Middle School 2001
PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES
Instrumental Music (Strings) Program
Mannheim Middle School
PREPARATION Much of what is gained from this program is done away from school. Each participant is responsible for preparing weekly lesson assignments, orchestra music, solo / contest music and in some cases other ensemble music. This will ensure success in the program.
PRACTICE All participants must record their practice time on their lesson sheet. Parents and students should work together to maintain regular practice. 150 minutes (2 ½ hours) per week is the minimum average time each student should practice. This could be 30 minutes each day for 5 days, 25 minutes for 6 days, or other similar schedule. Quality of practice time is vital. Parents and students may use the following routine as a basic practice guideline.
1. warm up (scales and etudes) 2. lesson material
3. orchestra music 4. other, such as solos
One of the most critical practice times is on the day of the lesson, while the instruction is fresh in your mind. ALWAYS PRACTICE SLOWLY AND CAREFULLY AT FIRST.
INSTRUMENTS All students issued school instruments will keep them in good working order, bows loosened, instruments cleaned with a soft cloth only, etc. If there is any problem, see the orchestra director immediately! Students are not allowed to play each other’s instruments, rented, borrowed or owned. No student is to open another person’s instrument case for any reason.
MUSIC/FOLDERS Students will be given a folder to keep their music in. All school owned music must be kept in the music folder. All school owned music must be returned to the school. Torn, mutilated or lost music must be paid for by the individual responsible. Use only a pencil when writing on music.
LESSONS All participants will be scheduled for a weekly, group lesson on a rotating basis (miss the same class once every 4-8 weeks). Students must personally notify their teacher that they have a lesson during that class. It is MMS school policy that students are allowed to miss class for lessons. Students are responsible for making up class work, homework, etc. missed while attending a music lesson. Lesson schedules are posted around the orchestra room and given to each student and teacher. It is the responsibility of students to be at their lesson, with needed materials. The music teacher must be notified in advance if a student is to miss a lesson for a special class, test, etc. Students must make up missed lessons.
ANY STUDENT WITH THREE OR MORE MISSED LESSONS (not including excused or legal absences) AT THE END OF A GRADING PERIOD WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE LOWERED ONE LETTER GRADE.
LESSONS MUST BE MADE UP WITHIN 2 WEEKS. A 15-MINUTE INDIVIDUAL MAKEUP LESSON WILL REPLACE A FULL PERIOD GROUP LESSON.
REHEARSALS Rehearsals are Monday through Thursday and will begin promptly at 7:15. Punctuality is essential. I begin at EXACTLY 7:15 and end precisely at 7:55. I don’t start late and I won’t end late. Every student must have their music at every rehearsal for marking purposes.
Rehearsal Guidelines:
It is expected that students will be prepared for class and have all necessary materials.
All students are expected to participate in all classroom activities.
Students will show respect for all equipment and school property.
Talking is not permitted during rehearsal
If you have a question, please raise your hand! I’m here to help!
Absences are only excused if the student is absent from school or if there is an emergency and I receive a written note from a parent the day following the absence. Excessive absences and tardiness to orchestra may result in one or all of the following: reduction in grade; not allowed to participate in concert; dismissal from the orchestra program.
CONCERT / DRESS REHEARSALS All orchestra members are required to perform in the scheduled concerts and dress rehearsals. Failure to attend concerts, without an excused absence, will result in the lowering by one letter grade on the student’s grade report. It is the responsibility of each family to see that orchestra members get transportation to and from these events.
CONCERT DRESS Concert attire includes uniform provided by the district (trousers, jacket, white shirt, and a bow tie) and darks socks and dress shoes which are not provided by the district.
Uniforms are cleaned by the Board of Education. Uniforms should not be machine-washed at any time.
EVALUATION Students will be assessed on all aspects of music during lessons and rehearsals and through occasional testing / quizzes. Attendance and attitude will be a substantial portion of your grade.
SOLO FESTIVAL ALL members of the orchestra are required to participate in the Spring Solo and Ensemble Contest held in the district.
OPPORTUNITIES Playing a musical instrument is one of the most rewarding aspects of life. Opportunities for students in the Chicago area include the West Suburban Youth Orchestra, The Protégé Orchestra, The Chicago Youth Orchestra, and taking private lessons. In the spring students play in the district Solo and Ensemble Contest for an evaluation. In a student’s future, most colleges offer degrees in music education, music literature and history, music theory, music performance music business, and music therapy. Most musicians and teachers started with their school music program.
LIVE CONCERT ATTENDANCE We strongly urge parents to provide opportunities for their child to attend live music performances. We are fortunate to live near a large city with world class performing ensembles such as the Chicago Symphony, Lyric Opera, and Symphony II. Try to take advantage of this. If you need more information please ask!
Please keep these Guidelines for future reference
Thank you!
Mr. Peter Tambroni
Orchestra Director
2003-2004 Concert Schedule
Group
Event
Date
Time
Location
Intermediate, Advanced & Concert Orchestras
Fall Orchestra Concert
11/18/03
7:00pm
MMS Auditorium
Concert Orchestra
Leyden String Fests
October and early 2004
West Leyden
All District 83 Band & Orchestras
Pancake Breakfast
2/1/04
8am-1pm
MMS Gym
Concert Orchestra, Concert Band & Jazz Band
MMS Instrumental Concert
2/26/04
7:00pm
MMS Auditorium
ALL STUDENTS
District 83 Solo Festival
3/20/04
9am-4pm
MMS
Advanced & Concert Orchestras
Spring Instrumental Concert
5/11/04
7:00pm
MMS Auditorium
Advanced & Concert Orchestras
Enger Graduation
6/1/04
7:00pm
Enger
Please note that not all MMS Concert Orchestra performances are listed. Some performances may be added or changed. Student arrival time is always earlier than the concert time and the director will notify the students of their arrival time.
Other concerts / field trips will probably be added! Advance notice would be given for any additional events by sending a note home to parents.
Thank you!
—RETURN THIS SHEET—
I have read and accept the Participation Guidelines for the Mannheim Middle School Instrumental Music (Strings) Program.
Student’s Name_______________________________
Instrument______________ Team_____________
Homeroom________ Prime Time Teacher____________________
Student Signature___________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature___________________________________Date_________________
Address_________________________________ City___________________
Phone (______)______________________
Parents speak:
ENGLISH SPANISH BOTH Other _____________
****Return by Monday, September 8th,****
8/03
Feel free to call or email anytime!
