Middle School 2008
MMS ORCHESTRA
PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES
Mannheim Middle School ♦ 2008 – 2009
Welcome to the orchestra program 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 at d83.org. Thank you!!
PRACTICE & PREPARATION
Students must practice! Students are responsible for preparing weekly lesson assignments, orchestra music, solo / contest music, etc.
120 minutes (2 hours) per week is the minimum
PRACTICE = SUCCESS
INSTRUMENTS
Most students rent their instruments from Quinlan & Fabish.
If there are any problems, see the Mr. T. immediately!
DO NOT TRY TO FIX AN INSTRUMENT!
Students are not allowed to play each other’s instruments, rented, borrowed or owned.
MUSIC & FOLDERS
Students will be given a folder to keep their music in.
Bring music and folder to every rehearsal and lesson.
Use only a pencil when writing on music.
LESSONS
Students receive a weekly, group lesson on a rotating basis so they only miss the same class once a month.
Students must personally notify their teacher that they have a lesson during that class.
Students are responsible for making up class work, homework, etc. missed while attending a music lesson.
It is MMS school policy that students are allowed to miss class for lessons.
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. Just let me know!! I understand there will be conflicts, but please talk to me! Students must make up missed lessons within 2 weeks of their absence unless other arrangements are made.
LESSONS MUST BE MADE UP WITHIN 2 WEEKS.
A 15-MINUTE INDIVIDUAL MAKEUP LESSON WILL REPLACE A FULL PERIOD GROUP LESSON.
REHEARSALS / EARLY MORNING
Rehearsals begin Monday, September 8th, 2008.
Concert Orchestra meets Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
Chamber Orchestra (and other orchestra groups) meets Thursday and Friday.
Rehearsals begin promptly at 7:15. Punctuality is essential. I begin at EXACTLY 7:15 and end precisely at 7:55.
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.
REHEARSAL GUIDELINES
Always bring your music and instrument
HAVE A PENCIL
Students are expected to participate in all classroom activities.
Students will show respect for all equipment and school property.
Inappropriate behavior / talking is not permitted during rehearsal.
If you have a question, please raise your hand! I’m here to help!
BE ON TIME.
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 REHEARSAL ATTENDANCE
All orchestra members are required to perform in the scheduled concerts and dress rehearsals (IF ANY). Failure to attend concerts, without an excused absence, will result in the lowering by one letter grade on the student’s grade report.
CONCERT DRESS
Students wear the orchestra uniform for concerts and events.
Ladies receive a skirt, shirt, and vest.
Men receive a shirt. Men must provide their own BLACK pants
Uniforms are cleaned by District 83. Uniforms should not be machine-washed at any time.
GRADES
Students will be graded on:
EARLY MORNING ATTENDANCE – 50%
LESSON ATTENDANCE – 20%
PRACTICE – 15%
ATTITUDE, EFFORT, & RESPONSIBILITY – 15%
Since music is a participation class, the majority of the students’ grade will be based on attendance. Students will be assessed during lessons and rehearsals.
Attendance, attitude and effort are 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 Elgin Youth Symphony, 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 encourage you 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!
Thank you!
Mr. Tambroni
Orchestra Director
‘08 – ‘09 MMS ORCHESTRA CONCERT DATES
Group Event Date Time Location
events listed here
Advance notice would be given for any additional events by sending a note home to parents.
—RETURN THIS SHEET—
I have read and accept the Participation Guidelines for the Mannheim Middle School Orchestra Program.
STUDENT’S NAME_______________________________ STUDENT SIGNATURE___________________________
PARENT NAMES ________________________________
PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE___________________________________DATE_________________
ADDRESS _____________________________________
_____________________________________
INSTRUMENT______________ TEAM_____________ HOMEROOM________
HOME PHONE NUMBER (___)________________
WORK PHONE NUMBERS (___)_______________ (___)_______________
PARENT’S CELL PHONE NUMBERS (___)______________ (___)______________
PARENT E-MAIL ________________________________
DO YOU WANT TO RECEIVE INFORMATION & LETTERS BY E-MAIL? YES NO
PARENTS: DO YOU WANT TO BE A PART OF THE DISTRICT MUSIC BOOSTERS? YES NO
STUDENT E-MAIL ________________________________
Parents speak:
ENGLISH SPANISH BOTH Other _____________
****Return by Monday, September 15th,****
Please keep these guidelines for future reference.
