Expectations/Regulations

General Expectations for Orchestra Students:

1. Be in attendance at ALL rehearsals (early morning, during school, and any other scheduled times). THEY ARE MANDATORY AND PART OF THE COURSE!

2. Be in attendance at ALL performances. THEY ARE MANDATORY AND PART OF THE COURSE!

3. Be on time for ALL ensemble activities.

4. Be prepared for each and every class and rehearsal with the necessary equipment:

* instrument, music, pencil, extra strings, rosin, mute, and rock stops

5. Be sure your instrument is always in great working condition and with you at every rehearsal/performance.

General Rehearsal Hall Rules

1. You may come into the rehearsal hall after school and during your ensemble class time. You should not be in the rehearsal hall without a director present unless you have received permission prior to entering the room. This permission must come from the Director, unless it is official business.

2. There will be absolutely NO EATING, DRINKING, OR CHEWING GUM IN THE REHEARSAL HALL AT ANY TIME. A referral WILL BE administered.

3. All books, personal items, etc. should be placed on a bookshelf or in a book bag against the walls – out of the set-up. All books left in the room will be turned in to lost and found.

4. It is vital that all students respect our facilities and equipment at all times. Vandalism is a criminal act, punishable by law. Report vandalism immediately, no matter how small. Students who demonstrate an inability to show respect for our facilities and equipment will not be allowed to participate in outside of school activities - including ensemble trips.

5. NEVER, under any circumstance, leave money or other valuables in the rehearsal hall. We cannot be responsible for carelessness.

6. All instruments shall be stored in the instrument storage room unless specified by the Director. NO instruments should ever be left overnight or over the weekend.

7. Percussion equipment is for the use of the drummers only; no percussion instruments are to be played without the Director's permission.

8. The phone in the Directors' office may be used by orchestra students after school only. During school use is only permitted in case of emergency. Absolutely no personal calls.

9. Never enter the Directors' office for any reason unless they are present and invite you to enter. Always knock first!

10. DO NOT CALL THE DIRECTOR AT HOME UNLESS THERE IS AN EXTREME EMERGENCY. Information can be obtained from your student orchestra officers or your booster parent officers. They will get in touch with the Director in case of extreme emergency.

Rehearsal Rules and Guidelines

1. Bringing your instrument to class every day is a minimum requirement. A "zero" will be assigned for your daily grade each day you are without your instrument or do not play in rehearsal.

2. Always have a pencil on your stand. Number measures for your performance music.

3. Learning your music is your responsibility. Learn it before you get to rehearsal. Polish it before the stage performance.

4. Talking during rehearsal is prohibited. When someone is on the podium working with or addressing the ensemble, give them your FULL attention. If you need to say something or ask a question, raise your hand. If any adult should enter the rehearsal room to speak to the director, do not use it as an opportunity to begin a conversation of your own. Courtesy is a sign of maturity.

5. NEVER do homework for other classes during ensemble rehearsal. Any homework for other classes done during rehearsal WILL be collected and not returned to you. This will result in a lowering of your daily participation grade. You are expected to participate every day.

6. Finally, enjoy yourself! The more prepared you are for a rehearsal, the more fun you will have. A great sounding ensemble makes everybody happy.

Enforcement of Regulations

1. Small infractions of a minor nature will result in a lowering of your daily participation grade. See ‘Grading Contract' for specifics.

2. The Director reserves the right to modify the severity of the consequences due to circumstances including disrespect, poor attendance, and general attitude.

Dismissal from the Program

The Director reserves the right to dismiss a student from any performing organization for excessive unexcused absences from rehearsals or performances, use of drugs or alcoholic beverages while with the NHS Orchestra, an ongoing failure to demonstrate a cooperative behavior and attitude, and/or any gross infraction of Fulton County Schools policies or codes of student conduct.

In the case of a serious infraction of rules, the Director (possibly with the input of the principal) will determine an appropriate consequence. The student's parents will be notified of the rules infraction and the resulting action to be taken.

Probation Status

It may be possible for a student to commit an infraction of school/orchestra rules that is serious, but not serious enough to dismiss him/her from the program. A student in this situation may be assigned probation. Probation in the Orchestra Program would consist of a pre-determined period of time in which the student would forfeit any privileges such as awards, offices, trips, etc... As with permanent dismissal from the program, parents will be notified of the rules infraction and the resulting action to be taken.