The success of an orchestra depends on how it rehearses, which is determined by the conduct and cooperation of its members. Students are asked to be attentive, patient and cooperative in following these classroom rules:
1. Each student should enter the on time room with a positive attitude. Upon entering the room, students will immediately take their assigned seat and get ready for the day’s agenda.
2. Each student must respect his/her instrument and music as well as those of others.
3. Students will refrain from excessive talking and practicing while the director is at the podium teaching and rehearsing.
4. No food, candy, gum or beverages will be tolerated.
5. Students must have their instrument, music,& pencil
6. Musicians who sit in an incorrect manner &/or have very long fingernails play poorly. Students will be expected to play with correct posture and position at all times.
7. Orchestra is a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, exploring music of different backgrounds – Music is a cross-cultural medium. People from around the world have been documenting and expressing their life experiences through music for thousands of years. It is our privilege and duty as musicians to learn and perform as many different types of music as possible. Some of the music explored in orchestra will be religious in nature. A large portion of Western music was composed for religious settings. While it IS my intent to expose students to as many varieties of music as possible, it is NOT my intent to impose beliefs upon any student. Students should consider each piece for the musical and cultural relevance that it possesses. If a student feels that they simply cannot rehearse/perform a piece in sound conscience, please talk to me in private as soon as the issue arises and other arrangements will be made in order for the student to have an altered assignment.