NSCHS Visual and Performing Arts Magnet Program

HANDBOOK James A. Landreau

Director

“Music Expresses What Words Cannot”

Dear Orchestra Students and Parents:

Welcome to the North Springs Orchestra!!! The NSCHS Orchestra program is an excellent program which includes the following ensembles:

Concert (Beginning) Orchestra – this class is for those with little or limited orchestra experience who would like to start or brush up on technique as well as continue building on previous experience in an orchestra program. This course does not require an audition for placement and focuses on the study of basic technical skills using appropriate level repertoire.

Sinfonia (Intermediate) Orchestra - this class includes the concentrated study of and further development basic to intermediate level technical skills. It is intended for students with prior orchestra experience. This course DOES REQUIRE an audition for placement. The literature covered in this course is typically on a GMEA level 3.

Symphonic (Advanced) Orchestra – REQUIRES AUDITION! This class includes more in-depth technical and performance study skills. The literature covered in this course is typically on a GMEA level 4.

Chamber (Mastery) Orchestra - REQUIRES AUDITION! This is a performance-based class which includes advanced technical study and literature. The literature covered in this class is typically on a GMEA level 5-6.

Full Orchestra - This ensemble includes members of the Chamber Orchestra and performs with the top wind, brass, and percussion members of the NSCHS Advanced Band program for our concert series. Literature covered in this ensemble range from the Level 4-6 on the GMEA Full Orchestra literature list.

Trip Orchestra – this ensemble will hold a few extra rehearsals after school before we perform for any trip. Any orchestra student can be a part of this ensemble. Only requirement, you must be attending the trip.

NSCHS Quartets/chamber ensembles – these ensembles perform for school and community functions. They include members from both Advanced and Chamber Orchestra and are usually selected by the director based on technical ability level, availability, and overall discipline and professionalism in class. PLEASE READ THIS HANDBOOK CAREFULLY. It contains

information about this coming year, including schedules, guidelines, and expectations; Keep it in your orchestra binder, and refer to it often! Sign the ORCHESTRA CONTRACT and fill out the STUDENT AND PARENT INFORMATION FORMS and return them to your director by the end of the 2nd week of school.

*ORCHESTRA REHEARSALS ARE A REQUIRED PART OF EACH STUDENT’S GRADE. Orchestra is a Co-Curricular activity. Although students are in an academic class during the school day, they will also have rehearsals and concerts before or after the school day. In order for each student to receive the best possible musical experience, attendance at these rehearsals and concerts is mandatory and is a part of her/his grade.

*The success of our program centers on students AND parents. We are in the process of creating and establishing a Parent volunteer program that will eventually become the North Springs Orchestra Booster club and we ask you to participate so that our program can continue to grow and be successful. Come to your student’s performances, ENCOURAGE him/her to practice, and keep him/her in the orchestra family through his/her senior year. It is scientifically proven that STUDENTS who participate IN MUSIC programs SCORE HIGHER on standardized tests such as the SAT test. And, most COLLEGES PREFER to admit students with four years of a fine arts class rather than those with only academic backgrounds.

Musically,James A. Landreau

PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Please join the NSCHS Orchestra Parent Association. Fill out the

enclosed volunteer form and return with the student contracts. Please support us with your membership, time, energy, and/or talents.

2. Provide your student with the best instrument possible so that s/he will be proud to perform with it. Provide extra strings to keep in the case for emergencies. If you are able, get a metronome and music stand for practice at home. These REALLY help!

3. Communicate with the Director as soon as a problem develops. Call Mr. Landreau at 470-254-2490, ext. 22084 or email: Landreauj@fultonschools.org

4. Turn in all written communications and required monies on time.

5. Attend our concerts! Our orchestra student’s work very hard and your presence at concerts make a difference and mean a lot.

6. Pick your student up on time after rehearsals, concerts, and events. Please do not wait until your student calls you after these events. Please plan ahead!!!

Orchestra ProgramCourse Information/Syllabus/Handbook

Please visit our website

www.nschsorchestra.wordpress.com

Mr. James A. Landreau, DirectorE110 Orchestra Room

Office Hours: Mon/Wed 3:45p - 4:45p Office Number: 470-254-2490, ext.

22084Landreauj@fultonschools.org

Course Outline:

The following skills and concepts, including the Fulton County and Georgia Performance Standards, will be introduced and/or developed by means of orchestral and chamber literature appropriate to the needs and abilities of the students:

1. Correct posture and position2. Tone production and vibrato3. Rhythm4. Pitch perception5. Scales 6. Shifting and advanced positions in various keys7. Bow techniques8. Dynamic, tempo, and articulation markings9. Blend, balance and rhythmic precision in an ensemble10. Musical expression and interpretation11. Basic concepts of music theory 12. Music history (particularly that which relates to compositions performed)13. Basic conducting skills14. Chamber Music Skills

15. Competence in rehearsal and performance

CONDUCT

Each student will:1. Treat classmates, director, and all others with courtesy and respect.2. Unpack and set up immediately once you arrive in class. ON TIME is in your seat

(with your bow rosined and your music out), by two minutes after the bell. 3. Cease ALL talking AND playing when the instructor/concertmaster/student leader Stands on the podium or is asking for your attention.4. Remain absolutely QUIET during tuning.5. Keep the orchestra room neat and FREE OF TRASH. NO FOOD OR DRINK other

than water WILL BE ALLOWED - PERIOD.

Academic Honesty:In general, show that you are a responsible young adult, preparing to become a contributing member of society.

Recovery Statement: NSCHS will provide recovery opportunities to all students who ask (course average 74 or below) regardless of prior assignment completion.  The recovery must be completed 10 days before the end of the semester. There will be no other make-up assignments outside of recovery in this course.

Academic Honesty Statement: Plagiarism is cheating. It is essential that students understand the importance of refraining from plagiarism and other forms of cheating. Students who plagiarize all or parts of a given assignment will receive a failing grade for ALL PARTS of that assignment, even if this results in a failing grade for the course. This includes failure to cite research sources. Avoiding plagiarism and ensuring proper citation will be a prominent topic during the research portion of the course.

Course Evaluation: There is not an End of Course Test in this Course.

TEAM SPIRIT - MORE “WE” - LESS “ME”Orchestra is about all of us working toward a common goal. It is not an individual effort. Support others with constructive, positive, helpful, and considerate comments. Give 100% during all rehearsals. Please keep personal conflicts outside the orchestra room and let your director know if there is a serious problem.

-MATERIALS – Due in class ASAP - always a part of your grade.

1. Instrument and bow in good playing condition

2. A pencil on the stand EVERY DAY3. A black 1 inch 3-ring binder with pockets, dividers, Staff paper, and notebook paper 4. Accessories: Rosin, Torte Mute, soft cloth for cleaning instrument after each use, shoulder rest for violinists and violists (I do not provide these- students must have one for proper playing position), rock stop for cellists and bassists. I have a limited supply of rock stops at school. Please put your name on yours. I strong encourage that if you own your own instrument, to also have a mute. I have a class set that can be used in class, but not enough to give to everyone.

School InstrumentStudents who use a school-supplied instrument must fill out an instrument loan form at the beginning of the year. Inventory will be checked each semester. Those who take a school instrument home will be asked to pay a fee of $25.00 per year. Students will be required to fill out the proper form and return it before the instrument can be taken home. Please make checks payable to: NSCHS Orchestra. Each student will also be responsible for any repairs due to negligence. NO ONE may play the instrument except the assigned student.

***PERSONAL EQUIPMENT***

Fulton County Schools is not responsible for stolen or damaged instruments that are owned, rented from somewhere other than the school, or borrowed by students. NSCHS does have an instrument storage room that is kept locked at the end of each day. However, these instrument storage areas exist primarily for convenience during the school day. Instrument storage rooms are locked every night, but incidents can and have occurred in the past. While I do my very best to be diligent about storage and safety, It is up to the student to make sure they provide their own combination lock and actually lock their cases AND the lockers. The school and I cannot be responsible for anything left in them, either during the school day or overnight. Students who leave their instruments in storage rooms are strongly urged to lock their cases in some manner and to take them home every night to practice. Students should never leave their instrument in practice rooms, classrooms, buses, hallways, etc., during the school day, evenings, weekends, or vacations.

To minimize damage, students should never touch other students' instruments or allow their instruments to be touched by others. The school and teacher are not responsible for instruments that are damaged as the result for a student loaning his or her instrument to another student. Each person should take care not to leave an instrument unattended in a precarious position (on music stands, on chairs, on floor). Instrument cases must not be used as foot rests or stools, as these uses can impair their ability to protect the instrument inside from damage. Unfortunately, some damage is the result of vandalism. However, this can be minimized if everyone takes the proper steps to safely secure and store their instruments.

FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES It is essential that all Orchestra members participate in fund-raising activities in order to

support our orchestras:1. Music library and instrument maintenance2. Festival fees3. Student awards4. Field trips5. Performance trips6. Master classes7. Video and audio equipment8. Guest performers9. Maintenance of instruments10. Orchestral awards and banquet

Please make every effort to contribute to scheduled fund-raising activities. We have a parent volunteer group/booster club and we would love for you to become an active member.

Grading Procedures

Grading will be based on the director's evaluation of each student's work done in class and rehearsals, through testing, homework, graded practice charts, and during performances. Emphasis is placed upon daily participation, performance preparation, and general improvement in playing the instrument. This includes mastery of the GPS for each class.

Assignment/grade weighting are as follows:

Final Exam ………………………..20%In Class Performance……..……… 30%Rehearsals…………………………10%Concerts…… ……………………..15%Playing tests……………………….15%Written Test ……………………….10%

Total: ……………………………..100%

1. In Class Performance (ICP). Students will earn up to 100 points per week for class participation. This includes having all necessary class materials listed in the student responsibility section, turning in all written communication, and active, cooperative participation in class and rehearsals. A student will lose points by failing to have any of the materials, by not fully participating in class activities/rehearsals, or by not following class guidelines.

2. TESTS - Each test will be graded on a 100-point scale. This includes performance and written tests. As time allows, a student may attempt to retake a test. This will be scheduled at the convenience of the teacher and does not apply to chair challenges or semester exams. Any retakes must be scheduled and taken before the sixth week of each six weeks.

3. PERFORMANCE POINTS- Students will be required to attend graded rehearsals in order to be allowed to perform in concerts. Concerts have two major purposes. One purpose is for the student to experience the interpreting of music for and with an audience. Students will display technical growth and the expression of the musical language. The other purpose is for the student to experience music with an educated ear. Listening is important to the playing of music. A student who hears with a trained ear listens with more depth. All performances will be required and will be weighted as 3 tests. Tardiness will lower your grade. Absenteeism and tardiness hurt the entire ensemble. Students are required to remain for the full duration of the concert, maintain proper concert behavior, and help afterwards to receive their full performance grade.

Final Exam Exemption Policy: Graduating seniors may exempt Second Semester final exams for any class in which the following criteria are met during the last twelve (12) weeks (begins February 19th):

80 for higher

no more than three (3) excused absences

no unexcused absences

no more than two (2) tardies for this class

no ISS, OSS, or Extended Detention for any reason.

Students must have teacher approval before exempting exams.

UNIFORMThe first impression the Orchestra gives the audience is its appearance. Looking good is the first step to sounding good. Students are asked to purchase and wear a casual and a formal uniform.

Uniforms are as follows:

Orchestra T-shirt - Each student needs an NSCHS Orchestra T-shirt. These will be worn for informal concerts and events with blue jeans and sneakers and also used on our trips. Ladies: Ladies will be sized for a Full length black dress. Ladies will also be required to wear black dress shoes (heels or flats are acceptable, but keep in mind professional please.) Gentlemen: Black tuxedo, black collarless (mandarin collar) tuxedo shirt, black dress shoes, AND BLACK SOCKS. :)

There will be a company there to measure the gentlemen for their tuxedos. All other uniform decisions will be addressed at the parent meeting We can discuss about getting additional Orchestra spirit wear (i.e. Hoodies, jackets, hats, etc.) if there is interest.

Attendance POLICYAttendance at all orchestra rehearsals and functions is required and very important for the overall success of the program. Student absences from rehearsal pose problems for the group because they create gaping holes and the part that they play is musically decreased. An unexcused absence will jeopardize a student’s grade, chair, and qualifications for his/her orchestra award. Should a student be involved in another school activity which conflicts with rehearsal time, an arrangement will be discussed between the director and the advisors. An unexcused absence from a performance will jeopardize the student’s grade, chair, and membership in the ensemble. All absences require a note from a parent within 24 hours of the event. Parents, please schedule appointments on non-rehearsal and concert dates.

Excused Absences - personal illness, religious holidays, close family wedding or funeral, college interviews (if no other time is available.)

Unexcused Absences - doctor or dental appointment, work scheduling conflicts, school club meetings - - without approval of the director, driver’s tests, and any other absence.

School Concerts and Other Events

The Orchestra usually performs 4 major concerts per year: a Fall Concert, a Winter Concert, a Pre-Festival Concert, and a Spring Concert. We also take part in our District Large Group Festival and often collaborate with the middles school for a joint performance. We also participate in trips will include a performance. The director, with the understanding that ample advance notice is given to all Orchestra members, may add additional concerts.

Georgia Music Educators Association EventsEach year the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) sponsors several music events. Some events are intended for students in our local GMEA district, others involve students on a statewide level. More information on these events can be found below:

Large Group Performance Evaluation (LGPE) is held in February and/or March. Our Orchestras will perform for a panel of judges who make comments and rate the performance. Medals are awarded to each Orchestra member for a rating of Superior or Excellent. This is an excellent experience for both director and students.

Solo and Ensemble Festival Students are encouraged to participate in the District Solo and Ensemble Festival. Participants perform solos or small ensemble pieces for a judge, who is an experienced music educator, and given a rating on the prepared performance. This a very important learning experience for the individual student because s/he perfects selections on his/her own and comments from the judge are directed specifically to the individual. A minimal fee must be paid to GMEA for each piece played and a student may perform one solo and in no more than two ensembles. Students are expected to provide their own accompanist or accompaniment track, and supply the judge with the original score of the selection being performed. Medals will be awarded to ensembles or soloists for a rating of Superior or Excellent. All students participating will earn credit toward their yearly award.

All-State Orchestra is open to all students. Students must audition at a district and statewide level and if selected will participate in a three-day clinic in Athens, Ga. in early March. These students rehearse with a nationally recognized conductor or composer. It is a tremendous experience to play in an elite ensemble made up of the best school musicians in the state of Georgia. Audition requirements are posted on the GMEA website and can be obtained from Mr. Landreau. The district audition consists of Scales, prepared etude, and sight reading. The State level audition will consist of excerpts from symphonic literature being performed at the event.

Students who are selected to participate are required to provide their own transportation and adult chaperone for the entire weekend. It takes much dedication and practice to prepare for these auditions, but it is a great learning experience for students who participate. A private teacher is recommended, but not required, for those students who wish to audition. In addition to the required scales which are posted in the orchestra room.

Students are also encouraged to audition for the many honors and District level orchestras throughout the county and metro area. Those groups include, but are not limited to:

Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra, Emory Youth Symphony Orchestra,Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra, Buckhead Youth Orchestra, Ludwig Symphony Orchestra, Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra, Fulton County High School Honor Orchestra, etc.

Please see Mr. Landreau for audition requirements and details ASAP.

The Spartan WayStudents

Successful SPARTAN students attend classes regularly. They are on time. They listen and train themselves to pay attention. They make sure they get

all assignments missed by contacting the teacher themselves.

Successful SPARTAN students take advantage of extra opportunities to get help and to ask questions. They show a willingness to accept critical and

constructive feedback and apply it to their work and habits for improvement.

Successful SPARTAN students care about their campus and school grounds and go out of their way to be responsible for their own trash as well as those

of their school mates when they forget. They do this because they have PRIDE in their school. They do this because this school is not just a place

they visit….it is their home away from home.

Successful SPARTAN students care about each other. No student is left out. No student eats alone or cannot name a meaningful friendship while here.

Students reach out to others who are not like them. SPARTAN students are accepting of all individuals and go out of their way to live a student life showing respect, acceptance and compassion for everyone on campus.

Successful SPARTAN students show respect to adults on campus, even when in conflict. They accept personal responsibility for themselves and their actions and learn something about themselves from each interaction

with adults.

Successful SPARTAN students are our pride and joy and they not only attend and learn at North Springs, they ARE what makes

North Springs High School great!

STUDENT/PARENT INFORMATION and Medical Release form (Complete and turn in by Fri., August 18th)

Student Printed Name_____________________________ Grade________ Instrument__________________ Orchestra class____________________# of years played ______ Currently taking private lessons? ____Private teacher name________________________________

Parent/Guardian/Student (label each) e-mail address: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Home/mailing address, including town and zip code________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Home phone__________________________________Parent cell phone #_____________________________Student cell phone #_____________________________Father's/Guardian name__________________________Place of employment ____________________________Father's work phone_____________________________Mother's/Guardian name__________________________Place of employment____________________________Mother's work phone____________________________

I, as parent or guardian of the below named minor student, do hereby give the NSCHS Orchestra director and/or chaperones authorization to seek emergency medical treatment for the below named minor student. I relieve the school, Fulton County Board of Education, and/or the NSCHS Orchestra Boosters of any financial responsibility in connection with any medical treatment that might be necessary by the above named student. I further state that I, the parent/guardian of the below named student, will be responsible for payment for any emergency medical treatment administered to the below named minor student.

____________________________Parent Signature____________________________ Date

Medical release form (in the event we travel or an emergency arises)- This information is kept confidential and only seen by you the parent, your child and the director)

List any allergies________________________________________________________

List any medication_______________________________________________________

Reason for medication___________________________________________________

List any medical condition for which the student is currently being treated by a physician_______________________________________________________________

Name of family physician_________________________________________________

(The following info is optional for now, unless we travel and then will need info)Name of Health Insurance Carrier___________________________________________Policy Number__________________________________________________________Expiration date of policy_________________________________________________

Informed Consent and Video/Picture Release form:

Throughout the course of the year, pictures and/or videos of the orchestra will be taken

to be used for publicity purposes and/or uploaded to the gallery section of the orchestra

website. By signing below, you are acknowledging and agreeing to the use of your

child’s name and/or photo on the website for publicity information purposes about our

NSCHS Orchestra program. If you would like to be available or like to volunteer to take

pictures and/or record our performances, please see Mr. Landreau.

___________________________________________Parent Signature___________________________________________Date

NSCHS Orchestra Parent Association_______________________________ - (Parent printed name) - I would like to join the NSCHS OPA and am joining at the:

Spartan White Level - $50.________Spartan Orange Level - $75._________Spartan Blue Level - $100._________

I am interested in helping in the following areas: (please check)

Parent printed name_________________________

Chaperone for Large Group Festival________Chaperone for Orchestra trip________Help at Fall Concert________Help at Winter Concert ___________Help at Pre-festival Concert/Workshop________Help at Spring Concert_______Help at Awards Banquet_______Help get Corporate Sponsorship for our organization________Help with printing of programs_________Carpool students who need rides from rehearsals ________Serve on the Fundraising committee_______Serve on the Uniform committee _______Help organize and/or file in the orchestra library________**Donate supplies needed for the classroom____________Other? ______________________

**Ask director for list of needed supplies if you choose this optionTHANKS SO MUCH FOR ANY AND ALL YOUR HELP!!!!!

ORCHESTRA CONTRACT

(Parents and Students please complete and return to directors by Friday, August 18th)

As a member of this orchestra, I will assume the obligations and responsibilities outlined in the handbook. I will do my utmost to accomplish the objectives, and follow rules and regulations. I understand the grading procedure and will attend all required events.

Student Signature ____________________________________________

Student Printed Name _________________________________________

Date ______________________

As parent(s) of the above student, I/we understand the rules and regulations that each student is expected to follow.

Parent/Guardian Signature _____________________________________

Parent/Guardian Printed Name __________________________________

Date______________________