Rules & Grading

Classroom Rules and Expectations


Below is a list of the rules and expectations for orchestra class. Please review them and discuss them with your child.

Rules and Expectations

1. Be respectful to yourself and others.

2. Come to class prepared and ready to learn.

3. Demonstrate appropriate rehearsal etiquette during class.

Consequences

  1. Verbal Warning

  2. Student Conference

  3. Phone call home

  4. Office Referral




Assessments


PRACTICE VIDEOS: Practice videos will be assigned regularly to 6th, 7th and 8th grade classes. These videos give students an opportunity to slow down and really learn how to diagnose problems in their playing and find the most effective way to fix any issues. Please see the "practicing" page for more information. Students will be provided feedback and suggestions for how to continue their practice.


PLAYING ASSESSMENTS: Students in Chamber and occasionally the other classes with have playing assessments over concert music. These should be turned in as polished examples of their playing. Students will be provided feedback and suggestions for things to continue working on.


RETAKE POLICY: All assignments can be retaken, and will be retaken if needed! Playing an instrument is about mastery. If you haven't mastered the assigned section yet, that's OK! The goal is to get it before the performance, so a retake or two might be necessary sometimes. If a retake is needed, the assignment will be marked in PowerSchool as "incomplete" and an email will go home so that parents are aware.


Please plan with your student a good time to practice each week. It is more beneficial to break up practice into smaller amounts each day than a long period of practice once a week. Practicing should also occur somewhere quiet where students can easily focus. If your child sits while practicing, please make sure they are sitting on a hard chair and not something soft such as a couch or recliner. Below are some suggested supplies to enhance your child’s practice sessions:

1) Music Stand

2) Hard stool or chair for cellists (Violin/Viola/Bass should stand)

3) Metronome*

4) Tuner*

5) Recording Device (this can be used for a student to evaluate his or her own playing)*

*Apps on tablets and phones are perfectly acceptable for these purposes.