Welcome to the Trailside Middle
School Orchestra Program!
2014-2015
Dear Parents/Guardians and TMS Orchestra Students,
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It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to teach orchestra at Trailside Middle School this year.
Students in Loudoun County are fortunate to be offered a quality musical experience. The
elementary, middle, and high school music programs provide a positive educational experience for
participating students.
Involvement in the TMS Orchestra will help each student’s musical growth and work ethic. It will also
be a place for community building and for developing friends who have common interests. Students
will be able to learn other important life skills, such as responsibility and independence. Students
must show respect toward each other, pay attention during instruction, respect school equipment,
put forth effort, be responsible, and follow the general rules of the classroom.
The following pages will inform you about the different aspects of the program. This program offers
not only a special musical experience, but also a wonderful “life skills” experience. Responsibility,
commitment, self-discipline, and an ability to work with others are just some of the skills the
students will learn that they can use in many other aspects of life.
I am sincerely interested in providing your child with a quality educational experience. Please feel
free to consult me at any time with any concerns you may have. I can be reached in school at (571)
252-2280 or via email at: Rebecca.Chaney@lcps.org.
Thank you,
Mrs. Rebecca Chaney
Orchestra Director
Trailside Middle School
Your Orchestra Director:
Mrs. Chaney received her Bachelors Degree in Music Education from Penn State University in
2010. She has worked as a general music teacher and choral director at Newberry and Fishing Creek
Elementary schools in the West Shore School District in central Pennsylvania. She completed her
Masters Degree in Viola Pedagogy in May 2013 at George Mason University. While studying at GMU
she taught private violin and viola lessons at The Potomac Arts Academy. Mrs. Chaney still currently
teaches private viola and violin lessons out of her home. She has studied the viola since the age of
four and has studied under Sally Grobani, Pamela Wiley, Dr. Robert Lau, Dr. Timothy Deighton (Penn
State University), and most recently with Nancy Thomas (George Mason University). Mrs. Chaney is
also trained as a Suzuki viola/violin teacher. She has participated in the Pennsylvania Music
Educators Association orchestra festivals, the Wednesday Club Youth Chamber Orchestra, and the
Shippensburg University-Community Orchestra. As an undergraduate student, she played in the
Penn State Philharmonic Orchestra and viola ensemble. Mrs. Chaney has served as the principal
violist of the George Mason Symphony Orchestra. She has performed in concert halls such as The
Kimmel Center, The Kennedy Center, Heinz Hall, and Carnegie Hall. She enjoys playing chamber
music. She has taken voice lessons since the age of fourteen with teachers such as Barbara C. Lewis,
Joanna Pascale, Dr. Darden Purcell (George Mason University), and Claudia Catania, formerly of the
Metropolitan Opera. Mrs. Chaney participated in many choirs, festivals, and musicals during her
schooling. At George Mason she had the opportunity to solo with the Jazz combos and the Big Band.
She currently still sings and plays her viola professionally. Mrs. Chaney taught her first year in
Loudon County as a general music teacher at Arcola Elementary School and as the high school
orchestra director at John Champe High School. Mrs. Chaney also helped in directing sectionals at
Mercer Middle School and Sterling Middle School. She is very excited to start her second year in
Loudoun County at Trailside Middle School.
Table of Contents
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Orchestra Expectations………………………..4
Grading Policy…………………………………….5
Concerts…………………………………………….5
Practice Recipe……………………………………5
Homework………………………………………….6
Seating Auditions………………………………..6
Private Lessons…………………………………..6
Festivals…………………………………………….6
Concert Dress……………………………………..6
Calendar Dates……………………………………7
Agreement………………………………………….8
Syllabus:
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TSM has 3-4 different orchestras. Currently there is one 6th grade orchestra.
However because the students meet at different times, there may be an opportunity
to form a second 6th grade orchestra. There is also one 7th grade orchestra and one
8th grade orchestra. The 7th and 8th grade orchestras may be combined to play pieces
together depending on the concert and the piece of music. Orchestra will be held
every other day for every student.
Students are required to bring their own instruments, music, and pencils to
each class period. They may drop off their instruments in the orchestra room each
morning if it is convenient. Cello and bass players can bring their own cellos to
school. However, if it is more convenient, they may borrow a cello or bass at school
for rehearsals.
Required Material: A purchased or rented instrument, instrument supplies
(Tuner, Strings, Shoulder Rest, Rosin, Music Stand For Home)
Books: 6th-I Can Read Music by: Joanne Martin & Essential Elements Book 1 by
Michael Allen, Robert Gillespie, Pamela Hayes
7th-Essential Elements Book 2
8th-Essential Elements Book 3
Orchestra Expectations:

Arrive On-Time (Come into the classroom, unpack, be seated & ready to
tune)

Be prepared for class with instrument, shoulder rest, music, & pencil
(assignments, practicing, etc. are ready to go before class begins).

Show Respect for teacher, classmates, & all equipment.

Will play only when instructed to do so.

Understand that if he/she cannot play due to illness, injury, etc…the director
requires a note from the doctor, parent, or guardian.

Understands that gum, food, soda, or candy are not permitted in any area of
the music department

Know that concerts are not an option they are required & graded

Follow Instructions

Everyday try to do your best!
Grading Policy
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Summative Assessments:


Tests/Quizzes/ Spot Checks- Throughout the year, students will be playing
spot checks, quizzes, and tests. These three summative assessments will be
based on the student’s playing skills on their instrument. The assessments
will include a mixture of memorization pieces, reading, scales, technique,
intonation, sound/tone, and musicality. There may be some written
quizzes/tests given on music theory as well.
Performances/After School Rehearsal Attendance- There will be multiple
concerts throughout the year and a few after school rehearsals that will be
scheduled. They are all REQUIRED. It is a team activity. Every student is
important to the group. Being on time to concerts dressed in appropriate
clothing with his/her instrument and music is expected.
Formative Assessment:


Class Participation/ Preparedness: Students must be prepared for class
each day. Instrument, music, pencil, and shoulder rest must be ready to go
before class begins. Students must participate and follow the teacher’s
instructions. It is not optional. Again, an excused note is necessary if one is
not physically able to play. Points will be given daily for being prepared for
class. Theory assignments may also be given every now and then. This will
help students understand music reading better.
Practice Time: Practicing is similar to homework (except a little more fun in
my opinion ). If one does not practice, one will not get any better. There is
always something new to learn. I will assign a small amount of material to
practice at home each day. Each students should practice approximately 100
-125 minutes a week-or-20-25 min. a day (5 days each week). Practicing all
7 days will help you get even better! However, the number of minutes does
not matter as much as the quality of practice. Practice with a goal in mind.
Best Practice Recipe:





Homework:
parent signature.
Warm-up 3-5 min.
Scales 3-5 min.
Listening 3-5 min.
Music/Goals to practice 5-10 min.
Fun Music to end the practice session.
There will be practice charts given out. Please remember the
Parents’ signatures must be completed to verify that the
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practicing has happened for the week. Practice charts are to help the student keep
track of how practicing is going at home. It is a record for the student and parents to
aid them in determining the amount of time that is being put into the instrument. It
will be noticeable if the student is not practicing. The practice charts will also be
used towards the summative grades and for rewards/special privileges. Other
homework such as a music theory assignment may also be given out throughout the
year.
Graded:
-Practicing-Marked (with Letters)-Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory
-Participation/Playing in Class and in outside rehearsals (with Letters)
-Concerts, Dress Rehearsals, field trips are REQUIRED for every student
-Classroom Seating Auditions/Playing Tests/Spot Check Quizzes
-Written Exams/Quizzes
Extra Assignments: Each student should attend 2-4 concerts a year. It could be any
concert. It does not have to be a LCPS concert.
Seating Auditions:
Seating auditions will be based on playing exams and
scores. Auditions will only occur twice a year for 1st/2nd quarter and 3rd/4th quarter.
Private Lessons:
Lessons outside of school are strongly encouraged. This is
the best way to receive individual help on your instrument to make you a better
player. Please let me know if you are interested in taking private string lessons. We
can work together in finding a private teacher to cater to each student’s needs. I will
also hand out a sheet with teacher’s names that are teaching private lessons in the
area.
Festivals
(Optional but also encouraged): Those who are interested in
auditioning for Jr. Regional & County orchestra please come to discuss these
festivals with me in more detail. These festivals are a great way to push yourself on
your instrument and to help you become better. You will also be able to have the
opportunity to make new friends from around the area and work with great
conductors.
Concert Dress:
6th/7th graders will be wearing black bottoms (Dress pants or
black skirts past their knees) and white dress shirts. 8th graders will be wearing
black bottoms, black tops, black socks (for young men). Please no short skirts and no
spaghetti straps for the concerts. Please cover the shoulders.
Important Orchestra/ String Calendar Dates & Times:
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
6th Back to school night: 6:30pm 9/3/14

7/8th Back to School Night: 6:30pm 9/10/14

Trailside Dedication: 9:30am 9/26/14

Jr. Regional String Auditions: 9/27/14*

7/8th Orchestra Dress Rehearsal: 3:30-4:30pm 12/1/14 & 12/3/14

7/8th Orchestra Winter Concert: 7:00pm 12/4/14

All County Orchestra Auditions: 12/6/14*

Music Department Concert: 12/19/14*

6th String Dress Rehearsal: 3:30-4:30 1/8/15 & 1/12/15

6th Orchestra/Strings Winter Concert: 7:00pm 1/14/15

All County Orchestra Festival: 2/20/15 - 2/21/15*

7/8th Orchestra Dress Rehearsal: 3:30pm-4:30pm 3/4/15 & 3/5/15

IMPORTANT: 7/8th District Orchestra Assessment: 3/7/15 (7th grade
may or may not join 8th grade for this)*

Solo & Ensemble District Assessment (Not Required): 4/18/15*

7/8th Orchestra Dress Rehearsal: 3:30-4:30 5/21/15 & 5/28/15

6th Orchestra Dress Rehearsal: 3:30-4:30 5/27/15 & 6/1/15

6th Orchestra Spring Concert: 7:00pm 6/2/15

7/8th Orchestra Spring Concert: 8:00pm 6/2/15
*= Time TBD
Mark your Calendars
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*We have visited Mrs. Chaney’s website to read and understand the TSM Orchestra
course outline, expectations, requirements and rehearsal/performance dates for the
2014-2015 school year.
By Signing below, I am committing to the following:

I will participate and do my best on a regular basis

I will practice my assignments and orchestra music on a regular basis

I will attend each performance and after school rehearsal on our schedule.

I will come prepared with a positive attitude to each and every class.

I will try to do my best to be a valued member of the TSM orchestra.
After reading this syllabus, please fill out, detach, and return this page by the following
dates below:
Student Last Name:______________________________First name:____________________________
Parent’s last Name:_______________________________First Name:____________________________
Parent Phone Numbers: Home________________________________________
Work ________________________________________
Cell _________________________________________
Parent Email Address: ________________________________________________
Student Email Address: ______________________________________________
Student’s Signature: __________________________ Date: __________________
Parent/Guardian Signature: ____________________ Date: _____________
Parent/Guardian Signature (for After School Rehearsals and Concerts &
County Assessment):
________________________________________________________________
***This form is due: 6th graders: Friday September 5, 2014
7/8th graders: Friday, September 12, 2014
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