Middle School 2004
MMS ORCHESTRA
PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES
Mannheim Middle School
2004 – 2005
Welcome to the orchestra program here at Mannheim Middle School. We have an outstanding department and curriculum that provides a complete musical experience. Students learn performance, music theory, history, and other aspects of music.
We’re glad you’re a part of it! If there’s anything I can do
please contact me at (847)-455-5020 or at tambroni@d83.org. Thank you!!
PRACTICE & 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. Parents and students should work together to maintain regular practice. 120 minutes (2 hours) per week is the minimum average time each student should practice. It is better to practice 20 minutes a day for 6 days rather than doing all 120 minutes in one or two days. 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 (Essential Elements)
3. orchestra music
4. other music, 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 Most students rent their instruments. This works extremely well since Quinlan & Fabish replace strings, fix repairs, and exchange different size 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, Tuesday and Wednesday for the MMS Concert Orchestra. Rehearsals for the MMS Chamber Orchestra are Thursday and Friday. All rehearsals 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. ALL STUDENTS WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE CONCERT ORCHESTRA. CHAMBER ORCHESTRA PARTICIPATION IS AT THE DISCRETION OF THE DIRECTOR AND IS IN ADDITION TO CONCERT ORCHESTRA. A bus schedule is attached.
Rehearsal Guidelines:
It is expected that students will be prepared for class and have all necessary materials.
HAVE A PENCIL
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!
HAVE A PENCIL
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. Transportation to and from these events is the responsibility of each family.
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, attitude and effort 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! In the past the MMS orchestra has taken trips to see live performances.
MMS ORCHESTRA CONCERT DATES
Advance notice would be given for any additional events by sending a note home to parents.
Please keep these Guidelines for future reference.
Thank you!
Mr. Peter Tambroni
Orchestra Director
—RETURN THIS SHEET—
I have read and accept the Participation Guidelines for the Mannheim Middle School Instrumental Music (Strings) Program.
Student Signature___________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature___________________________________Date_________________
Student’s Name_______________________________
Instrument______________ Team_____________
Homeroom________ Prime Time Teacher____________________
HOME PHONE NUMBER (___)________________
PARENT’S WORK PHONE NUMBER (___)_______________
PARENT’S CELL PHONE NUMBER (___)______________
PARENT NAMES ________________________________
PARENT E-MAIL ________________________________
DO YOU WANT TO RECEIVE INFORMATION & LETTERS BY E-MAIL? YES NO
STUDENT E-MAIL ________________________________
My Son / Daughter will be participating in the District 83 Orchestra program during the 2004-2005 year.
_______________________________
Parent Signature
Parents speak:
ENGLISH SPANISH BOTH Other _____________
****Return by Monday, September 13th,****
