Hopewell Middle School

Orchestra

HOPEWELL MIDDLE SCHOOL                                      Office phone: 678-297-3240, x169

Teresa Hoebeke, Orchestra Director (Room C101)                                         E-Mail: hoebeket@fultonschools.org

 

 

6^th, 7^th, and 8^th Grade Orchestra

Course Syllabus

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2009-2010

 

METHOD BOOK:                 6^th Grade Orchestra:                 Essential Elements 2000 Bk. 1 & 2

7^th Grade Orchestra:                 Essential Elements 2000 Bk. 2 & 3

8^th Grade Orchestra:                 Essential Technique 2000 Bk. 3

All Grades:                                Essentials for Strings (brown scale book)

Various musical selections in sheet music form

 

 

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION   

Students will work on the development of basic music skills and specific techniques that relate to his/her own instrument and grade level.  Students will focus on the mechanics of string instruments (right and left hand skills), tone quality, note reading, ear-training, sight-reading, intonation, rhythm, musical expression, and musical literacy within the context of orchestral performance.  Orchestra is a performance-based class.  This course will require after-school rehearsals and performances of all members during the school year, as well as individual and chamber group performances. 

 

 

 

COURSE OUTLINE

Artistic Skills and Knowledge: Creating, Performing, Producing

Correct playing position and posture                                                                                            5-7 classes

Correct right and left hand techniques                                                                                          ongoing

Participates effectively as a member of performing ensemble                                                  ongoing

Performs selected music repertoire                                                                                               ongoing

Reads music at expected competency                                                                                           ongoing

Demonstrates ability to perform in various ensembles                                                               ongoing

Tunes instrument accurately and demonstrates awareness of good intonation                        ongoing

Performs with characteristic tone quality                                                                                    ongoing

Demonstrates knowledge of vibrato                                                                                             ongoing

Demonstrates knowledge of phrase and melody                                                                         ongoing

Recognizes key signatures and performs appropriate scales and arpeggios                             ongoing

Recognizes harmonic structures in music                                                                                    ongoing

Identifies the timbre of stringed instruments                                                                               ongoing

Demonstrates knowledge of music vocabulary                                                                           ongoing

Uses print and non-print media to access music information                                                     ongoing

Performs interpretations and/or improvisations                                                                           ongoing

Creates, notates, and performs a simple melody for instrument                                                ongoing

 

 

Critical Analysis and Aesthetic Understanding

Demonstrates knowledge of musical form                                                                                  ongoing

Critiques music performed by the ensemble and suggests ways to improve                           ongoing

 

 

Historical and Cultural Context

Demonstrates knowledge of composers and historical periods                                                 ongoing

Describes the history of orchestral stringed instruments                                                            ongoing

Recognizes contributions by composers of various cultural and ethnic backgrounds            ongoing

Performs music from various historical periods with correct style                                           ongoing

 

GRADING PROCEDURE

A grade will be given for work completed in class and outside of class.  Grades are reported every 4 ½ weeks and report cards are sent home every 9 weeks.  Orchestra grades are based on the following assessments:

 

1.  Participation in daily class activities (Instrument, supplies, performance)

2.  Participation in rehearsals and concerts

3.  Practice records, written assignments, sight-reading, and agenda spot checks

4.  Individual playing tests and written tests

5.  Special Projects:  Original composition and Composer/Famous Musician PowerPoint

Grades will be weighted as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS

Opportunities for participation in honor ensembles, solo/ensemble, performance evaluation festival, and other activities are strongly encouraged and supported by the director.  Participation in these groups is often rewarded with medals, plaques, or trophies.  (Refer to the Orchestra Handbook for specific information)

 

**Students will have the opportunity to earn extra credit throughout the school year by completing special assignments/projects or attending professional orchestra concerts. 

                                                  

                 HOMEWORK EXPECTATIONS

Orchestra students will complete weekly practice records that will serve as a homework grade.  Practicing at home is considered an orchestra student’s homework each day.  All orchestra students are expected to practice a minimum of 120 minutes each week. Additional practice for playing tests and concerts may be required as well.  Written assignments and occasional studying for written tests should be noted in the student’s agenda as it occurs.

 

 

PROVISION FOR IMPROVING GRADES

Students who have low (73 or below) or failing cumulative grades may ask for opportunities to improve their grade when all work required to date has been completed and the student demonstrates a legitimate effort to meet all course requirements, including attendance.

 

HELP SESSIONS

Thursday afternoons:                                                               3:45-4:45 p.m.

                 Monday, Tuesday, and Friday mornings:                            8:00-8:30 a.m. (by appointment only with pass)

 

REHEARSALS AND PERFORMANCES

Orchestra rehearsals, sectionals, concerts, and performance evaluation festivals are a required part of this class.  They are scheduled well in advance and students will receive a rehearsal/concert calendar.   Many of these rehearsals will be held after-school on Monday, Tuesday, and/or Wednesday afternoons.  Attendance is required for all rehearsals and performances.  Chamber Orchestra rehearsals will be Thursday mornings from 7:30-8:30 a.m. in the orchestra room (C101).  Chamber orchestra is open to all orchestra students in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade by audition only. 

                                                                                                     

TEACHER/PARENT COMMUNICATION

Students are expected to copy weekly reminders and notes in their agendas.  Parents should check student agendas daily for notes from the teacher.  The majority of parent communication will be take home letters, emails, and phone calls.  Parents are asked to sign their student's weekly practice record and return it to school each Monday.  

 

ABSENCE MAKE-UP PROCEDURES

Upon returning to school following an absence, it is the student's responsibility to contact the teacher to request make-up work.  Make-up work must be completed by the student within the time specified by the teacher.  Depending on the assignment, this will usually be 1-2 day's time. 

 

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS

1.  Listen carefully and raise your hand to speak.

2.  Obey all school rules and follow the FULTON COUNTY CODE OF CONDUCT.

3.  Participate in all classroom activities and attend all after-school rehearsals and concerts.

4.  Be on time to class with necessary materials (instrument, music, pencil, agenda, and notebook).

5.  Be courteous and show respect to others.

6.  No food, candy, drinks, or gum in the classroom.

7.  Proper concert attire must be worn during a performance. 

8.  Take proper care of our orchestra equipment and facilities.

***Please refer to the orchestra handbook for more information regarding expectations***

 

CONSEQUENCES

In order to maintain an environment that is conducive for learning, all students must adhere to the behavior guidelines.  If a student chooses not to meet the classroom expectations, any of the following consequences may be applied:

1.  Verbal warning                                                                                        5.  Counselor Referral

2.  Change of seat                                                                                          6.  Time Out

3.  Parent contact via email, student agenda, or phone call                      7.  Detention (before or after school)

4.  Parent-Student-Teacher Conference                                                      8.  Office Referral

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Please print, sign, and return this form to school. 

 

HMS ORCHESTRA

2009-2010 SYLLABUS 

VERIFICATION AND SIGNATURE FORM

 

I have read and understand all the classroom procedures, regulations, and grading policies  for the HMS Orchestra outlined in this syllabus.  I understand that I am responsible for the information included in the syllabus.  I agree to keep the syllabus in a convenient location to refer to when questions may arise.

 

Student’s Name ________________________________________  Grade ____________

Parent’s Name ____________________________________________________

Phone Number ________________________________________

Email address  ______________________________________________________________

 

 

Student Signature ____________________________________   Date _________________

Parent Signature _____________________________________   Date _________________

 

 

**Please sign and return this form to school by Friday, August 21.**