BRANDON VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA
COURSE SYLLABUS FALL 2014 – SPRING 2015 – SEMESTER 1 & 2
REHEARSALS: Monday – Friday, 3rd period, 9:53 – 10:45
LOCATION: Orchestra Room (Room 111)
INSTRUCTOR: Ms. Shelly Berg
OFFICE PHONE: 582-3211
E-MAIL: Shelly.Berg@k12.sd.us
OBJECTIVES:
1. To perform string orchestra music of various styles, genres, and periods that represent traditional as well as contemporary performance practices.
2. To further develop musicianship through playing a stringed instrument.
3. To provide opportunities for student to acquire additional knowledge in pedagogy, conducting, music history, theory and notation.
4. To develop an understanding of and appreciation for the process of musical experience.
5. To create a framework in which the creative expressiveness of each individual can be developed and encouraged through the collaborative process of string orchestra rehearsals and performance opportunities.
GRADED ASSESSMENT ACTIVITIES:
1. Rehearsals 7. Theory and Notation Drills
2. Concert Attendance & Performances 8. Lessons
3. Out-of-Class Practice 9. Before or After school Sectionals
4. Scale Proficiency 10. Written Assignments
5. Music Excerpt Proficiency 11. Musical Composition
6. Portfolio
GRADING:
Each member will be expected to actively pursue mastery of the technical and musical aspects of selected music. The instructor will assign grades for individual progress in the above stated Assessment areas. Grades assigned will reflect the individual’s progress toward goals outlined for each area.
Quarter grades will be based on the following elements:
40% participation: daily grade and practice/preparation
25% concert-related participation; examples: sectionals, dress rehearsals
35% playing tests/written activities
9th grade students will be required to attend a weekly lesson.
Participation is the largest portion of the course grade. Participation includes a daily grade which is earned when the student participates fully and comes ready to learn. Ready to learn looks like: student is in their seat with instrument, music, portfolio, pencil, and ready to tune at 2 minutes after the tardy bell. A total of 2 points may be earned each day. Excellence in playing an instrument comes not only from the rehearsal; but also in what a student does in preparation at home for rehearsal. Therefore, students will have planned playing tests and unplanned preparation spot checks.
Recovery options will be made available to students because of illness or unforeseen events. Opportunity to earn extra credit through recovery options is by approval of the instructor.
Orchestra Seating and Playing Tests
Playing tests will be held throughout the school year. Students will receive written evaluations. Students are tested on excerpts from the concert repertoire and on assigned etudes and scales. Grading and scale assignments are differentiated according to grade level. The role of a section leader is very important and will be awarded based on playing ability and demonstrated leadership skills. All sections will utilize rotating seating for rehearsals on a weekly basis, with the exception of the section leaders. Rotating seating maximizes learning opportunities for all members of the section and fosters a greater individual contribution to the achievements of the section. Concert seating will be assigned on the basis of playing test performances. Challenges will be able to be done on Fridays to move seats.
Homework
Some written homework will be assigned, and is necessary to meet the course objectives, which include music history and theory concepts. More importantly orchestra students are unable to progress and meet the course objectives without a regular practice routine. This means that orchestra students often have more "homework" (playing instrument at home) than other students – however, it is very rewarding work! Students are expected to practice for a minimum of twenty to thirty minutes per day. Instrumental skills are physical and demand precise repetition for progress to occur.
Concert Attendance, Attire and Etiquette
Concert and dress rehearsal participation is MANDATORY. Exceptions to this will be considered on a case-by-case basis and must be submitted in writing to Mrs. Berg at least 2 weeks prior to the concert. All students must remain for the entire concert in which they are participating in order to receive credit for their attendance.
Concert dress and etiquette is necessary for a professional presentation and is part of the concert grade.
Ladies: Black dress blouses or tops (absolutely no sleeveless tops), black skirts (must be below the calf) or black dress pants, black shoes, dark or black stockings. A black dress may be worn if it meets the above criteria.
Gentlemen: Tuxedo or suit (black or dark navy) with white dress shirt. In lieu of a black jacket, a black dress shirt may be worn. Black socks, conservative tie, and black dress shoes.
Concert etiquette requires that students sit with the Orchestra before and after the performance in order to support the other ensembles in the department. It is appropriate to remain quiet during performances and to arrive promptly for all concerts and dress rehearsals. Concert grades reflect a student’s professionalism and decorum during every orchestra performance. Points will be deducted for tardiness, talking during performances or other disruptive behavior.
Orchestra Trips, special events and extra-curricular performances
The Orchestra functions as a class and also offers many extra-curricular activities that enrich the lives of students and contribute to the unique bonds among our members. The entire music department is invited to take part in a trip every third year. During the years without a department trip the Orchestra travels for adjudication and special performing opportunities to regional locations. Every effort is made to offer students fundraising opportunities in order to deposit funds into individual accounts toward participating in these trips. Trips are planned carefully to maximize safety and fun and are always organized according to the school districts policies. Throughout the year there are opportunities for students to participate in chamber ensembles and to perform in the community. We strongly recommend that parents and students take advantage of these events as they greatly increase the learning and satisfaction experienced by our students and also serve to foster the support we need and deserve from the community!
Orchestra Parents
The parents of orchestra students are cordially to participate in the “booster” organization designed to support the activities of the orchestra. Orchestra parents are regularly involved in fund-raising and service activities thereby adding valuable opportunities to the orchestra experience. Chaperones for our trips are typically recruited from our parent members. Meetings will be held during the school year on a weeknight and are open to any parent of a middle school or high school string student. Meetings and events are announced by newsletter. Please consider getting involved – it is a wonderful way to be involved in your student’s high school experience.
Final thoughts for parents and students
Participating in an orchestra is a very unique and special experience. It requires an investment of self and significant support from family members. It is an opportunity to experience a never-ending personal challenge and to live creatively as well as to foster close friendships with fellow musicians. Each member of the orchestra has a valuable part to play and I welcome the opportunity to work with your students and trust that they will gain much from being a part of this demanding and wonderful team! Making music is a source of great joy for me and I consider it a privilege to share it with my students and to see them become musicians in their own right.
Please contact me with any questions or concerns throughout the year:
582-3211 (high school)
376-3860 (cell/text)
High School String Orchestra
Benchmarks and Objectives
Course Overview
This course is open to all students in grades 9-12 with previous experience in playing a string instrument. Students will learn to become proficient performers on their respective instruments, as well as study and perform important orchestral literature. Comprehensive study will include theory, limited score analysis, improvisation, and music history. Students are required to participate in all orchestra activities, including performances outside of the school day.
Curriculum Benchmarks and Objectives
Rehearsal occurs daily and will be structured to allow participants to meet the following objectives:
Tone Quality
Rhythm and Bowing
Finger Patterns and Scales
Ear Training
Music Reading and Vocabulary
Music Theory and History
Practice Habits
Ensemble Skills