Calendar 2013-2014

September___________________________________________________
12 Chamber Orchestra Auditions (Crone M.S.) Times TBD *Participation Optional IMEA Orchestra Auditions (Yorkville Middle School) All Day, Times TBD *Participation Optional Orchestra Fall Concert (Crone Gymnasium) 7:00 p.m. *All Orchestra Students IMEA District Orchestra Festival (Site TBD), All Day *Selected Students Only Orchestra, Band, and Chorus Honors Concert, 7:30 p.m. *Chamber Orchestra Students Only Illinois Music Education Conference Performance (Peoria, IL), Times TBD *Chamber Orchestra Students Only Orchestra Winter Concert (Crone Gymnasium) 6:30 & 8:15 p.m. *All Orchestra Students Solo & Ensemble Contest (Fischer Middle School), Times TBD *Participation Optional District 204 Organizational Contest (Gregory Middle School), Times TBD *Chamber Orchestra Students Only Fiddle Fest (NVHS Gold), 7:00 p.m. *Swingin Strings Students Only Music Department Spring Concert (Crone Gymnasium) 6:30 & 8:15 p.m. *6th Grade Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra Only Music Department Spring Concert (Crone Gymnasium) 6:30 & 8:15 p.m. *7th Grade and 8th Grade Orchestra Only All District Fine Arts Festival @ NVHS, Times TBD *All Orchestra Students

October_____________________________________________________
5

November___________________________________________________
5 9

December___________________________________________________
4

January____________________________________________________
23

Crone Middle School ORCHESTRA DEPARTMENT HANDBOOK 2013-2014

Orchestra Directors: Katie Brown
6th Grade Orchestra 7th Grade Orchestra 8th Grade Orchestra Orchestra Technique Chamber Orchestra

February____________________________________________________
10 22

March______________________________________________________
7

April_______________________________________________________
10 2

May_______________________________________________________
7 17

Megan Zalokar
Orchestra Technique Swingin Strings

Kelly Schmidt
Student Teacher

Please carefully mark these dates on your calendar. More detailed information will be provided before each event.

Welcome to the Music Department at Crone Middle School!!! We are very excited about the 2013-2014 school year. The purpose of this handbook is to provide you with an awareness and understanding of the policies and organizational structure of the Crone Middle School Orchestras. Please read the handbook in its entirety, discuss it with your family, and refer back to it as needed. Music in District 204 is a vibrant part of the curriculum. In addition to providing music education, our orchestra program is designed to help meet the emotional, social, and cultural needs of every student. Goals for students are: 1. To discover, appreciate, and value their talents and the talents of others, through the beauty of music. 2. To improve their musical performance as well as increase knowledge of music theory, music history, composition, and improvisation. 3. To develop their personal skills such as organization, self-esteem, time management, commitment, and team work by being a part of an ensemble that is working towards common goals. 4. To be prepared for all of the outstanding musical opportunities that await them at Neuqua Valley High School. 5. To develop a life-long enjoyment, passion, and appreciation of music. We hope you will share in these goals and help us provide the best possible experience for everyone. Please feel free to contact us at any time with questions or concerns you may have. Were looking forward to a great year!

ORCHESTRA SUPPLIES
Orchestra Supplies for all 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Students

Required Binder Tabs: 1. Music 2. Scales 3. Technique 4. Music Theory 5. Other Music

Folding music stand (for daily home practice and dress rehearsals) 1 three-ring binder (black is preferred) 1 pkg. of tabbed dividers (5 total) - see the binder tab labels above Tourte Mute ($2-5) A Sharpened Pencil (please keep in your orchestra binder at all times) Extra set of strings (only if not renting from Quinlan and Fabish) Rosin (comes with most rentals) Kun Shoulder Rest for all violin and viola students

Required Books
Due in class on Wednesday, September 4th
(These books can be purchased at any local music store or you can call Quinlan & Fabish at 1-800-63-SOUSA to place an order that will be delivered to Crone.) All Orchestra Students (this is a new requirement) * Rhythm Basics: A String Basics Supplement (purple and blue book), $6.95 6th Grade (needed for class and technique) * Orchestra Expressions Book 1 (yellow book), $8.95 (this book should come with a CD) 7th Grade (needed for class and technique) * Orchestra Expressions Book 2 (red book), $10.95 (this book should come with a CD) 8th Grade (needed for class and technique) * Essential Technique for Strings 2000, Intermediate Technique Studies (green book), $5.50

ORCHESTRA UNIFORM
Megan Zalokar
Megan_Zalokar@ipsd.org
All students will need the following for performances: Crone music department shirt to be ordered through the music department at the beginning of the year (see info sheet/shirt order form online) Black pants no jeans or shorts, (no skirts) Black shoes--no athletic shoes Black socks

Katie Brown
Katie_Brown@ipsd.org 630.428.5600 ext. 9271

EXTRA-CURRICULAR MUSIC ENSEMBLES AND ACTIVITIES

The Crone Middle School Chamber Orchestra and Swingin Strings are designed for students already in the music department who wish to broaden their musical development and participation. Chamber Orchestra+ The Crone Middle School Chamber Orchestra is designed for advanced orchestra players who wish to play challenging music. Membership for this ensemble is based upon auditions that will take place in on September 12th. Audition information and materials may be obtained in the orchestra room. This orchestra will perform at the Winter Honors Concert, at all grade level concerts, Organizational Festival, as well as other performances throughout the year. Private lessons are strongly encouraged for students who are interested in the Chamber Orchestra, but not required. The Chamber Orchestra meets from 6:45-7:45 a.m. on Tuesday and Friday mornings. Students should plan on arriving to Crone no later than 6:40 a.m. and no earlier than 6:30 a.m. Swingin Strings+ The Crone Swingin Strings is an ensemble that will explore many alternative aspects of string playing such as fiddle, jazz, and rock music. Participation in this group is open to all violin, viola, cello, and bass students. Guitar, piano, and other instruments will be accepted by audition and/or specific musical needs of individual pieces. This ensemble will perform at all Crone Orchestra concerts and Fiddle Fest. Swingin Strings will meet one afternoon a week from 3:10-4:30 p.m. Students should plan on being picked-up after Swingin Strings rehearsals no later than 4:40 p.m. More detailed information will be coming soon! +NOTE: Members of both Chamber Orchestra and Swingin Strings are required to attend all rehearsals and performances. Students will be allowed two absences per concert cycle, after which they will be placed on a probationary contract. If the student does not follow the guidelines of the contract they may not be allowed to perform the next concert with their extra - curricular ensemble. To excuse a student from a rehearsal please inform the ensemble director of the absence by calling or emailing. IMEA and IGSMA Orchestra students are given the opportunity to perform solos and/or ensembles at the Illinois Grade School Music Association (IGSMA) contest in February. Students involved with Solo & Ensemble are responsible for paying a small participation fee. More experienced orchestra members also have the opportunity to audition for and perform in the Illinois Music Educators Association (IMEA) Festival Honors Orchestra in November. Information for these events will be made available as they approach.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS IN ORCHESTRA

1. Keep track of the calendar. -Please take a moment to write all of the important dates from this handbook on your home calendar. -It is mandatory for students to be at all performances. If a conflict is unavoidable, please follow the guidelines in this handbook so your absence may be excused. 2. Know your technique schedule! -Write your technique day and time in your assignment notebook at the beginning of every quarter. -If you need to miss a technique lesson, turn-in an excuse form within one day of the missed technique lesson. 3. Keep your goal sheet up to date. -Establish a daily practice routine. -Write down practice minutes daily on the practice log and check-off how many times you practice each assignment. -Have a Parent/Guardian sign your goal sheet each week. -Turn-in your Goal Sheet in class each Monday. 4. Stay organized! -Keep your orchestra binder or folder organized at all times! -Binders are required for daily rehearsals, technique classes, and home practice. 5. Take private lessons. -Youll be amazed at the improvement and increased enjoyment! -Ask your teacher for a list of recommended private teachers or high school practice helpers.

DAILY ORCHESTRA CLASS

We are thrilled to have the opportunity to meet with our students on a daily basis. Natural and meaningful connections occur when students and teachers interact in activities and studies that they enjoy. The development of group performance skills such as balance, blend, tuning, and rhythmic precision are pursued during the daily orchestra rehearsal. Music history, listening skills, and composition are also explored through the large group experience. Among many other skills, orchestra students will also learn about teamwork. In order to make great music, each student and teacher must work together like a family. Students develop interpersonal relationships with both students and teachers, build character, provide a community service, and develop organizational skills and self-discipline.

TECHNIQUE CLASS
A major portion of your students grade is based upon individual performance and growth in technique class. Technique class is comparable to the District 204 fifth grade lessons. Technique follows a curriculum specific to each instrument. All orchestra students are required to attend assigned technique classes. Failure to do so will result in a substantially lower grade for the quarter. New assignments are given weekly. Students will be excused from a daily class once a week on a rotating basis, which means the same class should not be missed more than approximately once every four weeks. Students should report to their regular daily class for attendance, to turn in homework, and to receive assignments, before proceeding to technique class The benefit of technique class is that it allows for small group instruction that addresses students specific needs. It also allows for individual assessment which makes it an important and necessary component of the grading and growth process. Excuses from technique class are granted when a student is asked to remain in class by the classroom teacher in order to complete classwork. A student is responsible, however, to inform their orchestra teacher within one day of the absence by completing a Technique Class Excuse Form, which are available in the orchestra room. If an excuse form is not received in a timely manner, the absence will be unexcused. This will result in a loss of points for that technique class. Please note that students will be required to make up missed assignments whether the class is excused or not.

PERFORMANCES
All orchestra members perform at least four times per year. These events are the culmination of daily rehearsals and give students the opportunity to share what they have learned with family and friends. Performing is an integral part of the musical learning process.

Absences From Performances

If a student can not attend a required performance they must have a parent email their orchestra teacher or bring a signed note from home explaining why. Absences will only be excused if approved by the teacher at least two weeks prior to the performance. Family emergencies and serious illnesses will be excused. Any student who misses a performance will be required to complete a make-up assignment. An excused absence may receive up to full credit and an unexcused absence may receive up to half credit. Please mark your calendars carefully at the beginning of the year to avoid any conflicts with performances. Additional dates may be added, especially for the extracurricular ensembles. We will inform you of any changes as soon as possible. Thank you in advance for your understanding.

GRADING
A major portion of the quarterly orchestra grade is based on preparation and performance in technique class. The grading process also considers rehearsal participation, preparedness, organization, behavior, attendance at concerts, written and performance tests, assignments, home practice, and daily effort. Attendance at all performances and weekly technique classes is a crucial part of the curriculum, and consequently a large part of each students grade.

HOME PRACTICE
Home practice helps make it possible to play a musical instrument to the best of ones ability. Similar to how students must review math and spelling skills at home, musical skills must also be reinforced daily to ensure success. It is very important that students practice consistently almost every day to ensure proper skill development. Students who are taking private lessons can include those minutes in their weekly totals. Extra-curricular rehearsals such as Chamber Orchestra and Swingin Strings can not be included in weekly practice minutes because they are an extension of the daily orchestra program. The recommended practice goal is 25 minutes a day, six days per week totaling 150 practice minutes per week. A goal sheet packet will be used each quarter to help students develop a regular practice routine at home. It is an important form of communication between the student, parent, and teacher. The total amount of minutes should be recorded after each practice session. Goal sheets must be completed weekly and signed by a parent/guardian to receive credit. Students will turn-in completed and signed goal sheets during orchestra class each Monday. These goal sheets are a large portion of the students technique grade.

Breakdown of grades by category:

40% Technique Attendance at technique classes, completed and turnedin weekly goal sheets, parent signature, preparedness to perform playing assignments. Weekly goal sheets are worth 25points and technique class attendance and performance is worth 20 points. 40% Daily Orchestra Participation Includes having all class materials in every rehearsal: music, instrument, binder, pencil and being an active participant in class every day. Points will be taken off of a students grade for disrespectful and disruptive behavior. Students will receive 10 points for each rehearsal in which they positively participate. 20% Performance Attendance and Dress Rehearsal Attendance/ Participation Absences will be excused as stated above.