The objectives of Hanover High School performing ensembles are: to develop each student's musical skills to the greatest degree possible, to build self-confidence while striving for personal and group excellence, to develop a sense of community and commitment within the group, and to develop professionalism in all aspects of performance, including rehearsals.
CORE COMPETENCIES
1. Students will perform on instruments a varied repertoire of music.
2. Students will read music.
3. Students will listen to, analyze and describe music.
4. Students will evaluate music and music performances.
5. Students will demonstrate an understanding of music in relation to history and culture.
6. Students will demonstrate appropriate ensemble participation skills.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS FOR ORCHESTRA (brass/winds/percussion)
l. Rehearsal Technique
a. Be ready to begin class promptly at 8 AM.
b. Each student must have an instrument, music and a pencil for every rehearsal.
c. Sit with both feet on the floor and your back away from the chair when playing.
d. Be quiet when your section is not playing.
e. Show courtesy and respect to all ensemble members including the Director.
f. Watch the Director and cut off when indicated.
g. No food, drink or gum during rehearsals. (water is okay)
h. There may be extra rehearsals before concerts. Students will be excused from class to attend.
Attendance is required at all extra rehearsals.
2. Performance
A list of Music Department dates for the school year has been sent home. Please check these dates carefully. Appropriate dress for each concert performance is required.
3. Concert Attendance Requirement
Students enrolled in Orchestra for credit are expected to attend all concerts and rehearsals for concerts. The only acceptable excuses for missing a concert or rehearsal are illness or extreme family emergency. The Prior Notification (Golden Rod) procedure for excusing class absences does not apply to concerts or rehearsals. Concert schedules are established before the start of each school year, and performers are expected to arrange their other priorities (recreation, college visits, vacations, etc.) so as not to conflict. An unexcused absence from a concert will result in a grade being lowered by one letter.
If a parent and/or student believes there are extreme extenuating circumstances impacting on a pending absence from a concert, an appeal of the prescribed consequence (grade level drop) may be made first to the teacher and secondly, if still unresolved, to a panel of music department staff and administration.
4. Orchestra Music/Comprehensive Skills
All students are expected to be able to play their orchestra parts and should be able to explain all symbols, terms and markings in the orchestra music.
5. Attendance Policy
Please refer to the Student Handbook for the newly updated attendance policy.
6. Student evaluation
Your grade in orchestra will be based on the following:
Rehearsal technique/Home Practice 80%
Orchestra Music/Comprehensive Skills 20%
Performance 10%
Music students are expected to uphold high standards of responsibility, honor and integrity in accordance with the HHS Academic Honor Code and Academic Integrity Policy. Students are expected to abide by the rules of the HHS handbook.