Eastwood Middle School Orchestras Handbook Eastwood Middle School-Where Learning Soars

Contents: Eastwood Orchestra Policies List of Supplies Needed Calendar of Orchestra Events Private Teacher List Eastwood Orchestra Contract

Ms. Corinne Imboden, orchestra teacher 259-5401, ext.21125 [email protected]

Welcome to the Eastwood Orchestras

You have chosen to participate in a program that holds many opportunities for learning as we prepare for the upcoming orchestra year. We expect our students to strive to maintain a high level of success through their practice and performance. This does require the cooperation of parents, students, and the orchestra teacher. Eastwood Orchestra Policy

Performance Attendance: Since we practice as a unit, it is imperative that we perform as a unit. Parents, please contact Ms. Imboden personally should a problem arise since an unexcused absence from a performance results in a reduction in the grade for that 9-week grading period.

Practice Records: All orchestra students are expected to complete two hours of individual practice time each week in order to improve. (6th graders’ practice time will be modified the first weeks of school.) More than two hours a week is wonderful but two hours is a minimum. This year practice time will be recorded online via the orchestra wiki page. The practice time is recorded from Monday through Sunday and is due by Monday by 10pm. The website will be closed after that and you will no longer be able to submit your time. This is the student’s homework, and is to be turned in weekly. Parents, please help to see that this information is submitted online. Practice time is graded as: 2 hours / week = A 1 hour, 30 minutes / week = B 1 hour / week = C 1/2 hour / week = D

Equipment: Although we will begin playing on the second day the class meets, on Monday, August 10, we will have an equipment check. Every student must have all of the following items to receive credit for this assignment and to be able to successfully progress in class. These items are: Instrument Foam sponge (violin and viola) Cloth to wipe off instrument Rosin (violin and viola) Pencil – to be kept on your stand during class every day Essential Elements 2000 (6th and 7th grade) Essential Techniques 2000 (8th grade) Grading: Students will be evaluated on IB Criterion. Grading breakdown is:

Criterion A – Knowing and Understanding - theory and vocabulary (in-class work)= 30% Criterion B – Developing Skills - playing tests and performances (recital) = 30% Criterion C – Thinking Creatively – behavior, effort, attitude, concert reflections (participation) = 20% Criterion D – Responding - practice cards and Arts Process Journal (homework) = 20% Each student should earn at least a “B” if they are practicing outside of class, participating in class and concerts and meeting daily responsibilities.

Orchestra Supplies

Violins and Violas Each violin and viola student must make an effort to obtain a good quality instrument from one of the area music instrument dealers. Instruments may be taken to and from school on the bus at any time, but students should avoid carrying their instruments to classes other than Orchestra.

Cellos and Basses Each cello and bass student must make an effort to obtain a good quality instrument from one of the area music instrument dealers. Instruments are provided for use at school, but they are not allowed on the busses. If you do not have an instrument at home, arrangements must be made to either practice at school, or get the instrument home each week to complete the required weekly practice time. School instruments may be picked up in the evening until 6:00 PM provided the student gets a special pass from Ms. Imboden to gain admittance to the building. Please note that the custodians who will help you are under no obligation to do us this favor and should be treated with the utmost courtesy. Early morning practice times may be possible if arrangements are made with Ms. Imboden in advance. Many of our instruments are shared, so instruments taken home must be returned by the next school day. Users must reimburse the school for replacement strings or careless damages. Any student who has concerns with the cello and bass policy needs to have their parent contact Ms. Imboden immediately.

Rosin Violin and viola students should carry their rosin in their case for both home and school use. Rosin is provided for cello and bass students for school use only. Some cello and bass students may prefer to bring their own rosin to class.

Soft Cloth A soft cloth is needed to wipe rosin dust and fingerprints off of the instrument. Foam Sponge A foam sponge is needed for all violin and viola students. These can be purchased at Paige’s Music or through Ms. Imboden for $1.00. Strings The student is responsible for strings for the instrument. Students may purchase strings from the teacher or a local music store. Paige’s equipment prices are on the bulletin board. Some students are covered for strings with the Paige’s maintenance plan. Attire for Performances The appropriate attire for all Eastwood Orchestras is black slacks or skirt, plain white dress shirt (buttoned shirt for men) and black dress shoes. Ties will be provided by Eastwood.

Improper concert dress results in a reduction of the performance grade and the student may not be allowed to perform in the concert.

Books 6th grade: Essential Elements 2000 for Strings 7th grade: Essential Elements 2000 Book 2

We will begin playing in class the second day we meet. Students should bring their instruments at that time.