Embedded Files
Castro Valley Unified School District
Music Department Mission Statement
The CVUSD Music Department provides students with an opportunity to participate in a high quality, comprehensive course of study.
Our program offers access to a variety of practical musical experiences to shape our students into life-long learners that value the artistic creative process.
The music staff promotes excellence in musicianship, respect for others, and personal discipline through working together in ensemble participation.
Course Title: Beginning, Intermediate OR Advanced String Orchestra (6-7-8 grade)
Course Description: String Orchestra is a year long elective for string players in the Visual and Performing Arts Department at Canyon Middle School. This course is open to all 6th, 7th and 8th grade string musicians, from beginning to advanced playing experience on violin, viola, cello or string bass. In all classes the student will receive guidance in techniques for producing proper tone, pitch, rhythm, posture, dynamics, and performance at different levels. The primary function of this course is to provide a sound musical education in a large group setting. The music curriculum helps to develop better communication skills, music theory and history, personal values, group spirit, campus and personal discipline and pride as well as preparation for careers and adult life. Orchestra is also a class designed to help build self-esteem (achievement), cooperation (playing in an ensemble), and life skills (practice, study, commitment) through the discipline in learning to play an instrument. The Core Music Education Standards of Creating, Performing, Responding and Connecting, are assessed daily and demonstrated publicly for the community a minimum of twice a year in evening concerts. Additional festival performances, tours, weekend rehearsals and performances may be required.
Instructional Goals: In this course students will:
Demonstrate age appropriate (experienced based) technical skills in ear training and rhythms
Develop listening skills to enable them to evaluate individual performance objectively
Expand their knowledge of musical terms, expressions, vocabulary and style
Develop increased self-esteem through successful practice and performances
Learn to work together, demonstrating cooperation and vocabulary and responsibility to the group
Demonstrate knowledge of performance protocol through presentations (auditions, concerts, festival competitions and community performances) throughout the year.
To cultivate productive, compassionate human beings who are both brave and kind, in order to be valuable contributors to their community and society at large, through the traditional string orchestra performance ensemble curriculum of study.
Google Classroom Assignments – Students will be given a number of various assignments in class and through Google classroom. Students are expected to check their Google Classroom page every day
Students who submit Google classroom assignments without attaching work, will be given 2 attempts to complete the assignment before being referred to a counselor. Students are be logged in to and use your cv.k12.ca.us Google account to access instructional materials because the many links and documents being shared are only accessible to the CVUSD network.
Grading: Students will be graded on a A-F grading system during skill and concept attainment learning assessments throughout the school year. Here is the percentage breakdown of how grades are earned:
PERFORMANCES/ ASSESSMENTS 50%
DAILY REHEARSAL HABITS/PRACTICE SHEETS 25%
GOOGLE CLASSROOM/WRITTEN ASSESSMENTS 25%
Canyon Secondary Retake, Redo, Reassessment Agreements -
Electives Implementation Year 2025-2026
For the 2025-26 school year all department members will implement the following Retake, Redo, Reassessment practices in all classes (at a minimum):
Every student will be afforded the opportunity to retake, redo, reassess at least 2 “major performance assessments, assignments, or projects” per quarterly grading period if they received a score on the major assessment that does not meet standards (below 70%). Individual teachers will inform students regarding which assessments are considered “major assessments.” Students will have the opportunity to complete this retake, redo, or reassessment a single time.
Students will be able to access reteaching during instructional hours (class time/RtI time) and will demonstrate readiness for the reassessment.
Students will be able to access reteaching during instructional hours (class time/RTI time) and will demonstrate readiness for the reassessment.
Opportunities to complete retakes, redos, and reassessments will be provided during instructional hours and every student who qualifies for a retake, redo, reassessment should be strongly encouraged to complete the process.
After completing a retake, redo, reassessment, the highest grade will be added to the gradebook for that assessment and the lowest grade for that assessment will be dropped from the final grade calculation.
Individual teachers will determine whether a student is required to complete the entire assessment or portion of the assessment for the retake, redo, reassessment, in order to meet a minimum standard of proficiency (70%).
The retake, redo, reassessment window for major assessments will ensure a reasonable amount of time for reteaching, reassessment and scoring prior to the end of a quarterly grading period as determined by the teacher.
Rules for Student Behavior during Rehearsal/ Class meetings:
1. Always treat EVERYONE with respect.
2. Raise hand and wait to be recognized before speaking.
4. Be in class meetings, set up and ready to play on time.
5. Be seated, silent, and ready to begin when the teacher begins class.
6. Act responsibly--protect your precious instrument and those around you!
7. Stay in your seat. Raise your hand to leave your seat.
8. No food, drinks, candy or gum allowed in the orchestra classroom..
CONSEQUENCES: Students will be held responsible if they make poor behavior choices during class meetings.
Daily Participation and Effort: Each student will earn 5 points per day of perfect attendance. To earn the full 5 points the student must demonstrate perfect participation in effort, attitude and cooperation. Factors that demonstrate perfect student performance include: consistently practicing good posture, being on time, NOT "chatting" or playing when the teacher is talking, being on task 100% of the time, setting a good example for others, playing with energy and enthusiasm, etc. Factors that lose points in daily performance include: NOT following rules and directions, lack of preparedness, not being on task most of the time, "chatting" off topic when in synchronous class time when the teacher is talking or when others are playing for the teacher or tuning, etc.
Rehearsal Participation and Protocols: Students will be given daily participation points for each synchronous class meeting. Points will be deducted if students fail to follow the virtual classroom expectations.
1. Be prepared for class ahead of time.
2. Enter the rehearsal room SILENTLY.
3. Look at the agenda on Ms. Dahms' Classroom board in order to pre-practice your exercises for the week.
4. Be in your seat with your instrument ready to play, music in order, and a pencil on your stand two minutes after class begins.
5. Remain SILENT when the director is speaking or working with another section.
6. Bring instruments into playing position when the director raises their arms.
7. Stop playing immediately if the director stops..
6. Follow school etiquette rules in regard to food/drinks/hats/gum/electronic devices during class time.
8. Play only your assigned instrument unless other arrangements have been made with your director.
9. Return instruments to the cases and a safe area after each rehearsal.
10. Keep your instrument clean and in good playing condition at all times.
11. Practice your scales, etudes and concert music on a regular basis and be prepared to play it well at least two weeks prior to a major performance, exam or assessment.
12. Keep your at home rehearsal area neat.
13. Follow all rules found within the Canyon Student Handbook.
S.T.A.R. Performers: Refers to the “Student -Teacher Assistant- Resource Performers.” Each orchestra student in each class will have the opportunity to participate in various Leadership roles for the orchestra class to help Ms. Dahms. These roles include, but not limited to: Orchestra Manager (assists with attendance and administrative duties), Orchestra Librarian (assists with distributing and collecting sheet music, making sure everyone has a copy even at home), and Equipment Manager (assists with replacing broken strings, missing instruments, etc.). These STARS are vital for the smooth flow of the educational process in class, and help to maintain a clean and safe learning environment. STAR Performers are chosen based on completion of the Orchestra Leadership training and application process. STAR student who successfully perform the assigned duties, may earn extra participation points, SOAR tickets/prizes, excused Practice Sheets or excused mandatory playing tests.
Attendance: Canyon Middle School Orchestra is a performance-goal oriented ensemble class! Each and every person is a necessary part of the “team” and must be present for and contributing to daily practice at home and report to all scheduled class meetings.
Tardiness:. The School Policy regarding tardiness to class will be strictly enforced. Class period STARTS at the hour printed in the Daily Bell Schedule. Please have instruments and all learning materials at your workstation (music stand) before the start of the lesson.
Homework Assignments: Homework and class assignments include material assigned by the teacher to reinforce musical concepts or current pieces of study. Students with a regular time and quiet place to practice every day tend to perform better on tests and receive higher grades. A note concerning practice: Regular practice should be considered the primary type of homework. In order to be successful, the student should plan to schedule times, consistency is the key, per week or until the assignment is learned. The time should be spread out throughout the week, not concentrated on just one or two days. Practicing your instrument at home is your daily homework assignments (weekends included). These hours are to be recorded by the student on a school Practice Sheet, verified and signed by the parent or guardian and submitted to the teacher on the first of every month.
As a member of the Canyon String Orchestra classes, students are expected to practice at home:
To earn an Advanced Level of achievement on your string orchestra instrument, practice: 45-50 minutes a day, or 20-25 hours a month.
To earn a Novice-High performance grade and show adequate improvement on your instrument,students will practice 30-40 minutes a day, or 15-20 hours a month.
To earn a Novice-Low level performance grade: students practice 10-15 minutes a day, or 12-15 hours a month.
Written Assignments: Ms. Dahms will also periodically assign written work that will be collected and graded. These assignments could be rhythm studies, music theory exercises, written feedback about performances, or any number of assignments that will advance the musical knowledge of the class. Written assignments will be counted as 25% of the total grade. Please check Ms. Dahms' Google Classroom, arrange for a classmate to ensure that you have class notes, sheet music and handouts from the day you miss class. Handouts and class notes will be an essential part of your notebook for the course.
Academic Integrity: The free and open expression of ideas related to course content will be encouraged; an atmosphere of mutual respect will therefore be fostered. While collaboration and productive exchange will be encouraged when appropriate, students are expected to produce their own work and will be held accountable for such.
Late assignments will be be allowed to be completed for partial credit for five days after the due date.
Instruments: Repairs/Maintenance: If your instrument is not working. . . bring it in to Ms. Dahms, first. Much of the time, your teacher will be able to repair it for you. If your teacher is unable to repair your instrument and you are currently borrowing a school instrument bring it to school. An authorized repair luthier from CV will come to Canyon Middle School usually within the week, pick it up, have it repaired, and have it back to you the following week.
If your instrument is being privately repaired, please send a note to your orchestra teacher so we will have an idea of what the problem is, and how long the repairs will take. This will help us know how we can best accommodate the musician and his/her predicament.
Renting/Purchasing an Instrument If you would like info on where to rent or purchase an instrument, ask your teacher.
Instrument Storage: Canyon Middle School provides storage shelves in the music area for the storage of instruments during the day. Student’s cases and accessories must be clearly labeled with an ID tag as many of the instrument cases look similar. The area is supervised via Ms. Dahms and staff personnel, and the room is locked before and after school hours. Though incidents rarely occur, we strongly recommend checking your homeowner’s insurance policy to be sure your instrument is covered in the unlikely event that something should happen. The teachers, Canyon Middle School, and the CVUSD are not responsible for damage or loss to you privately owned or rented instruments.
Sheet Music Information: Each student is responsible for bringing the binder provided in which to keep and carry their school music and orchestra class materials ONLY; it may be checked at anytime upon request. Every effort is made to provide a student with an original or digital copy of sheet music. Failure to bring their music folio to class will result in a loss of participation points
Individual Playing Tests (I.P.T.): Each quarter students will be called on to play scales, etudes and arpeggios and a portion of their school music for Ms. Dahms. This is used for assessment and to make sure the students are in fact practicing at home and achieving their concept attainment goals in music.
I.C.S. (Individual Coaching Session) will be available during after-school tutoring on FRIDAYS from 3:15-4:00 PM for those students new to the orchestra, seek extra instruction or want to play privately for Ms. Dahms to their I.P.T. credits for the quarter.
Make-up/Extra Credit Assignments: Failure to practice your instrument at home, or to turn in a verified Practice Logs on time, or not meeting the performance standards for an assigned playing test will result in loss of performance or rehearsal habits points toward the final grade. Students may make-up points by attending after-school music tutor lessons (I.C.S.) with Ms. Dahms.
FINGERNAIL HYGIENE: Fingernails must be at an appropriate length so the fingertip (not just the pad of the finger) can be placed on the fingerboard. It is impossible for your child to play with long fingernails and maintain good posture, let alone play in tune. Plus, the long fingernail puts undue wear and tear on the string and fingerboard. Fingernails must be kept short at all times. Orchestra students must avoid long or artificial nails, they will not be allowed to participate on a CVUSD in the class, and thus lose rehearsal participation points. The student will be given an opportunity to sanitize and clip their fingernails and continue to play in class for 2 rehearsal habit points, otherwise a written assignment will be issued for the student to do in lieu of playing their instrument..
Selection of Music: We will study and perform music from a wide variety of cultures and periods in music history through which various textures, instrumental and compositional techniques, harmonies, styles, etc. are explored. The music selected for rehearsal and performance must be performed by all members of the orchestra with the understanding that the music is NOT being presented with the intention to promote a particular philosophy, religious or otherwise, but rather because of its intrinsic educational value as it relates to an appropriate student orchestral experience.
Repertoire will be selected for each ensemble will be selected by Ms. Dahms based on the following:
National Music Education Course Standards
Standard 1-Singing alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music
Standard 2-Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music
Standard 3-Improvising melodies, variations and accompaniments
Standard 4-Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines
Standard 5-Reading and notating music
Standard 6-Listening to, analyzing and describing music
Standard 7-Evaluating music and music performances
Standard 8-Understanding relationships between music, the other arts and disciplines outside the arts
Standard 9-Understanding music in relation to history and culture.
Student Expectations: Orchestra students take the greatest pleasure and learn the most from participating in ensembles that are well skilled and disciplined. With the collective efforts of the students, teachers, parents and administration, we can create an orchestral experience that is enjoyable and educational for all.
Teacher Expectations: I will provide opportunities for meaningful student responsibility and participation through concerts, festivals, fundraisers, tours, and so forth, which will hopefully inspire you to be the best you can be. Above all, it is my hope you will gain an increased understanding and appreciation of the discipline, care, love and hard work that must necessarily be a precondition to excellence in musical performance. My expectations of you in the class is that you will be on time, use all of the rehearsal time in the wisest most efficient manner, that you constantly strive to improve through individual practice and patiently encourage others to do so likewise, and that you make the commitment to do whatever it takes to be the best that you can be. I come to class everyday to give you the BEST I have to give of my musical knowledge, talents and love of education. I expect you to give me the same when you enter my classroom everyday
The only SIX Words Parents Need to Say to their
Kids about any Performance
Before the Performance:
Have Fun.
Play well.
I love you.
After the Performance
Did you have fun?
I’m proud of you.
I love you.
Even better, sociologists Bruce Brown and Rob Miller researched college students and asked them what made them feel great and brought them joy when they performed or played sports. Want to know the six words they most want to hear their parents say, simply:
“I love to watch you play.”
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