KOMACHIN MIDDLE SCHOOL Exploring Music Fall, 2016

KOMACHIN MIDDLE SCHOOL Exploring Music Fall, 2016 Jennifer Lyne, EdD, Orchestra Teacher [email protected] 412-4411, ext. 34808 cell: 360.402.3687

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students,

Welcome to a great semester of Exploring Music. I am pleased and honored to have the opportunity to work with you. Remember that we are a musical team, and it is as a team that we will achieve greatness.

This is an outline of our goals in KMS Orchestra this year:

MUSIC GOALS:  To perform with technical accuracy.  To perform as part of an ensemble as well as alone.  To demonstrate an expanded range and ability.  To perform multiple parts, complex rhythms, and bowings with appropriate tone.  To perform, compare, and analyze music of similar and different styles, performance media, and tone colors from various cultures.  To use musical performing skills to produce works integrating past experiences and performances.  To analyze how the social and environmental influences of a cultural or ethnic group shape the character of the music.  To develop an appreciation for certain selections, performers, and composers.  To experience success and pleasure in music.

BEYOND MUSIC:  To develop an appreciation for all forms of art.  To become involved in an “affective” or “aesthetic” experience.  To realize the importance and appreciate the rewards of individual self-discipline.  To learn the necessity of a good attitude and sincere effort to achieve success.  To understand the necessity of finding a middle ground in a creative group effort.

OVERVIEW:  The Komachin Orchestra Program focuses on the five basic elements of music:

RHYTHM PITCH TONE FORM STYLE

GRADING:  In Orchestra, students receive grade reports and progress reports at the same time they are given in all of the subjects. More advanced results are expected from students who have played longer than others.  Grading categories are Daily Points, Tests, Performances, and Extra Credit.  Technique: Left Hand skills, Right Hand skills, short fingernails, use of shoulder pads, tone (bow use), intonation, vibrato, shifting, tuning, and caring for the instrument  Music concepts: rhythms, note-reading, dynamics, musical interpretation, one octave scales and arpeggios (D, G, C, A, F, and B flat majors; e, d, and a natural minors), stylistic periods, and alternative strings styles (fiddle, blues, swing, etc).  Participation/Motivation: full effort and participation in class, practicing, concerts, and other performances; not chewing gum in class or at performances, and keeping fingernails properly short.

STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO KEEP PARENTS OR GUARDIANS FULLY AWARE OF OUT-OF- SCHOOL PERFORMANCES IN ORDER THAT PROPER PLANS CAN BE MADE AT HOME.

PROPER CLASSROOM AND PERFORMANCE BEHAVIOR IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY:  When the Bell Rings: be in the room. Two minutes after the bell rings, be seated in your proper chair with your instrument ready to tune, music out, pencil on the music stand.  During tuning: Remain in your seat. Listen carefully with “0” voice. Only tune when it is your turn. Raise your hand if you need help. When finished tuning, go to “rest position” and wait quietly for the rest of the class.  During rehearsal: Do not socialize. Silently, mentally practice your part. To ask appropriate questions, raise your hand and then be called on by the teacher. Be aware of performance quality and always be prepared to participate in class discussions.  During class discussions: Listen and participate. Be considerate of others. Comments are to be constructive and orderly. Always precede a negative comment with a positive one.  At the end of the rehearsal: You are responsible for storing your instrument properly in its case and storage area. You will also be responsible for stacking and storing chairs and stands periodically.

PERFORMANCES:  Performing is the “icing on the cake” for all of the work that goes in to preparing a piece or concert. Concert attendance is a required part of participating in a musical performing class. Students receive 200 points for the “dress” rehearsal and 200 points for the concert. Points are determined by how well the music has been prepared, punctuality, bringing all required items, and (at concerts only) wearing the KMS orchestra uniform.  If an individual has a prior obligation or special reason for missing an event, two weeks notice to Dr. Lyne is required to enable us to adjust the group to cover the missing parts. Notification in advance is critical! (In the case of an emergency, send a note upon the student’s return to school.)  KMS Orchestra Uniform: orchestra shirt (black polo with embroidered “KMS Orchestra” and a wolf; black pants or skirt (if you want to wear a skirt, bring it to school for approval at least 2 weeks before the concert); black shoes and sox (or hose or regular hose) if possible.  Please contact me or the school if ANY part of the uniform requirement creates a hardship for your family. We can take care of it.  EVERY person of the orchestra is important and contributes to the success of this orchestra!

PRACTICING:  Daily, consistent practice for orchestra is just as important as daily study for other classes at KMS.  Without practice, you will not improve at the rate of an average orchestra member. You will lose skills if you don’t practice.  Without improvement, students rarely wish to remain in the orchestra. With improvement, playing is very gratifying.  Teaching students how to practice is the responsibility of the orchestra teacher.  Motivating students to practice is the responsibility of the orchestra teacher, the parents/guardians, and the student.  The better your child plays, the less you will have to work to motivate them to practice.  Recommended Practice Time: enough to stay up with the class, or 20 – 30 minutes a day, 5 – 7 days a week. The national recommended time is 45 minutes a day and some students practice as much as 2 hours a day – wow, do they ever improve quickly and are able to play difficult music!  ORCHESTRA STUDENTS ALWAYS HAVE SOMETHING TO PRACTICE.

MISCELLANEOUS NECESSITIES:  INSTRUMENT: Without an instrument, you will not be able to participate. Bring it daily; take it home daily. Performance achievement points cannot be earned without an instrument. Never hang it on a stand or put it on the floor.  MUSIC: bring your music every day and to concerts and dress rehearsals.  PENCIL: place a pencil on your stand at the beginning of class and practicing. Never use ink to mark music.  ROSIN: take care of the rosin. Always return it to your case after rosining your bow. Never place it on a music stand.  STRINGS: It’s wise to keep an extra set of strings in your case to use if a string breaks.  FOLDING MUSIC STAND: check garage sales, local music stores, and on-line.

Please don’t hesitate to e-mail, call, or visit orchestra class. You’re welcomed to drop in any time (check in through the office). Also, I’m always delighted to help families find instruments when you are ready to upgrade. I enjoy it and I want to make sure that you find an instrument that works properly for a fair price – not requiring time in the shop to make it playable.

Thanks for taking advantage of the wonderful world of music for your child! Jennifer Lyne, EdD Orchestra Teacher KMS Orchestra Required Events for 2016 – 2017

October: 1. 10/25/16 Rehearsal for Fall Dessert: in the Commons during school. 2. 10/25/16 Fall Dessert Concert: in the Commons, (call: 6:30 pm) concert: 7:00 pm. Wear uniform.

December: 3. 12/6/16 Rehearsal for Winter Concert: in the Commons, during class. 4. 12/6/16 Winter Concert: in the Commons, (call: 6:30 pm) concert: 7:00 pm. Wear uniform. 5. 12/16/16 Music Department Assembly for KMS students: in the gym, during the day. Wear uniform.

March: 6. 3/1/17: Pre-Festival Concert: in the Big Gym, (call: 6:30 pm) concert: 7:00 pm. Wear uniform. This will only last until 7:20. 7. 3/3/17: CMEA MS Large Group Orchestra Festival, Marshall MS, all day (chaperones are needed for this trip). 8. 3/20/17: Rehearsal for Zone 1 Orchestra Festival: at THS, during the day. Chaperones are needed for this trip. 9. 3/20/17: Zone 1 Orchestra Festival Concert: at THS Gym, (call: 6:30 pm) concert: 7:00 pm. Wear uniform. 10. 3/25/17: CMEA Solo and Ensemble Festival: not required. At Jefferson Middle School, Olympia.

May: 11. 5/24/17: Rehearsal for KMS Music Dept. “tour”: in the Commons, during the day. 12. 5/26/17: KMS Music Dept. “tour” of Zone 1 elementary schools: all day. Wear uniform. Bring your lunch. Chaperones are needed for this trip.

June: 13. 6/7/17: Rehearsal for KMS Orchestra Awards Concert: in the Commons, during classes. 14. 6/7/17: KMS Orchestra Awards Concert: in the Commons, (call: 6:30 pm) concert: 7:00 pm. Wear uniform.

15. Other performances may become possible as they year unfolds! Signature page – please return to Dr. Lyne by 9/16/16:

I have read and understand the attached set of expectations including the importance of your (your child’s) part in performances.

Parent/Guardian (please print):______

Parent/Guardian signature:______I have added performance dates to our calendar: ____ yes ____ not yet.

Parent/Guardian e-mail:______

Student (please print):______

Student Signature:______

Date:______

Thank you – it’s going to be a great year to play in orchestra!

Jennifer Lyne, EdD Orchestra Teacher: Komachin Middle, Horizons Elementary [email protected] Work: 360.412.4411, ext. 34808 Cell: 360.402.3687