Symphony Orchestra

COURSE EXPECTATIONS

String Orchestra/Symphony Orchestra

COURSE DESCRIPTION

String Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra students are assigned by audition. Students learn proper instrumental technique, performance practice, and music theory. These orchestras perform in the Fall Preview, Winter and Spring Concerts and at the High School East Graduation. Symphony Orchestra also performs in Opera Night and Cherry Hill East graduation.

Instrumental students receive five credits for one full year of participation.

PHILOSOPHY

We believe that each student is capable of learning, and should have a sense of ownership and responsibility in their learning. We realize that a class/ensemble has students with various learning styles and abilities, so we vary our teaching to ensure that all students are successful.

We believe that every student can experience success if he or she is willing to work and contribute his/her best effort. Students achieve a great sense of discipline, self-worth, and aesthetic awareness by member of a performing musical group.

REHEARSALS AND CONCERTS

Rehearsals are essential to musical success and attendance in rehearsals is of the utmost importance. During the week of a major concert, there may be additional dress rehearsals. These rehearsals are announced well in advance and students are required to make the necessary adjustments in their schedules to attend the entire rehearsal.

STANDARDS

Cherry Hill Music Standards used in this course: CH 8.19-25. These are posted in the classroom.

PRINCIPLES OF LEARNING

Organizing for effort Socializing intelligence

Clear Expectations Academic rigor in a thinking curriculum

Accountable talk Self-management of learning

Fair and credible evaluations Learning as an apprenticeship

Recognition of accomplishment

ASSESSMENT

Students are assessed by their performance in concerts, and also in music skills such as sight reading and practical music theory. This will reinforce their learning and allow them to be more capable musicians.

Grades are determined by the following criteria, Class rehearsal participation/rotating music lesson labs = 60%; Concert attendance and performance each marking period = 40%

Please note that at the concert performances, the students are expected to attend the entire concert not only their performance portion.

Additional help outside of class is scheduled on an as needed basis. Usually this will be

scheduled during the Lunch Blocks (which are an assigned teaching time for music faculty).

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS

Information concerning the concert schedule and important announcements can be found on the East Music website at www.cherryhilleastmusic.com. This is also linked to our East website (http://east.cherryhill.k12.nj.us/).

Occasionally DVD and/or audio recordings of musical performances may be shown in classes. These are selected carefully to demonstrate performance technique or provide opportunity for evaluation and critique.

Honor Code: Students are expected to follow the philosophy of the Cherry Hill High School East Honor Code.

Revision of work: Revision is a constant process that takes place during lessons and rehearsals. This process is on-going until the final presentation at performances.