Auburn High School Orchestra
Syllabus 2014-2015
Jeanee Maucotel, Orchestra Director
jmaucotel@auburn.wednet.edu
Mission Statement
To assist every enrolled student improve skills, explore musical styles, and expand the knowledge of
and appreciation for an increasing range of musical literature while continuing to develop the attitudes
and behaviors of being a successful participating member of a performing ensemble, as well as a
productive and more enlightened member of society.
Auburn High School Orchestra Classes
Chamber Orchestra (CO – 6th period – permission by instructor) Students will strengthen
music fundamentals including rhythm, reading and counting system, tonality, scales, scale construction,
tone production, style, and musical terms, as well as appropriate attitudes and behaviors. Students will
perform in a large group, smaller ensembles, and may occasionally prepare literature for performance
with the orchestra or symphony.
Symphony Orchestra (SO – 5th period – permission by instructor) This course will continue
to develop technical, ensemble, and performance attitudes and skills at an ever increasing level. While
the class is primarily a performance class, it will also provide enhancement through a study of the
historical, cultural, and aesthetic background of the works being performed. Performance opportunities
will include full symphony and string orchestra literature in addition to providing some small ensemble
and solo experiences.
Grading System
Students’ performance in both orchestras will be assessed by attendance records, written tests,
playing tests, and the director’s observation of participation, effort and evidence of regular home
practice, attitude, and behavior. Written tests may cover note names, key signatures, rhythmic notation,
and terms. Playing tests will include scales, etudes as assigned, and technical passages from the music
under preparation. Daily home practice is required. Punctual attendance in the designated attire at all
performances is a class requirement. Missing a concert will be treated the same as failing a final exam.
Students are held responsible for learning and holding clear the concert dates for the entire year.
Behavior and effort during class will be a significant portion of a student’s grade.
Breakdown: Participation = 40%, Performances = 35%, Test and projects = 25%
Attendance at Concerts and other Orchestra Activities
Performances serve as a final exam for learning and cannot be duplicated at any other time.
Attendance by all members is necessary for the musical team to succeed and is a requirement of this
class. Appropriate concert attire is also required. See “Concert Attire” document for full details.
Careful long range planning and communication with family, employers, and community
organizations will prevent most conflicts and resolve nearly all others. When a student has an
irresolvable conflict, a cooperative attitude and early, clear, and honest communication are vital in
resolving it. This must be done in private. Students in positions of leadership, who have solo parts or
who are a prominent player in a small section, must understand and respond to their vital role.
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A student with two school activities that occur at the same time should communicate that to both
teachers as early as possible so a cooperative solution can be reached. The student has the responsibility
to work the conflict to a satisfactory solution.
In a sudden emergency situation, every effort should be made to inform the director before the
concert and be followed up the student’s next day of attendance with a parental note explaining the
circumstances. A surprise “no show” is a serious matter that creates anxiety for all and detracts from the
climate in the orchestra.
Absences from concerts and other activities in which these procedures have not been followed
will result in a grade reduction that is the equivalent of missing a major exam. The amount of which
will depend to some extent on the degree of responsibility (or irresponsibility) and the cooperation of the
student.
The instructor may accept an assignment to at least partially make up for a performance absence.
It must be pre-approved by the instructor and initiated by the student.
Student Solos
All students are required to choose, practice and perform a solo for the class at the end of the year. Their
selected piece cannot be pop music, movie music, or from a musical. If students have questions whether
their solo is acceptable or not should come see Ms. Maucotel. Solos should be 4-9 minutes long.
Students who perform their solo memorized and/or with a piano accompanist will receive extra credit.
Class Guidelines
1. Be in your seat with all required materials at the appointed times.
2. Be respectful of rights, feelings, and property of others.
3. Do your best work at all times and make no excuses.
4. Follow School and District Rules.
Instruments and Equipment
Assigned storage cabinets are available to keep instruments during the day. The orchestra room
will normally be available until 3:05pm for instrument pick-up, and before zero hour or after
7:30 am for drop-off. Students are to play only the instrument assigned to them. It is the
students’ responsibility to have all necessary equipment for every rehearsal and performance
and to supply rosin, a mute, pencil, soft cloth, shoulder pad, and pin stops, etc., at every
rehearsal.
Music
Assigned books and sheet music should be kept in the slot provided throughout the school day.
Assessments for music not returned on a timely basis will be made for the cost of replacement
including postage ($3.00 - $11.00 per piece).
Private Lessons
Orchestra students are encouraged to receive private lessons to help improve their individual
skills.
If you need help in obtaining the names of teachers in the area, contact Ms. Maucotel.
Ellensburg String Day Festival
Central Washington University music department sponsors this event for the orchestras from
around the state. Students travel to Ellensburg, perform for other school orchestras, listen to
them, and participate in all the planned activities. We generally spend the night in Ellensburg
and return to Auburn the following day. Every student is expected to participate.
Chamber Music
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Small ensemble participation provides experiences that many musicians consider to be the most
satisfying of all. Such opportunities may be an assigned part of class curriculum. On-going
ensembles can and are encouraged to be formed at the initiative of the students.
Solo and Ensemble Contest
Students who are interested in participating in this event should select music several months in
advance of the contest to allow time to prepare adequately. Groups or individuals will receive
constructive suggestions and a rating. The judges are experts in their particular fields. More
details and sign-up forms will be available later in December or January.
Musical
Schedules will be available and sign-ups will be posted in January.
Lettering in Orchestra
Criteria are available on a separate sheet. Completed applications are due by June 2nd.
Additional Performances
Throughout the year additional performances in the community and in various festivals and
school exchange situations may arise. The groups will determine their wish to be involved in
these events, but the decision of the majority will apply to the entire group.
Concerto Auditions
Students wishing to perform a concerto with one of the orchestras must get the piece approved by
Ms. Maucotel and schedule an audition time as early in the year as possible.
All-State Orchestra
Students are selected by recorded audition. Audition materials and details are available at
WMEA.org. This event will be held in Spokane, February 13th-15th, 2015. Students desiring to audition
should inform Mr. Johnson by the middle of September and schedule a recording session with him.
Most of the costs of participation is usually paid by the school.
Jeanee Maucotel, Orchestra Director
Auburn Senior High School
711 East Main Street
Auburn, Washington 98002
jmaucotel@auburn.wednet.edu
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