Advanced Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra

T.H. Rogers Orchestra 2013-2014

Advanced Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra

Instructor: Ms. Ellen Lawrence Email:

Course Synopsis:

The primary purpose of the Middle School Orchestra program is to provide students with an opportunity to learn a stringed instrument and play in an ensemble with other students. Throughout the year, each student will be developing proper technique, tone, and rhythm on their instrument. All orchestras will have performance opportunities, helping the students to set both personal and team goals.

Expected Activities:

There are already some orchestra events listed on the school calendar. However, there are many dates that will be added within the first few weeks of school. Please refer to Ms. Lawrence’s webpage for the up-to-date calendar of events.

Date / Activity / Who is involved?
Wednesday, Oct 23rd, 7pm / Haunt-cert Halloween Concert at Lamar HS / Intermediate 6th and 7th Orchestras
Saturday, Oct 19th / Region Orchestra Auditions at Woodcreek JH / Optional-mostly students in Adv or Chamber
Thursday, Dec 12, 6:30 pm / Winter Concert at TH Rogers Cafeteria / All Middle School Orchestras-required
Saturday, Feb 8th / UIL Solo and Ensemble Festival- Morton Ranch High School / optional
Tuesday, March 4th / "A Little Twilight Music" concert in TH Rogers Amphitheater / All Middle School Orchestra-required
Thursday, April 17th / UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest- Elsik High School / Required for Advanced and Chamber
Tuesday, April 29th / Spring Concert at TH Rogers Cafeteria / All Middle School Orchestras-required

Ms. Lawrence’s middle school classes:

6th grade Beginning Orchestra (2 classes of Beginners)- no prior experience

6th grade Intermediate Orchestra- one or more years experience

7th grade Intermediate Orchestra- one or more years experience

Advanced Orchestra- by audition

Chamber Orchestra- by audition, highest level orchestra

Grading Policy:

We will focus on individual student responsibility (bringing required materials to class), goal-setting, and team effort. Throughout the semester, students will be assessed using chair tests. Middle school students will be required to practice at least two hours per week. Student grades will be determined by the student’s ability to meet the following criteria:

80% Class participation and daily work

Responsibility (bringing required materials to class) and positive/productive class participation, daily work, Practice Logs on Charms (link on orchestra website)

20% Tests and performances

10% Evening concerts and daytime/in-class performances

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10% Chair tests and in-class performances

Advanced, and Chamber Orchestras:

As students continue their development, they will focus on these areas:

Intonation

Scales in the keys up to three sharps or flats

3rd and 4th position

Vibrato

Advanced tuning, aural perceptions

Following a conductor

Blending with the ensemble, listening skills

UIL preparations- Solo and Ensemble as well as Concert and Sightreading

Uniforms- uniforms are required in Advanced and Chamber Orchestra this year. More information on the orchestra Schoolwires.

CHARMS—this is a new program that I am using to track student information, instruments, and practice logs. Please follow the link on the orchestra website to update your email information.

Looking forward to a wonderful year of orchestra!

Sincerely,

Ellen Lawrence

Orchestra Director