Northern High School

This page contains information related to the orchestra students at Northern High School.  The classroom expectations, performance responsibilities, grading procedures, and other important guidelines are included.   

Web Assignment

All students need to complete the beginning-of-the-year web assignment.   Please click here to complete assignment (due Tuesday, September 3).  See the "Home" page or "Breaking News" page to print a hard copy of assignment instructions.

IMPORTANT DATES

Here are the important events and activities planned for this school year.  All concerts will feature the combined Symphony and Concert string orchestras.  Students are expected at each performance.  NOTE: All dates are subject to change.

ORCHESTRA GUIDE

Here are guidelines and information for students at Northern High School.  Please read and familiarize yourself with its contents.  

CLASS ROUTINE, MATERIALS & EQUIPMENT

EXPECTATIONS

Here is what we expect of all orchestra students every day:

Rehearse smartly:

Electronic Devices

New FHPS policy states that phones and other personal electronic devices are not permitted in the classroom.  If for any reason there is a need for a device, we will schedule time in one of the computer labs.

INSTRUMENT

Owning a quality instrument makes playing in orchestra a better experience.  All students should own, or be renting to own a personal instrument.  Cellists and bassists can keep their instrument at home and use a school-owned instrument for school rehearsals, but should use their home instrument for performances.  If your think your instrument is in need of repair, please see Mr. K first.  Some repairs are simple and can be done at school; others will need to be sent to a qualified repairperson.

ACCESSORIES

Each FHN Orchestra student should have the following supplies.  These supplies can be purchased at most local instrument dealers.

We also recommend getting an extra set of strings (less necessary for bass).

FOLDER & MUSIC

All of the music that you will be using at school is the property of FHPS.  All students must treat music as if it were a textbook and therefore be responsible for any damage.  Free music folders are provided to assist in keeping music in good condition.  Worn out folders may be exchanged for a new folder at any time.


GRADING

Every student is responsible for the grade he or she receives in orchestra.  Your grade something that is earned by you and not given to you by your teacher.  Your grade will be based on:

PERFORMANCE

Performing is an essential part of your musical education.  Students are expected to attend and participate in all required performances in order to achieve full credit.  In the event that there is an unavoidable conflict and you are unable to attend a performance, you should notify your director well in advance of the performance (do not wait until the day of the concert).  Should an emergency prevent you from performing at a concert (e.g., illness, family emergency), please contact your teacher by email or phone as soon as possible.  Any absence from a performance must be explained through a note from a parent/guardian.  A missed performance must be made up by arrangement with your teacher in order to achieve credit.  

Concert Attire

As an orchestra we want to demonstrate excellence in our visual appearance as well as in our performance.  To do this, all FHN orchestra students should adhere to a set standard.  There are a limited number of school-owned uniforms available upon request.

PLAYING TESTS

Students will be evaluated on their performance skills through playing tests.  Material for the tests will be selected from scales, exercises or repertoire.  Playing tests will be announced in advance, allowing students enough time to prepare.  

CLASSWORK & HOMEWORK

Students may be given occasional assignments to complete during class.  Assignments not completed during class should be completed at home and return to school.  These assignments may include music theory or music history worksheets, or assignments on other music related topics.  

Practice

Home practice is an important component of the orchestra program at FHN and is expected of all students.  Simply stated, if you want to get better at playing your instrument, you must practice on a regular basis.  As high school students you are not required to turn in practice records.  However, you are still expected to practice regularly in order to prepare for rehearsals, playing tests, auditions, and performances. 


EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

HALLOWEEN CONCERT

Each year the FHN Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and Northern Singers perform an annual concert for the Forest Hills community.  This is a short concert featuring fun music, costumes and a reception after the performance.  Tell your friends and family so we have a packed house for the concert.

NORTHERN TALENT/VARIETY SHOW

Northern hosts a talent/variety show every other year.  Orchestra students should consider participating as a soloist or as a member of a small ensemble.  One of the categories is best classical performance, but string players can also perform in one of the other categories also.  Don’t miss out on a great opportunity!

SOLO & ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL

Each year students may elect to participate in the MSBOA District Solo & Ensemble Festival.  Sign-up for events will take place in the fall and fees will be due shortly after sign-up has been completed ($10 for solo, $12 for duet, $14 for trio, $16 for quartet, $18 for quintet).  Specific performance times are typically not issued until 1-2 weeks prior to the event.  Students should keep their schedules flexible on the day of the festival to make room for their assigned time.  Students that receive the highest rating (a Division I rating) are eligible to participate at the State Solo & Ensemble Festival.

MASTERWORKS & SOIREE CONCERTS

Every year our students participate in a special rehearsal with a guest conductor at Northern High School, followed by a performance at the Fine Arts Center featuring our orchestra and the orchestras from Central and Eastern High Schools.  This is a great opportunity to show off our talents.

SPRING CONCERT & SENIOR SOLO PERFORMANCES

Prior to our Spring Concert we will have a special dinner sponsored by our Orchestra Boosters.  The dinner will be for graduating seniors, their parents and family members.  It will be located in one of the classrooms at the Fine Arts Center.  Our Spring Concert has also traditionally featured select senior class members performing a solo concerto movement of their choice with the orchestra.  Seniors who are interested in performing a solo at the concert should determine what piece they will play by the end of the first quarter (end of October).

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

PRIVATE LESSONS

While regular home practice will help each student to make steady progress, private lessons will help a student learn at an accelerated pace.  The benefits of one-on-one instruction with a private teacher can enhance a student’s technique and musicianship to a great degree.  Over the years, many FHN Orchestra students have taken the opportunity to receive private instruction.  There is a list of private teachers available upon request from your director.

YOUTH ORCHESTRAS

We are fortunate to have two outstanding youth orchestra programs in Grand Rapids.  The Grand Rapids Youth Symphony is sponsored by the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra and rehearses Monday evenings through out the school year.  Auditions are in the Spring.  You can find out more information by going to www.grsymphony.org/grs/affiliates/youth-symphony-classical-orchestra.

There are also outstanding youth orchestras sponsored by the St. Cecilia Music Center (rehearsals are also on Monday evenings).  Auditions for this school year are in early September (and later in January for the Spring session, and again in June for the following school year).  You can find out more about their youth programs by going to scmc-online.org/school-of-music.

HONORS ORCHESTRAS

Each year there are a few opportunities for select members of the Symphony Orchestra to participate in nomination-based honors orchestras (GVSU String Leadership Orchestra; Meyer All-Star Orchestra).  Please see Mr. K if you are interested.

SUMMER MUSIC CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS

One of the many wonderful opportunities the Forest Hills Northern Orchestra Boosters provide for FHN students are scholarships to attend summer music programs.  A list of area music camps and a scholarship application form is available on the Orchestra Website.  The audition date is indicated in the Orchestra calendar.

NEW YORK TRIP

Registered students and parents will be able to attend our bi-annual trip to New York City in November.  We will attend a few shows and concerts, in addition to sightseeing and shopping in one of the world's great cultural centers.