This handbook includes the policies and procedures of the Columbus Northside Middle School Choir, Orchestra, and Chimes program. Please be sure to read the entire document to familiarize yourself with its expectations.

National Standards in Music Education……………………………………..…..3
Event Schedule……………………………………………………………...……...4
Materials Checklist……………………………………………………………...…5
Class Expectations…………………………………………………………….....6-7
Student information sheet……………………………………………………...….8
Shirt order form………………………………………………………………...….9
Commitment letter………………………………………………………………..10

Columbus Northside Middle School
The national standards help to guide music education across this country and will be incorporated into the orchestra program.
1. Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
2. Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
3. Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments.
4. Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines.
5. Reading and notating music.
6. Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
7. Evaluating music and music performances.
8. Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.
9. Understanding music in relation to history and culture.

* All mandatory events/performances for students are bolded and underlined
August
September
October
13
18
November
December
19
20
January
28
February
11
March
8
13
April
30
May
2
Date Event
No events
No events
After School Rehearsal Choirs Only
Concert
No events
After School Rehearsal Choirs Only
Concert
ISSMA Solo/Ensemble Contest Orchestra
ISSMA Solo/Ensemble Contest
Vocal/Piano
After School Rehearsal Choirs Only
Concert
After School Rehearsal Choirs Only
Concert
Location/Time Student Report Time
Columbus Northside MS Choir Room 3:10-4:30
Columbus North HS Auditorium
Concert begins at 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. students report at 6:15 p.m.
Columbus Northside MS Choir Room 3:10-4:30
Columbus North HS Auditorium
Concert begins at 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. students report at 6:15 p.m.
East High School, event is entire day. Students will be given times of performances closer to date
Southport High School, event is entire day.
Students will be given times of performances closer to date.
Columbus Northside MS Choir Room 3:10-4:30
Columbus North HS Auditorium
Concert begins at 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. students report at 6:15 p.m.
Columbus Northside MS Choir Room 3:10-4:30
Columbus North HS Auditorium
Concert begins at 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. students report at 6:15 p.m.

Columbus Northside Middle School
2011-2012
Choir/Chimes/Orchestra Materials Check list
Please make sure that your child has these mandatory materials for class by:
Friday September 11th .
Choir and Chimes Materials:
________ 1. 2 Pencils, with lead. (At all times)
________ 2. One, 2 pocket folder with loose leaf paper.
Orchestra Materials:
________ 1. Violin/viola students must have a shoulder rest that is not a sponge or foam . Each child should try out different shoulder rests to see what is most comfortable for the player. I recommend the KUN collapsible rest because it can easily fit in your child’s case and it can adjust to fit comfortably.
_________ 2. Method Book: We will be looking at different method books. In the past I have used
Essential Elements 2000 and String Techniques. I will need to assess the class level and then inform you.
_________ 4. Rosin : Every student should have rosin in their own possession. Please make sure that they have this, even Double Bass students. Students may use Jade or Hill brands. No rosin bricks, please.
_________ 5. An extra set of strings (for full size instruments) :
It is a good ideafor each child to have his/her own set of strings. Please order Thomastik
Dominant for violin players (with a ball E string), Helicore mediums for viola and cello players.
Bass players do not need to have an extra set. If you are wondering why we need an extra set, this year we will be tuning with the pegs and many students break strings during this process. If your private teacher suggests that you use a different brand of strings, please notify Ms. Lanigan of the brand you are using.
__________ 6 . Cleaning cloth : Every student should have a cloth in their case to clean off their instrument daily.
__________
__________
7. Mute: Tourte mutes only (no practice mutes)
9. Electronic tuner/Metronome Combination
__________ 10. Good Attitude

If you are in need of purchasing these items here are a few places that have great products on line: http://www.sharmusic.com/ and www.swstrings.com

Columbus Northside Middle School
Choir, Orchestra, Chimes Expectations
2011-2012
Grading and Assessment
Students will accrue points throughout the grading period. Orchestra Grading will be based on the following scale:
5 A (Far above expectations)
4 B (Meets expectations)
3 C (Average work)
2 D (below expectations) -- I will be making phone calls home if you are in this category
1 F (unacceptable) – I will be making phone calls home if you are in this category
You will have the following assessments:
1.
Playing, tuning, scale tests (25% of grade)
2.
Class work/Theory work (25% of grade)
3.
Concert/Contest Participation/Extra Rehearsals (25% of grade)
4.
Daily Effort (25% of grade)
Classroom Behavior is not part of the orchestra assessment. Consequences will be determined by the school handbook *, and if behavior is not corrected, students will be subject to removal from the program.
Rehearsal Expectations
1. Showing common courtesy to all members.
2. In assigned seat with materials two minutes after the bell
3. Mature conduct of one's self and towards others.
4. Adhering to polices as outlined in the Northside Middle School Student Handbook.
Daily Attendance
Musical ensembles depend on the good attendance and participation of EVERYONE for its success. Missing a rehearsal hinders the learning experience of the entire orchestra, NOT just one's self.
Concert Attendance/ Expectations
Report time for concerts in which you perform is 45 minutes prior.
Leave home with adequate time to arrive on-time.
You and your guests are required to stay for the duration of the concert. It shows disrespect to the remaining performers’ hard work and preparation to leave early.
Since orchestra is a performing ensemble, a great deal of importance is placed on the attendance and participation at concerts. Any absence must be communicated to the director as soon as possible, but not less than two (2) weeks prior to the performance. If you miss the concert with an unexcused absence then your final grade will be lowered one letter grade on your report card.
Examples of Excused Absences

Personal illness

Family emergencies
Examples of Unexcused Absences

No transportation to the concert


Babysitting/work conflict
Too much homework, or upcoming project

Conflicts with other activities/clubs/events.

High School Concert Attendance
All students in middle school orchestra should attend at least two Columbus North High School orchestra or choir concerts. Students will receive extra credit for attending concerts if they turn in a program with the signature of the
Director of the performance. Concert programs are to be turned in on the following school day.
Concert Attire
Ladies
Blue Choir/Orchestra/Chimes Shirt
Long black skirt or pant (no miniskirts, jeans, gauchos, capris, or denim)
Black shoes and black socks or nylons
Hair is to be worn off of the face
Men
Blue Choir/Orchestra/Chimes Shirt
Black dress pant (no jeans or denim)
Black belt, black shoes and black socks.
Field Trip Expectations
When any organization leaves campus,they are representatives of themselves, the organization, school, district, community and state in which they reside. It is very import to act with class and dignity, representing all of the aforementioned proudly. Rowdy or disrespectful behavior at any time is unacceptable and will be responded to by immediate administrative action and/or removal from the orchestra program.
Additional Rehearsals
There are combined choir rehearsals after school prior to the performance. Please make note of the mandatory rehearsals, this is a chance for our choirs to rehearse together.
If there is a conflict with a rehearsal, written notification of said conflict is required as soon as it is discovered. Only after proper authorization by instructor will any written notification be honored as excused.
Solo and Ensemble
Each spring, students are required to participate in our district's Solo and Ensemble Festival by preparing either/both a solo or ensemble piece. More information will follow as the date approaches.

Student Information Sheet
Please Return to Ms. Lanigan by Friday August 19th
Student’s Last Name: ___________________________________
Student’s First Name: ___________________________________
Circle all that apply.
What is something unique about you?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Have you been in choir before? Yes No
How many years were you in choir? ___________
If yes, what voice part are you?
What instrument do you play?
Soprano Alto Tenor
Cello Double Bass Guitar Harp Piano
How many years have you played an instrument? _____________
Viola
Baritone
Violin Chimes
Do you take private lessons? Yes No
If yes, then what do you take private lessons in? _____________________
Private Teacher’s Name: __________________________________
Private Teacher’s Phone Number: ___________________________
How many years have you taken private lessons? ______________
What is the last solo you studied or performed?
________________________________________________________
What is your favorite type of music to play or sing?
________________________________________________________
What is your favorite type of music to listen to?
________________________________________________________
Who is your favorite singer or band?
________________________________________________________
Why did you decide to sign up for this class?
________________________________________________________

Shirt Order Form
Amount: $15.00
Please include this form and check or cash in an envelope
Due to Ms. Lanigan by: Friday August 19 th
Please make all checks payable to Columbus Northside Middle School
All students in Choir, Orchestra, and Chimes will need to purchase a polo shirt for the 2011-2012 school year.
This year we will all wear blue shirts and black dress pants or long black skirt. Skirts must be below the knee.
All shirts are $15.00 a piece.
First Name: __________________________ Last Name: _____________________________
Please Circle what applies:
Orchestra Choir Chimes
Shirt Size
Youth Large (10-12)
Youth Extra Large (14-16)
Adult Small
Adult Medium
Adult Large
Adult xl
Adult 2xl ($2.00 extra)
Quantity Requested Total Amount Included

Columbus Northside Middle School
Choir, Orchestra, and Chimes
Please sign and return to Ms Lanigan by Friday, August 19th
Student’s Name: _________________________________ Grade: ____________
Instrument: ________________________________________________________
Check the appropriate line:
_________ The above student has my permission to be in Choir, Orchestra, or Chimes. We understand that this is a one-year commitment and agree to the policies outlined in the
Columbus Northside Middle School Choir, Orchestra, and Chimes Handbook
Parent/Guardian Signature: ___________________________________ Date: __________
Student Signature: ____________________________________________ Date: __________