1.  Students will be in their seat with all materials (instrument, music, pencil)
     by the time the tardy bell rings.

2.  No food, gum, candy or drink in class.  (Bottled water is allowed if it does
     not interfere with classwork. If bottles are left in the classroom, access to
     bottled water may be eliminated for that class).

3.  The orchestra office is off limits without permission from the director.

4.  Each student will obtain, maintain, and play his/her own instrument (with
     the exception of basses and harps). Cello and bass players will be assigned
     a school instrument for classroom use only.

5.  Students will not talk during rehearsals.

6.  At the conclusion of class, do not leave the room until the bell rings.

 

 

Grading Policy

60%  Daily Participation.   Including:

            Punctuality

            Preparedness

            Effectively working with others

            Display of proper listening skills

            Being on task

            Demonstrating proper care of instrument/equipment/room/lockers/spaces

(The student earns 2 points per day for daily participation. If the student is absent, he/she must present the director with a note from the parent and student indicating that an hour of effective practice was performed within 2 days of the absence. Failure to make up the time and to present the note will result in 0 points for that day).

            Individual practice

(Students will log in practice time daily on the Practice Log site. 2 hours of individual practice per week is a minimum. 4 hours per week is required of Honors students. Failure to meet practice goals will cause a deduction in the Daily Participation grade).

 

40%  Tests/Assignments

            Playing tests -  performed live in class or at times on videotape

            Written tests -  covering notes in class, music theory, music history, etc.

            Concert attendance -  Concert attendance/participation is required.

An unexcused absence from a concert receives a 0 test grade.  In order to receive a grade for an excused absence – student illness or death in family – the student must submit a videotape, or DVD, performance of the concert pieces to the director within one week of the concert.

 

 

Cheating Policy

Anyone who cheats on a test or assignment will receive a grade of  0 for the assignment or test.

 

 

Classroom Procedures

 

Entering/leaving classroom

Unless it is pouring rain, do not go through the bandroom. Use the orchestra room doors and go outside to nearest school entrance. Upon entering classroom, get your instrument and music and go to your seat.  You may use electronic tuners prior to the tardy bell.

Listening skills are among the most valuable tools of a musician.  For this reason, each student must not talk during rehearsal so that he/she can hear instructions from the director, hear their own playing, and focus on the musical sounds being created.

Students are not to use the orchestra office.  If the phone is needed, you will go to the Asst. Principal's office.  Students need to use their own office supplies (tape, staples, etc). Do not "borrow" from the orchestra office.

The music wing bathrooms may be used before or after class as long as they are maintained in good order. Emergency use during class is allowed, but excessive absenteeism from class will affect your daily participation grade.

Keep our room looking neat and clean.  Throw water bottles and trash away.  Do not leave trash for others to pick up.

Chewing gum in class is a violation of classroom rules.  It may also result in the student spending time after school cleaning gum from stands/chairs or other surfaces.

Place instruments and folders in assigned spaces.  Violin and viola students are encouraged to put locks on their lockers.  The director is not responsible for anyone else using your instrument.  It is your responsibility to secure it.

When the teacher dismisses class, put instrument and music away. 

DO NOT leave the orchestra room until the bell rings.

 

 

Instrument and Accessory Requirements

 

Each student must have his/her own copy of Advanced Technique for Strings.

Each student needs a music stand, metronome and tuner for home practice.

Each student will demonstrate daily that he/she knows how to take care of his/her instrument. This includes handling the instrument and bow in a way that is safe at all times.

Cases need rosin and cleaning rags.  Failure to use rosin properly affects the sound of your instrument and limits your playing ability.  Too much rosin buildup on the instrument can damage the varnish.  Wipe off excess rosin each day.

Bows must be loosened after every playing session.  Failure to loosen your bow destroys the proper curvature and function of the bow. Cello and bass students who do not loosen the bow will be required to provide their own bows.

Violinists and violists need to use a shoulder pad. Please put your name on the shoulder pad so that it will not get confused with another student's shoulder pad.

Each student needs to have an extra set of strings.  If a string breaks and you do not have a replacement, your daily grade suffers.

Cello and bass players should get in the habit of lowering the endpin anytime you leave the instrument unattended.

Do not expose the instrument to excessive heat or cold.  This can cause the instrument to crack or come unglued.