2016-2017 Beginning Orchestra Handbook
Mr. Edwin Garcia, Orchestra Director
[email protected]
http://egarciaorchestra.weebly.com/
Remind is a messaging tool for teachers to communicate with parents and students via texting, email or the Remind app. It is a free, safe and easy way to communicate details and reminders about Orchestra concerts, activities and assignments. This year, every student needs to have at least one PARENT/GUARDIAN sign up by Monday, August 29th!
Materials
Please note that ALL listed materials are required to properly play and rehearse. Daily grades will be lowered if a student is consistently without needed materials.
• Instrument with a case
• Essential Elements 2000Bk 1/ 6th Grade Bk 2 & 3/ 7th & 8th Grade [All students MUST HAVE A BOOK FOR DAILY PARTICIPATION GRADE]
• Pencils and erasers - students need a pencil in class and on the stand EVERY DAY!!
• Shoulder rest* (violin and viola only) [NOT OPTIONAL. VIOLINIST AND VIOLAS MUST HAVE FOR DAILY PARTICIPATION GRADE]
• Rock Stop* (cello and bass only) [NOT OPTIONAL. CELLOS AND BASSES MUST HAVE ROCK STOP FOR DAILY PARTICIPATION GRADE]
• Rosin*
Instruments
Every day, all students will need to have an instrument in class. Violas, Cellos and Basses will be available to rent from the school for $35.00 per semester (checks payable to ORMS).
Violins will need to be rented or purchased from an approved retailer. You may also be able to rent an instrument for home for an additional $70.00 per school year.
PLEASE TALK TO MR. GARCIA BEFORE BUYING AN INSTRUMENT! PLEASE DO NOT BUY INSTRUMENTS FROM THE INTERNET.
Practicing Expectations:
Students will be expected to practice at home in order to master their own individual part so that in class we can focus on our playing as a group. That is how we will grow as an orchestra!
Weekly playing tests will indicate how well you are practicing. ALSO, PARENTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO SIGN A WEEKLY PRACTICE SHEET.
Classroom Expectations
• Promptly get your instrument and materials out and have a seat at your stand
• INSTRUMENTS OUT, PHONES IN YOUR CASE.
• Be sure that your music and pencil are on your stand BEFORE rehearsal starts. If you are missing something, you need to ask people around you first. If you still do not have what you need for class, you need to see Mr. Garcia BEFORE rehearsal starts.
• Tuning will start promptly 2 minutes after the bell. At that time, you are expected to be in your seat, ready to play with music and a pencil on your stand.
• During rehearsal, please stop playing when the conductor gives a cut-off and be quiet during the instruction that follows.
• Plan to use the bathroom/water fountain before or after class, not during.
• Respect all orchestra property and orchestra members at all times.
• When it is time to pack up, make sure you ALWAYS do the following:
• Wipe down your instrument with your cleaning cloth
• Loosen your bow hair
• Put the end pin in/Remove shoulder rest
• Secure your instrument in its’ case or on an instrument rack
• Cleanliness and tidiness of all rehearsal spaces - please pick up after yourself. [DO NO LEAVE MUSIC BEHIND]
• No candy, gum chewing, drinks or food
Behavior Expectations
Should a student choose to repeatedly talk or play out of turn, show disrespect to the conductor or other students, or in some other way have difficulty following the “Classroom Expectations” the following steps will be taken as needed:
• Verbal Warning
• Chat with Mr. Garcia before or after class about what’s going on and a phone call home
• Office Referral/ Detention
Concert Attire
• Ladies – Black pants, black dress shoes and a white blouse. If you choose to wear a skirt it must fall below the knee when you are sitting.
• (This is something that I do not wish to address, so if you think it may not the meet dress code or is questionable, choose another outfit that is concert appropriate.)
• Gentlemen – Black dress slacks, black socks, black shoes (no canvas or tennis shoes) and a white collared shirt, preferably a button down (tie optional ☺)
Evaluation
Playing / Written Assessments – 40%
Weekly playing tests, material checks, written quizzes, flashcard quizzes, etc.
Daily Participation and Preparation – 50%
Points will be awarded/subtracted daily for following Classroom and Behavior Expectations
Semester Concert – 10%
General Policies and Expectations
- All rehearsals, concerts and performances are mandatory unless prior arrangements have been made. The only exceptions are illness, family emergencies, and conflicts with other school activities that have been previously resolved with the director. Written verification is required.
- If the student will be late to or absent from an event, the director must be notified by a parent or guardian in writing before the time of the event.
- Students will have their grade lowered one letter grade for each unauthorized absence from any performance or any specially designated rehearsal as in the School Board Policy 10.7 “Student Responsibility to Performing Arts and Activity Groups”
- Transportation will be provided to all off-campus events. If the parent or guardian would like to provide transportation home from an event, the student must have a note from his/her parent or guardian, signed by the director and approved by the principal. Before being dismissed from the event, the director or chaperone must see the parent or guardian.
- All students must be eligible to compete according to guidelines set by Broken Arrow Public Schools and the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association.
- School dress code is required at all times.
- All other school policies apply at all times.
Code of Conduct
As a member of the Broken Arrow Instrumental Music Department you will be highly visible not only as a musical organization, but as a representative of our school, community and state. That responsibility and opportunity carries with it an obligation to protect and maintain the absolute highest moral and musical integrity. Many of those who come into contact with us as we perform and travel will form their opinions of Broken Arrow based upon the impressions we create, both in close proximity and from a distance. Therefore, the appearance, conduct, and demeanor of the Broken Arrow School District and individual campus program rules and regulations apply at all times.
As in any situation, good judgment must always prevail. All rules and expectations are set forth to help you enjoy your trips to the fullest, and to avoid embarrassment and inconvenience which momentary lapses in judgment may bring about. It is the goal of the Broken Arrow Instrumental Music Program, that upon our return home to Broken Arrow, you will have acquired an even greater sense of pride as a Broken Arrow student and as a Broken Arrow School musical ambassador.
School Sponsored Trips
While on school-sponsored trips we will share facilities with other student groups and individuals from other schools and programs. Some of these groups and individuals may be unsupervised at times and may engage in behavior that is in conflict with the spirit of our Code of Conduct. Broken Arrow students are expected at all times to maintain a high standard of conduct. Students must remain reasonably quiet at all times and scheduled check-in times will be strictly observed.
Each orchestra member is responsible for his/her own equipment and personal items. However, we must all share in the logistical responsibilities of the trip. We will all participate as equipment movers, stagehands, etc. Please perform the duties asked of you.
Broken Arrow Public Schools is an equal opportunity educational institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age.
2016-2017 Calendar: will be posted and updated on my website
http://egarciaorchestra.weebly.com/ or email: [email protected]
Music Vendors:
Saied Music Company Southwest Strings
3259 S. Yale Ave http://www.swstrings.com
Tulsa Violin Shar Music
220 N. Main St http://www.sharmusic.com