Dear Students and Parents,
Welcome to the Vero Beach High School Orchestra. Whether you are a returning student, a new member, or a parent or guardian, you are a vital part and will play an important role in the success that we will strive for this year. Please take the time to review the policies, procedures, and calendar in this handbook. The final page must be signed by both student and parent and returned to Mr. Stott by Friday, August 28th. I have consolidated information for this handbook. Please review in detail, and take the time to visit the orchestra web site for further information.
I am excited about the potential of this years students, and I hope for all of us to help them realize it together. Please feel free to call or e-mail me at any time during the school year. My contact information is at the bottom of this page. I look forward to meeting you at the
ORCHESTRA PARENT MEETING: Saturday, August 29, 9:00 AM PAC
Sincerely,
Matt Stott
Orchestra Director
(772)564-5458
1707 16th St
Vero Beach, FL 32960
matthew.stott@indianriverschools.org
Expectations
Attendance
Whether it is class, rehearsal, or performance, students are expected to be present, prompt and prepared. Scheduling conflicts must be communicated with the director as far in advance as possible.
Instruments
Students are responsible for their instrument at all times. When not in use, your instrument should be locked in its locker. There are a limited number of school instruments for a $75 instrument maintenance fee. Checks should be made out to Vero Beach High School. Other materials that you will need:
All Instruments: Rosin, Cleaning/Polishing Cloth, spare set of strings.
Violins and Violas: Must use a shoulder rest
Cellos and Basses: You will need a rock stop for performances (and practicing on hard floors).
Metronome and Music Stand are highly recommended for home practice.
High Quality and Fresh Strings: It is highly recommended to use high quality strings on your instrument. (Thomastic Dominant strings are a good example of reasonable high quality) Also, strings should be changed once per year, as they wear out and lose their pitch and resonance with wear and use. Having fresh strings will greatly improve the tone quality of your instrument.
Sheet Music
The orchestras largest expenditure each year is high-quality music literature. The parts assigned to students must be cared for and kept in school-assigned folders. Practice copies will be provided as needed.
Facilities
No food, drink, or gum is allowed in the music building, or the PAC. Unacceptable use of the music building or PAC will be turned over to administration for appropriate disciplinary action.
Etiquette
Students will be held to the highest standards of attitude and behavior. Disrespect shown to peers, directors, guests, and audiences will not be tolerated. Breaking any school rules will be dealt with sternly. Behavior infractions will be dealt with by the director, parents, and if needed, school administration.
Performance Expectations
Orchestra is a performance-based class, and much of what we do culminates in public performance. Full performance credit will be given only to those students who arrive no later than the assigned call time, perform at the required performance standard, dress under the assigned code, behave in a professional manner, and remain in attendance until the completion of the performance.
Performance Attire
Boys: Black tuxedo pants, white tuxedo shirt, black jacket, bow tie, black socks, black dress shoes
Girls: Assigned orchestra dress, black closed-toe dress shoes.
Acceptable Jewelry: Stud earrings only. Fine necklace with single pendent or pearl necklace. Only fine or thin metal single bracelet. Studs and cuff links for the shirt.
Unacceptable Jewelry: Large earrings, hoop earrings, drop earrings, and any large flashy jewelry. Plastic bracelets and snap bands are banned as are large chain necklaces or multiple pendants.
* Our performance attire (dresses and tuxedos) have been provided through fundraising efforts by the Vero Beach Orchestra Boosters. A $15 uniform maintenance fee is required at the beginning of the school year in order that we can maintain our professionalism. Checks should be made out to Vero Beach High School. This allows us to update and maintain the professional appearance of our orchestras.
Concert Seating
A students seat for performance can become a source of debate, however, all must realize that orchestra is a unified, team effort, and all students, no matter where they sit, are equally important. The students seats are at the complete discretion of the director and will be chosen so as to best benefit the orchestra as a whole.
Scheduling Conflicts
I encourage students to be well rounded and enjoy following student success in multiple arenas. I have also done my best to arrange the orchestra schedule around major school activities already on the calendar. However, conflicts do arise, and students must communicate (in writing) scheduling conflicts with me in advance. Pre-arranged absence forms are on the bulletin board and on the orchestra web site. Fill these out and communicate with Mr. Stott so that schedule conflicts can be resolved.
Orchestra Trips
Each year, the orchestra will travel for a variety of events. These are all considered a privilege, and students must have met performance and behavior expectations in order to take part. They also must meet minimum eligibility requirements as set by the school district. Students must behave in the most professional manner and follow all directives set forth by the director. The entire trip is a school activity, so all school rules apply for the duration of the trip.
Private Lessons
While not required, private lessons are highly recommended for students to reach their full individual potential. See the web site for a list, contact information, and short bios of private teachers in the area.
Web Site www.verobeachorchestra.com
This web site is maintained by Mr. Stott to provide students and parents tools to help them succeed in orchestra. Needed documents and files are on the Information page, the calendar is kept up to date, and new this year will be music and audio files to assist students in their practicing.
Practice Logs
Individual practice is absolutely essential for student success. Orchestra students will complete and turn in a practice log twice per quarter (at 4 weeks and 9 weeks). Students will be graded on the following scale:
A+ = 180 or more minutes per week
A = 150-179 minutes per week
B+ = 120-149 minutes per week
B = 100-119 minutes per week
C = 80 99 minutes per week
D = 60-80 minutes per week
F = less than 60 minutes per week
The minutes must be spread out over four or more days. These are considered the minimum time for you to continue individual improvement on your instrument. More time must be spent to reach your full performance potential. The practice grade is a weekly grade.
Grading Scale
20% Class Participation*
10% Extra Rehearsal Participation*
20% Performances*
20% Playing Exams*
10% Practice Logs & Written Assignments*
20% Semester Exam
*For sample rubrics of these items, visit the Information page of www.verobeachorchestra.com
Good, Better, Best
Never let it Rest
Until Your Good is Better
And Your Better is Best.
Practicing Tips
Practice at Home at least six days per week
Have a ROUTINE
Practice at the same time and in the same place each day.
Focus on TONE QUALITY
Open your session working on a big, beautiful sound. Focus on how your bow connects with the string.
Focus on INTONATION
Listen very closely to your finger placement of each note.
Scales and arpeggios are the foundation for all that we do as string players.
I love cello drones a CD that can help immensely with intonation and improvisation.
Available at www.navarrorivermusic.com
Practice specific TECHNIQUES
Shifting, vibrato, bow strokes, articulation, double stops, etc.
Isolating these techniques early will help you master them within the music.
Ask Mr. Stott or see the Literature page of the web site for recommended resources.
Practice ETUDES
These exercises will take your technique to new heights.
These are applications of the above techniques.
Practice SOLO Literature
This should be the heart of your practice session. 40-50% of your time should be spent here.
Spend a large percentage of your time on challenging passages
I recommend always concurrently studying two contrasting solo pieces. Example: one slow, one fast.
Talk to Mr. Stott, or see the Literature page of the web site for recommended pieces.
REPETITION is the key to mastering the challenges
Play difficult passages over and over and over
Be CREATIVE in your practice
Change the rhythms, tempos, bowings, etc. Add double stops, improvise.
Play a different STYLE of music each day
Example: learn a new piece in one of the below styles each week!
Bluegrass, Jazz, Latin, Blues, Gypsy, Klezmer, Rock, Country, Gospel, R&B
*If you have the technique, you can play it on a stringed instrument!
Finish your practice session with SUCCESS
Perform something you can play well, and play it beautifully
Utilize the INTERNET
Find recordings and study them
Watch a pro play your piece on youtube
Find recordings and music of the style you like online
PARENTS: Encourage your child to practice and
let them know when you like what you hear.
Vero Beach High School Orchestra 2009-2010 Event Calendar
(All dates are subject to change, and more may be added)
Visit the web site regularly to see the updated calendar
August 24 .... First Day of School
Every Thursday during the school year, 2:30-5:00 .. Symphony Rehearsal
Saturday, August 29, 9:00 AM ... .. Orchestra Parent Meeting
Saturday, August 29, 9 AM 2 PM . ... .. Orchestra Olympics
Friday, October 2 . .... .. All-State Auditions
Week of October 19 . Solo Performances
Friday, October 23, 4-7 PM..... . . Concerto Competition
Friday, November 6, 2:30-7:00 . . .... Dress Rehearsals
Saturday, November 7, 7:30 PM . .............................. .. Fiesta: Vero Pops Concert
Sunday, November 8, 2:00 PM ... ..... Fiesta: Vero Pops Concert
Sunday, December 13, 2:00 PM .. .. . Holiday Concert
Monday, December 14, 7:00 PM .. .. Holiday Concert
Friday, January 15, 12:30 2:00 .. . Dress Rehearsal
Sunday, January 17, 3:00 PM . . Performance on Opera Concert
Friday, January 29, 2:30-5:00 .. . .. .. .. Dress Rehearsal
Saturday, January 30, 2 PM & 7:30 PM .. ... Schuberts Unfinished
Friday, February 5 ...Chris MacDonald Concert
(joint orchestra + rotary fundraiser: we will manage the PAC)
Friday, March 19, 2:30-6:30 PM .. . . Dress Rehearsals
Saturday, March 20 (hold all day open).... .. ... District Concert MPA
Tuesday, April 20, all day .. Joint performance with the University of North Florida, in Jacksonville
Week of April 19, date TBA . .. . State MPA
Friday, May 15, TBA .. .. .. .. . Concert
Saturday, May 16, TBA .. .. . Concert
Saturday, May 22, 5:30 PM ... .. Orchestra Banquet
Signature Sheet
This form must be detached and returned by August 28th for your first homework grade.
I, _________________________, have thoroughly read and understand the expectations for VBHS orchestra in the 2009-2010 school year.
I understand the grading policy: ____ (initials)
I understand the practicing it takes to succeed: ____ (initials)
I will promptly attend all rehearsals and concerts on the calendar: ____ (initials)
I will check the calendar on the web-site for updated events: ______(initials)
If attendance is impossible, I will complete the necessary paperwork at least three days before a rehearsal and three weeks before a concert: _____ (initials)
I understand the respect that is to be shown to all instruments: _____(initials)
I understand the procedures for handling sheet music: _______ (initials)
I understand the guidelines for the orchestra facilities: ______ (initials)
I understand the guidelines expected for my behavior: ______ (initials)
We have read and understand the policies for the 2009-2010 VBHS Orchestra and will abide by all guidelines through the extent of the school year.
_______________________ _________________________
Student Signature Parent Signature