AMS Orchestra

Welcome to orchestra at Ashland Middle School! This page is to share the important information that you need to know. If you have any questions, you can contact me using my email or Bloomz.

What is needed for class

• Essential Elements: We will continue to use Essential Elements books for warm ups.

  • 6th grade will finish book one and move into book two

  • 7th grade will finish book two

  • 8th grade will go through book three

• Other Music: students will practice additional music outside of the Essential Elements Book that is provided to them. This is what we play for our concerts.

• Instrument in working order

• The necessary accessories for the instrument (this includes rosin, a cleaning cloth, violins and violas need a shoulder rest or sponge, cellos need a rock stop)

• Clipped fingernails. Long nails or fake nails can cause repetitive stress injury. Students must have their nails clipped for orchestra.

• A pencil

Grades

• Daily: 5 points

  • Having your instrument, having your music/materials, participating as expected in class, putting in the appropriate amount of effort, and being respectful during rehearsal are each worth a point each day. Failure to do any of these will result in a loss of that point

  • No instrument is an automatic 0 for the day

  • Students will complete makeup assignments to make up 3/5 points for the day in the event that a student does not have their instrument/does not play. Failure to complete these assignments within the class period will mean 0 points for the day

• Workbook: 15 points

  • there will be a workbook for students that is kept in the classroom containing short worksheets we will do intermittently throughout the school year. Each of these assignments should be completed within the class period

• Other Assignments (concert reflections, playing tests, etc.): 25 points

• Concert Attendance: 250 points

  • all absences will be required to complete a concert make-up assignment

  • excused absences can make up 100% of the points for the concert

  • unexcused absences can make up 70% of the points for the concert

  • all performances are required

Expectations in class

• Class will begin within five minutes of the bell ringing. There will be a timer available on the board to keep track of this. In those five minutes, students should completely unpack, get all materials for class and warmup/tune during that time.

• Participation expectations as outlined in the grading policy

• Respectful noise in the classroom includes only playing when expected to, silently listening while instruction is happening, and avoiding being disruptive with inappropriate playing (intentionally bad, screechy, etc.)

• No materials will be left out and all instruments, folders, music, and other materials will be put away at the end of class

Concerts

Please refer to the orchestra boosters calendar for concert dates. All performances for your grade level are required.

Students will need to arrive 30 minutes prior to the start of the concert. Students will meet in the Little Theater at the High School, the performance will take place in Archer Auditorium.

Students need to wear all black to the concert. This is called concert black attire, and is our “dress code” for concerts. Button downs, polos, blouses, skirts, dresses and dress pants are all acceptable. Please do not wear leggings, jeans, t shirts or hoodies. Any students or families who have concerns about the dress code may contact Ms. Taylor, there are solutions available for those who need it.

Excused vs Unexcused Absences and Concert Makeup Policy

Request for an excused absence (omitting emergencies) should be given at least 2 weeks in advance of the concert to the director via the Absence Request Form in order to be considered an excused absence.

Unexcused Absence- Missing a performance or outside of the school day rehearsal with no communication and/or approval of the director. Emergencies will later be excused if there is communication from the student and adult-at-home to the director. Please plan accordingly with work schedules. Missing because of work will not count as an excused absence.

Make-Up Assignment- Students will have the opportunity to complete a make-up assignment with an excused or unexcused absence. Students will receive the make-up assignment form from the director.

Students with approved absences can receive full credit for missed rehearsals/performances for completing the make-up assignment.

Students with unapproved absences may only achieve up to 70% (175/250) of the missed points for completing the make-up assignment.

If you have any other questions or concerns, feel free to contact me at any time. We’re so glad to have you as a member of the Ashland Orchestras, and I look forward to teaching you as a part of your musical journey!

-Ms. Taylor