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Denton High School
Orchestra Handbook
2015-2016
Julianne Booth, Director of Orchestras
Dedication, Honor, Success ... we are DHS
an International Baccalaureate World School
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction*Commitment*Rehearsals*Concerts
Attendance Policy*Financial Obligations*
Concert Attire*Dress Code
Orchestra t-shirt*Parent Support*
Sponsorship Opportunities*Orchestra Trips*
Letterman Jacket Information
Communication*Charms*Remind*Class Calendar*
DHS Orchestra Website
Emergency Information & Authorization Form
Insurance, Travel & Publications Release Form
Handbook Agreement and Yard Sign Information
INTRODUCTION
Greetings and welcome to the 2015-16 season of theDenton High School Orchestra. This handbook contains all the information both students and parents must have to participate successfully in orchestra. Please keep and refer to this handbook if you have any questions throughout the year regarding orchestra policies.
We strive to maintain the highest quality of musicianship and provide a personally satisfying experience for all DHS orchestra members this season. We will strive to continue the long tradition of excellence that has been established by the outstanding former directors and dedicated musicianswho shared the common goals of high caliber performances and personal and social satisfaction in the pursuit of that musical excellence.
COMMITMENT– Orchestra demands personal commitment and a strong sense of ‘team spirit’. Each student must contribute his or her very best in order for the entire group to progress and improve. The orchestra’s strength is dependent on each musician’s commitment and desire to improve. Orchestra will help each student learn leadership skills and group cooperation as well as the qualities that help to make students’ college applications stand out among all others.
REHEARSALS - Students are expected to attend all rehearsals during school for the entire class period. In order to keep before and after school rehearsals to a minimum, all musicians are expected to participate during class rehearsal time. Orchestra class is not the time to schedule group project work sessions, leave to talk to other teachers or schedule doctor’s appointments. Before performances, extra rehearsals and/or sectionals should be expected. Students, parents and teachers should work together to balance busy schedules, keeping in mind that orchestra is a ‘team’ sport. The absence of one or two members will seriously impact the effectiveness of rehearsals. Students are expected to respect rehearsal and sectional times and understand that their individual effort will serve to strengthen the goal of musical excellence that is our main focus.
CONCERTS - Musicians are expected to be in their assigned rooms/areas 30 minutes prior to the downbeat. All musicians must move to their pre-performance assigned seats 15 minutes prior to the start of the concert/performance.All members are expected to display good concert etiquette throughout the performance and attend the post-performance receptions in full concert attire.
Occasionally DHS schedules small ensembles to perform for community functions that support and benefit the fine arts as well as exhibit the talent at DHS. Members will be asked to perform in at least one off campus performance during the season. All services qualify for Service Hours; however, Service HourTime Sheet must be provided at the time of the performance.
ATTENDANCE POLICY - Each musician is expected to plan and work out any conflict that may arise well in advance of any rehearsal and performance dates. Members must be aware of the DHS rehearsal schedule and manage their time to accommodate attendance at all rehearsals and sectionals.
Each member must understand the importance of planning ahead. All quizzes, tests, deadlines, rehearsals, sectionals and performances are written on the class calendar which is reviewed EVERY CLASS PERIOD. Students are notified via text on their cell phones on the REMIND app and verbal reminders are given every class period. ALL INFORMATION IS LOCATED ON THE DHS ORCHESTRA WEBSITE AS WELL.However, it is still the student’s responsibility to stay abreast of all deadlines.
Should a serious conflict or last minute emergency arise prior to a rehearsal or concert, musicians/parents must contact the director by phone PRIOR to the concert. Asking a friend to inform the director a student will not be there and/or ‘not having a ride’ is not an excused absence. Students are given plenty of time to make arrangements for rides.
FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS - The Orchestra Activity fee of $110.00 is due by Friday, September 25th. This activity fee helps to defray the cost of the music binders, dividers, music copies, festival entry fees, All Region fees,the basic orchestra t-shirt, music purchase, music supplies, professional technical services, concert program costs, professional concert recordings, section coach fees and miscellaneous student needs.
All cellos and string basses must pay a District Maintenance Fee in order to use a school instrument during school. The fee is $100.00 for the year and checks must be made out to Denton ISD. This fee is due Friday, September 25th. If this fee is not paid by the deadline, the student will not be allowed to use the school instrument until the fee is paid-this is district policy.
CONCERT ATTIRE / DRESS CODE – Each student will be assigned either a formal long black gown or a black formal tuxedo. All members are responsible for keeping their assigned concert attire clean, fresh smelling, well-maintained and professional looking. Students are responsible for hemming their uniforms (and removing all hems at the end of the school year), replacing any broken zippers, replacing any lost buttons and any ‘in between’ cleanings that are needed. Ladies gowns may be machine washed on delicate and men’s tuxedos must be professionally dry-cleaned.All members will be assigned a numbered garment bag for their uniforms.
LADIES– Long black gown. No large jewelry pieces. No heavy colognes or perfumes.
GENTLEMEN – Black tuxedo (jacket and pants), white wing-tip collar pleated tuxedo shirt (provided by the student), black bow tie(provided by the student), black dress shoes (no black athletic shoes) and plain black socks. Men are responsible for purchasing their own black bow tie and tuxedo shirt.No heavy colognes.
All uniform components are the student’s responsibility. If the uniform, uniform parts or the garment bag is damaged, the student will be charged for the cost of a replacement item.
ORCHESTRA T-SHIRTS - All members will receive the basic orchestra t-shirt in the early Fall. These t-shirts will be used for casual performances designated by the director.Students are responsible for keeping their t-shirt clean, crisp and ready for performances. Replacement t-shirts (or additional t-shirts for family members and non-orchestra students) are available for $15.00. Please write the students last name on the shirt collar tag.
PARENT SUPPORT/VOLUNTEERS
Volunteer support is vital to the success of the orchestra! We realize that we have very talented and dedicated musicians and parents. Please let us know how you would like to share your talents with our orchestra.
Every parent is expected to participate as a volunteer in some capacity. Please contact the director if you are willing to help enhance our musicians’ orchestra experience. There are many fun and fulfilling opportunities to volunteer for and we invite all DHS parents to become a part of our orchestra! We need help during every concert and event to help enhance every student’s musical experience.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES - The orchestra’s operating budget would be greatly enhanced by donations from individuals and corporations. The orchestra is actively seeking sponsorships from organizations that support the fine arts. We need parent assistance in identifying prospective corporate sponsors and/or companies willing to donate to our orchestra. If your employer has a policy in which they match donations to a non-profit organization or would like to begin supporting groups such as DHS, please let us know so that we may contact them and provide them with additional sponsorship information.
In addition, individual contributions are very much appreciated. The orchestra has 501C nonprofit status, which makes every donation tax deductible. Please speak with the director if you have questions. Your support is crucial to the growth of the orchestra!All donations and sponsorships will be recognized in each concert program. Tax-deductible donations help defray our operating costs and allow our orchestra to grow!
ORCHESTRA PERFORMANCE TRIPS – All orchestras perform at an annual music festival. The Lyric and Concert orchestras perform at a local music festival at an excellent performance venue and enjoy lunch at Medieval Times in May 2016.. The cost of this trip is approximately $125.00. The Symphony and Chamber orchestras perform at an out of state music festival and the destination is on a rotating schedule. Destinations have included Disney World, San Diego, New York and Hawaii.
Fundraising opportunities are plentiful and students are expected to plan and participate in the many fundraisers that are scheduled for their convenience. All fundraiser dates will be sent out as a separate calendar to both students and parents via an e-mail attachment and available in class.
LETTER JACKET COMMITMENT-The Letter Jacket Commitment Handbook is available through Mrs. Booth.
COMMUNICATION AND ON-GOING INFORMATION – Communication and up-dated personal information is important for success. Below are the ways students and parents can remain in contact and receive vital information throughout the year.
CHARMS – Charmsoffice.com is the method we use to keep updated records on each student. Throughout the year, go to the CHARMS music website and update all student AND parent information including cell phones, e-mail addresses, home addresses, clothing sizes, etc. All information is used strictly for orchestra communication and is not shared with any other department or person(s). PARENTS-PLEASE UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION AS WELL SO YOU CAN RECEIVE UPDATES, IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING ORCHESTRA AND DEADLINE REMINDERS.
1. Go to charmsoffice.com
2. Login as a STUDENT and not TEACHER and type in student ID where indicated
3. Use dentonhsorch as the login word
4. Click on the different areas and update all information
REMIND – This is an app that allows the teacher and student to communicate without using personal cellphone information. Each class will sign up with their assigned class number and they will be able to receive important reminder texts, updates and learn of important last minute changes in the schedule due to weather or emergencies. Parents are welcome to sign up as well to receive Remind texts from the director. Details are on the DHS Orchestra website.
CLASS CALENDAR – Located on the white board on the north classroom wall. This calendar is updated daily and reviewed in each class. This allows students to see the activities for the entire month.
DHS ORCHESTRA WEBSITE – The DHS orchestra website also has the organization’s calendar and all information and forms related to all orchestra events. The Evers and Newton-Rayzor orchestra information is also on the DHS Orchestra website.
DHS website>Activities>Orchestra
ORCHESTRA DIRECTOR CONTACT INFORMATION
Mrs. Julianne Booth, Director of Orchestras
Denton High School, Evers Elementary, Newton-Rayzor Elementary
(940) 369-2210
(best method of contact)
PARENT BOOSTER CLUB CONTACT INFORMATION
Mrs. Liliana Grosso, Parent Booster Club President
(best method of contact)
DHS ORCHESTRA EMERGENCY INFORMATION/AUTHORIZATION FORM
Parent/Guardian is responsible for updating the following information during
the2015-16school year in case of accident or sudden illness.
Student name
LastFirstMiddle
Address
CityZip
Gender Grade Home phone Date of birth / /
Parent/Guardian name (print)
Parent / Guardian address
StreetCityZip
Cell phoneWork phone
E-mail address
List two persons who will assume temporary care of your child if you cannot be contacted.
Name Phone Relationship
Name Phone Relationship
IMPORTANT HEALTH INFORMATION
List/describe current health problems
Allergies
Current medications/ treatments
DoctorPhone
Hospital of choiceInsurance
PAIN MEDICATION AUTHORIZATION
I DO / DO NOT authorize my child to request and receive Tylenol, Advil, Bayer Aspirin, Motrin, Aleve
only if he/she requests it for headache pain only.
I, the undersigned, do hereby authorize employees, volunteers, board members, parent volunteers to contact directly the persons and health care providers named on this form, and do authorize the named physicians, clinics and/or hospitals to render such treatment as may be deemed necessary for the transportation and health care of said child. In the event the physicians, other persons named on this form, or parents cannot be contacted, NTYO representatives are hereby authorized to take whatever action is deemed necessary in their judgment, for the health of the aforesaid child (Section 35.01, Texas Family Code). I will not hold NTYO or its representatives financially responsible for the emergency care and/or transportation for said child.
I request that the physicians and staff of the medical facility perform any diagnostic procedures, treatment procedures, operative procedures, and x-ray treatments and anesthetics as may be necessary in diagnosis and treatment of my child. I authorize the medical facility to dispose of any specimen or tissue taken from named person.
I certify that I am a parent/guardian with legal control of the child, the child’s legal guardian, or have other court ordered control of the child. I understand that I must notify NTYO in writing to change any information on this form or to revoke any consent given herein. I understand it is a penal code offense (Section 37.10, Penal Code; Texas Education Code 25.001(h)) to falsify information for membership. I testify that all information on this document to be true and correct.
______/___/___
Printed name of parent/guardian Signature of parent/guardian Date
______/___/___
Printed name of student Signature of student (if age 18+) Date
DENTON HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA
INSURANCE, TRAVEL AND PUBLICATIONS RELEASE AGREEMENTS
2015-16
INSURANCE RELEASE AGREEMENT
I have been made aware that accident insurance for injuries which may be sustained during practices, rehearsals and/or performances of the DHS orchestra program is available from an independent carrier. I have also been made aware that theft and vandalism insurance for individually owned musical instruments is available from an independent carrier.
TRAVEL RELEASE AGREEMENT
(Release of liability for members of student groups to participate in DHS sponsored trips)
I fully understand and my son/daughter fully understands that participation in and transportation to and from the events attended by the DHS orchestra may result in serious injury, illness or death. Although I fully appreciate these risks, I desire that my son/daughter be allowed to travel to and from the events attended by the DHS orchestraand to participate in their group activities. I, the undersigned, assume full and complete responsibility for any injury or accident that may occur to my son/daughter in his/her travel to and from and participation in the activities of this group. Inconsideration of the DHS orchestra allowing my child to participate in the above referenced activities and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is acknowledged, I hereby release and waive all claims that I or my son/daughter may have against the Denton ISD, its Board, employees, agents, independent contractors, parent volunteers and representatives resulting, in whole or part, from my son/daughter traveling to and from the events attended by the DHS orchestra or from my son/daughter participating in the activities of this group. The release and waiver shall be binding on my heirs, legatees, administrators and assigns.
PUBLICATIONS, VIDEO, INTERNET CONSENT AND RELEASE AGREEMENT
Students who are members of the DHS orchestra are occasionally asked to be a part of DHS publicity,publications and/or public relations activities. In order to guarantee student privacy and ensure your agreement for your child to participate, DHS asks that you sign this form. This form indicates approval for the student’s name, voice, verbal statements, portrait or picture shall be used only for public relations, public information, DHS orchestra promotion, publicity and instruction. Student and Parent/Guardian understand and agree that:
No monetary consideration shall be paid
Consent and release have been given without coercion or duress
This agreement is binding upon heirs and/or future legal representatives
The photo, video or student statements may be used in subsequent years
If the Student and/or Parent/Guardian wish to rescind this agreement they may do so at any time with written notice to the DHS orchestra director. DHS has no control of outside media use of pictures/statements taken without permission.
Effective Date of Agreements
8/21/2015 – 6/30/2016
Student name (print)
Parent/Guardian name (print)
Parent/Guardian signature
Home phone Work phone
Emergency number #1 Emergency number #2
ORCHESTRA HANDBOOK AGREEMENT FORM
The director has worked hard to provide students and parents with information and important policies in this handbook to help students meet with success. We want our orchestra parents and musicians to be well informed and prepared for a meaningful and exciting 2015-2016 Season! Together, we will continue our vision of providing our musicians and families with a unique and musician-centered learning experience.
PLEASE READ THE CONTENTS OF THIS HANDBOOK. Return required forms parent and musician signatures on or before 9/01/2015.