Kenmore East



Kenmore East

High School

Orchestra

Handbook

2012-2013

Goals of the Orchestra

The goals of the orchestra program at Kenmore East High School are to:

1. Develop better musicianship and appreciation of music,

2. Develop leadership skills,

3. Provide an enjoyable and enriching environment where students can meet and work with other students who share their love for music, and

3. Instill principles of good character into the lives of the members for the benefit of the individual and for the group as a whole.

In order to foster and maintain a high standard of excellence, it is necessary that all members acquaint themselves with the regulations, procedures, and traditions unique to the orchestra and string program at Kenmore East. Thorough knowledge of the information in this pamphlet will help you in many ways. Your enthusiasm, diligence, keen interest in music, adherence to the rules, and loyalty to one another is necessary for your orchestra to have a successful year.

Yearly Objectives

The orchestras have four objectives as follows:

1. Cultural To continue development of music appreciation and understanding through ongoing study and performance of the best music of all cultures and eras.

2. Educational To develop competent performers who are able to use their instrument to facilitate the development of music appreciation. To offer those who are considering a career in music an opportunity to develop their talents to the utmost in order to better prepare them for their chosen profession.

3. Service To lend color and atmosphere to community events while promoting and enhancing the dignity and reputation of the school through traditional “in” and “out” of school appearances.

4. Recreational To provide students of the orchestras with the opportunity for worthwhile use of leisure time, an emotional outlet, and social interaction.

Expectations

An appropriate attitude and a strong concept of responsibility to one’s self and to the group is vital to our program. The quality of each performing ensemble is affected by each student’s ability to fulfill his or her responsibilities. The following expectations will guide us in realizing our goals and objectives:

1. Punctual and regular attendance at all rehearsals and lessons.

2. All music must be adequately prepared BEFORE the rehearsal begins and private practice time must be allocated as a part of each student’s DAILY homework assignment.

3. Rehearsals and concert performances, the core of our program, require perfect attendance and outstanding performing quality. Therefore:

a. Extra rehearsals, although scheduled infrequently, are essential to quality performances. Students will be given notice as far in advance as possible.

b. Students must attend all dress rehearsals. An unexcused absence from a dress rehearsal may result in the student not being allowed to participate in that performance. This will result in a lower overall grade for the term.

c. When an absence from a performance rehearsal is anticipated, a WRITTEN EXCUSE must be handed to the director at least one week prior to the date in question. Please note that only under EXTREME circumstances will a request for absence from a dress rehearsal or performance be granted. An unexcused absence from a performance will result in the student’s mark being lowered for the marking period. If a student misses performances frequently, the student will be referred to the administration in regards to dropping the class.

4. Students are required to attend school lessons on a rotating basis. There are approximately six lessons for each marking period. A schedule of lessons will be given to each student at the beginning of each semester. The student is responsible to notify their classroom teacher prior to coming down for their scheduled lesson. The teachers are aware to contact the Orchestra Director if any conflicts arise. Students have 2 weeks to make up a missed lesson. Lessons not made up within 2 weeks will receive a zero.

5. All instruments will be taken home for diligent practice DAILY.

6. BE ON TIME. This means in your seat with your music, instrument, rosin, mutes, and pencil by the time the conductor is ready to begin. Please remember that good posture is essential for a good musical performance. Form good habits NOW.

7. A pencil is necessary at every rehearsal mark your music in pencil only. All markings should be neat but thorough, according to the conductor’s comments. Remember that others will use this music in future years.

8. The quality of the ensemble’s intonation is very much related to the quality of the ensemble’s sound. All orchestra members are encouraged to make frequent use of a tuner.

9. Students are financially responsible for all school equipment issued to them. This includes the music. All music must be returned in good condition or replaced.

10. The cost of all repairs of school instruments for damage caused by negligence will be borne by the student to whom the instrument is assigned.

11. Private lessons with highly qualified instructors, while not required, are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Private instruction is geared to the individual’s own abilities and pace and is necessary to achieve maximum musical growth. Please contact Ms. Bauser if you would like a list of private teachers in the area.

Grading

Evaluation of each student’s achievement in the orchestra program is derived in a number of ways. There are several components to the grade. Attitude, effort, promptness, preparation of music, and performance are all important considerations in determining the student’s grade. Specifically, these components are:

1. Music Lessons (35%)

a. Lesson attendance, participation, preparedness

b. Performance Evaluations (self evaluations & teacher evaluations)

2. Orchestra Participation (35%)

a. Attendance

b. Preparedness

c. Participation

3. Tests, Quizzes, Compositions (5%)

a. Performance Evaluations

b. Practice Contracts

c. Written or Playing Quizzes

d. Written Assignments

4. Live Concert Attendance/Performance Review Requirement (5%)

5. Concert Grade (20%)

a. Dress Rehearsals

b. Extra Rehearsals to prepare for performance

c. Concert Performance

Please note that the final exam (“Performance Jury”) is 20% of the student’s overall average for the year. This is a school-wide policy.

Extra Credit Opportunities

Students can earn extra points during each semester by participating in an ECMEA or NYSSMA solo or small ensemble festival*. The following extra points may be earned during each marking period. These points will be added “on top” of an individual’s regular average for that period.

Plus 5 For an A or A+ rating or an Outstanding earned on a solo

Plus 4 For a B or higher rating or an Excellent earned on a solo

Plus 3 For a B- or higher rating or a Good earned on a solo

Plus 5 For participating in the NYSSMA Conference All-State

Plus 4 For participating in the NYSSMA Area All-State Orchestra

Plus 3 For participating in the ECMEA All-County Orchestra

(*level of solo to be agreed upon by teacher and student)

Orchestra Uniform

Boys wear tuxedos at all concert events. They must purchase a tuxedo shirt and bowtie and wear black dress shoes and socks. A Tuxedo jacket and pants can be purchased by the student or can be rented for a small fee from the KE Music Department. The uniform for girls is the “Soltano” or “Corelli” dress, black stockings and black dress shoes. The Soltano and Corelli dress can be ordered through the music department.

Rules and Regulations in the Rehearsal Rooms

All orchestra members are requested to observe the following rules and regulations concerning the use of the Orchestra Room:

1. No instruments will be left on the floor of the rehearsal room or on any countertop after class. Use the storage facilities provided.

2. Music folders should be left in the slots provided in the room or in your locker. Clear you music stand and the floor at the end of class.

3. There will be no playing of another student’s instrument or opening their instrument case without permission.

4. Please clean up after yourself. Don’t leave your music, papers and other miscellaneous items (food/drinks) on your music stand, chair or the floor.

5. No one will use the piano without permission.

6. The Music Area (classrooms, hallways and auditorium) is not a lounge – it may be used for practice and ensemble related activities during the day. Before and after school you are welcome to meet and enjoy your fellow musicians in the rooms with teacher permission. Please do not abuse these privileges. We are confident that adherence to the spirit and letter of these regulations will insure the musical and personal results we all desire and the safety of all members of our orchestra and music department.

Student Orchestra Council

Officers of the Student Orchestra Council meet biweekly in the Orchestra Room. Officers will be appointed at the beginning of the school year. Positions to be filled are President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Librarian and Historian.

If an officer misses more than three meetings without sufficient excuse, he or she will be asked to step down from their officer’s position and be replaced by another appointed by the Director. Being late to two meetings will be counted as though a meeting was missed.

ORCHESTRA CALENDAR 2012-2013

Sept 11-13 Orchestra Seating Auditions Sign up for Time

Sept 18 Music Dept Parent/Student Meeting (Mandatory) 6:30pm

Oct 29 Sign up to Audition for ECMEA All-Co.

Oct 30 Fall Chorus/Orchestra Concert 7:00pm

Nov 2-3 JH Area All-State (9th Grade) All Day Event

Nov 8 ECMEA Scholarship Application Deadline

Nov 14 Tri-M Recital 7:00pm

Nov 16-17 SH Area All-State (10-12 Grade) All Day Event

Nov 9-Dec 2 Conference All-State (Rochester, NY)

Dec 10-11 Talent Show Auditions 4-7pm

Dec 18 Winter Concert (All Groups) 7:00pm

Dec 21 Daytime Winter Concert Assembly (All Groups)

Jan 5 ECMEA Jazz Audition Festival All Day Event

Jan 9 9th Gr Orientation (String Ens Plays) 6:30-9:00pm

Jan 11 KE Talent Show 7:00pm

Jan 12 JH ECMEA Solo Festival (9th Gr) All Day Event

Jan 19 KE Orchestra at Kleinhans (BPO) 2:00pm

Jan 19 SH ECMEA Solo Festival (10-12 Gr) All Day Event

Jan 26 Music Dept Bowl-a-thon

Jan 29 District-Wide Orchestra Concert (All Schools) 6:30pm

Feb 27 NHS Induction (String Ens Plays) 7:00pm

Mar 1 Sign Up Deadline for NYSSMA Solo/Ens

Mar 8-9 All County Jazz Festival All Day Event

Mar 14-16 KE Musical

Mar 15-16 JH All County Festival All Day Event

Mar 22-23 SH All County Festival All Day Event

Mar 26 Spring Concert (Orchestra & Band) 7:00pm

April 24 Tri-M Spring Recital 7:00pm

May 2-5 Orchestra Trip: Montreal

May 17 KE Performing Arts Hall of Fame Induction 7:00pm

May 8 Tri-M 2010-2011 Induction 7:00pm

May 23 Fine Arts Festival 7:00pm

May 30 Undergrad Awards Night (String Ens Plays) 6:30pm

June 4 Orchestra & Band End of Year Concert 7:00pm

June 22 KE Graduation (Orchestra Plays)

Fundraisers !!!

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Sept 10 Magazines

Sept 17 Entertainment Books

Sept 18-Oct 1 Fall Zap a Snack Sale

Coffee Packets

Candy Bars

Oct 1 Yankee Candles

Oct 15 Flower Bulbs

Oct Pie Sale

Jan Spunkmeyer Cookies

Zap a Snacks

Jan 18 Talent Show

Jan 30 Bowl-a-thon

** We provide numerous opportunities to raise money in order to defray the cost of travel for our Spring Trip. You can also use profits raised through these fundraisers to pay for you Orchestra Uniform. This year’s trip is going to be an exciting but expensive one. Take advantage of these fundraising opportunities to make the trip more affordable for you. (Participation in Fundraisers is optional.)

Credit Bearing Page

Must be returned by Monday, Sept. 10

This page with a parent signature is worth one test grade.

Please sign here confirming that you have read and understand the contents of this Orchestra Handbook packet. If you do not understand or agree with the contents, please sign and request a phone call from me. I am happy to discuss anything with you at any time.

Parent Signature __________________________ Student Signature_______________________

o I logged onto Charms successfully and updated my information

o I had technical problems with charms…

Please call me at __________________ during these hours_______________________

o Other:_________________________________________________________________

If you are using a KE tux, you may also send in your $10 tux fee at this time.

Dress fittings will take place in the next two weeks. Dress fees will be due Sept 28.

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