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Canarelli Orchestra Handbook 2011-12 Updated: 1/29/2019 Page
Name: ______Orchestra: ______Class Period: _____
Heidi and Lawrence Canarelli
Middle School
2012-2013
Dr. Ingrid Kovacs, Director
Heidi and Lawrence Canarelli Middle School
Orchestra Handbook
Table of Contents
Director Information…………………………………………………………………………………page 2
School Address and Phone Number……………………………..……………..…..…………………….2
Conference Times……………………………………………………………….……………....………….2
Orchestras………………………………….…………………….………………..………...…..………….3
Grading…………………….…,,,,,,,,…………………………………………..………….…….…………4
Performances……………………………………………………………………………………..…………5
Classroom Conduct and Operating Procedures….………………………………………………………6
Materials, Costs and Lab Fee…….…………………………………………………….…….……….…6-7
Uniforms…………………………………………………………………………………..…………………7
Fundraising…………………………………………………….….………….……………...…...…………8
Parental Involvement…………………………..………………………………..…………………………8
Calendar of Events……………………………..………………………………………….…….…….……9
Orchestra Contract……………………………………………………………...…………………………10
(Due back to Dr. Kovacs by September 14, 2012)
DIRECTOR INFORMATION
Dr. Ingrid Kovacs
Bachelor and Masters of Music, University of Southern California
Doctor of Musical Arts, Music Education, Boston University
SCHOOL ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER
Heidi and Lawrence Canarelli Middle School
7808 S. Torrey Pines
Las Vegas, Nevada 89139 Office Telephone: (702) 799-1340 X4063
CONFERENCE TIMES
The parent may request conference times at any time during the school year when deemed necessary. Dr. Kovacs is available every weekday morning by appointment, except for Wednesdays from 7:35-7:55am. Please call the school office and leave a message on her voice mail. Your call will be returned as soon as possible. You may also e-mail her at . Dr. Kovacs may also be contacted through ParentLink at
Orchestras
Course Scope and Goals: The successful completion of any orchestra class at Canarelli Middle School paves the way for participation in other orchestra music programs. Each class will be taught the essential elements according to the outlines set forth by the CCSD Orchestra Course Syllabus. These elements include correct instrumental technique, correct orchestra technique, music theory, music sight-reading, music history, performance, creative expression, and careers in music. To supplement direct teaching, the orchestra will listen to various composer CD’s and to all musical genres that coincide with our Music Appreciation/History units throughout the school year. All composer CD’s have a worksheet to be completed while listening along. Students are expected to learn the aspects of the music studied. Students will also view musicals or instructional videos as supplements to direct teaching. Some videos may have a worksheet to be completed. The course objectives are:
1. To develop performance skills necessary for independence as a string player.
2. To develop performance skills necessary to create an ensemble sound.
3. To identify and respond appropriately to musical notation.
4. To recognize form and structure in music.
5. To develop a broad knowledge and appreciation of music of many styles, periods, and cultures.
6. To develop skills to compose and arrange music.
7. To develop skills necessary to improvise melodies, variations, and accompaniments.
8. To further develop the understanding of the relationships between the other arts and disciplines.
9. To develop the skills of listening to music.
10. To discriminate with regard to the quality of composition and performance of music.
Beginning Orchestra - 0290: This one-year course is designed for the student who is interested in learning to play a stringinstrument. It includes the development of skills necessary to become independent as amusician. This course emphasizes the place of string music in the Western musical heritage.It concentrates on the development of note-reading skills, aural skills, rhythmic patterns,intonation, and tonality inherent to Western string music. The importance of sustained groupand individual effort is stressed. A progression of fundamental and technical proficiency isexpected. Emphasis will be placed on having a variety of performing experiences. This is anelective course that may be repeated.
Intermediate Orchestra - 0300: This one-year course is designed for the student who has developed skills beyond those outlined in the Beginning Strings Orchestra Procedural Guide. It includes further development of those skills necessary to become independent as a musician. This course emphasizes the place of string music in the Western musical heritage. It concentrates on the development of style, articulation, dynamics, rhythmic ability, and tone inherent to string music performance. The importance of sustained group and individual effort is stressed. A progression of technical proficiency is expected. Emphasis will be placed on having a variety of performing experiences. This course may be repeated. This is an elective course for middle school students.
Advanced Orchestra-7-8 (161/265): This one-year course is designed for the student who has developed skills beyond those outlined in the Intermediate Strings Orchestra Procedural Guide. It includes further development of skills necessary to become independent as a musician. This course emphasizes the place of string music in the Western musical heritage. It concentrates on the development of style, articulation, dynamics, rhythmic ability, and tone inherent to string music performance. A progression of technical proficiency is expected. Home practice is expected and required. Emphasis will be placed on having a variety of performing experiences. This course may be repeated. This is an elective course for middle school students.
Chamber Orchestra - 7-8 (161/265): Students must have the instructor’s approval to be eligible for the chamber orchestra. Students are required to perform at all concerts given by this group. As this is the premier group of the Canarelli Middle School Orchestras, the instructor may reassign a student to the advanced orchestra if he or she fails to meet the requirements of the group. CRITERIA: Student must maintain 95-100% overall grade in orchestra, demonstrate willingness to work, be reliable, have above “Advanced” level skills on their instrument. Students must have an “O” on citizenship. Students must turn in a weekly practice chart. Failure to do so may result in the student being placed in a lower-level ensemble. PLACEMENT: Ultimately depends on instrument requirements of the group. First consideration is to 8th graders who meet the requirements and then 7th graders, as positions are available. This course is designed to move the student beyond the skills as outlined in the Advanced Orchestra. It may be repeated. This is an elective course for middle school students.
Grading
Description of Grading Procedures: Your quarter grade will be determined by a combination of points that you have earned during the grading period. Points will be given in the following two areas. Please note that each area is weighted differently. According to CCSD guidelines, grades will now be based on 30% formative assessments and 70% summative assessments.
30% Formative Assessments: 20% Written Assignments, 10% Participation (daily and rehearsals)
70% Summative Assessments: 40% Performances, 30% Tests
Grading Scale:
A=90-100% of total points available
B=80-89% of total points available
C=70-79% of total points available
D=60-69% of total points available
F=0-59% of total points available
Written Work:Each orchestra student will be given a theory workbook. These books will remain in the classroom and assignments will be done in class. Missed assignments will be made up within three days after the student returns to school. Students are responsible for keeping up with their theory assignments. Written music appreciation work will also be assigned as part of our classroom work. Missed work may be made up after school.
Practice and practice records: The progress of the orchestra and individual student will be greatly enhanced by daily individual practice. In fact, daily practice is an important part of the grade. It is assigned daily to reinforce and master skills discussed and demonstrated in class. Parents have a necessary role in making sure homework/practice is completed before TV, playtime, etc.
Students will record their individual practice on their practice records as directed by the teacher. A parent must monitor home practice sessions. Parents must sign their student’s practice record on a weekly basis. Practice records will only be given credit if there is a parent/guardian signature.
Your daily practice should include lesson materials, repertoire, warm-ups, scales and any extra music such as for the festivals, Solo and Ensemble competition.
Daily Participation: Orchestra classes meet daily. Students earn 20 points a day. In order to earn these points, the student must behave according to the classroom behavior guidelines, come to class fully prepared, and participate with the class in the assigned activity. If a student is absent for any reason, Canarelli Middle School attendance policy will be followed.
Extra Rehearsals and Sectionals: There will be extra rehearsals and sectionals after school. They will occur in the weeks before big concerts, contests and any music festivals we participate in. Participation is mandatory. If a student needs to be absent, a written excuse must be submitted to the director in advance of the missed rehearsal. Time spent at rehearsal may be as minutes on their weekly practice charts.
Tests in orchestra will include written and playing. All tests will be announced in advanced. All playing tests may be retaken.
Make-up work is defined as any assignment or test students need to complete due to an absence. In the event of a student absence, the policy outlined in CCSD Regulation 5113 will be followed. The work is marked “AB” in the grade book until the work is made-up. Work marked “AB” will receive 0%.
Late work is defined as any work completed and turned in after a designated due date, unrelated to an absence. Any work turned in late, but before the due dates listed below, will earn no higher than a “C” and no lower than a “D.” Students’ late work will be coded “mi” in EZ Grade pro until the Grade-In dates listed below. At that time all “mi” assignments shall be converted to a “0” in EZ Grade Pro by the teacher. Missing work will receive 0%.
LATE WORK GRADE-IN DATES FOR 2012-2013
Quarter 1- 9/14, 10/19
Quarter 2- 11/21, 1/11
Quarter 3-2/15, 3/15
Quarter 4-4/19, 5/31
CALCULATING SEMESTER GRADE
The semester grade will be an average of the two quarter grades (45% each) and a Final Exam (worth 10%). The final exam will consist of a written exam plus a playing exam. The written exam given at the end of the semester will cover different musical symbols, terms, definitions and classroom procedures used in the orchestra class. A thorough study guide will be given to the students to help them prepare for the exam. The playing portion of the exam will consist of excerpts of music learned for concerts and/or pieces from the class method book.
Performances
IMPORTANT!
Due to the nature of concerts and performances, they cannot be made up if a student is absent. Therefore, students are expected to be at all concerts unless cleared by the director ahead of time.
Performances (Concerts and Music Festivals)
Performances are an extension of the orchestra class and students will be expected to participate in orchestra performances. Concerts are the culmination of an extended period of learning. In a sense, concerts are the equivalent of a major test grade. Therefore, concert attendance is required for all school related orchestra events, and will be a major part of the student's grade. Grades are based on participation, behavior, proper attire, performance, and tear down. Listening to other performing ensembles is also an important part of learning. Students are required to stay for the entire performance in which they are participating.
In the event that a student is unable to attend, the following will apply:
Excused absence:
- If an absence is anticipated an Excused Absence Form must be filled out two weeks prior to the performance. This form can be obtained from Dr. Kovacs or Ms. Murphy and MUST be submitted at least two weeks prior to the specific performance. This form will NOT automatically excuse you from a concert nor allow the student to make up points missed. Dr. Kovacs must approve the absence before any make-up will be allowed. (PLEASE NOTE: No ride, sports events, babysitting, etc. are not acceptable excuses for missing performances. Plan ahead! That is why the director provides a calendar in the handbook for students and their families to make plans or schedule changes)
- A missed concert will be considered excused if an illness that kept the student out of school on a concert day. Absence must be excused according to CMS attendance policy.
- A missed concert will be considered excused in case of an emergency (please call orchestra office ASAP and leave message). From 7:00-3:30 dial 799-1340 then at the prompt add 11 plus my extension 4063. If you need to call after 3:30 P.M. dial 799-1340, than at the prompt, add 1 plus my extension 4063.
Make-up for excused absence: In the event of a true emergency or a prior-arranged excused absence, a make-up work project will be assigned by Dr. Kovacs. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain the assignment from Dr. Kovacs. The student has three (3) days from the missed performance to obtain the assignment, and one week from the performance date to turn it in for credit.
Unexcused Absence will cause the student to receive a failing grade for the performance and no make-up will be allowed.
Performance Exceptions: If a student is unable to perform because of excessive absences from school, failure to learn the music that is to be performed, unsatisfactory class participation, or unsatisfactory classroom behavior, the student must earn their orchestra performance grade credits by attending the performance as a member of the audience. The student must further prepare and present to the director a one-page typed (12 point font, double spaced) paper based on the performance related to class instruction. The paper will be due 2 school days after the performance.
Classroom Conduct and Operating Procedures
CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR
- Class begins when the student enters the room
- Students are seated, have instruments and music ready within two minutes of the bell.
- Students are prepared each day with pencils, pens, music folder, planner, paper, homework, music, instruments and other classroom materials.
- In order to play a stringed instrument, it is mandatory that nails be kept short. Therefore, acrylic nails are not permitted. Students who choose to wear their nails at an inappropriate length will not be allowed to participate until they are cut to the appropriate length. Participation points will be deducted.
- Students respect others, their property, and our school.
- There should be no talking while the director is in front of the class. Do not play your instrument until asked to do so (“Play when I say, or put it away”)
- Students are not allowed to play an instrument that does not belong to them or that is not assigned to them. This is for their financial protection.
- Students follow directions the first time they are given.
- Students are responsible for putting away your music and instrument. No one will be dismissed until everyone is seated in his or her assigned seat and the room is in order.
- No food or drinks in the orchestra room. Absolutely no gum chewing!
- Canarelli School-wide rules apply (“COLTS”)
B. Consequences: If you are unable to comply with the classroom rules, further consequences may apply.
CITIZENSHIP
Grade O = Student turns in all work on time (no missing assignments), brings materials to class, arrive to class on time, observes classroom operating procedures on a consistent basis.
Grade S = Student generally turns in work on time (1-3 missing assignments), generally brings materials to class, generally arrives on time, generally observes classroom operating procedures.
Grade N= Student often does not turn in work (4-6 missing assignments), often comes unprepared for class, is often tardy, and often disrupts the learning environment.
Grade U = Student does not turn in work (7 or more missing assignments), frequently comes unprepared for class, frequently is tardy to class, and disrupts the learning environment on a consistent basis.
Materials and Costs
MATERIALS COSTS
All Fine Arts Students (Band, Orchestra, Choir, etc.) must pay the Fine Arts Material Costs of $40.00. These monies are collected at the beginning of school. It covers the cost of music, method books, orchestra T shirt (Beginning Orchestra), Orchestra polo shirt (Intermediate Orchestra), use and cleaning of uniform (Advanced/Chamber Orchestra. Please note: boys will be required to purchase their tux shirts). Please make checks payable to: Canarelli MS Orchestra. Payment is through the school banker. If you apply for a school owned instrument, and are awarded one to use for the year, an ADDITIONAL $35.00 will also be required.
INSTRUMENTS
MUSIC STORE RENTAL INSTRUMENTSIt is required that your rent or purchase your own instrument. If you are interested in purchasing or renting an instrument, you should shop around. Most local music stores have excellent rent-to-own policies. All rented instruments will require a deposit and monthly rental fee. Also, if the stores offer an insurance policy, it is recommended that you buy it. There have been many broken instruments that have been easily (and cheaply) replaced by this type of insurance. Come to instrument rental night and check out our local music vendors.
*PLEASE READ!!! School Instruments are very limited, and will be provided only to those students who are in great financial need. In order to use a school instrument a rental contract will need to be signed by the parent/guardian. Students who use school instruments will be expected to maintain the cases and keep the instruments in good playing condition. This includes cleaning and maintaining it. Remember, you are financially responsible for any damaged or lost instruments. NOTE: There is NO instrument insurance available for the use of school instruments. The director will determine all fines. If the student continually treats the school instrument with disrespect and/or if the student carelessly damages the school instrument, the director WILL NOT permit the student further access to any school instrument. In this event, the student will be required to rent an instrument from a music store in order to continue to be in orchestra and will receive zero points for any day he or she is in class without an instrument. Students who are given a school instrument to use are REQUIRED to practice at home daily, fill-out, and turn in their weekly practice chart. Students who do NOT turn in their weekly practice chart will lose the privilege of the use of a school instruments and parents will be required to rent an instrument for their child at a local music store.