Since this was my first time ever running a beginning orchestra ensemble, safety and routine were of utmost importance to Fourth Grade Orchestra. However, what that looked like evolved over time. In the first few weeks, I used a song I created to have students sing the end of class procedure. The song was a call and response, structured by me asking where is something going and the students answering as a group. For example, "where's the music going? In my folder, in my folder." I found, however, that this was not a productive use of our cleaning up time. I decided I needed to focus on having a musical means of getting their attention between activities to regroup. By the first month of Orchestra, I would play our Peanut Butter Sandwich rhythm which would let students know I needed them to be in rest position. This strategy worked so well I began implementing it in my third grade lessons as well!

There is a completely different goal in a high school ensemble. These students have been in large performing groups for years. It is my job then to give them the closest replica of professional music groups (not just professional orchestra but popular musicians as well). To facilitate this, the A drone is playing at the start of class for students to tune to. The board also has the list of music that will be played, so students can begin warming up, as well as announcements, so students know what is coming up for assignments, concerts, etc. (See the document below for reference.) At 12:17 sharp, I stand on the podium and beat each note of the D major scale, one octave, for the students. If folks are not in their seats and playing at this point, they are marked late. This procedure was taken from Dr. Mark Skaba's approach and has applied beautifully for this year's orchestra entrance routine.