Orchestra_Handbook2010-11LibertyMS_J.Talbott

Liberty Middle School 2010-2011 Orchestra Handbook Dear String Parents and Students, Welcome to all my new and returning students! You have made an excellent choice in joining Orchestra Learning to play a musical instrument enhances other areas of academia (such as math, science, history and of course reading), and it’s FUN! Orchestra is a wonderful opportunity to grow as a person You learn responsibility, teamwork, and perseverance just to name a few The skills you learn here will carry on throughout life; there are opportunities in youth orchestras, high school, college, community orchestras, etc Let me tell you a little about myself I am a graduate of Florida State University and have two degrees: a Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance and a Bachelor of Music Education in instrumental music I also hold a Florida teaching certificate in music This is my eighth year with Orange County, having taught general elementary music, beginning th and 5th grade strings, and middle school orchestra In addition to teaching at Liberty, I am the conductor for the Florida Symphony’s Youth Orchestra Overture Strings and teach private cello lessons in the community I am the cellist and founding member of the Park Lake String Quartet and also perform on the cello around the state of Florida in various ensembles This handbook is intended to give you and your child all of the information that you will need to get started in Orchestra Additionally, you will find lots of useful information on how to successfully lay a foundation for success in Orchestra and how to develop, through String instrument study, important life related learning skills Please read through the packet and contact me with any questions you may have I am so glad that your child has elected to take Orchestra and look forward to a fantastic year Sincerely, Ms Jessica Talbott Jessica.Talbott@ocps.net 407-249-6440 ext 2334 Liberty MS Orchestra Calendar September 2010 20-22 Monday Mon-Wed 22 28 Wednesday Tuesday Labor Day Holiday, No School All County Orchestra Auditions Liberty MS (Sign-up times will be available at a later date) All County Orchestra Tape Judging (Results Available After) Chain of Lakes Liberty MS Open House 6:00-8:30pm Liberty MS October 2010 15 26 28 28-30 29 Saturday FOA All-State Orchestra Auditions Maitland MS Friday No School (Professional Day) TuesdayLMS Fall Fine Arts Showcase, 7:00PM (Advanced Only) LMS Cafeteria Thursday End of First Making Period Thurs-Sat FOA/ASTA Fall workshop and All-State Tape Judging Orlando Friday No school for Students/Teacher Workday November 2010 11 12 Thursday Thursday Friday All-County Orchestra Sectional Rehearsal 7-9pm All-County Orchestra Festival 7-9pm All-County Orchestra Festival 9:00am-4:30pm Olympia HS Olympia HS Olympia HS 13 Saturday Olympia HS 22-26 Mon-Fri All-County Orchestra Festival Rehearsal 1:00PM; Concert at 4:00PM Thanksgiving Break Thursday L.M.S Orchestra Winter Concert, 7:00PM LMSCafeteria December 2010 (all orchestra students must arrive by 6:15 PM) 14 20-31 Tuesday Mon-Fri Solo and Ensemble Forms due to Ms Talbott (Adv & Int.) Winter Break Mon Wed.-Sat Monday Thursday Friday First day of school after Winter Break FMEA All-State Conference (Ms Talbott) Martin Luther King Jr Holiday – No school End of the Second Marking Period No School Students/Teacher Workday Fri-Sat Monday Orchestra Pictures FOA Solo and Ensemble MPA President’s Day Holiday- No school Orchestra Room Southwest MS Thurs-Sat Thursday Friday Mon.-Fri FOA Concert MPA (advanced and intermediate) End of Third Marking Period No School for Students/Teacher Workday SPRING BREAK Cypress Creek Fri-Sat Thursday Cellobration! 2011 Orchestra Benefit Concert and Silent Auction Liberty MS Thursday L.M.S Spring Orchestra Concert, 7:00pm LMSCafeteria January 2011 12-15 17 20 21 Tampa, FL February 2011 TBA 4-5 21 March 2011 10-12 24 25 28-Apr1 April 2011 8-9 28 May 2011 26 (all orchestra students must arrive by 6:15 PM) 30 Monday Memorial Day Holiday – No school Wednesday Last Day of school for Students June 2011 Excellence and Tradition… Levels of Orchestra Orchestra has a history of excellent student behavior and attitude In becoming part of the strings family, you must assume the responsibility of dedication, devotion and hard work that has been established by students like yourself The mission of the OCPS Orchestra program is to foster life-long appreciation, enthusiasm and participation in music We want to give each child quality experiences and opportunities in the performing arts These experiences are tools with which your child will build on at high school and beyond The development and growth of each student’s character is an important part of orchestra It is good musicianship that will allow your child to succeed in higher levels of strings as well as other areas of life Beginning Orchestra: This class is for ALL students who desire to learn to play the violin, viola, cello or string bass NO EXPERIENCE is needed to be in this class Students will not only learn how to play their chosen stringed instrument, but will also learn how to read music and learn team work by working together to create music Students will participate in at least two concerts Intermediate Orchestra: One year of experience is required to be in this class Students will continue to develop their skills on their instruments, focusing on developing music literacy and fluency through expanding their techniques and repertoire of known music Students will participate in at least two concerts and also the Music Performance Assessment Advanced Orchestra: At least two years of experience is required to be in this class, or by teacher recommendation This class is intended to prepare students for High School Orchestra Students will participate in to concerts, will be eligible to audition for the All-State and All-County orchestras, and will participate in the Music Performance Assessment for Concert Orchestras and for Solo and Ensembles Orchestra Policies and Behavior Guidelines School Rules: Liberty Middle School students show P.R.I.D.E by: Being on time; using school appropriate language; being respectful to all; displaying your student ID at all times The following is expected of every string student: Be Polite, Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be a Participant, Be Positive!  Follow student code of conduct and school rules  Care for your instrument properly  Attend class, extra rehearsals and concerts!  Practice your instrument daily  Bring your instrument, binder and music book to  Try your best and participate all classes  Trim your fingernails short  No eating, drinking or chewing gum during orchestra (Water is allowed in a reseal able bottle) Grading Orchestra is a performance-based class as well as an academic enhancement course Student’s grades reflect participation in class and at concerts, written assignments (both in and out of the class), playing test, written curriculum test and notebooks Failure to follow the rules (with the exception of attendance) will result in: Verbal warning Parent phone call Teacher intervention Parent conference Discipline referral Grading Policy: 200pts Class work 300pts Concerts 100pts Homework 300pts Written and 100pts Notebook Playing Test 1000 total points per weeks Class work/Homework A daily class work grade is given for actively playing in the orchestra class and having all needed materials for the day’s lessons (without which students are unable to successfully participate) A total of two points will be given daily for completing daily orchestra activities In addition various assignments will be given throughout the year These will include listening activities, theory worksheets, music history worksheets, projects, etc Points will be given based on completion and correctness Playing and Written Tests Students will be tested on various musical excerpts throughout the year Students will be graded based upon correctness of notes, steady beat, musical style, bowing techniques, intonation, and most importantly, position, both hand and body Students will also be tested on music vocabulary, music theory, and other information related to the class Concerts (the handbook will have more details) Performance and rehearsals held beyond school hours are a required part of the Orchestra curriculum and are therefore part of the student’s grade The amount of additional time is minimal but mandatory In the event a student misses an Orchestra event, a written note explaining the absence must be given to the director by the next school day If the absence is excused in accordance with OCPS policy, a make-up assignment will be given Students will also be required to attend one concert per nine weeks in which they are not involved This can be a band, chorus, high school concert, local concert, etc More specific information will be given in regards to this during the first week of school Notebooks: students will be required to keep and maintain an orchestra binder which will hold their music book, sheet music, class assignments, journal entries and a pencil pouch with other loose materials Notebooks will be graded on a quarterly basis Extra credit is given to student’s participation in All-County Orchestra, All-State or Honors Orchestra, Solo and Ensemble MPA, and/or attending extra outside performances When attending extra outside performances, a program or ticket from the event must be turned in to the teacher to get credit Concerts Attire for Beginning and Intermediate: Students need to wear a white top, black pants or long skirt, black shoes, and black socks or tights All attire should comply with school dress code Button down, long sleeved shirts are preferred Please no tank tops or T-shirts Please make sure skirts come below the knees! We not want anyone to be embarrassed Attire for Advanced Students: Girls are to wear all black Dresses are fine or separate tops and bottoms Gentlemen should wear a black button down shirt with black slacks All attire should comply with school dress code Procedure Students need to arrive with their instruments and music no later than 45 minutes before the concert begins This will give the students enough time to tune and warm up before the performance Parents are responsible for the transportation of their child, their music, and their instrument to and from the concert Concert Behavior: (and also for parents) Concerts are a way for students to share what they have learned, develop performance skills, and create a new memory with their friends and family Here are a few suggestions on how you can show respect during the concert:  Arrive early and stay through the entire performance  Dress nicely and not bring food, drink, candy or gum to the performance  Do not talk or make distracting g noises during the concerts (cell phones, etc.)  You may video tape, but try to place cameras where they not block the view of other audience members  Do not use flash photography during the performance The flash will momentarily blind musicians, keeping them from seeing notes Instruments and Materials Each student must have his or her own instrument Students must have appropriate supplies on hand at all times and instruments must be in good working order Instruments can be rented or purchased through several music stores and venders If you are going to purchase an instrument, please consult Ms Talbott first! Area music stores offer rentals and rent to own programs for stringed instruments This is a great choice for a beginner or a student not yet playing a full size instrument Materials  A properly sized instrument with rosin  Violin and Viola students must have a shoulder rest (Kun, Artino, Wolf, Viva, Kadenza, and Foam brands—prices vary, starting at about $17.00—check online for best prices.)  Cello and bass students will need a rock stop ($5-$10)  A lesson book, Essential Elements 2000, Volume for Beginning classes, Volume for intermediate and Volume (also called Essential Technique) for advanced - $7.95)  A soft cleaning cloth (make it at home for free)  A folding music stand for home use ($10-$15)  A three ring binder with tabbed dividers  sharpened pencils, highlighter, packs of “Post it Notes” and a 3-holed pencil pouch OCPS policy: “Students are ultimately responsible for their personal property, not the class Orange County Schools does not have insurance or any other plan that will cover damage, theft, or loss of privately owned instruments and equipment If it is to be covered, it must be through a parents personal insurance, such as homeowners, etc Sources for rental instruments and/or musical supplies (these are just a few)  Allegro Music, 1042 E Semoran Blvd., Casselberry (407) 830-5856, www.allegromusiccentre.com  Atlantic Strings, Inc., 4976 E Colonial Dr., Orlando (407) 898-2698, www.atlanticstrings.com  Avalon School & Music Center, 11333 Lake Underhill Rd, Suite 104, Orlando, FL 32825, 407-447-7272, www.avalonmusiccenter.com  The Band Room, 3233 Curry Ford Rd., Orlando (407) 897-7080, www.bandroomorlando.com  Florida Musical Instruments, 561-296-7831, www.nikolaitambovsky.com  Gainesville Violins, (352) 372-8264 www.gviolins.cc  Jerry Weiss (local dealer-instrument purchase only) (407) 896-8001  Johnson String Instruments, www.johnsonstring.com  USA Violins, www.USAviolins.com  Muni Strings, 433 W New England Ave Suite D, Winter Park, Fl 32789, 407-951-6256, www.munistrings.com  Music and Arts, 667 Florida Central Pkwy, Longwood, FL 32750, 407-332-1477, www.musicarts.com  Music Shack, 1455 Semoran Blvd., Suite 109, Casselberry (407) 678-1756, www.musicshack.biz/  String Works, www.stringworks.com  Shar Productions, www.sharmusic.com  Southwest Strings, www.southweststrings.com  Williams Gengakki Violins (Reggie Williams), instrument purchase only, Atlanta (800) 326-2811, www.williamsgengakkiviolin.com String Repairs  Atlantic Strings, Inc., 4976 E Colonial Dr., Orlando (407) 898-2698  Muni Strings, Winter Park, FL, 407-951-6256  Saul Cornell, Altamonte Springs (407) 831-3680 PLEASE DON’T BUY A “BARGAIN” VIOLIN Sometimes well-meaning parents find violins at very low prices on the Internet or at a pawn shop; but beware, for the old saying “You get what you pay for” is especially true for violins An inexpensive violin, while it may look shiny and pretty, is generally of inferior quality, breaks easily, does not stay in tune well (often causing enough frustration to cause the student to quit), and generally requires adjustments by a professional repairperson to even make it playable (incurring additional costs anyway) I would be happy to answer any specific questions you may have in order to help you acquire a quality student instrument for your child Instrument Care and Maintenance Be very careful with your instrument It’s made of thin wood and can break easily Repairs can be costly and extremely time consuming Keep your instrument and bow in the case when not in use Make sure that your case is completely closed before picking it up Don’t let others play your instrument Cellos and bases: a Take the bow out first and put it away last b Put your end pin in c Rest your instrument on its side Violins and violas: never rest your instrument on a music stand Loosen the bow before you put it in your case Never over tighten the bow; the wood should always curve toward the hair Do not touch the bow hair or the area where the bow touches the strings (between the bridge and fingerboard) Oil and dirt from our hands makes the bow hair dirty and stick together Be careful not to bump the pegs or the bridge Use a soft cloth to wipe your instrument and bow stick clean of risin after playing Never clean your instrument with household cleaners! Only clean or polish your instrument with products made specifically for stringed instruments Keep an extra set of strings You never know when or where a string will break 10 Avoid exposing your instrument to sudden changes in temperature and humidity When not in use, store it in a place with moderate humidity and away from radiators or hot or cold vents Do not expose the instrument to the heat of the sun, and never leave an instrument in a car in hot or cold weather it takes only a few moments for damage If you are having any problems with your instrument, bring it to class The orchestra director can usually take care of minor repairs or tell you if you need to see a repairman Instrument Information Instruments are available for rental, rent-to-own, and purchase from a number of area music stores and from catalogues which may be borrowed from the director It is recommended that parents not purchase an instrument until the student has grown into a full-sized instrument, and that they never purchase an instrument for a child to “grow into” In addition, when acquiring an instrument from any source, have the vendor agree in writing that the finality of the sale is pending the director’s approval While an instrument may look nice and seem like a “good deal”, inferior workmanship and parts, and poor fittings of tuning pegs, bridge, and the tail piece, etc., will only create frustration for the student and end up costing more than the more expensive instrument because of inevitable adjustments and repairs I will be happy to assist you in selecting a quality student instrument Protection of Personal Equipment Be aware that “The Orange County School System does not have insurance or any plan that will cover damage, theft, or loss of privately owned equipment If that equipment is to be covered, it must be through the parent’s personal insurance, such as a homeowner’s policy, etc.” Violin, viola, and cello students will drop off their instrument in the Orchestra Room (203) upon morning arrival and pick up their instrument at dismissal from school Use of School Owned Instruments Liberty Middle School maintains a number of instruments for students to use at school and at home However, numbers are limited and their distribution among students will be based on a number of factors, including availability of instruments, student financial need and ensemble instrumental needs The donation for instrument rental and use for the 2008-2009 school year will be $50.00 An instrument check out form will be provided by the director Borrowers will accept “full fiscal responsibility” for the borrowed equipment, and will keep it in good repair Individuals will be responsible for the replacement of broken strings, resin and other accessories Any repairs made to a school owned instrument should be performed by a qualified string repair professional selected by the director or a school administrator No repairs should be performed without prior authorization Since home practice is necessary for student success in the program, students will be allowed to bring school owned instruments home Preparing for Long Term Orchestra Participation Parents and students who anticipate long term participation in the string program and the lifelong enjoyment of fulfilling musical experiences should plan ahead for the eventual purchase of a string instrument Schools are not required to provide instruments for the student to use, and often simply don’t have them available Students who borrow school owned instruments in elementary and middle school may discover that the high school orchestra does not have enough instruments for each student Furthermore, consider the student who uses school owned instruments throughout this or her school years, and then enters “life after high school” without an instrument to enjoy Too often the result is that the student, who has worked for many years developing skills, ends up leaving their music behind What a sad finale to what could have been only the beginning of a lifetime of music making for personal pleasure and enrichment Handbook Acknowledgement form Pledge of Commitment Student: I, , have received and read the Liberty Middle School Orchestra Handbook and I agree to follow its rules I understand failure to practice these rules can result in disciplinary action and possible dismissal from the orchestra program I also understand that I am required to attend orchestra concerts and will put all concert dates in my calendar now Student Signature Date Parent: I have read the Liberty Middle School Orchestra Handbook and agree to help my child abide by it The calendar may change slightly due to availability of school sites, especially those events not held at our school However, I agree to put these dates on my calendar and provide transportation to and from them when needed Parent Signature Date Orange County Public Schools P.O Box 271 Orlando, FL 32802 Model Release Form CONSENT, WAIVER AND RELEASE For and in consideration of benefits to be derived from the furtherance of the educational programs of the School Board of Orange County, Florida, (I) (We), personally and on behalf of _the undersigned parent(s) or legal guardians of , a student entered in the Orange County School System, hereby consent, authorize and grant permission to the School Board of Orange County, Florida, its agents, employees or duly authorized representatives to take photographs, motion pictures or video tapes of said student, and further consent to the publication, circulation and dissemination of said photographs, motion pictures or video tapes or any duplication or facsimile thereof for any purposes it may deem proper, including but not limited to use on the internet In granting such permission, (I) (We) hereby relinquish and give to the School Board of Orange County, Florida, all right, title and interest (I) (We) may have in the pictures, negatives, reproductions or copies, and further waive any and all right to approve the use of such photographs, motion pictures or video tapes and further waive any right to compensation for the publication or other use of said photographs, motion pictures or video tapes and release the School Board of Orange County, Florida, its agents, licensees, representatives and assigns from any and all claims of any nature whatsoever arising from their use Signature _ Date Permanent Address _ (Number/Street) (City) (State) (Zip Code) Relationship _ Phone