James Madison High School

5005 Stahl Road San Antonio, TX. 78247

Orchestra Office: 210-356-1490 dbusto@neisd.net

Webpage: Follow district links CHARMS : www.charmsoffice.com

STUDENT/PARENT

ORCHESTRA HANDBOOK 2017-2018

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Table of Contents Page Mission Statement 2

The Madison Orchestras 2

About the Director 2

Grading Policy 3

Expectations/Procedures 4

District Expectations 5

Practicing 5

UIL Eligibility 6

Sectionals/Special Rehearsals 6

Absences 7

Supervision before/after rehearsals 8

Concerts 8

Concert Etiquette 9

Dressing Rooms 9

Membership/Dismissal 9

Supplies 10

Orchestra Uniform 10

School Instruments 10

Fees 11

Lost Equipment Fees 11

Calendar of Events 12

Communication 13

Letter Jacket and Letter Awards 14

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MISSION STATEMENT Using the art of music, we create musicians serving the Madison community.

THE MADISON ORCHESTRAS The Chamber Orchestra (PV) – the highest orchestra in achievement, this orchestra consists mainly of senior students. This orchestra represents the orchestra program at several functions both on and off campus. Placement into this orchestra is by audition only. Students who place into this orchestra will be expected to represent their orchestra in an elite manner demonstrating outstanding responsibility, attitude, work ethic, and instrumental technique.

The Philharmonic Orchestra (PJ) – the second highest orchestra in achievement, this orchestra mirrors the activities of the Chamber Orchestra. This is an orchestra that consists mainly of juniors and seniors. The Philharmonic Orchestra will combine with the Chamber Orchestra to form the Symphony Orchestra at select concerts and competitions.

The Sinfonia Orchestra (PK) – consists of mainly of sophomores. This orchestra is for students who are refining basic instrumental skills and enjoy participating in the orchestra program.

The Concert (Freshmen Honor) Orchestra (PL) – freshmen only orchestra. Placement into this orchestra is by audition only. Students who place into this orchestra represent their orchestra in an elite manner demonstrating outstanding responsibility, attitude, work ethic, and instrumental technique.

The Concertino Orchestra (PM) – the second orchestra at the freshmen level consists of students who are working on instrumental basic skills and are interested in participating in orchestra for one or more years.

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR

I have spent much of my life in El Paso, Texas. I went to high school there and after I left to receive my college education, I returned to the city for 13 more years. El Paso is located in the farthest corner of west Texas in a mountain pass in the Chihuahuan Desert. My family and I enjoy visiting the city when we the opportunity arises.

I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. My principle instrument of study is the cello. I have played the cello since I was in 5th grade at my elementary school. As a member of the Baylor cello studio of Dr. Gary Hardie, I performed at TMEA with the Baylor Cello Choir and at the Piccolo Spoleto Festival with the Baylor Symphony. I also performed as a section cellist with the San Angelo Symphony for several years.

Upon my return to my hometown after college, I started performing with the El Paso Symphony, Texas’ longest continuous running symphony. During my tenure of 12 years with the El Paso Symphony, I was able to experience the teaching of two well-respected conductors, Abraham Chavez Jr. and Gurer Aykal. I taught a variety of music subjects while I was in El Paso. They included Classical Guitar, Piano, Mariachi, and of course Orchestra. Highlights of my teaching career include forming a middle school piano class, starting groundwork on a new high school fine arts facility, receiving the Ysleta ISD innovative teaching grant twice, and performing with students in San Jose, Branson, South Padre, Anaheim, Orlando, Dallas, and Guadalajara, Mexico.

In 2003, I moved my family to San Antonio. I have been teaching in San Antonio for 14 years. Of those 14 years, 13 of them have been at Madison. I have really enjoyed teaching at Madison. Some

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of the activities of the Madison program include: string orchestra classes, full orchestra rehearsals, UIL sweepstakes, children’s concerts, regular concerts, socials, parents, faculty, the musical, and out of state trips. Overall, I have been teaching 25 years.

I hold membership in both TMEA and TODA. And I enjoy reading about and experiencing the latest in technology for music educators. My summer activities include going to music camps, score study, and basketball for my two daughters and keeping up with the maintenance of my house.

GRADING POLICY

9 Weeks Grade - All students earn two 9 weeks grades for each semester. The 9 Weeks grade is will be calculated using the following percentages:

Classwork/Weekly 50% (at least 6-9 grades) Lesson/Sectional/Practice Session 15% (1-3 grades)

Assessments (Playing and Written) 15% (1-3 grades) Concerts 20% (1-2 grades)

Classwork/Weekly Grade –weekly grades based upon student rehearsal participation and

attentiveness during class rehearsals.

Lesson/Sectional Grade – grades give for participation in a lesson, sectional, or practice session.

Music Theory Grade – grades based upon written work pertaining to music theory topics such as intervals, scales, counting, vocabulary, chords, etc.

Assessments - At various times throughout the nine weeks, each student will be expected to perform music excerpts or technical assessments as specified by the director. Some of these in-class performances will determine chair order and seating placements. Each test will be based on a Rubric of melodic, rhythmic, and technical accuracies as well as intonation and metrical accuracies. The rubric can be found in the appendix.

Repertoire Assessment – a grade based upon a live performance of the concert music given about two weeks before a concert. Students must pass this assessment in order to play onstage.

Classwork/Weekly50%

Lesson/Sectional/Practice Session15%

Assessments (Playing and

Written)15%

Concerts20%

9 Weeks Orchestra Grade

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Concert Grade – a grade based upon a performance in front of an audience. Concert grades usually occur towards the end of the 9 weeks.

Semester Final – At the end of each semester, each student will take a semester final. The grade for the semester final will be used to determine the final course grade for the semester. The semester final will be worth 10% of the final course grade.

Semester Grade - The formula for course grade calculation is as follows: Final Grade = 9 Weeks grade*45% +9 Weeks grade*45%+Semester final grade*10% Leadership/Team-work grade - All students will be issued one rating per 9 weeks based upon leadership, team-work, and citizenship. This grade will be based upon the total number of points earned/lost over the stated grading period. Each student will begin with 100 points at the beginning of each nine weeks. Deductions of 10 points will occur for such things as:

Coming to class/rehearsal unprepared

Arriving late

Not cooperating with a section leader

Disrupting a rehearsal Students may earn bonus points by:

Completing a an extra recording assignment to a proficient standard

A more detailed list of deductions/bonuses may be found the Orchestra Charter. Any student who receives a “U” in conduct for any reporting period will be ineligible for an exam exemption at the end of the semester.

Leadership Teamwork grade

100 Excellent (E) 80-90 Satisfactory (S) 60-70 Not Satisfactory (N) 10-50 Unsatisfactory (U)

EXPECTATIONS / PROCEDURES Before the tardy bell procedures:

Bring a pencil, music and instrument (including shoulder rest, bow, xero stop)

Find your seat

Uncase your instrument

Rosin your bow (only if needed) During Rehearsals expectations:

Participate at all times (including the warmup)

Work effectively with the group

Follow directions and listen attentively

Mark bowings/fingerings/reminders on your music

Follow the BYOD Chart After the Rehearsal –

Secure your instrument and materials

Lock your instrument locker

Organize your rehearsal area Practice Rooms

Reserved for students practicing

No food/drinks allowed (except water in spill proof containers)

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Stack/rack stands and chairs when finished

Turn off the lights when finished Orchestra Room

No food/drinks allowed (except water in spill proof containers)

No horseplay

No tossing/throwing objects Electronic Devices

Follow School/District policy Eligibility

Maintain 70 or above in each classes at the 6th week of the 1st grading period and at the 9th week of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grading periods.

Practicing

Daily

Follow a routine (See “Practicing”) Working Students

Keep your orchestra schedule clear from your work schedule

Attend rehearsals for the full duration

DISTRICT EXPECTATIONS FOR EXTRACURRICULAR STUDENTS “The opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities is privilege extended to all students of NEISD.” All orchestra members will be held to a higher standard than that applied to a regular high school student who is not enrolled in an extracurricular activity.

Students in the James Madison Orchestra Program will abide by all rules governing student behavior as outlined in the NEISD student handbook (p.21-22). Failure to comply with these rules will result in disciplinary action in accordance with district policies and with the Orchestra Organizational Charter (Separate document). Disciplinary actions could include member dismissal from the organization. A system of merits and demerits will track Level I behaviors and a step process will be used for more serious Level II violations. The 9 weeks conduct grade will reflect Level I behaviors. Additional information may be found in the Orchestra Organizational Charter.

PRACTICING Since practice is an integral part of instrumental performance, all students need to practice outside of the regularly scheduled class period. Occurring on a regular basis, each practice session should include the performance of scales, arpeggios, bowings, class music, shifting, and rhythmic exercises. Practice sessions should occur in a quiet environment. Two electronic devices that will improve productivity are the electronic tuner and metronome. These two devices can be purchased at the local music store and can also be found on the internet and as widgets. As with all activities involving physical motor skills, music students need to develop consistency in their practice routine. Practice techniques include looping, long tones, slowing the tempo, changing rhythms, listening to shifts, relaxing the left and right hand, and of course the ever present repetition of exercises and etudes. Sample practice routine for the average high school musician: 1) Long tones open strings, double stops, harmonics– 2 minutes

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2) Shifting exercises – 2 minutes 3) Major scale/arpeggios in various rhythmic and bowing patterns – 5 minutes 4) Minor scale/arpeggios in various rhythmic and bowing patterns – 5 minutes 5) Etude – 10 minutes 6) Classroom repertoire/audition music 15 minutes 7) Favorite piece – 6 minutes Total Time: 45 minutes

UIL ELIGIBILITY AND GRADES

As a member of the orchestra, you are expected to maintain a high academic standard for all of your classes. All orchestra students must maintain a course average of at least a 70 in all non-AP classes. Grades will be checked according to the UIL eligibility guidelines. Students need to attend tutoring or meet with the teacher for a conference if they are below standard for each of their classes.

Students must maintain academic eligibility according to state UIL guidelines. Students, who fail a non-AP class at the end of each 9 weeks, will be declared ineligible to participate in extracurricular competitions and events according to the UIL Calendar. Students who are ineligible will be removed from all qualifying events in orchestra. The UIL Eligibility Calendar will be distributed to students on the first day of school.

SECTIONALS/SPECIAL REHEARSALS/LESSONS The 1st semester will consist largely of lessons. Sectionals and special rehearsals will start during our competition season in January. I will call additional sectionals/rehearsals as needed with two weeks’ notice. First Semester (starting after the first week of school) Lessons will be given for all competition students. Days and times will be arranged on a one to one basis. Second Semester (starting the first full week of school) Sinfonia Rehearsals – Every Tuesday at 7:45am Chamber Rehearsals – Every Tuesday at 4:15pm Concert Rehearsals – Every Thursday at 7:45am Philharmonic Rehearsals – Every Thursday at 4:15pm

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ABSENCES Absences from rehearsals and concerts will be handled as stated in the NEISD Student Parent Handbook (p27). If a student misses a concert with an unexcused absence, that absence will be subject to the NEISD grading policy for unexcused absences as found in the Student District Handbook. Applying the district guidelines, students absent from a concert will need to complete an audio/video recording of them performing for an audience (parents, friends, teachers, etc.) to the orchestra director within two days of their return to school in order to fulfill the public performance aspect of the Texas Essential Skills. Absent for class – All absences occurring during a school day must be cleared through the

Attendance office. Makeup will be allowed for excused absences but the district guidelines for unexcused absences will be followed for all coursework. All coding will be done thru the Madison Mainframe. Please ensure that you “call in” or provide a “parental note” to the attendance office. All orchestra students are expected to inform all affected teachers prior to their absence. If you are absent from orchestra, check the Makeup Work Folder at the front of the room for any worked missed.

Absent for Sectionals or Rehearsals – Sectionals and special rehearsals are mandatory. Conflicts must be resolved prior to your absence. I will then determine if your absence will be excused or unexcused. In order for an absence to be excused, you must submit your absent request in a timely manner that reflects careful planning on your part. If you are excused, you will be expected to verify that you have prepared and accomplished a set of rehearsal goals.

Absences from Assessment/Repertoire Tests – Within each semester, each member of the

orchestra will be assessed through performance tests. If you have an excused absence for one of these tests, you will have 1 day to makeup the test upon return from your absence. The appropriate makeup times for a missed assessment test are before and after school. Students, who do not complete a chair test within the allotted time, will sit at the end of the section. Students who do not complete a repertoire test will not be allowed to perform onstage at the related concert.

Absences from Concerts – Concerts are an integral part of music. Performing for an audience

requires skill, preparation, and most importantly experience. All concerts are mandatory. All students who have prior knowledge that they will be absent from a concert need to:

Bring parental note with parent signature stating the reason for the absence. This note must be signed by the parent and must be received by Mr. Bustos no later than 24 hours prior to the concert

Although rare, at times it is necessary for students to be absent from a concert without prior knowledge because of special circumstances. I you bring me a note as described above, I will determine if your absence is an excused absence. If you do not, your absence becomes an unexcused absence. (Special circumstances excluded)

Special Circumstances – At times, it will be necessary to evaluate some absences as absences

due to special circumstances. These include sudden illnesses that require hospitalization, deaths in the family, automobile accidents, and school organization trips. Students who are absent due to special circumstances need to bring a parental note stating the reason for the absence before or after the concert.

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Absences and What to Do

Quick Guide

Absent from Is it Excused? When You return

to school Makeup Window

If Unexcused, Penalty

Orchestra Class

Absence excused w/attendance

Give your note to attendance

1 day from your absence

No Daily Points awarded

Regular Class Absence excused w/attendance Talk w/Teacher

1 day from your absence No Points awarded

Sectionals Special Rehearsals

Informed the Director prior to absence

Record Sectional Music before/afterschool Within the Week

No Sectional Points awarded

Assessment Test

Absence excused w/attendance

Record Test before/afterschool

1 day from return date

No Assessment Points awarded

Repertoire Assessment Absence excused

w/attendance Record Test before/afterschool

1 day from return date

Removal from Stage performance at the concert

Concert

Informed the Director prior to absence, Parent Note received

Create a Video of you playing your Concert Music for someone

Within the 9 weeks

No Concert Points awarded

SUPERVISION BEFORE/AFTER REHEARSALS

Mr. Bustos will supervise all sectionals and concerts. Students who would like to spend extra time practicing in the practice rooms, may do so, but only if Mr. Bustos is present. After each rehearsal or concert outside of school, students should arrange to be picked up immediately after the rehearsal/concert is finished. Parents should pick up their student(s) at the front of the Performing Arts Center. Students should not go to another part of campus to be picked up after an orchestra-sponsored event.

CONCERTS The Madison Orchestra’s “Concert Season” consists of four major concerts held each nine weeks plus several minor concerts held at various times of the year. The four major concerts are called the Fall, Winter, UIL, and the Spring Concert. All orchestra members who have successfully passed their repertoire performance will perform onstage for the four major concerts. Students who did not pass the repertoire performance will receive concert credit by assisting with the concert or completing a video project. The minor concerts will be performed by select orchestra students. The minor concerts are the Children’s concert, National Honor Induction, Greenback Night, and the Summa Reception.

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CONCERT ETTIQUETTE Most orchestra concerts will take place in the auditorium in a formal setting. A formal concert setting is much different than the setting for most public concerts. Rock concerts, festival concerts, club concerts, all are informal events held with audiences that are expected to make noise, move around, converse, and eat snacks. However, the orchestra has to perform in an environment opposite of what is expected at informal events. Therefore, both the student and parent (audience), are to follow the listed expectations for attendance and deportment at an orchestra concert. All Ensemble Members will:

Wear a concert uniform.

Enter and Exit the stage in a dignified manner.

Maintain proper posture, rest, and playing positions.

Avoid any behavior that may become a distraction while on stage. Examples: Tossing hair, waving, making faces, scratching, chatting, squinting at the lights etc….

Sit in the audience when not performing

Apply Audience Concert Etiquette while listening to other ensembles. Students will remain Silent, still, and attentive.

For the Audience (Parents/Students included)

Refrain from whispering

Turn off cell phones.

No waving or calling out to the musicians entering, exiting or performing on the stage.

No unwrapping of food items especially candy while in the auditorium.

Stay still and quiet for a performance

Do not enter or exit the auditorium while an ensemble is performing and refrain from entering between two “movements” of a single work.

Fidgety or crying children should be removed immediately to the lobby.

Arrive early to the concert and stay until all ensembles have performed.

DRESSING ROOMS

The dressing rooms are provided to all orchestra members on the day of each concert event. Students should hang their uniforms with uniform bags on the racks provided at the beginning of the day. All uniforms must be removed from the dressing rooms at the end of each concert. The dressing rooms are located as a separate room to the restrooms located in the back hallway of the auditorium. Horse playing and the use of electronic equipment is prohibited while in the dressing rooms.

MEMBERSHIP DISMISSAL INFORMATION

Refer to the Orchestra Organizational Charter for additional information about who is a member of the orchestra and how students are dismissed from the organization.

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REQUIRED SUPPLIES FOR ORCHESTRA

Instrument

1” Black Binder

1 Set of New Strings (Keep the old set in your case)

2 Pencils (Music pencils from local music stores are perfect)

Shoulder rest or Xero Stop (refrain from purchasing “rock stops” for cellos)

Practice folding music stand (recommended)

Pocket metronome and tuner (recommended)

ORCHESTRA UNIFORM The Madison Orchestra requires two different uniforms- a casual and formal uniform. Each uniform is used for different occasions. The Casual Uniform - Orchestra Shirt (polo or T as specified by director) and dark blue jeans for all members.

The Formal Uniform –

Males – Black tuxedo with black bow tie and cummerbund, black dress shoes, and black socks

Females – Black formal dress, hair pulled back, and black dress shoes (closed toe)(black “character shoes” as sold in a dance store will work just fine)

Madison will provide black tuxedo jackets and pants. Madison will also provide the black formal dresses for the girls. Male students must provide black dress shoes, black socks, black cummerbund, black bow tie, and white tuxedo shirt. Tuxedo shirts, bow tie, and cummerbund will be available to purchase for $30 through the orchestra. Please make all checks payable to Madison Orchestra Boosters. Ladies will wear the provided formal dress with hose and black dress shoes. Dresses should be hemmed at floor length WHILE WEARING THE SHOES to be worn for concerts. All shoes must be closed-toe. DO NOT cut fabric in any manner or use any bonding agent or machine stitching for hemming or altering dresses. Hemming services will be available when dresses and tuxes are issued.

During a concert, jewelry should be kept to stud earrings for ladies, watches and rings. No necklaces, bracelets or other noticeable jewelry should be worn while in concert uniform.

PLEASE NOTE uniforms are the property of NEISD. A fine will be assessed to each student for any damage or loss of uniform. Loss fee is $60 for dresses, $150 for tuxedos.

SCHOOL INSTRUMENTS

The North East School District will charge an instrument use and maintenance fee to those students who use instruments furnished by the school district. This nominal fee ($30.00/year) is necessary to generate additional revenue to maintain our school instrument inventory. These monies will be placed in the district instrument repair budget and be used to help offset repair expenses incurred by normal wear and tear. It is not designed to cover costs from damage (i.e. dents, broken parts) or loss of instrument due to the theft/misplacement, etc. This type of repair is the responsibility of the student who is using the instrument.

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You may choose to pay the entire fee at the start of the school year or it may be paid in installments if necessary. A minimum of $15 is required on or before instrument checkout. The balance is due in January of each year.

School instruments (Violin/Violas) will be stored on the instrument racks.

FEES

Description Amount Program Fee $50

Tux Shirt $30 (if applicable) School Instrument Rental $30 (if applicable) Solo Ensemble Contest $6/entry

The program fee, expected of all orchestra members, will cover the costs associated with the following activities and services:

Uniform Cleaning at end of the school year

Orchestra Shirt (part of the casual uniform)

Uniform hemming and maintenance fee

Field Trip Transportation Fees (partial)

Supplies (TBD) Solo and Ensemble, All Region, and field trip participants need to be current in the payment of fees in order to participate in those events.

LOST EQUIPMENT FEES The following items may be issued to orchestra students at no cost. Some items are instrument specific and therefore not all students will receive all items. If a student loses or damages an item, they will be expected to pay the replacement costs as listed:

Orchestra Uniform Tuxedo $150 Dress $60

Uniform Bag $15 Instrument Xero Stop $10 Combination Lock $8

ORCHESTRA CALENDAR

A detailed calendar listing the orchestra concerts and important events can be found on the Madison Orchestra Webpage and CHARMS. Please refer to this document for rehearsal times, deadlines, and other important calendar information.

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MADISON ORCHESTRA CONCERT AND EVENT SCHEDULE 2017-18

Event Date Event Title TIME LOCATION

8/17/17 Instrument Locker Checkout

8/18/17 Orchestra Prep Camp

8/28/17 First Day of School

09/9/17 Uniform Fitting 9AM Orchestra Rm

09/19/17 Meet the Teacher Night 6PM Auditiorium

10/2/17 Fall Concert Proficiencies Begin

10/02/17 David’s Cookie Fundraiser

10/5/17 Region Entry Deadline

10/11/17 Orchestra Pictures 4-6PM Orchestra Rm

10/18/17 *Fall Concert 6:30PM Auditorium

10/23/17 Auditions – Region Symphony 6PM Lee HS

10/28/17 All State Recording All day Reagan HS

11/4/17 Auditions – Region Philharmonic All day TexHill MS

11/27/17 Winter Concert Proficiencies Begin 12/5/17 Children’s Concert Rehearsal 7:30AM

12/6/17 Children’s Concert Rehearsal 7:30AM 12/7/17 Children’s Concert Rehearsal 7:30AM 12/8/17 Children’s Concert 9:30AM and 11AM

12/1/17 ALL REGION CLINIC 5PM-9PM Reagan HS

12/2/17 ALL REGION CLINIC/CONCERT ALL DAY Reagan HS

12/14/17 *Orchestra Winter Concert 6:30PM Auditorium

12/20/17 Solo Ensemble Competition Entry Deadline

1/9/18 Chamber Rehearsal 4:15PM 1/11/17 Concert Rehearsal 8AM 1/11/17 Philharmonic Rehearsal 4:15PM 1/16/18 Chamber Rehearsal 4:15PM 1/18/18 Concert Rehearsal 8AM 1/18/18 Philharmonic Rehearsal 4:15PM 1/23/18 Chamber Rehearsal 4:15PM 1/25/18 Concert Rehearsal 8AM 1/25/18 Philharmonic Rehearsal 4:15PM 1/30/18 Chamber Rehearsal 4:15PM

2/1/18 Concert Rehearsal 8AM 2/1/18 Philharmonic Rehearsal 4:15PM 2/3/18 UIL Solo Ensemble Competition ALL DAY Madison HS

2/6/18 Chamber Rehearsal 4:15PM 2/8/18 Concert Rehearsal 8AM 2/8/18 Philharmonic Rehearsal 4:15PM

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2/13/18 Chamber Rehearsal 4:15PM 2/15/18 Concert Rehearsal 8AM 2/15/18 Philharmonic Rehearsal 4:15PM 2/26/18 *PreUIL Concert 6:30PM Auditorium

3/5-7 UIL Orchestra Contest ALL DAY Madison HS

4/16-19 *Evening With Strings 5PM-9PM Blossom

4/20/18 Senior Deadline for Solo Concert

4/24/18 Senior Lessons Begin

5/12/18 6pm Orchestra Banquet 6PM 5/22/18 *Spring Concert 6:30PM Auditorium

* Course concert requirement for all orchestra students

UPDATED 8/27/8

COMMUNICATION CHARMS – This online website is the Personal Assistant to the Madison Orchestra Program. Students and Parents can quickly access/update contact information, view rehearsal absences, view missing forms, and other clerical information for students enrolled in the orchestra program. Charms website: www.charmsoffice.com School code: madisonhsorchestra Student Password: Students ID number Mr. Bustos’ Webpage- Classroom information, documents, and policies can be found on the my Neisd Staff webpages available through the Madison website. Reminder101- Students and parents may sign up for this text messaging service free of charge. This service will send a text reminding students about any information that pertains to orchestra class and its related activities. I will remind students about sectionals, tests, instruments, uniforms, deadlines, and other activities. Directions for Reminder101signup is listed on Mr.Bustos’ webpage. Email – A major form of communication, emails will be sent to parents and students detailing announcements associated with orchestra activities. These emails relate the information that was given to students during orchestra class. The email address on file with CHARMS will be the working email address used for communication. Multiple email addresses for one student can be added in CHARMS.

LETTERING and LETTERMAN JACKETS

The UIL rules regarding awards will be followed. NEISD may place additional stipulations on awards when necessary. The following guidelines will be used:

Awards must be made within the academic year of qualification.

A lettering point system in each department will be followed.

In order to qualify for an award, a student must: participate as required, respect the school in a manner approved by the director, and complete the season in good standing.

The director must recommend the student for an award and the Fine Arts Director must approve it.

Awards will be given for exemplary representation of the school. The award recipient will continue to be subject to the rules and regulations of the school district.

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A metal bar will be given to a student lettering in the same category for the second, third and fourth year.

Students may receive only one jacket for all years in NEISD.

Award: Letter Criteria: Student must earn 15 points from the following point system:

Event Event Points Total Points Participation at school concerts 1 per concert 3 TMEA Region Audition 2 TMEA Region Concert 5 TMEA Area Audition 2 TMEA All‐State Orchestra 10 UIL District Solo/Ensemble 2 per event 4 UIL State Solo/Ensemble 5 per event 10 Director discretion orchestra related activities 1 per event 2 Other participation 1 per event 2 Each year in school’s orchestra program 3 per year 9 (maintain membership for complete year starting after second year)

Please note that students will earn bars in place of an additional letter for each year

Award: Jacket Criteria: Achieve at least one item from the following list:

Participate in All‐State Orchestra Earn a letter for two years Participate in Region 12 Orchestra for two years As a senior in orchestra, been in orchestra for three years