Robert O. Gibson Middle SchoolDual Language and Leadership Academy

Course Expectations2016-2017

Teacher: Mrs. Angela Truitt Subject: Advanced Orchestra

Grade: 6-8 Room: 708

Teacher Contact Information:

(702)799-4700 ext. 4007 Email: astruitt@interact.ccsd.net

Course Description and Content:This one-year course is designed for the student who has developed skills beyond those outlined in the Intermediate String Orchestra Procedural Guide. It includes further development of skills necessary to become independent as a musician. This course emphasizes the place of string music in the Western musical heritage. It concentrates on the development of style, articulation, dynamics, rhythmic ability, and tone inherent to string music performance. A progression of technical proficiency is expected. Emphasis will be placed on having a variety of performing experiences. This course may be repeated. This is an elective course for middle school students.

Course Goals and Performance Benchmarks:1. To develop facility in playing a musical instrument while promoting performance skills necessary for independence as a string player.

2. To further develop performance skills necessary for solo and ensemble experiences.

3. To identify and respond appropriately to musical notation.

4. To develop an understanding of form and structure in music.

5. To develop a broad knowledge and appreciation of music of many styles, periods and cultures.

6. To develop the skills of listening to music.

7. To evaluate performances and exercise discrimination with regard to the quality of composition.

8. To develop attitudes which encourage musical participation throughout life.

Please cut along this line and return the bottom part of this form to your teacher.

Teacher: Mrs. Truitt Student Name:Class Period:

I have read this course expectation sheet, and I understand what will be expected of my child. I will see that my child goes to school each day and does his or her homework.

I have read this course expectation sheet, and I understand what will be expected of me in the classroom.

Parent Signature Date Student Signature Date

Grade Scale: Grade Breakdown: Citizenship:90-100% A Formative Assignments/ 40 % O = Outstanding

80-89%70-79%60-69%Below 59%

BCDF

Practice S = SatisfactoryN = Needs ImprovementU = Unsatisfactory

*Citizenship Grades will be based upon Gibson’s school-wide citizenship grading rubric.

Summative Assignments / Assessment

60 %

Attendance is required in order to be successful in class. Once a student has acquired 11 unexcused absences,a failing grade of F will be given for the semester, and no credit will be given.

Assignments and Homework:

Formative Assignments/ Practice (40%)

Daily Participation

Orchestra classes meet daily. Students earn 20 points per day. In order to earn these points, you must behave according to the classroom behavior guidelines, come to class fully prepared and participate with the class in the assigned activity. If a student is absent for any reason, Gibson Middle School attendance policy will be followed. NO credit will be given for an unexcused absence.

Homework/ Projects

Students will have a practice record for each 9 week grading period. Students are required to practice one hour a day for six days (6 hours per week). Anything over that time will show that the student is extremely dedicated and should be placed in advanced orchestra. Practice records are worth 100 points every week and I will not accept them without a parent’s signature. Practice records are due every Monday. I will only accept late practice records up to 2 days after the due date.

Summative Assignments/Assessments (60%)

Performances

Performances are an extension of the orchestra class and students will be expected to participate in orchestra performances. Concert attendance is required for all school related orchestra events and will be a major part of the student’s grade. Grades are based on participation, behavior, proper attire, performance and tear down. Students are required to stay for the entire performance in which they are participating.

Make Up assignments will be allowed only for an excused absence. Parents must send a letter one week in advance. (Please note: Transportation concerns, sporting events, babysitting, etc. are not acceptable excuses for missing performances. Plan Ahead!) In case of an emergency the day of the concert, make up work will be given and the student will be given one week to have it completed.

Test and Quizzes

Tests and quizzes in orchestra will include written and playing. Some of the tests will be announced in advance and others will be in the form of pop quizzes. All students must perform their tests in front of the class in order to receive a grade.

Concert Uniform:Advanced Orchestra: Students will wear the white Orchestra polo shirt. In addition to the

shirt, students must wear black slacks or black full-length skirt, solid black close toed dress shoes and BLACK socks. Please no shorts or cargo type pants.

Expected Student Behaviors:1. Respect Everyone and Everything. Do not touch an instrument if it is not yours.

2. Be on time. If you are late to class or a concert your grade will be deducted.3. Be prepared. Students must have their instruments every day. They must also have all their

supplies needed to play the instrument.**************Note: If you come to class unprepared, eat, drink or chew gum, you will lose participation points for the day.

4. Be Positive!!! Always Give 110%. Otherwise you are not doing your best and I want to see you all succeed.

5. NO gum, food or drinks in the classroom. Gum is a major problem. The first time I catch you, you will receive a warning the second will be detention after school.

****The Gibson Great 8 will also be used as behavior expectations. ****

Classroom Fee:Class fees need to be paid at the beginning of the school year to the banker in the front office. The class fee is divided up according to class and the materials you need. Advanced Orchestra student’s class fee is $39. See below for the breakdown of the fee. Students will not receive their instrument until the fee is paid. If for any reason, you are unable to pay the fee, please have you or your student speak to me and we will figure something out. If you are using your own instrument, you do not have to pay the $20 maintenance fee. However, you will be responsible for repairing your instrument and changing your strings.

Materials:Instruments

School instruments are limited, and will be provided to those students who pay fees first. The instrument maintenance fee is $20. This is a onetime fee per year. The maintenance fee will cover broken strings and any minor damages to the instruments. The family of the student is responsible for all major damages or if the instrument is lost or stolen.

**********If you decide to purchase an instrument for your child, please speak to me before you purchase.

Accessories:

All students need rosin $2, a pencil, a shoulder rest (violin and viola only) and a music stand to use at home.

Books

The class book can be purchased through the banker in the Main Office.

Advanced Orchestra:

String Basics Book 3- $10

Rhythm Basics- $7 if you do not have one

Robert O. Gibson Middle SchoolHome of the Scots

Performance Dates

December 13, 2016 Winter Concert (All groups) Call time for students5:15pm – Concert starts

at 6:00pm

March 6-8, 2017 Middle School Festival (Advanced Only) TBA

March/April/May 2017 Out of State trip TBA TBA

(Advanced ONLY)

May 23, 2017 Spring Concert (All groups) Call time for students5:15pm – Concert starts

at 6:00

May TBA 6th Grade Open House (Advanced Only) TBA