2022-2023 Handbook
2022-2023 School Year—Orchestra Handbook
Mrs. Stacey Block
sblock@d101.org
708-485-2543
In orchestra you will learn more than just how to play instrument. You will learn responsibility, leadership, discipline, how to work together, problem solve, all while having fun. Most importantly you will learn how to express yourself, make friends with similar interests and develop a lifelong love of music. There will be many opportunities for you to perform, and develop your musicianship skills.
Goals:
Develop musical talent
Have opportunities to perform
Be part of an ensemble
Have fun and make friends with similar interests
Learn how to express yourself
Develop a lifelong love of music
General Information
Attendance:
Students MUST come to class on a regular basis. New material is learned everyday, missing class pulls everyone behind.
Students will arrive on time. Class time is limited, you must have your instrument out and materials ready at the beginning of class.
Early birds and 10th period passes are to be scheduled on non-orchestra days. (McClure Only). Students should use 10th period or mornings to meet with teachers on non-orchestra days.
Concerts & Field Trips:
Concerts & performance based Field Trips are MANDATORY. If you have a conflict, please let me know as soon as possible.
Concert Dress is required at most concerts.
Elementary Uniform:
D101 Music Dept. black polo shirt on top
Black on bottom
Black dress shoes - NO flip-flops or gym shoes
McClure Uniform:
All Black - shirts, pants & shoes
Black dress shoes - NO flip-flops or gym shoes
Materials:
Pencil
Instrument
Music
Metronome/tuner, rosin, shoulder rest, dust rag
Black Binder or Folder
Practice
You should be practicing at home everyday. Learn the notes at home so that we can make music together in class. Everyone has the potential to be an excellent musician. Your attitude is more important than ability.
Communication
Please let me know if you need help. I love questions and you are here to learn. I also want to know if something is bothering you. Don’t hesitate to send me an e-mail or write me a note.
Folder Slots
All McClure Jr. High students will receive a folder slot. This will be used to keep/receive music and other handouts.
Ensembles
The District 101 Orchestra program consists of five different organizations: Beginning Orchestra, Intermediate Orchestra, Concert Orchestra, Symphonic Orchestra, Alternative Strings, and Chamber Ensembles.
Beginning Orchestra is also referred to as the 4th grade orchestra. In this ensemble each student participates in a small group lesson during school and a full rehearsal at McClure. Students from all three schools will attend this rehearsal. After school rehearsals will begin in January from 3:45-4:30.
Intermediate Orchestra consists of mostly 5th graders. In this ensemble each student participates in a small group lesson during school and a full rehearsal at McClure. Rehearsals at McClure will be on Mondays before school from 7:30-8:15 am. Students from all three schools will attend this rehearsal.
Concert Orchestra is comprised of 6th graders. Students in this ensemble will rehearse as a full ensemble during the school day as a full ensemble during 10th period on Monday, Wednesday & Fridays. Students will also receive a short small group lesson on Monday's during PE. Additional rehearsals may be scheduled on a Wednesday morning before school.
Symphonic Orchestra is a combination of 7th and 8th grade orchestra students. Students in the ensemble meet before school during 1st and 4th quarter on Tuesday and Thursdays from 7:25-8:10am. During 2nd and 3rd quarter they will meet everyday during 9th period.
Alternative Strings is an auditioned group open to all McClure students. Students in this group meet once a week on a day that works for the majority of members.. Music varies rom pop, rock, jazz, fiddle, movie themes, to mariachi music.
Fees
The Ellen Arnold Memorial Scholarship Fund makes funds available to any student in need of financial assistance with regard to an instrument rental. Application should be made through building principals. The student’s privacy will be strictly respected. The fund is maintained by private donations and funds from the District 101 Band and Orchestra Association. To donate, contact your school Band and Orchestra Representative.
Solo and Ensemble Contest
5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th graders are eligible to participate in the Lyons Township Solo and Ensemble Contest. Students will play a solo with a piano accompaniment or with other students in a small ensemble for a judge. They will receive a score with an award going to students who perform well. It is a great opportunity for students to play a different kind of music, in a different setting and receive feedback from another teacher. Students’ that receive a perfect score will be honored at a D101 Board Meeting.
Band and Orchestra Parent Association
The Western Springs Band and Orchestra Parent Association plays an important role in helping to supplement the needs of District 101 instrumental program. All parents are welcome to sit in on any of the meetings. These meetings are typically four times a year at 7:00 pm in the McClure library. Fundraising, upcoming events and the needs of the students are just a few of the topics that are discussed. Please refer to the district calendar for the exact dates.
Instrument Repair
Students may need repairs on their instruments at some point throughout the year. PM Music services our school. A representative will be at our school every Monday, and will pick up any instruments needing repair. If you contact them ahead of time, they will bring out a loaner instrument for use during the week. PM Music (630) 978-9927 or http://www.pmmusiccenter.com/
Awards/Incentives
For the Junior High Orchestra Students there are several awards that can be won at the end of each quarter and school year. Every student is eligible to receive a:
The Director’s Award is given to one 8th grader who has shown progress, leadership and enthusiasm.
The Lela Hanmer Award honors the founder of the Symphony Woods Orchestra and long supporter of the Music Department of District 101. The award goes to the outstanding 8th grade Orchestra student at graduation.
Summer Camp Scholarships are awarded to 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th Graders for partial tuition to a summer camp or private lessons of their choice.
A Participation Award will be given to every student.
4th and 5th graders will celebrate the end of the orchestra year with a pizza party
6th-8th graders will celebrate their achievements with a trip to Great America!
8th graders will celebrate even more with a trip a fun trip decided on by the 8th grade band & orchestra members!
Grading Scale for Orchestra at McClure
Jr. high students receive credit for orchestra (McClure only). Below is a tentative grading scale for the 2022-2023 school year. As you can see it mostly based on coming to class and being a respectful, responsible, and safe orchestra student. I will be keeping track of your points and will post them on Power School every other week.
Most of your grade will come from your DAILY POINTS.
Daily points are subtracted if:
You are not participating
For repeated disruptions
If you forget your instrument, music, or pencil
For being disrespectful to students / teacher
Another huge part of your grade will be your CONCERT POINTS.
Concert points are subtracted:
If you are not participating
For repeated disruptions
If you forget your instrument or music
Not having / wearing the proper uniform
For being disrespectful to students / teacher
If you have an unexcused absence for a concert you will receive 0 points. Concerts are mandatory.
The last portion of your grade will come from ASSIGNMENTS.
Points will be subtracted if turned in late.
Playing tests
Video Assignments
Signed Permission Slips
Music theory work/projects
Other Assignments