Dear Bradley High School OrchestraParents and Members,

Welcome to all new members of the Bradley High School Orchestra and Welcome Back to all continuing members! Congratulations on choosing to continue your music education in the Hilliard City School District. The information in this handbook is a reference to materials, classroom policies, concert procedures, grading policies, fees, and many extra opportunities.

The Bradley High School Orchestra Program has imparted on creating a tradition of excellence in instrumental music instruction and performance within the Hilliard City School District. The commitment of the members of this orchestra and their families is vital to the success of our orchestra program. The Bradley High School Orchestra is committed to maximizing the highest possible musicianship from every student, as well as serving to foster mature young individuals. Our goal is to maintain and grow an orchestra program of the highest quality.

The handbook is organized into the following sections:

  1. Preparation/Materials for Class
  2. Classroom Effort, Attitude, and Conduct
  3. Concert Attendance
  4. Grading Policy
  5. Classroom Fees
  6. Extras

We are looking forward to working with all Bradley Orchestra members this 2014-2015 school year,

Mrs. Sarah Popovich,

Orchestra Director

614-921-7479

Mrs. Erin Broadhurst,

Assistant Orchestra Director

614-334-3057

I. Preparation/Materials for Class -All students have a responsibility to be prepared every day. Student preparation will directly influence the growth and success of their respective orchestra. The following materials are required (graded) daily:

  1. Instrument and bow in good playing condition, shoulder rest(violins/violas) or rock stop (cellos/basses), a cleaning cloth,and rosin. Please label cases with name, address, and current telephone #.

Do you want to “upgrade” your instrument without purchasing a new one?

Get your bow re-haired. Hair goes bad over time. By the time a student reaches high school their bow should have been re-haired. Advanced students should have this done annually.

Take your instrument in for an upgrade. The quality of your instrument should match your playing level. Some shops provide upgrades at little to no additional cost.

New strings. Strings also go bad over time. There sound becomes dull and flat. Please see #3 below for recommended brands.

Have pegs and fine tuners checked for proper operation at your dealer.

  1. Music, Method Book, Handouts,Folder, and Pencil, must be on every student’smusic stand at the start of rehearsal. These items will be provided to the students EXCEPT for the method book (cash due Friday, August 29, 2014) and binder.

Chamber Orchestra: Sight-Read It For Strings by Andrew Dabczynski and Bob Phillips $8

Symphony Orchestra: Superior Strings in 16 Weeks by Carrie Gruselle and Peggy Wheeler $8

Concert Orchestra: All For Strings/Book 3 by Gerald Anderson and Robert Frost $6

  1. Extra Set of Strings (violins/violas only). Students will need an extra set of strings for their case. Strings are available for purchase in the RETURN PACKETat the end of this handbook.

Violins and Violas: Helicore and Dominants

Cellos: Jargar or Larsen

  1. Metronome/Chromatic tuner. Available for purchase in the RETURN PACKETat the end of this handbook.

KORG TM40

II. Classroom Effort, Attitude, and Conduct - Student conduct is one of the most important factorsin the development of an excellent orchestra. The following objectives are given as an outline of expected conduct. In situations not covered below, good judgment is always the rule.

1. Students are to be in the room at the time of the bell. A student representative will mark students tardy entering after the bell. An additional 3 minutes is given to students for setting up, but this time must be spent in the room. Students will have 3 minutes to get their instrument, be seated, and put their music in order (as listed on the board).

2. Students are not to leave their seats once rehearsal begins (i.e. no drinks, trips to the trash can, bathroom, phone calls, nurse, counselor, etc…). Exceptions to this rule are at the discretion of the director.

3. Students are to listen carefully and not talk when the director, assistant director, substitute teacher, or student teacher is on the podium or actively teaching – this includes the tuning process.

4. Students are not to pluck or play their instruments except when instructed to do so.

5. Please, absolutely no food, gum, or drink in the rehearsal room.

6. Students are not to touch instruments or equipment that does not belong to them (i.e. other instruments, percussion equipment, etc…)

7.On a daily basis orchestra members will need to set-up and tear down ALL equipment. This is an important and necessary part of a developing program.

8. Finally, each student should be prepared with any daily assignment, and/or be able to demonstrate improvement in his or her playing skills on the music to the best of their ability.

III. Concert Attendance - A concert is a culminating experience of our daily rehearsals. They are like a final group project because each student is responsible as a member of the group. Every student’s performance is directly related to the performance of every other student. ALL REHEARSALS/PERFORMANCES ARE REQUIRED and they will not be scheduled unless absolutely necessary.Students should make every attempt to be in class the day of a concert. Please avoid scheduling doctor’s appointments during orchestra time on the day of a concert.

Concert grades are based on five categories:

Attendance

Promptness

Full Uniform

Equipment

Professional Behavior

EXCUSED ABSENCES: An email must be sent to the director prior to or immediately following an absence. Excused absences will result because of: personal illness, death within a family, Hilliard City School event with proper communication. Students who are excused from a rehearsal and/or performance will have the opportunity to do an alternate assignment. Failure to complete the assignment within the specified time frame will result in a 0.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES: An unexcused absence from a rehearsal/performance will result in a zero for that particular event. An unexcused absence will result because of:work schedule; conflicts with community events scheduled beyond the realm of the Hilliard City Schools, lack of transportation, babysitting, birthday parties, sporting practices/games/tournaments due to lack of proper notification. This policy is firm.

CONCERT UNIFORM:

All gentleman will be issued a long-sleeve tuxedo dress shirt, tuxedo jacket, tuxedo dress pants, and black bow tie. Additionally, orchestra gentleman must provide black dress socks and black dress shoes for all concerts.

All Symphony and Concert Orchestra ladies will be issued a long formal orchestra dress. Additionally,these ladies must provide black hose and black closed toe dress shoes for all concerts (If desired: modest jewelry, modest hair accessories, traditional nail polish).

All Chamber Orchestra ladies will be issued school pearls. Additionally, these ladies must provide long black dress pants (no jeans) or long black dress skirt (no slits), black hose, black closed toe dress shoes, and long sleeve solid black top (dressy…no t-shirts). The director must approve all clothing choices prior to each concert.

All Bradley Orchestra members must have a “natural” hair color at the time of all performances.

At the conclusion of the school year each student is responsible for the dry cleaning of their own uniform. The dry cleaning receipt must be attached to a bag covering the uniform upon the completion of the school year.

IV. Grading Policy - The grade that students receive in orchestra is a direct result of the work they do at home and in class. Students earn grades in four areas:

Daily Rehearsal Attendance/Work Habits40%: Points will be assigned and deducted based in the following areas:rehearsal etiquette, attitude, preparedness.

After School Rehearsals 10%

Performance Criteria 30%: (See section III. Concert Attendance)

Musicianship 15%: This grade is an average of all playing quizzes.

Extra Credit-5%: With no extra credit the maximum grade for the class will be 95%.

There will be students who wish to earn extra credit. Students may complete extra credit work by attending anorchestra concert or musical. Students must present the event’s program. Extra credit is also available for participants in the musical, any youth orchestra program, private lessons, Solo/and Ensemble, State Contest, musical related trips, and the Christmas tour group. All documentation of extra credit must be turned in on the Friday of the eighth week of each grading period. Late documentation of extra credit will not count and will not transfer to the next nine weeks.

V. Fees –CHARMS is an online accounting/data program utilized by the Hilliard Music Boosters. The Bradley HS Orchestra program will be using CHARMS as a money management and parent communication tool. All fees will be paid through CHARMS. You will receive monthly statements detailing your child’s account. In order for the orchestra to properly budget, it is requested that all fees are paid promptly. Your son/daughter is already in the CHARMS System. All parents need to do is log on and update the information so that you may begin receiving emails from the orchestra director as well as manage your child’s account.

Orchestra Participation Fee$40

Due by Friday, September 19. This fee will be used to help cover uniform alterations/replacements/replenish, coaches/clinicians, instrument/accessories purchase, festival participation fees, awards purchase, etc.

Instrument Rental Fee $40

Due by Friday, September 19. Students using a school-owned instrument (cellos and basses) will be required to pay a $40.00 rental fee. Students are expected to maintain good condition of these instruments and will accept responsibility for any damages other than normal use. Cello and bass students are expected to have an instrument (of the appropriate size) at home for home practice. All cello and bass students will need to bring their home instruments for concerts.

Lockers

All students will be issued a music locker with a coordinating lock. These lockers are for instruments and music. Students need to keep their locker locked at all times to protect their valuables. If locks are stolen or broken, lock replacement value is $5.00. Please Note: Hilliard Bradley High School, and the orchestra directors, do not assume any liability for lost or stolen instruments or equipment.

METHOD BOOK

DO NOT USE CHARMS FOR THIS!

THIS FEE MUST BE PAID BY CASH

(OR CHECK MADE OUT TO STANTON’S SHEET MUSIC)

Students will need to purchase a method book:

Chamber Orchestra: Sight-Read It For Strings by Andrew Dabczynski and Bob Phillips $8

Symphony Orchestra: Superior Strings in 16 Weeks by Carrie Gruselle and Peggy Wheeler $8

Concert Orchestra: All For Strings/Book 3 by Gerald Anderson and Robert Frost $6

VI. Extras

Awards - All students receive an award for each year of their orchestra membership:

First Year: performance membership certificate

Second Year: varsity letter

Third Year: three-striped chevron

Fourth Year: plaque with engraved nameplate

Additional awards will be given based on peer nomination.

Hilliard Music Boosters

The Hilliard Music Boosters is open to all music parents (band, orchestra, choir). This group meets each month at 7:00 PM, at Bradley High School. You are invited to participate in this great organization. Please check the website, and join theFacebook page for dates and information.

Fundraising

Fundraising is a vital part of any music program. We will be doing several fundraisers throughout the school year. These fundraisers will allow us to purchase many needed items for the orchestra. More information will follow.

Private Lessons

By the time students advance to high school they are strongly encouraged to study privately with a qualified teacher. Private lessons ensure strong performance habits, practice habits, and skill levels for students. If you would like further information/assistance, please contact me through email.

Solo and Ensemble Festival

Every winter, orchestra members have the option to participate in OMEA sponsored Solo and Ensemble Festival. This event provides excellent motivation for many students. Students can perform solos or in small groups. They will perform for a judge, be evaluated on their performance, and receive written comments. Students who are interested in being involved in this activity are strongly encouraged to have the additional help of a private teacher. Extra rehearsal times before and after school will also be required. More information will be made available closer to the event.

2014-2015Calendar

Please add the following dates to your family calendar. Any additional required dates will be given with two week notification.

Sept 23-8PMOrchestra Uniform FittingBradley

Oct 53-7PMOMEA Region Orchestra AuditionsGahanna HS

(required for select individuals only)

Oct 132:45-5PMDress RehearsalBradley

Oct 147PMOrchestra ConcertBradley

Nov 14,15,16OMEA Region OrchestraGahanna HS

(required for auditioned individuals only)

Dec 92:45-6PMWinterfest! Dress RehearsalBradley

Dec 10&117PMWinterfest!Bradley

Jan 127-9PMOMEA Rehearsal #1Bradley

(Chamber and Symphony Orchestra only)

Jan 16TBAEighth Grade Welcome DayBradley

Jan 24TBAOMEA Solo and Ensemble ContestTBA

(optional)

Jan 267-9PMOMEA Rehearsal #2Bradley

(Chamber and Symphony Orchestra Only)

Feb 97-9PMOMEA Rehearsal #3Bradley

(Chamber and Symphony Orchestra Only)

Feb 247PMOMEA Preview ConcertBradley

Feb 27/28TBAOMEA Large Group Ensemble ContestTBA

(Chamberand Symphony Orchestra only)

April 24,25,26Spring Musical/Hello Dolly!Bradley

(optional)

May 127PMMake-A-Wish/Charity ConcertBradley

Dates in bold are graded activities.

Dates in bold and italics are required of select ensembles.

Dates in italics are optional activities.

RETURN

PACKET

To Do Checklist:

1)Sign and Return Student/Parent Contract by Friday, August 29.

2)Send cash/check payable “Stanton’s Sheet Music” ASAP.

  1. $8 (Chamber Orchestra)
  2. $8(Symphony Orchestra)
  3. $6 (Concert Orchestra)

3)Pay fees by Friday, September 19 on CHARMS

  1. Orchestra Participation Fee - $40
  2. Instrument Fee (cellos/basses only) - $40

Questions:

1)call 921-7479

2)email

Getting Started With:

  1. Log on to
  2. Locate the “PARENT/STUDENT LOGIN” section of the web page.
  3. Login to your child’s program account using the following schoolcode:

HilliardBradley

  1. This will bring up the main parent page. This will allow you to look at your child’s program’s public calendar, event list, handouts and other files.
  2. Next enter your child’s STUDENT ID NUMBER another more detailed screen appears with even more options to view your student’s uniform assignments, music assignments, financial records, forms and inventory. Enter your child’s ID FIRST – then you may create your own, unique password by clicking on the “keys icon”
  3. Two areas in which you can help the director maintain his/her records:
  4. Student information form –you may help make changes to your child’s student information page (such as updating phone numbers and email addresses if they change) to help the teacher communicate with you more effectively.
  5. Credit card payments for fees, trips and deposits to your student’s account. You may pay for your child’s fees or trips easily with a credit card.
  6. Most importantly, the parent page assists both you and the teacher to communicate with each other.

*If you are uncomfortable using a PayPal account through CHAMRS feel free to send your checks to the P.O. Box:

HMB Bradley Chapter

PO Box 232

Hilliard, OH 43026

Hilliard Bradley Orchestra

Student/Parent Contract 2014-2015

Due Date: Friday, August 29

This contract is to verify that both student and parent have read the Bradley High School Orchestra Handbook and understand its contents as well as the responsibilities and commitment of orchestra membership.

This contract also verifies that both parties have received and read the performance calendar, have arranged to be available on the dates and times listed for performance, have no conflicts with the scheduled dates unless listed below, and understand that by signing this agreement, the concert dates take precedence over other activities that arise after signing this contract.

Both parent and student understand the grade penalties that pertain to attendance at performances, and understand the grade policies and expectations of orchestra in general.

I currently have a specific conflict with the following date(s) on the calendar:

1.

2.

3.

Student Name (printed legibly)______

Student Signature______

Date______

Parent Signature______

Date______