Fine Arts Center

Strings Chamber Music Handbook

2025-26

REMIND for All Parents and Students:

Class Name: FAC Strings Chamber
Class Code: @facstr

Course Description

The Fine Arts Center offers a unique daily chamber music class to develop:

• Individual technical proficiency

• Rehearsal and performance skills

• Communication and advanced musicianship

• Musical decision-making skills

Students perform formal public concerts at FAC and in the community and participate in guest masterclasses. An advanced technical regimen, solo and chamber music of professional caliber, and repertoire from the Baroque era to contemporary premieres are studied.

FAC Performance Policy

• Recital performances are major grades.

• Unprepared students will not perform and will receive a grade of 0.

• Dress rehearsal attendance is mandatory for all FAC performances.

Non-FAC Performance Policy

Non-FAC performances (college auditions, competitions, etc.) must:

• Be approved prior to the event.

• Not conflict with any official FAC event.

• Reflect professional representation of FAC on and off campus.

• Have prior approval before tagging FAC on social media.

Practice and Daily Expectations

• Practice at least 1 hour per day, 6 days per week.

• Private lessons and Youth Orchestra are encouraged but do not replace FAC practice.

• Take notes in class and apply them to practice.

• Practice log goals and time must align with visible improvement in class.

• See Practice Log Rubric for details.

Probation Policy

Per the FAC Student Handbook:

• One quarter of poor performance may result in probation.

• Expectations for improvement will be communicated to students and parents.

• One additional quarter is allowed for improvement.

• Failure to improve may result in losing the FAC roster spot.

Two-Class Enrollment Policy

Students must enroll in studio class and a theory/recording arts class each year at FAC. Home high school electives do not replace FAC theory.

Grading Policy

• Follows South Carolina State Grading Scale.

• 40% Minor Assessments (homework, classwork, research, skill development, ensemble cooperation).

• 60% Major Assessments (performances, juries, quizzes, playing tests).

• Required participation:

  • At least two recitals per year.

  • Two masterclasses with visiting artists.

  • Performance and technique juries.

Arrive 30 minutes before performances to tune, warm up, and receive instructions.

Make-Up Work

• Students must request make-up work after excused absences.

• Instructor will respond within 24 hours.

• Deadlines will reflect the nature of the absence.

• Extended illness will be handled individually.

Juries (Major Grade)

• Recital Juries: One month before recitals, privately or in masterclass.

  • Required for recital participation.

  • Retake opportunity three weeks before recital if needed.

  • May involve outside teachers/administrators; recordings may be used.

• Technique Jury: End of each semester.

  • Includes warm-ups, scales, etudes, technical goals.

  • May occur individually or in a masterclass setting.

Classroom Expectations

• Unpack, tune instruments, and be ready at the start of class.

• Bring instrument, pencil, metronome, and chamber music notebook daily.

• Regular attendance is essential.

• Instructor available:

  • 8:15–9:15 AM

  • 3:20–3:45 PM

  • Appointments recommended.

• Mature, respectful behavior is expected at all times.

• Check PowerSchool and email regularly.

Required Binders and Practice Logs

• Maintain a daily-used notebook (sheet music, scales, class notes, masterclass notes).

• Binders are major grades each quarter.

• Submit weekly practice logs on Google Classroom by Fridays at 3:00 PM (minor grade).

• Weekly preparation grades on technique and chamber music (minor grade).

Listening to Music (Minor Grade)

• Attend at least 2 non-strings FAC/community concerts per quarter.

• Write a 100-word synopsis and upload a program photo.

• Must stay for the entire program (honor code).

• See Ms. John if you need help selecting concerts.

Rubric:

• 25% Concert 1

• 25% Concert 2

• 25% 100-word synopsis

• 25% Upload program photo

Afternoon Honors Class Prerequisites

• Audition required to move from morning to afternoon classes.

• Must have a grade of 90+ and timely submissions.

• All-State accepted students are exempt if maintaining requirements.

Course Materials

Required:

• String instrument (good condition)

• Pencils, notebook

• Assigned music

• Metronome & tuner apps (Tonal Energy, Pro Metronome)

• Mute (under $7)

• Quiet home practice space (or FAC practice rooms)

• Full-length mirror

• Recording device (phone, computer, tablet)

• Music stand

Additional Information

• Competitions must be approved by Ms. John.

• Private lessons are strongly encouraged; see Ms. John if financial barriers exist.

• Summer camps/festivals are encouraged.

• Tri-M opportunities available; selection based on grades, leadership, and service.

• Region and All-State Orchestras: Region and SC All-State Orchestra events are considered extracurricular activities hosted by the South Carolina Music Educators Association (SCMEA) and Greenville County Schools.

• Region 2 auditions and participation are required of all string students if accepted. Students who are accepted into Region 2 are eligible to audition for the SCMEA All-State Orchestra. While participation in All-State is not required, attendance is strongly encouraged for students who qualify.

• Parents: Parents will be expected to escort their children to the Region and All-State events. No transportation will be provided.  Parents are also responsible for all hotel fees and transportation costs. Please contact Jennifer John if this is an issue for anyone. Parents must stay with the children at any overnight event.  

• SCMEA All-State Orchestra: Only students who are selected and participate in the Region 2 Orchestra event are eligible to audition for the All-State Orchestra.