Name _______________________________________________________
BUSH MIDDLE SCHOOL
ORCHESTRA HANDBOOK
2015-2016
Table of Contents
Basic Information
Grading Policy and Expectations
Fine Arts Code of Conduct
Concerts
UIL and other Contests
Uniforms
Instruments
Calendar
Supplies and Fees
Website
Private Lessons and other Enrichment
5th Grade Strings
Forms
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GOOGLE DOC FOR BEGINNING OF YEAR:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1tqfKxLd29UiszI_tWS5KX6_0yYl_lBueFPXDxSd464/viewform?usp=send_form
ORCHESTRA WEBSITE:
http://bushmsorchestra.weebly.com/
Basic Information
Bush Middle School Orchestra:

Director:


Website: http://bushmsorchestra.weebly.com/
Fine Arts Link: http://www.neisd.net/fa/index.html
Alexis von Biedenfeld “Ms. B.”
c/o Bush Middle School
1500 Evans Road
San Antonio TX 78258
(210) 356-2900
avonbi@neisd.net
Reagan High School Orchestra:

Director:
Sixto Elizondo
c/o Reagan High School
19000 Ronald Reagan
San Antonio, TX 78258
(210) 356-1800
selizo@neisd.net
Las Lomas Elementary School/ Canyon Ridge Elementary School:

5th Grade Strings Contact:
Leigh Roeber
c/o Las Lomas Elementary School
20303 Hardy Oak Blvd
San Antonio, TX 78258
(210) 356-7000
lroebe@neisd.net
Stone Oak Elementary School:
Elizabeth Krimbill
21045 Crescent Oak
San Antonio, TX 78258
(210) 407-7800
ekrimb@neisd.net
Grading Policy and Expectations
Grades:
Concerts ………………………………….………………………………………………………………….. 40%
Playing Tests………………………………………………………………………………………………… 20%
Weekly Participation Grade…………………………………………………………………………. 20%
Practice Records………………………………………………………………………………………….. 10%
Written Work………………………………………………………………………..…………………….. 10%
Concerts
For more information, see “Concerts” page.
Playing Tests
Students will play a known or unknown excerpt from their current scales, etudes or repertoire. Playing tests
will take place once a week during class and will be announced 0-48 hours in advance. Playing tests may be
held publicly (in the main classroom, all students in attendance) or privately (in a practice room, director and
student in attendance) at the director’s discretion. Evaluation is based on accuracy of notes and rhythm,
intonation, positioning, dynamics, style, vibrato and technique (or basically, the student’s ability to interpret
and play what is written on the page). Students who consistently score below an 80 on playing tests cannot
maintain their standing in a contest (Honors, Symphony) orchestra. These tests are not meant to be punitive;
any student who practices the minimum requirement usually makes 95-100!
Weekly Participation Grade
Students will receive a grade based on readiness of class materials, evidence of practice and focus toward class
goals. Also included in this grade is attendance at any extra rehearsals or sectionals (scheduled as needed).
Practice Records
Each student is required to log individual practice times and turn in a signed practice sheet each week.
Beginning, Advanced, Prelude and Reading students must practice at least 100 minutes a week. Symphony and
Honors students are required to practice at least 120 minutes per week. Practice can be done at home or
before school in the orchestra main room or practice rooms. Private lessons DO count as individual practice
time!
Written Work
The director will occasionally assign written work. This includes, but is not limited to, concert reviews, listening
critiques, letters of encouragement, and supplemental activities. Written assignments can be classwork or
homework. No late written work will be accepted without a parental request. Please let the director know by
September 1, 2015 if any accommodations need to be made regarding written work.
Expectations:
1. Orchestra students will be prepared. Students will have a designated practice area at home
and will have their instrument, music stand, home music binder, pencil, rosin, cleaning cloth
and rockstop (cello/bass only) out and available for each practice. At school, each student will
arrive at the orchestra room in time to get his/her instrument out, make sure there is a music
folder and pencil on his/her shared stand, make sure his/her bow is rosined, have ready any
extra supplies (e.g. a rockstop or bass chair) and warm up. Each student will check the agenda
on the board to get supplies ready and put music in order. Students will go to the bathroom
and get water before or after class so that they are ready to tune when the bell rings and
ready to practice five minutes after the bell rings. Any student not in his/her chair by five
minutes after the bell will be counted tardy. Students will keep up with their other school
work so that they can focus on practicing during orchestra class. Students will bring a written
note from home if they cannot meet orchestra expectations for any given activity/event, for
example if an instrument is in the shop for repairs. Strings that are out of the peg or severely
out of tune must be fixed before or after school. Students will maintain a calendar of
orchestra events and keep their uniforms/ t-shirts tidy and available for these dates. Money,
notes from home and written work will be turned in by the deadline. Use of cell phones is not
part of our curriculum, so cell phones are not allowed in the orchestra room. Any cell phone
found outside of a closed backpack or purse will be turned in to the office immediately.
2. Orchestra students will be organized and tidy. Students should leave all gum, food and drinks
(including water) in their lockers or by the door. Any gum, food or drink found in the orchestra
room will be promptly thrown away. All books and binders not needed for orchestra will be
stacked neatly underneath the student’s chair. Students will need to leave the orchestra room
cleaner than they found it. Instruments, pencils and school folders will be organized and
stored after every class. Students are not allowed to use the orchestra room for personal
storage. Students are not allowed access to items in the orchestra storage area or office. All
school folders will be maintained (not written on, all music kept inside). Extra music will be
provided at a cost of 10 cents per page (a donation to the Bush Middle School Orchestra). Any
music, books or other supplies found on the floor in the orchestra room will be recycled at the
end of the day.
3. Orchestra students will be respectful. Students will adhere to the Fine Arts Code of Conduct
and Bush Middle School Handbook. Students will enter the room calmly, quietly and
courteously. Students will not linger in the Fine Arts hallway area. Students will handle all
instruments and materials in the orchestra room only with permission and the utmost care.
Students will not play their instruments without permission. Students will not touch other
students’ instruments or supplies. Students will sit in rest position if they are not playing.
Students will not engage in non-orchestra conversations during rehearsal time. Students will
not begin packing up their instruments until two minutes before the final class bell rings.
Students will save their questions until after class or until the director begins discussion of a
particular topic. Students will use their time constructively in orchestra class. Students will not
enter practice rooms, the orchestra office or the instrument storage room without permission
from the director. Students may be invited to or banned from small-group practice during
class based on their behavior and preparedness. Disruptive or destructive students will be
given probation from all regular class activities and performances pending a parent/guardianteacher conference; the student’s grade will be affected.
4. Orchestra students will be part of the orchestra community. Students will take part in
leadership and team-building activities. Students will be role models and leaders at Bush
Middle School. Students will encourage their classmates with compliments and suggestions.
Students will not tolerate other students being unprepared, disrespectful or disorganized in
the orchestra classroom. Students will find opportunities to use music to improve the Bush
and greater communities. Students will actively pursue enrichment activities. Students will
use common sense, maintain a positive attitude and be proud of the Bush Middle School
Orchestra!
Consequences:
First-time offense: Verbal warning/redirection
Second-time offense: Consequence (usually a written assignment) and grade lowered
Third-time offense: Student placed on probation from class activities and performances pending a
parent/guardian-conference, grade lowered, exclusion from contest orchestras, school disciplinary
action (BMC)
Fourth-time offense: Recommendation for removal from all Fine Arts activities
Fine Arts Code of Conduct
NORTH EAST INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
FINE ARTS CODE OF CONDUCT
North East ISD offers all students the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of extracurricular activities including spirit
organizations, clubs and organizations.
Participation is encouraged as a portion of the 360 degree North East ISD educational experience to develop skills and
knowledge in addition to academics.
Regulations have been established to promote appropriate behavior of the students representing the schools through their
leadership roles and participation in extracurricular activities. The expectations for students involved in extracurricular
activities exceed the expectations for the general student body. Students participating in extracurricular activities are
expected to follow the District’s Student Code of Conduct, the Fine Arts Code of Conduct and any constitution or by laws of
a specific extracurricular organization. Violations of the rules will result in corrective and/or disciplinary action.
The facts and circumstances will be taken into consideration when determining consequences for rule violations.
The desire of North East ISD is to educate and counsel our students on the serious harmful effects of substance abuse and
other types of misbehavior as to the potential consequences inflicted upon themselves, their families and their school should
they choose to breach the Fine Arts Code of Conduct. It is also the intent of the Fine Arts Code of Conduct to provide a
clearly defined course for our students to follow and instill a belief that a one-time infraction need not result in a permanent
pattern in life.
The use, possession or distribution of illegal substances or involvement in other violations of the Fine Arts Code of Conduct
will be addressed with disciplinary actions by the extracurricular activity in addition to any disciplinary actions taken by the
school, District or law enforcement agency. The student alleged be in involved in a violation will be provided with an
opportunity to address the allegations. An investigation will be completed prior to a decision being made regarding the
allegations.
Any student involved in extracurricular activities found to be in violation of the aforementioned rules will face disciplinary
action regardless of the time or place of the violation.
Once the determination has been made of a violation, the General Guidelines for Student Discipline as outlined in the North
East ISD Board Policy FO (Local) will be used, when possible, and applied to all cases concerning the District’s Fine Arts
Code of Conduct.
The following disciplinary actions will be administered throughout the District when infractions occur including, but not limited
to: drugs, alcohol, tobacco, hazing, felony with bodily harm, conviction of a felony, nudity or promotion of pornography.
Following an offense, a formal conference will be conducted involving the student, parent/guardian, activity director and
campus administrator. A written and signed Notice of the Conference will be provided to the parent and student. Length of
suspension will be determined by the following:
Category I Offense - 18 weeks to one year suspension (first offense)
Permanent removal (second offense)
Category II,III Offense - 9 week suspension (first offense)
18 week suspension (second offense)
Permanent removal (third offense)
Category IV Offense - 1 to 3 week suspension (first offense)
6 week suspension (second offense)
Permanent removal (third offense)
FINE ARTS CODE OF CONDUCT
The discipline consequences for violation of the Fine Arts Code of Conduct may include suspension or dismissal from the
extracurricular program. Such actions, if any, shall be taken by the directors of the extracurricular activity only after
consultation with school administration. A behavioral contract may also be used following any rule infractions.
Consequences for some rule infractions may be addressed by the director through discipline within the student’s Fine Arts
program (i.e. reduced performance time, role or position reassignments, contracts, etc.). Additional disciplinary
consequences can also be
imposed by the appropriate school officials for conduct or behavior that violates the District’s Code of Student Conduct.
NOTE: If the offense occurs during the summer, the suspension will begin with the first week of school. If the offense occurs
at the end of the year, the remaining suspension will carry over to the next year in which the student participates.
Students in leadership positions and students who participate in extracurricular activities, on or off campus, are subject at all
times to school district policy and UIL rules. The student’s privilege of participation in these activities may be revoked,
suspended, or otherwise adversely affected at any time when:
1. the instructor/director of an extracurricular activity or a campus administrator determines that the student’s conduct has an
incidental negative effect on the moral or discipline of other participants in the extracurricular activity; and/or
2. the instructor/director of an extracurricular activity or a campus administrator determines that the student’s conduct has an
incidental negative impact on the reputation of the student’s team, school or school district; and/or
3. the instructor/director of an extracurricular activity or a campus administrator determines that the student’s conduct
warrants
the revocation or suspension of the student’s extracurricular activities as a disciplinary measure.
TERMINOLOGY
• Suspension / Probation - removal from performance.
Students will continue to practice/rehearse unless otherwise determined by the director/instructor
• Removal - refers to taking a student out of the Fine Arts program.
Removal is generally intended to be for the length of an expulsion, for one year, or for the remainder of the student’s career.
• Conference - this is to be conducted between the student in question and the student’s parent/guardian.
It is to be documented and placed in the student’s file.
• Consequences - may range from a warning, to a conference, to conditioning drills.
Level I or Level II In School Suspension, DAEP, expulsion, removal for a period of time or removal for the remainder of the
student’s career may also be assessed by an administrator as a consequence. (ISS LEVEL ONE - Students may practice
and
participate in performances during the ISS Level One penalty. ISS LEVEL TWO - Students may practice but not participate
in
performances until school is out on the last day of stay in ISS Level Two, MS SRC, AMS, or AHS)
• Performance drills - a wide range of consequences that involve performance drills that can be connected to the activity and
be
beneficial to the student in improving his/her physical conditioning.
• Length of penalties - penalties that involve suspension of days will require that the days run consecutively as calendar days
beginning with the first day the violation is reported and continue until school is out on the last day of the penalty.
• Carry over penalties - penalties that occur late in the school year or at a time such that the days cannot be served prior to
the
end of school will carry over to the next school year.
ALL APPEALS BY A STUDENT OF CONSEQUENCES OR DECISIONS DESCRIBED IN THE FINE ARTS CODE OF
CONDUCT WILL FOLLOW NORMAL NEISD GUIDELINES AS DESCRIBED IN SCHOOL BOARD POLICY FNG (LOCAL).
Concerts
Attendance at and participation in all concerts is required. A student’s commitment to a quality
performances begins with attending all rehearsals and having all materials prepared. Therefore, if a
student is not passing orchestra class or doesn’t master the repertoire, he or she will be offered an
alternate assignment (usually an essay) for a lower grade. Additionally, a student who shows up late
to a concert, arrives with the incorrect attire (clothing) or does not have all of his/her supplies for a
concert will not perform and will need to complete an alternate assignment for a grade. Check your
calendar NOW for any conflicts with the dates of our performances!
Guidelines
THE DAY BEFORE:
 Make sure your uniform OR t-shirt and black/khaki slacks are ready for the next day’s
performance (ironed, cleaned, no pieces missing, etc.).
 Let Ms. B. know if you are missing anything (music, clothes, bowties, instrument, music stand)
for the performance.
 Make sure you know how to get to the concert venue, how you are getting there (bus, car,
etc.), how long it will take to get there (even in traffic) and where you will park.
THE DAY OF:
 Before leaving home, make sure you have your instrument, bow, rockstop (cello and bass
only), shoulder rest (violin and viola only), music, music stand and uniform/t-shirt.
 Arrive at the concert venue 45 minutes early to warm up and tune. Make sure you know
where you are sitting at the concert.
 Keep the warm-up room neat and tidy; make sure you don’t bring food or drinks and that your
things are not in the walkways. No gum.
 Go to the auditorium or stage with your supplies. Make sure that your performance begins
when you walk into the cafeteria/concert hall. Keep excess talking to a minimum. Sit quietly,
without plucking or playing your instruments. You may wave at friends and family, but do not
go and talk to them until the performance has finished.
 Perform like the awesome musician you are.
 During the performance, keep noise to a minimum. If you are being disruptive, you will be
asked to leave the concert hall and complete an alternate assignment for a lower grade.
 After the concert, make sure you take all of your supplies. Make sure school materials are
returned to the orchestra room. Stack two chairs or put two stands on the stand rack. Any
materials found in the cafeteria/ concert hall after the concert will be recycled or thrown
away.
THE NEXT DAY:
 Concert reviews in class. What did we do well? What do you want to change for next time?
 New music!
Attire
6th Grade: Orchestra Polo Shirt, Black or khaki slacks, dark-colored socks, closed-toe shoes. Long hair
is pulled back. Make-up and accessories are not distracting- no neon, nothing that makes noise, no
bright colors.
Reading Orchestra: Long-sleeved, white button-down shirts, black slacks, black socks, black, closedtoe shoes. Long hair is pulled back. Make-up and accessories are not distracting- no neon, nothing
that makes noise, no bright colors.
Honors/ Symphony/ Prelude Orchestras: Orchestra uniforms. Women’s uniform (provided by
orchestra director) is a black dress; also wear nude or black hose, black, closed-toe dress shoes.
Men’s uniform (provided by orchestra director) is a long-sleeved white tuxedo shirt, black slacks,
black vest, and black bowtie; also wear black socks and black, closed-toe dress shoes. No tennis
shoes, please. Long hair is pulled back. Make-up and accessories are not distracting- no neon, nothing
that makes noise, no bright colors.
UIL and other Contests
U.I.L. Concert & Sight Reading Contests
Bush Middle School orchestra students in the Symphony and Honors orchestras are required to
participate in the U.I.L. Concert and Sight-Reading Contests each year. Each orchestra will prepare
three pieces to play at a performance held in March at one of the NEISD schools. Students will travel
by bus to and from these performances. The goal of these performances is to showcase technical
excellence. Under UIL rules and the NEISD Fine Arts Code of Conduct, students will not be eligible for
any UIL competition if they are
a. failing a class at the time of the competition,
b. in violation of the attendance policy for Texas schools (truant), or
c. in violation of the behavior standards set forth in the Bush MS student handbook or Fine Arts
Code of Conduct.
Students wear their formal uniforms to this event.
U.I.L. Solo and Ensemble Contest and UISD Middle School Solo and Ensemble
Select Bush Middle School orchestra students will participate in the U.I.L. Solo and Ensemble
Competition held in April. Students will prepare a solo piece and/or a duet, trio, quartet or quintet.
Students who prepare their piece(s) at a high level of technical excellence will receive a medal and
commendation by the UIL Board. All solos require a piano or recorded accompaniment. Students
wear dressy but comfortable clothes to this event.
TMEA All-Region Competition (Region 12)
The Bush Middle School orchestra department and private lesson teachers will prepare students to
participate in an individual competition that allows selected students to take part in an Honor
Orchestra clinic and performance. In Region 12, there is a 6th Grade Orchestra, a 7th Grade Orchestra
and an 8th Grade Orchestra. Students compete against other students in Region 12 who play the same
instrument and who are in the same grade. Students audition in November and perform in
December. During the second week of school, the director will give interested students the etudes
and excerpts required for this audition. Students wear their school clothes to the audition and their
formal uniform to the performance.
Other Contests
In May, all students will be invited to participate in an optional contest and fun day. 6 th Graders will
compete at Schlitterbahn, and 7th/8th Graders will compete in a contest to be named. This contest is
optional, and meant to be a reward for the students’ hard work during the year. Students wear their
uniforms to the contest.
Uniforms
Students are required to wear uniforms to all of our performances except for the Holiday Concert in
December and the Solo and Ensemble Contest. Uniforms will also be worn for Picture Day in the fall.
Any alterations or dry cleaning during the year will be the responsibility of the parents. The orchestra
fees cover the cost of cleaning at the end of the year (formal uniforms only).
Honors, Symphony and Prelude Orchestras: Female students will be issued a black dress (style varies
by orchestra). Male students will be issued black slacks, a long-sleeved white shirt, a bowtie and a
vest.
Reading Orchestra: Parents/guardians will provide students with a long-sleeved white shirt and black
slacks. No holes, leggings, or yoga pants.
Beginning and Advanced Orchestras: Students will purchase polo shirts at the beginning of the year.
Students will provide their own black slacks or khaki pants.
Instruments
Students are expected to rent or purchase their own instruments for use in orchestra class. Violin and
viola players will bring their instruments to school and back home every day. No instruments should
be left in the orchestra room overnight. Cello and bass players may rent a school instrument for use
during the day if they wish. Renting school instruments requires a fee. This fee will be added to the
Student Activity Fund to pay for maintenance and replacement of instruments and bows. Students
and parents are responsible for musical instruments assigned to them. Should loss or damage occur
to an instrument, restitution will be required. Additionally, damage caused to other students’
instruments or the school’s instruments will require restitution from the student responsible.
Parents that are unable to pay these fees due to personal financial reasons may request a waiver. The
campus will use the information as it pertains to those students that are either on Free Lunch or
Reduced to make a determination on a waiver. Students that are unable to pay the
Maintenance/Usage fee will not suffer any consequences.
We recommend that students buy or rent instruments from violin shops with a certified luthier in
order to ensure quality instruments with a warranty included. These shops also provide supplies and
repairs. In San Antonio, the director recommends the following shops:
Terra Nova Violin
6983 Blanco Road
San Antonio TX 78216
(210) 349-4700
Antonio Strad Violin
10288 San Pedro
San Antonio TX 78216
(210) 349-9788
Alamo City Strings
12255 W. Avenue, Suite 4
San Antonio TX 78216
(210) 341-0500
Calendar (Tentative)
October 29, 2015
6:30 pm
Fall Concert
All Orchestra Students
Bush MS
November 7, 2015
1-4 pm
Region Auditions
Select 6th Graders
Hill MS
November 11, 2015
8:30 am
Veterans Day Concert Honors Orchestra
November 14, 2015
8-12 am
Region Auditions
Select 7th Graders
Lopez MS
November 14, 2015
1-4 pm
Region Auditions
Select 8th Graders
Lopez MS
December 8, 2015
TBD
PTA Holiday Concert
Honors Orchestra
Bush MS
Region Clinic/Concert
6th Grade Bravo Orchestra
December 11-12, 2015 PM/All Day
Bush MS
Tejeda MS/ Reagan HS
7th Grade Con Brio Orchestra
8th Grade Concertino Orchestra
December 15, 2015
6:30 pm
Holiday Concert
Symphony, Prelude, Reading,
Bush MS
Advanced, Beginning Students
February 6, 2016
8am-12pm
5th Grade Solo and
5th Grade Strings
Bradley MS
Ensemble
February 11-13, 2016
All Day
TMEA Convention
Ms. B.
Convention Center
March 8-10, 2016
TBD
UIL Competition
Honors and Symphony
April 13, 2016
7 pm
Evening With Strings
All Orchestra Students Blossom Athletic Center
April 30, 2016
All Day
Middle School Solo
Select 6th, 7th, 8th Graders
Driscoll MS
All Orchestra Students
Bush MS
TBD
and Ensemble
May 19, 2016
6:30 pm
Spring Concert
May, 2016
TBD
Spring Trips/ Contests All Orchestra Students
TBD
Supplies and Fees
We have a modest budget for providing clinicians and supplies for the orchestra department. However, in
order to pay for instrument maintenance and replacement, uniform cleaning and replacement, contest fees
(separate from UIL Solo and Ensemble fees), extra clinics, class t-shirts (separate from trip t-shirts), music
binders with pencil pouches and course books, participation in the Bush Middle School orchestra program
requires extra fees (one time per school year):
Program Fee, 2015-2016 School Year
All Students
$70
Polo Shirt
6th Grade Beginning and Advanced
$20
Formal Uniform Rental
Honors, Symphony, Prelude Students
$25
Instrument Rental Fee
6th, 7th and 8th Cello and Bass Students
$30
In order to have supplies for the classroom and for our trips and performances, we will accept donations of
facial tissue (such as Kleenex), water bottles, pencils and concert decorations throughout the year.
ALL money collected from students goes towards student expenses. In the event of a surplus, extra money will
go towards sessions/ clinics from guest artists, lessening the cost of trips, or providing dinner before evening
performances (for the performers). Parents may also email the director to suggest other uses of surplus
money.
Please make all checks payable to “Bush Middle School”.
Website
The Bush Middle School Orchestra website can be found at
http://bushmsorchestra.weebly.com/
On our website, you will find our Google Docs form for the beginning of the year
(https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1tqfKxLd29UiszI_tWS5KX6_0yYl_lBueFPXDxSd464/viewform?usp=send_form),
a list of helpful websites, a calendar of events, morning coaching passes, upcoming events, weekly topics, a list
of violin shops and other useful information.
Private Lessons and other Enrichment
There are many opportunities in San Antonio for students to improve their playing skills and musicianship.
First, students should listen to music as much as possible. YouTube is an endless source of classical, jazz,
country, rock and other kinds of music being played on stringed instruments. Some of my favorites are The
Piano Guys and NPR’s Tiny Desk concerts. Additionally, any public library branch has cd’s available to be
checked out at no cost. In the car, I listen to 88.3 FM for classical music (movie favorites on Saturday!).
Second, students should attend live performances. The brand-new Tobin Center (www.tobincenter.org) and
the Majestic Theater (www.majesticempire.com) often feature live performances that often include stringed
instruments, including performances by the San Antonio Symphony and YOSA (Youth Orchestras of San
Antonio). Don’t worry if you’re not into classical music- there are plenty of other alternatives; my favorite
concert of 2015 was the OK Computer Live, performed by YOSA, and next year I hope to see the San Antonio
Symphony play the music of Indiana Jones…while the movie is broadcast.
Finally, there are many qualified private lesson teachers in San Antonio for students who would like a one-onone opportunity to develop their tone, learn more technique, play music of their choosing and meet their
musical goals. Terra Nova Violin Shop and Antonio Strad Violin Shop both offer studios and teachers. For your
convenience, here is a list of teachers accepting new students in this area:
Violin
Christy Newman
(432) 889-2319
Can teach during the school day
Angela Wright
(210) 264-7816
Can teach during the school day
Gail Plaxico
(210) 872-0378
Tina Luna
(214) 734-7360
Viola
Jason Thibodeaux
(210) 889-8223
Emily Freudigman
(210) 363-9035
Gail Plaxico
(210) 872-0378
Cello
Aurelia Rocha
(210) 835-6306
Morgen Johnson
(231) 632-7700
Lydia Hurtado-Yanez
(210) 274-8323
Bass
Krystal
(210) 763-4734
Private lesson etiquette is very important. Please plan to be at all lessons ten minutes early, and call 24 hours
in advance if you must cancel. Also, students who practice what they have learned in their lessons are getting
the most out of their experience. Lessons are a process of learning, so most teachers won’t offer one or two
lessons “to catch up”.
Here are some good questions to ask if you contact a teacher:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
What is your availability or schedule?
What levels do you teach?
Where do you teach your lessons?
What is your fee?
What is your teaching philosophy or what method books do you use?
What are your expectations for students?
Do your students attend any outside musical activities?
Are you a professional musician?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions to make sure a teacher is right for you!
5th Grade Strings
Currently, Bush Middle School helps to coordinate an after-school opportunity for 5th Graders interested in
learning to play a musical instrument. The Bush MS Orchestra Director teaches students from Las Lomas
Elementary and Canyon Ridge Elementary (Monday and Wednesday at Las Lomas Elementary) and Stone Oak
Elementary (Tuesday and Thursday at Stone Oak Elementary). 5th Grade students perform once in the fall and
once in the spring, at Evening With Strings.
Forms
The following forms should be filled out by September 4, 2015. Failure to meet this deadline will result in three
“0” written assignment grade for the week. The forms are:






Student Media Release Form
Orchestra Fee Tabulation Form
Instrument Rental Form (for cello and bass players)
Student/Parent Fine Arts Acknowledgement Form
Student/Parent Agreement
Beginning of the Year Questionnaire on Google Docs
Additionally, throughout the year you should expect your student to bring home a newsletter every month
(August/September is one newsletter and May/June is one newsletter) and a permission slip about a week
before every scheduled performance for his or her group.
Any other information will be posted on our orchestra website: www.bushmsorchestra.weebly.com