Orchestra Handbook

2025-26

Highland Park, Mesquite, Neely Traditional Orchestras

Cynthia Seagraves, Director of Orchestras

This handbook outlines the expectations and guidelines for our Orchestra program, including the grading system, concert dates, and much more. Please read through the handbook together before signing and returning the last page, then hold on to the handbook so you can refer to it throughout the year. The contract is due by Friday, August 1, 2025. You are welcome to print out the last page and submit a hard copy, or complete the online form. If you ever have a question, feel free to e-mail me at any time. Once again, welcome to orchestra!

Daily Schedule and Calendar

Each student will have orchestra twice per week, plus a Full Orchestra on most Wednesdays. Each class is 40 minutes long (30 minutes on Early Release Wednesdays). Schedules will be communicated through weekly, or bi-weekly, emails. Schedules will also be posted in the orchestra room at school.

Grading System ~ NOTE: band and orchestra classes moved to standards based grading for the 2023-24 school year. Please read the following information carefully and contact me with any questions.

Band/Strings students are graded quarterly. Each student will earn Standards-Based grades for two Priority Standards, which are aligned with Arizona standards in music. Priority Standard 1 focuses on the student’s instrument technique and playing ability. Priority Standard 2 will indicate the student’s progress in reading music. Each student will also earn Work Habit grades based on daily tasks and concert performance.

Priority Standard 1: Performs notes and rhythms accurately with a characteristic sound, while utilizing proper instrument technique, posture, instrument position, and hand position.

Priority Standard 2: Proficiently and independently identifies and describes written pitches, rhythms, terms, and symbols encountered in music.

Standards-Based Grading Key:

4 = Highly Proficient

3 = Proficient

2 = Partially Proficient

1 = Minimally Proficient

No grade indicates that Standard was not assessed during the grading period

Work Habit 1: Daily preparation and participation

Work Habit 2: Concert performance

Work Habit Grading Key:

E = Excellent

S = Satisfactory

NI = Needs Improvement

No grade indicates that Work Habit was not assessed during the grading period

Classroom Participation/Work Habit 1:

Code of Conduct:

Be responsible
Be respectful
Be ready to learn
Be kind

Classroom Routines:

Be set up on time
Stay in seat unless given permission
Raise your hand and wait to be called on
No food, gum, candy, or drinks (water is okay)

Consequences:

Step 1 - Reminder

Step 2 - Lose 5 points

Step 3 - Lose 5 more points, put instrument away, parents will be contacted.

Step 4 - Sent to the Principal's office. Parents will be contacted.

Note: The teacher reserves the right to skip to a stronger consequence for severe disruptions.

Concert Attendance Requirements

Our concerts allow your children to demonstrate their new skills. Each orchestra will have at least two evening concerts during the year (with a third evening concert for 6th Grade). Orchestra members are required to attend each performance and stay for the entire concert. Grade points are earned in the Assessment category. Points will not be earned for an unexcused absence.

Except for emergencies, an absence from a performance can only be excused by a note or phone call from a parent, received by the instructor, no later than one week before the performance. In the case of emergencies, a note/phone call from a parent should be received as soon as possible. A note/phone call does not automatically excuse a student's absence. The instructor reserves the right to determine whether or not the absence is excused. A make-up assignment or concert will be assigned for concert absences.

You will find this year's concert dates on the concert dates page on this site, listed by school. Please block these nights out on your family calendar and try to avoid planning any other activities. You might even find time to go out for a treat after the concert to honor your young musician!

Students are only required to attend the concerts for their school and grade level.

Practicing

Practicing at home is necessary for a student to be successful and progress on their instrument. Each student is expected to practice in order to achieve different levels of performance throughout the year. Practicing will be evaluated by assessment of playing ability using playing tests throughout the year. Although there is no specific assignment that needs to be turned in for a grade regarding practicing, students are expected to practice an average of 4 days per week. A typical practice session should last 10-15 minutes, although more is always allowed! Students will be assessed using playing tests, either in class or by video, throughout the year.

Instruments and Accessories

Instruments can be rented and/or purchased from music dealers in the area. Local music stores can provide you with information about rental fees and rent-to-own options. You are encouraged to shop around for a quality instrument and the best rates. To obtain a good quality instrument, it is recommended to shop at qualified music dealers instead of a discount, department, or warehouse store or online auction site. Fifth grade students need their orchestra instruments and other materials by Thursday, July 31, 2025. Sixth grade students need their instruments and other materials by Monday, July 28, 2025. A few school-owned instruments are available for student use. Please complete the application as found in the handbook contract if interested and needed. Applications to use a school-owned instrument are due by August 1, 2025. If requesting a school instrument, you will be notified on or after August 2, 2025 regarding your application.

Lesson Books

The following book will be used throughout the year. Each student needs the book for his/her specific instrument. Please contact Mrs. Seagraves if you are unable to obtain a book.

All Grade Levels will be using these books:

Essential Elements for Strings, Book 1 (with the brown cover, NOT the red cover please)

Concert Tunes for Beginning Strings, Book 1

Thank you for your attention to the orchestra handbook. Please be sure to fill out the online handbook contract, or print a hard copy. The link for the contract is https://forms.gle/vPFNntdaSw7kuMzJ7

Students MUST fill out the contract with a parent.

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