Community Unit School District #95, Lake Zurich, Illinois
2015 – 2016
Elementary Orchestra
Handbook
for
May Whitney (Grades 4-5)
Seth Paine
(Grades 4-5)
Spencer Loomis (Grades 4-5)
Mrs. Mary Reitsma
Elementary Orchestra Director
May Whitney, Seth Paine and Spencer Loomis
Gr. 4 Beginners’ Orchestra and Gr. 5 Prelude Orchestra
-1Dear Parents,
This handbook contains information dealing with your child’s
participation in the elementary Orchestra program. Please take the time
to review all the enclosed information with your child. It is important to
the success of the program that you take an active interest in your child’s
musical venture, by attending concerts and by helping your child learn the
discipline required for practicing successfully. I am looking forward to a
productive and enjoyable year.
If you have questions or concerns
throughout the year, please email me (mary.reitsma@lz95.org) or leave a
voicemail message for me (847-719-3502), and I will respond as soon as
possible. I am the elementary Orchestra teacher for 4th and 5th grade
students at May Whitney, at Spencer Loomis, and at Seth Paine. Students
in Grade 4 comprise the MW/SL/SP Beginners’ Orchestra, while students
in Grade 5 are members of the MW/SL/SP Prelude Orchestra.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Mary Reitsma
Elementary Orchestra Director
MW/SL/SP
Mary.Reitsma@LZ95.org
VM 847-719-3502
Be sure to check out Mrs. R’s Elementary Orchestra webpage 
Detach here: return to Mrs. Reitsma at the next lesson (by Sept. 11).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Student agreement:
“I have read and understand the policies contained in this handbook. I am
making a commitment to Orchestra and understand the expectation that I
will continue in Orchestra for the entire 2015-2016 school year.”
______________________________
Student signature
______________________________ ________
Print the student’s name
Grade
Parent agreement:
“I will support my child, will encourage him/her to practice regularly, and
will transport him/her faithfully to rehearsals and concerts.
I will
communicate with the director to help ensure that my child has a positive
experience in Orchestra. I have read and discussed the handbook with my
child, and have noted our concert dates on my calendar.”
______________________________
Parent signature
School: MW SL SP
(circle one)
Date___________
MW/SL/SP Elementary Orchestra
Concert Shirts
White “Polo-Style” Cotton Shirt
with blue mascot design
This is the official uniform for elementary
Orchestra students from May Whitney, Seth Paine,
and Spencer Loomis. The logo shows the mascot
for each school. Students in Grade 4 should
consider buying one size larger than usual, both to
allow for shrinkage (the shirts are 100% cotton)
and so that the same shirt can be worn for both the
Fourth and Fifth grade years in Orchestra!
Parents, you may order one for yourself if you
wish! It’s a wonderful way to show support for
your student and for Orchestra in general. (Students
must have the uniform shirt. For a parent to order a shirt for
him/herself is entirely optional!)
Please turn in your order to Mrs. Reitsma by September 18.
Thank you!
Please note that 5th graders do not need to buy a new shirt!
Orchestra polo shirt Order Form
Please include cash or a check with your order: checks should be made
payable to Seth Paine Elementary School. Payment is necessary for your
order to be processed. Please return this order form and $$ in an
envelope labeled with the student’s name and “Orchestra shirt,” to
Mrs. Reitsma’s attention, by September 18.
The order will be placed
soon after, so that we will have the uniform shirts to wear at our December
Demonstration Concert.
Suggestion: consider ordering the next larger size for your student to allow
for any shrinkage, and so that those continuing into 5th grade orchestra can
keep the same uniform shirt. You do not need to buy one next year in Gr. 5
if this one still fits next year!
Student’s Name_______________________ Phone:_____________________
School:________________________Classroom Teacher_________________
Quantity
Size
Price
________
Youth M (10-12)
$13
__________
__________
Youth L (14-16)
$13
__________
__________
Adult Small
$13
__________
__________
Adult Medium
$13
__________
__________
Adult Large
$13
__________
__________
Adult X-Large
$13
__________
Grand Total Enclosed:
Total Price
$ __________
Please remit the order form with payment by Sept. 18.
Thank you!
-4Program Description
The Lake Zurich Orchestra Program is an elective, co-curricular
subject which offers an opportunity for personal growth and enrichment
through the study of a stringed instrument. The program is structured to
provide young people with motivation, positive attitudes, and commitment
to success in an atmosphere of discovery and learning through music.
Children do not have to be “gifted” to succeed in the program; anyone
willing to learn and to work hard will succeed. The program emphasizes
dedication, hard work, perseverance and team work; these qualities are
the foundations of any meaningful endeavor. The basics of music covered
in the lessons will include note reading, rhythm, musical vocabulary,
performance technique, and practice habits. These basics need your
parental support and encouragement. Orchestra includes not only the
weekly sectional and rehearsal but also the time spent at home practicing.
Encourage your child even if progress seems slow at times.
The Orchestra Program is comprised of the following, all of which
are necessary to ensure the success of your child:
1.
Parental support
2.
Sectional classes
3.
Practice at home
4.
Orchestra rehearsals
5.
Solo & Ensemble Contest (for those taking private lessons)
6.
Progress reports/Evaluation each trimester
7.
Instrument care/Supplies
8.
Performances and social activities
-5Parental Support
Parents: the more interest and involvement you express to your
child about his/her new endeavor, the more likely it will be that he/she
will have a positive musical experience. Specifically:
1. Show a genuine interest in your child’s musical studies. Monitor
assignments and sign the practice record weekly (Oct.-May).
2. Arrange a regular time for your child to practice in a quiet,
uninterrupted place which is free from distractions.
3. Help with practice as much as possible. Have your child teach
you what he/she knows!
4. Insist on faithful attendance at all lessons (set out the instrument and music the night before), rehearsals, and concerts.
5. Attend all of your child’s concerts.
6. Sign up to be a parent helper for field trips, providing/serving
refreshments at concerts, taking photos, etc.
7. Confer with Mrs. Reitsma when you have a question or concern.
8. Be patient: progress may be slow at first, but with regular
practice, your child’s sounds should consistently improve.
Small Group Sectional Classes
Small group sectional classes are held during the school day.
Students participate in one 30 minute class each week, usually on the
same day each week. Students are responsible for being at the lesson on
time, after letting their homeroom teacher know where they will be.
Students receive a schedule which can be kept at home on the refrigerator
or in a place where you and your child can be reminded of when the next
class will be, in his/her orchestra folder, or taped onto his/her desk. The
classroom teacher also posts the sectional class schedule in the classroom.
Students must make up the classroom assignment missed while
attending orchestra class. This takes responsibility on the part of the
student to check with a homework buddy or with the teacher to see what
work needs to be completed. Please communicate with Mrs. Reitsma
if you have questions or concerns regarding scheduling or how your child
is handling the pull-out classes.
-6Each student is expected to bring his/her instrument and materials
to Orchestra every week. Instruments should be kept clean and free of
excessive rosin dust; books and materials should be kept neat and
organized. A pencil should be kept in the folder at all times to complete
assignments and to make helpful notations in the music.
Private lessons can help your child advance much more rapidly,
should your child demonstrate the desire to do so. Please contact me if
you decide to take this step with your child; I can refer you to a qualified
instructor. Lessons typically are once a week for 30 minutes, and the
average cost is $25 per half-hour lesson.
Practice
Practice is the orchestra program’s homework, and should be
treated as such. Each student will receive a practice record which should
be filled out daily. Part of your child’s grade will depend on the ability to
play the weekly assignment. A parent or guardian must sign this record to
verify its accuracy prior to the student’s lesson each week (Oct. –May). This
is an important part of your child’s evaluation each grading period.
Beginning students are required to work up to 10-20 minutes of
practice each day, four--five days per week. Circumstances such as
sickness and family emergencies do arise, but please do not allow poor
planning, lack of effort, or playing video games to get in the way of your
child’s progress. Arranging a regular practice time in a quiet place without
interruption will result in steady improvement. It is best to practice the
full 20 minutes at once, since any lengthy break in concentration slows
the learning process.
Rehearsals and Programs
All students participate in a large performing ensemble. BEFORE
SCHOOL rehearsal begins Wednesday, Sept. 16 for SP/MW/SL FIFTH
graders, Tuesday, Sept. 29 for FOURTH graders at Seth Paine/Spencer
Loomis, and Thursday, Oct. 1 for FOURTH graders at May Whitney.
Prelude Orchestra (Gr.5) rehearses together on Wednesdays in the May
Whitney Orchestra Room. Beginners’ Orchestra (Gr.4) students from SP
and SL rehearses together on Tuesdays in the Seth Paine Gym. MW 4th
graders rehearse on Thursdays (MW Orchestra room). In 5th grade, these
rehearsals are where most concert preparation (sheet music rehearsal)
takes place. Rehearsals begin promptly at 7:15 a.m. Many parents find
carpooling convenient and necessary for transporting students to the
before-school rehearsal. Students who attend an elementary school other
than where the rehearsal takes place will be bused to their school after the
rehearsal, on a bus designated solely for the Orchestra students.
-7Another important
concerts we present.
August 26:
December 3:
part of the Orchestra program includes the
Please highlight these on your district calendar:
Elementary Orchestra Kickoff (7:00 pm @ HS PAC)
MW/SL/SP Grade 4 Orch. Demonstration Concert
for parents, friends, & relatives (7:00 pm @ MW)
December 4: All-District Prelude Orchestra (Grade 5) Concert
(7:00 pm @ the HS Performing Arts Center)
February 20: IL Grade School Music Assoc. Solo/Ensemble Contest
At the elementary level, this is for students studying privately.
Recommendation for participation is at the director’s discretion.
March 1:
All-District Gr. 4-12 Orchestra Festival
(7:00 pm @ SL/MSN Cafetorium)
TBD: Gr. 5 Orchestra field trip
May 4: MW/SL/SP Grade 4 Beginners’ Orchestra Spring Concert
(7:00 pm @ the MW Gymnasium)
May 11: MW/SL/SP Prelude Orchestra Spring Concert (Grade 5)
(6:30 pm @ the SP Gymnasium)
May 26: Gr. 3 Orchestra Enrollment Meeting
(7:00 pm @ the MW Gym)
th
May 31: 4 -5th Grade Orchestra/Band Rollerskating Party
(6:30 – 8:30 pm @ Orbit Skate Center in Palatine)
Concerts are “final projects” for each trimester: participation is
mandatory. If an emergency arises (i.e. extreme illness), please notify the
director prior to the concert if possible, in order for the absence to be
excused. If there is any other extenuating circumstance, please contact the
director far in advance of the concert. Orchestra is a team activity: every
player is important!
Concert attire is as follows:
Boys: Orchestra uniform shirt, black dress pants, black socks, black shoes
Girls: Orchestra uniform shirt, black skirt, socks/hosiery, black shoes
Female cellists wear black pants rather than a skirt.
Progress Reports/Grading
Student progress is monitored weekly at lessons and rehearsals.
Progress reports are issued each trimester. Mrs. Reitsma is available
during parent/teacher conferences. Please feel free to contact me at any
time during the school year. My contact information is on page one of this
handbook.
Progress is measured according to the following:
*Lesson/rehearsal attendance: attendance at every sectional and
rehearsal is important. Vital skills and information are learned in
these settings, which helps students succeed and feel confident
in his/her playing skills.
-8*Practice Records: parents must assist beginning students in
establishing a regular practice routine. Accountability to the
parent (who must sign the record weekly) and to the teacher
(who checks it weekly) helps the student develop solid practice
habits. Parents must especially monitor second year players’
practice habits and accountability.
*Technical progress: note reading, rhythm, bowing, fingering,
and proper playing posture are regularly evaluated.
*Basic class rules: school rules found in the Student/Parent handbook apply in Orchestra also. Good attitude and effort are crucial.
*Written assignments must be turned in at the next sectional class.
Written work is generally assigned twice per month.
Student progress is recorded at each lesson and rehearsal. Students can
gain extra credit for:
*Verified private lessons
*Verified attendance at a preapproved music performance (check
your district calendar for the many middle/high school
performances as well as professional performances)
*Extra practice (more than two hours per week)
*Listening to an approved recording or performance on video
*Positive attitude and conduct
Acceptable musical performances include any middle/high school
performance, a community or professional group performance, or a church
concert. MTV is not appropriate for these purposes.
Students will be marked down for:
Incomplete weekly practice record
Unexcused absence from sectional class or rehearsal
Forgotten instrument/materials
If your child is absent from school on an orchestra day, please
e-mail the director if the weekly assignment has not been received (a
classmate or the classroom teacher usually forwards the assignment to the
student the next day). If a child misses a before-school rehearsal due to
illness, Mrs. R. appreciates an e-mail so that I know there was a valid
reason for absence.
If your child forgets his/her instrument, he/she must still attend the
small group sectional class and learn by watching and listening. Students
may not skip a class or attempt to discontinue Orchestra without
consulting with the director. Problems can usually be amicably resolved!
Good behavior is expected from all Orchestra students.
LAKE ZURICH
UNIT SCHOOL
DISTRICT
95
LAKE COMMUNITY
ZURICH COMMUNITY
UNIT SCHOOL
DISTRICT
95
2015-2016
2011-2012
STUDENT
Orchestra Progress Report
Excels
Demonstrates exceptional
achievement.
Satisfactory
Meets grade level expectations.
1st
Demonstrates skill development in:
S
 Note reading
S
 Fingering
S
 Intonation
S
 Rhythm
S
 Tone Quality
S
 Bowing
S
 Hand Position/Posture
Lessons / Rehearsals:
S
 Weekly practice records
S
 Written assignments/quizzes
S
 Playing quizzes
S
 Rehearsal attendance
Learner Characteristics X Indicates area of concern
 Puts forth effort in class
 Brings required materials
 Positive attitude/cooperation
SCHOOL Seth Paine Elementary
Teacher Mrs. Reitsma
LEGEND
NI
Needs Improvement
NA
Not Applicable
2nd
S
3rd
E
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
E
E
S
S
S
S
S
S
Trimester 1 Comments:
Mrs. Reitsma writes comments each trimester regarding skills we are working
to achieve, what each student is doing well, and which skills to especially focus
on for improvement. Comments are meant to be helpful to the student and parent.
Trimester 2 Comments:
Trimester 3 Comments:
-10Instrument Care/Supplies/Fees
Unlike band instruments, stringed instruments are sized smaller to
fit the younger student. You will rent an instrument for the first years of
study; when your child reaches mature build, you can then consider
purchasing a fine full size instrument. Staying with the same company
insures that a good portion of your rental money applies toward the
purchase of a full size instrument.
Several area music stores provide instruments at competitive rates.
They also sell the required books, music stands, and other necessary
materials. Mrs. Reitsma can refer you to reliable music stores in this area.
Extra Activities
The director may select fifth graders to compete in the IGSMA
Solo/Ensemble Contest on Saturday, February 20, 2016. This is usually
an activity reserved for students who are studying privately. Preparation
begins in November. Registration is $6.00, and an accompanist charges
approximately $30 (unless you make other arrangements with a pianist
that you know).
In past years, the Grade 5 Prelude Orchestra district-wide has taken
a field trip to a professional orchestra concert matinee. We have heard
the Lake Forest, Elgin, and Chicago Symphony Orchestras, and Camerata
Chicago. We have toured the Wm. Harris Lee instrument manufacturing
company. We have experienced the ECHO center at Symphony Center
downtown, and the Music Mart. This chaperoned field trip is usually in the
winter or early spring. In March of 2012, we were thrilled to host worldfamous Mark Wood in Lake Zurich! Our students experienced an “inschool” workshop with him, and 5th-12th graders performed in the Fire &
Ice concert. You can watch YouTube videos of Mark Wood (our program
was similar to his “Electrify Your Strings” events) and Mrs. R. has some LZ
photos posted on her Elementary Orchestra website.
In addition to scheduled performances, the Orchestra program also
offers a variety of fun activities. Students can earn Orchestra bucks to
cash in each trimester for school supplies/fun prizes. Awards are issued in
May. During the year, achievement charts are posted so students can
visually monitor their progress. Our roller skating party this year is
Tuesday, May 31 (right after Memorial Day), from 6:30–8:30 pm at Orbit
Skate Center in Palatine!
Consistent effort and a positive attitude will help your child
to have a great time making music! Thank you for the
opportunity to work with your child in this exciting venture.
Mrs. Reitsma
ORCHESTRA Private Teachers: area code 847 unless otherwise noted
Studios
Classic Violins
The String Project
Knight Academy in LkZurich
Solo Classic Inc.
Barrington Suzuki
Harper College Music
McHenry County Music Center
Quinlan & Fabish
Moraine Music Academy
violin/viola/cello
www.classicviolins.com/teachers.php
all instruments
www.thestringproject.com/934.7500
www.knightmusicacademy.com
72-MUSIC
violin/viola/cello
http://soloclassic.com/faculty.html
all instruments
382.9517
all instruments
925.6568
all instruments
815.356.6296
all instruments
253.5592
all instruments
266.9980
Adult Teachers
Carol Owens * teaches at LZHS
Violin
304.8102
Carol Stolley
Violin
253.5209
Violin Kildeer
540-7730
Sara Chung Chungmehdi@yahoo.com
Mark Hilbrink MDHilbrink@ATT.net
Violin
809-1752
Henry Criz *teaches at LZHS
Violin/Viola
266.9980 or 266.9981
Marinette Gadgess
Violin
708.583.9735
Mike Nelson
Violin
934.8827
Elizabeth Ortiz
Violin/Viola
639.0997
Jennifer Silk www.stringsofsilkmusic.com
Violin/Viola
224.856.1144
Kristin Rock (LZ graduate!)
Viola
951.6395
Jason Bonham
Viola
209.6275
Cello
Elisabeth Oar @ Knight Academy
847-726-8742
Julia Wen
Cello
juljwen@gmail.com
Alicia TakushiAndes AMTCELLO@gmail.com
Cello
312.404.5207
Nathalie Hall
Cello
312.545.3669
Lisa Lithall cellovision1@hotmail.com
Cello
640.8537
Janet Park
Cello
224.659.8300
Maruca Bednarek will travel to LZ
Cello
392.9204
Fabian Lopez
Cello
630-529-6132
Holly Stangland@yahoo.com
Cello
teaches in Wheeling
Richard Evans will come to your house
Cello
815-608-0534
Marion Fadrowski
Cello
382.1252
Al Steiner
Bass
913.0772
Steve Dreyer
Bass
462.1956
Laura Lane (LZ Graduate!)
Bass
550.8281
Libby Louiseau
libbeth@comcast.net
Bass
462.1525
University Students (accepting private students only for summer lessons):
Evan Anderson
Jenny Mleczko
Alura Chung-Mehdi
Annika Sundberg
Toby James
Mark Noll
Desirae Rowan rowanvj1@gmail.com
Sean Delanty Sean.Delanty@Gmail.com
Bass
Violin
Cello
Viola/Violin
Cello/Guitar
Cello
Bass
Bass
726.8719
Cell 224-433-4270 550.1514
540-7730
224.628.9329
726.6722
381.9404
845.8874
224.522.5735
High School Tutors for Elementary Orchestra students
Chris Choi
Graduated (summer lessons only)
Grace Dwyer Graduated (summer lessons only)
Marlies Emmelot Graduated (summer lessons only)
Noel Brindise noelb@att.net Grad. summers only
Nate Coirier
Kevin Snyder
Violin
Violin
Viola
Cello
Cello
Bass
224-456-8234
370-3498
438.7384
382-2517
540-6666
540-9198
If you know a private teacher for violin, viola, cello, or bass who is NOT on this list, please
get their permission for us to add them to the list for the 2015-2016 school year. We are always
looking for names and phone numbers of teachers that can be recommended.
WHY MUSIC?
Music is a Science. It is exact, specific, and it demands exact
acoustics. A conductor’s full score is a chart—a graph which
indicates frequencies, intensities, volume changes, melody, and
harmony all at once and with the most exact control of time.
Music is Mathematical. It is rhythmically based on the subdivisions
of time into fractions which must be done instantaneously, not
worked out on paper.
Music is a Foreign Language. Most of the terms are in Italian,
German, or French, and the notation is certainly not English,
but is a highly developed kind of shorthand that uses symbols
to represent ideas.
The semantics of music is the most
complete and universal language.
Music is History. Music often reflects the environment and times of
its creation, even the country and/or ethnic feeling.
Music is Physical Education. It requires fantastic coordination of
fingers, hands, arms, lip, cheek, and facial muscles in addition
to extraordinary control of the diaphragmatic, back, stomach,
and chest muscles, which respond instantly to the sound the
ear hears and the mind interprets.
Music Develops Insight and Demands Research.
Music is all these things, but most of all, Music is Art. It allows
a human being to take dry, technically boring (but difficult)
techniques and to use them to create feeling and emotion. That
is one thing science cannot duplicate. Music makes us more
human.
That is why we teach music:
-not because we expect your child to major in music
-not because we expect your child to play or sing all his/her life
(even though we hope he/she does!)
But: -to be human
-to recognize beauty
-to be closer to an infinite beyond this world
-to have something to cling to
-to develop more love, more compassion, more gentleness, more
good…in short, more life!
Thanks to The Music Achievement Council
5140 Avenidaa Encinas, Carlsbad, CA
Parents on Trial
By Dr. Leon Fosha, Associate Professor
Music Education
School of Music
Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana
An outstanding weakness in the elementary school instrumental music program
concerns its status as viewed by parent and child. Parents often regard the program
only as an opportunity for their child to “try” music, thus placing the program and the
child on trial, so to speak. Meanwhile, the parent stands by passively on the sidelines
as a spectator, rather than playing an activist role by encouraging and overseeing the
child’s progress in his beginning musical studies.
Few young children are mature enough to stick to any activity for an extended
period of time, particularly when the original interest wanes and the going gets rough.
Since parents are not prone to consider any other aspect of elementary school
education as being on trial, why, then, should they consider instrumental school
education in this light? When parents decide a child should learn to play an
instrument, they should be aware of their commitment in several areas.
1. They, as parents, are on trial, not the child. They must make certain the
child meets the obligations of the program in terms of practice and equip-ment.
The attitude and behavior of parents toward the child and the program is a
major factor in the child’s success or failure in music study.
2. Right from the beginning, parents should make the child understand that the
music program is one of permanence, an endeavor that will be successful. Since
the program will not take on any sense of permanence for the child until
instrument ownership is established, parents should stand ready to equip the child
with an instrument of his very own.
3. Parents must not threaten to take a child who does not meet his obligations out of
the program, nor threaten to return the instrument for the same reason. Such
action provides a quick “out” for parents and child when neither have met their
obligations to the other. This kind of threat poses a serious challenge to a child’s
security and cannot help but undermine his attitude toward music study. The
child must be made to understand he will continue in the program regardless of
progress result! The child who understands his responsibility will be much more
apt to develop a mature and long-range view of his music study than will the child
whose parents threaten to remove him from the program because of lack of
progress.
4. The elementary instrumental music program is a long and arduous one.
Progress will and should be slow during the period when basic learning is taking
place. Parents must not react violently toward the child and the program if high
performance standards are not achieved in a matter of two or three months.
As a matter of fact, even when parents meet their obligations at home, nothing
substantial can change during the stage of beginning lessons. Even so, many parents
become totally discouraged with the program after a month or two, and can’t wait to
return the instrument to the school or music store before the next rental payment is
due. When this occurs, the parent’s sincerity about the child’s study of music must
have been in question from the very beginning. And, in finding a convenient “out” for
themselves, parents also save their conscience by telling the child he was given an
opportunity to study music, but didn’t “make good,” a tie-in bargain available for only
a few dollars rental price. Or is it such a bargain?
MUSIC MAKES
THE DIFFERENCE
“I have always believed in the definition of an educated man or woman
as one who could, if necessary, refound his or her civilization. That means
we must teach our students more than just hard facts...we must teach
them the rich artistic inheritance of our culture, and an appreciation of
how fine music enriches both the student who studies it, and the society
that produces it.
Music educators deserve special recognition for the valuable service they
perform for our children. I know that all of us who care about education
and the arts sometimes feel we are fighting a losing battle against
institutional mediocrity and cultural illiteracy.
But as our society becomes all the more technical and complicated, we
must keep an eye always to the future, and to the type of people we wish
to be. The existence of strong music and fine arts curricula are important
to keeping the humanities truly humanizing and liberal arts education
truly liberating.
What we teach in our classrooms today will determine America’s ability
to produce capable and compassionate leaders for tomorrow.”
Ronald Reagan President (40th U.S. President, 1981-1989)
MUSIC IS BASIC.