Mabry Middle School

Orchestra

The Tradition of Excellence Continues……

with YOU!!

Orchestra Handbook

Dear Orchestra Parents and Students,

The following pages contain important information that you need to know to make your orchestra experience a success. Please mark all calendar dates that apply to you on your family calendar. Practice records are on the last 3 pages. Please review the list of class expectations. The supply list will outline what is needed for class every day. There are also sections on our uniform, “How To Practice” and a “Parent Guide” that will help you help your child get the most out of orchestra. Also included are forms for both Solo & Ensemble Festival and All-State Orchestra.

We’ve got a great group of 7th and 8th graders returning, and I anticipate an exceptional 6th grade group as well. This will be an outstanding year for the Mabry Orchestra.

Please check my blog regularly at This is where I will do the majority of my communication. Please email me with questions at . Thank you.

Chris Doemel

Orchestra Syllabus – Fall 2006

Course Description: This course is designed to develop musical understanding and appreciation through ensemble participation and individual skill development on an instrument in the String Instrument Family (violin, viola, cello and double bass). The class will rehearse daily during school hours. The class will perform publicly several times during the school year.

Objectives: The purpose of the orchestra program is to introduce students to orchestral music and to develop skills on an instrument in the String Instrument Family. Strong emphasis is put on developing music reading skills, musicianship skills and ensemble participation skills. Areas covered in all three grades at differing levels will include, but are not limited to:

  • Correct position, hold and posture of instrument and bow.
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  • Musical notation and vocabulary.

  • Technical skills
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  • Tone production.

  • Ear training as it applies to tuning and playing the instrument.
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  • Theory (scales, keys, musical form, etc.).

  • String Instrument performance practices and styles.
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  • Orchestral Literature.

  • History of the orchestra and string instrument family.
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  • Ensemble Participation

Material: An instrument and bow in good working condition. The books used are: Sixth Grade - Essential Elements 2000 for Strings, Book 1; Seventh Grade - Essential Elements 2000 for Strings, Book 2; Eighth Grade - Essential Techniques 2000 for Strings. Other recommended materials are an electronic tuner and metronome.

Grading: The student's grade will be based on these components:

Playing tests / 40%
Individual Practice / 10%
Daily Preparation and Participation / 50%
Total / 100%
  • Once a student has been introduced to a specific skill, individual practice at home is required and expected in order to master the skill. Students will receive 100% of the "Individual Practice" portion of the final grade by recording 120 minutes of practice time per week.
  • Practice records, recording the student's individual practice time and signed by a parent or guardian are to be turned in at the middle and end of each grading period. Blank practice records are available in the orchestra room.
  • Daily Preparation and Participation is determined by the student's daily preparation of assigned material, having all necessary materials and taking part in all in-class activities.

Conduct: The conduct of an orchestra student affects not only himself, but also the other orchestra students. Each student is required to; display common courtesies and appropriate conduct, respect fellow orchestra members and their equipment, follow school rules as outlined in the school handbook.

All disciplinary action taken for inappropriate behavior will follow this procedure:

1. The student will receive a verbal warning in class concerning expected behavior.

2. If the behavior persists, the student and I will conference to discuss his or her behavior in order to develop a plan for improvement.

3. If our plan does not effectively change the behavior, the student will be given a “We’re Concerned” form to be signed and returned by the parents or guardians.

4. If the problem persists, parent conference and administrative referral will follow

All students will start with a conduct grade of “S” every grading period. After 5 incidents of inappropriate behavior the grade will be lowered to an ‘N’, after 10 incidents of inappropriate behavior the grade will be lowered to a ‘U’. Students will have the opportunity to earn back deductions from their conduct grade through sustained displays of appropriate conduct.

IMPORTANT! Conduct for a substitute should be exemplary. A substitute is a special guest in our room and will be treated as such. Misconduct for a substitute is considered serious misbehavior.

This syllabus is subject to change.

Class Expectations

Before School

  1. Bring your instrument and music to the orchestra room and place them in the appropriate storage area as soon as you arrive at school (even if you arrive late)
  2. Most days the orchestra room will open at 8 am. You are welcome to practice or rehearse until 9:00am.
  3. While in the music area you MUST practice or rehearse. NO LOITERING!

During Class

  1. Arrive to class on time. Hang book-bag in the appropriate place.
  2. Take your seat and get your instrument out. Do not stop to visit with classmates.
  3. Have all necessary materials (instrument, music, book, agenda, PENCIL, shoulder rest, rosin, etc.).
  4. If you are without your instrument you MUST bring a written explanation signed by a parent the following day.
  5. Tune quickly and quietly.
  6. Once class starts, do not talk or play unless directed to do so.
  7. Raise your hand and be recognized by the teacher prior to speaking out.
  8. Have the previous day's assignment prepared.
  9. Participate in all class activities. Be alert during class and follow directions the first time they are given.
  10. Understand and writedown the class assignment at the end of class in your agenda.
  11. Pack up your instrument and music and return it to its appropriate space. All instruments must be on a rack. Cello and Bass players wipe down instruments, loosen bows and return instruments to their numbered spot.
  12. Make sure your area is neat and free of trash.
  13. Do not leave the orchestra room until you have been dismissed
  14. Follow school rules.

After Class

1.Return to the orchestra room at the end of each day to pick up your instrument and music.

  1. Practice each evening on the assigned music or music currently being prepared.

The list above is normal conduct for orchestra members. Meeting these expectations will allow us to make the most of valuable class time.

Supply List

This is a list of important items your child will need for orchestra every day. Most music stores in the area will have these items in stock, but call before you make the trip.

  1. Instrument. Please take the time to have your child's instrument checked for adjustment and size where it was rented/purchased. A new set of strings is also probably in order. A poorly functioning instrument will slow progress. Proper maintenance is important.
  2. Book. Seventh Grade - Essential Elements 2000 Bk. 2. Eighth Grade - Essential Technique 2000 Bk. 3.
  3. Student Agenda (or spiral bound notebook). BROUGHT TO CLASS EVERY DAY. This will be used to record daily assignments, announcements and parent communication
  4. A pencil. BROUGHT TO CLASS EVERY DAY!
  5. A shoulder pad for viola and violin players. This is a necessity for proper technique and posture. Recommended models are Kun, Wolf, Viva La Musica, Mach 1 (plastic) or similar styles. A foam pad is NOT recommended, as it does not support the instrument sufficiently.
  6. A rock stop for cello and bass players.
  7. Rosin (for your instrument).
  8. An extra set of strings for your instrument. Recommended strings for Violin and Viola are Thomastik Dominant. Recommended strings for Cello are Pirastro ChromcorPlus for A and D (the Plus is a tougher string and will last longer then the Chromcor). C and G strings rarely break.
  9. A metal folding stand for home practice. This is VERY important for good posture.
  10. A soft cloth to keep the instrument clean - Old T-shirts work fine (never put water or soap on or in your instrument).
  11. A small bag(pen/pencil bag or something similar that holds the items you need). Most violin/viola cases don’t have room for a shoulder rest, rosin, strings, pencil, etc.
  12. A Tuner - recommended.

12. A Metronome - recommended.

These are important items that the county does not supply. Please replace these items immediately as necessary. While not required, I strongly recommend that your child have an electronic tuner and metronome. Digital tuners (Korg CA-20 or similar model) and metronomes (Qwik Time or similar model) can be purchased for under $20.

Remember … being a member of the orchestra involves making a commitment to DAILY PRACTICE at home. Good practice habits and a positive attitude have a great effect on the success your child will achieve in class.

Concert and Activity Calendar

2006-2007

There will be additions to this calendar. Changes and additions will be announced as they are received. Event times and places may change.

When / What / WHO / WHERE / Time
September 1 / Solo and Ensemble Application Deadline / All may apply / NA / NA
September 8 / All-State Orchestra Application Deadline / All may apply / N/A / NA
September 11 / 1st Practice Record Due / All
September 19th / Orchestra Fundraiser Begins / All / N/A / N/A
October 3rd / Orchestra Fundraiser Ends / All
October 7 / Solo and Ensemble Festival / All may apply / Smitha / TBD
October 9 / 2nd Practice Record Due / All
October 13 / Field Trip to Six Flags FrightFest / All / Six Flags / 4:30–11:00
October 28 / All-State District Auditions / All may apply / Pope HS / TBD
November 13 / 3rd Practice Record Due
December 5th / Mabry Symphony Winter Concert / Mabry Sym.
December 7 / Mabry Orchestras Winter Concert / All / Mabry / 7pm
December 18 / 4th practice Record Due
January 13 / All-State Final Auditions / By audition / Westminster School / TBD
January 26th / All-State Acceptance Letter Deadline / By audition / N/A / N/A
February 5 / 5th Practice Record Due
February 12 / Middle School Honor Orchestra Auditions / All may apply / East Cobb MS / TBD
February 26-28 / GMEA Large Group Festival / Mabry Sym. / McEachern HS / TBD
March 1-3 / All-State Orchestra Weekend / By audition / Savannah / TBD
March 5 / CODA Middle School Orchestra Festival / 7th / TBD / 5-9
March 6 / CODA Middle School Orchestra Festival / 8th / TBD / 5-9
March 12 / 6th Practice Record Due
March 22 / Cobb County Sixth Grade String Jamboree / 6th / Wheeler HS / 5-8 Reh.
7 Concert
April 13-14 / Middle School Honor Orchestra Weekend / By audition / McEachern / 5-9
9-4
April 23 / 7th Practice Record Due
TBA / 8th Grade Orchestra Spring Trip / 8th / TBD / TBD
May 15th / Mabry Spring Concert and Reception / All / Mabry / 7
TBA / Mabry Symphony Spring Concert / Mabry Sym. / Mabry / 7
May 21 / 9th Practice Record Due

Orchestra Absolutes

  • Students will experience periods where they are less enthusiastic about orchestra. This is not the time to drop out. It is a natural part of growing.
  • Always have a pencil on your stand.
  • We will play every day! Unless you have heard directly from me, bring your instrument to school every day, regardless of what another teacher or student may have told you.
  • Fingernails on the left hand (excluding the thumb) must never extend beyond the end of the finger. Proper left hand position, and class participation, is impossible with long finger nails.
  • Cello playing and short and/or tight skirts do not mix. If you must, bring shorts to put on.
  • Rosin your bow every time you take it out of the case.
  • Correct posture and instrument position will prevent many problems.
  • A confident, focused bow stroke will solve many problems.
  • Strings break, have an extra set in your case.

Instrument Repair

IMPORTANT! When a student is without their instrument due to needed repairs, please send a note, with a date given by the repairman, stating when the instrument will be back in class. Many problems can be solved by the teacher (string replacement, fallen bridge, loose chin rest, fine tuners). Please check with me before taking an instrument to the shop.

Rented instruments needing repair should be returned to the store where they were rented. Most repairs will be covered by your instrument insurance plan

Parent Communication/Due Dates

IMPORTANT! Please check my BLOG regularly ( I will post all communication there. Also there will be copies of forms, practice records and our calendar.

I will send things home during the school year that require a parent signature. In many instances this return due date is tied to another action such as registration for festival, reserving buses or filing a field trip form with the Cobb County School System or a check request to our book-keeper. In middle school your child is required to assume expanding levels of responsibility for him or herself. Please ensure your child's success with this by helping them return these forms on time

Uniform Information

IMPORTANT! Due to the design of most concert stages, Mabry's included, short skirts will not be allowed as concert attire. All students need to feel comfortable and relaxed during their performance and should dress in a way that will not inhibit the posture required to play their instrument.

Unless otherwise stated, Mabry Orchestra concert attire is as follows: for the young ladies a long (ankle length or longer) solid black skirt or black slacks, long sleeve white shirt, and black or dark dress shoes, for the young men solid black slacks, long sleeve white shirt and long tie, black socks and black or dark dress shoes. T-shirts, jeans and sport shoes are NOT appropriate concert attire. Students not dressed appropriately will not be allowed to take the stage and will be considered unexcused. Please address problems regarding this to me early enough to be resolved. The school dress code is enforced at all orchestra functions.

Parent Volunteers

Most of the activities we do will not be possible without the active participation of parents. Every field trip needs chaperones. Parent chaperones are needed at every concert for help with crowd control. Please be willing to adjust your schedule to help with an activity this year. It means a lot to your child that you are involved. With your help we will continue to provide musically enriching activities. I always need

Private Lessons

Many of Mabry's orchestra members take private lessons to supplement their studies. Private lessons can be helpful to parents who have little or no musical training as they attempt to monitor their child’s progress. Private study is especially important if a student aspires to participate in Honor Orchestra or All-State Orchestra. In addition, private instruction offers students the opportunity to explore the extensive wealth of solo literature available for their instrument and can provide special performing opportunities that bring recognition for your child through solo recitals. A list of private instructors is available from Mr. Doemel.

Attendance

An orchestra is an organization which functions best when all it's members are present. If members are absent they ARE missed. Students are expected to participate in all rehearsals and performances unless excused by the director. This includes any extra or before school rehearsals.

Advance notice is to be given to the director if a prior commitment causes a student to miss a rehearsal or performance. A 'prior commitment' is a date already committed to another event when the orchestra rehearsal/performance is announced. A written notice of a prior commitment should be sent to school the day after a rehearsal or concert date is announced.

Religious holidays or conflicts with individual religious beliefs are excused. Please notify me in writing.

Use of School Owned Music

IMPORTANT! Students will be issued music from the orchestra library to prepare for performances throughout the year. Students are responsible for the music they receive. Students will be charged to replace any music issued to them that becomes missing or damaged. The average cost from a publisher to replace an individual part is $4.00 per part. The following will be considered damage:

  1. Torn pages
  2. Extraneous markings
  3. Ink or non-erasable marker.
  4. Music which has been folded or badly crumpled beyond reasonable use.
  5. Stains or dirt that make the part unusable.
  6. Any markings which make the part unusable.
  7. Lost music.

How to Practice

Daily practice is the most important part of steady progress. You'll get more out of your practice if you practice every day. Still, a day off each week won't hurt.

Many people underestimate the value of a daily commitment, so they skip days without too much worry. If they skip a few days, they promise to catch up with one or more long sessions on the weekend. Unfortunately these make-up sessions seldom happen. And when they do, they're unproductive.