Welcome to the instrumental music program at Northwest



Central Middle School

Orchestra

[pic]

HANDBOOK

2014-2015

August 9, 2014

Dear Parents/Guardians/Students:

Welcome to a great school year at Central! I hope that this handbook is helpful in explaining the use of school instruments, my expectations, grading procedures, fees, and an overview of my class. Throughout the year if you have any questions or need to contact me, please feel free to do so. My office number is 913.627.6150 or 913.627.6850. If I am not available, please leave a message and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

And most importantly thank you for giving your students this opportunity. Sometimes what seems like the smallest thing can make the biggest difference. Playing a musical instrument can open many doors for students, including scholarships for college, so I commend you on your support of your student and this program.

Please read this handbook carefully and let me know if you have any questions. Sign the acknowledgement form at the end and have your student return it to school along with the user agreement and fees. Keep this handbook in a safe place so you can refer back to it during the year. As soon as forms are in, students will start to play on their instruments and begin a wonderful experience here at Central Middle School.

Grades and an online copy of this handbook are accessible through schoolloop. You can sign up through schoolloop at . The Central MS Orchestra also has a message board to discuss general topics. Please send any questions or comments regarding personal matters or grades via the schoolloop mail to insure privacy.

Sincerely,

Ms. Bridget Gish

Orchestra Director

Mrs. Cassy Kincaid Mrs. Rebecca Estes Mrs. Kris Scott

Vice-Principal Vice-Principal Principal

Instrument User Information

We are fortunate to have a district that provides instruments for our students. This year the user fee for all school instruments is $35 for the entire school year.

This includes the instrument as well as a Kun shoulder rest or Xeres endpin anchor. Students are responsible for any damage to the instrument and the accessory, and will be charged for any repairs or replacements.

Instrument user fees will be due in full by Fri. Sept. 26th.

If you are unable to pay the complete fee, please contact Ms. Gish to make arrangements.

Method Book Cost

Beginning string students must purchase their own method book. Returning students who no longer have their first book are encouraged to purchase one as well. The cost of the book is $8.

Students will be using a variety of method books. If a book is damaged or lost, the student will be charged to replace the book.

All students will be playing on sheet music. It is important that students only write in pencil on their music so that the marks can be erased. Sheet music is expensive so any lost or damaged music will also result in the student being charged to replace it.

Orchestra Uniforms

Our uniforms this year will be white button down collared shirt, black pants, black socks, and black shoes.

Total Fees

Instrument User Fee $35.00

Method Book (only if damaged)

TOTAL $35.00

User Agreement Forms

According to district policy, any student wishing to use an instrument from the district MUST FILL OUT AND RETURN a user agreement form (along with the user fee) to the orchestra director before an instrument can be assigned.

STUDENTS ARE FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE OR LOSS OF AN INSTRUMENT, A PART OF AN INSTRUMENT, AN ACCESORY, AND MUSIC FROM THE DISTRICT.

SOME INSTRUMENTS WILL BE DOUBLY RENTED. HOWEVER, EACH STUDENT WILL HAVE CERTAIN DAYS THAT THEY ARE ABLE TO TAKE THE INSTRUMENT HOME TO PRACTICE. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE STUDENT TO CHECK FOR ANY DAMAGE BEFORE THEY USE THE INSTRUMENT AND REPORT IT TO ME IMMEDIATELY. IF THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE, I ENCOURAGE YOU TO RENT YOUR OWN INSTRUMENT.

(These stores generally do a rent-to-own policy. Most music stores require a credit card to participate in the rent-to-own policies.)

K.C. Strings 913-677-0400

5842 Merriam Dr.

Merriam, KS 66203

Hume Music 816-474-1960

2010 Broadway (downtown)

Kansas City, MO

There are several other music companies in the metro area so please feel free to ask me if you choose to use a different vendor.

I also recommend asking for a free catalogue from the following two companies. They are very reputable and knowledgeable about stringed instruments.

Southwest Strings 800-528-3430

Shar Music 800-248-SHAR

Privately Owned/Rented Instruments

It is very important that you write down the serial number and brand name of your instrument and keep that information at home. If the instrument should disappear, you will need that information. Most homeowner’s policies will cover the replacement. Please be sure to put a durable nametag on your instrument before bringing it to school (i.e. such as a luggage nametag).

Classroom Expectations

Students are expected to come to class prepared with the necessary supplies.

Students are expected to be respectful and follow the classroom procedures.

Students are expected to try his or her best and be ready to learn.

Words to Live By: Be Respectful. Be Responsible. Think First!

Discipline Procedure—B.I.S.T. (Behavior Intervention Support Team)

BIST is a behavior management system that brings about positive changes in students’ attitudes towards themselves and others. It teaches them to be productive students, be in control of their own behavior, and find acceptable solutions to their problems. This system focuses on protecting and teaching to change a behavior, not punishment.

BIST Procedure Steps

Verbal Redirect (Warning)

Safe Seat

Buddy Room

Recovery Room

Office—Protective Plan will be written out to meet the individual student’s need. Parents are encouraged to attend the meeting.

Grading Procedures

Tests, Care, Participation, Concert attendance 70%

Home Practice, Quizzes, Behavior 30%

SITTING IN CLASS AND NOT PLAYING OR DISTRACTING OTHERS WILL ADVERSELY AFFECT THE GRADE.

Grading Scale

90-100 A

80-89 B

70-79 C

69 and below I

LACK OF TRANSPORTATION IS NOT AN EXCUSED ABSENCE FOR A PERFORMANCE. Students and parents need to notify me of any problems in advance and arrangements can and will be made.

Questions Regarding Grades and Make Up Work

Students are expected to take responsibility for their grade. It is important that students speak with Miss Gish if they have any questions or concerns regarding their grades. STUDENTS must contact me either before an absence or their first day back in my class about their grade. Contact may be made in person or via schoolloop. Make up work is due ONE WEEK after it has been given to the student.

Student Supplies (Needed EVERYDAY)

Every student must have

A pencil

Clean Cloth

An instrument and accessories

Music

Music Folder

Rosin is necessary for stringed instrument to play with the bow. If you do not have your own rosin you may purchase it from me for $3.00.

IMPORTANCE OF PARENTAL SUPPORT

At Central, we are focused on enriching the lives of students so that they can obtain their goals. The success of a student is dependent upon three factors: the student, the family, and the school. Here are some ways to best help your student succeed.

Encouraging Parents

Practice is necessary for success. Students should practice at least four times a week. Arrangements can be made to practice before or after school. A practice sheet will be provided each quarter to help students keep track of their practice habits. This is part of their effort grade, so please be encouraging and listen to your student. Have your students give family concerts or just play a song for you. It will only take a few minutes, but it will make a big difference in how they feel about their playing.

Loyal, Appreciative Support

It is important that students and parents understand how important they are to the orchestra. The absence of just one or two players can make the whole orchestra sound different. Other events outside of school are wonderful opportunities for students to continue to expand their horizons and improve upon their talents. However, the most important support of all is simply being at the concerts and events. Music is important to your child and if you take an interest in their musical development, you will enable them to achieve much more than they may have originally thought possible.

Another way to help show your student that you are proud of their talents is by sitting quietly at the concerts so that you can really hear their playing. Students will be impressed by an audience who listens, rather than talks, while they play. Students will not be distracted by an unappreciative audience and will want to perform their best so you can enjoy their performance. Over time, you will hear how much they have improved. Make sure to clap to show your appreciation, as using your voice sometimes embarrasses and distracts students. Pictures are always welcome. Please feel free to ask any questions or concerns you have regarding student improvement or transportation. Together we can make it work.

Awards

At the end of the year, students who demonstrated exceptional ability and effort will be recognized at the award assembly. These awards are designed to recognize student efforts and achievements throughout their time at Central.

Tentative Orchestra

Concert Schedule

2014-2015

Autumn Concert Thurs., Nov. 18th 7:00pm Central Auditorium

NE KMEA Sat., Dec. 6th All Day Olathe South HS

Mini-Convention*

String Fling* Jan. 17-18th Weekend K-State University

Middle Level March 5th Morning Washington HS Orchestra Festival

Cluster Concert TBA TBA Central Auditorium

(only 6th graders)

Spring Concert Thurs. April 30th 7:00pm Central Auditorium

Middle School Sat., May 9th TBA Eisenhower MS

Solo & Ensemble

Festival*

* denotes optional activities

Honor Orchestra Concerts

September 2nd and 9th 4:30-6 West MS Auditions

September 16th 4:30-6:00 West MS Parent Meeting

October 21st T-Shirt Money Due

November 18th 4:30 West MS Concert

December 16th 4:30 Cabela’s Concert

February 24th 7:00 Schlagle Honors Concert

March 31st Power Play due

April 9th All Day Tour

May 5th 7:00 KCKCC Elementary Festival

May 5th 7:00 KCKCC Elementary Festival

May 8th 5:00-7:00 Power Play on Shawnee Mission Pkwy

Musical Bridges Concerts

Autumn Recital Nov. 20th TBA Central Office

Parent Meeting Feb. 12th TBA TBA

Bridges Auditions March 14th TBA TBA

Luncheon March 27th TBA TBA

Spring Recital April 23rd TBA Central Office

* Other concerts and details will come directly from UMKC.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM

Parents and Students

Please read the following statement, sign, and date it. The entire form needs to be turned in to Ms. Gish.

“I have read and understand the rules and expectations that have been presented in this handbook including those regarding the use of instrument, accessories, books, and concerts. I understand what is expected of students so they are successful and continue to grow as individuals.”

_______________________________ ________________

Parent’s Signature Date

_______________________________ ________________

Student’s Signature Date

Instrument User Payment Plan

I, _______________________________, agree to pay for my student’s

(Insert parent’s name)

instrument user fee in separate, smaller payments. I agree to pay ___________ every

($5.00 or $10.00)

month, by the last day of the month, until the balance of _____________ is paid in full,

($35.00 for returning students or $43.00 for beginning students)

beginning on August 30th. This agreement is made between Ms. Gish and

myself in regards to my student, ________________ __________________ who is a

(Student’s first name) (Student’s last name)

student at Central Middle School in Kansas City, Kansas.

Signed,

____________________________ __________

(Parent Signature) (Date)

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