Orchestra Handbook
Dear Orchestra Parents and Students,
We are very pleased to have you as part of our Red Mountain High School
Orchestra Program. In this handbook you will find answers to most of your
questions concerning this year’s orchestra activities.
INTRODUCTION
Orchestra is a Fine Arts elective in which the members will explore the musical
literature of the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary periods. This
will be done in both String Orchestra and Full Orchestra formats. Opportunities
will exist for the members to further their musical development through
participation in additional activities.
Our expectations for our program are high. We enjoy and strive to
maintain a fine reputation. With this high standard of excellence comes an
expectation of considerable effort and some sacrifice. To ensure the success of
our orchestra program, certain rules, expectations, and areas of responsibility
must be set. This handbook outlines these areas and will aid the students to
attain personal satisfaction from participating in our groups.
THOUGHTS ON Music Education (Credit: Various sources)
1. All students can become better musicians.
2. Learning new techniques is sometimes challenging. A positive attitude is
essential for success. Every small step should be encouraged.
3. Every student learns at his or her own rate. Do not think of the study of a
musical instrument as a contest! We are building a foundation for the
future.
4. Practice does not make perfect. Practice makes permanent. Let’s make it
“Perfect Practice!”
5. Music is vital – one of the greatest things humanity has ever created.
Having an aesthetic experience with music is a uniquely enriching part of
life.
Music, just like life, has its ups and downs. Celebrate the up times and weather
the down times. Never give up.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction
2. Tips for Success
3. Instruments
4. School Instrument Usage
5. Locks and Lockers
6. Concert Dress
7. School Activity Conflicts
8. No Pass No Play Policy
9. Lettering in Orchestra
10. Calendar
11. Finances
12. Grading Policy, Smart Music
13. House Rules
14. News Feed Information
CLASSES
We have five orchestras at RMHS from entry level to the most advanced.
The Full Symphony is the flagship orchestra in our program and performs
standard symphonic literature at concerts and several festivals each year.
The string section of this orchestra is limited to members from Chamber
and Symphonic Strings Orchestras. Winds, brass and percussion audition
to become members. Full Symphony Orchestra often travels in the spring
representing RMHS. The class is team-taught by Mr. Haggard, Mr. Wedge
and Mr. Atchison and meets during A hour between 2-3 times per week.
The Chamber Orchestra is our most advanced string orchestra and
membership is by audition. Members of Chamber Orchestra also are
expected to participate and be a member in good standing in the Full
Symphony class. (Good standing would include be not be limited to full
participation in A hour rehearsals and preparation of all Full Symphony
music.) Chamber Orchestra is the most active orchestra in our program
and participates in several festivals throughout the year in addition to
traditional concerts held at Red Mountain High School. All Chamber
Orchestra students are expected to audition for Region Orchestra in
January and also prepare the music for the All-State audition.
Symphonic Strings Orchestra : Members of Symphonic Strings
Orchestra also are expected to participate and be a member in good
standing in the Full symphony. (Good standing would include but not be
limited to full participation in A hour rehearsals and preparation of all Full
Symphony music.) Symphonic Strings Orchestra is an active orchestra in
our program and participates in several festivals throughout the year in
addition to traditional concerts held at Red Mountain High School. All
Symphonic Strings Orchestra students are expected to audition for Region
Orchestra in January.
Symphonic Pops Orchestra : Members of Symphonic Pops Orchestra
also must be selected by audition. Symphonic Pops Orchestra is an active
orchestra in our program and participates ABODA Fall Orchestra Festival
and Eastern Arizona College Large Group Festival each year in addition to
traditional concerts held at Red Mountain High School.
Concert Orchestra : There is no audition needed to become a member of
Concert Orchestra. Concert Orchestra is an active orchestra in our
program and participates ABODA Fall Orchestra Festival and Eastern
Arizona College Large Group Festival each year in addition to traditional
concerts held at Red Mountain High School.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
1. PRIVATE LESSONS are essential to success on an instrument. High
school orchestra classes are performance-oriented and it is difficult to
individualize attention to the extent that some students require. Private
lessons give the student the edge that many times makes the difference
between success and discouragement.
2. PRACTICING, PRACTICING, PRACTICING, PRACTICING!!!!
All orchestra students must spend time practicing at home. PRACTICING
IS ORCHESTRA HOMEWORK.
3. EXTRA-CURRICULAR PERFORMING GROUPS: Participation in large
performing groups have proven to be very beneficial to our orchestra
students groups such as the Phoenix Symphony Youth Orchestras, the
Tempe Symphony, Scottsdale Community College Orchestra, MCC
Orchestra, East Valley Youth Symphony, and Metropolitan Youth Symphony
(9th graders only) to name a few, all provide great performing experience.
INSTRUMENTS
Most instruments are individually owned. We do our best to protect their
security; individual lockers will be assigned wherever possible. The 2012-2013
school year will be especially crowded, so many instruments will be assigned to a
storage place in the classroom. Students are strongly encouraged to keep their
instruments locked in their lockers. In case of loss or damage, it will be
necessary to have a record of make, model, and serial number. There is no
school insurance. Be sure to check with your homeowner’s policy to determine
the coverage on your instrument. Students will need to provide their own strings
as well as repair from accidents.
Whether you use a school instrument or your own, remember that it is important
to loosen your bow after you have finished playing, and wipe rosin off your
instrument. Playing condition of the instruments should always be top quality.
Strings should be changed several times during the year, and bow hair should be
changed at least once a year. At the high school level, students should not play
with fiberglass hair or with steel strings.
Keep fingernails as short as necessary to maintain accurate pitch and to facilitate
shifting. Sculptured nails are very detrimental to string technique and should be
removed, or shortened to” sports” length) as soon as your important function is
over. They should never be worn for performances so please plan accordingly.
They can also destroy your strings. Nails can indirectly hurt an orchestra
student’s grade by not allowing them to play up to their full potential, and
interrupting the learning process.
SCHOOL INSTRUMENT USAGE
Red Mountain High has a number of instruments that are loaned to students
upon approval of the director. These instruments are violas, cellos and string
basses. Each students is to provide their own accessories such as shoulder
rests, mutes, rosin, dust cloth, rock stops and spare strings. School instruments
will be released to take home only when the Property Control paperwork has
been completed, signed by a parent and returned to the orchestra teacher.
Students who are using school instruments are responsible for the instrument for
the year as if it was their own. This includes keeping the instrument and bow
clean and protecting it from any sort of harm. Students will also be expected to
replace strings on these instruments as they become worn or broken. See Mr.
Haggard to check out a school instrument!
LOCKS AND LOCKERS
For the people assigned lockers: Orchestra lockers are for the purpose of storing
musical instruments and equipment. Please do not store non-music items in your
music locker. Never, under any circumstances, are you to play someone
else’s instrument without their permission. This includes the piano and
guitars in our room. We take this very seriously.
CONCERT DRESS
All men are required to wear a black tuxedo, white tuxedo shirt, black bow tie,
black cummerbund, black dress socks and black dress shoes. NO ATHLETIC
SHOES.
All women are required to wear the black prescribed orchestra dress, black
closed-toe (appropriately dressy) shoes and black stockings. If you wear jewelry,
it must be very conservative. I don't recommend wearing rings while playing
stringed instruments. Don’t wear necklaces or earrings that will touch your
instrument. This is detrimental for your instrument and can
make loud noises! Ladies will be measured at school by the dresses
vendor. Separate paperwork including an order form will be available on the
website soon.
Wear your concert dress appropriately. For example, don't wear what you're
going to change into after performing underneath! It is unprofessional, and
unsightly when jeans show from underneath tux pants or a dress. We take pride
in how we look on stage.
Remember: Performances are 35% of your grade, and failure to wear the
appropriate uniform may result in your inability to participate in the performance,
resulting in a zero for a performance grade!
SCHOOL ACTIVITY CONFLICTS
If you are involved with other activities at RMHS that have time commitments
outside of school hours, check your schedule at the beginning of the semester
(or as soon as possible. For example, you wont know if your team will be in the
playoffs until it happens.) Students involved in other activities at RMHS who find
they have a time conflict with rehearsals or performances need to:
 Tell the teacher right away - long before the conflict
 Assess the relative importance of each activity, remembering that our
concerts are few and are the one-time presentation of several weeks of
work. Remember that you are an important member of our team.
 Consider the compromises. Can you do part of each activity?
 Job commitments are not excusable - get the day off. School is important any boss will understand that. Give them notice! (Generally two weeks is
acceptable)
 The absence must be excused in writing from the other teacher/coach.
 Last minute notification may not be excusable.
 Excused absences must be made up with an alternate assessment
 Requests for absences will be reviewed and excused per Mr.
Haggard
NO PASS NO PLAY
The State of Arizona has in force a “no pass-no play” policy that affects the music
program as well as athletics. This policy as interpreted by the Mesa School
Board is as follows:
You are ineligible if you:
1. Fail any class
2. Pass less than five (5) classes, unless you are a senior on track to
graduate.
The State Board of Education now requires that cumulative grades be used to
determine ineligibility. The grades that will now be used to determine ineligibility
will be the First Quarter grade, the First Semester grade, the Third Quarter grade
and the Second Semester grade.
The State Board of Education will now allow students to regain eligibility at a
point in time identified by each individual district. Mesa has decided
that progress reports will be used to allow students to regain
eligibility. Also, sophomores and juniors should be aware that they must carry
a minimum of five credit hours to be considered eligible.
Ineligible students are unable to participate in any sort of festival, whether it is
Regionals, where our students play as individuals in the regional honor
orchestra, or whether it is a large group festival where our own orchestras
perform.
LETTERING IN ORCHESTRA
It is an honor to receive a Varsity Letter for your participation in orchestra. A
Letter signifies that you have gone “above and beyond” the requirements of the
class. There will be students who receive perfect grades in orchestra and do not
receive a Letter. A Letter shows that you have put in extra time and effort.
In order to letter in Orchestra, a student must FIRST:
1. Be in Orchestra for three consecutive semesters. A student may be
eligible for a letter after two consecutive semesters if they were members
of All State in 9th grade.
2. Maintain an “A” average in orchestra for three consecutive semesters.
3. Have no unexcused absences from performances.
4. Show exemplary attitude and behavior
5. Be in good financial standing with the group
6. Complete a letter of application and state what you have contributed to
our group.
7. Audition for Regionals and participate or participate in Solo and Ensemble
FINANCES
The Orchestra General Fund:
Some of our fundraisers will supply funding for our General Fund. Due to budget
cuts, programs aren't given funding by the district like they were in the past.
Fundraisers that go toward the general fund will pay for things like:
 Large Group Festival entry fees
 Music
 Awards
 Clinicians
 Music and folders for invitational concerts
 Etc. etc.
If you have business connections that give or match donations, or if you need a
tax credit, please let us know. The money would be greatly appreciated. We
thank you in advance because, without this generosity, we would be unable to
provide the wide variety of excellent musical experiences we have in recent
years. The State of Arizona has very specific guidelines for the use of these
donations, but they still greatly benefit our groups. We have forms for this
purpose and the donations need to be specifically directed to the RMHS
Orchestras, or we do not receive them.
GRADES
THERE ARE IN-CLASS AND OUT-OF-CLASS EXPECTATIONS. STUDENTS
ARE GRADED ON BOTH IN AND OUT-OF-CLASS REQUIREMENTS.
Grading Policy
Class Participation (30%)
If students abide by class expectations, they will receive three points daily for
class participation. Class expectations are:
1. Be on time with all class materials ready.
2. Be respectful to all persons and property.
3. Be attentive.
4. Actively participate in all class rehearsals, exercises, discussions, and
otherwise follow directions.
Students earn points daily when all of the expectations are followed. Absences
excused from the administration will be taken into consideration. Unexcused
absences will be worth zero points for the day. A-hour, lunch, after-school, and
sectional rehearsals are to be considered classes in which all of these same
expectations apply. Please remember: One person’s absence affects the
entire orchestra!
Quizzes/Assessments/Assignments/Exams (25%)
Most of the material for playing tests will be taken from the music we are learning
in class, but expect some additional graded studies.
Playing Exams will be assessed based on the following:
1. Intonation and accuracy of notes
2. Rhythm and continuity of performance
3. Technique (playing in positions, shifting, vibrato, bow control, string
crossings and tone).
4. Musicality (dynamics, tempo, phrasing, style, articulation)
Homework/Practice Logs (10%)
Performances (35%)
Performances are like quarter projects in orchestra. Participation
in all performances (festival, concert, or otherwise) is mandatory. Unexcused
absences from any performance will result in a quarter grade of D or below.
Appropriate Concert Dress is a requirement (see concert dress section). More
information about what exactly your "assignment" for our performances will be
will come as the dates get closer.
Absences:
 Family emergencies and illness are the only acceptable excused
absences from concerts. A note from a parent must be submitted.
 If any exams are missed due to excused absences from school, two days
will be allowed for missed exams to be made up.
 Excused absences, including those for concerts, must be made
up. See “Make-up Work” section.
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Unexcused absences for concerts may include but are not limited to :
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Failure to get off work. (Show your concert schedule to your boss at work
as soon as possible). Bosses are usually very cooperative if given
enough advance warning that you will miss work on a future date.
Homework
Baby-sitting
Transportation problems (talk with your fellow students to arrange a
ride)
Forgetting music or instrument
Accepting other commitments after the concert calendar is published in
August
Arriving in anything other than prescribed concert uniform.
You are part of our team! We want you there with us at our performances!
Extra Credit
Extra Credit opportunities will be available throughout the year. If you think you
may need some extra credit, speak with Mr. Haggard and see if something can
be worked out.
"House Rules"
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We follow the sweep policy if you are not in the classroom when the
bell rings. Be in your seat, instrument in hand within two minutes.
No food in the class - lets treat our room like a professional rehearsal or
recording studio.
No drinks except for water in class (PLEASE do bring water - we live in
a desert after all)
*****Don't forget to subscribe to the Orchestra News Feed on Mr.
Haggard's main page to receive important updates! We look forward to a
wonderful year of music making at Red Mountain High!
Orchestra Contract
I have read and agree to follow the expectations set in the orchestra handbook.
Student Signature______________________________________________________________date_________
Parent Signature______________________________________________________________date_________