***************************************************************************************************************************** Wayland Middle School Orchestra Handbook
Mrs. Whitney Tandon, Orchestra Director
Whitney_Tandon@waylandps.org
COURSE DESCRIPTION Orchestra class will be an opportunity for intermediate string players (grade 6- 8) to develop and refine their individual and ensemble techniques. Students will broaden their knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of music (scales, keys, rhythms, dynamics and expression symbols) as well as techniques specific to stringed instruments (shifting, vibrato, bowing styles). We will perform in at least four concerts a year, which will include performance opportunities outside of the middle school setting. Through these rehearsals, performances and technique study, orchestra members will become discerning listeners and will, hopefully, foster a lifelong appreciation of music.
CLASS SCHEDULE
• 6th grade Orchestra meets during “Flex” on B & D days.
• 7th/8th Grade Orchestra meets during “Flex” on C & E days.
In addition to regular rehearsals, some study blocks will sometimes be utilized as time for “orchestra workshops”, or extra work on orchestral music and skill development on the instrument. These will be mostly for 6th grade; more information will be provided. They will not happen with any regularity, unfortunately, because Ms. Tandon's schedule does not allow that with travel between schools.
SUPPLIES
Each student should have the following at each orchestra rehearsal and workshop:
• Instrument and bow, well-maintained and properly sized. (Cellists/bassists will have school instruments to use during rehearsal, but will use their own instruments for practicing AND concerts!)
• Case WITH NAME LABELED
• Violins/violas: shoulder rest; cellists/bassists: anchor/rock stop
• In addition, the following items are necessary for home practice: Folding music stand, metronome/tuner, rosin, home copies of music
Please note that Johnson Strings makes service trips to Wayland every Friday. If you rent from Johnson Strings and need something from them, please let Ms. Tandon know and she will contact them.
CLASS PROCEDURES
Students are expected to arrive at class on time with instrument. Violins/violas should NOT be kept at school overnight. Cellists/bassists will be held accountable for improper care of their school instrument. Seating will rotate throughout sections until section leaders are identified. Assigned seating will be given a few weeks prior to each concert.
GRADING is standards-based and most emphasis is placed on effort, positive attitude, citizenship, enthusiasm, and respect. Semester grades will also reflect skill development and progress on class material. The following will adversely affect a student’s grade: lack of effort during class and/or preparation at home; disruptive behavior during class; regularly forgetting an instrument (violin/viola); lateness to class; improper care of instrument (cello/bass).
As “Flex” is scheduled as a time that students can meet with teachers for extra help, it is understood that occasionally an orchestra student will need to request an absence from rehearsal to work with a teacher. Please ask Ms. Tandon via email if you need to meet with a teacher during Flex. Please avoid missing the last three rehearsals before any performance.
CONCERTS
Concert dress: black on the bottom, white on top. Dress clothes preferred. Please, no jeans or sneakers.
In middle school, we focus quite a bit on responsibility. As an orchestral ensemble we work as a team, and each individual member’s dedication and responsibility is integral to the group's success. Therefore, attendance at all rehearsals and performances is expected. Those missing a concert will be asked to do a make-up assignment.
HONORS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA The Honors Chamber Orchestra (HCO) is a select ensemble consisting of auditioned students in grades 6-8 of outstanding performance ability. The group rehearses on Mondays from 3:20-4:20. HCO is a fantastic way to challenge yourself on your instrument while making new friends and learning great music! Audition requirements for HCO are: two Major scales of my choice (shifting strongly encouraged), a prepared solo (vibrato strongly encouraged), and sight-reading. Working with a private teacher is extremely important as well, as the repertoire is generally the most advanced in the school.
All members of HCO must participate in their in-school grade level orchestra.
An open rehearsal for anyone interested in auditioning will be held on September 18, 2023 from 3:20-4:00. Auditions will be scheduled for the following two weeks. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances is expected and required for membership in HCO; athletic conflicts will be worked out on an individual basis.
EASTERN JUNIOR DISTRICT ORCHESTRA The Massachusetts Eastern Junior District Orchestra is an auditioned group consisting of students in grades 7-9 of exemplary performance ability from the Eastern part of the state. Audition requirements include scales, a pre-selected solo, and sightreading. Mrs. Tandon will be happy to work with you on your material, but students will need a private teacher to work with on the solo. Any student planning to audition will take part in a Districts Recital in order to perform for each other.
For more information and audition requirements including solo requirements, please see http://mmeaeasterndistrict.org/junior.htm.
This year's auditions will take place on Saturday, February 1st, 2025. We will have a required districts audition recital which will likely take place on Thursday, January 18th (more info to come).
PRIVATE LESSONS Private lessons are very strongly encouraged for orchestra students. Individual instruction allows for specialized development of technique and repertoire. For information on Wayland Schools Community Program’s Private Lesson Program, please click HERE.
COMMUNICATION Parents and students are encouraged to regularly communicate any questions, concerns, confusion, suggestions, or feedback of any kind with the teacher. Since I travel between schools, I am most easily reached via email at: Whitney_Tandon@waylandps.org
Most important: orchestra is supposed to be FUN! We are here because we love music. If you have any concerns throughout the year, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to a great year! Students and parents, if you understand and accept the policies outlined in this handbook, please complete the form below and submit it to Ms. Tandon by Monday, September 16, 2024.