JH Orchestra Syllabus

Junior High Orchestra 2008-2009
Mrs. Chalis Montgomery FA 106
cmontgomery@greateratlantachristian.org 770-243-2373


INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the GACS Orchestra! It is truly exciting to think about the program we are building together. I look forward to the effort we will share as we forge a legacy that will last well beyond our time here.


STATEMENT OF CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
While we will be rehearsing some music that is secular in nature, the overriding principles governing the learning and performance of that music can be found in the parable of the talents.
Matthew 25:13-30
Therefore, it is our mandate to give back to God the talents that we have been given, enhanced by our efforts in rehearsal and enriched by the quality of our performance.


COURSE DESCRIPTION
This class is designed for any junior high student who demonstrates intermediate ability on a stringed instrument or piano. Our repertoire will include music from various historical periods and genres as it is deemed necessary to create the fullest educational experience possible. Additionally, we will study music theory, aural skills, and music history from a multi-cultural perspective.

GRADING
Grading will consist of quizzes, attendance at concerts, and the final exam. Quizzes measure the daily participation of each student by assessing basic knowledge of concepts covered during classes.
Every week, there will be a performance test, measuring the amount of a student’s weekly practice by assessing it at the applied level. Students will still be expected to fill out practice sheets and have them signed, but they will not turn them in. Instead, these will be kept in a folder to be turned in at the end of the semester.
Just as in regular classes, if a student has test anxiety, I will absolutely make other arrangements for the testing of that student. No one need suffer through orchestra.
Attendance at concerts is absolutely required. An unexcused absence from a concert performance may result in a lowered grade for the semester. The final exam will be comprehensive, covering all quiz topics from the semester.

· Quizzes and assignments: 40 % of total grade
· Attendance at performances: 50 % of total grade
· Final Exam: 10 % of total grade


HELP SESSIONS
Help sessions will be provided on Monday mornings from 7:20 – 7:55 and on an individual, as-needed basis. To make an appointment for an additional help session, stop by or send me an email.


SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

· Keep a pencil in your music folder at all times.
· If your folder goes home for practice, it must return for every rehearsal. There are slots provided for storage in the rehearsal room.
· Bring your instrument and any necessary supplies to every class.
· Keep your instrument in good condition.
· You must be committed not only to learning your music, but making music. Even exercises should be played with the best musicianship you can muster.
· You must attend all performances.

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS
· Enter the room quickly and quietly. Take out your instrument right away.
· Please be ready to play when the director takes the podium.
· Get rid of any gum, candy, food or anything in your mouth.
· There is only one director. Please do not correct each other in class.
· Please use the box, the wiki or the blog for comments or suggestions that could wait until later.
· Always do your best.
· Be loyal to the team. Don’t insult your fellow orchestra members in or out of class.
· Take care of all music in your possession. Only mark in pencil.
· Do not pack up to leave until the director tells you to.
· Abide by the GACS Student Code of Conduct.

And . . . always remember: you are part of a team whether you are in my class or out in the world. How you choose to represent yourself is how you choose to represent the rest of us.
Do your best, and BE your best.

ATTENDANCE/TARDY POLICY
Attendance at all performances is MANDATORY. You may only be excused in the case of death of an immediate family member, extreme illness requiring medical care (in which case, a doctor’s note is required), or previously agreed upon exemptions due to other school functions, such as the final game in a tournament. Regular practices for athletics, dance, or other activities are not excused. Missed regular rehearsals require a green slip from the office on the day of return.
A student is considered tardy if their entire being has not crossed the threshold of my classroom by the time the bell rings or by the call time listed for performance. After five tardies to class, a student will be given after-school detention.




PERFORMANCES/PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS
*Performance dates are subject to change, and dates may be added throughout the year with one month’s notice.

Saturday, October 4, 8:00 A.M.
Frog Hollow performance. Breakfast is provided.

Saturday, October 25
All-State orchestra auditions.

Friday, November 14
Field trip/outside performance/service project TBA

Saturday, November 15
Solo and Ensemble Festival.

Sunday, December 7 1:00 P.M.
Lessons and Carols performance in the Clif Jones Theatre.

Monday, December 15 6:00 P.M.
Christmas concert.

February 10
Tentatively planned – field trip to the ASO.

February 26-28 (only one of these dates)
Large Group Performance Evaluation (Festival). We will not know exactly which day we will perform until the organizers have received all the applications and have finished processing them.

Tuesday, May 12 6:00 P.M.
Spring concert.

Thursday, May 22
Possible commencement performance.

Other chapel performances, TBA






All times posted are “Call times” not performance times

· “Call time” is the time orchestra members are expected to be in the room, ready to warm up. Any student arriving past the call time will be considered tardy. For example, 6:00:01 on December 15 is late. Any student arriving more than 15 minutes past the call time will be considered unexcused.
· If there is no call time listed for the performance on the syllabus,, it is either TBA or during school hours.
· Performance attire should be properly pressed or steamed. We will play the way we look!
· Gentlemen must have shirts tucked in, black socks and black dress shoes (no sneakers, sandals or flip-flops). Black pants, black belt, black shirt, black tie. Hair should be neatly combed out of the face.
· Ladies must wear flesh colored stockings or knee-highs and black closed-toe heels or dress flats, and black dress or black blouse and skirt or pants. Please do not wear a bow or any other type of hair ornament. It is requested that ladies wear minimal makeup. No earrings other than studs or hoops smaller than a dime.
· Ladies especially, please be careful when selecting your concert attire. It is very embarrassing when the audience is aware of the details of your physique and undergarments because of the fit of your dress.
You may be asked to change into whatever I might have available if you arrive at a concert inappropriately attired.

CONCLUSION
It is my pleasure to conduct such a fine bunch of young people. Should you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to building the orchestra this year with you.