Orchestra Grading Policy and Concert Report Guidelines |
Grading Policy and General Information |
| Grades are based on participation (60%), playing tests (15%), auditions (10%), and concert reports (15%). Every orchestra student is a vital part of the group, so participation includes attendance at concerts and other performances. Playing tests will occur as often as needed - some will be for re-seating. Auditions will occur once each quarter, and Concert Reports are due at the end of each quarter. |
| Our Concert dates for this year are Thursday, October 4th ; Monday, December 10th; Tuesday, March 11th; and Tuesday, May 13th. These dates will not change unless something major occurs, so please try to make sure these become part of your family's schedule. Students who must miss a concert will be required to complete an additional concert report (or music related report) to make up for the missed grade. |
Concert etiquette is always a concern, and can impact the quality of the performance. Here are some defining characteristics of good concert etiquette:
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| Daily requirements: All students need to have their instrument, bow, rosin, and cleaning cloth in class every day. For students who play the violin or viola, I strongly recommend they either have a shoulder rest or a piece of foam rubber - this will be a necessity as they learn to shift, but it really helps with posture, which helps with playing technique. |
| We will be using the following technique books in class this year: |
| Essentials for Strings: A Systematic Approach to Technical Development (Gerald Anderson; pub. Kjos) |
| Essential Technique for Strings: Intermediate Technique Studies (Michael Allen et al.;. pub. Hal Leonard) |
| Advanced Technique for Strings (Michael Allen et al.; pub. Hal Leonard) |
| A Rhythm A Week for Strings (Anne C. Witt; pub. Belwin-Mills) |
| The appropriate technique book will be provided for each student. |
| Concert Dress is black and white for everyone. If, for whatever reason, you are unable to acquire appropriate concert dress, please contact me and ask for assistance. |
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| We generally have very few discipline related problems in the orchestras, but detention or other appropriate discipline will be required from those students who have three or more unexcused tardies, those who don't have the necessary class materials, those who partake of food, beverages (other than sealable water containers), or gum in the classroom, or those who demonstrate inappropriate behavior as identified in the Student Handbook guidelines. |
Concert Report Guidelines |
Students are required to write one formal concert report each quarter, which is worth 15% of their grade. This is how orchestra supports the writing process at Stapley, and it's also a great way to have students learn critical listening skills. Students may attend any of the following types of live performances:
There may be other options, so if you are planning on attending a performance that isn't listed, please ask - it may be an acceptable performance. |
The following information needs to be included in the report:
Reports must be at least one (1) full page, one inch margins, neatly hand-written (single spaced) or typed (double spaced), in BLUE or BLACK ink only. The font you choose must be easy to read (Arial, Helvetica, Times, Geneva, etc.) and should be size 12. Any report done in pencil or any color other than black or blue ink will lose one letter grade.. |
Papers are due no later than 4:00 p.m. on the following dates. Late papers will not be accepted.
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