Name:

Exeter Township Senior High School Orchestras

2016 – 2017

Fall – “New Beginnings”

Spring - TBD

Mr. Micah Albrycht – Director

To Orchestra Students and Parents:

Welcome to the 2016-2017 season of the Exeter Township Senior High School Orchestras. A special welcome to the 9th graders as they embark on their experience here at the Senior High.

I am eager to work with all of you towards our goals of daily improvement at the individual and ensemble level, learning new repertoire and technique, successful rehearsals and performances, and enjoyment. All of these can be achieved through a positive attitude, consistent focus, being able to learn from your mistakes, and giving your best on a dailybasis. There is no substitute for hard work.

Not only do I hope that each of you has a positive musical experience at Exeter, but I hope that your instrumental journeycontinues well beyond these walls. Musical improvement and appreciation are life-long processes. You can continue to use what we play and learn today for the rest of your life.

To these endsI am looking forward to begin working with and getting to know each of you throughout the school year.

Purpose/Overview:

The purpose of High School Orchestra is to provide string, wind, and percussion players an outlet to perform standard orchestral literature, and an opportunity to improve their own skill on a daily basis. Students at Exeter, depending on their grade, will participate in the 9-10 String Orchestra, or the 11-12 Full Orchestra. In addition to this, string students will have the opportunity to audition for chamber orchestra and/or chamber ensembles. Repertoire is chosen based on the level and make-up of each group.

Class Objectives:

  1. To learn and perform new repertoire.
  2. To understand this repertoire in relation to history, theory, culture and performance practice. Written or oral exams may be applied.
  3. To improve individual technique and ensemble playing through: a.) Dailypractice of scales with different fingerings and bowings; b.) Individual playing of scale tests and sections of music and; b.) Learning to listen to each otherand follow the conductor while playing.
  4. To understand that each individual’s attitude and effort directly affects the larger ensemble. Everyone’s collective improvement will positively affect the entire ensemble.
  5. To enjoy and have fun with the music making its process. Music is hard work, but there should always be an element of enjoyment.

Classroom Expectations:

As a high school group, I expect each individual to show self-discipline. There is certainly a time for, and I am a strong advocate of, laughter and fun, but I expect an attitude of focus and hard work at all times. Our job is to balance the two. Our work ethic and behavior in class and in public performances are a direct reflection of Exeter Township School District and the music department. Below is a list of the classroom rules and expectations:

  1. Respect yourselves and all others(this includes care of your instrument).
  2. Student are expected to take proper care of their instrument. Not doing so may significantly affect your grade. Student should report instrument issues to the director immediately.
  3. Food and gum are to be disposed of immediately upon entering the room.
  4. Always have a pencil (no pens) at rehearsal. I will be asking you to write in your parts. If you have trouble remembering, keep one in your case! I may have extras for you to use.
  5. I expect 100% positive participation. Negative attitudes are detrimental to the ensemble. No student should ever criticize another student’s work.
  6. Students will strive to improve their individual ability each rehearsal. Intonation, dynamic, articulation, etc.
  7. Students should be aware of and strive for proper posture at all times.
  8. When I am at the front of the ensemble, I expect your full attention to the task at hand; however, please do not hesitate to raise your hand if you have a question.
  9. Any behavior deemed as disruptive will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary action at my discretion.
  10. Cell phones (smartphones), and iPods are never permitted in the rehearsal space. The director has the right to collect any cell phone that he sees. Students will be written up for a violation of the cell phone policy.
  11. Chrome Books will be used for playing exams, but are generally not the focus of the rehearsal and should be in a safe place, out of sight, during instructional time.

Classroom Routines:

  1. Be on time: in your seat, with your instrument out, warmed up, and ready to tune. I understand there is travel between classes and getting your instrument is sometimes a great burden, but you must be on time in order for rehearsal to be effective.
  2. Full rehearsals will begin with tuning. 3 “A’s” for string orchestra, and 4 “A’s” for full orchestra.
  3. Warm-ups may be done individually or as a group at the director’s discretion.
  4. The director will give guidance to various sections of the music. Sectional time may be run by student leaders.
  5. ANY student leaving the room for ANY reason must sign out and take a Hall Pass.
  6. Bathroom and drink trips should be taken care of before rehearsal begins.

Materials:

  1. Pencil:I expect that each student to bring a pencil to every rehearsal. In the event that you do not have one, I may have extra for you to borrow and return at the end of rehearsal. No pens are permitted as music is used and re-used for years after you are finished with it.
  2. Instrument and music: I expect each student to have their instrument and folder with ALL music for every rehearsal and performance, as well as necessary accessories for your instrument (rosin, mutes, end pin stopsetc).
  3. Proper dress at concert: See below.
  4. Failure to have these items at rehearsals or performances (minus the pencil at concert) will result in a grade reduction.

Grades:

Your grade for this course will be based on the following:

  1. Participation/Class Assignment (30%) – You will receive a grade based on attendance, behavior, attitude, effort, and tardiness.Individual improvement and preparedness (pencil, instrument, music etc.) are included in this section, as are written and oral assessments and assignments. Informal folder checks will take place throughout the year. Journals will be required for concert reflection and reviews.
  2. Playing Tests/Skills (40%)–Throughout the semester you will be expected to improve individually. This means practice outside of the classroom. You will be tested individually on scales and sections of music. At designated points throughout the year, you will be asked to play for me a new scale and section of music. A fair warning will be given.I am aware that everybody is at a different level of playing and musical ability.
  3. Performance Responsibility (30%) – Your attendance at all concerts along with extra rehearsals and sectional is mandatory. A schedule of events is listed for you in the following pages. Please bring any conflicts to my attention as soon as possible. Student are expected to be on time and appropriately attired for each concert.

Note: Students always have the option of retaking a playing test if they are not happy with their grade. Checking grades online is the student’s responsibility. See below for test dates.

Attendance Policy:

As a member of the Exeter Township Senior High Orchestras you have the obligation of attending all rehearsals and concerts, prepared, and with all necessary materials and equipment.

  1. Absence from concerts will be excused for the following reasons only: medical emergencies, death in the family, a school activity approved IN ADVANCE by the director or school administration.
  2. Students will receive a “zero” for this portion of the grade for failure to abide.
  3. Some (but not all) examples of unexcused absences include the following: oversleeping, work, transportation. I do understand that traffic happens, so please plan accordingly.
  4. In the event that something does come up that will prevent you from being at a performance, please contact the school (610) 779-3060 to let me know.
  5. Two or more unexcused absences from rehearsal or three or more “tardies” will result in reduction of grade at my discretion. An excess amount of these may result in the loss of the chance to perform.

Note: To be excused from any orchestra event. A written note from a parent or guardian must be submitted to the director.

Concert Attire – Men:

Men should wear black plants and black dress shoes/socks along with a white dress shirt and black tie or bow tie. A tuxedo is also appropriate.

Concert Attire – Women:

Women should wear black ankle-length skirts or pants with black footwear (no sandals), and a black or white dress top. All sleeves must be long-sleeved.

Dates of Great Importance for 2016 – 2017*:

August 27 – Reading Junior Strings Auditions

August 29– First day of classes

September 6-8 – Seating and Chamber Auditions

September 10 – Lancaster County Youth Symphony Auditions @ Lancaster Conservatory of Music

October28 – County/District Orchestra Forms Due

November 4-5 – Fall Play

November 22 – County Orchestra Auditions @ Governor Mifflin

December 3– District Orchestra Auditions @ Parkland High School

December 20– Winter Concert Dress Rehearsal, 6pm

December 21– Senior High Winter Concert, 7:30pm

January 18 and 21 – County Orchestra: Rehearsal and Concert

January 26-28– District 10 Orchestra Festival @ Shenandoah Valley High School

February 1– Junior County Orchestra Applications Due

February 21 – Junior County Orchestra Auditions (Snow Date 2/23)

February 22 – String Jam Dress Rehearsal, 6pm

February 23 – String Jam Concert, 7pm

March 8-11 – Region Orchestra @ Bangor Area High School

March 16-18 – High School Musical

March 29 and April 1 – Junior County Orchestra: Rehearsal and Concert

April 19-22 – PMEA All-State, Erie, PA

May 22 – Senior Awards Ceremony, 6pm

May 23 – Spring Concert Dress Rehearsal, 6pm

May 24 – Senior High Spring Concert, 7pm

*Please see bulletin board and website for more information.

Note: There is always a chance that an extra performance could be added. Student will be well notified of any additions in advance.

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Agreement (please cut at the dotted line above):

I, the parent/guardian and student, have both read and agreed to the terms listed above in the 2016-2017 Orchestra Handbook/Syllabus. Please Sign, Date, and Return by: September 1, 2016.

Parent/Guardian Signature: Date:

Student Signature: Date:

Orchestra Officer Descriptions

President:

The president will oversee the entire orchestral experience, and will report to the director. He/She will serve as an aid in all capacities needed; this may include assisting in any of the roles listed below.

Assistant Conductor:

The assistant conductor will run effective rehearsals when the director is absent.

Music Librarian(s):

The music librarians will oversee distribution and collection of music. They will also be asked to organize and maintain the orchestra library.

Equipment Manager:

The equipment manager will oversee the instruments of the orchestra. On a regular basis, this means taking stock of the condition and placement of the school owned instruments. When the ensemble embarks on field the equipment manager will aid in making sure the instruments get stored and packed in proper fashion.

Attendance Manager:

The attendance manager will be responsible for taking accurate daily attendance and reporting to the director.

A/V Manager:

The A/V manager is responsible for setting up recording equipment for concerts and rehearsals.

Concertmaster(s):

The concertmaster is the first chair violin in the first violin section.He/She is responsible for the tuning process of the orchestra, and should be a role model of proper technique, knowledge of repertoire, posture, and correct bowing. Musically, the concertmaster position is one of great importance and needs to be taken very seriously.

Section Leaders:

Section leaders carry the responsibility of leading their section, and modeling proper technique, posture, and bowing. When sectionals occur, the section leader is responsible for leading that rehearsal within their section and reporting to the director

Note: The concertmaster/section leaders need to treat each member of the section with respect. Abuse of this leadership role will result in removal from that position.

Tentative Playing Exam Schedule

Note: All Scales should be played from the Sr. or Jr. county scale requirements unless otherwise noted; test spots will be given with ample time for preparation.

Only 9th Grade students may choose play from the junior county scale requirements. However, all 9th graders must learn the A-flat, E major scales by the required date.

September 6-8 – Playing Test #1(Auditions)

September 14-15 – C Major Scale

September 28-29 – G Major Scale

October 3-4 – Playing Test #2

October 17 and 20– D Major Scale

October31 and November 1 – A Major Scale

November 14-15 – Playing Test #3

December 6-7 – F Major Scale

December 21 – Performance Exam #1

January 12-13 – B-flat Major Scale

January 23-24 – Playing Test #4

February 6-7 – E-flat Major Scale

February 13-14 – Playing Test #5

March 9-10 – A-flat Major Scale

March 20-21 – E Major Scale

April 3-4 – Playing Test #6

April 20-21 – G Chromatic Scale (2 Octaves)

May 1-2 – Playing Test #7

May 24 – Performance Exam #2

All scales may be done in one octave higher than the requirement (e.g. a 2 octave E major scale would then be a 3 octave E major scale) for extra credit.

Playing test may always be resubmitted if the student is not happy with their grade; however, you must consult with the director first.

Student are responsible for checking their grades.

See below for Assessment Rubric.