Class Handbook

Orchestra Handbook

Mr Tourtellot’s Elementary Strings Class

2017-2018

Welcome to String Orchestra! I am looking forward to making music with you - I think you will find that learning a musical instrument will be an incredibly rewarding experience.

This handbook outlines the expectations for Strings class, please keep it as a resource and refer to it should you have any questions.

For additional information about myself or my class, I encourage you to visit my website:

https://sites.google.com/a/lsr7.net/mr-tourtellot-s-strings-site/

Also, if you ever feel the need to contact me, please do so at

david.tourtellot@lsr7.net

Strings Class Policies

Attendance

Once a child chooses to take String Orchestra class, attendance is not optional, all students are expected to attend all Strings classes. If a student misses three or more classes, please contact me to make sure your child does not miss important steps in learning. Classes meet every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday as well as every-other Wednesday. Orchestra is a pull-out class and no direct instruction will occur in their home classroom during the scheduled Orchestra time. Furthermore, students are required to attend all performances. If a student is unable to attend a performance, please let Mr. Tourtellot know as soon as possible.

Chromebooks

Students should only bring their Chromebooks to Strings if instructed to do so by a teacher. Students are expected to practice good digital citizenship while using a Chromebook. Students should only be doing work for Strings on a Chromebook while they are in Strings.

Other Electronic Devices

Students should not bring an electronic device (this includes cell phones, iPods, tablets, etc) to Strings unless they have been given specific permission by a teacher.

Participation

Class participation is essential to success in Orchestra class. Students will be expected to participate in any class activity that they are asked. These activities include singing, playing their instrument with the class, playing their instrument alone for the class, and doing various activities (sometimes alone, sometimes with others) at the whiteboard.

Forgotten Instrument

It is absolutely necessary that the student brings their instrument for every class. A considerable amount of musical information is taught each class. This information is best learned if the student has an instrument with which to apply that knowledge in class. Don’t miss out by not having your instrument in class. Your child will get behind very quickly!

Food/Drink/Gum

No food, drinks, candy, or gum is allowed in class. A student may bring water, if it is in a bottle with a lid, and if that student is allowed to have a water bottle in their regular classroom.

Instrument Repair and Maintenance

When your child’s instrument is in need of repairs or maintenance, I will send home a letter detailing the problem and instructions for proper repair. Proper maintenance or your child’s instrument is crucial for success.

Practice

In Orchestra class, a student’s homework will be to practice, and there will be practice material assigned each class. If a student fails to practice with regularity, they will fall behind. Students are expected to practice 4-6 times a week.

Strings Folder

A paper folder is supplied to hold student’s handouts, resources, notes home, and sheet music. This folder should be in class each time the student attends Orchestra. At the beginning of the school year, a folder will be provided for all students. If that folder is lost or damaged, it will be the student’s responsibility to replace it. It is recommended that a student have a 3 ring binder with plastic sheet protectors - students may use this in place of a paper folder if they so choose.

Fingernails

It is very important that students keep their fingernails short and trimmed (on the left hand in particular). Fingernails that are too long create obstacles for students trying to achieve the desired sound. It is impossible to play a stringed instrument with long fingernails on the left hand. Students should get in the habit of trimming their fingernails at least once a week.

Student Responsibility

Each student is expected to be responsible for his or her instrument. Safe locations will be provided for students to store their instruments, and it is expected that all students keep their instruments in such a place when they are not being used. Students and their families may be responsible for repair of their instrument, or to any instrument which the student damaged.

Quitting Strings

Orchestra is an optional class, and students may decide that Strings isn't for them. In most situations, students will need to remain in Strings until after the first concert has passed, so they can get the full experience. If a student does decide they are going to quit, please send a note to school with that student. Please note - I strongly encourage all students to stick with Orchestra until the end of the school year. The class moves slowly at the beginning as students are just learning their instrument, which can be boring at times. However, it is necessary for mastering the instrument, so please don’t get discouraged!

Large Instruments (cello & bass)

The district bus service does not allow large instruments (in our case, that means cellos & basses) on a school bus. If you need to transport a large instrument to/from school, please be aware that students will not be able to do so on a bus. School-owned cellos and basses are available for students to use in Orchestra class, so they can leave their personal instrument at home so they may practice with it. The use of school-owned instruments is a privilege, and any student who mistreats an instrument will lose that privilege. Cello and Bass players should make arrangements to bring their personal instrument to school about once every two weeks so their instrument can be tuned. It is a requirement for Orchestra class that all cello and bass players have a personal instrument.

Parent/Teacher Communication

My primary communication tool is email , though I will also communicate through notes home, and phone. Feel free to contact me with any of those means of communication.

I have very limited access to telephones throughout my day, so I encourage all parents to email me. My email address is David.tourtellot@lsr7.net. You may also leave me a voicemail by calling (816) 986-1499 extension: 7562.

Home Preparation

For you to succeed you must practice at home what we cover in class. Practice is the repetition of skills learned at school. Mastery of each step is necessary to move on to the next step. New material is covered in class before the students are asked to practice it on their own. Students will be asked to repeat things at home that they already know how to do. They are reinforcing correct playing position, music reading skills, and sound production in home practice. If your child is having difficulties knowing what or how long to practice check their class website or contact me for advice.

Home Concerts

The best way to encourage your child is to ask them to give a weekly concert at home. This does not require a lot of time or music. Just have your child perform one new piece each week from the required pieces to practice.

Storage of Instruments at Home

String Instruments are made of wood so they can be delicate and temperamental. You will find that when weather begins to change the instrument will be harder to keep in tune. This is because the wood expands and contracts with the warmer and colder weather. Because of this it is important we are careful about where we store the instrument when it is not at school. Instruments should not be left in a parked car with the car turned off. The extreme change in temperature in the car can damage the instrument. Also, when at home, do not store the instrument next to an air conditioning or heating vent where air will blow directly on the instrument. Please plan a specific and safe place for the instrument to be stored in your home that can be easily accessible for your child to reach.

Patience, Patience, Patience

If you have no music knowledge or are coming from a band background please be patient with your student. A string instrument requires tons of time to learn how to hold the instrument correctly and therefore we move slowly during the first year. Once the student has a good concept of how to make the instrument work the “music” will come! Please help your student be patient during this process.

Thank you, and I am looking forward to working with you over the next few years!