Orchestra Syllabus

United Middle School Orchestra

2018-2019

Mrs. J. Peña

Office: 473-7324

E-Mail: jacqre69@uisd.net

Remind: Beginners Orchestra (@umsbegorch)

              Advance Orchestra (@umsadvance)

              Honors Orchestra (@umshonors)

              Non- Varsity (@umsnvorch)

BAND (app) – https://band.us/n/a4a715F3KdJ8N 

This class receives instruction in string pedagogy.

OBJECTIVES:

1. Demonstrate proper care and handling of your instrument.

2. Perform alone and in small/large group ensembles with good posture, bow control playing position, tone, and appropriate articulation.

3. Demonstrate by performing a basic understanding of phrase structure.

4. Identify key signature, theory and apply to the music being performed. Apply good sight-reading skills.

5. Demonstrate the ability to count and perform the basic rhythm structures and basic meter signatures at various tempos.

6. Learn to tune your own instrument to a given pitch.

7. Demonstrate appropriate left and right hand technique.

TECHNIQUE GOALS:

1. Demonstrate the ability to shift up to a higher position in tune.

2. Define the technique of vibrato

3. Demonstrate various bowing techniques: Slurs, Staccato, Loure’, Detache’, etc.

4. Demonstrate the ability to play two major octaves with arpeggios.

5. Define and perform musical symbols and terms related to music being performed.

6. Define and play tempo markings related to the music being performed.

7. Students will work on bow placement, tone production and dynamic contrast in relation to the phrasing and musicality demands of each piece being performed.

8. Students will be vigilant in their pursuit of proper playing position in both left and right hands including proper posture.  

EXPECTATIONS:

1. Punctual and regular attendance at all rehearsals (Unless special arrangements have been made.)

2. Be equipped daily with: a. Instrument/bow   b. Music binder with sheet covers (Advance/Honors ) c. Book (Beginners)   d. Pencil and highlighters (two different colors).  

Be prepared in class and after school rehearsals. All after school rehearsals are MANDATORY. To participate in any UIL competitions, students are required to attend the after school sectionals/ rehearsals.

3. Keep a pencil and highlighters in your folder and mark all your music neatly as needed. (No one can remember everything.) Be prompt in unpacking and preparing for rehearsal.

4. Respect everyone and property. A positive atmosphere is essential when creating music.

5. Be a team player and know how important you contribution is to the entire group.

6. Tune under Director’s instructions and/or by the Concertmasters’ direction.

7. Return music when instructed and help put equipment away as directed. Be neat and clean after yourself.

8. All students are expected to perform in the Winter and Spring concert, failure to do so will result in a 0 until student can make-up the grade.

9. Participate in all concerts wearing the appropriate concert attire.

10. Practice String Ensemble music at home to master difficult passages. Students will be given a weekly practice log that will need to be signed by the parent before they submit the form back to the Director.

11. All after school rehearsals are mandatory in order to compete in any UIL auditions or UIL Concert and Sight Reading.  A schedule will be placed on the Orchestra Class Page and send through the groups Remind.

EVALUATION PROCESS:

Rehearsals are the core of every successful music program. Grades will be determined by a combination of the following criteria and will be evaluated on a daily basis.

1. Demonstrate effort during rehearsal.

2. Be on time.

3. Be prepared

4. Demonstrate a positive attitude- respectful of self, others and property.

5. Concerts/performances

6. In class playing quizzes

7. Once a month playing test (Concert Music, Scales and Sight Reading)

8. A chair test once a semester (right before the concert)

Repeated failure to come prepared will result in a lower grade. (If there is a reason a student cannot bring his/her instrument to class, he/she must bring a short note from parent.)