Orchestra Handbook Overview

Welcome to Orchestra at TJMS and MTHS!


Room: 121    Email: lamorris@wsfcs.k12.nc.us

Remind and Email is the best way to contact me.


Contact:  

I will be sending out a weekly email message.  I will respond to emails within two school days.  I can respond to REMIND to contact me directly.  If you are not receiving REMIND messages, please download the app and join the class.  If you are not receiving emails, please email me at lamorris@wsfcs.k12.nc.us and ask to be added to my email list. 

REMIND CODES

HS Int. Orchestra: text @eahc7ddach to 81010

HS Prof. Orchestra: text @43g2kbcked to 81010

HS Adv. Orchestra: text @9bhdk8h32d to 81010

8th Grade Orchestra:  text @72bggb847g to 81010

7th Grade Continuing: text @8d9ga8d337 to 81010

7th Grade Beginning: text @4ge7da79k8 to 81010

6th Grade 5th Period: text @kc9ak29gde to 81010

6th Grade 6th Period: text @72hd2a47gb to 81010

Overview:

Orchestra is more than just another class.  We will have concerts, field trips, awards, and other events.  Orchestra is an exciting place where students develop talent and skill.  Daily practice is required to develop skills  I hope to teach your child until they graduate high school.    

What Your Middle School Student Will Need:

Essential Elements Book                               An acoustic instrument

Theory Time Book --after assessment TBA          Shoulder rest or endpin anchor

Possibly a music stand at home to practice          Rosin

Possibly a practice mute                                       Cleaning cloth

What Your High School Student Will Need (scroll down)

An acoustic instrument    (see rent/buy page)       Rosin

Shoulder rest or endpin anchor                             Cleaning Cloth (a piece of an old t-shirt)

Possibly a music stand at home to practice  

Possibly a practice mute      

Accessories can be purchased at local music stores or Amazon.  Please purchase recommended brands that save money and are functional in the classroom.  See the pictures below.

 Grading: 

 Students will be graded on participation and behavior in the classroom every two weeks.  Students will start with 100%.  Points will be deducted for things like class disruptions, not participating, and/or having a phone out without permission.  Students will also have pass-offs every week.  Assignments will be given quarterly so they know what is coming up for pass-offs.  Students will receive a zero for missing pass-offs.

Absences:  

Students will need to be in class to be successful.  If they miss instructional time, it is difficult to make up.  Pass-offs are still required to be completed as soon as possible.  The cut-off time for pass-offs is the end of each quarter or the concert, whichever comes first.  

Dates by Grade:

MS Ice Cream Sandwich Social: September 8th

High School Fall Concert: October 24th at 6:30 PM, student call time 5:45

Beginning 6th and 7th December informance: TBA

Winter concert: December 7th at 6:30 PM, student call time 5:45

Performance Field Trips: TBA

Spring Concert: May 2nd at 6:30, student call time 5:30

Team Building Field Trips: TBA

Volunteers:

We need orchestra parents!  We need help with fundraising, media, and other things.

Performances:

Are required.


Kleenex is always needed., 


See the full middle school handbook here  **Students and parents need to do the handbook acknowledgment form on Canvas.  It is an assignment.

See the full high school handbook here  **Students and parents need to do the handbook acknowledgment form on Canvas.  It is an assignment.

New model KUN Violin or Viola cello rest.   Check for the right size.  Super easy to adjust and no parts to lose, or come loose.

KUN Violin or Viola shoulder rest.  Check for the right size.

Bass/cello endpin anchor.  Students should bring it to concerts with their instrument.

Get the right rosin.  It comes in violin/viola or cello.

This is a practice mute.  Please order the one for your child's instrument.  They come in different sizes.

Any music stand will do.  If you have a piano, you might not need one.  This is the most basic. 

POPS bass rosin

Carlsson Bass Rosin

ROSIN

Violin, Viola, and Cello Rosin: Magic rosin is always the best for violin, viola, and cello.  This is followed by Colophane Millant Deroux, followed by Kaplan.  As with anything for bowed strings, you can find non-usable junk, decent quality, and premium products that cost a lot of money.  Rosin breaks when it dries out and/or you drop it because you are young and drop things.  I have pictured a cheap alternative above.  It is about $5.  

Bass Rosin: This is completely different and cannot be shared with the other instruments.  Please do not use Kolstien.  It has made a comeback and works great, but leaves a big sticky mess on the basses.  If you need to purchase bass rosin, please use Carlsson or Pops.  Carlson is darker, Pops is lighter.  You must keep bass rosin in its container.  These two brands will eat things and destroy surfaces if left open.