Advanced Orchestra Syllabus
Contact Information
Teacher Name: Meredith McAlmon
Room Phone: 841-4874
Conference Time: Mon Tues Fri: 10:48-11:36; Wed: 11:15-12:00; Thurs 9:41-10:29 and/or by appointment
Teacher email:
Course Description: Advanced Orchestra
Course Materials:
o Instrument, with all of its necessary equipment (i.e. shoulder rest, rock stop, rosin, etc)
o Music Binder – Each student should have a black 1-inch, 3-ring binder with 5 dividers for the safekeeping of music, assignments, and practice records. This binder should be specific to orchestra, and not shared with another subject.
o Orchestra book – Sound Innovations Book 2, Sound Innovations Technique Level 2 (students may be asked to buy a book in the spring)
o Pencils and a highlighter- kept in binder. Pens are not permitted for use to mark on music or for homework assignments under any circumstances.
o Tuner with tuning jack, or clip-on tuner
Concepts and/or Projects for Each Grading Period
1st – Review of skills from intermediate orchestra using orchestral music & technical exercises, intro to shifting
2nd – Intro of vibrato skills/3rd position/Region Music excerpts
3rd – Preparation for Winter Concert
4th – Preparation for UIL
5th – Solo/Ensemble focus
6th – Preparation for end-of-year concert – working with “alternative styles” such as jazz, pop, fiddling, and rock
Each grading period involves a process of reviewing, incorporating, and building upon musical and technical skills learned in the previous 6 weeks. Rehearsal Techniques will be at least one grade in each 6 weeks session, and one of the most important grades as it reflects the student’s overall commitment and efforts to all aspects of musicianship. When learning a musical instrument, progress is a very individual thing, and is not always measureable in obvious ways. Giving a grade for rehearsal techniques allows me to indicate the progress of the student toward becoming a musician and not just a technician.
Grading Policy
Projects & Major Exams 45% (These consist of playing tests and written tests)
Daily Work & Quizzes 35% (A major component of these are rehearsal techniques and playing)
Homework 10% (Practicing and an occasional assignment – such as listening to KMFA)
Culminating Project & 10% Performances and/or concerts
6 weeks’ tests
Total 100%
Personal Responsibilities of Orchestra and Guitar Ensemble Members
· In order to provide the best learning and performing environment for all orchestra and guitar ensemble members, students are expected to treat their classmates, their director, and their instruments with respect. If you are ever troubled or unsure about something that has to do with this program, please come talk to me. My door is always open.
This means:
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1. COMMUNICATE
· Let me know well in advance about any schedule conflicts
· If you would like some extra help, just ask. If I can’t help you, I’ll find someone who can.
2. ATTEND ALL REHEARSALS AND PERFORMANCES
· Be at all rehearsals and performances on time…which means early! There’s a difference between being present and being ready.
· Being absent from a performance is not like missing a class such as English or History. When even one member of a performing ensemble is gone, the total musical experience is diminished for all.
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3. RESPECT PROPERTY AND EACH OTHER
· Do not touch what is not yours.
· Respect the right of others to learn, and the director to teach by not causing an interruption to the rehearsal. Do not talk during the rehearsal, and raise your hand to ask a question or make a comment.
· Stop immediately when the director stops.
· Listen respectfully when others are playing or performing.
4. FOLLOW REHEARSAL PROCEDURES AT ALL TIMES
· Be in your seat ready to make music by two minutes after the tardy bell rings.
· When the director steps on the podium and gives the signal, the rehearsal has begun and all talking and playing stops.
· Absolutely no talking when the director is working.
· Raise your hand if you have a comment/question/answer
· Stay in your seat unless you have permission to do otherwise.
· If you are not able to participate in the rehearsal (e.g. forgotten instrument, music, or injury), please see me when you enter the room.
· The bell does not dismiss the class, the director dismisses the class. Class is dismissed when the room is in order.
Dates and/or Major Events
Saturday Oct. 15………………………….. Region Orchestra Auditions at Kealing Middle School) Not required but encouraged!
Wednesday Oct. 26………………………..Orchestra Fall Concert
Thursday Nov. 17- Saturday Nov. 19….. Region 18 Orchestra rehearsals and concert for those selected in October auditions -
O.Henry Middle School (Thursday night) and Austin ISD PAC – Friday night/ all day Saturday
Monday Dec. 12…………………………...Orchestra Winter Concert
February (date to be arranged) …………....Pre-UIL Practice @Austin ISD PAC during school day. Transportation provided.
Saturday Feb. 18…………………………...Pre-UIL clinic/Fulmore orchestra room with guest clinician
Wed March 1st - Friday March 3rd………...UIL competition/Austin ISD PAC (Exact day and time to be determined)
Saturday April 29………………………….Austin ISD Solo/Ensemble Competition @ McCallum High School
Monday May 15…………………………...Orchestra EOY Concert
Saturday May 21…………………………..Orchestra EOY Field Trip to Fiesta Texas
One Vision One Direction All Together