Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
District 281
Armstrong High School
Orchestra
Handbook 2015-2016
Mr. Kevin Martin, Director
763-504-8855
armstrongorchestra.wordpress.com
2
September, 2015
Dear AHS Orchestra Students,
I am thrilled to be kicking off the new 2015-2016 school year! We are looking forward to the
largest Orchestra program in the history of Armstrong High School (as far as I know!). I am
excited to see returning members as well as getting to know the Freshmen.
Here are a few highlights as we look forward to the year ahead:
1. We are kicking off the AHS Orchestra Boosters! Many people did a lot of work behind
the scenes last year to make this group a reality. I am looking forward to working with
this group.
2. We will look forward to some great events this year: the Spirit Pals, the Orchard trip,
concerts in the Fall, Winter, & Spring among others.
3. Orchestra Hall for the Symphony Orchestra will feature the “Requiem for the Living” by
Dan Forrest – a terrific piece that will be a thrill for all.
4. Solo/Ensemble: we look forward to maintaining our high standards at this event!
5. The Northwest Suburban Music Festival will be a grand event for the Symphony, hosted
this year at Blaine High School.
6. The Philharmonic will perform at Empty Bowls in March, and the Freshman will look
forward to participating in the second annual Armstrong Freshman Festival in May.
7. Most importantly: this is a BIG TOUR year! We are off to NYC!!
That’s it for now! I am very much looking forward to seeing the 1:1 Technology Initiative
(Chromebooks) at work here at AHS. We will use them in various ways throughout the year in
the AHS Orchestra Classroom.
All best to the AHS Orchestra!
Sincerely,
Kevin Martin
Armstrong High School Orchestra
763-504-8855
3
Vision Statement of AHS Orchestra
The Armstrong High School orchestra program is scheduled and structured in keeping with the
goals and objectives of the Robbinsdale School District, Minnesota Department of Education, the
Music Educator’s National Conference, the Minnesota Music Educators Association and the
National and State Standards in Arts Education. The program has adopted the following
objectives:
1. To provide every student the opportunity to develop their musical potential to the
fullest
2. To provide opportunities for each student to perform, create, analyze and listen to a
wide variety of music
3. To foster and develop a life-long appreciation, understanding and love for music as a
means of self-expression and communication
4. To fulfill the AHS motto of being Respectful, Responsible, and Responsive in the
Orchestra setting
COURSES: Philharmonic Orchestra
Symphony Orchestra
Freshman Orchestra
OPTIONAL ENSEMBLES: Chamber Strings (begins Thurs., Sept. 24)
DIRECTOR: Kevin Martin, 763-504-8855 (RAHS Orchestra office)
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Orchestra students will demonstrate artistic presentations necessary for a concert performance.
Specific skills such as advanced tone production, music reading, instrument technique, and group
performance technique will be developed. The class will concentrate on quality classical
literature as well as modern and popular selections in a string and full (Symphony only)
orchestra ensemble. Performances in festivals, solo/ensemble contests, and community functions
IN AND OUT OF SCHOOL are mandatory (please see district attendance policy). Historical
understanding of performance music will be incorporated through an understanding of the music
being performed. Musical periods will be studied (ex. Baroque, Classical, Romantic and
Contemporary, as well as, pop, jazz and swing). Students will attend sectionals on a rotational
basis and prepare music outside of class in order to contribute musically to the ensemble.
PRACTICE, SECTIONALS, REHEARSALS, PRIVATE LESSONS:
Practice: is individual work that you do on lesson materials, skill development, solo
music and/or orchestra music. Practicing is the regular “homework” of orchestra class.
Students are accountable to themselves, to their section, to their Orchestra, and to the
director for the practicing that they do.
4
Sectionals: is the group practice on difficult sections of orchestra music and solo and
ensemble work. Sectional attendance is part of the Orchestra Grade. Each Orchestra will
sign up for sectional times during their assigned week.
Rehearsal: is the learning of new material and techniques done by the large group. In
general you must approach rehearsal with your part learned, with the exception of sight-
reading days. The time we spend together in group rehearsal is for phrasing, dynamics,
balance, musical line, and performance preparation. With these rehearsal concepts in
mind, here is a list of expectations for each Orchestra member:
1. Be on time and warm up before each rehearsal.
2. Tune quietly and carefully. Be sensitive to others.
3. Check position of left hand and bow arm each and every time you begin.
4. Concentration is one of the keys to good orchestral playing.
5. Listen for style, articulation, balance, blend and intonation.
6. Be exact on your entrances and releases. Watch your conductor.
7. Always have a pencil in rehearsal.
8. Practice your parts at home.
Private Lessons: are designed to bring out the very best musician in each player.
Orchestra members are highly encouraged to receive additional assistance outside of the
regular school day.
GRADING
You earn your grade! It is based on your personal achievement and effort. Every student is
capable of earning an Orchestra “A,” regardless of ability or background.
Participation/Performance Attendance – 50%
Have your instrument at all rehearsals, along with necessary accessories (personal
rosin, rock stop, shoulder rest, extra set of strings)
Have a pencil for each class in your music folder for marking music, music theory,
ear training, or mini-lecture.
Contribute to the group with your best effort – be focused.
Bring your own book and sheet music to class each day!!! Do not assume that your
stand partner will be in class on any particular day.
Sectional attendance – 10%
Regular sectionals are scheduled for each orchestra. These are a required and integral
part of the learning process. Most of them are during lunches.
Concerts – 10%
Concerts are the accumulation of much preparation, and are required for all ensemble
members (see District Attendance Policy).
Students attending the concert and fully participating will receive all of the concert
points.
5
Playing Tests – 20%
Playing tests evaluate your posture, left and right hand technique, intonation, tone,
rhythm, position work, musicality, vibrato, etc.
Playing tests will include scales, etudes, solos, and Orchestra music.
Other/Written Work – 10%
Written assignments will vary, and will be kept to a minimum. Freshman should
anticipate several units of Music Theory, which will fall into this category.
CONCERT DRESS:
The RAHS Orchestras wear a uniform for all performances. Ladies wear a dress and men wear
tuxedo pants, shirt and jacket. Students may raise money through fundraisers or parents may
make a direct payment to RAHS. Order forms will be available during the first week of school
and on Schoology. Please speak with the director regarding any exceptions to this requirement.
CLASSROOM MATERIALS:
Metronome
Music for solo/ensemble (copyright laws)
Shoulder rests or End Pin Stops
Pencils
A soft cloth (to wipe off rosin after rehearsal)
Rosin
Mute
Extra set of strings: Please use quality strings – it will make a world of difference in the
quality of sound that you can produce.
Music books as stated on the orchestra web page.
INSTRUMENTS
At this point, you may have already purchased a quality instrument of your own. If not, I
strongly urge you to do so. Performing on a high quality instrument is far more satisfying than
playing on a cheaper one, and creating a good tone is usually much easier. If you have questions
about instrument purchases, please discuss them with the Director.
INSTRUMENT INSURANCE
The music department does the best it can to keep the instruments locked or monitored at all
times. However, Armstrong High School cannot assume responsibility for personal items;
school insurance does not cover the loss of student property. Student instruments should be
covered with a rider on your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy.
6
METHOD BOOKS
The AHS Orchestra uses just one book: Advanced Technique for Strings by Michael Allen,
Robert Gillespie, and Pamela Tellejohn Hayes, published by Hal Leonard.
1. We will maintain a classroom set of books in the Orchestra Room. THESE ARE NOT
TO LEAVE THE ROOM (with one small exception – see below).
2. Any surplus books belonging to the Orchestra will be available for checkout from the
Orchestra. You can get them directly from Mr. Martin as long as they are available.
3. As before, students may purchase a book through Mr. Martin for $6 or purchase one at
any music store.
4. Students may borrow from the classroom set of books in order to practice playing quizzes
in the AHS Music Dept. during their Study Hall, lunches or before & after school. ALL
BOOKS BORROWED FOR THIS PURPOSE MUST BE RETURNED TO THE
ORCHESTRA ROOM!!!
Every student needs a book!! The technical skills attained and developed through these books
are vital to making our Orchestras the best that they can be.
SOLOS
Playing solos offers a different musical experience than playing Orchestra music or etudes.
Playing a solo allows a musician to take an individual approach to the music, and the solo
literature is often both challenging and interesting to play. Students will prepare solos and
ensembles for the Solo/Ensemble event in April. Solos assigned for private lessons are
acceptable, as are solos from Suzuki books. See Mr. Martin for additional solo and ensemble
choices.
USE OF SCHOOL INSTRUMENTS
The school maintains a supply of violins, violas, cellos, and basses that may be rented.
Rental fees are $75.
The reduced rate for free/reduced lunch students is $15.
In the case of cellos & basses, students may rent an additional instrument to use at home.
The school cellos and basses are used only at school and are available for the $75 rental
fee, per district policy. This fee is used to cover instrument repairs as well as string
replacement on the instruments.
FUNDRAISING
All fundraiser dollars will go to individual student accounts, with the exception of the Flapjack
Fundraiser (Date TBD).
7
LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
The Leadership Council will be formed during the first two weeks of the year. A President,
Vice-President, Librarian, Social Director, and Stage Manager will be elected from each
Orchestra. The council will meet at 6:45 a.m. on the first Monday of every month. (Exception:
the first meeting will be on Monday, Sept. 28, NOT on Monday, October 5).
AWARDS
A number of awards can be earned by orchestra students. Students receive awards at the annual
Orchestra Awards Banquet. Examples of such awards are:
Orchestra letters - 100 points
Orchestra bars - an additional 75 points (limit one bar per year)
Orchestra certificates for Most Improved, Outstanding section, and Best Musician
National School Orchestra Award for commitment to Orchestra
Directors Award for top senior performer
Solo/Ensemble superior ratings receive a certificate and medal
Solo/Ensemble excellent ratings receive a certificate
OPPORTUNITIES
Chamber Strings: AHS Orchestra has a standing chamber ensemble of 12 – 15 students.
This group meets each week at 6:15 a.m. It performs regularly around the Twin Cities as
well as at school concerts.
All-State Orchestra: Students in Minnesota have the phenomenal opportunity to
audition for a high-level Orchestra experience: working in a week-long camp with a
professional conductor and other musicians from around the state. Auditions are in
March, and additional information will be available soon.
All-District Orchestra Assistant: Many AHS Orchestra members were members of the
281 All-District Orchestra in 5th and/or 6th Grade. This is a large group of students that
meets once per week after school on Monday afternoons. Several High School students
are needed to volunteer weekly to help with tuning, setup, and the actual rehearsal of the
group.
Middle Level Honors Orchestra (9th Grade Only): The Middle Level Honors
Orchestra is a group of 7 – 9th Grade students that functions as a preview for All-State
Orchestra. Students submit taped auditions in October, results are tabulated by early
January, and rehearsals and performances are on Feb. 12 and 13. Additional details are
available from Mr. Martin.
8
DATES
September
September 14 – October 3 All Orchestras: Coupon Book Fundraiser
Monday, September 14 All Orchestras: Parent Conferences – Experience Armstrong 6:00 –
8:00 p.m.
Mon.-Tues. Sept. 21-22 All Orchestras: Chamber Strings auditions
Thursday, September 24 Chamber Strings: first Rehearsal
Monday, September 28 Orchestra Council Meeting: 6:45 a.m.
October
Friday, October 3 Homecoming Parade – join the Orchestra float!!
Wednesday, October 7 Uniform Orders Due
Monday, October 12 All Orchestras: Parent/Teacher Conferences
October, TBD All Orchestras: Fall Concert
October TBD All Orchestras: Flapjack Fundraiser at Applebees
Thurs.-Fri., October 15-16 MMEA Break-No School
Wednesday, October 21 All Orchestras: Citrus/Butterbraid Fundraiser begins
Thursday, October 22 All Orchestras: Parent/Teacher Conferences
Friday, October 30 Freshman Orchestra: Deadline for MNSOTA honors orchestra
applications
November
Monday, November 2 Orchestra Council Meeting: 6:45 a.m.
Monday, November 2 Symphony Orchestra: Orchestra Hall Festival
Wednesday, November 4 All Orchestras: Citrus/Butterbraid Orders Due
9
Thursday, November 19 All Orchestras Fall Strings Festival, RAHS, 7:30p [4th-5th grades
and ADO, student helpers needed
December
Monday, December 7 Orchestra Council Meeting: 6:45 a.m.
Thursday, December 3 All Orchestras: Winter Concert, 7:00pm [All Orchestras with
Plymouth 8th Grade Orchestra]
Monday, December 10 Chamber Strings with AHS Jazz Bands, 7:30 p.m., AHS Cafeteria
Tuesday, December 15 All Orchestras: Butterbraid/Citrus pickup at AHS Loading Dock:
2:15 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
January
Monday, January 4 Orchestra Council Meeting: 6:45 a.m.
Sunday, January 10 NWSC All-Conference Rehearsal at Osseo High School – 1:30
– 4:30 p.m. (All-Conference Members Only)
Sunday, January 24 NWSC All-Conference Rehearsal at Osseo High School – 1:30
– 4:30 p.m. (All-Conference Members Only)
February
Monday, February 1 Orchestra Council Meeting: 6:45 a.m.
Sunday, February 7 NWSC All-Conference Rehearsal at Osseo High School – 1:30 –
5:00 p.m. (All-Conference Members Only)
Monday, February 8 Symphony Orchestra: Northwest Suburban Conference Music
Festival, Osseo High School, 1/2 day, times TBD
Tuesday, February 9 NWSC All-Conference Rehearsal & Performance, afternoon, times
TBD (All-Conference Members Only)
Tuesday, February 16 Freshman Orchestra: Mid-Level Orchestra Festival @ Hopkins
Center for the Arts
10
March
Monday, February 29 Orchestra Council Meeting: 6:45 a.m.
Saturday, March 7 All Orchestras: Spring Orchestra Festival at CHS: 7:30 p.m.,
Cooper Gyms, Chamber Strings will perform. For all other groups
this is not a performance, but volunteers from all Orchestras will
be needed to set up for this event.
Monday, March 8 Philharmonic: Performance at Empty Bowls at Cooper HS
April
Monday, April 4 Orchestra Council Meeting: 6:45 a.m.
Wednesday, April 13 All Orchestras: Solo/Ensemble Festival at St. Louis Park High
School
May
Monday, May 9 Orchestra Council Meeting: 6:45 a.m.
Monday, May 16 All Orchestras: Spring Concert, 7:00 p.m., AHS Auditorium
May 23 – 26 Symphony Orchestra Auditions
Thursday, June 2 All Orchestras: Awards Night, 6:00 p.m., St. Barnabas Lutheran
Church
11
Armstrong Music Department
MSHSL Eligibility Statement
Participation with regard to MSHSL activities for curricular ensembles:
In the event of a violation of the MSHSL Eligibility Rules, the student shall lose eligibility for TWO
MSHSL Events (Large Group Contest & Region 6AA Solo/Ensemble).
Student leadership, in any ensemble, would be revoked for a period of one calendar year.
Participation with regard to co-curricular ensembles:
In the event of a violation of the MSHSL Eligibility rules, the student will be removed from the ensemble
for the academic year.
Other factors:
In the event of any student violation of the MSHSL Eligibility Rules, including academic issues, any fees
associated with ensemble membership are not refundable.
12
Armstrong High School Athletics
Social Media Guidelines
Representing Armstrong High School and the athletic department is an honor and a privilege. Along with that
privilege come a set of expectations and responsibilities as an Armstrong athlete. You will be held to a higher
standard because you can be recognized both locally and state-wide because you have chosen to represent
Armstrong High School and your respective sport.
Through social media, you are now being monitored by more individuals than ever before. This includes fans of
Armstrong athletics, fans of opposing teams, and others who might recognize your name. Everything you do in
these social media forums should POSITIVELY represent Armstrong High School and Armstrong Athletics. If used
responsibly, social media can be a great way to interact with friends, fans, family, and the general public. It can be a
great way to promote your sport or activity, and Armstrong High School. If used in an irresponsible way, it is a
quick way to ruin your reputation in 140 characters or less! Here are some guidelines to follow when using social
media:
DO set your security settings so that only friends can see your account.
DO understand that your friends and followers are a direct reflection of you.
DO think before you post, tweet, or retweet. Will this positively reflect on me and my school?
DO talk in person who is posting and ask them to stop.
DO be aware there are severe consequences for violating the Armstrong Social Media Policy.
DON’T accept friend or follower requests from people you do not know.
DON’T put anything on social media that you would not want your family, your future employers, or those reading
the front page of the newspaper to see.
DON’T post when you are emotional, like right after a game or contest. You are more likely to say something you
might regret.
DON’T post offensive language, racial comments, or personal attacks about anybody, especially teammates.
DON’T add to a post with an additional negative comment.
13
MUSIC ATTENDANCE POLICY
Middle School and High School
CONCERT ATTENDANCE
A concert is the culmination of months of study and practice by all students in music. Each student is expected to
participate in each concert. Performing the music for an audience is an integral part of the learning process.
Concert schedules are distributed by the director and/or listed on the school calendar. Parents and students are
expected to note dates and make every effort to avoid conflicts.
IN THE EVENT THAT A STUDENT IS UNABLE TO ATTEND A CONCERT, PARENTS MUST
CONTACT THE DIRECTOR AND THE FOLLOWING MAKE-UP WORK WILL BE REQUIRED:
PRIOR COMMITMENT
The director must receive notification from a parent at least a month before the concert. Students will
perform the concert music for the director; an additional assignment may be required. Concert
participation points may be deducted for unsatisfactory work.
ILLNESS/FAMILY EMERGENCY
Parents must call and notify the director of the situation as soon as possible. Students will perform the
concert music for the director; an additional assignment may be required. Concert participation points may
be deducted for unsatisfactory work.
THE STUDENT’S GRADE MAY BE LOWERED IF THERE IS AN ABSENCE WITHOUT
NOTIFICATION OR IF ABOVE REQUIREMENTS ARE NOT FULFILLED.
SECTIONAL/LESSON ATTENDANCE
Sectionals are an important part of the music program. It is imperative that each student attends every lesson. Not
attending these lessons affects the student’s progress as well as the progress of the entire large group.
Individual performance proficiency is evaluated at each lesson. Sectional grades are determined by the student’s
performance and attendance.
If there are attendance conflicts, the student has the opportunity to make up the lesson within a reasonable time
period.
April 25, 2003
14
Robbinsdale Armstrong Orchestra Letter Awards – 2015-2016 100 Points for first letter, 75 points for additional letters
Current Grade (circle): Freshman/Sophomore/Junior/Senior
Graduation Year________ Name_________________________
All points are per semester/event.
Performance
A. Chamber Groups 1st Semester 2nd Semester
a. AHS Chamber Orchestra (15pts) _________ _________
b. Misc. Ensemble Performance _________ _________
(Director Approval – includes Philharmonic Thursday Groups that perform outside of school)
B. Solo/Ensemble
a. 6AA Superior (15 pts.) _________
b. 6AA Excellent (10 pts.) _________
c. 6AA Good (10 pts.) _________
C. MNSOTA mid-level contest (Freshman) (10 pts.) _________
D. AHS Pit Orchestra (musical) (15 pts.) _________
E. Private Lessons _________ _________
(Teacher name:___________________________)
(10 pts per semester based on 30 min. lesson each week for the whole semester - no more than 10 pts per
sem. may be earned - sliding scale for less than full time lesson attendance)
F. Teach Private Lesson (10 pts./Semester) _________ _________
G. Honor Orchestras
a. All-State Audition (10 pts.) _________
b. All-State Participant (50 pts.) _________
c. GTCYS (10pts./Semester) _________ _________
d. MYS (10 pts./Semester) _________ _________
e. MNSOTA Mid-Level Honors (10pts.) _________
f. All-Conference Orchestra (10 pts.) _________
Service/Community
A. Orchestra Officer – must attend all meetings _________ _________
(10 pts./Semester)
B. Attendance of professional level concerts _________ _________
(3 points/concert or 3 concerts for 10pts – max 10 pts./Semester)
C. Festival Volunteer (Fall or Spring) (5 pts) _________ _________
D. All-District Orchestra Assistant (10 pts./Semester) _________ _________
E. Summer Orchestra Assistant (5 pts./Week) _________
F. Director Approved Points for extra duties _________ _________
G. Participation in Orchestra Social Events:
a. Orchard Outing (5 pts.) _________ _________
b. Sledding Party (5 pts.) _________ _________
New Points (add columns): _________ + _________
Total New Points:
______: Check if lettering for the first time & you need an “A”
15
ORCHESTRA HANDBOOK COMPLETION FORM
Please note: Families who wish to do so may complete this form using a Google form!!
Completion of the Google form will count as your electronic signature.
Find the link to the form in Schoology under “Links.”
A copy of the handbook is available on Schoology as well.
Families who complete the form do not need to turn in the paper form.
If returning a paper copy is more convenient for your family, please complete the form
below.
All forms must be completed by Friday, September 12.
We have read and discussed the material in the Orchestra Handbook. We are aware of each concert and
plan to attend each required event. We will acquire assigned Method Books as early as possible in the
school year. Emails printed below will be used to create an email group.
Parent Name(s): ___________________________________________________________________
Parent Email(s): _______________________________________________________________________
Phone #: _________________________________________________________________________
Student Email: _____________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature _________________________________
Student’s Signature __________________________________
Please return this page along with the Permission Form by Friday, September 11!!!
