D.  CLASS DESCRIPTION

 

Instrumental music classes meet five days a week for 52 minutes.  Classes meet during the students’ scheduled “Connections” time.  Students enrolled in instrumental music will take the “Performing Arts Connections” schedule.  This schedule includes all Connections, P.E., and Foreign Language classes that are required by the Georgia State Department of Education.  Performing groups are available to all students.

 

E.  PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

 

1.  All students are eligible to participate in classes appropriate to their skill and grade level.

 

2.  Membership in orchestra is continuous from semester to semester and year to year.  It is the policy of  the school and the director that a student cannot withdraw without written parental consent.  A written note must be sent to the director.  Prior to sending written withdrawal notes, parents are encouraged to talk with the director so that possible adjustments to their child’s learning program may be attempted.  No students will be dropped without prior notification from parents to the director.  If a student and parent find it necessary to withdraw, it should be done at the conclusion of the semester or school year.

 

 

F.  REHEARSALS AND PERFORMANCES

 

Rehearsals outside regular school hours will be scheduled only as necessary to prepare for a performance.  Rehearsals and performances will be announced well in advance to give plenty of time to prepare.  From time to time, rehearsals will be designated as “sectional rehearsals” for specific grade levels or instrumentation.  Chamber Orchestra rehearsals for 6^th, 7^th and 8^th grade students will be Thursday mornings from 7:30-8:30 a.m.  7th & 8th grade Orchestra Rehearsals will be on Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 3:45-4:45 p.m.  Students should be picked up no later than 4:45 p.m. by parents or carpool.  All rehearsals will be held in the HMS Orchestra Room unless otherwise announced.  Special rehearsals will be announced in advance.

 

Most performances and rehearsals will take place at HMS unless otherwise announced.  Performances at HMS will be held in the gymnasium.  Parents should arrange for their child to be picked up promptly after the conclusion of rehearsals or performances taking place after regular school hours.  Please do not wait for a phone call asking to “come and get me.”

 

The Hopewell Middle School Orchestra is a performing ensemble.  Concerts are an important part of the orchestral experience.  REHEARSALS AND PERFORMANCES ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL STUDENTS!  Students that fail to learn concert music to the required competency level will not be allowed to participate in concerts.  These students will be allowed to attend the concert as a member of the audience in order to receive a grade for concert participation. 

 

Students will be excused from rehearsals at the discretion of the director, if the director is notified in writing in advance.  Students will be excused in the event of a personal emergency or illness if the absence is followed quickly with an explanation in writing. 

 

Students who are late for performances or not in proper uniform will not be permitted to perform.  It is the students’ responsibility to be prepared for all performances. Students should arrive early to evening rehearsals and performances: @20-30 minutes.   Five minutes early is “on time.”  Arriving on time is considered late.