Myers Park High School has two orchestra classes: Symphonic and Chamber. A previously existing third class, Concert Orchestra, has been dissolved as of the beginning of the 2023-24 school year.
Both Symphonic and Chamber require students to choose their respective orchestra class as an elective during course registration. Chamber Orchestra requires the director's approval and/or an audition.
Additionally, IB Music SL 1 was added to the Myers Park curriculum as of the 2023-24 school year. This is a 2-year program for juniors only and can be taken at the same time as orchestra, counting as one class.
This page will discuss the shared aspects and expectations of the syllabus for all string classes.
The following syllabus contains pertinent information regarding our MP Orchestra Program. We will review the information in class, as some policies and procedures may be different from those of years past. Students, please share this handbook with your parent/guardian. Parent communication and support are crucial to the success of our program. Parents/guardians, please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Instrument and Bow in proper working condition
Rosin
Soft cloth for cleaning
Shoulder Rest or Sponge (violin and viola players)
Rock stop or strap (cello and bass players)
Extra Strings
Mute
Orchestra Folder (this will be provided)
PENCIL (No pens, please!)
Exhibit the highest level of RESPECT and KINDNESS for everyone.
Participate FULLY in each class.
Come prepared to every class with all required materials.
No gum, food, or drinks (except water) are allowed in the classroom.
Be punctual for class, go to your assigned seat, unpack and store belongings under or alongside your chair (not in the aisle-way).
Use warm-up time effectively by tuning (smartphones may be not used for tuning, unless otherwise stated by the director) and reviewing scales and repertoire.
Refrain from talking and playing when the director is on the podium.
Raise your hand if you have a question or wish to contribute to class discussion. Do not interrupt the director or fellow classmates.
Exhibit good posture by sitting up straight and keeping both feet on the floor.
Keep fingernails short, as long fingernails will inhibit the proper development of left hand technique
Take personal accountability for keeping the facilities neat and clean. Properly dispose of trash and store instruments/music on the shelves or in the storage room.
Most importantly, come to class with a POSITIVE ATTITUDE!
Cell Phone Policy
Per the CMS cell phone policy initiated by the Superintendent this year, cell phone use is not permitted in the classroom for any reason. Students will put their phones in a secure holder at the beginning of the class period and exchange it for a tuner. If a student uses a cell phone during the class period without express permission of the director, the first instance will prompt a warning, the second will result in confiscation of the device.
Restroom Privileges
Students will be allowed to use the restroom during class for emergencies only. Students may not use the restroom during the first or last 10 minutes of the class period. Students are to raise their hands, request permission, and take the hall pass located at the front of the classroom. Only one student is permitted to leave the room at a time. The director reserves the right to limit and/or suspend restroom visits to any student who abuses the privilege.
Attendance Policy
It is very important that students attend class each day. Orchestra is a performance-based class and it is only through participation that students will learn and develop technique and musicianship. The overall success of the orchestra depends on each individual student’s participation.
Students will be held accountable to the MPHS attendance policy. In the event of an absence, the student is responsible for inquiring about missed work and is responsible for completing all such work. Incomplete work will result in a loss of points, and a grade of zero will be given for assignments that students fail to submit.
Class Participation (Prepare - 20%): Attend class with all required materials, be engaged, and have a positive attitude.
Practice Videos/Listening Assignments (Rehearse - 30%): Practice makes perfect! Bi-weekly videos demonstrating your practice methods will be required. Occasionally you will have to complete listening assignments, where you will listen to music excerpts, write a summary, and/or answer research questions.
Playing Assessments (Perform - 50%): Assigned scales, exercises, and passages from repertoire will be formally assessed by the director (minimum of once per quarter).
Concerts (Perform - 50%): Orchestra is a performance-based class; all concerts are required.
Option 1:
Black dress (sleeves must cover the upper arm and be at a minimum of elbow length and neckline must be no lower than collarbone. Length must be below the knee when sitting in a chair) OR
Black blouse (sleeves must cover the upper arm and be at a minimum of elbow length and neckline must be no lower than collarbone) WITH
Black skirt (length must be below the knee when sitting in a chair) OR
Black pants (No jeans, jeggings, or athletic pants, please!) AND
Black dress shoes (No sandals, please!)
Option 2:
Black tuxedo with black bow tie, OR
Black suit with white dress shirt and black bow tie, AND
Black dress shoes.
Attire must adhere to CMS dress code policies. Students who violate the dress code will lose points towards their concert grade. If a student is dressed in a manner deemed disrespectful or inappropriate, the director reserves the right to prohibit the student from performing in the concert.
Arrive punctually at the assigned concert call.
Warm up in the designated area only.
Process onto the stage quietly and orderly.
Display good posture at all times.
Refrain from talking as EVERYTHING is audible and visible to the audience.
Exercise extreme focus and concentration in producing the highest quality performance possible.
Follow the director’s cues in acknowledging the audience.
Be engaged audience members in support of classmates who may be performing in other ensembles.
Help with the set-up and breakdown, as this too, is part of a concert production.
In the event that a student is absent from a concert, the student must complete an alternative concert project to substitute for the concert grade (perform grade).
Students will perform several selected excerpts from the concert repertoire for the director.
Students will write a research paper and/or create a Google Slides presentation (length to be determined by the director) on an assigned topic relating to the concert program, (i.e. composer, piece, style period, and/or instrument).
Students will share the presentation on the assigned topic with the class.
As in previous years, some after-school rehearsals will be scheduled whenever multiple ensembles combine for performances. I will do my very best to give at least 2 weeks' notice before these rehearsals so that students and families have time to prepare.
Unless otherwise stated, we will have a dress rehearsal the day of each MPHS concert from 2:30-4:00 pm, for which attendance is expected. If for any reason a student must be absent from the dress rehearsal, please inform Mr. Freeman in advance.
The instrument storage area is a space available to all orchestra students for the storage of their instruments. It is important that we all take responsibility for the cleanliness and safety of this area.
Please attach a name tag to your personal instrument.
Store instruments in available shelving spaces and racks only.
Be advised that there are no provisions for individual locks.
School Owned Instruments
MPHS owns several string instruments that may be available for student use. The following is required:
Only students assigned to a particular instrument may use that instrument.
Respect and care must always be exercised when handling any instrument.
Students and a parent/guardian must sign a loan contract from CMS that is legally binding.
Agree to assume financial responsibility for any damage incurred or repairs (other than normal maintenance) that are necessary for the duration of usage.
Student Owned Instruments
Students are responsible for their own instruments at ALL times.
Instruments should only be stored in the designated storage areas.
All student instruments must clearly be marked with the student’s name.
Students must give the director the instrument’s maker and serial number.
The school does not have insurance to cover the loss or damage of student instruments or property (store at your own risk).