Orchestra+Handbook+2010-2011

= VALLEYWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL  =

Ingrid M. Dykeman
Director of Orchestras 1     Dear Students and Parents: Welcome to instrumental music! We are very excited to have you as an important member of the Kentwood Orchestra Program. During this year you will have many opportunities to participate in programs in and out of the school curriculum. The Kentwood Public School District takes pride in being able to offer instrumental music to our students. Although we consider participation in instrumental music programs a right of all students, we do expect certain standards of each student enrolled in music class:  1. Responsibility  2. Dependability  3. Musical Excellence  4. Dedication It is the goal of this program that our students perform to the best of their ability. We also believe that students learn more, develop better self-discipline, responsibility, knowledge and take pride in outstanding musical organizations such as a school orchestra. To produce an outstanding orchestra requires that each student accept certain responsibilities. The following pages will outline the basic requirements for participation in the Pinewood Orchestra Program. Please return the last page of this handbook to me AS SOON AS POSSIBLE with all requested information completed and signed. This will indicate your notification and understanding of the policies of the Kentwood Public School Instrumental Program. Please keep the remainder of this handbook at home so you may refer to it when necessary. We look forward to working with you and to an exciting musical year. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Musically, Ingrid M. Dykeman Orchestra Director (616) 538-7670

** CONCERT ETIQUETTE **
The music program of the Kentwood Public Schools is noted for many things from the standpoint of musical achievement. However, one aspect of our reputation that is often overlooked is the care that we take in maintaining a disciplined and mature decorum in our concert presentations. Our groups are constantly aware of the importance of the positive attitude and appearance of any performing organization even before a musical note is heard. This approach makes the audience immediately aware that our musicians place great importance on their music from the beginning of preparation until the last sound of applause is heard. One important aspect of this discipline is the attitude of performers towards each other. Orchestra members realize that they are part of a team, which is only as strong as its weakest member. Thus, they are encouraged to support one another for the good of the team. An important member of this team in a performance situation is the audience. It is crucial that they demonstrate the same support and encouragement as the rest of the team members. We would like to make some practical suggestions which may serve to strengthen this support. Please hold your applause until the piece is concluded as signaled by the conductor. Please do not be seated, leave your seat, or return to your seat until a break in the program. This break would usually occur at the end of a piece, or more easily, at the end of a particular group. Constant movement by the audience not only breaks the concentration of the performers, but also breaks the concentration of the listeners. Please use discretion in taking photos. Flash photos during a performance are distracting. Flash photos in any kind of copyrighted performance, such as the school music, are illegal. Moving around to take pictures during a performance is very distracting. Food or drink is not allowed during a performance. The primary reason is ants. It creates all kinds of problems. Student groups seated in the audience need to remember these suggestions also. All of our students are well aware of the amount of time and effort that has been invested in preparing for our concerts. Our goal is to help these students and directors receive the greatest return possible on their investment.

GENERAL GUIDELINES
 1. It is assumed that each music student has elected this program because of a sincere desire to participate with his/her best efforts in all facets of the program, throughout the school year. Any contrary indications may result in dismissal from the program. 2. Each student is assigned music, and where applicable, a uniform. These become the student’s sole responsibility until they are returned in the spring. If damaged or lost the student is responsible for repair or replacement. 3. An excuse for an absence from a performance or musical event must be writing) at      least two weeks before the scheduled event or concert. Excuses for      emergencies or illness be treated as exceptions at the discretion of the director.       Failure to bring one’s uniform, robe, or concert dress, instrument or music to a      performance will be treated as an unexcused absence. PLEASE NOTE: THE      DIRECTORS DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO THE BUILDINGS ON WEEKENDS.      The steps for appeals to the director’s decision are as follows:      Director      Fine Arts Coordinator      School Administration      4. No group will perform more than three times a month during the school day unless      special permission is given by the assistant principal.      5.Students who will miss a regularly assigned class due to a concert or scheduled music event are expected to get the assignment for that class beforehand from the teacher. Assignments due on that day must be turned in on that day, and assignments made that day must be turned in at the assigned time. Tests must be made up at the teacher’s convenience. Students will be expected to maintain good grades in all of their classes in order to have the privilege of participating in concerts during the school day. Close contact will be kept between teachers and directors regarding student classroom performance. If, at any time, music events are taking away from classroom performance, the student may forfeit her/her opportunity to appear with his/her music group. 6..The above would also hold true for other school related activities outside of the school day that conflict with performances. Students would receive the same number of points as an excused absence, and have the ability to add merit points with special arrangement with the director. ** Personal Department  ** – Active participation in instrumental music requires good posture, manners and attitudes conducive to effective rehearsals and performances.

Included within this is the responsibility of being ON TIME. Tardiness to rehearsals
is not necessary and most performances will require you to be present considerably prior to the actual start of the concert. NOTE: Should a student have an accident where as they are unable to physically play their instrument, a note from the parent or physician is required BEFORE they will be permitted to play again in class or a concert. ** Performances  ** – The Pinewood Orchestra will have several performing obligations inside and outside of school throughout the year. ** Extra Rehearsals  ** – While the vast majority of rehearsing is done during regular class time, extra full and /or sectional rehearsals will occasionally be necessary in    order to assure a successful performance. Ensemble members must make every effort to attend these rehearsals. Inability to do so will have an adverse affect on one’s progress in music and consequently one’s grade. Naturally, every effort will be made by the directors and section leaders to give adequate notice about extra rehearsals. ** Uniforms  ** – All students are required to dress appropriately for all performances. Sixth grade students should dress nicely. A dress or skirt for girls, and dress slacks and nice shirt or sweater for boys. NO JEANS OR TENNIS SHOES PLEASE. Seventh and Eighth grade students: Girls should wear black pants, black shoes, black socks, and a white shirt. Boys should wear black slacks, black shoes and socks, and a white shirt. NO CORDUROYS, JEANS, OR TENNIS SHOES PLEASE. Students will be given a KPS sweater to wear over their white shirt, which must be turned in again to the school at the end of the year. ** Equipment  ** – Each individual is responsible for having the equipment necessary to      Be a successful ensemble member. Among other things, this included a properly adjusted and functional instrument, accessories, and a PENCIL. Should your instrument have a serious problem, it is best to bring it to the director’s attention first. Many times we have the resources here to repair an instrument both quickly and inexpensively. Should you need major work, your instrument should be taken to a recommended repairman immediately. A spare instrument is __sometimes__ available while yours is being repaired, but this is for a limited time only. KENTWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOLS Instrumental Music Department Valleywood Grading System It is the purpose of this grading system to bring consistency and fairness to all students participating in the Kentwood Orchestra program in grades 6-12. Each nine weeks every student will be awarded a certain number of points. (20 points per day) The number of points to be awarded will be based on several factors:  1. Daily task assessments  2. Concert assessments  3. Practice slips  4. Attitude and Behavior The point system will work as follows:  1. ** Attendance  ** A written excuse for a performance must be submitted at least two weeks before the event. Failure to wear concert dress or bring music to a performance, will be treated as an unexcused absence. ** Please note: ** ** The directors do not have access to the buildings on the weekends to secure music and uniforms. **    Excuses for absences from a performance due to illness must be submitted in writing the day of the student’s return to class. Students who are unexcused will receive no points for that event. Students who are excused will be given the chance to make-up the points. Students who are absent for an extended period of time due to illness, will have this same opportunity. Concerts during the school day. (See general guidelines). 6th – 8th GRADE SCHEDULE OF POINT VALUES * ** TOTAL OF 20 POINTS A DAY POSSIBLE: ** No Music (-5) No Instrument (-15) ** BEHAVIOR ISSUES (may lose up to 20 points per day) ** **  SRR is a 20 point deduction on the day sent to SRR    ** ** AUTOMATICALLY  ** Extra rehearsals such as full orchestra or sectional rehearsals are generally needed in successful programs. The director will make convenient arrangements with the students when they are necessary. 2. ** Concert Attendance ** 100 points per performance These points will not be awarded for the circumstances named above or for improper attire. In addition, the total nine weeks grade may be reduce ** __two letter__ ** ** __grades__ ** for an unexcused absence from a performance. To receive approval for an      excused absence, a note from the student’s parent or guardian must be received at       least two weeks prior to the performance date. All other excused absences will be     dealt with on an individual basis. These would include family emergencies or      personal severe illness. In there cases, contact should be made by the student’s parent or guardian no later than the following school day. 3. ** Practice Slips ** To insure that our music students achieve their musical goals and that our performing ensembles progress, it is necessary that a certain amount of individual practice be done weekly; therefore, all** students are expected to practice 2 ½ hours each week ** ** once they are into October. **     Please note, there may be a week when your child may have heavy homework, athletics, OM, family emergencies, whatever; on those weeks, 1 and a half hours will be equal to an A provided that a student, upon the conclusion of a heavy week, makes every effort to achieve the required practice time for the next week. In the case of athletics, this may mean that you will have several weeks where you can not do the required time. As long as your child is able to keep up in orchestra, I will honor the 1 and a half hours. ** Please be sure that you make a note on the practice card when your child has had a heavy week. Please also note the reason. **     ** Practice slips will be handed in the day a card is due. Students will hand in a practice slip at the end of each month. Parents will find the due date at the bottom of the practice slip. PARENTS MUST SIGN A PRACTICE CARD IN ORDER FOR IT TO BE RECORDED INTO THE GRADE BOOK. (Please sign the card using your full signature.) ** ** __ EACH WEEK OF PRACTICE IS WORTH 100 POINTS EACH  __ ** **  Note: 1st month will be a gradual increase of practice time to work up to full practice times in October…   ** __Amount of Time__ __Value__ 2:45 - up = Extra Credit 2:15 - 2:30 = A     2:00 - 2:14 = A-      1:45 - 1:59 = B+      1:30 - 1:44 = B      1:15 - 1:29 = B-      1:00 - 1:14 = C+      45 - 59 = C      30 - 44 = C-      15 - 29 = D+      5 - 14 = D      If the student has done no practicing for the week but turns in a practice card signed by the parent and marked “no practice”, five points will be awarded.  4. ** Attitude and Behavior  ** 5.** Extra Credit (100 points or more per activity depending on the activity) ** Solo and Ensemble Festival ** 300 points ** Summer Music Camp (Per week from pervious summer) ** 100 points ** Public Performances (Solo and Ensemble) ** 100 points ** Clinics (Participating) ** 100 points to 300 points ** **  Extra performances (participation or attending), youth symphony, TA responsibilities, music librarian job, work detail at concerts or lessons not related to school…   ** **  100 extra points (MAXIMUM PER MONTH 100 per category)    ** ** __ Grading Scale __ ** ** “A” STUDENTS  ** - 92% or better of possible points. Leaders in the orchestra both musically and in personal responsibility. Will be      present for all scheduled rehearsals and performances. PRACTICE CARDS GRADES COUNT!!! ** “B” STUDENTS  ** - 82% -91% of possible points. Will actively participate in     the ensemble and be present for all scheduled rehearsals and performances. PRACTICE CARDS COUNT!!!! ** “C” STUDENTS  ** - 72%- 90% of possible points. Will actively participate in the ensemble and be present for all scheduled rehearsals and performances. PRACTICE CARDS COUNT!!!! ** “D” STUDENTS  ** - 62%-89% of possible points. Students in this category will be unable to meet the attendance and performance requirements of the ensemble and should consider changing their schedules. ** “E” STUDENTS **- Below 62% of possible points ** __ REMEMBER… PRACTICE CARDS COUNT !!!!!! __ ** ** __  EXTRA-CURRICULAR POINTS FORM  __ ** THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED AND SUBMITED TO THE DIRECTOR OF THE ORCHESTRA WITHIN __TWO WEEKS__ AFTER THE COMPLETION OF THE EVENT. IF NO FORM IS RECEIVED WITHIN THIS AMOUNT OF TIME, __NO POINTS WILL BE AWARDED.__ Name _______________________________________________________________ Date of Activity __________________________ Date submitted ________________ Number of points earned ________________ ACTIVITY * _________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________     verifying attendance. ** __GUIDELINES AGREEMENT__ ** (Please sign and return this page only to your Director) We have read the Music Department Handbook. Our signature below indicated that as members of the Valleywood Middle School Music Department, we agree to abide by these rules and guidelines. _____________________________ __________ _______________________     Student’s Name Grade Music Group(s) _______________________________ ______________________________     Parent’s Signature Student’s Signature Comprehensive Permission Form and Consent Waiver I hereby give permission for my son/daughter (name)__________________________ To attend all activities related to the Valleywood Middle School Music Department during the 2010-2011 school year. I understand that all school rules will be in force at all school-sponsored activities. In the event of injury or illness to my child while under the supervision of school personnel, I know that I will be contacted for permission and directions regarding emergency treatment. If I cannot be contacted, my signature below indicates permission for the necessary treatment to be given. Signature of Parent/Guardian _____________________________________________ **  Home Phone _________________________    ** **  Work Phone__________________________   ** **  Cell phone____________________parent e-mail____________________________   ** Someone to contact if parent cannot be reached: Name ____________________________________ Phone __________________ Family Physician: Name ____________________________________ Phone __________________ Insurance Company ____________________________________________________ Policy No. ___________________________ Are there any special medical problems of which we should be aware? Please list prescription medications and dosage._______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ** __I AM LOOKING FOR SOME PARENT HELPERS!!!__ ** If you would like to help out, please check the areas that you might be interested in helping out. Please be aware that the main office does require a background check on ALL parent helpers. ____ Concert Helpers (chaperones for kids) ____ Chaperones (trips/festivals) ____ Filing (library) ____ other projects   Your name Student’s name   Your home phone Your work phone  <span style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in; text-align: justify;"> Best time to reach you THANK YOU!!!!!!
 * If attendance at an approved concert is the activity, a parent note must be attached
 * If private lessons are the activity, include the name of the private teacher.
 * If a public performance is the activity, include the place of the performance.
 * If a summer music camp is the activity, include the name of the camp.
 * If summer school is the activity, include the name of the course.