Sixth Grade Orchestra Syllabus, 2018-2019 Mrs. Marie Ten Elshof, Instructor https://sites.google.com/a/zps.org/orchestra/ Orchestra office phone & voice mail: 748-3246
e-mail: mtenelsh@zps.org
Welcome! I am glad that you chose to participate in the orchestra this year! It will be fun to learn how to play your string instrument! There will be opportunities throughout the school year for you to play solos and ensembles at community gatherings or on the concert stage. We will work together to prepare you to do your very best. You are welcome to invite your parents or grandparents to observe any class that may be convenient for them. It is always a pleasure for me to meet the “support staff” of each of my students.
I have enjoyed playing the violin since I began as a fifth grade student at Zeeland Christian. It was while I attended Holland Christian High School that I decided to become a music teacher with the emphasis of orchestra instruction. I have been teaching in the school setting or my private studio since I graduated from Calvin College with a Bachelor of Music Education degree. I graduated a Master’s Degree of Arts in Education: Curriculum and Instruction from Cornerstone University in 2016. I am excited that YOU are part of the “rest of the story”!
This syllabus will give you important information about what I expect from you as a student in the orchestra and as a parent in the home. Please read it carefully, mark your calendars with the important performance dates, then sign and return the acknowledgement form that is attached.
We have a FUN and GREAT year ahead of us! Welcome aboard!
Mrs. Ten Elshof
Communication: A weekly email will include updates of the orchestra classes and details about orchestra events. Most other communication will be in the form of email.
Materials: Preparation is the key to success. Since the goal is to succeed on an instrument, all orchestra students are expected to have these materials for every rehearsal –
(If you rent your instrument, you will likely receive a complimentary copy of this book)
Grading: Each student is assigned a letter grade at the end of each marking period. This letter grade is based on the following areas of musical study:
1) Preparation for class: Preparation is an essential element of learning. Each student is expected to take his/her materials to class daily. Attendance, positive attitude, and cooperation while interacting with fellow students are also important ingredients for successful learning.
2) Assignments: Each day a musical element will be taught; the student is expected to practice that new skill at home each night. Frequent assessments will guide the student to improve his/her playing ability. The knowledge and application of musical theory (note names, correct finger placement, scales, note and rest values, rhythm combinations, musical dynamics and expression) is necessary for understanding the musical page and producing fine results. The assignments tab on the ZPS Orchestra website gives the daily agenda for each class; this information should help you and your musician have an organized practice time in preparation for each day.
Each student will have a practice record on which to record the minutes that they practice. The number of minutes that they practice should be written in the correct date, and returned to me each Monday with a parent’s signature (please no initials). There will be time in class to learn the new material, however, it will be expected that students should review the new skill at home. Please look at your daily schedule and plan a specific time when you will review the new material at home; your progress is checked each day in class so make every effort to find time to play your instrument each night!
3) Performance: Orchestra is a curricular class. Performance skills are assessed in class and at the concerts. Since performance is part of the curriculum, every student is required to perform at all concerts. Individual preparation (daily practice) will enhance the participation level of each member and the overall performance of the musical ensemble.
4) EXTRA CREDIT will be given to any student who attends a concert and fills out a concert report form: As an extension of classroom instruction and performance on the concert stage, each student is encouraged to attend one concert for each semester. There are concert report forms in the classroom for each student to fill out after they have attended a concert. The concert program must accompany the report for full credit. The concert requirements are as follows:
1. Performing ensemble must include violin, viola, cello or string bass instruments.
2. Performing ensemble must be more experienced than the ensemble in which you participate.
3. Performing ensemble must play a minimum of three selections in this concert.
4. Performing ensemble is not a part in a worship service.
2018-2019 Concert Schedule If other dates arise, information will be sent home with each student via the email address that you include on the attached form. The students in the grade levels listed in the parenthesis are required to perform at these events:
November Parent Teacher Conference days: This is a performance opportunity in a relaxed
atmosphere. 6th grade orchestra students are strongly encouraged to perform at this event.
Students will learn songs in class that they will perform with their friends or as a soloist.
December 11, 2018 - Winter Orchestra Concert - 7pm, De Witt Aud.
required concert for 6th, 7th/8th & high school orchestra students
February 8, 2019 - Jukebox Jingles, IX - 6:15pm - 9:00pm Cityside
required concert for 6th, 7th/8th & high school orchestra students
March 18, 2019 - Art Show reception at the Royal Atrium Inn This is a performance opportunity in a
relaxed atmosphere. 6th grade orchestra students are strongly encouraged to perform at this event.
Students will learn songs in class that they will perform with their friends or as a soloist.
May 22, 2019 - Orchestra Finale - 7pm, De Witt Aud.
required concert for 6th, 7th/8th & high school orchestra students
Attendance Policy: As a performing art, orchestra students are instructed on how to play their instrument so they can perform well. A natural extension of this ability to play is then to rehearse to blend their skills into a harmonious ensemble. Practice is a daily assignment; playing “quizzes” will be heard on a weekly basis. When the ensemble is properly prepared, the students will “test” their skills on the concert stage or other performance venues. Concert performances are an integral part of the orchestra curriculum. Each member’s talents are important to the performance of the overall ensemble. Therefore, it is mandatory for each member of the orchestra to attend all concerts. If an orchestra member cannot attend a concert, please notify Mrs. Ten Elshof two weeks before the concert takes place. Parents should send a note with their child two weeks before the concert. Unexcused non-attendance is considered to be a failing grade.
Required Concert Dress:
solid button-down collared white shirt/blouses (may purchase or borrow from school)
solid white cami (girls) or t-shirt (boys) under the white dress shirts/blouses
solid dress black slacks, skirt, gauchos…no shorts, please
solid black socks or nylons (no knee highs with a short skirt; no flesh should be seen below the waist line)
solid dress black shoes
boys also should wear a solid black tie
Rationale: Although musicians are quite creative people, there is a time during group performance that we must present a uniform appearance. This reflects our professional musicianship goals and a presence of good taste. ***Inappropriate concert attire will affect a student’s concert grade.***
Private Lessons. Many students in the orchestra are capable of playing at a much higher level than can be achieved in the orchestra class setting. There are also students who struggle on a daily basis to play even the simplest music. For both of these styles of learners, the best way to improve would be to take private lessons on their instruments. Mrs. Ten Elshof can give suggestions for private instructors when your child desires additional training on the instrument.
Fund-Raising. Each year, the orchestra students help replenish the orchestra activity account with a fundraiser. We stress to the students that they should sell only to those they know or with whom their parents are acquainted. Funds are used to help purchase items that are not covered in the school budget. The fundraiser event will be in late September - mid October. The ZHS Orchestra website will have more information about this soon.