JOHN HANCOCK ORCHESTRA PROGRAM
125 N. 100 E. Pleasant Grove, UT • 801.796.5646
[email protected]
Dear Students and Parents,
Welcome to the 2015-2016 school year! I am looking forward to a great year of
learning and music-making. I am so excited to be at JHCS! I want to get to know
each of you and I look forward to meeting all of you. Parents, I encourage you to
stop by the orchestra room and say hello!
I believe that participation in orchestra will be a rewarding experience for you and
your child. My goal is to provide a positive, successful musical experience for every
student through learning a stringed instrument. Please let me know what I can do to
make your musical journey the best experience it can be. I am here to help you in
any way I can.
This handbook outlines the JHCS Orchestra policies and procedures for the
2015 - 2016 school year. Please read this handbook and return the signed “Parent
Student Agreement Form/ Information Page” by Tuesday, August 25th. The
“Instrument Checkout Form” is for students grades 3 – 7 at this time. Students
grades K – 2 won’t need instruments until a later point in the semester.
I am really looking forward to working with you in the John Hancock Orchestra
Program. Its going to be a wonderful school year!
Sincerely,
Margie Looney
Director of Orchestras
National Rural Teacher of the Year Finalist
Arizona’s Rural Teacher of the Year
AEF Ambassador for Excellence
Cochise County Teacher of the Year
JOHN HANCOCK ORCHESTRA PROGRAM
125 N. 100 E. Pleasant Grove, UT • 801.796.5646
[email protected]
JHCS Orchestra Program
2015 - 2016 Orchestra Handbook
(Please keep for your reference.)
I.
MATERIALS
A.
SUPPLIES NEEDED
Students are encouraged to rent or purchase their instrument, however, students who are
unable to do so are welcome to use a school instrument/ supplies. Students will need
their instrument and all supplies each day they come to orchestra. Points may be
deducted from the student’s grade for missing supplies. If your child’s instrument is
being repaired, then please send a note so their grade will not be lowered.
*Students grade K – 2 will be given needed supplies to initially begin orchestra.
They will not be using real instruments until later in the year,
therefore, the supplies listed won’t be needed until later.
*Students who’d like to use a school instrument, please fill out the “Instrument
Checkout Form” at the end of this packet. Ms. Looney will be happy to check out a
school instrument to any student. K-2 students don’t need to fill it out at this time.
Needed Supplies:
1. Instrument WITH AN ID TAG
2. Essential Elements 2000 Book 1 (first year students only)
3. Rosin
4. Shoulder rest; Mucco brand preferred (violins and violas only)
5. Rock stop or strap (cellos and basses only)
6. Soft cloth or clean rag (can even be cut up old fabric)
7. Folder
8. Pencil
B.
II.
DATE SUPPLIES ARE NEEDED
It is crucial that students have their instrument and all supplies by Monday, August 24th,
as from this date forward instruments will be used in each class (grades 3 – 7). Students
who do not have their supplies after we begin using Monday, August 24th are
encouraged to bring them to class. Students who need a school instrument, please fill
out the form at the bottom of this page.
INSTRUMENTS
III.
A.
REPAIRS
All repairs and costs associated are the responsibility of the student/parent. Students/
parents should contact a music store immediately if a repair is needed. Please do not
attempt to fix an instrument yourself, as it can damage the instrument and create a more
costly repair in the end.
B.
SCHOOL INSTRUMENTS
If you have a circumstance which prevents you from renting or purchasing an
instrument, the school has some instruments that students can use. Please fill out the
“Instrument Checkout Form” at the end of this packet and Ms. Looney will be more than
happy to get your child the proper sized instrument. K-2 does not need to worry about
filling out this form now.
GRADING PROCEDURES
A student’s report card grade will be constructed in the following manner:
A.
B.
C.
MUSICIANSHIP
1.
Rehearsal Grade: Each rehearsal/class will be worth 20 points, creating a
possible 100 points for each week’s Rehearsal Grade. This grade is a reflection
of each student’s attitude, attention, cooperation, participation in all aspects of
the class, ability to be on time, and meeting of the lesson’s objectives.
2.
Supplies: If a student does not bring all necessary supplies to class, points may
be deducted from the Rehearsal Grade, as they cannot participate in all aspects of
the lesson without their supplies. If your child’s instrument is being repaired,
please send a note so their grade is not lowered.
PERFORMANCE TESTS
1.
Students will be asked to perform excerpts from the music being learned in class
for a grade.
2.
Musical scales, rhythm drills, and sight reading can also be tested each quarter.
3.
Performance tests will be graded on but not limited to the following: tone,
intonation, rhythm, bowings, dynamics, and posture.
4.
Each student will begin their playing test with 100 points and will lose points
when pitches or rhythms are played incorrectly, when tone is inferior, posture is
incorrect, when bowings are wrong, or there is no attempt to play musically.
WRITTEN WORK
Students may be given written work to supplement the objectives from daily lessons.
D.
BELLWORK
Students are expected to complete their bellwork within the first 5-10 minutes of class.
Bellwork will be graded several times per grading period.
E.
CONCERT ATTENDANCE
The JHCS Orchestras are performing groups. Each student is needed at every concert
for the orchestras to sound their best. Consequently, all performances are mandatory.
Each performance will count as three grades. Students will only be excused from a
performance if they have a severe personal illness, a death in the immediate family, or
other circumstances at the discretion of the orchestra director. A grade of zero (counting
three times in the gradebook) will be recorded if a student is absent and has not notified
and obtained permission from the orchestra director for an excused absence prior to the
performance.
F.
EXTRA CREDIT
Students will be given a free 100 points in the grade book for attending or participating
in a live concert, including but not limited to: symphony concerts, other schools’
concerts, or recitals. Extra credit does not apply to a pop group concert. Please bring a
concert program (signed by a parent) for proof of attendance and to receive extra credit.
IV.
REHEARSAL PROCEDURES
Good behavior is essential for the JHCS Orchestras to maintain a standard of excellence and to
remain a successful organization. Appropriate conduct is expected of all members. This
conduct is maintained through an established set of rules and consequences for orchestra
rehearsals. Most rules are in place to ensure the safety of the students and instruments.
Classroom Rules:
A.
B.
C.
D.
Be ready.
Be responsible.
Be respectful.
Be awesome.
Consequences:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Verbal warnings.
Rehearsal grade lowered.
Think Time
Calls or emails home and/or
parent and teacher conferences.
Detention and/or office referrals.
Learning Incentives:
A.
B.
C.
V.
Positive notes, email, or phone calls to parents.
Special class activities.
Individual and class rewards.
FUNDRAISING
The JHCS Orchestra Program will participate in fundraising. Each student will be expected to
participate to the best of their abilities in order to keep the program successful.
VI.
CONCERT DRESS
Learning how to dress properly for the concert stage is an important part of being a member of a
performing musical ensemble. Part of a successful concert performance is looking sharp and
professional. Students will need to provide their own concert attire, however, Ms. Looney is
happy to help students who need assistance in aquiring the proper attire. It is recommended to
find these items early so there is no rush before a concert.
“BLACK AND WHITE DRESS”
VII.
1.
Boys: Wear pressed black pants, black belt, black socks, black dress shoes,
long-sleeved solid white pressed shirt, and a dark, solid-colored or simplepatterend neck tie.
2.
Girls: Wear ankle-length black skirt, black hose, black dress shoes, and a solid
white pressed shirt. All shirts must have sleeves.
PRACTICE TIME
Individual practice time is necessary to successfully play any instrument. Orchestra students
grades 3 – 7 are expected to practice at least 100 minutes per week. Orchestra students grades
K – 2 are expected to practice at least 60 minutes per week, starting to be announced shortly
after school begins. Practice records will be sent home with your child and are to be filled out
by the student/ parent, signed by a parent, and turned in on the last class of the week.
Please encourage your child to practice routinely. Without consistent practice, the proper skills
needed to play a stringed instrument cannot be developed. Students who come to class prepared
are more likely to be successful playing with a group.
Please assist your child to find a consistent, set-aside time to practice each day. This should be a
time when they are alert and undistracted. Students are most successful when they make a
routine time and place for practice.
Instruments need to be taken home routinely for home practice. All students need to take their
instrument home over holidays and weekends.
VIII.
TEACHER CONTACT
Please keep communication open at all times. I understand the importance of building good
relationships with students and parents. Be assured that I welcome open and honest discussion
of any concern that you may encounter. I want to make every musical experience for your child
a positive one. If your child is unable to have the needed supplies and/ or concert attire, please
let me know and I will be happy to help in any way I can. If you wish to have a parent/teacher
conference, please notify me at [email protected] (or call the school) and I will be
happy to arrange a time.
JOHN HANCOCK ORCHESTRA PROGRAM
125 N. 100 E. Pleasant Grove, UT • 801.796.5646
[email protected]
Parent and Student Agreement Form
Please sign and return this form by Tuesday, August 25th for a grade of 100.
By signing below, we (the parent and student) have read and understand all orchestra policies. We
agree to follow and abide by all policies. We acknowledge that we have been given a copy of the
Orchestra Handbook.
_____________________________
Printed Student Name
________
Grade Level
_____________________________
Parent or Legal Guardian’s Signature
_______________________
Date signed
Student and Parent Information
Student_____________________________________________________________
Grade_______
Birthday____________ Age______ Cell Phone_______________
Address_______________________________Other activities__________________
Parent(s)____________________________________________________________
Cell phone(s)______________________Work Phone_________________________
E-mail_______________________________________________________________
Alternate e-mail_______________________________________________________
In case of an emergency and a parent is unable to be reached, please list someone who
could be contacted.
Name_____________________________Phone number(s)_____________________
Relationship___________________________________________________________
Anything else you’d like me to know?
ALL STUDENTS TURN THIS PAGE IN ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 25.
JOHN HANCOCK ORCHESTRA PROGRAM
125 N. 100 E. Pleasant Grove, UT • 801.796.5646
[email protected]
Instrument Checkout Form
For students and parents wanting to use a school instrument.
***K-2 does not need to fill this out now.***
I acknowledge my responsibility in the care of the (circle one)
loaned to
Violin
Viola
Cello
Bass
***_______________________________________ by the John Hancock Charter School.
(Student Name)
I will see that this instrument is given the best of care and will assume the responsibility of keeping
it in good repair. I understand it will be my responsibility to pay (in a timely manner) for necessary
repairs except those resulting from normal wear. Further, I will assume responsibility for replacing
this instrument should it be damaged beyond repair, lost, or stolen while checked out to this student.
JHCS does not provide insurance for replacement of district instruments should they be lost/ stolen.
***Date________________________________________
***Parent Signature_______________________________
***Student Home Phone___________________________
***Student Grade Level___________________________
*** = Please fill out these sections only.
For School Use Only
Instrument Make___________________ SN#_____________________ Size___________
Accessories: Shoulder Rest
Check out date: ____-____-2015
Rosin
Rock Stop S/ D
Book EE 2000
Check in date: ____-____-2016
GRADES 3 - 7 TURN THIS PAGE IN ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, IF NEEDED.
•
•
If wanting to use a school instrument.
K-2 does not need to worry about filling this out now.
***Please remember school instruments might have to shared between students, depending on demand.***