Katy Junior High School
Orchestra
2014-2015
Handbook
Katy Junior High School
5350 Franz Road
Katy, Texas 77493
School Phone # (281) 237-8235
Edward Ellsworth, Director
Katy Junior High School Orchestra
5350 Franz Road
Katy Texas 77493
281-237-8235
Edward Ellsworth, Director
Dear Students and Parents:
Welcome back to school, and welcome to the Katy Jr. High School Orchestra. The Katy Jr. High Orchestra is beginning a brand new year, and I am glad that you’re going to be a part of an ongoing pursuit of excellence! This year promises to be outstanding with many exciting concerts and activities throughout the year.
Please read this entire handbook, as students will be held accountable for its contents. At the end you will find an Agreement Form, a Student Information Sheet, a Consent to Treat Form, and a Trip Release Form to be filled out. Please sign when you have finished reading everything, and return them to me by the dates noted on the forms. The extracurricular travel form and the Consent to Treat form must be turned in by Friday, September, 5th.
I look forward to meeting each and every one of you, and hope to see all of the parents at our concerts this year. We are at a place right now where many advances are being made regarding the development and maturity of this orchestra. This program is in the process of growing and, I believe, has the potential to be one of the best. However, for this to occur EVERYONE involved must approach this year with the willingness to work, cooperate, and support the group. Anything is possible when these three elements play a part of every day. I know you will be pleased at what you are a part of this year, and in years to come. Let’s all work to make this one of the finest orchestra programs in the state!!!
Sincerely,
Edward Ellsworth
Orchestra Director
Katy Jr. High Orchestra Handbook
The following information is to benefit students and their parents or guardians in becoming responsible, self-guided, self-motivated and properly informed members and supporters of the Katy Jr. High School Orchestra Program. Failure to observe any of the rules of the KJH Orchestra may result in disciplinary action or removal from a particular performing group or removal the orchestra program as a whole.
Procedures and rules for each are of the Orchestra Rehearsal Space
Fine Arts Wing / Orchestra Room / Practice Rooms
· Eating and drinking are not permitted in these areas!
· You may use only equipment you are authorized to use by the owner or caretaker of that item
· The dry-erase board and piano may be used only with the specific permission of a director
Orchestra Room / Choir Room / Band Hall
· Only authorized students are allowed in these rooms, please ask your friends to wait outside
· NO FOOD OR DRINK WILL BE PERMITTED AT ANY TIME!!!
Discipline Participating in orchestra is a privilege, not a right!
Expectations include but are not limited to:
1.) Be prepared and ready to participate.
· instrument
· pencil
· music, study books, warm-ups
· practice report, assignments
2.) BE ON TIME (to be on time is to be late!!!)
3.) Be courteous, respectful and helpful
· Silence when the director steps up to the podium
· Play only when you are asked to play.
· Raise your hand to ask a question
· Foul language and/or disrespectful behavior and attitude directed toward the teacher or the students will not be tolerated
4.) Be a good example – the orchestras need two types of people: leaders and team players. You are expected to be both. Let’s all strive to work together, learn from each other, and maintain a professional rehearsal atmosphere.
5.) Participate in an appropriate way in the rehearsal. Talking, disruption of class, poor posture, and refusing to participate are not appropriate behaviors. We will maintain a rehearsal atmosphere conducive to quality work. Professional quality behavior is expected.
First division is not just a rating…it’s a way of life!
Consequences will be consistent with the policies and procedures of Katy Jr. High and the KJH Orchestra. Mr. Ellsworth will notify parents if persistent problems arise with their child. The following behaviors are considered to be severe and will result in immediate office referral and suspension of participation in orchestra activities:
1.) Behavior physically harmful to other students
2.) Behavior which could harm or destroy property
3.) Open defiance of authority
4.) Blatant disrespect for a teacher or student
In other words, action will be taken if any behavior occurs that prevents the progress of this orchestra program.
Instruments
Each student is expected to have their own home instrument to practice on and for concerts. The school provides a limited number of cellos and basses for school use. Students playing the violin and viola will be responsible for bringing their own instruments to school each morning and taking them home each afternoon. Students are responsible for the maintenance of their personal or school owned instrument. Per KISD district policy, an Instrument Maintenance Fee of $100.00 must be paid by any cellist or bassist using a school instrument in any capacity on a regular basis. This money maintains the condition of the instruments and ensures that every student is playing on the highest quality of instrument possible. The fee covers the student using the instrument from August of 2014 to August of 2015. If necessary, please feel free to schedule a payment plan with Mr. Ellsworth at the beginning of the year. Unless special arrangements have been made payments will be due in full by Friday, December 5th. In the event that the fees go unpaid, the student may not be able to participate in certain end of the year activities. Necessary equipment includes: rosin, cleaning cloth, shoulder rest (for violins/violas) and rock stop (for cellos/basses). It is also advisable for the students to have spare strings in their cases in the event one breaks. New strings will be available from Mr. Ellsworth in case of an emergency, but having older spare strings yourself is preferable. Care instructions will be provided for students during the first or second week of school.
Uniforms
In an attempt to present our ensembles in a more professional and uniform light we are requiring that tuxedo shirts be bought by the advanced orchestras at a very minimal cost to you. Al’s Formal Wear will be coming out to Katy Junior High at the beginning of the year to measure each student at which time an order for shirts will be placed as an orchestra. The shirts will later be delivered to the school.
The uniform of the Katy Jr. High Orchestra is as follows:
· Advanced Orchestras:
Boys – White tuxedo shirt; black slacks; black socks; black dress shoes; red bow tie and cummerbund.
Girls – White tuxedo shirt; black skirt mid-calf to full length or black slacks; black stockings or socks; black dress shoes; red bow tie and cummerbund.
The bow tie and cummerbund are furnished by the school, and will be checked out to you before each performance. You MUST return these before going home after the performance.
Beginner (First Year Orchestra)
· Boys – White, collared, long sleeve dress shirt; black slacks; black socks; black dress shoes
· Girls – White, collared, long-sleeve dress shirt; black skirt mid-calf to full length or black slacks; black stockings or socks; black dress shoes;
Mr. Ellsworth has the right to declare an outfit unsuitable for concert attire. No tennis shoes or sneakers, no jeans and no t-shirts will be allowed at any time for a formal concert. NO EXCEPTIONS!!! In general, any time you are with the Katy Jr. High Orchestra, whether in uniform or not, you are representing Katy Jr. High School and the KJH Orchestra. Immature, disorderly, or disrespectful behavior and appearance WILL NOT BE TOLERATED IN ANY WAY!!! Severe penalties will be given for people who shed an even slightly poor light on this ensemble.
Orchestra spirit shirts, as in years past, are a required purchase by the advanced orchestra students. Beginner students are strongly encouraged to purchase the shirts as well. These shirts enable our students to dress casually, yet professionally and uniformly in certain settings throughout the year. Details will be sent home as soon as possible.
Music
Music is checked out periodically throughout the year. It is your responsibility to keep up with the originals and protect them from damage. Music is not to be folded and may be written on in pencil only. Music will be replaced at a cost of $0.50 per page.
Technique Material
Students need to have the following books for study during the year:
Beginner Orchestra: Essential Elements for Strings 2000, Book 1 (for YOUR instrument)
Advanced Orchestra: warm-ups and technique exercises supplied by Mr. Ellsworth
Attendance
All members are expected to attend every rehearsal, sectional and performance of the KJH Orchestra (Information regarding the latter is included in the back of the handbook). Performances are absolutely required with excuses accepted only in very extreme cases and in emergencies. PRIOR NOTICE MUST BE GIVEN TO MR. ELLSWORTH! Please make every effort to resolve conflicts before presenting a written excuse. We must be able to depend on you for attendance, and failure to live up to these expectations could result in alternate status or suspension from the performing group. As an ensemble we are all a major part of a team. We count on every performer!
There will be weekly after-school sectionals for the Advanced Orchestras and as the year progresses there will be occasional after-school rehearsals for the Beginner Orchestra. After-school sectionals and rehearsals are considered to be co-curricular or part of the extended classroom, and students will be graded on attendance. Students who are involved in other after-school activities should consult with Mr. Ellsworth if they have any conflicts with rehearsal times. Keep the lines of communication OPEN! However, with very few exceptions, students should be expected to set their schedule in accordance with orchestra events. The sectional schedule will be sent home and posted here at school during the first week of school.
Grading Policy
Below is a layout and description of the Katy ISD Fine Arts grading policy.
Homework practice reports
sectionals
Daily rehearsal etiquette
attendance
weekly participation grades
equipment checks
sectionals
Major playing tests (chair tests, quizzes, challenges)
performances
Orchestra class will include the following topics:
1.) Care and handling of the instrument
2.) Correct posture and playing position
3.) Instrumental technique
4.) Intonation
5.) Right hand technique
6.) Left hand technique
7.) Rhythmic skill
8.) Phrasing control
9.) Dynamic control
10.) Articulation
11.) Music reading skills
12.) Music sensitivity
13.) Music literature and history
14.) Performance skills
Supplemental activities include:
1.) All Region Orchestra (Advanced only)
2) U.I.L. Solo / Ensemble Contest (Advanced only)
3) U.I.L. Orchestra Contest (Advanced only)
4) Beginner Orchestra Contest
Private Instruction
It is almost imperative that each and every member of the Katy Junior High Orchestra program be involved in private lessons for at least one-half hour on a weekly basis. While I am well aware that it is not always possible to take privately, it is safe to say that significant progress and possible advancement within his or her own section will be much more difficult
to attain without private instruction. It will also greatly improve your chances of making Region Orchestra or participating successfully in other performance activities. Our goal is to be one of the best programs in Texas, and it is a certainty that the top orchestras in this state have a very high percentage of those receiving private instruction. Please pursue private lessons if at all possible!!! Lessons are available through KISD at a very reasonable rate. I will be sending home information soon after school begins.
Chairs / Sections
Section leaders are an important part of our ensemble. We rely on these individuals for musical and character leadership. Students will be placed in the section/orchestra based on his or her strengths and weaknesses. What is best for the individual and ultimately what is best for the ensemble as a whole is taken into consideration. It is my goal to create the best possible learning environment for each individual student. Two advanced orchestras have been established for the sole purpose of creating such an environment. Negative competition among peers in not acceptable. Instead, please encourage one another and realize we all have different strengths. A compliment to a fellow orchestra member on a job well done goes a long way.
Fund-Raisers
Fund-raisers will be held throughout the year. Students must turn in all paperwork and money in a timely fashion. This money is needed for the success of the orchestra, and all members, if participating in activities through out the year, will be expected to participate or contribute. My goal as a director is to financially help this program and every student as much as possible. With successful fundraising this goal is most certainly attainable. More detailed information will be covered at the Booster Club meetings. MONEY RAISED THROUGH BOOSTER SPONSORED FUND-RAISERS IS THE PROPERTY OF THE BOOSTERS AND IS NOT REFUNDABLE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.
Spring Trip: details at a later date
Payments for the spring trip will begin at the start of the Spring Semester. A student MUST BE ELIGIBLE to participate in the spring trip. As well, all students must be eligible for their spring UIL or FYO contest in order to participate in the spring trip. Think of the spring trip as a reward for the hard work. If for any reason, including eligibility, a student is unable to attend the spring trip after his or her payment is turned in the payment is nonrefundable.
Eligibility
All students are expected to maintain passing grades in all of their classes. Any student who fails to do so will risk suspension from the performing ensemble. Excessive failures could result in removal from the orchestra program. Participation in extra-curricular activities such as competitive events, field trips and honor groups is a privilege, not a right. A STUDENT WHO IS INELIGIBLE UNDER THE TEXAS “NO PASS NO PLAY” GUIDELINES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SCHOOL TRIP! It is not our place to decide if “no pass, no play” is right or not. It’s really simple…do all of your assignments and make every effort to PASS YOUR CLASSES!!! Each and every member of the orchestra is important and needs to be eligible.