BAND * ORCHESTRA * CHOIR
Welcome to the Plano West Senior High Orchestra Program!!
Please READ and RETAIN this handbook as a future reference , and initial all item on the back page indicating you have read and accepted any and all guidelines and requirements as set forth in this handbook.
PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN BY FRIDAY , AUGUST 11.
I am asking ALL parents to PLEASE become involved in your son’s or daughter’s orchestra activities this year by helping with our special events, concerts, trips and fundraisers—it really takes the help of all parents to run a large organization as successful as the Plano West Orchestra has become in such a short time.
We will have an organizational meeting of the PWSH Orchestra Boosters shortly after school begins , and you will receive information detailing those plans.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call (469-752-9842) or email me at jwallac@pisd.edu
In the seven years Plano West has been open, our orchestra has set the standard for achievements by a high school orchestra in state and national honors, including consistent UIL Sweepstakes awards, being named Texas State Honor Orchestra for 2002, 2004 and 2006 , Gold medal winner of the Heritage Festival in San Francisco, with an appearance on the Disney Channel, and numerous Best in Class and Best in festival awards for both orchestras. The Symphony Orchestra has also performed to standing ovations at the prestigious Midwest Clinic in Chicago and received rave reviews from music professionals all over the world!
In the Spring’s of 2005, our trip to New York City was certainly a crowning achievement, with BOTH orchestras being award the Gold Medals, Adjudicator’s Awards AND Sweepstakes Awards at the Heritage Music Festival..
In addition to experiencing the very finest in orchestral experiences by performing in the Plano West orchestras, students who meet the requirements are also given the opportunity to earn Honors credit by completing assignments outside the scope of the normal curriculum.
We have seen the overwhelmingly successful birth of our Asian Food and Music Festival, which we hope has become a Plano West Orchestra tradition.
The success of this Orchestra Program is dependent upon the dedication and support of you, the parents of these wonderful and talented students. Please continue to help us grow and flourish!
The purposes of the Plano West Senior High School Orchestra are:
To develop an understanding and appreciation for one of the greatest
artistic achievements of man, the symphony and string orchestra
repertoire.
To train students in music to a point where they may participate in the performance of these great works and to enable them to continue making music, whether as an avocation or a profession, after graduation from
high school;
To assist students in growing into responsible and successful members of society, able to produce well both individually, and as a member of a
group, and possessing the essential characteristics of integrity,
dependability, and loyalty.
Not because we expect you to play music all your life
Not so you can relax
Not so you can have fun
Not so you can trot around the football field in a uniform
But
So you will be human
So you will recognize beauty
So you will be sensitive
So you will be closer to an infinite beyond this world
So that you’ll have something to cling to
So that you will have more love, more compassion, more gentleness,
more
In short, more life.
Of what value will it be to make a prosperous living unless you know how to
live?
THAT’S WHY I TEACH MUSIC!
Author unknown
The rules and procedures outlined in this handbook have been developed to accomplish these goals in the most efficient and productive manner, and to provide an accurate method of assessing each student's progress. It is the personal and musical progress of each student which is the ultimate goal of this organization. The success of the Plano West Senior High School Orchestra is based on the concept of each student's performing his or her assigned tasks to the best of his or her ability. Each student is capable of making a contribution to the group and growing in knowledge and appreciation.
Jo Wallace-Abbie , Director
469-752-9842
Private lessons will be available again this year during your child's orchestra class. We have an outstanding group of private instructors offering lessons at the very reasonable price of $ 16 per lesson.
The enrollment form is due NO LATER THAN MONDAY , AUGUST 14. ALL SCHEDULING IS DONE ON A FIRST COME BASIS, Many people who wait until later to sign up or forget to bring back their forms find that the teachers have full schedules.
Although private study is not required, we do strongly recommend it as a means of achieving greater musical growth. If you would like to find a teacher outside the school day, please let me know and I will try to provide a list of available teachers.
Each Orchestra member will be issued a formal uniform. Girls- long black dress. Boys- Tuxedo, bow tie, and cummerbund. Girls MUST wear hose and black dress shoes. NO BARE TOES!! NO FLIP FLOPS!!
Boys must provide their own tuxedo shirt, BLACK socks, and BLACK DRESS SHOES (NO SNEAKERS!!!!!) A refundable CASHdeposit of $20.00 will be required before uniforms will be assigned. The uniform is to be kept clean and pressed for all performances! Do not wear jeans or other clothes under your dresses. PLEASE DO NOT BRING A CHECK TO PAY YOUR UNIFORM DEPOSIT
At the end of the year, the uniform will be returned freshly DRY CLEANED in the plastic cleaner's bag with the cleaner's bill still attached.
The uniform MUST be returned by the announced return date, or a late fee of $5.00 per day will be assessed!!!
This year each orchestra member will purchase an orchestra T shirt to wear on designated days, Spirit Friday or whenever you want! Please bring $15.00 to cover the cost of your T-shirt by FRIDAY, AUGUST 18.
INSTRUMENT INSURANCE
PISD does not carry insurance on privately owned instruments, but does make it available through an outside carrier at a very low cost. If you are interested, forms from The Music Agency can be found online at http://www.musicagencyinc.com
PISD assesses a $50.00 per year , non-refundable, usage fee for all school owned
Instruments. This is to help the district defray repair and upkeep expenses . If your child intends to use a district-owned instrument , this money is due now.
FUNDRAISING
We will be having a few fundraisers to help defray the cost of our trips, plus provide us with funds to buy some much needed equipment or music that the district cannot not provide. We currently have plans for an Entertainment Passbook sale in August , a Holiday Candy/Gift brochure sale, our very successful scrip certificate sales throughout the year, and various other fundraisers. NO SEPARATE STUDENT ACCOUNTS WILL BE KEPT.
All money earned will go toward defraying the trip expenses of the entire group,
and any student planning to go on the spring trip must help with a minimum of 2 fundraisers.
The Plano Independent School District Secondary Music Program offers a comprehensive music education through the study of music theory, history, form, analysis, and performance of music literature from all style periods and varied cultures. Students will:
50% --Concert performance, major performance tests ( grading periods in which concerts are given)
25% -- quizzes or minor performance tests, dress rehearsals
25% -- daily preparation, punctual attendance at sectionals or after school rehearsals, bringing materials to class(music, instrument, and pencil)
In grading periods in which there are no concerts scheduled the following grading policy will be in effect:
25%- daily music preparation , sectionals, bringing materials to class(music, instrument, and pencil)
75% quizzes or performance tests
A grade of "0" will be given as part of the daily grade for any instruments not brought to class. Each student will be expected to have his/her music in a black binder and bring a pencil to every rehearsal.
You will receive points for each of these categories; then the total assessment is averaged to get a letter grade
Performances ...........100 points possible
Categories for grading concerts:
Punctuality , Uniformity of dress- footwear - Materials (music , rock stop) Performance
Rehearsal/sectional....100 points possible
Punctuality - Materials - Performance
HONORS CREDIT GRADING POLICY: READ THIS CAREFULLY
ALL GRADES GIVEN FOR HONORS CREDIT WILL BE WEIGHTED AS A DOUBLE TEST GRADE. IF YOU DO NOT TURN AN ASSIGNMENT IN, IT IS A DOUBLE TEST ZERO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DO NOT SIGN UP FOR HONORS ORCHESTRA CREDIT UNLESS YOU ARE PREPARED TO SUBMIT QUALITY WORK!!
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REHEARSAL AND PERFORMANCE ATTENDANCE
String Orchestra rehearsals will USUALLY be held Monday afternoons from 4:30-6 p.m. and Chamber or Symphony Orchestra on Monday evenings from 7-9 pm on selected dates to be announced. Your absence from or tardiness to the scheduled rehearsal WILL count against your classgrade. For any excused absence, a grade of 0 will be assessed unless a
make up grade is arranged. This may be in the form of a recorded cassette rehearsal, or time made up during the student’s lunch period, at the director’s discretion. You will need to provide a WRITTEN request from your parent/guardian for a full make up grade to be considered. One week will be allowed to make up time for missed after school rehearsals.
IMPORTANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It is YOUR responsibility to check your personal schedule once you receive the rehearsal schedule. This includes WORK schedules, Court dates, SAT prep classes, private lessons, etc.
Please notify Ms. Wallace-Abbie at once of any conflicts. Notification does not automatically excuse you.
You are NOT excused for jobs, so please make arrangements with your employer in advance . If you DO have a legitimate school conflict, please see Ms. Wallace-Abbie IN ADVANCE and schedule a lunchtime make-up time. Tardiness to after school rehearsals will count as part of your class grade. Unexcused absences will result in a grade of 0. Excused absences must be made up.
EXCUSED ABSENCES
The following will be accepted as excused absences:
As stated in the PISD course selection guide, attendance is required at all
performances.
An unexcused absence from a performance could result in a failing grade for the grading period and is sufficient reason for dismissal from Orchestra.
EXTRA REHEARSALS
Extra rehearsals may be necessary from time to time as performance pressures dictate. Every effort will be made to keep these to an absolute minimum. They will be scheduled as conveniently as possible but students are expected to make every effort to change schedules as necessary to accommodate them. Unavoidable conflicts must be discussed and resolved with the director prior to the rehearsal
The Orchestra office voice mail may be reached at 469-752-9842.
PERFORMANCE AND TRAVEL
In addition to local performances the Plano West Senior High Orchestra may make appearances away from school each year. There is one overnight trip taken every year alternating between in-state and out of state . All members of the orchestra are expected to travel with the group. We must have everyone participate to be our best. Requirements for these performances are:
JUNIORS:
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INFORM YOUR PARENTS NOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
All orchestra Juniors will be performing at the graduation ceremony Tuesday, May 29, 2007. Please delay your summer travel plans until after this performance. It is a very important part of our proud
PWSH graduation tradition , and I are proud that has requested the specific presence of the orchestra . Please help us to be successful in this endeavor.
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MAKE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND THESE GUIDELINES
IF YOU ARE A TRANSFER STUDENT
Extra-Curricular Transfer Guidelines
Students are expected to attend the schools in the feeder pattern assigned to their residence. A student becomes a “transfer student” when he/she submits a Student Transfer Form and is approved to attend a school other than his/her home campus. (A student who moves from a residence in one feeder system to a residence in another and enrolls in the home school assigned to the new residence is not a transfer student.) Transfer students must satisfy all requirements of the University Interscholastic League Constitution and Contest Rules as well as the following local District guidelines:
Transfer students in grades 6-8 may participate in all Performing Arts and Academic Program competitions. Transfer students in grades 9-12 shall be ineligible for participation in all extra-curricular aspects of the program (except non-competitive marching band events) for a period of one year from the date of first attending classes at the new campus. A student establishes eligibility at a senior high school if they attended the previous full year in a feeder high school. Extra-curricular events shall be those meeting the definition supplied by the Texas Education Agency and the University Interscholastic League, which includes, but is not limited to, all competitive events. A transfer shall not affect participation in curricular components of the program. Transfer students will participate in curricular course required concerts, performances, marching band events, etc. but will not participate in extra-curricular trips to compete or perform, UIL contests, National Forensic League contests, etc. Rules 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 listed above are in force as they relate to participation in the Performing Arts and Academic Programs. Cheerleading, drill team, and ROTC fall under existing guidelines for these organizations
PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN THIS PAGE
PLANO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
Permission for Members of Student Groups to Participate in
School-Sponsored Trips
Back to Main Page
Name of Group: Plano West Orchestras
School Year of Group Activities: 2006-07
I desire that my son/daughter be allowed to travel to and from the events attended by the group listed above during this school year and to participate in these events.
Printed Name of Parent/Guardian Signature of Parent or Legal Guardian Date
Printed Name of Student Signature of Student (if 18 or more years of age) Date
NOTE: Student Medical/Emergency Information Card must be on file in the school office.
PARENT/STUDENT INFORMATION SHEET
Supplemental music lessons are offered as enrichment to classroom instruction. These lessons are designed to utilize the characteristic literature of the instrument or voice, rather than to rehearse the music a student will be performing in his or her school organization. Participation in these supplemental lessons is optional. Students who elect to not participate in supplemental lessons will not be penalized grade wise or otherwise in their class activities. All students will have access to supplemental lessons.
Student's Responsibility to the Supplemental Music Teacher:
1. Be fully prepared for each lesson.
2. Follow guidelines pertaining to absenteeism.
3. Provide documentation of required practice time each week.
4. Supply method books and other materials as required by the private teacher.
5. Participate in all activities required as a condition of private study.
Lesson Location and Scheduling:
Lessons during the day will be taught in the school the student attends.
The supplemental music instructor will schedule lessons for the students in the program who desire to participate. Lessons will be twenty-five minutes in length.
These lessons may be scheduled during the student's band/choir/orchestra class, lunch hour, and before or after school. No lessons will be scheduled during non-music classes.
It will be the responsibility of the student to notify his/her supplemental music instructor at least twenty-four hours in advance if a lesson is to be cancelled unless, of course, a serious emergency arises. This courtesy is also the responsibility of the supplemental music instructor if he/she must cancel a lesson.
The school directors will aid the student in advising the supplemental music teacher of concerts, programs, holidays, etc., which would result in any interruption of the regular lesson schedule.
Financial Implications:
The Supplemental Music Teacher will be responsible for all billing, collection, and accounting for funds related to lessons. Checks will be made payable directly to the Supplemental Music Teacher.
Enrollment:
Enrollment by the students in the supplemental music lesson program is on a completely voluntary basis. School music directors will not put any undue pressure on students to take supplemental music lessons. Termination of lessons by the student, supplemental music teacher, or organization director will be accomplished by written notice to the student or teacher and the campus director.
Supplemental music teachers are assigned as requested by the student, if possible. In some cases, individual schedules will not allow the requested teacher. Questions concerning assignment of supplemental music teachers should be directed to your student's band, choir, or orchestra director. Questions concerning lesson dates and times, or number of lessons taught, should be directed to your student's supplemental music teacher.
REQUEST FOR SUPPLEMENTAL MUSIC INSTRUCTION
I desire supplemental music instruction for my son/daughter in (instrument)
from ____________________________________( requested teacher). I pledge ________________ per lesson
toward the cost of providing music instruction (lessons are $16.00 each, generally four lessons per month).
__________________________________________
Print Student Name
___________________________________________
Student Signature
___________________________________________
Address
___________________________________________
City & Zip Phone
Please return this application to your son/daughter's band, choir, or orchestra director by August 12
For Campus Use:
Private Teacher ________________________
Teacher Phone ________________________
Lessons to begin on _____________________
Director’s Signature______________________________
PRIVATE TEACHERS ARE IN HIGH DEMAND , PLEASE DO NOT WAIT TO SECURE ONE!
How to access parent information
BAND * ORCHESTRA * CHOIR
PWSHOrch
__________________________________________________________
PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR INFORMATION IS UP TO DATE-
PLEASE INITIAL EACH STATEMENT INDICATING THAT YOU HAVE READ AND AGREED TO THE GUIDELINES AND /OR REQUIREMENTS AS SET FORTH IN THIS HANDBOOK, AND WILL HELP YOUR STUDENT FULFILL THESE GUIDELINES AND REQUIREMENTS
I have read the section on supplemental music lessons and will return the necessary forms if I desire private instruction for my child.
I have read uniform requirements, and understand that each student will be issued a district
owned uniform, that the deposit will be $20.00 CASH,NOT CHECK , and each uniform must be dry cleaned and returned by a specified date at the end of the school year, or risk forfeiture of the deposit.
I have read the information on insurance for student owned instruments, and will request a form for such insurance from Ms. Wallace-Abbie , if so desired.
I have read and understand the fundraising guidelines as set forth in this handbook,
and that there will be no separate “student account” balances kept .
I have read, understand and agree to the Plano West Orchestra grading, rehearsal and
performance attendance policies as set forth in these pages.
I understand that the CHARMS MUSIC website will be used to post the orchestra
handbook, the semester calendars, and other pertinent information. I will familiarize myself with the use of CHARMS and make an effort to keep all pertinent information updated
I understand the PISD guidelines for transfer students
If I am a parent of a Junior student, I understand that my child will be expected to perform at graduation in May of 2007 and will try to plan summer trips with that in mind.
STUDENT NAME_________________________________DATE_____________
STUDENT SIGNATURE ________________________________
PAARENT SIGNATURE ________________________________________ date