WKHS Orchestra Handbook

Orchestra Grading Policy

Major Assessments 

70% - playing tests, concert performances, and written assignments

Minor Assessments 

30% - classroom participation, practice logs, rehearsal preparedness

Late Work

If a student does not submit an assignment because of an excused absence, the student will be granted an extension up to 5 days from their return to complete the assignment for full credit.

Retakes

Retakes are allowed only for major assessments. They must be submitted before the end of the nine weeks. Students must notify the teacher when they have submitted a re-take. Final exams cannot be retaken.

Extra Credit

It is the LSD1 policy that no extra credit work is accepted.

Concert Attire

Students are required to wear Concert Black for all concerts. Students are free to choose the components of their dress black with the following guidelines:

• • • black dress pants, slacks, skirt, or dress (skirt length is at the knee or longer)

    • black dress shirt (collar, buttons, and long sleeves), sweater, or blouse

    • black socks

    • black shoes

    • black dress jackets, ties, or scarves to enhance are acceptable

Event Attendance

Orchestra members are required to attend rehearsals and performances assigned by the director. Important dates are listed on the orchestra calendar, but occasionally rehearsals and/or performances may be added during the school year. Check the orchestra calendar on the WKHS Orchestra website for updated information at any time.

Excused Rehearsal Absences

Illness or Death in the family - must have a note/email from parent

Special circumstances - at the discretion of director

Consequences of Unexcused Absences from Concerts

Students will receive a grade of zero for that performance and are required to forfeit their chair and be moved to the back of the section for at least one seating rotation.

After-school Rehearsals

Announced after-school rehearsals are required.  If a student cannot attend, they are expected to notify the director at least 24 hours in advance. If a student misses an after-school rehearsal without a valid excuse, that student may be asked not to participate in the upcoming performance or event.

Orchestra Room Procedures

The school-wide Discipline Plan is in effect during Orchestra events both during the school day and outside of school hours.  See the WKHS Student Handbook for the school-wide discipline plan.

• Follow Directions.

• Only water in sealable containers is allowed in the orchestra room. 

• Follow the behavior guidelines outlined in the WKHS student handbook.  Orchestra class is a privilege and student behavior expectations are HIGHER than those outside of orchestra class.

• ID's must be visible when entering and leaving the Orchestra room.

During Rehearsal

• Electronic devices should be put away before the tuning begins.  Once tuning begins, any open devices will constitute a cell phone violation.

• No book bags or instrument cases in the rehearsal area - leave them in the storage room or against the wall.

• Always have your materials ready in orchestra class - Folder / Instrument / Rosin / Pencil / Shoulder Rest

• Principal players oversee bowings; section players should mark bowings that the principal players are using.

• If asked to mark something, it is your responsibility to mark! 

• Pay attention, even when your section is resting. Bowings and things often apply to more than one section.

• Be responsible for the music that is on your page.  Play out and most of all, have fun!

Discipline Plan

Minor Violations (inappropriate comments, food or drink, cell phone violation, horseplay, disruptive behavior, etc...)

• • 1st time = Warning

  • 2nd time = Conference with student

  • 3rd time = Parent contact

  • 4th time = Office Referral

Severe Violations (disobedience, leaving class without permission, profanity, failure to stay after class for a conference, etc...)

• • 1st time = Office Referral

Lettering

Orchestra students may earn a Varsity Letter by going above and beyond everyday classroom participation.  It is the student's responsibility to keep track of activities, complete the letter form and return it to me so that I can order the letters for presentation at the end of the school year.

Auditions / Seatings

All chair seating is at the discretion of the Orchestra Director.  There will be at least 2 major chair auditions during the school year.  The first will be in September and will determine the seating for the majority of the first semester.  Auditions are graded by rubric.  

Not all playing tests are chair auditions.  Demotions can occur for things such as poor rehearsal etiquette, missed rehearsals, missed concerts, poor attendance, etc....  Promotions can occur for exemplary performance.

Booster Club

The WKHS Orchestra is fortunate to have the support of a small, but dedicated group of parents whose goal is to work to make things such as trips, fundraisers, banquets, and other events possible. 

If you are an orchestra parent and are interested in helping us to have events such as these, please let the director know.

Note on writing checks to the booster club: any returned checks written to the WKHS Orchestra Booster Club will be charged a $30 returned check fee to cover the fees charged by the bank.  Please make sure that there is enough money to cover checks written to the Orchestra Booster Club.

Required Materials for Orchestra Class

Method Book

Students will receive copies of either Habits of a Successful String Musician or String Basics Book 3 or Essential Technique depending on which class they are in.  These copies are to be kept in the student's orchestra folder.  Students may purchase a home copy of these books from a local music store such as Musician's Supply in Lexington or order online.

Violins / Violas

Lexington District One requires all violin and viola students to provide their own instruments for use in the school orchestra.  WKHS owns a few violins and violas for extreme need situations, but these are very limited and not guaranteed.  Please contact the director for further details.

Cellos / Basses

Cellos and Basses will be provided for all students to use in class.  These instruments must remain at school and cannot be taken home for practice.  Lexington District One has a limited supply of cellos and basses available for rent.  Students that wish to take an instrument home for home practice must sign the rental agreement and pay a $20 rental fee.  A rental fee is only required for students wishing to take an instrument home and leave it there for practice purposes.  If a student does not own an instrument or rent one from an outside agency it is highly recommended that they rent a school-owned instrument to keep up with assignments at home.

Materials required for orchestra class daily

Instrument

Pencil

Shoulder Rest (violin / viola)

Binder for practice copies

Communication

The best way to reach the director is by email.  The WKHS Orchestra office phone is the second best.  If you would like to meet in person feel free to schedule an appointment.  Also, parents feel free to visit our classroom and observe what's going on!  Audiences are always welcome.

Collin D. Richardson, M.M.E.

White Knoll High School Orchestra Director

cdrichardson1@lexington1.net