Dominique Radtke
(847) 493-8498 dradtke@emsd63.org
2014-2015 School Year

Expectations
The members of the District 63 Orchestra program have elected to be in this ensemble. By choosing to participate, the student makes the commitment to demonstrate behavior, attitude, and skills that contribute to the continued excellence of the group, as well as his/her personal growth. Students are expected to continue to put forth their best effort each day because they have made this commitment.
Participation
Orchestra meets every day during school for rehearsal. In addition to the daily rehearsals, each student will be required to practice at home a minimum of three times per week.
Performances
Attendance for all concerts, clinics, and festivals is mandatory, and a student may not miss a performance unless he/she is ill or has a family emergency. If such an emergency arises, the orchestra director must know well before the start of the concert if a student will be absent.
Performance dates may be changed or added during the school year. All updates and other important information is posted regularly on the orchestra website and calendar, and notices will be sent to parents via letters and memos sent with students.
Concert Dress
Ladies and Gentlemen: white collared shirt or blouse, dark tie (boys only), black pants, black socks, black dress shoes
NO dangling earrings
NO jeans
NO t-shirts
NO gym shoes
Leggings are not pants!
Grades
Students will be graded using four main indicators to assess their learning. These indicators combine the Illinois State Standards for instrumental music as well as the National
Standards for music. These indicators are:
Reading and Notating Music
Performing
Analyzing Music and Performances

Grades will be on a 4-point scale as follows:
4 = Mastery of Standards
3 = Meets Course Standards
2 = Working Towards Course Standards
1 = Not Meeting Course Standards
Students will also receive a grade for the following learning behaviors: work completion, behavior, and participation. These grades will be on a 3-point scale
Sept 30-Oct 3, 2014 (Week of)……….…….……………………………..…………Elementary Morning Rehearsals begin
At Gemini – see backside for days/times
Wednesday, October 22, 2014………..…………………….…………………...Hosting 5 th & 6 th Grade Orchestra Social
At Gemini 4:00pm-6:00pm
Monday, December 15, 2014………………………………………..……………………………….Elementary Orchestra Clinic
At Gemini 4:15pm-6:15pm
Wednesday, December 17, 2014…………………..……………………………….Elementary Orchestra Winter Concert
At Gemini 6:00pm
Wednesday, May 13, 2015………………………………………..………………………………………..5
th & 6 th grade Rehearsal
At Gemini 4:00pm-6:00pm
Saturday, May 16, 2015………………………………………..……………………………….Spring Orchestra Dress Rehearsal
At Maine East High School 9:00am-12:00pm
Monday, May 18, 2015……………………………………………………………………..Spring Orchestra Combined Concert
At Maine East High School at 7:00pm
Wednesday, May27, 2015….….………….……………………………………………………….……...Brunswick Bowling Party
At Brunswick in Niles 4:00pm-6:00pm

1.
Nelson, Melzer, Washington: meet every Tuesday at 7:45am-8:40am
2.
Apollo, Stevenson, Twain: meet every Friday at 7:15am-8:10am
1.
Apollo, Stevenson, Twain: meet every Wednesday at 7:15am-8:10am
2.
Nelson, Melzer, Washington: meet every Thursday at 7:45am-8:40am
Listed below are a few items to remember in regards to the morning rehearsals:
1.
Parents are responsible to drop their child off at the front entrance of
Gemini 15 minutes prior to the start of each morning rehearsal.
2.
Students must bring their instrument, a binder, and a pencil.
3.
Bus Transportation will be provided for your child after each morning rehearsal from Gemini to their designated elementary school.
For rehearsals starting at 7:15 (Apollo, Stevenson, Twain), please drop off your child in front of Gemini and have them walk around to Entrance #10 (by the band room)
Students are not allowed to enter the front building of Gemini until 7:20am.

SUPPLIES
Required Supplies: (* designates items needed every day in class)
1.
Instrument and bow in good playing condition
2.
Rosin
3.
Cleaning cloth
4.
Pencils
5.
Folder or three-ring binder for class handouts, etc.
6.
Gemini Student Planner
7.
Set of extra strings
Cello/Bass only: Rock stop, or preferably an anchor
Violin/Viola only: *Shoulder rest (Kun or similar brand), or sponge*Combination lock for the instrument locker
1.
2.
3.
Suggested Supplies:
Mute
Electronic tuner (for home practice)
Metronome (for home practice)

I promise to do my best in following these expectations for East Maine School District 63
Orchestra String Program. I understand that if I don’t follow them, I may be cut from the program.
I promise to:
 Maintain a grade level of 3 or better.
 Attend and be on time for all rehearsals
 Bring my instrument, music and materials to rehearsal
 Participate in all school concerts and assemblies
 Practice my instrument at least 15 minutes everyday
 Be positive and work hard!
 Have fun!
Turn in signed contract to Mr. Radtke
Student Name__________________________________________Room #___________
Student Signature_______________________________________Date______________
Parent Name___________________________________________
Parent Signature________________________________________Date______________
Telephone Number_______________________Email____________________________

STUDENT COMMITMENT
I have read and understand the expectations for membership in the East
Maine School District 63 Orchestras. I am confident that I have the ability and the desire to act responsibly and positively to work toward my goals as an individual and a member of the orchestra.
Student Signature _________________________________________
Date _______________________
Parent/Guardian Understandingly our signature below indicates that you have read the East Maine School District 63 Orchestra Handbook.
Parent Signature
________________________________________
Date _______________________