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Course Syllabus

Orchestra Syllabus

                                                                        Course #1214 & #1215

                                                                        Mrs. Melody Lynn Cliff

Course Description

The orchestra and string orchestra provide students with the opportunity to study and apply techniques that have been previously presented in ensembles and lessons.  Musical literature from the baroque to contemporary periods as well as popular music is performed.  String Orchestra rehearses three times per week and orchestra rehearses two times per week.  String Orchestra and Orchestra members participate in Holiday and Spring Concerts, as well as the orchestra concert tour, school musical, county, district, regional, and other performance opportunities throughout the year.

                    

Materials

Music, folders, and sight-reading materials are provided by the school district.  Students should be prepared for rehearsalsa nd lessons by having their music, instrument, and a pencil. Good musicians always have a pencil! Home practice is also important in order to reinforce good technique and improve on one’s instrument.


Objectives

  1. to further develop and refine techniques taught in middle school ensemble
  2. to further develop capabilities in execution of rhythm, meter, tempo, musical terminology, key signatures, and dynamics; in intonation, tone quality and color, articulations/styles of bowings, phrasing, musical expression, and style
  3. to further develop sight-reading skills
  4. to develop and nurture leadership, respect, self-confidence, responsibility, dependability, cooperation, and the ability to function and grow as an ensemble
  5. to understand the historical and cultural implications of music
  6. to prepare and perform music for two to four major concerts and other special performances
  7. to foster self-evaluation, self-discipline, and personal development
  8. to challenge the student to work to their full potential, experiencing maximum musical and artistic growth
  9. to promote an appreciation for orchestral playing and performance
  10. to explore the relevance of music to one's life

 

Content

String orchestra and orchestra rehearsals will consist of tuning, warm-up exercises, scales, concert selections of varied styles and periods of music, and sight-reading.

Orhestra rehearsal will be conducted twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays (in conjunction with the band) in room 501 during first period.  These rehearsals will be utilized to focus on ensemble issues affecting the entire orchestra, such as intonation, balance, blend, and style.

The string orchestra will have string rehearsal during first period on the days that the full orchestra is not rehearsing.  These rehearsals will be geared toward string topics such as bowings, fingerings, and shifting, plus extra attention to the challenging passages of the orchestra and string orchestra music, small ensemble/chamber music techniques and literature.  String ensemble rehearsals will consist of the students being coached by the director on a variety of chamber music assigned to each ensemble; ensembles could be duets, trios, quartets, and quintets, etc.  Chamber music rehearsals may be used to help make the students aware of their own part and how it fits into the whole of the music and to enable the student realize the necessity for independent, confident playing.

 
Lessons

Lessons will be held once per cycle on days 3 and 4.  These will be on a rotating basis during periods 2-10 (and period 11 on day 3).  Attendance and preparation through individual home practice are necessary for the student to progress.  A lesson schedule will be posted in room 501.  Students may choose from a lesson on day 3 OR day 4.  In the case of a major test or a class that cannot be missed, it is the student's responsibility to attend a make-up lesson.

Lessons will focus on the student's marking period goal, instrument-specific skills and isolated passages from the orchestra music that are technically challenging.  This time will also be used to encourage individual development as a string player.

Students who receive private lessons outside of school can be exempt from lessons on days 3 and 4.  Documentation must be provided each marking period with a signature and evaluation from the private teacher.


Schedule and Additional Information

The concert dates for this year are:
 
  • Tuesday, October 11 & Friday, October 14 (am only):
    • Orchestra tour to the elementary schools
  • Thursday, December 8 at 7pm 
    • Orchestra, String Orchestra, 6th Orchestra Concert
    • Dress rehearsal Wednesday, December 7 after school 2:45-4:30pm
  • Tuesday, May 16 at 7pm
    • Orchestra, String Orchestra, 7th/8th Orchestra Concert
    • Dress Rehearsal Monday, May 15 after school 2:45-4:30pm

Students will be asked to report thirty (30) minutes before concert time for warm-ups.  Dress for concerts is dress pants or long dresses/skirts (preferably floor length or at least T-length/mid-calf length) for ladies and suits (coat and tie) for men, any color; appropriate shoes or dress shoes are included in appropriate concert dress, (no flip-flops, please). 

 
Concerts: Any planned absence should be brought to the director's attention ASAP.  A concert performance is a unique experience for the performer and the audience.  An unexcused absence will result in a zero with no opportunity for make-up work.  An excused absence will result in the assignment of other (written) work to justify a concert grade.  Due to the unique nature of the concert experience, this make-up grade will be less than the typical concert grade (up to an 80% can be earned).  This is a department-wide guideline.
 
Dress Rehearsals are also a required, graded event.  In the case of an unexcused absence, the student will receive a zero.  At least two weeks notice should be given if a student cannot make the dress rehearsal.  This is a department-wide guideline. 

 

Evaluation

            Students will be evaluated based on:

  • Attendance of rehearsals and sectionals, and concerts
  • Daily performance and preparation for rehearsals and sectionals
  • Attitude (posture, participation, no gum chewing, etc.)
  • Playing tests
    • Scales up to 4 sharps and 4 flats
    • Selected orchestra and string orchestra music passages
    • Sight-reading