Seventh & Eighth 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 to another year of the Zeeland Orchestra Program! We have an exciting year of performances that will include Open House and Art Show reception performances, “The Moxie Strings”, a winter concert, Jukebox Jingles, and the annual showcase in May. Some of the music has been selected and organized: we will review, learn and have fun making music together!
Brief career history: I am a Zeeland “native”: I began playing violin as a fifth grade student at Zeeland Christian. I graduated from Holland Christian High School, Calvin College (Bachelor of Arts in Music Education degree in 1977) and Cornerstone University (Master of Arts in Education degree with emphasis on Curriculum and Instruction in May 2016).
I am passionate about teaching and helping students learn to make music. There are many different styles of music to learn; I will encourage you to mature as a young person while reaching more of your potential as a young musician. 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.
Let the FUN begin!
Mrs. Ten Elshof
Communication: A weekly email will include updates of the orchestra classes and details about orchestra events. You may also reference the orchestra website for current updates.
Course requirements:
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 –
7th grade: String Basics, Book II for your instrument
8th grade: String Basics, Book III for your instrument
Grading: Each student is assigned a letter grade at the end of each marking period based on the following areas of musical study:
1) Preparation: 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. These skills are also important for students to learn as they begin to enter the workforce.
2) Assignments: 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. Each day a musical element will be taught; the student is expected to practice that new skill at home each night. 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.
Frequent assessments will provide the student with feedback to help him/her improve.
A practice record may be assigned for specific weeks as the students prepare for a performance. 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.
Individual Music Improvement Plan (iMip): Most students are playing their instrument in extra-curricular settings or involved in music in different venues in addition to the school orchestra. The iMip offers credit for these activities that are a natural extension of being a student musician. An iMip form will be posted on the Google Classroom for your convenience.
3) Performance: Individual preparation will enhance the participation level of each member and the overall performance of the musical ensemble. Attendance is mandatory for required events.
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.
October 2, 2018 - Moxie Strings - 7pm, DeWitt Aud. required concert for grades 7-12
October 8, 2018 - Cityside 8th gr. choir, 7th gr. band, 7/8th gr. Orchestra - 7:30pm, De Witt Aud.
required concert for 7/8th grade orchestra students
October 11, 2018 - Creekside band, choir, 7/8th gr. Orchestra - 7:30pm, De Witt Aud.
required concert for 7/8th grade orchestra students
November Parent Teacher Conference dates:
optional opportunity for middle school students to perform
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
Optional opportunity for students to perform
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 them well. A natural extension of this ability to play is then to rehearse to blend their skills into a harmonious ensemble. Frequent “quizzes” check a student’s progress. When the ensemble is properly prepared, the students will “test” their skills on the concert stage or other performance venues. Concert performances are an important part of the orchestra curriculum. Each member’s talents are important to the performance of the overall ensemble; mandatory attendance is expected for each required concert/event. Please remember that academic responsibilities take precedence over extra-curricular activities. The ZPS Performing Arts Attendance Policy for Dance, Drama, Instrumental and Vocal Music Programs can be found on the Orchestra website.
Concert Dress: solid button-down collared white shirt/blouses (borrow or purchase from school)
solid white cami (girls) or t-shirt (boys) under the white dress shirts/blouses
solid dress black slacks, or skirt
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
also, young men are expected to 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.
Orchestra Trip A special trip for all 7th & 8th grade orchestra members will be organized in the spring. This is a special day for students to celebrate their musical contributions to the community. Students who have continuous behavior problems in class, demonstrate poor attendance at performances/school and choose not to participate in performances for the community, i.e, the Art Show opportunity, will not be allowed to participate in the trip. Also, students who have any F’s or more than 2 D’s during the 4th marking period will not be allowed to attend the trip.
Fund-Raising Each year, the orchestra students help replenish the orchestra activity account with 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.
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. Teachers are available at any of the area colleges and Meyer Music. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask Mrs. Ten Elshof.
Solo & Ensemble Festival The Michigan Band and Orchestra Association, (MSBOA) of which ZPS is a member, hosts a Solo and Ensemble Festival each November and April for musicians in grades 7 and 8. Students perform for a judge as a soloist or chamber music ensemble member and receive verbal and written comments on the quality of their performance. Performances are rated on tone, rhythm, technique, and musical style. This opportunity to perform is optional and an excellent choice for iMip points.
Holland Symphony Youth Orchestras
The Holland Symphony Orchestra educational outreach program includes two orchestras for young musicians in Holland and the Lakeshore area. These orchestras are intended to be complementary experiences to the school orchestra and are excellent opportunities for further growth in orchestral playing. I recommend all students to consider participating in either of these orchestras.
Holland Area Youth Orchestra (HAYO) and Holland Area Classical Orchestra (HACO) members are accepted for membership and chair placement by audition. Call 616-796-6780 for an audition time and audition requirements. Talented students who have attained a similar level of expertise rehearse weekly, share the love of classical music, motivate and encourage each other. Holland Area Junior Strings (HAJS) is a training orchestra for HAYO. An audition is not required. Interested students and parents should call the Symphony office (796-6780) to register.