G.  ATTENDANCE

 

Orchestra members are expected to attend all rehearsals and performances.  Dates of these events are given well in advance.  Please clear your calendars for these dates.  Dress rehearsals are mandatory for participation in concerts or special events.

 

Excused Absences:

1.              Personal Illness

2.              Religious Holiday

3.              Immediate family wedding/funeral

4.              Medical Emergency

 

Unexcused Absences:

1.              School club meetings without director’s notification

2.              Doctor/Dentist appointment without director’s notification

3.              Any other excuse

 

If you are in doubt about an absence, please ask the director in advance. In case of sudden illnesses or emergencies, a telephone call is greatly appreciated.  Immediately upon returning to school after a sudden illness or emergency, the student should give a written excuse to the director at the beginning of class.  Failure to do so will count as an unexcused absence.

 

All absences should be kept to a minimum.  This will help to strengthen the orchestra and build a solid musical foundation for the ensemble.  In cases of absences from rehearsals and performances, a written statement is required IN ADVANCE whenever possible.  The orchestra will take precedence over any other performing organization or athletic team.  This is standard procedure for most every orchestra, both amateur and professional.  Exceptions may be made on an individual basis .  If there are conflicts with other HMS activities please discuss the situation with the director in advance.

 

It is also important to arrive on time to rehearsals.  If a student arrives late to a rehearsal a signed pass must be presented.  All tardies to class and rehearsals will be documented.   Three unexcused tardies or absences from rehearsals will lead to dismissal from participation in concerts or special events.     

 

 

H.  HONOR GROUPS AND PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

 

ALL-STATE ORCHESTRA

                 All-State Orchestra, sponsored by GMEA, is one of the highest honors a student may earn.  Students must prepare specific scales, an etude, and sight-read for both the District and State level auditions.  See Mrs. Hoebeke for specific requirements.  All-State acceptance means joining over 100 of the best middle school musicians in Georgia for a weekend of music in Savannah, Ga.

FULTON COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH ORCHESTRA

                 Youth orchestra open to Fulton County students in the 6th-8th grade.  Students must be recommended by their orchestra director and must also pass an audition.  This orchestra practices Tuesdays from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Alpharetta High School.  The director of this orchestra is Ms. Barbara Colaianni. 

SOLO AND ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL

                 Solo and Ensemble Festival is a GMEA sponsored event that is open to all students.  This festival is a chance for individuals students or small ensembles to demonstrate their musical talents and abilities.  Students perform their selection for one judge and receive a rating for their performance.  Mrs. Hoebeke will help you find music and coach each group that enters.  Your private instructor may also recommend a piece of music.  This festival is held in the fall of each year. 

LARGE GROUP PERFORMANCE EVALUATION FESTIVAL

                 Performance Evaluation is a GMEA sponsored event that allows orchestras to demonstrate their large group musical talents.  Each orchestra performs three contrasting selections for three judges and then has the opportunity to sight-read in front of another judge.  Each group receives a rating from each judge which results in an overall festival rating.

GEORGIA ASTA CHAMBER MUSIC WORKSHOP:  Weekend chamber workshop held each fall at UGA. 

 

OTHER POTENTIAL PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES

MYSO (Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra)

BYO (Buckhead Youth Orchestra)

GYSO (Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra)