Handbook
Introduction
Welcome to the Denver School of the Arts Orchestra. We are honored to have you as a member of our program. We have an exciting year planned for you!
Purpose
The purpose of this handbook is to acquaint parents and students with the procedures of the orchestra program. Read this handbook carefully. These guidelines are necessary to produce the type of orchestra program we can all be proud of. Each student and her/his parent are required to sign the orchestra performance {insert link to contract} and return it to Mr. Goodrich. The purpose of the contract is to verify you have read the handbook and agree to abide by the rules and regulations set forth in it. If you have any questions regarding the information contained here, please feel free to contact Mr. Goodrich.
Supply List
Grading Policy
You will be assigned various projects throughout the school year. Some projects contain numerous assignments. Each assignment is worth 100 points and will be attributed to one of the following two categories:
Product: 55%
This grading category primarily reflects your technical and musical progress on your instrument. You will be assessed approximately eight times per marking period. Required performances consist of in-class and/or taped demonstrations of assigned scales, etudes, chamber music, solos, and orchestral repertoire. Juries, the ASTA Certificate Program, chamber music preparation, effectiveness of performance and preparation of required audition materials are included in this grade. In addition, written quizzes and assignments, such as concert attendance reports, will be averaged into this grade.
Process: 45%
This grading category reflects your ability to complete paperwork and other project assignments in a timely manner. It also reflects your ability to work positively in a group environment and your general attitude toward the orchestra, your classmates, guest artists, clinicians, parent volunteers, DSA faculty, DSA administration, and the director. You are expected to come to class prepared each day with your instrument in good working order and your music and pencil in hand. You are expected to conduct yourself in a professional manner in all situations related to the DSA Orchestra Program. Written assignments, self-evaluations, professionalism, instrument/locker inspections, etc. are averaged into this part of your grade. Also punctuality, chewing gum, disruptive behavior*, and lack of proper materials will lower your process grade.
*Disruptive behavior is defined as anything that infringes on any other student’s right to learn or anything that infringes on my right to teach.
In addition, attendance at scheduled performances is mandatory. An unexcused absence at a performance will result in your overall grade for the grading period being lowered two full letter grades. Keep in mind your are expected to maintain a B average grade or higher in their major.
Practice Records (middle school students only)
Your ongoing homework assignment is to practice the instrument you play in orchestra, outside of class, on your own time and on a daily basis. You are awarded a grade for the amount of time you practice each week. You will be given a practice card at the beginning of each grading period. Your practice times must be recorded on the assigned practice record in order to receive credit (practice times submitted on anything else will receive a zero). Your practice record must be signed each week by your parent/guardian – it is your responsibility to obtain the proper signature. Your practice grade is determined by dividing the total number of minutes you practice each week by the number required, as follows:
Required minutes Minimum minutes accepted
315 200
For example: if you practiced 284 minutes in a given week, your grade for that week would be 90%: 284 divided by 315 equals 90.01. In order to practice 315 minutes a week, you need to practice 45 minutes a day seven days a week. It’s suggested (but not required) you do this by practicing in 15 minute increments three times a day You may practice a bit more each day and take one day off; however, do not miss more than one day of practice each week – consistency is essential. You must practice more than 200 minutes each week in order to receive credit. This means that, if you practice 199 minutes or less in a given week, you will receive a 0 for that week, with the exception of excused absences, illness, or other emergencies. Keep in mind that you will be tested approximately once a week during orchestra class – it will be apparent whether or not you are practicing at home, as indicated on your practice record, by your efforts and progress on these playing quizzes.
In case of illness, you are expected to turn in your practice record regardless of the amount of time you practice. Your parent/guardian must note on the record that you were ill and appropriate consideration will be given to you. In the event you are seriously ill, you will not be penalized for your lack of practice. Please note special circumstances on days that apply (i.e., illness, instrument in shop, family emergency, funeral, etc.).
Practice records are due every Friday (they will be due the following Monday in the event there is no school). Records are accepted up to one day late for one letter grade (10%) lower; practice records will not be accepted after that time. Practice records will be included in the process portion of your grade.
Classroom Attendance Policy
Tardies – please refer to theDenverSchool of the Arts handbook.
Absences – you will be allowed to make up work missed during an excused absence. Excused absences are determined by the school administration. It is your responsibility to contact Mr. Goodrich to obtain make-up work; Mr. Goodrich will not come after you to remind you of make-up work. Unexcused absences will be reported to the office and dealt with according to school policy.
Please see the school handbook for more information.
Music
You may be required to purchase music books for use during the school year, as specified by Mr. Goodrich. You are expected to properly care for all music issued to you. There is a fine for lost or damaged music. Only pencil is used to write on music – never use a pen – if you turn in music with pen markings, it will be considered damaged and you will be fined for it. Fines can range anywhere from $1.50 for an individual part to upwards of $300 for an entire score (an entire score includes all the parts for the orchestra and the conductor’s part). The reason you may be required to replace an entire score is because some publishers do not sell separate parts as replacements and an entire score has to be purchased in order to replace one missing or damaged part. In this case, you will be responsible for paying for the new score. Grades will be withheld each grading period until fines are paid in full. Parent(s)/guardian(s), please help your child understand the importance of taking care of their music – students must keep their music organized, clean, free from tears, wrinkles and folds, free from pen or other permanent markings, etc.
Instrument Maintenance
Whether or not your family owns your instrument or you rent it, you are responsible for keeping your instrument in proper working order at all times. If a string breaks, it is your responsibility to replace it. You are required to keep a set or spare strings in your case (see the orchestra supply list) at all times, in case of an emergency string break. Mr. Goodrich will inspect your instrument several times a year to make sure it is being properly maintained. If your instrument is in need of repair, please notify Mr. Goodrich as soon as possible. If Mr. G. can’t fix it, he will recommend someone who can. Parent(s)/guardian(s), please record all information for your child’s instrument (i.e., make, model. serial number, estimated value, etc.) for your personal records. It is a good idea to take several pictures of your child’s instrument, front, back and side views, include the bow, case and any other equipment, and keep the pictures with your records. It is highly recommended you include your child’s instrument on your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy.
Instrument Storage
There are instrument storage lockers in the hallway outside the orchestra room where students may store their instruments during the school day. Lockers will be assigned the first week of school. All instruments must be properly identified with a luggage tag on the outside of the case and a 3×5 index card on the inside of the case – this includes all rental instruments. Students must provide their own locker. Either the combination or a spare key must be provided to the director before your lock may be secured to your locker.
Class Officers
Each year, students will elect class officers. A brief description of each office follows:
President – senior only – serves as the group leader and the first assistant to the director; is responsible for checking in and out school instruments; runs student meetings pertaining to fundraisers, orchestra events, festivals, tours, social gatherings, etc.; serves on banquet committee; attends all orchestra family meetings as student representative.
Vice-President – junior or senior only – serves as the assistant to the president, assists the director in gathering weekly practice records and keeping attendance; serves on banquet committee; substitutes for president when necessary.
Secretary – takes notes at all meetings, provides written notes to orchestra president and director; serves on banquet committee.
Librarian – organizes, sorts, distributes and collects music, keeps library files up to date; must be able to stay after school on occasion; serves on banquet committee.
Treasurer – assists director in collecting fees, documenting fees collected, depositing fees with school activity account; serves on banquet committee.
Manager – also serves as treasurer when needed; sets up and strikes the rehearsal and/or concert site; this student must be very prompt to class and must be willing to stay after school to set up for concerts or come early at night to check the set-up, responsible for organizing stage crews for all concerts, including the CHSAA orchestra festival; serves on the banquet committee.
Historian – collects dvd, jpg, mp3, hardcopy etc. files of orchestra events, performances and daily activities, creates memory book for DSA orchestra archive, produces end-of-year media presentation for banquet, produces senior celebration media presentation for end-of-year banquet, assists with senior video for graduation; serves on banquet committee. Maintains DSA orchestra archive.
Class Representative – one person from each grade (6-12) will represent the orchestra students of their grade on the orchestra student council, assists other officers as requested; serves on the banquet committee.
Performances
Each student is a valuable member of her/his orchestra and is expected to attend every public appearance of that ensemble. Visit the {insert link to calendar here} of events for the year and get the dates on your books now so you can plan ahead.
Attendance Policy for Performances
absences: An unexcused absence at a performance will result in your overall grade for the term being lowered one full letter grade. In accordance with APS district guidelines, the only excused absences are:
- Illness
- Medical appointments (must have a note from the doctor’s office)
- Death in the family
- Family emergency
- Religious commitment (such as a special ceremony or service – regular/ongoing events, such as weekly bible study, do not qualify)
- Diagnostic testing
Please notify Mr. Goodrich in advance of any absence from a performance.
tardies: An unexcused tardy at a performance will result in your grade for the performance being lowered 25%. In accordance with APS district policy, the only excused tardy is a doctor or dentist appointment.
Consult the student agenda for more information concerning attendance procedures.
Uniforms
Uniforms must be cleaned and pressed for every performance. Uniform inspections will be made before performances and could affect student grades. Cologne, hairspray and jewelry are not permitted when in uniform.
Uniform details here
Finger Nail Length
All orchestra students must keep their left hand fingernails cut short. To determine if a student’s fingernails are too long, do the following test: With a straight finger, firmly press the finger tip down onto the top of a table so that the finger is perpendicular to the table. If the fingertip can firmly press to the table without the fingernail getting in the way, the nail is short enough. If the nail gets in the way, it is too long to play a string instrument correctly. Wearing salon nails to orchestra is like wearing high-heels to P.E. – just don’t do it!
Student Fees
All fees will be listed on the DSA Orchestra Calendar.
Field Trips / Tours
Students will be taking various field trips throughout the school year. Field trips vary depending on the group. All orchestras will participate in district orchestra festivals and other performances in the Denver Metropolitan area. The high school orchestras may take one out of town trip each spring. As representatives of The Denver School of the Arts, you are expected to act responsibly and professionally during field trips.
Class Rules
Students are expected to adhere to the 5 P’s at all times – they are as follows:
Be polite
Be positive
Be productive
Be punctual
Be prepared
In addition, NO FOOD, DRINK, or GUM is allowed in the orchestra room. Students are expected to follow procedures at all times.
Consequences for disruptive behavior
Consult the DSA Student Handbook.
*Disruptive behavior can be defined as anything that infringes on any other student’s right to learn or anything that infringes on my right to teach.
Extra Credit
The Denver Public Schools have changed policy pertaining to extra credit assignments. Extra credit is no longer permitted. The district expects students to earn a grade based on their progress and ability according to the standards of each class they are taking. Extra credit assignments are often not a reflection of the educational standards. Make up assignments will be permitted in lieu of extra credit, as approved by the director and on a case-by-case basis.
Lettering
The purpose of an orchestra letter is to encourage and acknowledge “above and beyond” accomplishments. You are not guaranteed an orchestra letter just because you are in orchestra. A letter must be earned and it shows dedication and effort above what is required for the regular orchestra grades. Letters and other awards are given out at the annual Orchestra Banquet held in May. Only high school students can letter. The lettering policy will be discussed in class once classes are underway.
Private Instruction
The majority of DSA orchestra students study with private teachers. Private lessons usually last 30-60 minutes and most students meet with their private teacher once a week. Prices vary from teacher to teacher. Taking private lessons is a great way to improve your technique. You get individualized instruction with a specialist that is impossible to achieve in a full orchestra setting. This specific one-on-one instruction is important for string musicians, because of the many details requiring attention. Private lessons are a vital component to learning a string instrument successfully. Although private lessons are not required, they are strongly encouraged. If you do not have a private teacher, please speak with Mr. Goodrich. Private lesson scholarships may be available for families experiencing financial hardship.
Important Orchestra Dates
See the calendar.
Orchestra Contract
Each orchestra student and her/his parent/guardian must sign the orchestra Performance Contract. Please read the contract carefully and sign it only after you have read the entire handbook.