Ms. Abigail Alwin, lead teacher alwin@aaps.k12.mi.us

Mrs. Elizabeth Paddock, co-teacher paddocke@aaps.k12.mi.us

OBJECTIVES FOR ORCHESTRA

• Experience the joy of music, encouraging the development of creative expression

• Develop music literacy, translating musical symbols into meaningful sounds

• Understand music in a cultural and historical context

• Refine playing skills and instrument technique (rhythm, tone, intonation, bowing styles, posture etc.)

• Understand and fulfill responsibilities as a member of a music ensemble (cooperation, patience, leadership, preparation for class, home practice, instrument care, concert attendance)

GRADING High expectations are set for all students, and student and group learning targets are developed in alignment with state and national music education standards.

Assessments are given for a variety of activities and evaluations, including:

· Rehearsals and Group Activities

· Individual Practice habits & Homework Assignments

· Playing and Written Tests

· Concert Performances

· Special projects and/or presentations

DAILY REHEARSAL EXPECTATIONS

Be Prepared: Bring all materials to class (instrument, equipment, music folder, pencil, planner), practice regularly, set up and warm up in a timely manner, Students must return all sheet music and books at the end of the year in good condition. Fees will be charged for missing music, and equipment.

Choose a positive attitude: Your attitude will affect the people around you. In orchestra we work to build a positive group attitude that is reliant on what each person brings to class. It is expected that you will follow directions, and use your time wisely.

Consider others: Everyone must make an effort to recognize the efforts of others, encourage each other and respect each other. Students are expected to treat each other with kindness and respect. Please take care of personal business outside of class time.

Respond and Participate: To guarantee the success of the group, each person is expected to stay engaged and focused in class. Be brave, ask and answer questions, and demonstrate focus and attention.

HOMEWORK = PRACTICING HELPS YOU SUCCEED!

Home practice is essential to skill development, and will reap results over time. The more a student practices, the better they will get. Students who practice will have more to contribute in class, and will get more out of the class. Students are expected to practice and share what they have learned and mastered, and be ready to expand their knowledge.

30 minutes 5 days a week is the expectation for homework. We will help students develop good practicing skills and will give students regular practice assignments. In part, the desire to practice more arises from frequent practicing; the more effort a student puts into an activity, the higher their interest will be.

ASSIGNMENTS/TESTS

Assignments will be given on a regular basis to reinforce good playing fundamentals, and to stretch student’s skills. Testing will consist of a student’s individual performance for the director either privately or in the classroom setting. Scales, exercises and excerpts from the orchestra music will be played to earn an achievement grade. Students who miss a test due to absence have the responsibility of contacting the teacher to schedule a time outside of class to make up the test.

CONCERTS - This is a BIG DEAL!

Students and Parents are expected to be at concerts. Not only is there a personal obligation to handle performance attendance responsibly and with pride, but also an obligation to your classmates. All students are expected to be on time and in attendance until the conclusion of the evening concert.

A performance is the same as an exam in other classes. Since there is no opportunity to make up a performance, missing a concert is equivalent to not taking an exam and obtaining a zero as a score. It is expected that when a parent notices a conflict, they will consult with Ms. Alwin to resolve the conflict so that the student will participate in the concert. Only the director will "excuse" an absence. In cases where the director excuses the absence, an alternative assignment will be given and graded.

MUSIC CALENDAR/IMPORTANT EVENTS CALENDAR

Review the music department calendar, mark the dates in your calendar NOW, so that plans can be made in advance to avoid conflicts. Students must alert all affected parties (coaches and teachers) of performances months in advance so that conflicts do not occur. Concert Attire: White long sleeve dress shirt, Black pants or long skirt (no jeans please), Black socks or tights/nylons, and Black dress shoes

SPECIAL PROJECTS AND PRESENTATIONS

During the year there are several enrichment activities that students will participate in. These activities may inspire a project that may involve individual or group research, or rehearsals. Students will have opportunities during the year to present these projects to the class and receive credit.

SOLO & ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL – Highly Recommended for all 7^th and 8^th grade students This year's festival takes place on a Saturday in early February at Livonia Franklin High School. Students will sign up in October to perform either a solo work or to perform with others in a small ensemble. Music ensembles will have a limited amount of time to prepare in class for the festival, and must plan to meet outside of class to prepare. There is a small fee for participation in this event.

EXTRA CREDIT

Extra Credit is given to students as they attend a live musical concert, play or activity. Please bring in a program, ticket stub, or signed parent note about the event. Students who wish to share with the class what they went to see will receive more points.

SEATING/CHAIRS/COLLABORATIVE LEARNING/TEAMWORK

Students in all grade levels will be paired with other students whose skills and attributes compliment each other and who form good working partners. This pairing will make a “stand” which will rotate on a regular basis. Decisions on seating will be decided at the discretion of the teacher, and will be based on tests and quizzes as well informal assessments of instrument skills and the social context in the classroom. Students seeking leadership roles will be given the opportunity to audition for chair placements for each concert program.