Concert Orch Syllabus

1. Method Book

Essential Technique, Book 3 , Kjos Publishers

Students are expected to have their instruments, music, necessary accessories and a pencil each day.

2. Course Description

Concert Orchestra emphasizes the mechanics of string instruments, note reading, rhythm, pitch discrimination, expression, and music literacy. Performance expectations increase at each sequential level. This is a performance course chosen by students interested in the continued development of performance skills. Rehearsals and performances held outside of the regular school hours are considered required coursework. Students are expected to participate in the course for the entire school year.

• Course Outline

• Improve and increase performance skills

• Explore music career opportunities

• Develop knowledge of ethnic music

• Develop awareness of music literary resources

• Develop audition procedures

• Develop values towards music

• Engage in orchestra as a performer and listener

The music curriculum is delivered in a “spiral” manner. This essentially means that basic elements are taught and then re-taught at a higher, more sophisticated level until understanding and skill development reaches an appropriate level.

• More specific information may be found in the actual curriculum document which is on file in the director's office.

4. Grading Scheme

Orchestra grades are comprised of four categories:

A. 40% = Performances and Rehearsals

B. 30% = Classroom Competency

• 15% = Playing/Written Tests

• 15% = Exams

*Details of the Grading Contract are located in the Orchestra Student Handbook.

5. Special Projects

Students may elect to participate in extra performance opportunities and, depending on the circumstance, may be awarded extra credit (ie. Varsity Letter requirements). Such activities may include, but not be limited to: All-State Ensembles, Fulton County H.S. Honor Orchestra, Solo and Ensemble Festival, etc…

6. Homework Expectations

Homework assignments, which primarily consist of home practice, will be a regular occurrence. Thirty minutes of concentrated practice per day is a good guideline. Good practice does not mean long practice.

7. Fulton County Policy – Provision for Improving Grades

Opportunities designed to allow students to recover from a low or failing cumulative grade will be allowed when all work required to date has been completed and the student has demonstrated a legitimate effort to meet all course requirements including attendance.

Students should contact the teacher concerning recovery opportunities. Teachers are expected to establish a reasonable time period for recovery work to be completed during the semester. All recovery work must be directly related to course objectives and must be completed ten school days prior to the end of the semester.

Teachers will determine when and how students with extenuating circumstances may improve their grades.

Northview Recovery Procedure

Opportunities for students to recover from a low/failing cumulative grade will be provided when all work required to date has been completed and the student has demonstrated a legitimate effort to meet all course requirements. Students who have not attempted to complete all course requirements are not eligible for recovery.

Students must contact the teacher concerning recovery opportunities at the time his/her grade falls below 74. Recovery work must be completed within ten school days prior to the end of the semester. The nature and type of recovery assignment is given at the discretion of the teacher.

8. Scheduled Help Sessions

Students may request help sessions Monday and Wednesday mornings from 8:00 – 8:30 a.m. with a one day notice.

9. Teacher/Parent Communication

Parents will be notified by letter or telephone if their attention is required for assistance in student remediation or for notification of outstanding accomplishment. Conferences will be scheduled upon parental request.

10. 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. The student will receive the actual grade on the make-up work if the absence was “excused.” Make-up work for “unexcused” absences may be reduced by 10 points. Make-up work submitted late will receive a zero.

11. Discipline Guidelines (Quick Version)

• Be on time.

• Remember instrument, music, pencil, and other accessories.

• Practice!

• No electronic devices allowed in class (phones, music players, etc.)

• Respect the rights of others.

12. Parent Connect/Progress Reports

Parents are able to check student progress and assignment deadlines online in this and all Northview High School classes. The school will also issue progress reports every six weeks.

13. Honor Code

As explained in the student handbook, cheating is defined as “the giving or receiving, in any form, information relating to a gradable experience.” Violations of the honor code will result in a zero for the assignment, plus an honor code violation form placed in the student's disciplinary file. Read the handbook carefully to fully understand what constitutes a violation.

14. Fees

All orchestra students are asked to provide a $50.00 orchestra lab fee which will be used to purchase/maintain instruments, purchase music, provide transportation to events, and support orchestra activities.