Orchestra Handbook

Objectives of the Orchestra: The primary objective of participation in orchestra at John Glenn HS is for students to collaboratively perform pieces from a variety of musical styles and cultures. It is hoped that students will derive a lifelong appreciation of music and the performing arts.

Rehearsal/ Daily Participation: Each day that you are in orchestra, you are expected to: 

1. Be prepared with your instruments and ready to play.

2. Be on time, ready to play 5 minutes after the bell. Students who are not ready to play by rehearsal downbeat will be marked as “late.” Multiple latenesses will negatively impact the participation grade.

3. Actively participate in the rehearsal. Please stop when requested, and do not talk while other sections are rehearsing.

4. Students are responsible for at-home practicing of their music. Students are also responsible for the location and condition of their orchestra music.

5. A participation grade is given according to behavior demonstrated during rehearsals. Two points are given for each rehearsal attended. Participation grades are posted weekly on ESchool. When there are music department trips, students must have an A for the overall ensemble grade and in the participation category.

Students who are split between Orchestra and another ensemble will be required to attend Orchestra rehearsal on “A” days, unless otherwise indicated in their schedule.

Lessons: Unless otherwise stated, students who are enrolled full-time in orchestra are required to attend 5 lessons per quarter. Students who are split between Orchestra and another ensemble are required to attend 3 lessons for Orchestra each quarter.

The full lesson schedule is posted on GoogleClassroom. Each morning, a daily lesson schedule goes out through Remind, which will also include any last minute changes or cancellations. 

Grading: Students will be graded on daily participation, lesson attendance, concert attendance (or playing tests) and written assignments. 

Lesson Attendance: 40%

Participation: 30%

Concert Attendance/ Tests: 20%

Assignments: 10%

Important Information:

Google Classroom: Each student is required to join the Google Classroom page for Orchestra. All written assignments will be given through the Orchestra Classroom page. Additionally, students will be able to find the lesson schedule and practice parts under the “classwork” tab.

To access the Orchestra Classroom page, first login to your Elwood Google account. The Class Code is: oxtmgz2

Remind: Please join “Remind” for Orchestra, which gives updates on assignments and performances. Also, a daily lesson reminder is sent through Remind each morning. To join, text @jghsorc to the number 81010.

Website: The Orchestra Web Site is: https://sites.google.com/new?usp=jotspot_sis

This website can also be accessed from the Elwood Music website.

Music: Home practice parts will be available on GoogleClassroom. If you would like a printed hardcopy, please email Ms. Dana. 

Orchestra folders and parts must be put away in your assigned music cubby. Please do not take these home. PLEASE USE PENCIL WHEN MARKING MUSIC! A lot of the music we will be using are original copies that need to stay nice for others to use in future years.

Concerts: Concert dates can be found on the district calendar. Students are required to attend all concerts they are to perform in. Our concerts for the 2022-2023 school year are:

• Tuesday, December 12, 2022 at 7pm

• Wednesday, May 22, 2023 at 7pm 

Students are expected to wear ALL BLACK for concerts. 

Please wear a solid-black dress top, black dress pants or a black skirt/ dress that falls below the knee while sitting, and black dress shoes and socks. PLEASE DO NOT WEAR TANK TOPS, BLACK JEANS, LEGGINGS, SNEAKERS OR FLIP FLOPS

*If you have any concerns or difficulties, please feel free to reach out to me!*

Senior Awards: Students (senior music students) who are considered for the annual music awards, are selected on the basis of participation, citizenship, and musicianship in the music department over the entire four years in the JGHS program. Decisions are made by the whole JGHS music faculty.

Extracurricular Orchestral Opportunities:

Chamber Knights: Students who have attained a level 5 or higher at NYSSMA on their orchestral instrument, and demonstrate outstanding citizenship during rehearsal may be invited to participate in Chamber Knights. This club meets after school on Thursdays and performs throughout the school year.

Tri-M: Tri-M is an international music honor society. In order to be considered for this club, students must have an A in their ensemble, and at least a B for their overall GPA. Students must also have received a rating of A or A+ on level 5 or 6 at NYSSMA. Students who received an “Outstanding” on Level 4 may be considered under special circumstances. More information will be provided later in the year.

NYSSMA: Students who wish to participate in the annual NYSSMA solo/ensemble festival are encouraged to take private lessons. Names of teachers are available upon request. If a student who does not study privately wishes to perform for NYSSMA, special lessons can be arranged.

Trips: School rules prevail on all trips. Students must have a 90% or above in their orchestra participation grade to be considered for trips. Any student who is on academic probation, failing a class, cut class, been suspended, or not approved by all three music teachers will not be allowed to participate.

Contact Information 

The best way to reach me is through my email: edana@elwood.k12.ny.us. I can also be reached through Remind, or GoogleClassroom by posting in the stream. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.