07 08 EMS Orchestra Handbook

Orchestra Handbook 2007-08 Angie Cimbalo, Director Welcome to the Ereckson Middle School Orchestra Program. This handbook contains important information concerning our program. A calendar of events is included along with grading policies, requirements, classroom procedures and much more. Students please make sure you and your parents have read over this handbook. This information will also be made available on our website. All students and parents should sign and “HANDBOOK ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM” on the last page of this booklet and return to Mrs. Cimbalo. Calendar 2007-2008 (Dates as of 8/1/07 – Please check website for any date changes) September 27, 2007 (Thursday) – AHS Concert Orchestra/Ereckson Fall Concert, Lowery Freshman Center, 7:00 p.m. November 3, 2007 (Saturday) - Allen MS Honor Orchestra Auditions, AHS Band Hall November 10, 2007 (Saturday) - Allen MS Honor Orchestra, Allen Library, 12:00 - 6:00 p.m. December 4, 2007 (Tuesday) - Lowery/Ereckson Orchestra Winter Concert, Lowery Freshman Center, 7:00 p.m. January 24, 2008 (Thursday) - 8th grade Orchestra Orientation - Lowery Freshman Center, 6:00 p.m. January 29, 2008 (Tuesday) - 6th grade (Ereckson Feeders & Chamber Orchestra) Orchestra Concert, Ereckson MS, 6:00 p.m. March 27, 2008 (Thursday) - MS Orchestra Pre-UIL Concert, Lowery FC, 6:00 p.m. April 3-4, 2008 - UIL MS Concert & Sightreading Contest, Lowery Freshman Center May 3, 2008 (Saturday) - Allen ISD Orchestra Chamber Festival, AHS May ?, 2008 (To be announced) – Chamber Orchestra performs at NJHS Induction Ceremony, Ereckson MS, 6:00 p.m. May ?, 2008 Pops Orchestra to Pride of Texas Music Festival, Addison, during school day May 22, 2008 (Thursday) - Ereckson Orchestra Concert, Ereckson MS, 6:00 p.m. Lockers & Locks: Each student will be assigned a locker for their instrument. Students are responsible for the school lock. Replacement cost is $5 for lost or damaged locks. Attendance Requirements for Performances and Rehearsals: Because we are a performance-based organization, students are required to attend all orchestra events. Excused absences are: 1)Death in the family 2)Religious holiday 3)Illness, etc. In the event a student cannot attend an event, the director must be notified well in advance unless it is an emergency. In case of emergency, a phone call, or written note is required. Rehearsals outside of the school day will be kept at a minimum. Due to the many activities of all of our students with school, sports, dance, etc., we will rarely, if ever, have before or after school rehearsals. Using our time wisely and working hard together as a team during class time, will ensure no need for rehearsals outside of class time. If a rehearsal is deemed necessary, the director will give notice well in advanced of any required rehearsals. On concert dates, we will generally meet 30 minutes prior to the start of the concert to tune and warm up. Grading Policy Student’s grades in orchestra are determined by the following: Participation Playing tests Written tests Performances (concerts, etc) Practice Records (make sure you take your instrument & music home each day) (see below) Students will turn in practice records every Monday (Tuesday, if there is a school holiday on Monday) for a grade. The following chart is used for practice record grades. A 15 point deduction of the grade will be made if the practice record is late and/or not signed by the parent/guardian. Minutes per week Grade 160 100 145 95 120 90 100 85 80 80 Less than 80 = grade Extra credit can be earned by: 1)Entering AISD Honor Orchestra 2)Attending concerts and turning in the program from the concert with your name on it IMPORTANT: Fingernails must be kept short for proper playing positions. Acrylic nails are not allowed for orchestra students. Please DO NOT wear these type nails because you cannot play a string instrument with them. This policy will be strictly enforced. CLASSROOM PROCEDURES: 1)Students are expected to be in their seat with all equipment when the tardy bell rings. 2)We will be using electronic tuners to tune. Each student will be assigned a tuner number and microphone to use. 3)Return tuner and mike to the appropriate storage box at the end of rehearsal. 4)Students are expected to treat all other students and their equipment with respect. We have a large investment financially in our instruments and equipment. Please be very careful in class with respect to everyone’s equipment. 5)Please raise your hand and ask questions if you do not understand something. I am here to help you. 6)Make sure you have a pencil in your folder at all times. 7)No food or drink allowed in the orchestra room. 8)Students will exhibit proper rehearsal etiquette. This includes not getting out of seat without permission or talking without permission. If the director is working with one section, other students should be using their time wisely by shadow-bowing, silent practicing, etc. Disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. (Tuners and mikes will be available for purchase. Combination tuner/metronome units will also be for purchase. Due to the number of students we have, Dallas Strings has offered us a special price. There will be a sign up sheet to order tuners, mikes, and/or tuner/metronome combinations soon after school starts.) Private Lessons Private lessons are available and highly recommended. Nothing can beat one-on-one instruction from a trained specialist on your instrument. Prices vary depending on teacher, studio and location. Please let me know if you are interested and I will help you find a teacher. Many teachers teach in their home studio, however, we do have a limited number of private instructors who come to our campus to teach during class. Prices are set by the school district if they teach during school on campus. Home studios set their own rates. Orchestra Permission & Release Form All Orchestra students need to have completed and turn in an Allen ISD Orchestra Medical Release Form. This form is included in this packet and allows orchestra students to travel with school transportation to UIL contests. Cellists and Bassists Only Cellists and bassists are allowed to use school instruments provided they complete and turn in the AISD Orchestra Instrument Contract and the $100 one-time usage fee for the school year. This form is included in this handbook if you play cello or bass. These instruments are used at school only and the students should have their own bass or cello that they have rented (or purchased) from the music store at home for practicing. The $100 usage fee is used for annual maintenance and repair of the instrument. Any repairs exceeding $100 will be the student’s responsibility. Dress for Concerts:(Shirt order form available in this packet – Shirts are $25) Dress for formal concerts will be: Khaki pants and Ereckson MS Orchestra Shirt Dress for informal concerts will be: Jeans and Ereckson MS Orchestra Shirt Extra Help I am available after school on certain days for extra help. Please check with me and set up a time if you need extra help on your instrument. Contact Information Our orchestra website and information is currently at this site for EMS: http://www.allenisd.org/facstaff2.nsf/Pages/410B9506E3441FA886256ED200705A51 The Allen Orchestra Booster Club site is: http://www.allenorchestra.org/ There will be a link on the top to middle schools. EMS Phone Number is: 972-747-3308 extension: 1319 I have read and understand the EMS Orchestra Handbook. Parent Signature and date _____________________________________ Student Signature and date ______________________________________

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