Handbook

EL DORADO HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA PROGRAM HANDBOOK 2012-2013

Mark Nowak, Director

mnowak@pylusd.org

Tel: 714.986.7580 ext. 11563

EDHS ORCHESTRA PROGRAM GRADE 9-12

EDHS Orchestra students will participate in either or both performing groups for the 2012-13 school year:

• Concert Orchestra           All El Dorado students who play a string instrument.

• Sinfonia                               By audition only.  All Sinfonia personnel will be  

members of Concert Orchestra.  All Sinfonia members

need to be in good musical standing. Previous membership does not guarantee acceptance.

All students must go through an audition process during the first two weeks of semester for seating and group assignment purposes.  Audition sign-ups will be available on the board in orchestra room.

COURSE SUMMARY

EDHS Orchestras emphasize the mechanics of string instruments, note reading, rhythm, pitch discrimination, expression, and music literacy. Performance expectations increase at each sequential level. This is a performance course chosen by students interested in learning to play or continuing to develop performance skills. Rehearsals and performances held outside of the regular school hours are considered required coursework. Students are expected to participate in the course for the entire school year.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

1. To study and be able to demonstrate effectively the different techniques of string performance within an orchestra.
2. To study and utilize musical theory standards while performing.
3. To study and be able to demonstrate an understanding of balance, tone, and blend within an orchestra.
4. To prepare various styles of orchestral music and perform at least one performance each semester.

REQUIRED MATERIALS

1. String Instrument (limited number of instruments are available for check-out)
2. Black 3-ring binder
3. Pencil
4. Accessories – rosin, shoulder rest, extra strings, etc

BOOSTER CLUB

EDHS Orchestra program is privileged to have our very own booster organization made up of supportive parents.  The booster organization will be assisting music director in important orchestra operations.  They will be handing out more information on upcoming events and meetings.  For more information please contact our booster president, Denise Barrios at barrios5835@att.net or 714.524.2003.

WEBSITE

I have created a new site for the orchestra this year – edhsorchestra.blogspot.com. If you are reading this here, you are at the website! This is a more interactive site that will allow me to post interesting videos, photos, and links to teaching materials while allowing students to comment. I will also post relevant orchestra information.

REHEARSAL SCHEDULE 2012-2013

Zero period starts at 6:50 am (7:53 am on Mondays).  You are expected to be in the classroom with your instrument and music out, bow rosined, homework/phones/food/etc put away, and ready to tune at 6:50.  You are considered tardy if you are unprepared to play when the tardy bell rings.

Rehearsal schedule starting Monday, October 15

Orchestra

·         Zero period every Monday

·         Every Monday afternoon rehearsals from 3-4:20

·         Zero period every Tuesday

·         Zero period every Wednesday

·         No Zero on Thursday

·         Zero period every Friday

·         Mr. Nowak reserves the right to schedule sectionals as necessary

Sinfonia

·         Zero period every Monday

·         Every Mondays afternoon rehearsals from 4:30-6:00

·         No Zero on Tuesday

·         Zero period every Wednesday

·         Zero period every Thursday

·         Zero period every Friday

·         Mr. Nowak reserves the right to schedule sectionals as necessary

	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday
Zero	Everyone	Orchestra	Everyone	Sinfonia	Everyone
Afterschool	Orch 3-4:20pm
	Sinfonia 4:30-6pm

This schedule is subject to change and will be posted in class or on the front page of the website.  It is every student’s responsibility to write down his or her rehearsal schedule in their planner.  “I forgot or I’m confused” is not a good enough excuse for missing a scheduled rehearsal!

EVENTS SCHEDULE

Go here for our events schedule.

CONCERT ATTIRE

In order for our orchestra to create an elegant, cohesive performing ensemble where the emphasis is on the music, concert black will be the standard attire. 

Men

·         Black dress shirt (long Sleeves)

·         Black tie (long)

·         Black dress pants or slacks (Not Dickies)

·         Black belt

·         Black socks

·         Black dress shoes

Women

 The uniform will fall in the following general guidelines: 

·         Floor length dress with full length sleeves (to the wrist)

·         Floor length skirt with full length sleeve blouse (to the wrist)

·         Dress pants with full length sleeve blouse (no shiny belts)

·         Black stockings and black closed-toe shoes (no strappy sandals)

·         No short skirts or short sleeves

·         Light beading or other details are acceptable

·         No gaudy sequined or flashy embellishments are allowed

GRADING POLICY

Plus points:

• Daily attendance @ 20 points per rehearsal (Monday afternoon = 40pts.)
• Concert @ 100 points per performance
• Writing assignments @ 100 points each
• Playing exams @ 100 points each (one per quarter)
• Overall participation and preparation for upcoming performance @ 100 points

Minus points:

• 20 points per absence (unexcused or only missing zero period)
• 10 points per tardy
• 20 points for behavior/attitude problem during class
• 50 points for behavior/attitude/gum problem during concert (Keep your cell phones and iPods out of sight!!!)

• One Letter Grade lowered for missing a scheduled performance
• Exception 1: Two weeks written notice
• Exception 2: Out from school on day of concert

Grading Scale:

• Attendance                           40%
• Participation/Preparation 20%
• Playing Test                          30% (expect at least one per quarter)
• Written Assignment                       10% (expect at least one per semester)

Tips to earn an “A”:

• Use your planner to organize and plan ahead
• Respect yourself, others, the teachers, instruments and all equipment.
• Follow directions quickly and quietly.
• Actively and positively participate in class.
• Allow other students to learn at their own pace.
• Always bring your music folder and a pencil to class.
• Stay in your seat unless given permission to leave.
• Raise your hand if you have a comment, question or need help.
• Be prompt, prepared, positive, professional, and polite.
• Check your grade on Aeries regularly
• Communicate with Mr. Nowak
• Turn in all assigned work on time
• Respect and support each member in the orchestra program
• Be a team player
• Practice your music
• Have fun making music!

Scoring Rubric for Performance Tests will be posted soon.

EDHS Orchestra and Sinfonia Parent/Student Agreement

2012-2013

• Throughout the year, communication regarding Orchestra and Sinfonia activities will be communicated to all parents and students via booster meetings, flyers, newsletters, websites and e-mail. 
• In order to ensure the best communication exposure, student emails will be collected as well (with parental consent).
• Occasionally, pictures of parents and students are taken during activities and may be displayed in the classroom or website.  It is the parent’s responsibility to formally notify the Orchestra Boosters in writing if you do not want pictures of yourself or your child to be displayed in this manner.
• EDHS Orchestra has specific guidelines for attendance and concert dress.  The Grading Policy and Concert Attire Guidelines are listed above. 
• Practicing – My attitude towards practicing is simply this: You don’t have to practice, you get to practice! Your homework for this class is to learn your music. That includes scales, warm-ups, and performance pieces. Practice slowly, concentrating on difficult sections, and daily. Use all the practice techniques I teach in class.