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Herndon High Orchestra Guide for Students
The main focus of the HHS Orchestras program is to provide the student
with the opportunity to succeed. With this in mind, the following grading
system will be used to evaluate the progress of the students in the
orchestra program:
Student’s grades will be based on 100%, divided differently depending on
whether or not there is a performance during the grading period.
Grading periods with a performance:
35% -
Rehearsal Skills
25% - Classroom Procedures
15% - Tests/Playing Skills
25% -
Performance, Rehearsal Participation or Concert Review (only when not
participating in a performance)
Grading periods without a performance:
50% -
Rehearsal Skills
35% - Classroom Procedures
15% -
Tests/Playing Skills
The FCPS grading scale:
A = 94-100
B+ = 90-93
B = 84-89
C+ = 80-83
C = 74-49
D+ = 70-73
D = 64-69
F = 63 or below
REHEARSAL SKILLS
- Make all marks in music in pencil. (-2)
- Everyone must have his/her own music in rehearsal. (-3)
- Everyone must come with all necessary materials (extra strings,
rosin, shoulder pad violins, violas) (-3)
- Must demonstrate appropriate tone characteristic to your skill
level.(-3)
- Must follow verbal and/or physical conducting cues. (-5)
- Student has their own assigned music and pencil at all rehearsals.
(-5)
- Correct posture and playing position at all times. (-3 each)
- Remain quiet and attentive during rehearsals. (-5)
- Sleeping, reading, or studying during orchestra is not permitted.(-5)
- Watch the conductor.(-5)
- Unexcused absences from after-school rehearsals will result in a
deduction of points from quarterly grade.
- Playing evaluations (points for each playing test will be determined
at the time that the test is announced)
CLASSROOM PROCEDURES
- Arrive on time for class – be seated and prepared to tune one minute
after the bell with your instrument in good working order. (-3)
- Repeated misbehavior for talking or any other inappropriate behavior
will not be tolerated. (-5)
- May only play your own instrument or the instrument that was
assigned to you. (-5)
- Respect both school and privately owned instruments. (-5)
- Disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated towards any adult
supervision including faculty or volunteer staff. (-10)
- NO FOOD, BEVERAGES, OR CHEWING GUM are allowed in the orchestra room
or in the auditorium. (-5)
Students will be given a warning prior to deduction of points. If a
second transgression occurs, points will be deducted.
REQUIRED ACTIVITIES
- Concerts (be on time, prepared, and in proper attire)
- After school rehearsals (2 weeks notice will be given)
- Sectional rehearsals and master classes
- District Events (Festival)
Attendance is REQUIRED and ESSENTIAL during rehearsals, sectionals, and
concerts held after the school day. Employers must be notified in advance of
any conflicts with a work schedule. Please inform Ms. Gawinski of any
conflict with a performance at least two weeks in advance. Conflicts,
scheduled events, or other pre-arranged appointments (excluding emergencies)
not brought to the attention of the conductor two weeks before the scheduled
event will be considered unexcused. Attendance at rehearsals and
concerts will be graded as described in the grading policy. An
unexcused absence from a scheduled Concert will result in a failure for the
quarter. (Exceptions will be made on a case by case basis to
accommodate emergencies, etc.)
It is extremely important for both students and parents to realize that
orchestra does require extra commitments after school and in the evening
hours. Students are expected to be at all rehearsals and performances
to fulfill this responsibility and will be graded during these activities
Each student is to maintain a regular practice schedule. It is suggested
that students practice a MINIMUM of 5 hours per week. Many students
study privately in addition to orchestra class.
Practice time should be in ADDITION to study time (Orchestra rehearsals and
private lessons are considered study time). While we don’t do practice
charts at the high school level, playing tests will be used to find out if a
student is practicing. Practice time is essential to becoming a good
string player and maintaining excellent string playing!
The following description of proper rehearsal procedures is to be applied
to ALL rehearsals:
- Report to the orchestra room on time. Be seated and prepared
to tune one minute after the bell with your instrument in good working
order.
- If you are involved in an after-school activity (a school sponsored
sport or club, after-school help session), you must attend at least half
of the Orchestra Rehearsal. (See Required
Activities for further information.)
- Students are to come prepared to rehearsal with their instrument,
music, a pencil, and any items due on designated dates (i.e. rental
contracts, misc. forms, etc.).
- Once the director indicates that rehearsal is ready to begin,
students are to be seated in their section with talking and playing
stopped.
- Once tuning has been completed, FULL attention is to be given to the
director. At NO time are textbooks, personal notes, or other
unrelated items to be read during rehearsal, unless otherwise indicated
by the director.
- When the director is working with a section other than that of the
students, it is imperative that the students remain quiet and that they
listen to instructions given to ALL sections. Directions that
apply to one section may very well apply to another section!!!
Attendance is mandatory! These rehearsals are a continuation of class
requirements and should take priority over extra curricular activities or
work schedules. Missing entire rehearsals is unacceptable! Remember,
Orchestra is not a club, but a graded course. If you
are involved in an after-school activity (a school sponsored sport or club,
after-school help session), you must attend at least half of the Orchestra
Rehearsal. WORK SCHEDULES WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED AS AN EXCUSED
ABSENCE. Special circumstances and emergencies will be dealt with on an
individual basis. Attendance will be monitored and will be part of the
quarterly grade.
Performance Participation
Performance is the ultimate goal of any Orchestra. Therefore, attendance
IS REQUIRED at every performance. A performance is the equivalent of a major
unit exam in other subject areas, but because it is a group activity, it
cannot be made up. A student’s absence from a performance without a prior
note from his/ her parent will be considered unexcused, and subject to a
failing grade of zero for that activity.
According to Fairfax County Regulations, excused absences include:
- Student illness on day of concert
- Death in the family
- Doctor appointments
- Suspension
- Religious holidays
- Prearranged absences from school
A written excuse from the parent or guardian must be received by Ms.
Gawinski two (2) weeks before the concert date for doctor appointments,
religious holidays and prearranged absences.
If student illness is the reason for the absence, a note, voice mail, or
e-mail from the parent or guardian must be received by Ms. Gawinski
the day of the concert, the day after the concert, or the day the student
returns to school. To reach me by phone, call 703-810-2319 anytime 24 hours
a day, 7 days a week. To reach me by e-mail, my address is:
bette.gawinski@fcps.edu
In the case of an excused absence, the below Concert Review would
be assigned to make up for the performance absence, and the grade received
for the review would take the place of the performance grade for that
activity.
A performance is an opportunity for students to show their family and
friends how hard they have worked. It is important that families mark their
calendars as soon as possible. Your attention is called to Fairfax County’s
Department of Instrumental Service’s Program of Studies which states, “
... Orchestra offers students several performance opportunities and requires
rehearsal and performance outside of normal school hours.”
Because it is very important that students also learn to be excellent
audience members, points will be lost if students do not exhibit excellent
behavior while other groups are performing. Students are expected to stay
for the entire concert unless prior written notification has been given.
Note: It is rude and disrespectful to enter or exit the auditorium while
another group is performing. Please always wait until the audience is
applauding before entering or exiting any performance.
Concert Reviews
If a student is excused from a scheduled performance, another public
performance must be attended and a two page review must be written. The
review would be due by the end of the present grading period. “Pop” and
“Rock” concerts do not fulfill this requirement, and reviews of recordings
will not be accepted. The Concert Review grade will replace the Performance
Participation grade for all excused absences.
When working on the Concert Review, follow these guidelines:
- Include the following information: who, when, where, what
(music they played) and if you did or did not enjoy the concert
and why you did or did not enjoy the concert
- TYPE the review
- Attach the concert program to the review
The director will determine seating. Auditions may be given to determine
seating arrangements. The director will select audition material and the
material will be given prior to the audition unless it is a sight-reading
audition. The director may also and will alter seating arrangements to
achieve the highest level of performance of the entire orchestra.
Music must be kept in a music folder. Students will be charged CURRENT
prices for ANY lost or excessively damaged music. Students' names and the
number of the part of music are recorded every time music is assigned. ALL
WRITING ON ORIGINAL MUSIC MUST BE IN PENCIL. Students are responsible for
the parts assigned to them.
Keeping these supplies on hand will insure that every student is prepared
for every rehearsal and that every rehearsal is productive. Please check the
orchestra webpage for links when purchasing.
- Instrument in good repair (bridge at correct height, no open cracks)
- Bow in good repair (hair is plentiful and clean)
- Extra set of strings (most frequently broken strings are: A, E for
violin; A, D for viola; A, D for cello; and G for bass). If you use one
string out of the set, please replace it immediately so that a full set
is always on hand
- Rosin (bow before rehearsal begins)
- Pencil (at every rehearsal)
- Shoulder rest (violins, violas)
- Identification on instrument case - EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!
Concert dress at performances is just as important as playing well! A
uniform and well-dressed group makes a performance that much better! ALL
uniforms will be the same style. Students will be measured and orders
will
be taken through the Orchestra for items with an asterisk (*). Concert dress
is as follows:
LADIES
- Long Black Dress*
- Neutral Panty Hose
- Black Dress Shoes
MEN
- Black Tuxedo*
- White Tuxedo Shirt*
- Black Bow Tie*
- Black Cummerbund*
-
Black Socks Black Dress
- Shoes
* Must be ordered
through HOBO
Make sure everyone is aware or the Orchestra Calendar!!!
Mark personal calendars as well as the family calendar. All students are
expected to be in full attendance at ALL Orchestra functions IN BOLD LETTERS
ON THE CALENDAR. There may be
additions to the calendar (i.e. Spring Trips, weather-related make-up dates,
etc.). Advanced notice will be given when possible.
- Hornet Chamber Ensemble: The Herndon
High Hornet Chamber Ensemble is comprised of advanced string
orchestra students at Herndon High School. The Hornet Chamber
Ensemble performs at school and outside events. Members of the
Hornet Chamber Ensemble will be given the opportunity to form a string
quartets or small chamber groups to perform for various gigs that arise
during the school year. It is important that students who wish to
perform at these events participate in the rehearsals! A portion of the
money donated for these performances will be applied to the performers’
student accounts.
- Senior Solos: Each year, senior members of the orchestra have
the opportunity to perform a solo with the orchestra on the Spring
Concert. Seniors need to e-mail Ms. Gawinski with the name of their
piece and a date/time to play for her. The Spring Concert deadline for
this is NO LATER THAN MONDAY, NOV. 12. Selections will be
considered by Ms. Gawinski for musical content, performance, and
educational merit. If the piece is chosen to be performed in the Spring
Concert, the student will be asked to preview the performance in early
February (date TBA). If the student passes the preview, the piece will
be performed on the Spring Concert. This performance may count as part
of the final exam grade.
- Senior Regional Orchestra: This is a highly competitive
ensemble that is selected by audition in September, and rehearses and
performs during one weekend in November (registration and participation
fees apply).
- District Senior Orchestra: This is a competitive ensemble
that is selected by audition in November, and rehearses and performs
during one weekend in January (registration and participation fees
apply).
- Virginia All-State Orchestra: Students who participate in
Senior Regional Orchestra in November are eligible to audition for
All-State. The auditions are at JMU in February and the event is a three
day field trip in April.
- Solo and Ensemble Festival: This is a wonderful opportunity
for students to be adjudicated as a soloist or in a small ensemble
(participation and medal fees apply).
- Spring Musical: The entire Performing Arts Department
collaborates in a musical production. This requires a month-long
commitment of intense rehearsals, resulting in a rewarding performance
with a cast of many.
-
Private Lessons:
See Ms. Gawinski if you
are interested in receiving private instruction on your
instrument. A list of local teachers is
available. See Ms. Gawinski if you
are interested in offering after-school private lessons to
students. Your time can be credited to needed yearly Community Service hours.
- Youth Orchestras: There are several
youth orchestras in the area that meet weekly, many of which include
full orchestra. Auditions are typically in the spring; however some
orchestras have openings in the fall. Contact Ms. Gawinski if you are
interested (various annual tuition fees apply).
- Summer Music Camps: Music day and
resident camps are a great way for students to broaden their musical
horizons during the summer list. Some are local some are far away. But
be sure to start researching in April! Ms. Gawinski can offer
suggestions for students at all levels and interests.
The following awards will be given every year:
- Orchestra Letter, Pin,
and Bar
- National School Orchestra Award
- Orchestra Director's Award
- Personal Achievement Award (from each orchestra with Honorable
Mentions)
- Excellence in Orchestra (from each orchestra with Honorable
Mentions)
Parental guidance at home is crucial to the improvement of the orchestra
players. The following are roles of each parent:
- Attending student's performances - A MUST!
- Support of student at performances.
- Supervision of students' practice habits.
- Make sure student arrives to performances and rehearsals on time!
- Monitor student's attendance at after school rehearsals.
- Call the director with concerns.
- Help with Orchestra Activities (costume fittings, concerts, trips,
etc.)
- Suggest ideas to the director that will benefit the orchestra.
- Become an active part of the Herndon Orchestra
Boosters Organization
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