MMS Orchestra Handbook

Director – Mr. Myers

Classroom Expectations:

  1. Keep a PENCIL to have at your stand at each rehearsal.
  2. When rehearsal begins, you are expected to be ALERT and ATTENTIVE.

I will give you time between songs to converse

This allows US more rehearsal time and no wasted time

  1. Proper POSTURE is important for a good sound and attitude—no slouching!!
  2. Treat others with respect and courtesy. We must all work together.
  3. There will be absolutely NO GUM OR CANDY allowed during lessons, rehearsals or performances
  4. Orchestra members are expected to take care of and properly store both instruments and music.
  5. Under no circumstances should you use an instrument that is not yours.
  6. Make sure you have the necessary supplies: Instrument, bow, music, rosin, and soft cloth

Grading Policy:

MMS grades students based on their achievement of standards. Orchestra students will demonstrate proficiency in the areas of:

  1. Foundations of Music
  2. Create/Make
  3. Perform/Present
  4. Respond/Critique

Assessments in both the regular class and lessons will measure students’ knowledge and skills in orchestra. While students will not be directly graded for their attendance, lessons are a crucial part of their learning. As part of their lesson, students will be completing “I can...” sheets each quarter that show their skills learned in home practice, lessons, and work in class.

Students will also receive a “Tiger Traits” grade demonstrating their pride, respect, and responsibility in orchestra. This grade measures:

  1. Daily preparedness
  2. Attitude
  3. Regular practice (responsibility)

Practice Times:

Without regular practice, progress on your instrument is not possible, Practice times will be recorded to help you, your parents, and myself to be aware of the amount of practice you are or are not doing. Consistent, focused practice at home is the most important element for your success.

“Circle of Success” – The more you practice, the better you get! The better you get, the more you like it! The more you like it, the more you practice!!

Private lessons can also be helpful for progress on your instrument. It is no surprise that one-on-one work with a qualifiedteacher can help students make great strides in their musical development. Any student who is studying privatelywill be exempt from the in-school lesson program including practice journals, “I can…” sheets, and lesson attendance.They can still participate in the school lessons as well if desired. Here is a list of local private teachers that I know:

Diane Wright ------507-530-7672

Gretchen Wagner ------507-532-3838

Advanced students may also wish to take lessons with Southwest Minnesota Orchestra principal players: Bacco-Liu, Cindy Min, Kirsti Petraborg, or Lindsay Schelmmer. Mr. Myers can help students contact these stellar teachers provided the student is at an advanced level.

Music Street or The Note Gallery may also have contact information for additional teachers.

Concerts:

A concert is the product of months of study and practice by all students in orchestra. Each student is expected to participate in every concert. Concert schedules are listed in this handbook and are printed on the school calendar at the beginning of the year.

Concert Dates:

5th – 8th Grade Orchestra Concert …………..….Nov.10th6:30 p.m.

7th – 12th Strolling Strings Holliday Concert…... December 19th 7:00 p.m.

7th – 8th Middle Level Orchestra Festival ……... TBD

6th Grade participates in the Ice Cream Jazz Concert February 2nd 7:00 p.m.

5th – 8th Grade Orchestra Concert ……….….….March 21st 7:00 p.m.*

5th – 8th Grade Orchestra Concert …………...… May 25th 7:00 p.m.

In the event that a student is unable to attend a concert, parents must contact the director and a make-up assignment will be given.

Concert dress is black. Students must wear black shoes, black socks, black pants, and a black or white shirt. Lack of proper attire affects the entire group and will also be reflected in the student’s Tiger Traits grade.

School Owned Instruments:

Students who use school owned instruments such as cellos or basses must complete an instrument loan agreement. The agreement is attached to the back of this handbook. Students are expected to treat school property with respect and are responsible for the condition of the instrument. If a student breaks a string or the instrument itself whether by intent or accident they are responsible for its repair. The school will cover damage due to regular wear and tear..

For the Parents:

The orchestra program in Marshall cannot succeed without your students’ dedication and hard work. As parents and guardians of violinists, violists, cellists, and bassists you play a big part in fostering excellence and dedication. You can help make this year a success by:

- Showing interest in what your student in studying; have them perform for you at home!

- give praise and encouragement. Learning a string instrument is not easy and takes time to develop

- Find a quiet place for your student to practice and a regular time in which to practice. It takes 21 days to form a habit so help them this first month in practicing regularly.

- Keep track of upcoming concerts and events. A concert is a celebration and final test of what your student has learned in the school year so help them arrive on time and ready to perform.

Thanks again for all you do to make the school orchestra program a success!

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Please Sign and Return

Student Signature ______

Parent Signature ______