SHMS STRING/ORCHESTRA 2015-2016
SYLLABUS AND TERMS OF MEMBERSHIP
Carefully review the information in this syllabus. Contained herein is a list of calendar dates; please add these events to your family's calendar. Finally, please sign and return the acknowledgment form on the last page.
INSTRUCTOR: Eric Maeshiro
CONTACT INFO: E-mail:
Phone: Stone Hill Middle School 703-957-4420
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:
Strings 6: This is a full-year elective, which provides instruction for violin, viola, cello, and double bass students. Students will learn the basic elements of music while developing the techniques and skills appropriate to an orchestral string instrument. Opportunities for performances outside regular school hours are at the discretion of the instructor. Students will provide their own instruments. (LCPS Middle School Program of Studies, pg. 18.)
Strings 7: This is a full-year elective, which provides instruction for violin, viola, cello, and double bass students. Students enrolled in this class will continue learning the fundamentals of string playing with an increased focus on ensemble playing. Opportunities for performances outside of regular school hours are at the discretion of the instructor. Students will provide their own instruments. (LCPS Middle School Program of Studies, pg. 24.)
Strings 8: This is a full-year elective, which provides students the opportunity to continue to build their skill, musical knowledge, and repertoire. There is a continued emphasis on performance techniques, ensemble playing, and a more difficult and varied repertoire. Opportunities for performances outside the school day are at the discretion of the instructor. Students will provide their own instruments. (LCPS Middle School Program of Studies, pg. 30.)
MATERIALS:
· Method Book(s):
Strings 6: New Directions for Strings, book 1
Strings 7: New Directions for Strings, book 2; and
Strings 8: New Directions for Strings, book 2; and
Expressive Techniques for Orchestra
· Assigned Music (distributed in class)
· Instrument, in working order; e.g. all strings, bow, shoulder rest, etc.
· Extra strings (especially the “E” string for violin, and the “A” string for viola)
· Music Stand (to be kept and used at home)
· Pencil
EXPECTATIONS:
In order to make adequate progress daily practice at home is essential. Students are to come to class well prepared and with all material. Personal instruments are NOT to be left at school overnight; there is not enough storage space for students to have instruments at school on days when they do not have class. School/ faculty is not responsible for instruments left overnight.
EVALUATION AND GRADING:
Strings 6-8 are graded classes that meet every other day. Each quarter, students will earn five grades that describe their musical progress and achievement.
There are two categories of grades: In-Class Assessments (4 grades), and Concert Participation (1 grade).
IN-CLASS ASSESSMENTS (3 Grades):
In-Class Assessments are from the numbered exercises in the New Directions for Strings class method book.
PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT (1 Grade):
Solo or small ensemble pieces are assigned and performed before the class, as in recital. Performance times are scheduled two weeks in advance for each student. Music will be either from the method book or provided by the instructor. The Performance Assessment will be one-fifth of the quarter grade.
CONCERT PARTICIPATION (1 Grade):
There will be one concert per marking period; students are required to participate, either as a member of the ensemble or the audience.
Students participating as ensemble members are to attend all pre-concert rehearsals, be proficient in programmed music, and perform in concert attire (see below). Failure to meet these expectations may mean exclusion from concert participation as an ensemble member. Student performers must agree to commit to the ensemble and all rehearsals and performances.
NOTE: Students who agree to participate as members of the Concert Orchestra I must commit to the District Assessment scheduled for TBD (March 10, 11, or 12). This assessment is factored into the 3rd quarter grade.
Students participating as audience members must be accompanied by, and seated with their respective parent(s) during the duration of the performance. Grades are based on concert etiquette; students are to listen attentively and politely. Students must be present in the auditorium during the entirety of the performance. At the end of the performance, students are responsible to have their programs signed by a school faculty member present at the concert as proof of attendance. Programs are signed at the end of the concert only. Partial attendance or inappropriate behavior will result in a reduction of the Concert Participation grade. Faculty will only sign one (1) program per attendee.
CONCERT ETIQUETTE:
· No electronics
· No flash photography
· No entering and exiting while music is in progress
· Children remain with parents
· Listen attentively
PREPAREDNESS & TESTING POLICY
Students are to come to class prepared (see above, Materials and Expectations). Students are not permitted to use the instruments of other students. Students without their instrument on a test day will be assessed a failing grade on that test. Students are eligible to retake any test for which they have received a numerical grade of less than 70%. Students have two weeks to retake a test. Retakes must be scheduled in advance with the instructor.
REHEARSALS:
Students must have a signed After School Permission Form to attend rehearsals.
After School Permission Form Link
There are three performing groups:
1) Concert Orchestra I
2) Concert Orchestra II
3) Cadet Orchestra (Orchestra III)
Students are assigned a performing ensemble based on experience, ability, and ability to participate in all scheduled concerts and assessments. Ensemble placement and seating are at the discretion of the instructor.
NOTE: Students who wish to participate as members of the Concert Orchestra I members must agree to commit to the District XVI Assessment scheduled for TDB (March 10-12, 2016). This assessment is factored into the 3rd quarter grade.
Rehearsal attendance is mandatory for concert performers.
Failure to attend rehearsals may mean exclusion from the concert performance and a forfeiture of the Concert Participation grade.
Rehearsals take place immediately after the last class block on days when LCPS provides students with transportation and are considered part of the regular school day. Parents who choose to pick their children up from rehearsals must do so promptly, as there is no supervision provided for students after 4:25pm. The attendance of all orchestra members in after-school rehearsals is expected and an essential element to class participation. Please be aware that failure to provide a legitimate excuse for an absence can result in a lowered quarter grade average.
Excused absences are:
· Severe personal illness (causing school absence on the day of the event)
· Extreme family emergency (beyond the control of student or family)
Unexcused absences are:
· Failure to arrange transportation
· Failure to obtain after-school permission form
· Failure to previously arrange absence with parent notification
· Failure to resolve a conflict involving a routine medical appointment, community activity, or athletic event
In the case of student participation in extra-curricular ensembles sponsored by Loudoun County Public Schools, the scheduled events of the student’s home school take precedent.
CONCERT ATTIRE:
· 7th and 8th grade: Orchestra Shirt (ordered through school), 6th Grade: collared white shirt, polo, oxford, or blouse.
· Black slacks, or knee-length skirt
· Black shoes, black socks
DAILY CLASS ROUTINE:
· Entrance and Unpacking
· Tuning
· Warm-up and Rote Exercises
· Sight Reading
· Lesson (Exercises from method book, see Pacing Guide)
· In-Class Assessments/Performance Assessments
· Concert Repertoire
· Packing and Dismissal
BASIC APPROACH TO MATERIAL
· Observe Key and Time Signature
· Count and Clap Rhythm
· Solfege
· Isolate and Practice Difficulties
· Perform Music
CLASS LESSONS AND PRACTICE EXPECTATIONS:
All essential lesson material is introduced in the first class meeting of the week, and will be reviewed or reintroduced in subsequent lessons. All material is expected to be practiced thoroughly; there is no specific amount of time students are expected to practice--material should be practiced accurately and until the assigned piece(s) can be competently performed at the indicated tempo in the method book. Students may find the use of the Smart Music computer program a more engaging method of practice; however, a subscription to Smart Music is not essential or required for the class.
Smart Music Link
SHMS ORCHESTRA SCHEDULE of CONCERTS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Day / Date / Time / Event / LocationThr 03DEC2015 7:00pm Intermediate Orchestra Concert I SHM Auditorium
Thr 10DEC2015 7:00pm Advanced Orchestra Winter Concert SHM Auditorium
Wed 24FEB2016 7:00pm Advanced Orchestra Pre-Assessment Concert SHM Auditorium
Wed 11MAY2016 7:00 pm Advanced Orchestra Year-End Concert SHM Auditorium
Thr 02JUN2016 6:00/6:45/7:30 Cadet Orchestra Concert* SHM Auditorium
Thr 09JUN2016 7:00 Intermediate Orchestra Concert II SHM Auditorium
SPECIAL/EXTRA CURRICULAR EVENTS
Sat 09 JAN 2016 All-County Orchestra Auditions TBA
10/11/12 MAR 2015 TBA District XVI Orchestra Assessment TBA
(Exact date and location to be announced)
*Concert time will depend on the student’s ensemble placement. Parents will be notified in advance as to which time their child will perform.
SHMS DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC UNIVERSAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT FORM
My child (print child's name here)______
and I have read all information listed in the 2015-2016 SHMS Strings/Orchestra Syllabus and Terms of Membership. My child will (parent's initial spaces to the left:)
____ be in attendance at all scheduled after-school rehearsals, assigned concerts and events.
____ wear appropriate concert attire.
Signed by parent/guardian: ______
Date: