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High School Handbook

Responsibilities

  1. Materials

    1. Each orchestra member will have their instrument for every class and rehearsal.
    2. Each orchestra member will have their music for every class and rehearsal.
    3. Orchestra members will have a PENCIL, in their orchestra folder, at all times.

  2. Performances

    1. Two required performances during the year – Winter and Spring Concerts
    2. Extra performances during the year on announcement

  3. Responsibilities

    1. Each student is responsible for having all materials for class or rehearsals.
    2. Students are responsible for learning their music, for class work, homework, and performances.
    3. If you are absent from class or a rehearsal, it is your responsibility to make up the work and check with the teacher or a classmate to see what you missed.
    4. Every student will be responsible to turn in a daily practice log at the beginning of the week – completed and signed by a parent.

  4. Attendance / Absences

    1. All rehearsals and performances are mandatory.
    2. If you are unable to make a rehearsal due to being ill, a doctor’s appointment, or a sports game, please contact the director to let them know about your absence.
    3. If you have sports practice the day of a rehearsal, come to rehearsal for the first part of the time and then to the sports practice the rest of the time.

  5. Class Schedule

    1. Orchestra Class meets on designated days of the 6 day cycle. (Ex. A, C, E) during the 3rd block.
    2. Any make-up work due to absences should be done after school or during a practice period designated in class.
    3. Rehearsals will be scheduled on a monthly calendar and posted for all students. These rehearsals will be after school or during the evening.

Instrument Rental

Students who do not own their own instruments should rent instruments from a music store (Ex. Nazareth Music Store or suggestions from teacher upon inquiry). The high school might have some larger instruments at the school for use during class time, but each student will be required to practice music and other materials at home daily.

Homework/ Books for Class

Every class (9th, 10th, 11th & 12th grade) will have daily assignments out of a Technique/Study book for class. The assignments will be graded on the last day of class for the week. Students will be expected to take the time and practice their homework assignments and the music repertoire for the concert season

All Orchestra Classes

We will be using a book called Fine Tuning which will be provided to you in class for use. Also, every class will be working on scales, techniques, and supplemental materials provided by your instructor during class. Assignments for homework will be given to you from these materials and copies will be provided to you for home use. Repertoire for the concerts will be handed out when school starts during the first few weeks and weekly assignments will be given to learn the music for class and the performances. All materials provided whether concert music or supplemental materials that correlate to the music or techniques will help to reinforce your learning experience in orchestra and on your instruments.

Concert Dates and Trip Information

Concert Dates are as follows for the year:

Winter Instrumental Concert:

In December Time and Date TBA

Spring Instrumental Concert:

In May Time and Date TBA

  • Report time for concerts will be 6:15 p.m.
  • Concert starts at 7:00 p.m.

Spring Trip:

Information to follow at a later date for the trip.

Concert Dress and Expectations

Concert Dress (Men and Women):

  • Black pants and White shirts (No T-shirts)
  • Black socks or hose
  • Dress shoes if possible (preferably no sneakers)

Concert Polo Shirts:

Every student will be required to purchase a concert polo shirt, which will be used for in school assemblies, school trips, and concerts within the community.

Attendance and Performance:

  • Students are required as part of the curriculum to be in attendance for the performance.
  • Appropriate behavior and professionalism for the concert are expected for all musicians performing.

All students are asked to assist in cleaning up after the concert, which includes returning music, chairs, instruments, and stands to the appropriate places after the performance is finished.

Grading Policy

Orchestra Classes will be graded on the following:

  1. Class Participation/Attendance
  2. Materials
  3. Homework Assignments
  4. Quizzes
  5. Performances
  6. Practice Logs

All students will be graded on a Numeric Grading System. (These grades are in correlation with the school grading policy.)

Fundraising

The orchestra will be participating in monthly fundraising activities to help raise money for trips, materials needed for the program, etc. A schedule of fundraising events will be provided to you with a schedule and the activity. These activities are scheduled to help reduce your cost for the trip if you help and participate in them. An account will be set up for each student indicating how much they have risen in funds and what their cost would be to go on the trips planned during their high school years.

Extra Ensembles

There will be opportunities for students to participate and perform in extra ensembles set up by the director. (Ex. a string quartet or a small string ensemble) These groups would perform for different functions around the surrounding areas, banquets in school, functions in Nazareth set up by a community group, etc.

Ensembles will meet to practice after school or during the evening. These groups are extra curricular and will require the student to be committed to the group for rehearsals and performances.

Audition and Rehearsal schedule will be announced at the beginning of the school year for these groups.

Changes / Revisions

If any changes occur, you will receive written notification and the handbook will be updated on the nastrings.org website.