8th Grade High School Credit
Orchestra 1/ Orchestra 1 Honors Class Syllabus
League Academy Orchestra
Teacher: Rebecca Leonard
Email: rleonard@greenvilleschools.us;
Google Site: https://sites.google.com/greenvilleschools.us/leagueacademyorchestra
Class Phone Number: 864-355-8126
Class Schedule: 2nd Period, 9:05-9:58
3th Period, 10:00-10:52
Method Books: Essential Technique 3 (Green Book), Habits of a Successful String Musician, Suzuki Book 3or higher depending upon student ability
Course Description:
Orchestra 1and Orchestra 1 Honors, is a course in playing the violin, viola, cello, or bass. The class is designed to address students who have had at least two years of prior instruction on a string instrument. In addition to addressing performance skills on the instrument the string orchestra classes at League Academy are designed to promote a full understanding of music theory. It should be understood that this syllabus contains a list of topics in the order in which they are presented. However, the study of each musical concept continues throughout the year as the students apply these skills to exercises and performance selections. In addition to class orchestra selections, this year we will be including small ensemble selections to allow for differentiated instruction. We will also incorporate music technology using notation software and instructional software. Classroom assignments address all of the National and State Standards on a regular basis. Included is a brief listing of the National Standards.
National Core Arts Standards: pages 276-371
Artistic Processes: Creating-I can use the elements of music to communicate new musical ideas and works.
Artistic Processes: Performing-I can perform a variety of music with fluency and expression
Artistic Processes: Responding-I can respond to musical ideas as a performer and listener
Artistic Processes: Connecting-I can relate musical ideas to personal experiences, cultures, history, and other disciplines.
Class Objectives:
The advanced string student should be able to demonstrate the following:
Correct vibrato
Basic shifting to 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th positions
First, third, and fourth finger extensions
Two Octave Scales
Lower level Three Octave Scales
Instrument tuning using fifths and harmonics
Sightread music in 2/4,3/4, 4/4 and 6/8
Rhythms containing triplets and basic syncopation
Bowing with detached slurs, spiccato, martele, and tremolo
Describe and write relative major and minor keys
Identify intervals visually and aurally
Construct tonic, subdominant, and dominant triads
Define vocabulary in method book and orchestral selections
Topics of Study
First Quarter
Refining Instrument hold and Bow Technique
Refining Tone and Vibrato
Listening Skills-Rhythmic and Melodic
Half Steps and Whole Steps in Third Position
Major Scale Review/Minor Scales & Forms
Natural Harmonics
Shifting Technique
Guided Listening-Standard Orchestral Literature
Composers and Time periods of Music History
First Quarter
Refining Instrument hold and Bow Technique
Refining Tone and Vibrato
Listening Skills-Rhythmic and Melodic
Half Steps and Whole Steps in Third Position
Major Scale Review/Minor Scales & Forms
Natural Harmonics
Shifting Technique
Guided Listening-Standard Orchestral Literature
Composers and Time periods of Music History
Third Quarter
Major Keys and Scales-3 Octaves
Relative Minor Keys and Scales
Spiccato, Louree, Special Effects
Writing Minor Scales
Triads and Harmony
Fourth Quarter
Music Composition
Performance Skills and Solos
Fifth Position
Three Octave Scales
Major/minor scales and intervals-continued
Materials Needed for Class:
Instrument of appropriate size and quality and a spare set of strings
Folding music stand (to be kept at home for practicing)
Shoulder rest (for violin or viola) or rock stop (for cello or bass)
Rosin, cloth, paper, and a pencil
½-1 inch binder for orchestra music
Pencil Pouch for binder
Essential Elements for Strings Book:
8th grade(Orchestra 1)-Essential Technique Book 3, Habits of a Successful String Musician; Suzuki Book 3 or higher (depending upon student level)
High School Orchestra Requirements:
All students enrolled in this class are required to participate in Solo and Ensemble. Students enrolled in Orchestra 1 Honors are required to audition and participate in (if chosen) Region and All-State Orchestra.
Classroom Expectations:
Expectations are a great way for us to set up our school year for success. Orchestra students are asked/ expected to do the following:
Be Respectful: Listen to the teacher and classmates, wait your turn to talk
Be Responsible: Come to class prepared and on time, ready to learn. Bring your instrument, binder, and accessories to each class.
Be Honest: If you don’t understand something, let your teacher know. We need to understand all of the material before moving on.
Be Polite: Treat people the way you want to be treated.
Grading Policy/ Practices:
Orchestra students earn their grade by the following:
In-Class Performance (Playing Tests/ Check)—Students will demonstrate their mastery of the skills and concert music taught in class by playing individually or in small groups as requested by the teacher. They will be evaluated on their pitch accuracy, rhythmic accuracy, tone quality, bowing/ articulation, tempo, consistency, posture, hand position, and musical preparation.
Homework —Students are expected to practice 20 minutes a day (100 minutes a week). Students who have a regular time and place to practice everyday will be better prepared for class and for tests.
Music Theory (Written Tests/ Quizzes)—Students will be given in-class and/ or homework assignments to be completed. All information on these sheets will be seen on a written test.
Concerts—Students are expected to attend all school concerts. Students will be graded on punctuality, behavior, and performance. If a student must be absent, a note must be given to the teacher explaining why the student was absent. Absences are only excused for severe illness or emergency. An alternate assignment will be required as Concerts are a major assessment. Transportation problems, sporting events, or homework are not viable excuses. Please plan ahead.
Ensemble Skills and Participation
Bring the appropriate materials to class
Hold the instrument with the correct posture and hand position
Rehearse and perform responsibly without creating distraction
Students can retake any playing test within a 9 weeks period for a higher grade. Check with teacher for morning time to retest.
Grading Scale:
A 90-100
B 80-89
C 70-79
D 60-69
F 59 and below