<p>. 2012 - 2013 </p><p>Walnut Springs/Blendon Orchestras Handbook</p><p>WELCOME BACK TO ORCHESTRA</p><p>This handbook contains information about our orchestra class. PLEASE read carefully and note all the important elements that will make this class a successful one for you. Please sign and return the Agreement Form page by the end of the day on August 27and 28.</p><p>SAVE THIS HANDBOOK. IT CONTAINS INFORMATION THAT YOU WILL NEED FOR THE YEAR.</p><p>ABOUT ME </p><p>Ms. Hallie Cohen – 6th, 7th and 8th Walnut Springs and Blendon Grade Orchestra Director I can be reached at: [email protected] or 797-8125 The best way to reach me is through e-mail. </p><p>I am putting together a website that can be found on the Walnut and Blendon websites. I plan on posting information and links there, to keep you informed. </p><p>Educational Goals</p><p> Musical Literacy—reading notes, rhythms, and musical interpretation  Music Style – from early to contemporary music styles  Performance Skills—instrumental technique, ear training, concert etiquette.</p><p>CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS </p><p> TREAT EACH OTHER AND YOUR TEACHER WITH RESPECT & LEARN TO LISTEN  Do your best  Show up with a good attitude  Bring your instrument, music and materials to class.</p><p> Practice at home AND COME TO CLASS PREPARED  Complete assigned work  NO GUM CHEWING IN CLASS  Perform on all concerts and come to all rehearsals</p><p>Concert Attendance Policy</p><p>Please Take Note This is a Walnut Springs/Blendon Middle School Music Department Policy</p><p>The Walnut Springs/Blendon Orchestras are Performing Arts classes that are part of your child’s curricular. Concerts are considered a form of assessment, much like a unit, midterm or final test. </p><p>Unexcused absences: (An unexcused absence cannot be made up and will appear as an F on your child’s grade card.) 1. Sports events 2. Family birthday parties 3. Dance rehearsals 4. Parent is working: If I know this in advance, I can help to arrange a carpool.</p><p>Excused absences: 1. Illness (self or family member) 2.Family emergency</p><p>A note given 2 weeks prior to a concert will count as an excused absence. Only then will further arrangements will be made to make up the concert!</p><p>ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS </p><p> FINGERNAILS MUST BE SHORT.  DO NOT PUT ON SCULPTED NAILS. I WILL MARK YOU DOWN A GRADE IF YOU DO NOT HONOR THIS REQUEST.</p><p>After YOU have worked so hard in shaping the hand and learning about the correct placement of your fingers, long nails will undo all that work.</p><p>INSTRUMENT CARE</p><p> Your name and address should be on your instrument.  Keep an extra set of strings: NOT required but helpful for emergencies  Loosen bow hair before putting it in the case.  Wipe down your instrument and keep it in a safe location.</p><p>FUNDRAISER</p><p>Each year the music department does a fundraiser to help raise money for music, equipment and to defray a variety of costs throughout the year. Please STAY POSTED FOR FURTHER NEWS ABOUT THIS.</p><p>LOCKERS</p><p>Everyone will be assigned a locker. You will need to purchase a combination lock!! Lockers will be shared. Instruments are not to be left on the floor of the orchestra or band rooms.</p><p>FOLDERS/MUSIC/MATERIALS FOR SUCCESS</p><p>Everyone is required to purchase a small binder with plastic sheet protectors. All loose music will have a place to go</p><p>Does this picture look familiar?</p><p>Everyone is also expected to bring the following:</p><p> Bring rosin to each class  Pencil  Stress Ball (Recommended to help build strength)  6th Grade: Essential Element for Strings Book 1  Korg CA-30 tuner and pickup or a tuner that will calibrate.</p><p>EVERYONE WILL BE REQUIRED TO OWN A TUNER THAT WILL CALIBRATE PITCHES. KORG CA-30 TUNER and PICK UP IS THE BEST OPTION. </p><p>Please watch for information about ordering this equipment.</p><p>GUIDELINES FOR ORCHESTRA EVALUATION </p><p>CLASSROOM PARTICIPATION – 50% 1. Are materials brought to class? 2. Do you have your music? 3. Do you have an instrument each class? 4. How are you getting along others? 5. How well are you playing together? 6. Is your music prepared? 7. Playing Tests or written tests 8. 8th grade seating auditions 9. Every Friday will be extra credit day 10. Journaling will be done at different times during the year particularly after concerts and vacations. Goal setting and reflecting on individual performance is an important part of journaling. 11. Extra Credit Fridays will be an extra credit day. It will be a day to perform music that you have been working outside the classroom. By doing extra credit you have the chance to raise your overall grade.</p><p>HOMEWORK -- 25% 1. Let’s Talk About Practice: 3 hours a week will be required from each student. In your homework binder you will record each day that you practice. At the end of the week you will show your parents your practice time and accomplishments and have mom or dad sign off on them. There may be times during the day that you can practice at school. If that is the case, you will be required to log your minutes at school. I will be collecting logs every 9 weeks.</p><p>CONCERTS -- 25% Attendance is mandatory. An unexcused absence will result in a grade of a 0. That means 25% of your grade is a 0 for that quarter. This cannot be made up.</p><p>Concert Etiquette </p><p>REQUIRED CONCERT ATTIRE</p><p>The Walnut Springs/Blendon music departments will require a BLUE POLO to be worn at all performances along with black pants, black socks and black shoes. </p><p>All grade levels are required to purchase the concert shirt. Please keep in mind that this shirt may be used through 8th grade: consider a size or 2 larger.</p><p>**EVERYONE IS EXPECTED STAY TO THE END OF THE PERFORMANCE AND THERE IS TO BE NO GUM CHEWING DURING A PERFORMANCE!!</p><p>Make your parents, school and community proud of the way we look. We perform for very large audiences. You are to look your best, dress appropriately, follow school behavior and performance etiquette guidelines. </p>