Parent Signature_____________________________
Zeeland High School Orchestra Syllabus Orchestra office phone & voice mail: 748-3246
Mrs. Marie Ten Elshof, Instructor mtenelsh@zps.org
Performing Arts Department, Zeeland EAST High School, Choir/Orchestra room
Elective course, 1 credit per year
Course Prerequisites:
Course Objectives:
Welcome to the Zeeland Orchestra Program! It is my desire that each performance will be a positive experience as you share your musical ability with the community. This orchestra would not be the same without your contribution; please do your very best to prepare for each rehearsal.
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 education and thrilled that we will learn together! -Mrs. Ten Elshof
Materials: All orchestra students must have these materials for every rehearsal –
Class attendance: It is great to see and hear about the different activities that are available to students. This being said, I realize sometimes that may require being excused from the class time. With opportunity comes responsibility. I will consider excusing students with a written request signed by a teacher or parent, preferrably 24 hours in advance. I understand there will be exceptions to this rule, but I also request that we respectfully use our time in class and enjoy the opportunities to serve in other capacities.
Music Use: With the growth of the orchestra program and the maturing ability of each member, there is the opportunity to rehearse and perform more difficult and lengthy compositions. Subsequently, the question of copyright and individual responsibility for music arises. While there is permission to copy music for educational purposes if the district owns the music, originals will be used and music will be copied only when needed. All music, copied or original will be returned to the music library after each performance. Any music that is not returned will result in payment ($6) for that music to provide funds to replace that “lost” piece. Record keeping will be done by using the number that is printed on the piece that the student has in their folder. Each student will retain the same number for the entire school year. This number has no connection to the ‘chair’ in which the student occupies.
Grading: Each student is assigned a letter grade at the end of each nine-week marking period. This letter grade is based on the following areas of musical study:
4) Performance: An orchestra is a team: each team member has an important contribution to
make. Individual preparation will enhance the participation level of each member and the overall
performance of the musical ensemble! Therefore, every student is expected to participate in every
performance. A grade will be given for the concert performance.
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. Please reserve these dates on your calendars.
October 2, 2018 - Moxie Strings - 7pm, DeWitt Aud. required concert for grades 7-12
October 15, 2018 - High School Choir and Orchestra - 7pm, De Witt Aud.
required concert for high school orchestra students
October 26, 2018 - High School Orchestra Family Fun Night 4-7pm (set-up ZEHS after school)
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
April 16, 2019 - Senior Recital - 7:30pm, North & South Break-out rooms @ ZEHS
required concert for high school orchestra students
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 precedance 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: Young ladies will wear the orchestra black blouses and palazzo pants. Young men will wear a white button-down collared shirt, solid black dress slacks, and a black tie. All members will be expected to wear solid black socks/nylons and solid black dress shoes. Our attention to these details will give a positive impression to the listener. The employability grade will reflect his/her decision.
Fund-Raising. Each year, the orchestra students help replenish the orchestra activity account with fund- raisers. These funds help with the cost of orchestra trips. This year’s emphasis will be on preparing for the trip to Carnegie Hall in the spring of 2020. There will be opportunities for the students to fundraise per their choice, and fund-raisers in which participation will be required.
Awards. An award letter is given to each student who has participated in orchestra for three of their high school years and has a cumulative 3.3 GPA in orchestra. An award pin is given to each student who has participated in orchestra for all four of their high school years and has a cumulative 3.3 GPA in orchestra. The National School Orchestra Award is each year given to a senior who exemplifies a positive attitude, excellence in leadership and talent, mature responsibility, and is an overall asset to the orchestra.
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. Please contact Mrs. Ten Elshof, Meyer Music, or call Hope College or Grand Valley University for qualified adult or student instructors.
Holland Symphony Youth Orchestras
The Holland Symphony Orchestra educational outreach program includes two orchestras for young musicians in West Michigan. 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.
MSBOA Solo & Ensemble Festival
This event is for students who participate in their school orchestra that is a member of the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association. This is an optional activity for the high school students. Students perform for a judge as a soloist or chamber music ensemble member. Performances are rated on tone, rhythm, technique, musicality, and style.
MSBOA Orchestra Festival
The Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association sponsors a festival each spring at the District and State level. A panel of judges critique and rate the orchestra in the area of tone, rhythm, technique, musicality, style, and sight-reading. The Festivals are held at host schools throughout the MSBOA District X, and a performance time and location are assigned a few weeks before Festival. In the years that we have hosted Juke-box Jingles, the orchestra has not participated in this Festival.