin, mute, and extra strings (violin, viola).
2. Music
3. Pencil
   

Uniforms

String Orchestra

1. Boys: Black pants, white button down dress shirt with collar, dark dress shoes, black socks, bow tie, and cummerbund
2. Girls: Black pants or skirt (below knee length), white button down dress shirt with collar, hose, black dress shoes, bow tie and cummerbund
   *Bow tie and cummerbund provided by the school

String Ensemble

1. Boys: Black pants, white button down dress shirt with collar, dark dress shoes, black socks, optional dark tie (long not bow)
2. Girls: Black pants or skirt (below knee length), white button down dress shirt with collar, black dress shoes
   

Care of Music and Instruments

1. Students are responsible for the cost of replacing music that is lost or damaged. If a folder is lost or damaged and neither student takes responsibility the cost will be shared.
2. School basses and cellos are available for use in school. Students should rent or purchase an instrument for home use. Any damage on a school instrument is the responsibility of the student
   

Practicing

1. Students are expected to practice outside of class to be adequately prepared. Recommended practice is at least 20 minutes a day.
2. Practice records will be 20% of student grades.
   

Place
• Musicians need a place to practice that is quiet and minimizes interruptions.
• Musicians need a music stand, a metronome, and a straight back chair.
  

Duration
• It is better to practice often for short periods of time than seldom for long periods. This is for skill and muscle development that needs frequency for best results.
• Twenty minutes to a half an hour each day is perfect for students who are working on lessons and orchestra music.
• Students taking private lessons and/or working toward an audition should practice half an hour to an hour a day.
  

Method
• Start with a warm-up for about 5 minutes
• Review scales.
• 5-10 minutes of lesson material where musicians should be working out difficult passages, slowly and with a lot of repetition.
• 5-10 minutes of orchestra music where musicians should be working out difficult passages, slowly and with a lot of repetition.
• End with something fun…Just play through a favorite selection.
  

Suggestions for Parents
• For most students and adults practice is not fun. Playing your instrument is fun but practice is tedious work and is difficult. Most students will not practice without encouragement.
• Occasionally, take time to sit and listen to your child in the same room.
• Set up a convenient time each day for practice.
• Never use music as a punishment.
• Intervene if you do not hear the type of practice session outlined in this paper.

Useful practice websites
• www.metronomeonline.com
• www.pdsweb.parklandsd.org/hpo

Rehearsal Procedures

1. Arrive at rehearsals on time with everything you will need
2. Set up your stand and chair immediately. If you have time, help set up your section as well.
3. Get your music and instrument in an orderly manner and be seated immediately. Adjust your chair and stand so that you can see the music and the conductor.
4. Sit with good posture. Both feet flat on the floor, legs, uncrossed, and back away from the back of the chair.
5. Warm up quietly. Talking should be minimal.
6. When conductor comes to the podium stop playing and talking.
7. Stop when the conductor cuts you off and listen for directions.
8. Do not touch any instrument other than your own unless instructed to do so.
9. Your name must be on your case and music at all times.
10. Prepare for every rehearsal. Make sure that your instrument is in good working order and that you have your music and a pencil.
11. At the end of the rehearsal, reset the chairs and stands for the next class
    

Grading

1. Grades are determined on the following grading scale
   • Classroom participation/ Daily Grade 40%
   • Written and playing tests/ Assignments 20%
   • Practice records 20%
   • Performances 20%
2. Each student will have a daily grade of 10 points. Your daily points represent the following: class participation, preparation, behavior, attitude, and overall conduct.
   • a. Loss of daily grade points include the following: Unexcused absence, unexcused tardy, forgotten music and/ or pencil, failure to put away equipment, food, drink, gum, forgotten instrument, doing homework in rehearsal, lack of participation, poor attitude, etc.
   • b. Attitude is everything in a performing ensemble and determines the musical and overall success of an individual.
     • i. An “A” orchestra student shows positive leadership and an interest in assisting rehearsal procedures.
     • ii. He or she shows independence and resourcefulness in assisting rehearsal procedures
     • iii. He or she is self-disciplined, punctual, dependable, and cooperative.
     • iv. He or she cares deeply, wants to succeed, and demonstrates thorough quality work.
3. Playing tests will be graded on performance of assigned material with the following criteria:
   • a. Intonation
   • b. Tone
   • c. Tempo
   • d. Phrasing
   • e. Articulation
   • f. Style
4. Concert attendance is MANDATORY for all students
   • a. Only two excused reasons apply for missing a performance: Illness or Extreme Family Emergency
   • b. A written note from a parent is required for a performance absence. Whether the absence is excused or not will be determined by director.
   • c. An unexcused absence from a performance will result in a letter grade reduction for the quarter.
   • d. An excused absence or tardy will result in a loss of points. Points may be made up by the following: Written report (approved by teacher), teaching another student (teacher assigned with no pay), Community service (solo or small ensemble performance, no pay)
   • e. Loss of concert grade points are as follows:
     • Unexcused tardy 25%
     • Unexcused absence 100%

Late to class and Behavior Policy

1. First offense: Warning from Mr. Leung
2. Second offense: Parent notification
3. Third offense: Detention/ parent notification
4. Fourth offense and beyond: Office referral

Attendance