2012-13 Beech Handbook

2012 – 2013 Beech Springs Orchestra HandbookDear Orchestra Students and Parents,

Welcome to the 2012-2013 school year and thank you for being a member of the Beech Springs Orchestra Family. I look forward to teaching the 5th and 6th grade orchestra classes and watching their progress in musical skills. I encourage you to be an active advocate for music in the educational life of your child. Your investment, time, effort, and energy can produce a lifetime of wonderful memories and musical enjoyment.

Parents and students, please read this handbook carefully, become familiar with its content, and sign and return the Student & Parent Signature Page at the end. There is a lot of information, but it is all important! Return it to Mrs. Robertson by Friday, August 24.

Throughout the school year, you will be receiving letters concerning upcoming concerts and other information important to the musical development of your child. I believe strongly in communicating all information with parents – no orchestra program can survive without an informed and strong parental support base. I will occasionally send home personal notes that should be stapled in the student’s agenda.

I will post information and updates weekly on my Beech Springs Orchestra Blog. Please visit regularly and sign up for updates via email.

bsisorchestra.blogspot.com

The orchestra program at Beech Springs strives to create an environment conducive to stimulating creativity and positive attitudes about the performance and enjoyment of music. Music is a transmission of culture, and it is with this in mind that, through learning basic performance skills on an instrument, the orchestra program attempts to develop a lifelong appreciation for the value of music. This two-year program is designed to foster a basic understanding and appreciation for music, as well as provide the necessary skills to allow students to continue participation in orchestra through middle school, high school and college.

The objectives of our orchestra program are as follows:

* To teach instrumental music education through performance* To develop performance skills and techniques* To provide an ensemble/group experience requiring precision and cooperation* To provide some of the musical needs of the school and community

Always feel free to contact me with questions or concerns you might have. I am honored to be your orchestra director, and I look forward to working with you and your child.

Musically yours,

Lori P. Robertson Orchestra Director

Beech Springs Intermediate [email protected]

(864) 949-7600

2012– 2013 Beech Springs Orchestra Handbook Page 1 of 11


DAILY SCHEDULE

7:30 – 10:00: Beech Springs

10:15 – 12:00: D.R. Hill


* Please note that I will be at DRH for only as long as the 2 orchestra classes. It will not be possible for me to take phone calls or answer messages until the end of the

DAILY SCHEDULE


10:15 – 12:00: D.R. Hill



DAILY SCHEDULE


10:15 – 12:00: D.R. Hill



Materials for Class EVERY DAY:

REQUIRED MATERIALS

Instrument and bow Rosin Shoulder rest or sponge for violins and violas only Essential Elements 2000 Book 1 Pencil 1-inch 3-ring binder notebook paper Second-year students only will need

Essential Elements 2000 Book 2 in October

OPTIONAL MATERIALS

SmartMusic subscription – HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Tuner Metronome Cleaning cloth or soft cotton rag Sheet protectors for music

Sheet music will be issued to students throughout the school year. Sheet music may be placed in a plastic sheet protector before being placed in the student’s binder. Students will also be using class sets of supplemental method books.

Students will receive a step for not having required materials.

Students will either borrow the material or complete an alternative orchestra assignment.

Each semester, students will receive a sheet of 4 Oops Passes that they may use if they forget their materials. If this sheet is lost, then the step will be given.

LOCKS for Orchestra Lockers

Students will be assigned their own lockers. Students may have locks on their lockers with a written and signed note from parents. Mrs. Robertson needs a copy of the key or lock code. Students who regularly forget their combination or key will not be allowed to use their lock.


My instrument is in the repair shop!

What should I do?

Bring a note from your parent or the repair shop. You may borrow a school

instrument if one is available. If not, you are

expected to listen and take notes.

Orchestra students cannot succeed if they don’t have the right stuff!

This sounds obvious, but it is amazing how many students will forget their materials.

The Student’s Instrument

Here are the options for acquiring instruments. Please remind the student to be especially careful with the instrument, especially when taking it to and from school. They are very fragile, and repairs take a lot of time and money. All instruments should be in good playing condition. Instrument cases should have the student’s name printed clearly on the outside of the case. Lockers are provided and should be used for instruments and music only. Students are not allowed to keep other personal items in these lockers. Instruments left overnight are the responsibility of the student. Students may have locks on their lockers if they turn in a written and signed note from the parents. Mrs. Robertson needs a copy of the key or lock code. Students who regularly forget their combination or key will not be allowed to use their lock.

1. The student owns the instrument or rents from a local music store. No school instrument is needed. Students may bring their own instruments to school to play during class. These instruments may be the personal property of the students, or they may be rented from a local music store. They may leave their instruments at school in assigned lockers. They may take their instruments home to practice. When your instrument is in the repair shop, bring a note from your parent or the repair shop to avoid a penalty for not having your materials. You will be expected to follow along and take notes. If a school instrument is available, you may play it.

OR

2. The student may rent a school instrument for use at school and at home. The student may play the instrument at school and take the instrument home. In order to use a school instrument there is a fee that helps to pay for yearly expenses such as string replacement, bow rehairs, bridge adjustments and any repairs that may be needed throughout the school year. The district fee is $100 per year. If you choose, you may pay $10.00 monthly payments beginning in August. The student may leave the instrument at school in an assigned locker or take it home to practice.

In order to rent a school instrument, a rental contract must be completed, signed, and returned.

If you write checks, please make checks payable to Beech Springs. If you pay in cash, please have exact change. School instruments are very limited in number, but we make every effort to ensure

that students who truly need one will have one to play in class.

LOST or STOLEN INSTRUMENTS

Neither the orchestra program, the school district, nor the director is responsible for student – owned or rented instruments and materials that are lost or stolen. Each parent and student is responsible for recording the instrument’s serial number at home, and each student is responsible for making sure his or her instrument is always taken home at the end of the school day. Parents who rent their child’s instrument from a music store or from the school instrument inventory are strongly encouraged to purchase insurance on the instrument. Parents who purchase an instrument are recommended to check with their home-owner’s insurance policy regarding potential loss or theft of that instrument during the school day.


Local Music Stores

Several local music stores sell educator-approved instruments, books, and accessories. Instruments are also available to rent. I encourage you to call in advance, and also check the phone book for other stores.

Step-Up Instruments and Upgrades in Equipment

The instrument sold or rented to students for use as a beginning instrument is of a competent brand and sometimes suitable for advanced playing. As early as 6th grade, students notice that a beginning instrument does not work well or sound right for their current level. Please see Mrs. Robertson for a list of instruments and equipment upgrades (shoulder rests, etc.) that are recommended for students.

Before buying a new instrument, please check with the director. Be very careful about buying an instrument online, especially through auction sites such as eBay. Many of these instruments have many problems or do not work! On many occasions, students come into class with a new instrument, and it is a VSO! The problems with the instrument can’t even be fixed. Remember – ASK BEFORE YOU BUY!

Wasting money stinks.

NO VSO ! (Violin – Shaped Object)

Quality makes a HUGE difference to the sound of the instrument and the success of the player.


Bernhardt House of Violins10 Howe St.Greenville, SC 29601Toll Free: 1-866-479-8889Local: [email protected]

Music & Arts Centers 1450 W.O. Ezell Blvd. (Market Square Plaza with Ollie’s, LensCrafters, and Burlington) Spartanburg, SC 29301Local: 864-595-1116 Toll Free: 1-800-237-7760www.musicarts.com

Instrument Repairs

NEVER TRY TO FIX AN INSTRUMENT YOURSELF!

DO NOT TUNE OR CHANGE STRINGS!

If a school instrument needs repair under normal circumstances, Mrs. Robertson will have it repaired. Unless the student caused the damage on purpose, this will not cost the student. Strings do break as normal wear and tear, and the school will replace strings on school instruments if they break normally. However, if the student does not follow instructions and then breaks a string, the student will pay for a new string. All music stores have strings for sale, but you may also buy strings from the school.

Supplies All violin strings $5 each All viola strings $8.00 each All cello strings $15 each Rosin for bass $9Cleaning cloth $4 Shoulder rest (KUN) $25 Rosin - violin, viola, cello $3

Privileges and Rewards

Students have opportunities to earn special privileges and rewards for outstanding achievement and conduct. These can include candy, small prizes, class celebrations, and field trips.

Fingernails

All fingernails should be short at all times. I realize that some of you – girls especially – may not be happy with this, but there are very good reasons. Fingernails do scratch and dent instruments’ fingerboards. Fingernails also prevent a good playing position; if your fingernails are too long (much beyond the white) then you can’t play on your fingertips with curved fingers. A poor playing position = not too pretty music ….. I will have some nail clippers in the orchestra room for emergencies. Thank you for your help with this!

PRIVATE LESSONS

Taking private lessons on an instrument is the best way to improve performance skills. The one-on-one approach allows the student to benefit from the individual attention as opposed to a teacher monitoring a big class. A recent survey of students in the South Carolina All-State Band ( a state-wide honors group ) revealed that 80% of those students in the band studied with a private instructor. Simply put, private lessons work! Lessons improve a student’s abilities, thereby improving their enjoyment of band or orchestra.

1. Call local music stores to get names and information about lessons (Music & Arts: 595-1116).

2. Converse College offers instruction through the Lawson Academy http://www.converse.edu/academics/school-arts/lawson-academy-arts/music-classes

3. Byrnes High School orchestra students often teach lessons. Mrs. Robertson will pass along this information.


http://www.converse.edu/academics/school-arts/lawson-academy-arts/music-classes

… Beech Springs Classroom Rules …

1. Listen carefully.

2. Follow directions.

3. Work quietly and don’t disturb others working.

4. Respect others and be kind with your words and actions.

5. Respect school and other’s property.

6. Work and play safely.

All school and district discipline policies will also be followed.

This includes: No gum, no drinks, no food

… Beech Springs 5-Step Discipline Plan …

1: Warning #1

2: Warning #2

3: Isolated Recess

4: Lunch Detention

5: Referral


Orchestra Procedures

Before School Drop off your instrument on the way to your classroom. If the orchestra room is locked,

take your instrument to your classroom. Never leave your instrument or supplies outside of the orchestra room.

The pass in your agenda allows you to drop off your instrument from 7:40 to 7:50. You may practice in the orchestra room if there is morning practice.

During Class We will play almost every day. Bring all materials every day. Come into the room quietly, get your instrument and supplies, and have a seat. Read the board. As soon as you unpack, please begin to practice your music. Read the board for

instructions. Water – You may drink from the water fountain just outside the room. Bathroom – please go during your regularly scheduled breaks. You may not leave the

room unless it is an emergency Do not touch anything that is not yours. This includes other instruments and supplies,

the keyboard, the computer, and anything in other lockers. The student responsible will pay for any intentional or accidental damages that occur to an instrument. This includes damage that occurs in or out of the classroom, whether it is your instrument or someone else’s.

Do not go in the office or locker room without the teacher’s permission. Raise your hand before you speak. Do not play your instrument out of turn.

o Never play while the teacher is talking.

o Never continue to play after the teacher stops the class.

After School The pass in your agenda allows you to drop off your instrument from 2:40 to 2:50. Extra Help / Afternoon Practice

o If you want to practice in the orchestra room after school, you must first ask Mrs.

Robertson during your regular class. Never assume that it is okay to stay! o Fill out one after-school practice permission slip and have Mrs. Robertson sign it.

o Bring your bookbag since you will not go back to homeroom.

o Bus riders will be dismissed when their buses are called.

o Car riders should plan ahead to be picked up by 3:10.

o There will be no practice when Mrs. Robertson has bus duty, which is on most

Tuesdays and Thursdays.


Concerts

There will be several concerts at Beech Springs this school year. All students are required to perform at all concerts. This is a performing arts class. We are a team, and the entire group suffers when someone is absent. The student also misses a very valuable, educational, and fun experience by not participating. Students who miss concerts may not be allowed to continue orchestra the following year.

Please see the 2012 – 2013 Orchestra Dates on the next page, mark your calendars now, and make every possible effort to be there.

Concert Attendance Policy

Concerts and occasional after-school rehearsals are considered part of the class requirement. Good communication between teachers, students, and parents can prevent misunderstandings.

1. Written notices from parents / guardians are required for all absences.

2. Advance notices are required for all prior commitments.A prior commitment is defined as a date already committed to another event when the schedule is announced. Parents / Guardians should send a notice of such a commitment to the director immediately.

3. In the case of an illness or family emergency:

Parents / Guardians should send a written notice as soon as they are aware that such a situation exists. If it is an emergency situation, a parent should leave a message on the director’s voice mail or email.

4. Make-up work is required for any student who misses a concert.

Concert Attire

Concerts are a formal affair. By dressing professionally, we show pride in our orchestra. Please prepare ahead of time – don’t try to purchase an entire outfit the night of a concert. Students not adhering to the orchestra dress code may not be allowed to perform. If any student should have difficulty acquiring any part of the required concert attire, please let Mrs. Robertson know as soon as possible.

In order to insure the best possible appearance during performances and concert festivals, the following dress code has been adapted for all Beech Springs Orchestra members:

Girls * solid white blouse with short or long sleeves* solid black long dress slacks -or- a solid black skirt that is mid-calf when seated* solid black dress shoes or dress sandals

Boys* solid white, long-sleeve dress shirt * solid black long dress pants* solid black socks* solid black dress shoes


2012-2013Orchestra Dates

Please mark your calendars nowMuch more info to follow…

2012

Thursday, December 6 (time and place to be announced)

Orchestra Spring Concert Assembly in the morning All orchestra students are required to perform.

Thursday, December 6 at 6:30 p.m.: Holiday Orchestra and Chorus Concert at the District 5 Fine Arts Center This concert will feature the Beech Springs 5th and 6th grade orchestra along with the Beech Springs Chorus. Each group will play selections on their own, followed by a few combined musical selections. All orchestra students are required to perform in their concert uniforms (black & white). Family and friends are welcome to attend. Admission is free and open to the public.

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2013

Thursday, March 7 at 6:30 pm: Orchestra String Showcase Concert Byrnes High School Schofield GymThis concert features every student in District 5. All students are required to participate in the concert. All students will take a field trip in the morning to Byrnes High School to practice. We will wear our District Five Orchestra shirts. Admission is free and open to the public.

6th Grade Students Only: March 20, 21, OR 22 – SCMEA Concert Festival This is a field trip for second year orchestra that takes place during one school day. The performance time will be scheduled in February. The orchestra will perform three pieces for judges and receive comments and ratings.

Wednesday, May 1 (time and place to be announced)

Orchestra Spring Concert Assembly in the morning All orchestra students are required to perform.

Wednesday, May 1 at 6:30 pm: Orchestra Spring Concert District 5 Fine Arts CenterThis concert will feature the Beech Springs 5th and 6th grade orchestra along with the Beech Springs Chorus. Each group will play selections on their own, followed by a few combined musical selections. All orchestra students are required to perform in their concert uniforms (black & white). Family and friends are welcome to attend. Admission is free and open to the public.

Optional: Saturday, April 27 – SCMEA Solo and Ensemble Festival at Spartanburg High School. Students will perform solos or duets for a judge and receive comments and a score. This is an exciting event that builds musicianship and character.

2012 - 2013 Beech Springs Orchestra Handbook Page 10

Keep the Orchestra Handbook for your reference.

Please return this page to Mrs. Robertson no later than Friday, August 24, 2012.

I have read and I agree to follow the Rules and Procedures for Beech Springs OrchestraStudent Name: ____________________________________________________________ Grade: ______

Instrument: _______________ Student Signature: ______________________________________________

Please check one:

Student owns instrument. Student rents instrument from store.

Student will rent instrument from school. Please sign and return the Rental Instrument Form.

______$100 paid in full or $______ partial payment/deposit

Please note that this is by need and on a first come, first serve basis.

Parent/Guardian Name (print) ______________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature _______________________________________ Date _____ /_____ / 2012

Phone numbers__________________________________________________________________________ ******************************************************************************************Please check one: We do have internet at home. We do NOT have internet at home.

In an effort to communicate with you regarding your child’s assignments and/or class events, I will have an e-mail list. If you would like to be on this list, please provide your name and e-mail address. Please print clearly. Also, visit the BSIS Orchestra Blog at http://bsisorchestra.blogspot.com and sign up for email updates there.

E-mail address ________________________________________________________________________________

*************************************************************************************

Use the space below and on back for questions and comments. Please include any special needs and/or medical conditions.

2012 - 2013 Beech Springs Orchestra Handbook Page 11

Student & Parent / Guardian Signature Page

http://bsisorchestra.blogspot.com/

Documents

2012-13 Beech Handbook