Instructor: Mr. Alan Watts Email: Alwatts@wsd.net
Roy High: Office phone: 801-476-3600
Roy Junior High: Office phone: 801-476-5260
Sandridge Junior High: Office phone: 801-476-5320
Introduction: Concert orchestra is a continuation of 2nd-6th year orchestra. We will continue to cover new material while reviewing concepts learned from the previous year. Part of becoming well-rounded musicians includes individual dedication, having fun, and smart practice techniques.
COVID-19 & WELLNESS
COVID-19: TBA, any information from Weber School District will be relayed in a timely manner.
Chamber Auditions:
Audition times for Chamber Orchestra generally take place in March/April; However, Auditions will be available upon request on a year-round basis. Chamber auditions are assessed by professional ability, and not by the number of students in class. If you know someone who wants to be in Chamber Orchestra, make sure to invite them to audition.
Orchestra Class:
Expectations:
-To prepare students for an advanced level of playing achievement.
- Learn confidence in performance.
- Increase understanding via intonation analysis, tone, rhythm, technique, note/sight reading, expression and phrasing.
- Daily Practice
- Performing acceptably in ensembles and in-front of audiences.
- Be at your own concert.
- Continuously improve on-stage performance every concert.
Class Rules:
1. Be on time 2. Be Prepared 3. Follow Class Procedures 4. Be Respectful 5. Be Productive 6. Be dismissed.
Class procedures:
1. Arrive on time. 2. Set up chair and stand. 3. Get out instrument, music, book, pencil and prepare to tune. 4. Tune
5. Rehearse productively with the class. 6. Put away instruments, music and equipment in its proper place.
Cellular phones: May be used to find recordings for the class when Mr. Watts requests. Cellular phones may also be used to tune your instruments (free tuners are available at the App store). Please take care of business such as texting family or friends for rides or other reasons BEFORE or AFTER class.
Instrument: If you have played an instrument in the past and would like to try violin, viola, cello, or bass, please let me know. With your previous skills, you may be able to pick up the other instrument quickly. If it doesn’t work out, you are always welcome to return to your instrument of choice.
Store Rentals:
Summerhays Music: 801-546-4446 / Riverton Music 801-773-5800/ Music Village 801-399-1418/
Classical Strings 801-786-1605/ Bert Murdock Music: 801-225-7922 / Peter Prier and Sons: 801-364-3651
Equipment: School Rentals are currently $85.00 for the School year, and $30.00 for summer rentals. School books, strings, rosin, rock stops, etc… should be taken good care of to keep them in good condition. When you see other equipment such as band equipment, please do not touch or disturb, as you may not know the proper way to handle and care for it.
If you notice your instrument, bow, strings, rosin, rock stop, etc… are in need of maintenance or repair, please let Mr. Watts know ASAP. Please be sure to have a pencil on your music stand so that you can make notes in your music at the appropriate times.
***Please respect and take care of ALL school equipment, Please REFRAIN from handling any instrument that does not belong to you!
Book: Habits of Successful String Musicians, Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass.
Music Inventory: Students will fill out an inventory of each piece of music (or book) they have received. Students who have lost or damaged their music will be responsible to replace/compensate for it. If working from home, Mr. Watts will fill out the form and you will need to come pick up the music.
Performance Dress: TO BE ORDERED THROUGH ROY HIGH SCHOOL: Black on Black (Girls, Black top and Bottom, Black Shoes, if Hoss [Skin Color]. Boys, Black long-sleeve button up shirt, Black pants, Black Belt, Black Shoes, Black Socks: All Concert Apparel will be ordered via the school (If you do not have school-ordered Concert Clothes, you will now need to purchase them). According to new district guidelines; Uniform cost is up to $100.00)
(Fees)
(“Up to”) means, we cannot charge over the stated price. Absence of (“Up to”) means a set price.
1. Course Fee: $40.00 Pay ASAP.
2. *[School Instrument Rentals: $85.00 Pay ASAP. If you need a rental for the summer: $30.00] Outsourced companies $.___ .__ ? (Variable)
(If you own your own instrument, you do not need to pay a rental fee.)
3. Concert Dress (Uniform): Up to $100.00 (Pay if you need new clothing)
4. Class/Group Banquet: $25.00 (Do not pay until instructed)
5. Transportation, bussing: $15.00 Pay ASAP. (Do not pay until instructed)
6. Camps/Clinics: Up to $250.00 (Do not pay until instructed)
a. Environmental Center: $40.00 (Those who went)
7. Spirit Clothing: Up to $50.00 TBA (Do not pay until instructed)
8. State Honor Performance: Up to $200.00 (Do not pay until instructed)
9. Travel – Out of State: Up to $1,220.00 (Do not pay until instructed)
Grading and Assignments
Grading: A = 93% and above: (A-, 89-92), (B+, 83-88), (B, 79-82), (B-, 76-78%), (C+, 73-75) (C, 69-72), (C-, 66-68), (D+, 63-65), (D, 59-62), (F, 58 and below)
Categories:
1. TESTS 2. CONCERTS 3. HOMEWORK/PRACTICE 4. PROFICIENCY: All categories are weighted the same and will contribute to the overall grade.
Tests: Concerts/ Quizzes/ CANVAS Tests will be given with proper notice.
Concerts/ Performances:100 points. Performances are our big test each term, please arrange your schedule to attend all performances.
Making up a concert:
Option 1: Student Concert, put on your own :15-20 minute concert for 2-4 people. Students create their own program. The audience who viewed the concert must sign the printed program.
Option 2: Students complete an extra concert report for 1-hour worth of music and write a 2-page paper about their experience.
Option 3: Students think of other alternative ways to make up this assignment and approve first with Mr. Watts.
Homework/Practice Records: Will be turned in via CANVAS at the beginning of the week and will be and will be available until Friday of that week. [:30 daily for 5 days = 2:30 week]
Participation: 10 points per day. Students earn participation points by showing they understand and are keeping up with the given material.
Citizenship Grade: This will be based on attitude and participation.
Masks: Masks are optional. Teasing towards masks will not be tolerated.
R & R: Last 20 minutes once per week per class, the R & R bell will ring.
· Review time begins with all students staying in class.
· Time is spent one on one with teachers for extra help, making up work, completing homework, and/or challenging students to next level learning.
· Last 2 weeks of the quarter, students with a C or higher have the option for a “reward”. Students with a C- or lower will stay for review.
Concert Reports: Worth 50 points, these will be viewed during class this year twice during the year.
Forgotten Instrument: If you have forgotten your instrument, you are expected to read about composers: (Accent on composers text); and write or type a short 1 page report.
Playing Assessments, Music Theory Assessments, and Assignments: TBA. I will give fair warning for assessments and assignments. These are important ways for me to assess the students’ progress and understanding of the concepts and techniques I’m teaching in class. Available through CANVAS.
Late Work: If it’s late, please still turn it in. 5-10 points may be docked per day for late work.
Extra Credit: Completing an extra concert report, showing extra effort, R&R practice, having a positive attitude, and participating in extra concerts (Youth Symphonies), competitions (Fiddle Contests), and other venues related to your instrument (Quartets or Bands) where you use your Orchestra Instrument.
Behavior: Positive attitude and desire for orchestra is expected.
Restrooms: students will have a 4-minute time limit, once per day, to use the restroom.
Tardy: If you are Tardy, come in quietly and quickly, please quietly tune with a tuner on the side of the room before taking your seat. Being tardy may lower your participation points.
Emergencies: Students who become ill or have a bloody nose will be excused as needed. If a bloody nose or vomit is inevitable, students may know they are encouraged to leave the classroom promptly without permission and return promptly as possible.
SICK, SICK, SICK!!!: If you are sick, DO NOT come to school
Alcohol, Vapor (Vaping), E-Cigarettes, Cigarettes, Drugs, Unapproved Medication, Unapproved Inhalers, and other: The use of Alcohol, Vaping Units, E-Cigarettes, Cigarettes, Drugs, Unapproved Medication, Unapproved Inhalers, and/ or other drug-related materials have a Zero-Tolerance policy at RHS, at school related activities (including field trips, tours, retreats, music/ arts festivals, sporting events, other), and in my class room. Students seen or found using these substances/ materials/ units/ etc… will be referred to and made aware of to the main office immediately. Students may be subject to student suspension, getting involved with the police, and other consequences.
Drug Test Form: In order to attend Tour, and other venues, we are required to have you fill out a drug testing from. Provided in class.
Honors Orchestra: Typically, Honors Orchestra is a chance to play with some of the best players in the district. Each student auditions to get in; there are a number of evening rehearsals, and a concert. Participation in Honors Orchestra looks good on resumes, and a great opportunity, but is not mandatory.
Lettering in Orchestra & Royal Cords: If you wish to letter in Orchestra you will receive a certificate, a pin, and public recognition. Royal Cords can be obtained if you letter in any organization all three years at RHS.
Accommodations: Students needing accommodations of any kind will please inform the office and the instructor to better assist the individual. 504 and other accommodations are available in the counseling office.
Success: Successful students review this Disclosure often to succeed in Orchestra at Roy High School this year.
IMPORTANT! IMPORTANT! IMPORTANT!
Trips/Festivals: By signing this document, you give your student permission to attend our trips and festivals for the school year 2022-2023. I will send out a schedule of our trips/festivals and reminders in advanced.
….SIGNING OF THIS DOCUMENT CAN BE DONE IN THE FORM OF AN E-MAIL or Picture, and then send DIRECTLY & ONLY FROM THE PARENT/LEGAL GUARDIANS E-MAIL……
DISCLOSURE CONFIRMATION
Students Signature:_________________________________________ I have read this disclosure and agree to it’s terms and conditions.
Parent’s Signature:_________________________________________ I have read this disclosure and agree to it’s terms and conditions.