Music Department Handbook

Strings Chamber Music Handbook

2023-24

All Parents and Students, please join REMIND:

Class name: FAC Strings Chamber

Class code: @facstr

Strings Chamber Music Handbook

2023-24

FAC Performance Policy

Recital performances are a major grade. If students are unprepared to perform, they will not be included in the performance and will be given a grade of “0” for the performance. Dress rehearsal attendance is a mandatory requirement for all FAC performances.

Non-FAC Performance Policy

Non-FAC performances, including college applications, auditions, competitions, and performances, must be approved prior to the event. This will allow teachers to prepare students for successful performances. Non-FAC performances MUST NOT conflict with any official FAC music event. FAC students must represent the FAC on and off campus in a professional manner. All performances posted on social media must be approved prior to tagging FAC.

Practice and Daily Expectations Policy

Students should practice at least 45 minutes per day, at least five days a week in order to meet the expectations of the string chamber music program.

Probation Policy

A full policy on probation can be found in the FAC Student Handbook. After one academic quarter of poor performance by a student in either their applied area or theory class, an Instructor may place the student on probation. Expectations for improvement will be communicated to the student and parent, and the student will have one academic quarter to improve their performance. If the performance does not improve, the student may lose their roster spot at the Fine Arts Center. This can occur at the end of Semester 1 or Semester 2.

Two-Class Enrollment Policy

Per the FAC Student Handbook, students in the Music Studios commit to taking their studio class and a theory/recording arts class for all years of study at the FAC. Electives at the home base high school may not be substituted for the theory class.

Course Description

The Fine Arts Center offers a unique approach to string education in the United States. A daily chamber music class is offered to develop individual technical proficiency, rehearsal technique, performance, communication, advanced musicianship, and musical decision-making skills. Students perform several formal public concerts at the school and in the community, and participate in guest masterclasses.

An advanced technical regimen, solo and chamber music of professional caliber comprise the musical literature of the course. Students participate in a variety of chamber ensembles performing works ranging from the baroque era to premieres of works by contemporary composers.

District Grading Policy

Grading Term 1 - 45%

Grading Term 2 - 45%

Final Exam - 10%

Grading Policy/Practices

Student performance is graded using the mandated South Carolina state grading scale.

Grading is weighted - 40% Minor Assessments (homework, class work, individual research projects, group projects, evaluation of skill development, written or performed tasks, ensemble cooperation and on task skills) and 60% Major Assessments (performance assessments, juries, quizzes, playing tests).

Students are expected to perform in at least two of the string chamber music recitals per year and two masterclasses with a visiting artist. Attendance at the recitals/masterclasses is required if a student does not perform in a recital or master class. Students will also participate in performance juries and technique juries.

Students are to arrive at least 30 minutes before a performance in order to have time to tune, warm up and to receive instructions.

Make-up Work

Make-up work constitutes any work that is assigned when a student has an excused absence and is unable to complete their assignments at home due to illness, injury, or lack of access to equipment. Make-up work can also be assigned when a student is out of school on suspension.

It is the student’s responsibility to request make-up work through the Instructor. Instructors should respond to requests for make-up work within 24 hours to ensure that assignments are completed in a timely manner. The Instructor will set an appropriate deadline for the submission of work based on the nature of the student’s absence. Extended illness should be handled on an individual basis with the student’s illness and workload in mind.

Juries to determine performance readiness (assessed as a Major Grade)

There will be both a recital and technique jury per semester.

Recital Juries

Chamber Music Juries will be held one month before a chamber music recital each semester.
Chamber Music Juries may be performed privately with the teacher, or in a master class setting.
All students planning to perform in the chamber music recitals must participate in a jury which will determine if the group is ready to perform.
If it is determined that an ensemble is not ready to perform, students will have the opportunity to try again three weeks prior to a performance.
An outside teacher, or administrator may be asked to help determine if a group is ready to perform for the 2nd jury and all juries may be video recorded as a teaching aid and for reference.

Technique Jury

A technique jury will be held at the end of each semester and will include assigned warm ups, any assigned scales, etudes and technical goals discussed in class and master classes.
Technical jury may also be held individually with the teacher, or in a master class setting.

Required binders and practice logs:

Each student is required to maintain a notebook of sheet music, scales, scores, and articles supplied by the Fine Arts Center. This is used every day in class. Notebooks will also include class notes on technical and musical concepts discussed in class and by any guest artist that presents a master class at the FAC.

Students will receive a minor grade at the end of 1st and 3rd quarters and a major grade at the end of each semester for their notebooks.

Students will keep a weekly practice log that will be due every Friday. Practice logs should be uploaded on Google Classroom by 3:00 each week (minor grade).

Students should allow at least 45 per day for string chamber music at least five days per week.

Students will receive a weekly preparation grade on technique and chamber music. (minor grade).
Solo music may also be assigned based on the needs of the students.

Listening to music:

Listening to professional artists is an essential part of a musician’s success. It is highly recommended that students listen to all types of music, however, especially to their own instrument. Some listening assignments may be included in a student’s practice routine.

Forms must be signed by all parties and submitted prior to the absence. The Pre-Arranged Absence form can be found in hardcopy in the FAC Main Office and also on the FAC Website under the “Parents/Students” tab.

EARLY DISMISSALS

Students are to bring early dismissal requests to the office before going to class. Early dismissals must be verified by the Attendance Clerk to be considered legitimate. Students will not be dismissed without parent authorization regardless of age. If an early dismissal results in a student missing more than half of the class, he/she will be counted absent.

Classroom Expectations

Students should have their instruments unpacked and tuned at the beginning of each class.

All students should bring a pencil metronome, instruments, and chamber music notebook to class every day.
As with any arts class emphasizing skill acquisition, regular attendance is vital. If you are absent, it is expected that you will ask for make-up work.
The instructor is available on most days for extra help from 8:15 - 9:15 AM, and 3:20-3:45 PM. It is expected that any student requiring extra help will ask for it. Appointments are recommended whenever possible.
Mature behavior, respectful of colleagues and instructors, is expected at all times.
Please check Power school and emails on a regular basis.

Required binders and practice logs:

Each student is required to maintain a notebook of sheet music, scales, scores, and articles supplied by the Fine Arts Center. This is used every day in class. Notebooks will also include class notes on technical and musical concepts discussed in class and by any guest artist that presents a master class at the FAC.

Students will receive a minor grade at the end of 1st and 3rd quarters and a major grade at the end of each semester for their notebooks.

Students will keep a weekly practice log that will be due every Friday. Practice logs should be uploaded on Google Classroom by 3:00 each week (minor grade).

Students should allow at least 45 per day for string chamber music at least six days per week.

Students will receive a weekly preparation grade on technique and chamber music. (minor grade).
Solo music may also be assigned based on the needs of the students.

Listening to music:

Course Materials

Required Supplies:

Stringed instruments (in good working order), pencils and a notebook. Students may be asked to purchase a methods book.
Assigned music and materials.
Metronome and tuner-Examples of Apps-Tonal Energy, Pro Metronome
Mutes-Behind the bridge. (usually under $7.00) Torte mute or equivalent.
A quiet place to practice at home away from distractions. Practice rooms are available at the FAC if this is not possible.
A full length mirror.
Recording equipment such as a smartphone, computer, or tablet.
Music stand.

Additional information for students and parents

Competitions: Students in the afternoon classes are welcome to participate in chamber music competitions; however, all competition opportunities must be vetted by Ms. John

Private Teachers: Taking private lessons is very important for all students. Students will be working on fundamental techniques during string chamber music, however, because of the unique technical issues with each instrument it is important for string players to have individual help for a specialist on each instrument.

Ms. John will have a private teacher list. If there is a financial reason a student cannot take private lessons, please see Ms. John and we will try to come up with a solution.

Summer Music Camps and Festivals: It is encouraged that students attend music camps and festivals during the summer months. Ms. John has a list of local, national and international festivals. The FAC also offers a limited number of scholarships for summer camps.

Volunteering and Tri-M: Students may have the opportunity to to volunteer through the Tri-M Music Society. More information will be provided at the beginning of the school year.

Candidates for active student membership shall be chosen by a faculty committee made up of 6 faculty members appointed by Vee Popat. Candidates for active student membership shall be chosen from those students enrolled in the music department at The Fine Arts Center. Candidates, at the time of their selection, shall meet the following requirements:

• They must have enrolled in a music ensemble and/or class for at least one semester of the current school year at the Fine Arts Center ;

• They must exhibit leadership, service, and character in their activities while at The Fine Arts Center

• They must have maintained for the previous semester at least an A average grade or equivalent in music with at least a B average grade or equivalent in other academic subjects.

Region and SC All-State Orchestras: FAC string students will have the opportunity to audition for Region and All-State orchestras. Participation is not required, however, strongly encouraged. Extra credit will be given to those who audition and participate in both Region and All-State. Note: To be eligible for SC All-State auditions, students must audition and participate in the Region orchestra.

Students will be responsible for their own transportation for all events and any hotels and added expenses.

2023-24 Concerts and events: Required**

All Events at the FAC unless otherwise indicated;

**Seth Russell and Maria Parrini 9/15/23 During School Hours

**Aspen String Trio 10/24/23 7:00 **

**Strings Chamber Concert 10/26/23 7:00**

**SCMEA 2024 All-State Workshop 12/2/23 9:30-11:30**

(SCMEA All-State FAC Workshop Info)

**Strings Chamber Concert 2/13/24 7:00**

Jasper String Quartet Concert 3/7/24 7:00**

(Residency, 03/04-08/24)

**Strings Chamber Concert 4/18/24 7:00**

SCMEA Events:

Region Orchestra:

Region Preliminary Auditions, week of September 10) during class time

(Region Registration Deadline, September 15)

Region Auditions: 10/7/23 League Academy

Region Orchestra Event November 3, 4 Anderson University

All County Orchestra:

All County Orchestra 11/8 All County videos are due

All-County (All County registration, November 28)

All-County Event 1/16 Riverside High School

All Day

SC All State Orchestra:

All-State Orchestra Auditions: 1/6/24 Irmo H.S., Lexington, SC

Time, TBA

(All State Registration deadline, February 1, 2024)

All-State Orchestra Event February 23-25 Columbia, SC

(All day)

Solo and Ensemble April 26 Riverside High School

(Registration deadline March 15, 2024)

Times, TBA

Other SCMEA Opportunities:

SC ASTA Cello Choir 9/16/23 Furman University
SC ASTA Bass Conference 9/23/23 SCGSAH

Other: Performance Opportunities: Please ask Ms. John if you would like to audition.

YoungArts
Greenville Music Club
MTNA Competition

Concert Attire:

Men: Dark Suit, Button-down shirt, tie, black socks, dress shoes;

Women: Black shirt and skirt, dress pants, or dress. Skirts and dresses need to be at least knee lengths. Heels are not recommended because of balance issues while performing.

Repertoire: Repertoire will be chosen by the instructor and students, however, it is subject to change if the material is not accessible to all members of the ensemble.

At the beginning of the school year, some music may seem easy to a student because the chamber music skills that they are learning are very difficult.
Music will get progressively more difficult throughout the year

Please note: Some pieces of music may seem easy to a student. The skills needed for chamber music can be very challenging and difficult. Mastery is always the goal and skills must first be achieved with easier notes to focus on the desired result.

GCYO/CYS/School orchestra: It is highly recommended for students to participate in their own school orchestra if possible as well as a youth orchestra such as GCYO, or CYS. Please see Ms. John for more information. Learning the orchestral repertoire is especially important for students planning to major in music because they will need to be well versed in the orchestral repertoire. The chamber music skills they learn at the FAC will enhance their leadership skills in orchestral playing.

Instrument Care: It is important for all students to maintain their instruments as much as possible. Strings should be changed at least one week before a recital. They need time to stretch and to hold their tuning.

Please see the instructor, or private teacher to determine the type of string that is purchased.
Strings for violins should be changed at least twice per year, E strings every three months.
Violas and cellos should change their strings at least once per year. The A string may need to be changed more often.
It is normal for an instrument to open up at a seam at any point in the year and is easily fixed by a reputable repair shop such as Bernhardt’s House of Violins.
Bridges also need to be checked at least once a week to make sure they are aligned correctly. The instructor will help a student during class time if needed.

Purchasing a new instrument and bow:

It is advised not to purchase an instrument online but to go to a reputable violin shop. It is also advised to try as many instruments as possible in a recital hall, or performance venue before purchase for a professional performer such as Ms. John, or a private teacher. Most string shops will allow a week-long trial.
Having a well maintained bow is very important for a student’s success. It is recommended that a student purchase the instrument first, and match the bow to the specific instrument after they have adjusted to the new sound.

Bow Rehairs:

Bow rehairs should be done at least twice per year. Bow experts have determined that bow hair lasts for about 100 hours of playing.
Please make sure that bows have the proper amount of hair. The average cost for a bow rehair is $60-70.

Recital Attire:

Men: Dark Suit, Button-down shirt, tie, black socks, dress shoes;

Women: Black shirt and skirt, dress pants, or dress. Skirts and dresses need to be at least knee lengths. Heels are not recommended because of balance issues while performing.

Plan for Routine Communication With Parents:

Parents are contacted promptly in the event of academic or disciplinary problems.
A log of parent phone calls is maintained in the teacher's office.

Cell phones: The use of smart devices is prohibited during class except when using a metronome, tuner or recording App.