Table of Contents

Introduction
Purposes
Orchestra Membership and Organization
Attendance Policy
Orchestra Grading Policy
Orchestra Rehearsals Expectations
Student Financial Obligations
Performance and Travel
Private Study
Uniforms
Privately Owned Instruments
Insurance
Conclusion

I. DAILY GRADES (25%) - All students start out with 100 points at the beginning of each six weeks. Points will be subtracted from this perfect score for any infractions of the following daily expectations.

A. Behavior
• Enter the classroom in an orderly manner and be in your seat one minute after the tardy bell rings. Class is dismissed by the teacher.
• No food or drink in orchestra room or at rehearsals/concerts.
• Show self-discipline in conduct during rehearsals.
• Take care of all equipment: your instrument (loosen bow, keep rosin wiped off, etc.); as well as other instruments and equipment (HANDS OFF).
• All school-wide rules apply in the orchestra room.

B. Homework
• Get all information home to parents as required.
• Instrument, notebook, and music should go home each night for practice.
• Students are given specific practice assignments daily.

C. Classroom Preparation
• Have materials for each class (instrument, shoulder pad, rosin, cloth to clean instrument, notebook, pencil, music, identification on case and folder, short fingernails).
• All students are expected to have assignments prepared for each class - daily grades will be taken on assignments as needed (individual, sectional, class).
• Theory worksheets and quizzes are to be completed for homework grades.

II. MAJOR GRADES (75%)

A. Dress Rehearsals and Concerts: Since this is a performance-based class, each student is required to attend all dress rehearsals and concerts. Failure to attend a dress rehearsal or concert without an excused absence can result in a zero without possibility of make-up. Students with an excused absence will be given a make-up assignment. PLEASE CHECK CALENDARS CAREFULLY. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO AVOID SCHEDULING CONFLICTS WITH THE PLANNED CALENDAR.

B. Playing Tests - Grades are determined by intonation, rhythm, instrument position and posture, proper bowing, and tone.

C. Written Tests - Tests covering music theory and musical terms covered in class.

D. Notebook – Students will need a ½”-1” black 3-ring notebook with dividers. This notebook should be in class everyday for taking notes and writing assignments. It should go home every night to aide in practice.

Proper rehearsal procedure is the only way any musical group can improve and reach its potential. We attempt to emulate the best example possible in this area: the professional symphony orchestra. At the beginning of each rehearsal (when the tardy bell rings during daily rehearsals, otherwise at the predesignated start time) students should be seated in their proper chairs with their instruments, all required music, pencil, notebook, and any other equipment required, including rosin, shoulder pad, etc. Cases should be placed back in lockers or completely under your seat. Failure to meet this criterion will result in the student being counted tardy.

We will attempt to maintain an atmosphere of relaxed concentration. Attention should remain focused on the music and the director at all times. Talking, except for relevant questions, or distracting behavior should be eliminated. Eating, drinking or chewing gum is not permitted. Students should remain in their seats unless asked or given permission to move.

Posture should always be that which encourages greatest playing efficiency. Remember that we are playing high-level music, which demands your best efforts. Both feet should be on the floor to establish proper body balance. The back should be straight to permit free use of the arms and proper breathing. The instrument should be held properly to allow the easiest playing technique with the least fatigue. Fingernails must be trimmed to permit correct playing position. Proper posture and instrument positions have been developed through centuries of experimentation to produce the best results with the fewest problems. It is essential that we use this knowledge to enhance our performance.

Students will be issued their own music. Every person is expected to bring it to EVERY rehearsal. This will be periodically checked. All bowings, fingerings, changes in the music, and major rehearsal suggestions should be marked in these parts. Additionally, you may be quizzed on any alterations we make to the music. Please handle music carefully and responsibly. Whenever the music is at school it should be returned to its proper place in your instrument locker.

STUDENT FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS

Some of your expenditures will be the following: Uniform fee, All-Region and/or All-State audition fees, Solo and Ensemble registration and accompanist fees, composite pictures, and Shepton Orchestra T-shirts.

In addition to local performances, the Shepton High School Orchestra makes several away from school appearances each year. There is one overnight trip every two years. Our next away trip will be in the spring of 2007. All members of the orchestra are encouraged to travel with the group. We must have everyone participate to be our best. Requirements for these performances are:

• Students must meet all local and state eligibility requirements to participate in travel or competitions.
• Students must be able to perform satisfactorily the materials assigned for performance.
• Students must have attended scheduled rehearsals necessary for the preparation for the performance.
• Students must fulfill their financial obligations to the organization.

The Plano Fine Arts Department has a strong private study program that is approved by the Plano I.S.D., supervised by the Director of Fine Arts and managed by the head director in each high school attendance area. The teachers who participate in the private study program are highly qualified professionals who are approved by our own staff members.

While private study participation is not a requirement, it should be noted that most students take advantage of this excellent opportunity. The advantages of one-on-one experiences are overwhelming. Productive participation in this program by as many students as possible is strongly encouraged. Contact your director at any point in the year if you are interested in participating in this program.

Unless otherwise stated by the director, the formal uniform for each concert will consist of the following:

Girls: School provided long concert dress (may require minor alterations)
Pantyhose or nylons (student provided)
Black dress shoes (student provided)
Small earrings (optional)

Guys: School provided tuxedo, bowtie and cummerbund
Black dress shoes, black socks and white tux shirt (student provided)

A user fee will be required of each student before the uniform may be checked out. This fee will cover the cost of cleaning and upkeep of the uniform. Our informal uniform will consist of the orchestra shirt and khakis.

Our equipment and uniforms represent a large investment on the part of the Plano Independent School District. It is everyone’s responsibility to see that they receive proper care. Instruments, equipment and uniforms will be issued to individual students who are expected to care for them as if they were their own. All normal up-keep and maintenance is the responsibility of the student.

Students will be responsible for any deductible fees on insurance claims. Instruments will be issued and returned in good playing condition. No one may play on another person’s instrument without permission. Instruments are to be properly cased and stored when not in use. Anyone who damages equipment through carelessness or neglect will be required to pay for its repair. We are fortunate to have good quality instruments and uniforms with which to work. Let us all make an effort to keep them in top shape.

Your decision to participate in the Shepton High School Orchestra represents the opening of a door to tremendous opportunity. You are very fortunate to live in a community that has a tradition of excellent orchestras and a school administration that values and supports this type of study. Please recognize the value of this opportunity and make the most of it.

This handbook is a guideline to make your experience in orchestra as productive and enjoyable as possible. The rules it contains have been developed over many years of experience and refinement. All of the rules are meant to serve one purpose: to promote the musical education of each orchestra member. Like any good set of guidelines, it is constantly being changed and improved as changing conditions warrant. If you have any questions about the policies in this handbook, please do not hesitate to discuss it with your director.

Good luck in your studies and prepare yourself to have some wonderful experiences as we begin making music together this year!