Welcome to the Kingwood High School Orchestra
Mission Statement
Welcome to the Kingwood High School Mustang Orchestra! You will be a part of a
musical organization who-se music and traditions encompass five centuries, yet
continues to reflect the musical trends of our society.
The Orchestra Program here at KHS will challenge students on all levels of musical
achievement. The three major divisions of instrumental music will be encouraged as a
regular part of curricular and extra-curricular activities. Orchestra, both String and
Full Symphony, will dominate our classroom activities as we prepare a wide variety of
concert performances. The very important aspects of Small ensemble (Chamber
Music) and Solo Performances will also have a significant place in our
curriculum/schedule.
Perhaps the most important activity and goal however of the Kingwood High School
Mustang Orchestra is our purpose of providing our students with a wholesome,
active, fun organization to which they can belong and take pride in. Hopefully, they
will develop those long-term friendships and experiences that make High School such
an exciting time and positive experience.
So finally, WELCOME! It is going to be a great year, and as always we appreciate
your help and support. Please do not hesitate to contact the Orchestra staff at any
time with your questions or concerns.
Thank you,
Chris Reidlinger & Rachel Brogdon
KHS Orchestra Directors
Contact information:
christopher.reidlinger@humble.k12.tx.us
rachel.brogdon@humble.k12.tx.us
Office Telephone
281/641-6998
Orchestra Web Page
www.humble.k12.tx.us
Select Kingwood High School
Select Activities
Select Orchestra
or
Select Teacher Websites
Select Reidlinger, Chris
Classroom Policies and Behavior Guidelines
The Orchestra classroom/rehearsal is the same as any other classroom concerning intent and
application. Rules that pertain to student behavior are few, reasonable, and can be applied to any
other appropriate classroom situation.
 Students are expected to enter the classroom, gather their music and instrument, go to
their seat and unpack before the bell rings.
 Attention and a quiet atmosphere will be maintained during the class period and
rehearsals.
 Respect the rights of other students and adults by being polite, patient and courteous.
 Students will not be allowed to chew gum, eat, or drink in the Orchestra Room.
 Students shall treat school instruments and equipment with respect.
Student Responsibilities and Expectations
Instruments and Folders
All students will be issued 3-ring binders. Each student is responsible for putting any music
distributed into their assigned binder. Periodic checks will be made to determine if binders are upto-date.
Cello and bass students will be assigned school instruments. These instruments will be checked out
with an “Instrument Tracking Form.” Basses taken home will be checked out with an HISD
Instrument Contract signed by parent or guardian. Responsible parties assume all liability for HISD
instruments that are kept at home.
.
Concert and Rehearsal Attendance Policies
Concerts and rehearsals are an essential part of the Orchestra instructional curriculum, and hence
are an integral part of the Course requirements. Requirements of the course during any given
academic year include, but are not limited to, the following events and activities, both curricular and
extracurricular:
 Fall Concert, Winter Concert, U.IL. Solo and Ensemble Contest, Pre-U.I.L. Concert,
U.I.L. Concert and Sight-reading Contest, Kingwood Zone Orchestra Concert, Spring
Concert & Full Orchestra activities.
 All rehearsals that pertain to these activities, including those that occur after school
hours.
Students are responsible for all concerts and rehearsals on the master schedule.
These co-curricular activities receive a performance and participation grade
that is averaged into the other grades accumulated in any given six-weeks
grading period.
 Outside jobs, extracurricular activities, or homework DO NOT CONSTITUTE
AN EXCUSE for missing a rehearsal or concert.
 It is the student’s responsibility to address any absences with the Director.
As parents and educators, we are keenly aware of the numerous demands placed upon student’s
schedules. Invariably, conflicts arise to even the best planned schedule. Appropriate excuses will
always be accepted if the excuse is one of a significant nature, and is verified by the parents with
the Director. Every situation has its own parameters and hence each situation will be judged
individually. Communication is the biggest single factor in resolving conflicts, so informing the
Director at the earliest knowledge of a problem usually eliminates problems and resentment.
Each conflict has a workable resolution. Please don’t hesitate to let the Director help work
problems out!
Sectional Schedule
Please carefully note which sectional schedule is applicable
Sectional times are vital to both individual advancement and are integral to the overall success of our
Kingwood High School Orchestra.
Chamber I & II Sectional Schedule
All Sectional times are 6:30 - 7:15 am. Students auditioning for Region XIX Orchestra will receive
additional help during sectional times or special region help sessions.
Chamber I
Chamber II
st
Monday - 1 Violin
Monday - 1st Violin
Tuesday - 2nd Violin
Tuesday - 2nd Violin
Wednesday - Viola
Wednesday - Cello/Bass
Friday - Cello/Bass
Friday - Viola
Varsity and 9th Grade Orchestra Sectional Schedule
All Sectional times are 3:00 - 3:45 pm. Students auditioning for Region XIX Orchestra will receive
additional help during sectional times or special region help sessions.
Varsity
KHS-9th grade
st
Monday - 1 Violin
Monday – Cello/Bass 1st Period
Tuesday - 2nd Violin
Tuesday - Cello/Bass 2nd Period
Wednesday - Viola
Wednesday - Viola
Thursday - Cello
Thursday - 2nd Violin
Friday - Bass
Friday - 1st Violin
Region Help Sessions will be from 3:45 – 4:30 pm and corresponds with like instrument sectionals
Make-up Sectionals will be Friday from 3:45 – 4:30 pm for all classes
Grading Policies
Grades will be developed from both Formative & Summative Domains
Formative: 50%
1. Daily grades are based on the following:
a. Be on time
b. Have instrument, music and a pencil
c. Participate in an appropriate way in rehearsal. Talking, disruptions of class, poor posture,
refusing to participate are not appropriate behaviors.
2. Home Practice Time: (Student Contract)
Daily Practice is crucial to student success. Students should expect to practice at least 15 minutes a
day (60 minutes weekly) for individual and collective success.
3. Weekly Sectional Grade – See Sectional Schedule
Summative: 50%
1.
Weekly Test Grade
2.
Concert Participation
Contests and Festivals
Region Orchestra

Students, during the fall semester, compete against other orchestra students from Region XIX Schools in order
to be selected for membership in the prestigious Region XIX Honor Orchestra.
All-State Orchestra

Selection for the Texas All-State Orchestra is the highest honor a music student in Texas can achieve.
Auditions take place during the fall semester and the level of competition is extremely high. All expenses for
food, lodging and travel and paid by H.I.S.D. for successful applicants. The All-State Festival takes place in San
Antonio in February at the TMEA State Convention.
U.I.L. Solo & Ensemble Contest

Students are encouraged to prepare a solo and participate in the U.I.L. Solo and Ensemble Contest. They are
evaluated on the essential skill and knowledge that govern music performance. Entry fees are paid by the
District. However, students must assume part or all of the financial payment for solos requiring piano
accompaniment.

All students are encouraged to participate in an Ensemble that is assembled from fellow class members. Judged
with the same criterion as solo contest, essential knowledge is taken to the next level. Solo and Ensemble
Contest occurs in February and is a U.I.L. event.

There is also a Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest. To qualify, a student must receive a 1st division
rating in a Class I Solo or Ensemble. Solos must be memorized. This event takes place in Austin on the
Memorial Day Week-end.
U.I.L. Concert and Sight-reading Contest

This event occurs in the spring and is a contest that rates the achievement of the competing orchestra against a
recognized standard, not against other schools. The organization as a whole competes rather than individual
student events.
Spring Festivals

Competitions of this nature vary from year to year according to the proposed activities of the Orchestra. Trips
will vary in location and are two - three days in length. Student fund-raising accounts are used to pay for trip
expenses.
TMEA - Texas Music Educators Association

TMEA is the State of Texas’ organization of music teachers. Approximately 10,000 members have created one
of the largest teacher organizations in the world. TMEA has a great deal of influence both educationally and
politically in Texas. It has fostered and developed guidelines and essential elements that have set the
benchmark for music education around the United States.
U.I.L. - University Interscholastic League

Texas’ U.I.L. is the governing agency of the TEA (Texas Educational Agency) that determines rules and
regulations controlling all competitive events on the Secondary Level of Public Education. Sports, Academics,
Fine Arts and all events considered extracurricular, are regulated by U.I.L.
U.I.L. events have become the traditional activities of all performing groups in Texas.