Northwest School of the Arts Orchestra
Erica H. Hefner, Director
Course Prospectus, Outline and Syllabus – Chamber Orchestra (B3)
Erica Hefner, Instructor
(980)343-5500 X5959
erica.holley@cms.k12.nc.us
Course Overview:
This ensemble is the more advanced of our two high school orchestras. Students in this class will
focus primarily on performing music that addresses specific elements discussed in the Common Core
North Carolina Essential Standards. Specifically, students in this ensemble will:
 Expand proficiency on their instrument, specifically addressing more advanced functions
such as: shifting beyond third position, extensions (cello), proper fingering, exploring bowing
choices and styles, ensemble breathing and performing without conductor, and uniformity of
sound.
 Expand understanding of musical elements such as: advanced key signatures, terms, mature
phrasing, and difficult rhythms. This ensemble will perform Grades V and VI music.
 Strengthen performance aspects through daily rehearsal and concerts
 Exhibit discipline and rigor through fast-paced, focused rehearsals
 Show appreciation and respect for music and their peers at all times.
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Shoulder rests (violin/viola)
EXTRA strings (violin/viola: meaning that they are in your case in the event that a string
breaks)
Cello strap or rock stop (cello/bass).
Rosin
Mute
Name tag for instrument case
These items vary greatly in price depending on the quality purchased. I do not specify which brand(s)
you must use. If you would like advice or assistance in purchasing/ordering these items, I will be
happy to assist.
I will check for these items the week of September 8th.
All music and other materials will be provided for students and is included in the orchestra fee
of $50. This fee is due August 31: checks payable to NWSA BOB. You can also pay online at
www.nwsabob.com
Tutoring:
Tutoring from me is available on Monday afternoons from 4:15-5:30pm. Other tutoring times can be
scheduled with enough advance notice. Peer tutoring is also available. See or email me to set up a
time.
Regular sectionals (i.e., cooperative learning) will be utilized during class time. These may be studentled, or by a guest clinician. On occasion, we may have clinicians come in to teach a sectional or a
Master Class after school. These opportunities will be discussed as they arise.
Grading:
The grading scale will comply with CMS requirements (100-93 = A, etc). Grades will be based on the
following criteria:
1415 Beatties Ford Road
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980)343-5500 X5959 phone
Erica.holley@cms.k12.nc.us
Northwest School of the Arts Orchestra
Erica H. Hefner, Director
Participation/Written Work
30%
Concerts/Performances
35%
Playing/Written Tests
35%
_____________________________________
Total:
100%
Daily Participation includes: being to your seat on time, procuring all required and necessary
materials BEFORE rehearsal begins, being well-prepared for rehearsal (practicing), and refraining
from any disruptive behavior. Points will be deducted from the daily grade for infracting any of the
above elements. Tardiness will be dealt with on a strict basis. Students who arrive after the tardy bell
should NOT enter the class without an official pass from the attendance secretary or designee.
Written Work will include, but not be limited to theory lessons, journal entries, listening
assignments, reflections, article responses, peer assessment, and self-assessment. These may be
assigned in class or for homework.
Concerts/Performances All performances are mandatory. You must arrive on time with all required
materials and stay for the entire duration of the performance. Chamber Orchestra students have a
call time of 6:30 pm for all concerts with the exception of the Recital Seminar concert. Attendance
will be taken at the call time of all concerts. Students who are not on time will lose 15 points off
the concert grade. Additionally, students will be required to sign out at the end of concerts. The
dates are as follows:
Fall Concert: October 23 in Black Box 7:00pm, *with UNCC Symphony
Winter Concert: Tuesday, December 16, Black Box, 7:00pm *Dessert Theater
Pre-MPA Concert: February 24, Black Box, 7:00pm
Spring Concert: Wednesday, April 29 in Auditorium, 7:00pm
Recital Seminar: Sunday, May 3, 3:00pm, in Black Box (Attend only, call 3:00pm)
All concerts begin at 7:00 pm (except Recital Seminar-3:00pm), are open to the public, and FREE
(except for the Dessert Theater)! We always welcome donations to help cover the cost of our security
officers who are required at concerts.
We also perform for Graduation. This is a required event. Please plan on performing at
Graduation, unless you are a senior or a Junior Marshal (exact date TBA – will be somewhere around
the second weekend of June). Check the section titled, “Other dates of Importance” for more dates!
Concert Dress is all black and dressy. Wear black closed toed dress shoes. The dress code for Music
Performance Assessment (MPA) is more strict than other concerts. You must be in all black from the
neck to your toes.
North Carolina Music Performance Assessment (MPA): Date TBA. This is the equivalent of our
“EOG” and is mandatory for all students. More information will be forthcoming on this performance.
Playing Tests will be held at least twice per quarter. They will be taken from music performed in
class, including etudes, warm-ups, and music for performances, or require the performance of a scale
or technical exercise. They may or may not affect seating. Each student will complete at least four
1415 Beatties Ford Road
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980)343-5500 X5959 phone
Erica.holley@cms.k12.nc.us
Northwest School of the Arts Orchestra
Erica H. Hefner, Director
announced assessments, and four unannounced assessments (one of each per quarter). In addition to
playing tests, you will frequently be asked to provide written reflection of performance and practice
throughout the school year.
Students will receive a Quarterly Outline that specifies music to be practiced and prepared for each
daily rehearsal in the quarter. Students are expected to practice consistently to maintain proper
technique and proficiency on their instrument.
Attendance:
Attendance in any musical ensemble is crucial to not only the individual student, but the entire
group. Elements such as balance, blend and particular phrasing cannot be addressed when there are
musicians missing from the section. If at all possible, please do not miss class!
If a student misses orchestra class for any reason:
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He/She is required to complete a “Rehearsal Make Up” Form for ninety (90) minutes to
make up the assignment (daily rehearsal). This form is ONLINE. You can access it from my
wiki homepage.
 Records must be submitted within ten (10) days of the student’s return to school.
Incomplete records will have ten points per day deduction.
 Students must practice either: music that we are working on in class, other orchestral
ensembles, or music prepared in private lessons. Other music will not be accepted.
Forgotten/Broken Instruments:
If a student forgets an instrument, he/she will be able to receive a MAXIMUM 50% for daily
participation. Sometimes, a school instrument is available. Mrs. Hefner loans instruments at her
discretion, and is not required to do so at all. DO NOT HELP YOURSELF TO A SCHOOL
INSTRUMENT. Students who are unable to borrow an instrument will be required to take notes on
the class, and later, complete the ONLINE “Rehearsal Make Up” form.
If a student’s instrument is in the shop, the student can earn full credit for participation, provided a
note from said shop is placed in the assignments basket. A “Rehearsal Make Up” form is still required.
Honors Credit:
Students in Chamber or Recital Seminar are automatically taking the class for honors credit, as it is
an honors class. The most important thing to remember about honors credit orchestra is that preparing
for, and auditioning for Western Region Orchestra is REQUIRED. (See important dates)
Teacher Website:
http://ericahefner.cmswiki.wikispaces.net/
Trips:
Our first trip as a chamber orchestra will be a fall retreat! See “Other Important Dates” for more info!
Information about a spring trip will be made available as it is approved by CMS.
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
1415 Beatties Ford Road
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980)343-5500 X5959 phone
Erica.holley@cms.k12.nc.us
Northwest School of the Arts Orchestra
Erica H. Hefner, Director
booster club, and every family is expected to donate time or resources to our growing
program. Find out more at www.nwsabob.com
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
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Thursday, April 2, 2015
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Other Dates of Interest:
September 12-13: Fall Retreat in Boone, NC
September 15-16: Fall Music Fundraiser Kick Off!
November 7-9: NC All-State Honors Orchestra (Winston-Salem, NC - by selection)
November 22: CMS Honors Orchestra Auditions at Southwest Middle School
December 7: Holiday Home Tour (Tentative)
January 17: WRHO Auditions (Hough High School in Charlotte-REQUIRED FOR ALL STUDENTS
IN THIS ENSEMBLE)
January 22: CMS Honors Orchestra Rehearsal at NWSA
February 6-7: CMS Honors Orchestra Clinic at Ardrey Kell High School
February 27-March 1: WRO Clinic, UNCG
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 Hefner, Orchestra Director
(980)343-5500 X5959
erica.holley@cms.k12.nc.us
Please return the Musical Instrument Disclaimer Form, Orchestra Fee ($50-checks payable to
NWSA BOB), and the Information Form on or before Friday, August 31
1415 Beatties Ford Road
Charlotte, NC 28216
(980)343-5500 X5959 phone
Erica.holley@cms.k12.nc.us