All of the groups mentioned above are open to all RECOMMENDED students.  Recommendations for auditions depend on (1) dedication to the HMS Orchestra, (2) attitude, responsibility, and maturity of the student, and (3) musical ability and talent.  Please note that each recommended student must meet all of these criteria.  The director reserves the right to refuse any student these privileges if it is felt that the student is unprepared or would misrepresent the Hopewell Middle School Orchestra in any way.

 

I.  GRADING POLICY

Progress reports are sent home at the end of each 4½ weeks.  Report cards are sent home at the end of every 9 weeks.  The majority of your grade will be determined by playing exams and performances.  Other factors will also be included in your grade.

 

Grades will be weighted as follows:

 

Playing Tests                                                                                                                               40%

Method Book Exercises

Orchestra Music

Scales, Rhythms, etc.

Solo and/or chamber group performance

 

Class Participation                                                                                                                   30%

Instrument

Music

Supplies (Refer to list)

Correct technique

Classroom Rules/Expectations

After-school rehearsals

Orchestra concerts

 

Quizzes/Class Projects                                                                                                            15%

Musical Vocabulary

Theory (Rhythms, notes, counting)

Music History

PowerPoint Project:  Famous Composers and Musicians

Original Composition

 

Homework/Assignments                                                                                                         15%

Practice Records

Written assignments: (Musical vocabulary, theory, music history)

Concert reviews

______________________________________________________________________________

                                                                                                                       Total                         100%

 

The grading scale is the same for Orchestra as for all other classes.  The scale is as follows:

 

A (Mastered Skill)…………………………………………………....90-100

B (Competent Skill)…………………………………………………....80-89

C (Progressing Skill)…………………………………………………..70-79

F (Inability to Perform Skill)……………………………………….…..0-69

INC……………………………………………………………….Incomplete

NG…………………………………………………………….…....No Grade

 

**Extra Credit:  Students may earn extra credit for completing special activities and/or projects.  Mrs. Hoebeke will give specific details and requirements for these projects.  Extra credit will also be given for students attending concerts by a high school, college, or professional orchestra.  Students will need to bring in a copy of the concert program, as well as complete a one page concert review sheet.  

 

J.  PRACTICE RECORDS

 

Orchestra members will receive credit for practicing at home by keeping a Practice Record.  The Practice Record is a form on which students will keep up with how many minutes they have practiced each day.  Full credit will be given to students who practice 120 minutes per week with a parent’s signature.  Parents are to sign the Practice Record each week to confirm that it is accurate.  Practice Records are due every Monday at the beginning of class.  Practice Records should be placed in the correct homework bin.  Points will be lost for anything less than 120 minutes.  If the parent does not sign the Practice Record, the student will receive a zero.

 

120 minutes……...……….………….100

100-119 minutes………………………90

80-99 minutes…..……………………..80

60-79 minutes…………………………70

less than 60 minutes………………….50

No parent signature…………………....0

 

**Special Bonus:  Students that practice 150 minutes or more will be entered into a weekly drawing for a special prize (“No homework pass”, music supplies, computer time, posters, candy, etc.)