This page contains information related to the orchestra students at Northern Trails 5/6 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 5).  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.  Students are expected at each of these rehearsals and concerts.  NOTE: All dates are subject to change.

• • December 18, 9:00-10:30am, Combined Rehearsal in NT Gym

  • December 18, 7:00pm, Winter Concert in Cafetorium at Northern Trails (students report @ 6:30pm to D House)

  • February TBA, 9:00-10:30am, Combined Rehearsal in NT Gym

  • March 14, 3:45-5:00, After School Rehearsal in NT Gym

  • March 15, 10:00-10:30am, "Fittings" Concert for 5th graders (not open to the public)

  • May 20, 9:00-10:30am, Combined Rehearsal in NT Gym

  • May 21, 3:45-5:00pm, After School Rehearsal in NT Gym

  • CHANGED... May 22, 7:00pm, Spring Concert at Fine Arts Center (students report @ 7:30pm to FAC Scene Shop)

NOTE:  All cellists and bassists will need to bring their home instruments for each of these events.

ORCHESTRA GUIDE

Here are guidelines and information for students at Northern Trails 5/6 School.  Please read and familiarize yourself with its contents.  

CLASS ROUTINE, MATERIALS & EQUIPMENT

EXPECTATIONS

• Be on time.  When you are released by your classroom teacher to come to music, don’t delay (make sure you use the restroom before you come to class).

• Bring these things to class every day:

  • Instrument (if you play violin or viola)

  • Music

  • Pencil

• Find out what are we doing for class by looking on the front board and get yourself ready.

• Bathroom Use

  • All students should do their best to use the bathroom before coming to class, OR wait until class is over.

• Rehearse smartly:

  • Be polite and quiet

  • Do not talk or play out of turn

  • If you have a question, raise your hand, then wait to be called upon

• Treat all equipment and supplies with care (including music stands).

• Pack up carefully when class ends.

REMEMBER: Orchestra meets on MONDAY & WEDNESDAY each week.  It is important that you remember when you have orchestra and to bring your materials (instrument, music, pencil) on the correct day!

YOUR INSTRUMENT

Violin and Viola players need to:

• • Transport your instrument to and from school

  • Have an identification tag or sticker on your instrument

  • Store your instrument in your homeroom when you’re not in music class

Cello and Bass players need to:

• • Keep your instrument at home for practice; use your school instrument for class

  • Have an identification tag or sticker on your instrument to help identify it 

Repairs

If something is broken or out of place, please see Mr. K immediately.   Simple repairs can be taken care of at school (fallen bridge, chin-rest sliding off, etc.).  Complex repairs will need to be handled by a professional repair technician

Do you have a broken string?  We have extra strings for students that rent their instrument from Meyer Music.  We can replace your broken string quickly, so please don’t take your instrument to the dealer to have them replace your string.

SUPPLIES

BOOK:  You will need to own Essentials Elements for Strings, Book 1 for your instrument (violin, viola, cello or bass).   You are encouraged to get the CD’s or mp3 files to use as practice aides.

ACCESSORIES:

• • Rosin

  • A Cleaning Cloth (to wipe off the rosin dust)

  • A Pencil

  • A Shoulder Pad (violin & viola); Endpin Stopper or Strap (cello & bass)

  • A Folding Music Stand (for good posture when practicing)

  • All of these supplies can be acquired at your favorite instrument store.

GRADING

You will be graded in the following areas:

LEARNING BEHAVIORS: (1) Demonstrating a positive and cooperative attitude, (2) Meeting class practice objectives, (3) Demonstrating individual effort & (4) Demonstrating effort as a member of an ensemble

MUSIC LEARNING STANDARDS: (1) Demonstrating proper posture, (2) Producing correct tone quality, (3) Demonstrating correct individual and ensemble rhythm, (4) Producing correct pitches and proper intonation, (5) Demonstrating ability to read music notation & (6) Demonstrating an understanding of music terminology

Assessments include performances, practice records, playing tests, and class work.

PERFORMANCES

All students are expected to perform at our concerts.  Performances are very important to everyone’s music experience.  It is essential that all students attend performances.  ALL CONCERTS ARE REQUIRED!

• • Can’t attend at concert?  Notify Mr. K in advance of the performance so we can plan ahead.

  • Emergency on the day of the concert?  Please contact Mr. K by phone (493-8990) or email (mkotchenruther@fhps.net).  

  • Absent from a concert?  Any absence from a performance must be explained through a written note from a parent/guardian.  A missed performance must be made up by arrangement with Mr. K in order to receive credit.  

We will occasionally have an after school rehearsal to prepare for a concert.  It is important that all students attend these rehearsals.  Please consult the calendar to know when those rehearsals are scheduled.

Concert Attire

Here’s what you need to wear for our concerts:

• • A nice dress shirt (NO T-shirts or sweatshirts or athletic clothing)

  • Dress pants or skirt (NO jeans or sweat pants)

  • Dress socks & dress shoes

  • Modest, if any, jewelry (don’t let it get in the way of your playing)

NOTE: Girls playing cello or bass should consider wearing pants rather than a skirt in order to be able to sit comfortably to play the instrument properly

HOME PRACTICE

Students are required to practice regularly at home.  There will be regular practice assignments posted on Canvas.  Assignments will include exercises and songs from their method book, Essential Elements.  Each practice assignment will require you to fill out a Google form to verify your work.

PLAYING TESTS

There will be regular playing tests.  You will have approximately one week’s notice before the test.  The test will be on material you are learning in class.

ACTIVITIES, EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES

SUMMER MUSIC CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS

Going to a summer music camp?  Try out for a Northern Orchestra Boosters Scholarship.  The audition date is in the spring and indicated on the Orchestra calendar.  A list of area music camps and a scholarship application form is available on the Orchestra Website.

PRIVATE LESSONS

This is a great way to learn your instrument at an accelerated pace and become a real “hot shot.”  See Mr. K for a list of Private Teachers.