Orchestra
Orchestra Course Syllabus
2017-2018
- Google Classroom Code: 7ymitq6
- Remind Code: @castorch
Class Schedule
- Monday-Friday 1:20 – 2:15
- LS Wednesdays 1:25 – 2:15
Instructor: Mr. Benjy Jones
Office Hours: 1st Hour (7:20am-8:15am)
Phone: (810) 591-5535
E-mail: bjones@carmanainsworth.org
Overview
This class is designed specifically for the high school string player. Students will have the opportunity to rehearse and perform a large variety of musical literature, from the classical realm through today’s modern compositions. Through exposure to the various genres, students will continue to develop his/her musical knowledge as well as increasing his/her individual performance abilities.
Grading Policy
- Grade Scale
o A 93+
o A- 90-92
o B+ 87-89
o B 83-86
o B- 80-82
o C+ 77-79
o C 73-76
o C- 70-72
o D+ 67-69
o D 63-66
o D- 60-62
o E 59 or below
- Grade Distribution
o Daily Participation Points 45%
o Performances 40%
o Assessments 10%
o Assignments / Sectionals 5%
- Daily Classroom Participation (10 points per day)
o Behavior issues = 0 – 9 points
o No instrument = 0 points
o No music = 5 points
- Playing Tests and Assignments (points TBD)
o Music Theory Assignments/Quizzes
o Rhythm Counting Assignments/Quizzes
- Attendance Policy
o Student attendance will have an affect on the Daily Classroom Participation points
- Unexcused absence = 0 points
· A parent note must be presented to me prior to or the day the student returns to class for the absence(s) to be excused.
- Tardies (1 – 4) = -3 points
- Tardies (5 – 8) = -5 points
- Tardies (9+) = -7 points
- You are considered tardy if you enter the room after the bell and/or you are not in your seat prepared to begin class when the director is ready to begin.
- ISS / OSS will result in a zero for the Daily Points. Any assignments that are given will receive credit if turned in within 24 hours of your return.
- Performances (100 points per performance) [see Performance Calendar]
o Attendance at all events is required by all students unless otherwise noted
o All performers must be in proper performance attire or grade will be lowered
o Only ONE excused missed performance per semester may be made up through an outside writing project. A missed performance will only be excused for illness or emergency. The director must be notified by the following day for the performance to be excused. All other missed performances will result in a “0” for that performance.
- All make-up projects will be due one week following the missed performance.
- Enrichment Points (25 points overall)
o Students must participate in at least one activity per semester outside of regular band hours
- Final Semester Grades will be determined as follows:
o Cumulative Marking Period Grade (80%)
o Final Exam (20%)
Music Theory
- A continued emphasis will be placed on learning and understanding music theory
- All students should have a binder and/or notebook to organize all materials distributed during class
- Staff paper, as needed, will be distributed in class
- Final exams will be heavily weighted in the area of music theory
Chair Placements
- We will have periodic chair placement / playing tests between performances
Instruments, Music, Supplies
- It is the responsibility of each student to have a properly working instrument at all times. If you are using a school-owned instrument, you must notify me of any mechanical issues with that instrument.
- All students must have all necessary supplies (reeds, valve oil, sticks, etc.) at all times. If possible, all supplies should be purchased BEFORE or AFTER school, not during class.
- Students are responsible for all music and folders handed out throughout the year. Any originals misplaced will be charged the school replacement cost for that piece.
Hall Passes
- Each student will receive 1 hall pass per marking period. Unused Hall Passes from one marking period may be used for the next.
Cell Phones & Electronic Devices
- As per the student handbook, cell phones and other electronic devices are not to be seen or heard while in a classroom. This policy holds true for any school-related activities such as performances and rehearsals outside of school hours.
Enrichment Point Opportunities
- Member of Outside Ensemble
- Marching Band, FIM, Small Ensembles, Church group, etc.
- Attending a Concert Performance
- Band, Choir, Orchestra, Musicals, etc.
- Plays will NOT be counted towards enrichment points
- Private Lessons
- Solo and Ensemble Participation
- Practice Journals
- Other events pre-approved by the director
Concert Attire
- All Black
- Failure to meet the proper dress requirements will result in you not performing, thus, lowering your grade and possibly failing the marking period.
Student Accounts / Fundraising
All students will have an account set up in his/her name. It is highly recommended that students participate in all fundraisers to raise money for your account. This money can be used to purchase any supplies or to help pay for band camp and trips.
Cavalier Band Boosters
All band and orchestra parents / supporters are invited to attend our Band Booster meetings. The Boosters meet one Thursday of each month. Meetings usually last about an hour. Meeting dates and times will be announced ahead of time.
Lockers & Band Room Accessibility
- Due to security reasons, do NOT store any personal belongings in the storage lockers; doing so is at your own risk and CA Instrumental Music Department is not responsible for any missing items.
- Providing a lock for your locker is highly recommended
- Do NOT keep any school books, notebooks, etc. in the lockers
- The hallway door will not be unlocked throughout the day; the locker area will only be accessible through the band room
- I am at the HS full-time, so the room should always be accessible.