Herndon Middle Orchestra
Guide for Students
Before Rehearsal:
-
Get a drink of water (if needed) & enter room
quietly.
- Be on time to class, get instrument & sit in assigned seat.
- Place pencil & music on the stand.
- Unpack, tighten and rosin the bow.
- Place instrument case under seat (large instruments: near your seat
in open area).
- Tune on your own
- Students who need replacement music will get it from Ms. Gawinski before or
after rehearsal.
During Rehearsal:
- Rehearsal begins 3 minutes after the class bell rings.
- Instruments will remain in rest position except when Ms. Gawinski
asks you to play.
- No talking unless given direct permission to do so.
- Raise your hand if you have a question and wait until called upon.
- Treat each other and the director with respect. ALSO – Respect
both school and privately owned instruments; if it doesn’t belong to
you, do not touch it!!!!
- Sit to the front of the chair with a straight back when playing.
- There will be no water breaks, so be sure to get a drink before
coming to Orchestra.
After Rehearsal:
- Remain in your seat until Ms. Gawinski dismisses you.
- Put your chair and stand back in original position and clean up
around your area.
- Pack up instrument & put it in your Orchestra locker.
- You may talk quietly with each other.
- Orchestra room doors will remain closed and all students will stay
in the Orchestra room until the dismissal bell rings.
REPRESENT THE HMS MUSIC DEPARTMENT IN A POSITIVE MANNER AT ALL TIMES !!!!
The student’s grade is 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% = Practice Charts
Completion of practice charts
─ 130 – 140 minutes/week = A
─ 119 – 129 minutes/week = B
─ 103 – 118 minutes/week = C
─ 90 – 102 minutes/week = D
25% = Concerts/Concert Preparation (attendance at performances and
rehearsals), OR
Concert Reviews–only when not participating in a
performance.
Attendance at rehearsals and performances is mandatory.
NOTE: The director must be notified of absences from all events by a
written note from a parent prior to the event. Emergency absences
will be dealt with on an individual basis.
GRADING PERIODS WITHOUT A PERFORMANCE
50% = Rehearsal Skills
25% = Practice Charts
25% = Tests
Please Note: There is no concert scheduled during the first quarter.
Students will be assigned projects to be collected and graded instead of the
usual concert attendance grade.
The FCPS
grading Scale:
A = 94–100
B+ = 90–93
B = 84–89
C+ = 80–83
C = 74–79
D+ = 70–73
D = 64–69
F = 63 or below
Rehearsal skills are critical to each student’s musical success. When
students exhibit good Rehearsal Skills, they succeed at the highest musical
level, allowing the Orchestra Department to continue to maintain its musical
excellence. In order to continue our success, the following method of
assessment will be used.
Each student will automatically receive 100 points at the beginning of
each grading period. When a student chooses to achieve and maintain proper
Rehearsal Skills, he/she will keep all 100 points. BUT if a student chooses
not to apply him/herself towards musical excellence, points will be
deducted:
-2
for not making marks in pencil
-2 for no pencil in class
-3 for not being seated and ready to play 2 minutes after the
bell rings
-3 for no music/book in class
-3 for missing materials (shoulder rest, rosin, extra strings)
-3 for not demonstrating proper instrument position
-3 for not demonstrating proper playing posture
-3 for not producing a tone that is characteristic to your skill
level
-5 for not following verbal and/or physical conducting cues
-5 for repeated misbehavior
-5 for no instrument in class
-5 for eating or drinking in orchestra room
-5 for playing any instrument other than your own
-5 for unexcused absence from an after-school rehearsal
-5
to replace lost music
Extra Credit
In order
to allow students to be actively involved in their musical assessment,
points can also be ADDED:
+3
for every non-HMS concert attended (have parents sign the program from
the event and give it to Ms. Gawinski)
+5
for performing in a non-school related recital or concert (bring program
or church bulletin in with a short parent note)
+5
for auditioning for music groups outside of school (for example:
All-District Orchestra, American Youth Philharmonic Orchestras, etc.)
+5 for participation in Solo & Ensemble Festival
Miscellaneous others to be approved by the director.
Students will receive a Home Practice Chart at the beginning of each
grading period. A MINIMUM OF 140 MINUTES PER WEEK IS REQUIRED in order to
receive an “A.” Practice Charts will be checked on Monday of each
week (or Tuesday if Monday is a holiday) throughout the grading
period, for a grade, and then collected at the end of the grading
period. The student must have his/her chart signed by a parent or
guardian at the end of each week so that when charts are checked in class,
he/she will receive full credit for the practice chart. If the chart is not
signed at that time, the student will not receive credit for practicing. A
one week “grace period” will be granted for forgotten/unsigned practice
charts (practice charts are only checked on the designated day). After the
grace period, students will receive a zero for their weekly practice grade.
Please keep in mind that the grace period is a “privilege” and will be
revoked, at Ms. Gawinski’s discretion, from classes in which students
consistently and continually neglect to bring in their practice charts.
If a student is out of school because of illness or an emergency for five
consecutive days, practice will be excused for that week. This does not
include pleasure trips.
Daily in-school Orchestra rehearsals do NOT count towards weekly home
practice times. However, each after-school rehearsal directed by Ms.
Gawinski will count as 20 minutes towards the home practice time.
Private lessons will count as 20 minutes of practice time on the day of
the student’s lesson.
Students may earn 1 extra credit point for every 30 minutes past 140
minutes of practice time. For example, a student would earn 1 extra credit
point if he/she practiced 210 minutes during the week
Students will be taking several playing quizzes throughout each marking
period. Some will be announced and others will not. Written quizzes may also
be given.
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.
Several examples of excuses which are considered unexcused are:
- “I forgot!” (“We had a concert?!”)
- “I had to baby sit.”
- “I had a soccer (football, basketball, etc.) game.”
- “I didn’t have a ride.”
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 703-904-4981 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.
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
Orchestra class begins two (2) minutes after the class bell rings. This
allows ample time to prepare your instrument. Three (3) points will be
deducted from the “Rehearsal Skills” portion of the grade for not being
seated and ready to play two minutes after the bell rings.
Unexcused tardiness to class will be dealt with according to HMS
policy. Please refer to your Herndon Hawk Manual for more information.
If a student has a late pass, it should be given to the teacher and is
considered an excused tardy.
Each year the Virginia Band and Orchestra Director’s Association (VBODA)
sponsors several statewide activities for Orchestra members. The VBODA has
divided the state into 16 districts. Herndon Middle School is in District
12.
All-District Orchestra
The All-District Orchestra is comprised of the best middle school
Orchestra members in our school district. The Orchestra rehearses and
performs with a nationally known Orchestra director. Membership in the
All-District Orchestra is determined by auditioning students in November.
Registration information will be available in late September. Audition
information is posted in the Orchestra room. Being selected as a member is
extremely prestigious, and the audition experience is invaluable. An
audition fee (approximately $5.00) will be charged, and if a student is
selected for the All-District Orchestra, there is a participation fee
(approximately $25.00). All fees are nonrefundable. Auditions for this event
are strictly voluntary and open to all Orchestra members.
District XII Orchestra Festival
The Concert and Symphonic Orchestras participate in the District XII
Orchestra Festival, which usually occurs in late February or early March.
All schools participate in this big event. Each Orchestra performs three
selections for a panel of judges. The judges grade the Orchestra on their performance, giving each
Orchestra a rating (superior, excellent, good, fair or poor) and comments.
Specific information on dates and times will be given as soon as it is
determined by VBODA. Attendance at this festival is mandatory if you
are a member of Concert or Symphonic Orchestra. Family and friends are asked to come and support our groups at Festival.
They are also encouraged to stay and listen to other schools’ ensembles.
Solo & Ensemble Festival
This Festival takes place at a Fairfax County school during a Friday
in April. The festival is open to all Orchestra members at HMS. Students
attending this festival perform their music for a judge. The judge gives
them advice on how to improve their playing. Students who take private
lessons may choose to perform a solo with piano accompaniment (the student
provides his/her accompanist), as well as a small ensemble piece. Students
who do not study privately may play a duet, trio or quartet with other
Orchestra members. Judges give each student or ensemble a rating (superior,
excellent, good, fair or poor) for his/her performance, as well as written
comments. Those students receiving an “Excellent” or “Superior” rating will
receive a Virginia Orchestra and Orchestra Director’s medal for their
accomplishment. An entrance fee must be paid by each participant.
Participation in this event is voluntary and open to all Orchestra members.
Spring Trip
Symphonic and Concert Orchestras go on an annual spring trip with
the band and chorus. This festival gives us the opportunity to perform for a
panel of distinguished judges. The judges give each group:
- Verbal and written comments
- A rating (superior, excellent, good, fair or poor) and
- Placement (first, second, third, etc.) for their performance.
After the groups perform for the judges, the students spend the remainder
of the day in an amusement park (Busch Gardens this year). This
tradition has become quite popular with our students and has proven to be
both educational and fun for all!
Who may go on this trip?
In order for Symphonic and Concert Orchestra students to earn the
right to participate in this trip with the Herndon Middle Music Department,
they must have demonstrated exemplary behavior throughout the school year.
If students are unable to accept the responsibility of behaving properly
during school hours, we cannot accept the responsibility of taking them on
this trip.
The cost for this trip is approximately $90.00 per student – please plan
accordingly. For purposes of financial and logistical planning, once a
student has committed to participating in this trip (festival), there can be
NO REFUNDS FOR ANY REASON (i.e. illness, discipline, suspension, or change
of plans). The director retains the right to reconsider a student’s
participation in this activity due to poor behavior at any time.
Periodically during the year, after-school sectional or full Orchestra
rehearsals will be scheduled to assist in preparation for a concert. These
rehearsals are necessary to the growth and development of the individual
student and to the success of the group as a whole. Every effort will be
made to provide the students with at least two weeks notice of a rehearsal.
Each student needs to organize his/her schedule so that he/she is able to
attend these rehearsals. Please do not schedule medical appointments on
Mondays or Wednesdays before 3:30 p.m., because most after-school rehearsals
will take place on these days. Students are expected to attend all
rehearsals. An excused absence from a sectional rehearsal requires that the
student provide a written explanation from the parent/guardian prior to the
rehearsal. An unexcused absence will cause the student to be moved down one
chair in his/her section, and he/she will lose 5 Rehearsal Skills points.
A challenge system is used in the Concert and Symphonic Orchestras to
determine changes in chair positions within the various sections.
Challenges will be held on three designated Wednesdays each quarter. Not
being “available” to challenge is not an excuse. Challenges will not take
place at any other time during the quarter! Before signing up for a
challenge, the student must complete a pre-challenge during classtime,
demonstrating a thorough knowledge of the music for the challenge.
- You may only challenge the student directly ahead of you. If you win
the challenge, you may challenge the next person the following week. You
must inform the person you are challenging about the challenge, then
both students confirm the challenge with Ms. Gawinski. The challenge
will be scheduled and posted.
- Challenges will take place after school from 2:30-3:30 p.m. during
the designated challenge day.
- Challenges will consist of the following:
a. Any music in the folder that has been rehearsed in class.
b. Any major scale through four sharps and four flats, played in the
manner stated in the All-District Orchestra Requirements, memorized.
Failure to successfully perform the scale portion of the challenge will
cause the challenge to be over without proceeding to other music.
- If you do not “show up” for the challenge, you automatically forfeit
your position. A missed challenge due to illness will try to be
rescheduled.
- If you are not “available” to challenge, you automatically forfeit
your position.
- If you lose a challenge, you may not re-challenge that person until
the next quarter.
- A “tie score” means that the seat placement remains the same.
Due to extenuating circumstances, seating assignments may be
changed at the director’s discretion.
Concert dress at performance time is just as important as playing well! A
uniform and well-dressed group makes a performance that much better. The men
will wear a black tuxedo (minus the jacket) and the ladies will all wear a
dark concert dress. Each student must pay a $40 orchestra fee within the
first two weeks of school. This fee includes rental of the concert attire
and purchase of the Music Department T-shirts. (Both items are required for
each student.) Guys must provide their own BLACK DRESS SHOES and BLACK
SOCKS. Ladies must provide their own BLACK DRESS SHOES and NEUTRAL HOSE.
A storage area is available adjacent to the Orchestra room. It will be
open before school and remain open until 3:30 p.m. If students choose to use
this facility, their name must be visible on the outside of their instrument
case. Failure to display the student’s name will result in removal of the
instrument and loss of locker privileges. Students will use a
round combination lock to secure their assigned storage locker. No keyed
locks will be accepted. The lock combination will be given to the Orchestra
director when the storage locker is assigned. Lockers will be assigned on a
first-come, first-serve basis to students who turn in completed Orchestra
paperwork. No locker will be assigned until the student has fulfilled all of
the requirements indicated above. Instruments stored in unlocked lockers
will be removed and the student will lose the privilege of using the
Orchestra lockers. Locks left unlocked on the locker will be
confiscated, locked, and put in the Orchestra “Lost and Found” box. Only
students storing instruments are permitted in the storage area. Students may
choose to store their instruments in their hall lockers. No students may
change locks or lockers without notifying the director.
Students are required to provide their own instrument. Local music stores
have various rental and purchase plans available. Herndon Middle School has
some of the larger and more expensive instruments available for rent.
Students using an HMS instrument either at school or at home should take
great care of the instruments. Students must provide their own supplies for
their instrument, such as rosin, cleaning cloths, and replacement strings
both at home and at school.
Students using a school or county instrument who do not treat the instrument
with proper care will lose the PRIVILEGE OF USING THE INSTRUMENT. Proper
care means:
- Keeping the instrument in good working order.
- Storing the instrument correctly - putting the instrument away
properly with the case latched, and avoiding extreme temperatures.
- Clearly marking the outside of the case with the student’s name and
address
Repair costs for damage to HMS or county instruments due to student abuse
or neglect will be billed directly to the student’s parent/guardian.
IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT ALL PARENTS MAKE A NOTE OF THE
INSTRUMENT’S SERIAL NUMBER AND BRAND and keep this information in a safe
place at home.
Each student is responsible for books and sheet music provided to him or
her. Loss of music or damage beyond normal wear will result in students
paying for such materials. Students will be allowed to mark in their books
and music, but only in pencil, and all pencil marks must be erased
before returning the material to Ms. Gawinski. Students who rent
school-owned instruments are responsible to keep them clean and in good
working order. School-owned instruments will be repaired by the county
instrument repair service if the damage
is due to normal wear. Students will be assessed for damage due to
negligence.
Use ONLY your own personal instrument and accessories, or the
instrument and accessories assigned to you. Students are not permitted to
play another student’s instrument.
Music Stands
It is very important to own a music stand for home practice. Without a
music stand, it is impossible for a student to develop or maintain good
posture, good playing position, and good air support. Students are not
required to bring their music stand to class, but are urged to always use
one at home.
Instrument Accessories and Supplies
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!
Students are responsible for providing these items, as well as their
instruments.
Students must have these items in class EVERY DAY!
Private lessons are strongly encouraged. Through private instruction, the talented student can be given a greater
challenge beyond what can be provided in the classroom. Those students who
are experiencing difficulties will improve their skills at a faster pace. A
list of private instructors can be obtained from Ms.
Gawinski.
Parents are invited to e-mail Ms. Gawinski at:
bette.gawinski@fcps.edu
If they have any questions or need additional clarification. Ms.
Gawinski
can also be reached by phone at: 703-904-4981. This is a direct line to the
Orchestra office. Please leave a message if no one is available to
take your call.
Thank you for supporting your
child’s musical education!
“Music
expresses that which cannot be said
and which cannot be suppressed.”
- Victor
Hugo
LET’S HAVE A GREAT YEAR OF MUSIC! |
