Site menu:

Middle 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. B, D, F)
    2. All students in the program will have small group lessons on a rotating schedule to work on music sections in the concert repertoire, method books, and other musical aspects.
    3. Any make-up work due to absences should be done during an activity period when you do not have a scheduled orchestra class or rehearsal.

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 middle 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 6th, 7th, & 8th 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.

6th Grade Orchestra Classes

Will be using the next method book in the series used in elementary school or Essential Elements 2000 Series Book 2 or 3 for your designated instrument. This book can be purchased at Nazareth Music Center or at www.jwpepper.com.

7th & 8th Grade Orchestra Classes

Will be using the Essential Elements for Strings Book provided in class for use, continue in your method book used in 6th grade, or other supplemental music and method technique builders.

We will also be using a book called Harmonizing Rhythms to help better enforce good intonation, playing together, and rhythm work. If you would need to purchase a book, you can purchase the book at Nazareth Music Center or J.W. Pepper.

In addition to the book assignments, the students will be given other supplemental materials that correlate to the music or techniques they are learning in class to reinforce their learning experience.

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:

PAC – Competition and Trip to Hershey Park or Dorney Park this year for the select group going
Trip Date – May 2009 – Official Date -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

6th & 7th Grade will be a Pass or Fail Grade
8th Grade will be a Numeric Grade (These grades are in correlation with the school grading policy.)

Changes / Revisions

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