I. Course Goals
A) To play challenging, high-quality music with artistry and proper technique.
B) To improve understanding of music notation and terminology.
C) To understand the historical context and significance of the music studied in class.
D) To develop the ability to improvise and compose music.
E) To practice teamwork, self-discipline, and appreciation for great music.
II. Schedule
A) Each week, students will attend:
2 rehearsals (mixed instruments)
1 group lesson (same instrument)
B) Lessons are held during a different period each week. Students attend their academic/P.E/specials class for the first 10 minutes of the period, notify their teacher of an orchestra lesson and then report to Mr. Scelzo's Office
-Students who find difficulty making their scheduled lesson times should reach out to Mr. Scelzo to arrange time during Study Hall or FLEX (This is highly suggested for those who find it difficult to miss academic classes)
Students may miss two lessons per quarter for tests or illness. All other missed lessons must be made up.
-Rotating schedule is designed so students only miss each class once a month or less.
C) Before each concert students will also attend two full orchestra rehearsals before school starting at 7:15AM.
III. Class Expectations:
A) Be seated, unpacked, tuned & warming up within 3 minutes after the bell.
Place all belongings (Including instrument case) in back of room.
Bring instrument, Sheet music/binder, and chromebook to seat.
B) Bring all materials to class every day
C) Treat the teacher and your classmates with respect
D) Consequences for misbehavior:
Lose participation points for the day
See Mr. Scelzo after class
Detention and call to parents
IV. Seating
The teacher will adjust assigned seats in order to maximize the sound of the group. Violinists should expect to spend half the year playing 1st violin and half playing 2nd violin.
V. Grading
Practice Homework Assignments (20%)
Practice outside of school is key to success. Assignments are usually submitted through Google Classroom. Read directions carefully and make adjustments if necessary when receiving feedback (Grades and feedback go to school email address)
Assignments will be accepted until the end of the quarter but will incur a late penalty.
Lesson Attendance (10%)
Students may miss two lessons per quarter without penalty. All other missed lessons can be made up by attending an extra lesson period. 5 points will be subtracted from total grade for each lesson after the third missed
Participation and Preparation (0-70%)
3 points will be deducted each for failure to bring sheet music, folder/binder, or chromebook.
3 points will be deducted for not bringing an instrument or bow.
3 pointed deducted for unexcused lateness (as defined in section III)
Concert Attendance (0-10%)
Because a performance relies on the contribution of all students, a student's quarter grade will be lowered 10% for missing a concert without a valid reason. See district concert policy below:
TBA
We don't yet know if we will be having in person concerts this year.
Rest assured, I am working on putting together plenty of opportunities to share music with others this year.
The Sixth Grade will be rehearsing on the following dates:
TBA
The Seventh Grade will be rehearsing on the following dates:
TBA
The Eighth Grade will be rehearsing on the following dates:
TBA
For performances, students should wear a white shirt, black pants or skirt, and black shoes. (No sneakers or T-shirts.) Boys should wear ties, girls may choose to wear a black dress.
District Concert Participation Policy:
Participation in concerts constitutes 10% of the grade for each marking period in which the concert occurs.
Participation in concerts is a valuable, culminating experience for students in all of our music ensembles at Middlesex Middle School. The dates and times are posted before the school year begins and students are expected to plan accordingly. Unforeseen absences due to illness should be communicated directly to the ensemble teacher as soon as possible.
The concert participation grade is based on, but not limited to, the following: arriving on time and participating appropriately during the concert prep, the performance, and demonstrating proper concert etiquette while the other ensembles perform.