BCSA+Orchestra+Handbook

- (Currently Under Construction) - INTRODUCTION
 * BCSA Orchestra Handbook 2012-13: **

Welcome to the orchestra program at the Benton County School of the Arts. We are proud of our school and students and encourage you to become involved.

PHILOSOPHY

The primary goal of the strings program is to develop musical literacy in our students, using a string instrument as the foundation of learning. Acquiring proficiency on a string instrument helps us to understand and enjoy the music we hear in everyday life as well as providing a vehicle for creative self-expression.

The strings program emphasizes the building of technique.

The sequence of repertoire is carefully selected to introduce and develop specific skills.

The benefits of studying a string instrument are as follows:

 Developing academic and socially oriented skills including self-discipline and concentration.

 Practicing learning to listen and follow oral and written directions.

 Working within a group toward a common goal.

 Learning a new language of written and spoken musical terms.

 Refining large and small motor skills and eye/hand

coordination developed through daily repetition.

 Developing a joy and sense of satisfaction that comes from being a musician.

Music is found in every culture and is an important part of the human experience. A musical performance of high quality creates excitement, exhilaration, and satisfaction in a job well done. There are very few non¬musical people, but there are many who have missed the opportunity to develop their inherent musicianship. Music is a lifelong creative activity with benefits transferable to many other areas of life.

CLASSROOM RULES

Guidelines are necessary to help a musical organization run smoothly and sound its best. We call these guidelines rehearsal skills. They are:

1. Be on time to class.

2. Be ready (practiced) and have a positive attitude about learning.

3. Have the necessary supplies (instrument, pencil, music folder).

4. Be respectful (to classmates, teacher, and classroom equipment).

GRADES

The grading system encourages individual growth and emphasizes group participation. The following criteria will be used to determine grades.

MUSICAL SKILLS:

 preparation of daily assignment

 tone quality/technical development

REHEARSAL SKILLS:

 brings materials to class

 is attentive and cooperative

__Smartmusic Assignment & Test Grades:__ I will take most grades on playing tests, practice, and chair tests on Smartmusic. Students are encouraged to have a subscription at home to use. If it is not possible for a student to have Smartmusic at home these assignments must be taken before or after classes before the assignment is due. Past due assignments will be counted late and points will be deducted. Not having Smartmusic at home is not an excuse and several computers will be available in the annex for Smartmusic usage. Do not wait till the last minute to take an assignment or test though as computers may become busy several days before an assignment is due. Sign up for a time on the computer sign-up and be sure to use your time. Try not to miss your scheduled time as it may be hard to sign-up again later.

Progress reports will be sent home during the year.

PRIVATE LESSONS

Private lessons are an excellent way to help a student reach full potential on an instrument. Please contact me to set up lessons if you are interested.

PARENT / TEACHER COMMUNICATION Please contact me anytime at: eyale@bcsa.k12.ar.us

CONCERTS

All string groups demonstrate their progress through concert programs. CONCERTS ARE THE FINAL EXAM for each of the performance classes. Attendance at concerts and rehearsals are mandatory. Every player is important to the success of the performance. If it is necessary to miss a concert or rehearsal, please give a written request to the string teacher in advance of the concert date. Serious illnesses or emergency situations, of course, are excused provided a note is sent to the next class session (a make up assignment will be required to make up any points if absence is excused).

Students are asked to dress appropriately for performances. Ensembles are seen before they are heard; therefore, clothing appropriate to the occasion is required.


 * (Tentative) CONCERT DATES**

__Winter Concert:__ Dec. 10th, Monday Rehearsal, Time: 6pm @ the BCSA High School PAC (Required for Grade)*

Dec. 11th, Tuesday Concert, Time 6pm @ the BCSA High School PAC (Required for Grade)*

__Spring Pops Concert:__ May 13th, Monday Rehearsal, Time 6pm @ BCSA M.S. Annex (Rain site BCSA M.S. Gym) (Required for Grade)*

May 14th, Tuesday Concert, Time: 6pm @ BCSA M.S. Annex (Rain site BCSA M.S. Gym) (Required for Grade)*

__Also TBA but not yet listed (Extra performances)__ (Not all Required)* All-Region Try outs and clinic in Fort Smith (October try-outs) (November clinic) Solo and Ensemble (Spring) Possible Fall Performance in the Gym (late-October, November) Arvest Ball Park BCSA Day Out (March or April) 8th Grade Recognition (May) Branson Silver Dollar City Contest Trip (May)

INSTRUMENTS

Advancing strings students are encouraged to purchase their own instruments. This fosters responsibility and ownership over a students music learning. For beginners and those who need, BCSA has instruments that may be checked out by students and parents. Care and maintenance of the instrument will be your responsibility while the instrument is checked out from BCSA.

If you have an older instrument at home or are planning to buy an instrument, it should be evaluated as to condition and appropriate size so that necessary adjustments and repairs can be made as soon as possible. Contact me for information on instruments.

In order to assure the students’ success, instruments must be kept in good repair. This includes replacing broken strings immediately and attending quickly to any other minor repairs.

Double basses will be provided at school for selected students. Bass students will need to have a secure way to transport the instrument. If an instrument can’t be purchased right away an electric bass at home might be one way of getting practice time at home.

INSTRUMENT CARE

With proper care, your child’s musical instrument will last a lifetime. At the beginning of the year, students are shown the proper way to maintain and handle their instruments. When these directions are followed, only occasional, minor adjustments will be necessary to maintain the instrument.

String instruments are available in a variety of sizes. Students are measured for proper fit at the outset of the year. However, a growth spurt may necessitate a re-assignment. I will notify you if this is necessary.

EQUIPMENT NEEDS (check under supplies)

The following equipment is required for all string classes:

1. pencil, 2 music folders, and music book

2. cake of rosin

3. Extra set of strings may be need should a string break or need replacing.

4. soft cleaning cloth (preferably 100% cotton)

5. rock stops for cellos and basses/ Shoulder rests for violins and violas

All cases should be labeled with student’s name, contact info, and school.

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