FORT COLLINS HIGH SCHOOL
ORCHESTRAS HANDBOOK
2011-2012
F C H S
ORCHESTRAS
“Where Excellence Is Expected”
Welcome to the Fort Collins High School Orchestra program!
August 18th, 2011
I am thrilled to have you involved in our orchestra program at Fort Collins High School. Every
year has its own challenges that I look forward to wrestling with.
Last year’s Symphony had a wonderful performance at the Winter Park Music festival. I fully
expect this year to be outstanding as well. With some great performances we will be able to put
together a good audition for CMEA next year.
Concert Orchestra students will have the opportunity to audition for symphony in January. In the
fall we will be working on those playing skills that will help you to put together a good audition.
Work hard and expect great things from yourself.
Most Freshman students are involved in the Sinfonietta. I really look forward to getting to know
you and I hope you find our orchestra program at FCHS to be fun and challenging.
All sophomore through senior students are encouraged to involve themselves in Tri-M. This is a
music honors society designed to give music students an opportunity to be leaders in our school
and community. If you are not already involved then see if you fulfill the requirements and be a
part of it. We should have an exciting service opportunity this year.
A few years ago FCHS adopted the orchestra’s motto, which is, “Where Excellence is Expected.”
This attitude first starts with us directors. If you want to be a good musician then please know
that I am willing to help you achieve your goals as well as to discuss and help you with any
concerns you may have. The first step is for you to talk to talk to me. You may also call, or write
me and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
Once again, congratulations and let’s make this year a fantastic one!
Dr. Spieker’s Contact Info:
School Phone Number
School Email Address
488-8247
mspieker@psdschools.org
Sincerely,
Dr. Matthew H. Spieker
Director of Orchestras
Fort Collins High School
F C H S
ORCHESTRAS
“Where Excellence Is Expected”
Music Department Expectations
x Attendance is a vital part of every musical ensemble. All excused absences/tardies can be made up through
extra work given by the director. Unexcused absences/tardies will affect your grade greatly because
participation points, as well as any other graded work, for that day can be made up but for only 50% of the
original value. Make sure that you do not skip class and that all legitimate absences/tardies are excused
through the school attendance office.
x All musicians are to perform in all of their ensemble’s concerts. Excused absences from concerts may be
granted for personal illness, family emergency, or prearranged important occasions. A job is not an
acceptable reason for missing a concert. Performing is a vital part of the curriculum and it should be
considered as such. If any student feels that he/she needs to be excused from a performance, then there
should be advance notice, (at least two weeks) given to the director.
x Please check your attendance on the internet regularly. Mistakes are easier to fix if they are found quickly.
x Come to class prepared. Make sure you have your music, a pencil, and your instrument. Display a helpful
and eager attitude and always do your best.
x If you lose a piece of music you will be expected to pay for it.
x No gum, food or drink, other than water, is allowed in the music rooms, practice rooms, or the stage.
Concert Etiquette
x Absolutely, positively, NO GUM CHEWING on stage!!! It is very difficult for an audience member to
listen to the music while they are watching an individual perform their best, “Bertha the Dairy Cow”
impression.
x Make every effort to arrive to performances at least 30 minutes before the concert begins.
x Please fight the urge to douse yourself with cologne and perfume. The mix of heavy smelling fu-fu juice
and hot lights can be extremely difficult for some to perform in.
Concert Dress for Orchestras
Part of the fun of performing in an orchestra, whether you admit it or not, is to dress up. These are the
requirements for concert dress.
Symphony Orchestra Concert Dress
Ladies
x Ladies are to wear a standard, music department dress. Information on sizing and ordering these dresses
will be available soon after school starts. Also make sure that you wear black shoes and nude stockings.
F C H S
ORCHESTRAS
“Where Excellence Is Expected”
Symphony Orchestra Concert Dress (continued)
Gentlemen
x Gentlemen are to wear black tuxedos with black dress pants. Bow ties, socks and shoes are to be black as
well. It is also expected that Gentlemen wear a white dress shirt with wing tips.
Concert Orchestra Concert Dress
x Both ladies and gentlemen are to wear white tops and black bottoms. Black dress shoes and black socks are
to be worn as well. All students are to wear purple cummerbunds which need to be purchased at the
beginning of the school year.
Sinfonietta Concert Dress
x Both ladies and gentlemen are to wear white tops and black bottoms. Black dress shoes and black socks are
to be worn as well. All students are to wear gold cummerbunds which need to be purchased at the
beginning of the school year.
NOTE: Not to comply with the concert dress code will lead to loss of points for the performance.
Grading Policy for Orchestras
The final grade for each semester will be determined through four categories, 1) Performance, 2) Participation,
3) Assessments and 4) Assignments. The following categories are weighted as follows, 1) Performances are
40% of the final grade, 2) Participation is 30% of the final grade, 3) Assessments are 20% of the final grade and
4) Assignments are 10% of the final grade.
x PERFORMING, 40% of the Final Grade
The number of scheduled performances will vary with each ensemble. Check the included calendar of
events for your performance schedule.
All musicians are to perform in all of their ensemble’s concerts. Excused absences from concerts may be
granted for personal illness, family emergency, or prearranged important occasions. Jobs are not an
acceptable reasons for missing a concert.
Performing is a vital part of the curriculum and it should be considered as such. If any student feels that
he/she needs to be excused from a performance, then there should be advance notice, (at least two
weeks) given to the director.
Attendance is a vital part of every musical ensemble. Make sure that you do not skip class and that all
legitimate absences and tardies are excused through the school attendance office.
If an absence from a performance is excused then a student can make up all points that were missed
through extra work. If the absence is unexcused a student may still do extra work but may only receive
50% of their earned grade.
F C H S
ORCHESTRAS
“Where Excellence Is Expected”
Grading Policy for Orchestras (continued)
x PARTICIPATION, 30% of the Final Grade
Points, (5 for non block days and 10 for block days) will be earned daily for being on time and fully
prepared.
Points will be deducted if the student is tardy, unprepared for class, or does not participate. Every
absence results in 0 points for the day. If the absence is excused then a student can make up all points
that were missed through extra work. If the absence is unexcused a student may still do extra work but
may only receive 50% of their earned grade. Please check your attendance on the internet regularly.
Mistakes are easier to fix if they are found quickly.
x ASSESSMENTS, 20% of the Final Grade
Assessments are in the form of pass-offs. These are playing exams that can be retaken if the student is
not satisfied with their original grade. Pass-off grades are based on a rubric provided for you on the
following page. If a pass-off receives a failing grade then the student will begin a practice card that will
remain in effect until the student retakes the pass-off and brings the grade up to a passing grade.
x Assignments, 10% of the Final Grade
Assignments are in the form of music theory worksheets, history presentations, reflective writing,
listening projects etc.
NOTE: Every quarter/semester is different from another in terms of the number of performances, pass-offs,
assignments, etc. It is the student’s responsibility throughout the semester to keep up with their grades. A great
way to do this is to check their progress and attendance on the Pinnacle Internet Viewer (PIV).
F C H S
ORCHESTRAS
“Where Excellence Is Expected”
PASS-OFF RUBRIC
Students are expected to individually “pass-off” their music for the director. Pass-offs are
musical excerpts taken from the literature or the musical exercises being learned. Students
will work on these in class but they are also expected to spend time on them at home in their
personal practice. Each pass-off will be for a grade and that grade will be determined from
the following rubric.
50 – 46 points
x
x
x
25 – 21 points
Rhythms – Performed accurately with a metronome at the
correct tempo.
Notes – Performed accurately with exceptional intonation.
Musicality – Dynamics, articulations and phrasings are
performed exceptionally.
45 – 41 points
x
x
x
x
Rhythms – Performed accurately with a metronome at the
correct tempo.
Notes – Performed accurately with exceptional intonation.
Musicality – Dynamics, articulations and phrasings are
performed exceptionally.
One or two bobbles are accepted.
40 – 36 points
x
x
x
x
Rhythms – Performed accurately with a metronome at the
correct tempo.
Notes – Performed accurately with exceptional intonation.
Musicality – Dynamics, articulations and phrasings are
performed exceptionally.
Three or four bobbles are accepted.
35 – 31 points
x
x
x
Rhythms – Performed accurately with a metronome at a
slower tempo.
Notes – Performed accurately with good intonation.
Musicality – Dynamics, articulations and phrasings are
performed well.
30 – 26 points
x
x
x
x
Rhythms – Performed accurately with a metronome at a
slower tempo.
x
x
x
x
Rhythms – Performed accurately with a metronome at a slower
tempo.
Notes – Performed accurately with good intonation.
Musicality – Dynamics, articulations and phrasings are performed
well.
Three or four bobbles are accepted.
20 – 16 points
x
x
x
Rhythms – Performed inaccurately without a metronome.
Notes – Performed inaccurately and with bad intonation.
Musicality – Dynamics, articulations and phrasings are performed
very little.
15 – 11 points
x
x
x
x
Rhythms – Performed inaccurately without a metronome.
Notes – Performed inaccurately and with bad intonation.
Musicality – Dynamics, articulations and phrasings are performed
very little.
Three or four spots are played well.
10 – 6 points
x
x
x
x
Rhythms – Performed inaccurately without a metronome.
Notes – Performed inaccurately and with bad intonation.
Musicality – Dynamics, articulations and phrasings are
performed very little.
One or two spots are played well.
5 – 0 points
x
Do not play your exam if you think you could get this score.
Notes – Performed accurately with good intonation.
Musicality – Dynamics, articulations and phrasings are
performed well.
One or two bobbles are accepted.
F C H S
ORCHESTRAS
“Where Excellence Is Expected”
2011-2012 FCHS MUSIC DEPARTMENT CALENDAR OF EVENTS
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
APRIL
MAY
29th-31st
30th
7th-9th
26th-28th
4th
11th
14th-15th
18th
25th
1st-2nd
3rd-5th
7th
7th-11th
10th
18th
28th-30th
1st-2nd
1st-3rd
5th
6th
12th
13th
14th
14th
17th
19th-21st
25th-28th
5th-7th
9th-11th
23rd-25th
28th
6th
7th
27th
31st
2nd
3rd
5th
9th-11th
12th-14th
13th-14th
16th-17th
16th-20th
19th
20th-21st
8th
10th
21st
22nd
23rd
24th
25th
26th
Mon-Wed Concert dress sizing and exchange, 3-4 PM. Monday and Tuesday–Girls/Wednesday–Boys.
Tuesday
Tri-M Induction Ceremony, 7:00 PM.
Wed-Fri
String Auditions for All-State Orchestra and Western States Honor Orchestra
Mon-Wed Musical Auditions, 3:00 PM-5:00 PM
Tuesday
All Choirs Concert, 7:00 PM
Tuesday
All Orchestras Concert, 7:00 PM
Fri-Sat
All State Choir Auditions, Loveland High School
Tuesday
All Bands Concert with Boltz 8th Grade Band, 7:00 PM
Tuesday
Jazz Concert with all Jazz Choirs and Jazz Band, 7:00 PM
Tues-Wed Wind and Percussion Auditions for All-State Orchestra
Thurs-Sat
UNC Western States Honor Orchestra, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley
Monday
Cabaret Auditions 3:00-5:00 PM
Mon-Fri
CSU Honor Band and Northern Colorado Honor Band Auditions
Thursday
Choral Middle School Invitational, 7 PM
Friday
Rocky Mountain Band Festival with Symphonic Band and Concert Band, Time TBA
Mon-Wed All-State Band Auditions, Poudre High School, Date and Time TBA
Thurs-Fri
All-State Band Auditions, Poudre High School, Date and Time TBA
Thurs-Sat
Musical Performances, “Fiddler on the Roof ” 7:00 PM
Monday
Band Concert with all Bands and Jazz Bands, 7 PM
Tuesday
Chamber Concert, 7 PM
Monday
Orchestra Concert with all orchestras, 7:00 PM
Tuesday
Choir Concert with all choirs, 7:00 PM
Wednesday Symphonic Band with Joint Performance with the Dallas Brass
Saturday
Cabaret, 7:00 PM
Tuesday
Pre-CMEA Concert
Thurs-Sat
Northern Colorado Honor Band Festival
Wed-Sat
CMEA Convention
Sun-Tuesday Colorado All-State Choir at Denver Convention Center
Thurs-Sat
Colorado All-State Orchestra at Colorado State University
Thurs-Sat
CSU Honor Band, University Center for the Arts
Tuesday
Symphonic Band Pre-CBA Concert, 7:00 PM
Tuesday
Orchestra Middle School Festival with Symphony Orchestra, 7:00 PM
Wednesday CBA Northern Regional Concert Band Festival, Fossil Ridge High School, Time TBA
Tuesday
Choir concert with A Cappella, Women’s Choir and Mixed Choir, Location TBA, 7:00 PM
Saturday
Rocky Mountain Chamber Music Festival at Rocky Mountain High School, All Day
Monday
Pre-Contest Concert with Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic and Concert Bands, 7:00 PM
Tuesday
Pre-Contest Concert with Men’s Choir, Concert Choir and Intermediate Band, 7:00 PM
Thursday
Jazz Concert with Jazz Choirs and Jazz Band Venue TBA, 7:00 PM
Mon-Wed CHSAA Vocal Music Festival at Rocky Mountain High School, Times TBA
Thurs-Sat
Colorado All State Band at University of Northern Colorado
Fri-Sat
Viola Day at FCHS
Mon-Tues CBA State Concert Band Festival, Colorado State University, Time TBA
Mon-Fri
CHSAA Instrumental Music Festival hosted at FCHS, Times TBA
Thursday
Graduation Special Music Auditions, Seniors Only, 3:00-4:00 PM
Fri-Sat
UNC Jazz Festival with Jazz Band, Time TBA
Tuesday
Chamber Concert, 7 PM.
Tuesday
Senior Recital, 7:00 PM
Monday
End of the Year Concert with Concert Band, Intermediate Band, Sinfonietta, Concert
Orchestra, Mixed Choir, Men’s Choir, and Concert Choir, 7:00 PM
Tuesday
Honor’s Concert with Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra, A Cappella,
Women’s Choir, 7:00 PM
Wednesday POPS in the Park Concert with all Orchestras, Men’s Choir, Women’s Choir, Concert Choir,
Mixed Choir, Tower Singers, Women’s Jazz and Jazz Band, 4:00 PM
Thursday
Baccalaureate with a volunteer Orchestra and Choir, 7:00 PM
Friday
Graduation Practice at Moby Gym, Time TBA
Saturday
Graduation with Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Concert Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra,
Men’s Choir, Women’s Choir, Mixed Choir and A Cappella, Time TBA
F C H S
ORCHESTRAS
“Where Excellence Is Expected”
Letter Points and Awards
Orchestra letters are given only to those students who prove themselves to be hardworking and dedicated to their
playing/performing. When a student wears an orchestra letter, he/she has achieved an incredible task.
Orchestra Letters are awarded through a two-step process.
STEP ONE - PREREQUISITES:
This first step needs to be demonstrated every year. If a student wants to be awarded a letter and/or bars, he/she will:
- Play all of the major scales from memory. Only two octaves are needed.
- Demonstrate, from memory, the knowledge of every major key signature.
- Submit a tape for All-State Orchestra and UNC Weekend For Strings.
STEP TWO - POINT AQUISITION:
The second step to acquire a letter/bars is to accumulate points throughout the year. With the first 150 points a letter
will be awarded. Then every additional 75 points a bar will be awarded. Points are awarded by doing the following
items:
- Membership in orchestra and chamber orchestra
- All State Orchestra
- UNC Weekend for Strings
- Submitting an ASO/UNC audition tape but not making either orchestra
- State Music Contest superior rating
- State Music Contest excellent rating
- State Music Contest good rating
- Performing at the Colorado Music Educators Convention
- Solo and Ensemble superior rating
- Solo and Ensemble excellent rating
- Solo and Ensemble good rating
(add three points with a piano accompaniment)
- Performing concerts
- Performing in other public venues
- Extra-curricular organizations (Civic orch, etc)
- Concerts attended (with a program as proof)
- Private lessons
- Pep band
- Marching band
10 pts each semester
30 pts
30 pts
10 pts
20 pts
15 pts
10 pts
20 pts
20 pts
15 pts
10 pts
+ 3 pts
5 pts each concert
5 pts each concert
15 pts
2 pts each concert
10 pts each semester
10 pts
10 pts
Students should keep good records throughout the school year. This can be accomplished by keeping up with the letter
tally sheets that are in each students’ portfolio. For example, to receive points for attending a concert, students need to
have a copy of the program in their portfolios It is a good idea for students to keep the portfolio up to date throughout
the year as concerts are performed, attended, etc.
Awards and letters will be given out at the honors concert each year. This is a grand time for me to brag about the kind
of quality students I have at FCHS. 
F C H S
ORCHESTRAS
“Where Excellence Is Expected”
Student Information and Commitment Form
Please visit the FCHS music website. Under the orchestra section you will find a link that will direct
you to a student information and commitment form. To receive credit for this handbook you need to
fill out the online form and by doing so you are confirming you and you parents commitment to
follow these policies, (make sure your parents read this handbook as well).
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VOLUNTEERS
Every year there is a great need for parents to help with various activities in the music department.
This can be accomplished by volunteering in the BOC Ensemble, a parent organization dedicated to
enhancing the musical experience of FCHS students. If you would like to help the orchestra program
through the BOC Ensemble, then please check the volunteer box found on the online form. You will
be added to an email group in which volunteer information will be made available to you. Thanks in
advance for your help!
Below is a list of some of the activities the BOC Ensemble is involved in.
___ Organizing receptions which are held after some concerts
___ Serving at receptions which are held after some concerts
___ Chaperoning possible field trips
___ Helping girls/boys with concert dress
F C H S
ORCHESTRAS
“Where Excellence Is Expected”