Handbook

Welcome to Borah High School’s Orchestra program! This guide will help you understand the orchestra program at Borah High School, the expectations, responsibilities, and the rewards that accompany participation in the instrumental music program.

POLICIES, PROCEDURES, & EXPECTATIONS

CONCERT ATTIRE

*Gentlemen: black suit or black button-down dress shirt with collar, orchestra tie (provided), black socks, black dress shoes.

*Ladies: black dress, black socks/tights, or, black pants and black blouse & black dress shoes. MODESTY IS A MUST! Knees & shoulders must be completely covered.

*Gender-neutral concert black is acceptable - please see me for more details.

All: Purchase Borah Orchestra t-shirt to wear at multiple events (Approx. $15 - Due by the end of September)

DAILY REHEARSAL REQUIREMENTS

● Be prepared. Every orchestra student is required to bring a pencil, music / music books, and other necessary equipment (ie: shoulder rests, rosin rock-stops, etc.) to EVERY rehearsal.

● Attendance is extremely important to the success of the whole orchestra. Many changes happen at every rehearsal, so please make every effort to be here! (Attendance / tardies are a part of your daily participation grade.)

● Be “present” in every rehearsal. Please pay-attention, don’t distract from the learning of others and do not use your phone at inappropriate times.

● PRACTICE!! ☺Please learn your music outside of school and be prepared to rehearse it in class. Class is not designed for the individual learning of notes, etc.

CONCERTS

Concert participation is VERY important. We are a team and every team member is valuable! Concert participation includes: dressing in appropriate concert attire, being on time (even for warm-up), and staying for the duration of the concert whether you perform at the beginning, middle or end of the concert. If there is a school-related conflict, please let me know at least two weeks prior to the event.

GRADING

Orchestra grades are based on the following criteria:

CONCERTS – concerts are very important! ☺

PLAYING TESTS – students are expected to know their music individually

REHEARSAL TECHNIQUE (daily participation & attendance) –students are expected to:

-learn their music and practice outside of class

-attend orchestra class

-be on time

-be prepared: with instrument / bow, rosin, mute, music, and a pencil

SEMESTER FINAL OR EOC – students may complete a written, playing exam, or performance - depending on the current unit of study.

Attendance policy: Each student receives 1 point for each day that they are present in orchestra class each week. You will lose 1 point for each unexcused absence and ½ point for each unexcused tardy.

PRIVATE INSTRUCTION

A private teacher is EXTREMELY BENEFICIAL to all musicians. The one-on-one contact with a skillful instructor can make a big difference with success and enjoyment of music. Private instruction can assist those who are a little behind and challenge those who may be ahead of the group. Private Lessons are highly recommended for all students, and are expected for Chamber Orchestra Students. Please see me if you need help finding a private instructor. There are many options available in the Treasure Valley.

Remember to write our important concert dates in your family calendar. ☺ I look forward to working with you this year!

Thank you,

Cristin Newhall

cristin.newhall@boiseschools.org

Borah: (208) 854-4407

Example of a typical Playing Test Rubric

TECHNIQUE

4

Left hand and bowing technique are outstanding. Utilizes full, straight bow & appropriate vibrato.

3

Left hand and bowing technique are good – needs only minor improvements.

2

Left hand, bow-hand, or bowing technique needs improvement.

1

Left hand, bow-hand, or bowing technique are interrupting the sound quality.

0

Left hand, bow-hand, or bowing technique are unacceptable.

RHYTHMIC ACCURACY

4

All rhythms are performed with the correct musical phrasing.

3

Most rhythms are correct, with slight hesitations.

2

Some incorrect rhythms with many hesitations.

1

Few correct rhythms; several start and stops.

0

Incorrect rhythms; test section is unrecognizable.

NOTE ACCURACY

4

All notes are played with the correct intonation.

3

Most notes/fingerings are correct.

2

Some notes/fingerings are correct.

1

Few notes/fingerings are correct or unrecognizable.

0

Too many wrong notes; test section is unrecognizable.

ARTICULATION / BOWING ACCURACY / TEMPO / MUSICALITY

4

Articulation is performed with superior musicianship & the tempo is outstanding.

3

Most articulation/bowings are correct and/or the tempo is mostly accurate.

2

Some articulation/bowings are correct and/or tempo is too slow.

1

Few articulation/bowings are correct and or the tempo is erratic.

0

Incorrect articulation/bowings or many starts & stops; unrecognizable.

TONE QUALITY

4

Tone quality is amazing.

3

Clear, full, controlled and characteristic tone quality.

2

Plays with a characteristic tone quality, but has some distortion.

1

Thin, pinched, scratchy or over-blown tone quality.

0

Tone quality is unacceptable; test section is unrecognizable.

Course Descriptions

Symphonic Orchestra: Any student who plays an orchestral instrument at a Grade 3+ level is welcome. Students will learn about fundamental techniques & performance skills, theory, sight-reading, and rehearsal etiquette. The expectation for this class is that all students are valuable, contributing members in the Orchestra and that they learn / practice their individual music outside of class. Symphonic Orchestra is a class designed to prepare students with the necessary skills and knowledge needed to be in Chamber Orchestra.

Chamber Orchestra: A select group of students who have a strong passion for music, who strive to be the best musicians they can be, and who audition in the Spring and get accepted into the program.* Chamber students are expected to already have a solid foundation in music theory and apply it in their playing. They should meet regularly with a private instructor to help them learn difficult passages and finger patterns and strive to continue growing as musicians. Chamber students will continue to learn about fundamental technique & performance through daily rehearsal – but they should not expect to learn their music in class. All chamber students need to learn & practice their individual music outside of class (with their private teacher) and be ready to rehearse all of the little details and nuances of their music with the ensemble in class. Chamber Orchestra students are accountable to a higher-level of technique and performance and will be graded accordingly through regular video & in-class playing tests, performances, and daily rehearsals. *If a student fails to meet the expectations of the Chamber Orchestra class at any time, and does not seek to improve, they may be asked to discontinue Chamber Orchestra at the Semester or End of the School Year.

**Please note that anyone who chooses to remain in Symphonic or Chamber Orchestra class, after reading this guide, agrees to commit to all of the above and to the events that are associated with being in Orchestra. We are a family and every single person is essential to the life and health of our program. We need YOU to do your best to be AWESOME so that we can all be AWESOME!!! ☺**