Honey Creek Middle School
Orchestra Handbook
2015-2016
Honey Creek Middle School
6601 S Carlisle St, Terre Haute, IN 47802
Orchestra Director: Nathan Simpson
Email: nps@vigoschools.org
Phone: 812-462-4372
honeycreekmusic.weebly.com
PLEASE READ THOROUGHLY.
KEEP THIS HANDBOOK FOR THE ENTIRE SCHOOL YEAR. Please refer to it prior to
contacting the director. Your answer may be found inside.
Please sign and return the enclosed handbook Acknowledgement of Receipt by
Friday, August 21, 2015.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Please note that any changes to this handbook for this school year will be sent home
in the form of a handout/letter, email, and/or put on the orchestra website. Any
updates or changes will void the information in this handbook.
Welcome/Classroom Procedures…………………...………………..……..………3
Grades/Practice Sheets/How to Practice …………………….….………………….4
How Parents Can Help/Participation/Assessment ………….…..……………….....5
Performances/Instrument Rental/Repair……………………….....……………...6-7
What to Bring to Class/Concert Attire/ISSMA Organizational Contest.………..…8
Solo & Ensemble Contest/ Private Lessons/ HCMS Music Department
Website…….………………………………………………………………...……..9
Concert Calendar and Important Events …………………….………….……...…10
Orchestra Handbook Acknowledgement of Receipt…(Signatures Required)….11-12
Dear HCMS Orchestra Members and Parents,
Welcome back to an exciting year in the Honey Creek Middle School Orchestra Program!
I am excited that you have chosen or are continuing to be a part of the orchestra program and look
forward to a year filled with educational, musical, and fun experiences!
I have put together this handbook to let you know what I will be expecting from students
in orchestra this year. Please read through the handbook carefully, sign the form at the back, and
return it to school.
I would like to encourage your input. If you have any questions or comments please feel
free to contact me with any questions at nps@vigoschools.org
Sincerely,
Nathaniel Simpson
HCMS Orchestra Director
CLASSROOM PROCEDURES
Making music is a lot of fun! However, as you know it also involves a lot of hard work. With your help,
we can establish and maintain the right kinds of attitudes and the best possible musical habits. It is
important that we as musicians understand and practice proper classroom procedures in order for each of
us to receive the maximum benefit from the rehearsal.
Classroom Rules and Expectations:
 Students are to enter the classroom in a mature manor that does not disrupt other classes
or impose potential damage to others, classroom equipment, and instruments.
 Students are expected to be in their assigned seats with ALL required materials at the
start of each class period. Missing materials may effect participation scores.
 Instrument cases are to be left in the back of the room, not by your seat. This is for the
safety of you and those around you. We have very limited floor space!
 No gum, food, or drink is permitted in the orchestra classroom.
 Never touch instruments or classroom equipment that does not belong to you or you have
not been given permission to use. This is again, for your safety!
 Chairs and stands are to be treated respectfully. Please do not write on them.
 LASTLY…. Have fun! 
Consequences:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Warning
Teacher-Student Conference
Phone call to parent
Conference with parent, student, & teacher
Office referral
Violation of classroom procedures will be handled according to the school-wide discipline
program.
GRADES
Grades will consist of the following parts:




Participation- 30%
Playing/Performance Checks- 15%
Concert/Rehearsal Attendance- 45%
Written Quizzes/Test- 10%
PRACTICE
Progress on a musical instrument depends a great deal on what is achieved during daily home
practice sessions. Instrumental music students will have an instrument locker at school for
storage during the school day, but instruments should go home each evening. Practice charts are
used for students to keep track of his/her practice time at home.
Practice sheets will be collected each week. With our alternating schedule, practice sheets will
be due either on Thursday or Friday of each week. Students will be notified of the due date on
their practice sheets. The following tips are given to help students practice at home:
HOW TO PRACTICE:
1. Study it.
2. Count it out loud. (If you say it, you can play it)
3. Say/Name the notes. (If you say it, you can play it)
4. Finger the notes. (This helps with connecting note on the page to the finger to
be used to play the note on the fingerboard).
5. Play it! Start each line slowly with a feeling of good rhythm. Tap your foot.
Repeat the part of the line that is difficult. Write in the counting on difficult
parts. Increase your speed only after you can play it perfectly.
6. AFTER YOUR PRACTICE, WRITE YOUR MINUTES ON YOUR PRACTICE
SHEET.
7. Before turning your practice sheet in, MAKE SURE THAT A PARENT OR
GUARDIAN HAS SIGNED YOUR PRACTICE SHEET.
ORCHESTRA PARENTS: YOU CAN HELP!
Playing an orchestra instrument involves an investment of both time and money. In order
for your child to be successful it is important that you offer encouragement and support.
Your child will catch on to some things very easily. There will be times when your child
finds a technique or concept to be difficult to learn. There were times in my education when
I felt like tossing my flute out the window! Thankfully I had supportive parents who
encouraged me to see it through. Besides giving your child moral support, you can help
your child develop good practice habits. Here are some suggestions on how to help your
child achieve good practice habits:
1. HAVE A SET TIME TO PRACTICE EACH DAY.
a. Help your child make a wise choice about when this time will be.
2. PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE PLACE TO PRACTICE.
a. Your child should have a straight chair to sit on and ample lighting.
3. HELP MAKE PRACTICE TIME FREE OF INTERRUPTIONS.
4. ASK YOUR CHILD TO PLAY THE ORCHESTRA MUSIC FOR YOU.
a. If you are not able to monitor your child’s practice, ask him/her to make a
recording for you to listen to on your way to work!
5. HAVE PATIENCE IN REMINDING YOUR CHILD TO PRACTICE DAILY.
6. MAKE MUSIC A FAMILY ACTIVITY.
a. Take your child to hear a concert. Purchase CDs or recordings of good musical
performances.
7. ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD.
a. Hey, that sounds great!
PARTICIPATION
Each student should come to class with all materials and actively participate throughout the
rehearsal. Materials include: all orchestra music, instrument (in good playing condition), a
pencil, and any other accessories needed to play the instrument (rosin, cleaning cloth, etc.).
Points will be deducted from the participation grade for missing materials and non-participation.
ASSESSMENT
Written and playing tests will be given periodically to assess each student’s progress. These tests
may or may not be announced in advance.
PERFORMANCES
Performing is a very important part of orchestra class. If someone is missing from the group it
hurts the entire group's performance. Every person is important and their contribution is valued.
Attendance at all performances is required. Excused absences include illness (bring a doctor’s
note when returning to school) or a death in the family. If a student has a conflict between two
school-sponsored extra – curricular activities the student may choose to participate in either event
without penalty or alternate assignment. Contest/performances will have priority over practice.
Please mark these dates on your calendar! Dates and times are subject to change. You will be
notified of any changes well in advance. An unexcused absence will result in a TWO LETTER
grade reduction for the grading period.
INSTRUMENTS
Students will be expected to keep their instruments in their assigned locker. Please keep a record
of your instrument’s serial number at home. We have had instruments misplaced in the past and
you must know the brand and model number as well as the serial number in order for us to locate
it. Please make sure your name, address and telephone number are on your instrument tag.
SCHOOL-OWNED INSTRUMENTS
Students are highly encouraged to rent instruments from Paige’s Music. In the event of financial
difficulties, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Simpson to arrange an alternate plan. The
school supplies in-class cellos and basses to cello and bass students so they do not have to haul
their instruments back and forth. However, cello and bass students are required to rent home
instruments for practice outside of school and use at the concerts. As students grow, it is
important to consult Mr. Simpson before changing to a larger instrument. Mr. Simpson will work
with your child as he/she grows. For any student who uses school instruments: any damages
incurred while the instrument is in the possession of the student will be billed directly to the
parents of the student. It is critical these instruments are well cared for.
RENTALS, REPAIRS, AND ACCESSORIES
Paige's Music sends a representative weekly to deliver items ordered and to pick up and return
instruments for repair. If you are still renting your instrument from Paige's, it is under warranty
and most repairs will be made free of charge; if not a bill will be sent to you. If you need a repair,
we will help you fill out the repair tag. Parents, please notify Paige’s if you need a loaner
instrument while your child’s instrument is being repaired. If you need an accessory, call Paige's
at 1-800-382-1099 and they will deliver the accessory the following delivery day.
ITEMS ORCHESTRA STUDENTS NEED EVERY DAY




Your orchestra instrument in good working condition
Your music (not that of your stand partner)
Music Folder (provided by school)
Method Book (These are now a part of your school book fees; If you lose your method
book you will be expected to purchase a new one. Keep your name on it.)
 A pencil for marking music (do not use pen)
 Shoulder rest or sponge with rubber band for violins/violas
 Rosin for bow
REMEMBER: failure to bring these items will affect your grade.
CONCERT ATTIRE
Attire for all Orchestra Concerts, unless otherwise noted, is BLACK AND WHITE. Students
should wear a nice white dress shirt or blouse, black dress pants or skirt, and black dress shoes.
Tennis shoes and jeans are not acceptable attire and students will not be allowed to perform in
them. Please keep in mind all school dress code rules apply. Students not dressed in performance
attire may be dismissed from the concert, thus receiving a zero for the event.
ISSMA ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEST
The Seventh/Eighth Grade Orchestra is adjudicated every year in the Indiana State School Music
Association’s organizational orchestra contest. We receive excellent feedback regarding our
playing. The orchestras perform either on Friday night or Saturday during the third weekend in
March. We will not know the exact times until approximately two weeks prior to the contest
date. This is the most important activity of the entire school year. Please mark your
calendars immediately
SOLO AND ENSEMBLE
Solo and Ensemble is typically held in late January or early February. All students are
encouraged to participate in a solo or an ensemble or both. If your orchestra student decides to do
a solo, private lessons are REQUIRED. The student is responsible for obtaining a piano
accompanist, if one is needed. We will also assist students in locating accompanists. The cost is
$13.00 per solo, $13.00 for piano solo, and $7.00 per student participating in ensembles. A
student will not be permitted to perform two solos on the same instrument. Parents will receive
more information regarding solo and ensemble as the date approaches. Transportation to and
from the site will be the parent/guardian’s responsibility. Bus transportation will not be provided.
Solo and Ensemble for the middle school level will be located at Woodrow Wilson Middle
School this year.
PRIVATE LESSONS
All orchestra students are encouraged to take private lessons on their instrument outside of
school. This will greatly enhance our program and accelerate each student’s ability on his/her
instrument. Lessons may be taken through the following sources:
ISU Community School of the Arts
Petra Nyendick, Director
Phone: (812) 237-2575
Email: petra.nyendick@indstate.edu
Website: http://www.unboundedpossibilities.com/community-school-of-the-arts.aspx
HCMS Music Department Website  Private Instructors
HCMS MUSIC DEPARTMENT WEBSITE
To stay informed on the most current events and details regarding the HCMS orchestra program,
please visit the music department website listed below:
www.honeycreekmusic.weebly.com
Orchestra Schedule 2015-2016
October 15
Beginning Band, Orchestra, Choir
Concert
Main Gym
October 28
8th Grade ONLY “String Thing” Concert
West Vigo HS
December 9
Orchestra and Mixed Choir Concert (All
Groups Perform)
Main Gym
January 30
ISSMA District Sol/Ensemble Contest,
Vocal/piano
North HS
February 6
ISSMA District Sol/Ensemble Contest,
Instrumental
North HS
March 11/12
ISSMA Concert Contest (more info to
come)
Woodrow Wilson
Middle School
May 18th
Orchestra and Mixed Choir Concert (All
Groups Perform)
Main Gym
Concerts will be held at Honey Creek beginning at 6pm unless otherwise noted. Contest
performance times will be announced as soon as they are received, typically about 2 weeks in
advance. Any changes to the schedule will be sent out in a separate notice well in advance.
Student and Parent/Guardian Information Sheet
Student’s Name:______________________________ M/F:__ Birthdate:_____________
Student’s Email:______________________________ Student’s Phone #:_____________
Grade:______________
List any additional extracurricular activities:
Parent #1
Name:_________________________________________________Relationship:_____________
Email:________________________________________ Phone #:_________________________
Secondary Phone #:______________________________
Parent #2
Name:_________________________________________________Relationship:_____________
Email:________________________________________ Phone #:_________________________
Secondary Phone #:______________________________
Orchestra Handbook
Acknowledgement of Receipt
We hereby acknowledge that we have received a copy of the 2015-2016 Orchestra Handbook for
review. We have read the handbook and agree to comply with its provisions.
Please complete this form fully.
__________________________________
Student Name Printed
_________________________________
Student Signature
______________________________
Parent Name Printed
_________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
______________________________
Parent Name Printed
__________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
__________________________
Phone Number
_____________________________________
Parent Email Address
Date __________________
Grade ______
Please Circle the day your class meets:
2/3
Period _______
3/2
Please return this form by Friday, August 21, 2015. 10 points