Course Description for Chamber Orchestra Honors (Music
2550)
Thursdays & Fridays, "H" Period (7:50-8:25), Fridays, 3PM4PM
Mr. Robert L. Johnston, Director
Mr. Mark F. Krolikowski, Associate Director
2010-2011 Academic Year
Prep’s Chamber Orchestra is the one of the leading
standards of St. Francis Preparatory School.
Students in
the ensemble have attained the highest level of discipline,
maturity and professionalism.
Admission to this select
group is by audition and only when specific vacancies
occur.
The Chamber Orchestra has performed at countless school
functions.
In addition, various opportunities outside of
school can arise, including the Formal Departure Ceremony
for Pope Benedict XVI, a welcome reception for Archbishop
Timothy Dolan, and the live telecast of the Mass
celebrating Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio’s 40th Anniversary of
Ordination. The Chamber Orchestra has also performed with
a growing list of guest soloists, including members of the
Barbara Streisand and Frank Sinatra bands. Last season, we
traveled to London on tour and will follow this year with a
tour to.
The highest level of overall integrity is the goal for this
group, including musical concepts such as ensemble sound,
the finer points of critical ensemble listening and
stylistic interpretation.
This class is offered for 1/2 New York State Regents credit
and rehearses during "H" period and after school. Students
must be concurrently enrolled in Honors Orchestra as well
as Music Lessons (schedule permitting). Students are also
strongly urged to seek private lessons outside of Prep.
Time Requirements:
1. Attendance and lateness.
Exemplary attendance and punctuality are necessary for
all rehearsals during "H" period and after school
rehearsals in the weeks prior to all school concerts. This
ensures collegial and optimum rehearsal time in a relaxed
and productive atmosphere. This year’s preliminary
performance schedule is as follows:
*Grammar School Reception, Thursday, October 14th, 2010,
4PM-7PM
***Students should keep the time following school and early
evening open***
*Open House, Saturday, October 23rd, 201o, 11:30AM-4:30PM
***Students should arrive no later than 11:15AM***
Lunch will be provided.
*National Honor Society Induction Ceremony,
Monday, December 6th, 2010, 7PM-7:45PM
(N.B.: 1/2 hour earlier than ceremony)
***Students should arrive no later than 6:30PM***
*Christmas Concert I, Friday, December 10th, 2010, 8 PM
***Students should arrive no later than 7 PM***
***Students are required to attend after school rehearsals
on
Monday, December 6th and Thursday, December 9th from 3-6
PM***
*Christmas Party for Our Friends with Special Needs
Saturday, December 11th, 2010, TBA
*Christmas Concert and Tree Lighting Ceremony,
Immaculate Heart of Mary, Sunday, December 12th, 4:30
Concert
***Students will meet at Prep by 2PM***
*Alumni Fundraiser at Prep to Support our 2011 Tour,
December 2010, TBD
*Honors Curriculum Night, January 20th, 2011, evening
*Math Honor Society Induction Ceremony,
Thursday, March 10th, 2011, 7PM-7:45PM
(N.B.: 1/2 hour earlier than ceremony)
***Students should arrive no later than 6:30PM***
*Jazz/Pop Concert, Friday, March 11th, 2010, 8PM
***Students should arrive no later than 7:15PM***
***Students are required to attend rehearsals
Monday, March 7th and Thursday, March 10th from 3-6PM***
NB: As we have a dress rehearsal followed by a performance,
pizza will be provided
*Side-by-Side Rehearsal with the InterSchool Orchestra’s of
NY’s ISO at Turtle Bay Orchestra, New York, NY
Wednesday, March 16th, 2011
***We will leave Prep at 3PM and return by 7PM***
*Principal’s Dinner, Saturday, March 26th, 2011, 5:45PM
NB: A formal dinner will be provided following performance
responsibilities.
NOT EVERY MEMBER WILL BE INVOLVED.
*Sacred Music Concert, Friday, April 8th, 2011, 8PM
***Students should arrive no later than 7PM***
***Students are required to attend rehearsals
Monday, April 4th and Thursday, April 7th from 3-6PM***
*Spring Concert I, Friday, May 6th, 2011, 8PM
***Students should arrive no later than 7 PM***
***Students are required to attend after school rehearsals
on
Monday, May 2nd and Thursday, May 5th from 3-6 PM***
*St. Thomas the Apostle 100th Anniversary Celebration, TBD
*Play-a-Thon Fundraiser at Prep to Support our 2011 Tour,
2011, TBD
*Fundraising Concert at St. Francis of Assisi Church, NYC
to Support our 2011 Tour, 2011, TBD
*Performance at Sacred Heart Chapel, Brentwood, NY, TBA
***Please note that many special performance opportunities
might arise during the year. Please be flexible***
PLEASE
NOTE THIS INFORMATION IN ALL YOUR CALENDARS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE
SCHOOL YEAR TO AVOID ANY CONFUSION OR CONFLICTS.
Any conflicts must be reported to Mr. Johnston IMMEDIATELY,
so that they can be addressed in a mutually respectful
manner.
IF
A STUDENT MISSES A PERFORMANCE OR AFTER SCHOOL REHEARSAL, HE OR SHE WILL
BE SUBJECT TO THE DEPARTMENTAL POLICY ON CONCERT ATTENDANCE, AVAILABLE UPON
REQUEST OR POSTED ON THE SCHOOL’S WEBSITE.
Basic Environment:
All members of the Chamber Orchestra Community must be
young musicians of integrity who practice respect of the
following:
1. The composers of the works we perform.
group of people is immensely talented.
This select
2. The conductor, soloists or guest clinicians. We have
worked very hard to attain a level to direct your
ensemble musically and logistically.
3. Each other. Be sure to treat the rest of the
Orchestra community just as you would wish to be
treated.
4. Yourselves. Respect the fact that each of us will
grow as musicians, performers, people and human beings
this year.
5. We are a Franciscan Community. Music, perhaps more
than other subjects, gives the students aspects of all
four Golden Links of Franciscan education; Spiritual,
in the performance and enjoyment of the aesthetic of
Music, Intellectual in the preparation and execution
of the works we play, Social in the community approach
we take and present, Physical, again in the
preparation and execution of our repertoire.
Rehearsals:
Rehearsals must be disciplined, focused and start on time.
Acknowledgments of the following rules are critical to
ensure a polished performance at the end of each semester:
1. Be on time. If we start late, we accomplish less and
usually end in a harried manner for that particular
day.
2. Do not speak out of turn.
raise your hand.
If you have a question,
3. Listen to:
a. Your conductor, soloist or guest clinician.
b. Each other, both in your questions and comments
as well as your playing. We all contribute to
helping each other. At this level, dialogue is
important.
c. Yourself. Be sensitive to how both your
questions and your playing contribute to the
whole.
Musicianship:
All members must exercise the fundamental tenets of
musicianship.
1. Students will be provided with individual practice
parts for all music that will be performed. Given
that ensemble rehearsal time is most often at a
premium, the following is necessary:
a. The minimum expectation is to be tactically and
professionally prepared through daily at home
practice and to display appropriate discipline
for an extremely polished and professional level
performance.
b. Students will be expected to set the tone for the
quality of the string program in their
performances and disposition. In many cases, we
are publicly representing the greater school
community.
2. EACH MEMBER must bring THEIR OWN music to each and every
rehearsal. Valuable time is wasted if music needs to
be retrieved.
a. Each member must treat their sheet music with
respect. Folders or binders are recommended to
keep music.
3. Each member must bring a pencil to thoroughly mark
parts during rehearsal. These marking can be for your
own remembrances or comments from the conductor or
principal players.
Goals:
1. To attain the highest level work ethic.
2. To further increase our level of technical skill
through rehearsal and individual practice.
3. To heighten our level of responsibility and respect
(including self-respect, sense of accomplishment and
pride) through team-oriented ensemble playing.
4. To reach the highest attainable level of musicianship.
5. To give polished public performances and represent the
school in a respectful and cordial manner.
6. To thoroughly enjoy making music with each other.
Grading Policy:
1. Participation (50% of each quarter) will be based on
the following:
a. Absence:
i. Please refer to page 12 of the school
calendar for school policy on attendance.
ii. Students missing an after school dress
rehearsal or concert will be subject to the
department policy for these events.
iii. One half of each student’s participation
grade will be based upon the percentage of
regular after school rehearsals (Fridays)
attended as follows:
1. No after school rehearsals, 70
2. Up to and including 25%, 80
3. Up to and including 50%, 85
4. Up to and including 75%, 90
5. Up to 100%, 97
6. 100%, 100
7. If there are minimal after school
rehearsals for a given quarter, the
after-school attendance will count
towards the “H” period attendance.
iv. The other half of the participation grade
will be based upon attendance during "H"
period rehearsals.
1. Each absence after the first two will
result in two (2) point being deducted
from the participation portion of your
grade, barring college visits, retreats
and extreme or unique circumstances.
v. Conflicts are inevitable. Students with
legitimate conflicts are asked to see Mr.
Johnston to work out equitable and
respectful compromises.
b. Lateness:
i. ALL LATENESSES WILL BE TREATED EQUALLY.
ii. The first lateness of each quarter will be
excused.
iii. Each subsequent lateness, will result in
seven (7) points being deducted from the
participation portion of your grade.
iv. Four (4) latenesses will result in an
automatic failure for the quarter.
c. Cutting:
i.
Automatic twenty (20) points off the
quarterly participation grade for cutting.
d. Extra points will be given for those students who
demonstrate a willingness to help on a regular
basis, such as setting up and breaking down each
rehearsal.
2. Performance Grade (50% of each quarter) will be based
on the following:
a. The growth of the WHOLE orchestra in terms of its
musical level and sense of community.
b. The overall level of performance and
professionalism exhibited at all events.
c. A UNIFORM GRADE will be given for each student. A
higher grade may be given to students
distinguishing themselves on a regular basis, all
at the discretion of the director.
3. The final grade will be an average of the quarterly
grades and the fourth quarter Performance Grade (20%
each).
4. Notification.
a. Students will be advised verbally of any
concerns. If there is no improvement, or there
is a danger of failing, academic deficiency
reports will be sent to the
parent(s)/guardian(s).
Conferences:
Students are strongly encouraged to see Mr. Johnston if
they feel they are having any difficulty in regard to the
class. Time will always be made to give extra help or to
speak with a student at mutually agreeable times. If
students are in jeopardy of failing, they will be notified
by Mr. Johnston as well as having an academic deficiency
report sent home.
Parent(s)/Guardian(s) who are concerned about their child
are encouraged to speak to Mr. Johnston at Parent/Teacher
interviews, by phone at (718) 423-8810 x255, or by e-mail
at rjohnston@sfponline.org.
Dear Mr. Johnston:
I have read the course description for Chamber Orchestra
Honors (Music 2550) WITH MY CHILD and understand the
requirements and policies for the class, INCLUDING THE DATES AND
TIMES OF ALL PERFORMANCES AND REHEARSALS.
I understand that there
are consequences for missing a performance. Further, I
understand that this will be fully treated as an honors
course. I also understand that my child will be held
accountable for all aspects of the St. Francis Preparatory
School Honor Code as described in the school calendar.
If I have any questions, I am aware that I can reach you at
the school at (718) 423-8810 x255, by e-mail at
rjohnston@sfponline.org, or see you during parent/teacher
conferences. I also understand that you are available at
mutually agreeable times to meet with my child if s/he has
any questions or difficulties.
Students and parents should note that this course is a
significant, yearlong commitment that involves diligent and
thorough study. Music offers many important tools to the
student. Aside from the intrinsic value of playing an
instrument in an ensemble, students will be exposed to the
arts, develop a strong work ethic, and a concept of long
and short term goal setting. Students will also develop
problem identification and solving skills and time
management skills. Finally, students will develop sociomusical skills.
Prep’s Chamber Orchestra has become one of the foremost
facets of St. Francis Preparatory School and is continually
in the public eye. It is hoped that students recognize and
respect this and gauge their efforts accordingly.
Parent/Guardian
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