Philharmonic Orchestra: Syllabus
Contact Information: Dana Wygmans
616.460.5979
Class Description
The purpose the Philharmonic Orchestra is to develop group skills in order for students to feel confident playing within a string orchestra, refine instrumental technique, and deepen students’ musical understanding of the selected repertoire in a group setting. To accomplish these goals, we will review previous skills and concepts, continue to develop our technical abilities, and learn new repertoire. This will be done in a safe, positive environment where we will grow as musicians together.
Topics Covered
· Posture and balance
· Ear training
· Music reading
· Musicality (tone, dynamics, phrasing, articulation, ect...)
· Technical skills (left hand and right hand techniques)
Goals
· Students will play with good intonation and note accuracy.
· Students will understand rhythm and perform accurate rhythms with consistent tempo.
· Students will perform with good tone and musicality.
· Students will have a working knowledge of music theory and terminology.
· Students will feel confident performing individually, within a section, and as a member of the orchestra.
Attendance
Attendance is an important part of an individual’s musical development as well as an essential part of progressing together as a group. If you miss any day of class, I encourage you to visit me during my tutorial hours on Tuesday and Thursday after school. Tutorials are posted on the Murchison Matadors Webpage.
Materials
· Please bring the following items to class everyday:
o Instrument, case, bow, rosin, and rock stop/end pin anchor or shoulder rest
o 3-Ring Binder (for handouts and sheet music)
o Pencil!
Class Expectations
· Arrive to class on time
o Unpack at your seat and warm-up on your own. You may not wander around the room during this time.
o Tune on your own before we tune as a class. Ms. Wygmans will assist in tuning your instrument if needed.
o Class will begin promptly when everyone has been tuned, approximately five minutes after the bell.
· Be respectful of your teacher, instrument, other students, and yourself. That means:
o No talking or disruptive behavior when teacher is talking or when other students are asking a question
o Always raise your hand
o Don’t play out of turn
o Realize that everyone makes mistakes; it is an important part of learning. Don’t make yourself or others feel bad for making one J
· Practice exercises and pieces we cover in class, and come prepared to demonstrate your progress every day
· Always have a positive attitude and encourage other students to do the same!
Repertoire
We will be working on a variety of music throughout the year. We will also continue to learn scales, arpeggios, and exercises to develop our technique.
At-Home Practice
Independent practice at home is an essential part of being a musician. Please set aside some time every day to practice on your own. Part of your grade will be based on practice records that will be passed out in class. These need to be filled out completely and turned in on time.
Grading
The following guidelines for grading are taken from the Murchison Middle School Fine Arts Institute grading policy.
· 50% Class work (including behavior and participation)
· 40% Tests
· 10% Weekly Assignments
Mandatory Attendance for Performance Work & Rehearsals Outside of Class:
Some special activities (i.e. concert performances, shows, art exhibitions, Fine Arts Festival) at Murchison are required school events. Check with your FAI teacher to know which events are required for your class. Unexcused performance absences will result in a zero for that performance or activity (unexcused absences are those absences not recognized by the main MMS office).
Those students missing required rehearsals will receive a zero for that assignment. No makeup work for unexcused absences is given. Students who receive an excused absence will have 5 days (unless otherwise noted by FAI
teacher) to complete the make-up assignment for full credit.
FAI Late Policy:
15 grade points will be taken from an assignment grade each day it is late, resulting in the deductions listed below:
· 1 Class Day Late = -15 points (lowest grade = maximum 50%)
· 2 Class Days Late = -30 points (lowest grade = maximum 50%)
· 3 Class Days Late = -45 points (lowest grade = maximum 50%)
· 4 Class Days Late = maximum 50 for grade
FAI Redo Policy
Students may redo assignments that were turned originally for an unsatisfactory grade based on teacher discretion. There are no redo options for final performances/projects. Redo does not apply to late policy.
Buying/Renting an Instrument and Lessons
Murchison Middle School offers instruments for students to rent for the year for $80, or you may choose to rent an instrument from one of the string instrument suppliers around town. Some of the stores we recommend are Violins Etc., Blackerby Violin Shop, and Terra Nova Violins.
We encourage all students to sign up for lessons during the school year. Please refer to our list of recommended teachers to get in touch with a private teacher.
Additional Information
Please feel free to email or call me at any time! I am always happy to answer questions or explain anything further. If you have not already done so, please have your parent or guardian subscribe to my page on the Murchison Matadors website so I can communicate important announcements, events, and supplemental learning material. You can also find a link to the Murchison Middle School Orchestra Handbook, which includes additional details about the program. I am looking forward to a wonderful year with you!