Handbook for the Manteo High School String Orchestra

Handbook for the Manteo High School String Orchestra Class and Ensemble 2016 – 2017 Director and Teacher: Becki Rea Contact Info: reabe@daretolearn. org MHS 473 -5841 ext. 1016 MMS 473 -5549 ext. 1255 Class Days/Times: 7: 00 a. m. – 7: 50 Tu, W, Th, F plus a minimum of 45 minutes per week independent practice for the 5 th day

Handbook Contents ● Class/Ensemble Description p. 3 -5

Class/Ensemble Description: ● This class is open to students in grades 9 -12, whom have: ○ participated in the middle school strings program, ○ or whom have intermediate, proficient, or advanced level skills on a violin, viola, cello, or bass. ● Beginning level students are welcome ○ and will participate through a modified approach in ensemble repertoire ○ while developing playing skill and knowledge Independent practice and additional sessions ○ with the director, ○ or through classes offered at MMS will be needed to move through instrument-playing basics and to develop skills for all students. ●

Class/Ensemble Description: ● This ensemble will rehearse four days per week at school and prepare music for a variety of performances and concerts. ● The ensemble will also participate in NC Festivals for adjudication, and members will have the opportunity to audition and participate in NCMEA Eastern Region Orchestra and other statewide events. ● We’ll learn to play together as an orchestra and improve our individual skills.

Class/Ensemble Description: ● This course may be repeated each year for credit, and will be different in specific content and repertoire each year. As students progress, individual goals will change. ● Student receive (1) transcript credit for enrollment, and are placed in: ○ Level I (Beginning level), ○ Level II (Intermediate level), ○ Level III (Proficient Level) ○ or Level IV (Advanced Level) ○ Level of placement is based on skill achievement , assessment, and prior participation ○ Levels III and IV are Honors classes. Our repertoire, lessons, and curriculum will be based on the NC Essential Standards objectives and goals. ● ● This is a year-long class – there are 4 grading periods and report cards go out every 9 weeks. Interims will also be given mid-way through each grading period.

Grading Policy: Students receive grades, and are responsible for course expectations including: ● participation, ● class attendance, ● performances, ● homework/practice records, ● and other assignments. Students and parents have access to POWERSCHOOL, and can monitor grades weekly. Please communicate with the teacher anytime you have questions or concerns.

Grading Policy: All Dare County Secondary Schools use a 10 -point scale for grading: A = 90 -100 B = 80 -89 C= 70 -79 D = 60 -69 Class/Ensemble grades are entered in weighted categories: Participation = 40% Performances = 25% Assignments and Homework = 20% Assessments and Tests = 15% A final exam will be given in June. Final grade for the course is determined by averaging Semester 1, Semester 2 and the final exam score (each 33%). The final exam will have multiple parts. Averaged together, the final exam should reflect the growth achieved and knowledge gained during the school year:

Grading Policy: Performance participation by all students is an important component of music class curriculum, and the success and quality of our ensembles performances. Students and their families att are asked to make a commitment to

Things to know relating to grades: ● Participation actively and daily is key to learning in the music room. ● Preparation and Independent practice will improve your learning experience. ● Class attendance does affect participation grades. ● Students will be marked Present, Tardy, or Absent in Powerschool ● Turning in independent practice time/records does affect participation grades. ● To earn 100 points for each weekly participation grade, give 100% effort. ● One homework assignment will be given weekly. Student responses will include reading, writing, recording and researching ● Students who are frequently tardy or absent are responsible for rehearsal time and assignments missed. After School Rehearsal (not detention) may be assigned, to be completed with Mrs. Rea to make up work and rehearsal time. The goal is to keep students from falling behind and playing well. ● Failure to attend the assigned After School Rehearsal will result in a written Discipline Referral, and communication with a parent. ● Independent practice of scales and ensemble repertoire will be assigned throughout the nine weeks, and a grade will be given for turning in practice time and bi-weekly playing assessments. ● Please bring a note or send an email with 3 days of an absence to explain/excuse the absence due to illness, family emergency, or doctor’s appointment. Give the note to Mrs. Rea - it will then be passed to Ms. Kerlin, in the attendance office.

LEARNING to be a MUSICIAN for a lifetime of playing your instrument ● Work to develop more advanced tone production, vibrato and articulation techniques. ● Perform orchestral arrangements as well as solos, duos, and small ensembles. ● Developing technique is a challenge to all, and practice will make a difference. ● Exploring a variety of musical literature, all styles and periods of music ● Develop and improve your ability to tune your instrument accurately. ● Develop your ability to sight-read music accurately. ● Play your instrument with good intonation. ● Learn to play with expression and musical interpretation. ● Play advanced rhythms in various meters, and repertoire in mixed meters. ● Perform in a variety of settings and for an audience ● Develop critical listening skills, analysis and ear training.

CLASSSROOM EXPECTATIONS Participate in class and in performances. Be prepared for class. Practice on your own time - turn in practice logs through the haiku. Do homework that is assigned. *Bring all necessary materials to every class: instrument, MUSIC, pencil, shoulder rest for violins and rock stop for cellos/basses Be punctual! Since class time is limited, please arrive early, ready to play at 7: 00 Help make each rehearsal productive. No gum or food during class. Be respectful of others and their playing at all times.

Class Schedule and Additional Rehearsals: Our class schedule for Semester 1 is included in this handbook. Adjustments have been made to reflect the school calendar. If the start day is delayed due to weather, class will be cancelled for that day. If a student is absent from school it MHS and DCS policy that the student does not participate in afterschool activities, including rehearsals. At times, it will be necessary to schedule additional rehearsals after school or in the evening. Additional rehearsals will be scheduled well in advance with the expectation that all students attend. The extra rehearsals are only scheduled when necessary to help students and to facilitate special performances.

Students will need to provide these items – keep these items at home in your closet. ready: ● black dress shoes and black casual/flats/sandals ● black socks and black pants. ● dark jeans without holes ● Khaki skirts, long shorts, or pants for Spring Please shop early in the year so you are Students are asked to buy a black Manteo HS polo shirt for less formal performances. These will be $22 for the $2016 -17 school year. They are the same as used last year (so no need to get a new one unless you choose to. Students will be assigned a uniformal performances, no charge. ● Long black dress girls – black dressy shoes ● Black pants, tuxedo shirt, bow tie, and cummerbund – boys Students are responsible for the care and upkeep of their uniform, and will return it at the end of the year. .

Instruments Students may provide their own instrument or rent an instrument through the Dare County Youth Orchestra Association. Students who provide their own instrument will not be charged a rental fee, but will be asked to pay $10 for DCYO membership, which will cover the cost of music and materials. DCYO Rental Fee Students may choose to rent an instrument through the Dare County Youth Orchestra association. There is a rental fee of $50 per year for use of the instrument. This nominal fee covers: instrument repair, instrument purchase and money for supplies. It is a VITAL part of our program, as funds are very limited. Therefore, your payment is more than greatly appreciated. Payment is due, in full at the beginning of the year. Cash or checks should be made payable to Dare County Youth Orchestra.

Repairs: Once the instrument has been assigned, it is the student’s responsibility to properly take care of it. String breaks: Extra strings are available and can be replaced/repaired by the teacher. Instrument damage: Students and parents are responsible for the cost or repair for damage. If there is a repair, it will be handled by the teacher on a case-by-case basis. Students who OWN or RENT (not through DCYO): I can help order the additional supplies you may need, but it is ultimately your responsibility to have these necessary things (these are not provided by DCYO or the school system). A working bow and a rag for your case A tag/label on your case A Shoulder rest or cello/bass rock stop A music stand for practicing at home

Care of YOUR Instrument Please remember that: Whether the instrument belongs to you, or DCYO, the instruments need to be cared for well so they will last many years. PLEASE take good care of your instrument! Your instrument needs to be treated and cared for like your favorite pet. Label your case with a name tag Keep instrument out of extreme hot or cold temperatures Always open your case on the floor or a flat surface Check all latches, zippers and velcro to make sure the case is completely shut before picking it up Do not touch the bridge, bow hair or pegs Do not hit your bow on anything Do not let anyone else play your instrument Always store your instrument in the case when you are not playing it Keep your instrument clean of rosin buildup and dust. This affects the overall sound