What is Orchestra about?

Orchestra is an academic and performance–based class, and is also considered a school activity.  We meet daily to rehearse and learn literature which we perform throughout the year.  There are also possible outside field trips (i.e. concerts)  and overnight trips that provide extra incentive, motivation, and exposure to the performing arts. 

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This course is designed to help the younger player continue to hone important skills such as sight reading, listening, and ensemble necessary to play the more advanced literature.  Emphasis is on technical mastery of bowing styles, intonation, and basic rhythms fundamental to successful ensemble performance.

This course explores the literature that is written for a small symphony.  This year the number of strong advanced players determined the nature of musical study.  We are and will be exploring advanced orchestral techniques, further honing listening, rhythm, group intonation, and ensemble skills through a variety of literature.

This course is designed to further advance orchestral technique already established in middle school and previous years at Palatine.    Because there is a variety of levels, the small lesson format will be used to help the younger player. In second semester, the chamber orchestra will resume to meet the needs of the more advanced players.

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Objectives

The challenge of achieving each objective is a combined effort between the conductor and the student musician.

1. To acquire theoretical, historical and cultural knowledge of music composition and performance

2. Progress in his/ her understanding of music  as it relates to other arts, and to history, mathematics, and culture.

3. Develop critical ensemble skills through observation, careful listening, and execution of various technical exercises.

4. Explore a variety of literature including classical, folk, baroque, contemporary, and jazz.

5. Work toward SPECIFIC individual playing and performance goals

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Expectations

• Preparation: Students need to come to class prepared with materials.  You will need a pencil and your binder containing the music for class at EVERY rehearsal

• No food, gum, or long nails (yes I said nails J) allowed in orchestra rehearsal

• Lessons: I expect every student to attend small group lessons on a weekly basis.  (some have schedule conflicts, and those will be taken care of on a  case by case basis)  I understand that other academic needs arise (i.e. make-up tests) but those need to be communicated directly with the teacher.  Lesson attendance and/or absence does affect the overall grade.

• Practice: Every student needs to practice at least 5 times a week a minimum of 25 minutes.

• Journals:  Every student should keep a practice journal.  This is part of the preparation portion of the grade.  Every week the students will fill out a progress sheet.  The purpose of the journal is to give direction and focus to the practice session so that time and energy is maximized and knowledge of the instrument increases.  Often students practice inefficiently and get discouraged.  Learning how to practice is an ongoing skill that requires attention to the details.  I work to point them in the right direction to discover those details for themselves. 

• Concert Participation: Every student needs to participate in performances, barring serious illness, death in the family.  These performances are, in essence, the final grade.  Every student contributes to the success of the whole!

  • A Job is not an acceptable excuse for missing a concert

  • Every student will be expected to perform in the appropriate concert dress

    • Girls: long-sleeved  black blouses, long skirt (no knee length), and black dress shoes

    • Boys: black dress pants, white tuxedo shirt (tux, cummerbund, and tie provided by school)  dress shoes, black socks

• Most importantly…I expect you to give your best effort, and keep an open mind!

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Grading policy

30%  Daily preparation and performance

30%  Progress- Lesson grade (attendance at lessons,  music preparation)

30%  Performance (Concert participation and attendance, performance quizzes)

10%  Written work (Concert Critiques - 4 throughout the year)

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