Orchestra policies

ATTENDANCE AND GRADING

Music is a team sport, and the presence of every member of the team is crucial to its success. “Work” and “homework” are NOT considered excusable absences for credit-earning students. Musicians wishing to request an excused absence must contact the instructor BEFORE the rehearsal in question. Musicians absent from a rehearsal for an unexcused reason will receive a deduction of one whole letter grade. Additionally, musicians who miss more than two rehearsals in a quarter (regardless of whether the absences are excused or unexcused) MAY be ineligible to participate in the final performance. Missing the final performance will result in an “F” grade.

Absences will be excused in the following circumstances:

• Illness/injury (medical note required)

• Religious obligations

• Funerals or weddings within the immediate family

• Required educational activities

• Exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the instructor

Please note that musicians who have been away from the orchestra for FIVE OR MORE CONSECUTIVE QUARTERS may be asked to re-audition.

PERFORMANCE ATTIRE

All-black for EVERY musician:

• Top: All-black dressy shirt with shoulders covered and appropriate necklines. All-black coat optional.

• Bottom: Black dress pants, floor-length black skirt or dress with black hose.

• Shoes/Socks: All black socks or hose, closed-toe black dress shoes

• Accessories: Kept to a minimum and NO perfume or cologne.

REHEARSAL AND PERFORMANCE CONDUCT

Rehearsal Conduct

• Arrive at least 15 minutes early and be seated, tuned, and ready to play at the start of rehearsal.

• Be prepared to play (knowing one’s part, reviewing rehearsal notes) for every rehearsal.

• Tune carefully.

• Be silent while other sections tune and rehearse.

• Maintain concert standards of etiquette, posture, and attentiveness.

• Limit distractions of all kinds.

• If you arrive late, unpack outside the room, and wait for a suitable opportunity to enter.

Performance Conduct

• Be respectful of KJM, SPSCC, and WCPA staff.

• Maintain a professional stage presence. Be aware of the impact of posture, page-turns, unnecessary speech, and movement on stage. Keep unnecessary cases and paraphernalia off stage.

• Turn cell phones off prior to taking the stage. Absolutely no cell phone or other electronic device usage while on the KJM stage.

SYLLABUS INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS

Course Catalog Description

Covers rehearsal and performance of standard and contemporary orchestral repertoire. Appropriate for musicians proficient on orchestral instruments. Open by audition to students and community members. Public performance required. Credits from this course count towards ensemble requirements for the Associate in Music (DTA). Prerequisite: Instructor permission

Course-Level Student Outcomes

• Perform a wind, percussion, or string instrument with an acceptable tone quality, pitch and rhythmic accuracy, dynamic control, articulation, and expressiveness (C)

• Demonstrate, through performance, an understanding of the appropriate style of playing for orchestral music from various historical periods (T)

• Analyze the basic elements of music in a given piece

• Demonstrate, through performance, a basic understanding of form, aesthetic properties, and artistic, social, and historical context

College-Wide Abilities

• Communicate effectively (C)

• Think logically and critically (T)