Columbus High
School Orchestra
Orchestra Handbook
2015-2016
Director: Ms. Moody
Dear Orchestra Students and Parents,
Welcome to the Columbus High School Orchestra. I have some exciting plans for the
2015-2016 school year, and I am looking forward to getting to know all of you. Below
you will find important information regarding class requirements, grading policies,
concert dates, etc. Please read the information carefully. If you have any questions
contact me by phone: (706)748-2534 or by e-mail: Moody.Gina.M@muscogee.k12.ga.us
You can also stay up to date on orchestra information by checking our website at
http://columbushighschoolorchestra.weebly.com
Sincerely,
Ms. Gina Moody
CHS Orchestra Director
Class Materials
Instrument and bow
Rosin
Mute
Shoulder rest (violin/viola only)
Rock Stop (cello/bass only)
*Book- Essential Technique 2000 Book 3
Orchestra music
Pencil
*Students will be tested over exercises in this book. They need to purchase their own
copy so they can practice from it. If you are unable to acquire a book, contact me.
Students will be required to bring these materials to class everyday. Failure to bring them
will result in points being deducted from their daily participation grade.
All required materials can be purchased/rented from one of the local music stores or
several online sources. See store listings below or contact me for reputable online
dealers.
If you are unable to purchase/rent an instrument please notify me. We have some school
instruments that can be loaned to students in need, but there are a limited number
available.
Music Stores:
Baker Music
2 Midtown Loop
(706)563-7924
Everything Musical
2400 W. Britt David Rd.
(706)323-1809
Online:
Shar Music
www.sharmusic.com
Grading Policy
Orchestra students will be graded on a point system. Grading is based on 4 different
areas:
Participation
Playing Tests
Concerts
5 pts per day
25-100 pts each
100 pts each
Class Assignments
25-100pts each
The participation grade is based on effort, participation, technique and focus (keeping
your attention where it should be). Points may be deducted from the participation grade
for lack of materials, not participating, talking, chewing gum, eating candy, or any other
behavior that distracts members of the class and/or teacher spelled out in the handbook.
Note: To play in the orchestra, members must keep their fingernails short in order to
maintain a proper playing position on their instruments. Please do not invest in acrylic
nails. If a student has long or acrylic nails, points will be deducted from their
participation grade until they are removed. It is not possible for a string player to play
correctly with long fingernails.
Electronics/Cell Phone Policy
The Columbus High School policy for cell phones and other electronics will be enforced.
The policy, as printed in the CHS Handbook, is listed here…
Cell Phones - Students are not permitted to use any personal electronic communication
device, including cell phones, on campus during the school day. Students are prohibited
from using any electronic device during the operation of a school bus, including, but not
limited to cell phones and pagers. For the purpose of this policy, the school day begins
when the student boards the bus, enters the school building, and ends when school is
dismissed. A student’s cell phone will be confiscated if the cell phone is visible or makes
a sound during the regular school day. Students may not charge their cell phones at
school. The student is not permitted to use their cell phone to contact their parent
or family member during the school day for any reason to include calling for illness,
forms, textbooks, homework/assignments, etc. A school phone is available for
student use if a parent needs to be contacted. There will be consequences for the
student should they not adhere to the stated policy.
Additional information about the electronics/cell policy and the consequences for
breaking it can be found in the CHS student handbook.
Additional Help
I will be available after school for additional help on most Wednesdays from 3:45-5:00.
Available dates will be posted in the classroom.
After School Rehearsals
In order to put together a high quality performance that will make the CHS orchestra and
our school proud, we may need to have a few after school rehearsals. Attendance at these
rehearsals is NOT optional. If you have a schedule conflict or difficulty finding
transportation, please discuss it with me.
Rehearsal Dates: 3:45-5:00 in the band room
December 1, 2015
February 9, 2016
February 16, 2016
February 23, 2016
March 1, 2016
March 8, 2016
May 3, 2016
*If changes need to be made to these dates, parents and students will be notified in a
timely manner.
Concerts
Orchestra students are required to perform in all concerts held during the year. Each
concert will count as a test grade within the nine weeks that it occurs.
Concert Dates:
December 3, 2015- Winter Concert 7:00pm at Columbus HS
December 15, 2015 Christmas Caroling at Columbus HS time TBA (morning)
March 10, 2016- MCSD Large Group Performance Evaluation at Carver HS time TBA
May 5, 2016- Spring Concert 7:00pm at Columbus HS
May 16, 2016-Day of Distinction (during the school day) at Columbus HS
Please mark these dates in your calendar and make plans to attend. Your presence means
a lot to your children. If any changes or additions are made to this year’s concert
calendar, students and parents will be notified immediately.
Concert Attire
Boys are required to wear a black dress shirt, black pants, black socks, black belt, and
black shoes. (No tennis shoes or jeans please.)
Girls are required to wear all black: either a black dress shirt and black pants or long,
black skirt, or a long black dress. Black shoes must also be worn. No flip flops
please. Tops must have sleeves.
Other Orchestra Events
October 17, 2015- All State Orchestra First Round Auditions at Columbus HS
September 29, October 23 and 24, 2015- District Honor Orchestra at
Hardaway High School
April 30, 2016-Solo and Ensemble Festival at Aaron Cohn Middle School
These events are not required but highly recommended. There is a fee to participate.
Students participating will have an opportunity to earn medals as well as meet students
from other orchestras and receive instruction from guest conductors. Further information
will be issued prior to the event.
Equipment Policy
Maintaining an instrument in proper working order is essential to success in orchestra.
Students will be taught in class the proper methods of instrument care and are expected to
follow these guidelines. Students should report any instrument defects to the director,
who will advise the proper course of action for repair.
Students should have their name on everything that belongs to them: including music,
folders, cases, books and other supplies that could be misplaced.
Students should NOT handle other students’ instruments or materials.
Students are encouraged to take their instruments home to practice at the conclusion of
each school day, but it is imperative that they go home on weekends and school holidays.
The only acceptable reason for a student not bringing their instrument to class is that it is
unplayable. It is the responsibility of the student to communicate tot heir parent that the
instrument needs to be repaired. It is the responsibility of the parent to take the
instrument to the shop for repair as soon as possible. If the student does not have the
instrument for more than one week, they will begin loosing participation points.
Any student caught damaging or defacing orchestra property will instantly be given a
principal referral. This will include music stands, instruments, equipment, walls, and
instrument storage.
Please read the following statements carefully and sign below. Return this page to Ms.
Moody by Friday (8/14/15).
Student’s Name __________________________________________ (please print)
I have read and understand all of the information presented in this letter.
I commit to being the best orchestra student I can be by demonstrating good behavior,
effort, and attitude throughout this school year.
I understand the requirement to participate all concerts.
Student’s signature _________________________________________
I have read and understand all of the information presented in this letter.
Parent’s signature____________________________________________