Northwest School of the Arts Orchestra
Erica Hefner, Director
Course Prospectus, Outline and Syllabus – Recital Seminar (A4)
Erica Hefner, Instructor
(980)343-5500 X5959
erica.holley@cms.k12.nc.us
I.
Course Overview:
This ensemble is an advanced chamber music class, consisting of students in band, orchestra,
and piano. Students in this class will focus primarily on performing music in small ensembles
that addresses specific elements discussed in the North Carolina Common Core Essential
Standards. Specifically, students in this ensemble will:
 Expand proficiency on their instrument, specifically addressing more advanced
functions such as: solo and chamber music roles, exploring bowing/articulation
choices and styles, ensemble breathing and performing without conductor, and
uniformity of sound.
 Strengthen skills in solo and small ensemble performing including starting and
ending a piece, leading a rehearsal, and evaluating rehearsals and performances
 Strengthen performance aspects through daily rehearsal and concerts
 Exhibit discipline and rigor through focused, student led rehearsals
 Show appreciation and respect for music and their peers at all times.
II.
Materials/Supplies:
In addition to their instruments, students are required to provide the same accessories required
for your instrumental majors class.
I will check for these items the week of Monday, September 8th.
All music and other materials will be provided for students and is included in the orchestra fee
of $40. This fee is due August 31: checks payable to NWSA BOB. This fee is one per student,
regardless of how many band or orchestra classes a student is enrolled in.
III.
Tutoring:
Tutoring from me is available on Monday afternoons from 4:15-5:30, and at other times by
appointment only. Regular rehearsals will be student led and each ensemble will receive
coaching from a professional musician with the Charlotte Symphony. Therefore, tutoring is
not usually needed. Monday afternoons should be noted, however, as they will be important
to the absence policy for this class.
IV.
Grading:
The grading scale will comply with CMS requirements (100-93 = A, etc). Grades will be
based on the following criteria:
Daily Participation/CSO Coaching Logs
Concerts/Performances/Projects
Written Work/Homework
_____________________________________
Total:
1415 Beatties Ford Road
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980)343-5500 phone
Erica.holley@cms.k12.nc.us
35%
35%
30%
100%
Northwest School of the Arts Orchestra
Erica Hefner, Director
a. Daily Participation includes: Attending class regularly and being prepared with
all materials, beginning rehearsals in a timely manner, staying focused during
rehearsals, managing time appropriately, and making adequate progress on
music.
b. CSO Coaching Logs will be an integral part of documenting progress in the
class. These short reflections will be due following each coaching session.
c. Concerts/Performances will be both informal and formal. Informal, class
performances will be required 3 times each quarter: two ensemble performances
and one solo work. All Formal concerts are required from all students. Please see
the section titled “Important Dates” for more information on these performances.
d. Projects will be due once per quarter. Please see the attached page for explicit
information about all four projects.
e. Written Work/Homework will include the following, and may be assigned as
classwork or homework:
Journal Reflections
Listening Log Exercises
Practice Schedule Outlines
Concert Reviews
Article Responses
V.
Important Dates
a. Concerts/Performances All performances are required.
Fall Concert: October 23 in Black Box (performers announced 2 weeks prior)
WDAV Holiday Open House (tentative): December 5, 4-9pm
Spring Recital: Sunday, May 3, 3pm, call time 1pm
Solo and Ensemble Festival, TBA
Graduation, TBA
Other performances will be announced as opportunities arise
b. Lollipops: As a service to the Charlotte Symphony, we provide assistance at the preshow festival on the mornings of Lollipops concerts. Sometimes we perform and
other times we assist with coloring stations, instrument petting zoo, drum circle, etc.
All students are expected to volunteer for at least one Lollipops concert. Comp
tickets MAY be provided. Volunteering goes from 9:00-11am, concert 11-12:30.
November 8
February 14 (ALL students will attend and perform)
May 16
c.
VI.
Other Dates of Interest:
November 7-9: NC All-State Honors Orchestra (Winston-Salem, NC - by
audition)
*Required* January 17: WRO Auditions (Hough High School in Charlotte)
February27-March 1: WRO Clinic, UNC Greensboro (by audition)
Concert Dress is all black and dressy. Wear black closed toed dress shoes. The dress
code for Solo and Ensemble Festival is more strict than other concerts. You must be in all
black from the neck to your toes.
1415 Beatties Ford Road
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980)343-5500 phone
Erica.holley@cms.k12.nc.us
Northwest School of the Arts Orchestra
Erica Hefner, Director
VII.
Solo and Ensemble Festival: TBA: could be during exam time or on a Saturday at the
state solo and ensemble festival. More information will be forthcoming on this
performance.
VIII. Attendance:
As stated by NC Law, students in a year-long course may miss no more than ten (10) days
during the school year. On the 11th absence, the student will automatically receive a grade of
“F” for the course (unless Recovery is completed). Attendance in any musical ensemble is
crucial to not only the individual student, but the entire group. If at all possible, please
do not miss class!
If a student misses orchestra class for any reason:


He/She is required to make up the missed rehearsal time with his/her
ensemble. Students are responsible for finding a time to rehearse. Options are:
during either lunch on B days, during Monday tutoring time (4:15-5:30pm), or
by appointment before or after school.
Students must complete the ONLINE REHEARSAL MAKE UP FORM for each day missed,
and submit it by the due date. The link is on my Wiki Page.
 Records are due to Mrs. Hefner within ten (10) days of the student’s return to school.
Incomplete records will have ten points per day deduction.
 Students must practice music assigned from recital seminar WITH the ensemble members.
Other music or solo practice will not be accepted.
IX.
Honors Credit:
Students in Chamber or Recital Seminar are automatically taking the class for honors credit,
as it is an honors class. Please understand that honors level work will be expected, and that
auditioning for Western Region Orchestra is an honors level requirement.
X.
Teacher Website:
http://ericahefner.cmswiki.wikispaces.net
XI.
Trips:
Information about field trips will be made available as they are approved by CMS. We
tentatively plan to visit middle and elementary schools for recruitment in December.
XII.
Band and Orchestra Boosters:
We are extremely fortunate to have a wonderfully supportive Booster Club that
supplements our program. Parents are encouraged and expected to join and participate. There
are numerous ways to contribute to our program. Information on how to join our Orchestra
Booster Club is forthcoming. All volunteer opportunities will be organized through the
booster club, and every family is expected to donate time or resources to our growing
program.
BOB Meetings will be held at 6pm in either the band or orchestra rooms.
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Thursday, October 2, 2014 (7-8pm due to Tri-M Induction Ceremony)
Thursday, November 6, 2014
1415 Beatties Ford Road
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980)343-5500 phone
Erica.holley@cms.k12.nc.us
Northwest School of the Arts Orchestra
Erica Hefner, Director
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Thursday, May 7, 2015
XIII. Communication, Questions, Concerns or Comments
I find great joy in working daily with such outstanding young people. Your children are a true
pleasure to teach and I am eager to begin another wonderful year together! Please know that I
have an open-door policy: If you or your child ever has a question, comment, or concern, I
encourage you to speak with me ASAP. Email is the quickest and easiest way to reach me,
but also know that I am happy to speak on the phone or meet with you at a mutually
convenient time.
I look forward to working with you this year!
Erica H. Hefner, Director
(980)343-5500 X5959
erica.holley@cms.k12.nc.us
Please return the Musical Instrument Disclaimer Form,
Orchestra Fee ($40-checks to NWSA BOB or via PayPal
NWSABOB.com), and complete the Student Information Form
on or before August 31
1415 Beatties Ford Road
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980)343-5500 phone
Erica.holley@cms.k12.nc.us