Chain of Lakes Orchestra Handbook
2009-2010
PREFACE
To make any
organization successful, much planning and effort are
required. This handbook was written for the members of the
Chain of Lakes Middle School Orchestras and their parents.
Knowledge of its contents will provide each student with an
understanding of how he/she may best contribute to the
productivity and overall success of the Chain of Lakes
Middle School Orchestra Program.
ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY/COMMITMENT TO ORCHESTRA PROGRAM
In order to participate in District & State Orchestra
activities, a music student must maintain a cumulative
Grade Point Average of 2.0 or higher. Eligibility will be
determined each semester by the cumulative G.P.A.
This program runs for the full year. Considering the level
of commitment required, participation in other
co-curricular or extra-curricular activities might have to
be limited.
GRADING POLICY
50% Contract
25% Practice Record 25% Attitude Points
OVERVIEW OF EXPECTATIONS
Each
orchestra member is expected to do the following:
* Attend all
rehearsals and performances.
* Be prepared for
rehearsals and performances.
* Be on time for
all classes, rehearsals and
performances.
* Have all
necessary items for rehearsals and
performances.
* Keep his/her
instrument/equipment in performance
condition.
* Practice
regularly at home
(three hours per week minimum) and study
privately if at all possible.
* Keep the
orchestra facility neat, clean and free of
litter.
* Keep up with
and be responsible for the music/equipment issued to
him/her.
ORCHESTRA CONTRACTS/PRACTICE RECORDS
The following
criteria will be used to determine your grade for each
grading period of the 2008-2009 school year. It is
understood that your grade will reflect a certain amount of
personal initiative. As each exercise is completed you must
have it graded by Mr. Olsen.
This completed contract and practice record will be
accepted any time during the course of the grading period
to the date that it is due. Each day after this deadline,
students will receive one letter grade lower on their
contract and/or practice record. In case of
absence, your contract/practice record will be accepted on
your
FIRST day
back. It is your
responsibility to hand in this contract.
NO EXCEPTIONS! You will
receive only one contract and practice record per grading
period. The contracts and practice records will be
available online for you to print:
www.chainoflakesorchestra.org. Due dates for
these contracts and practice records are:
1st
Contract/PR Due October 22, 2009
2nd
Contract/PR Due December 18, 2009
3rd
Contract/PR Due March 19, 2010
4th
Contract/PR Due June 4, 2010
COLMS ORCHESTRA PROGRAM ATTITUDE POINT SYSTEM
(100
Attitude Points must be maintained to go on the Year End
Trip)
Every
student starts out in August with 100 points. Students will
be informed when points are added or deducted and an update
will be made on the
Point Board monthly. It
is each student’s responsibility to see the Director to
make up any points that they have lost and wish to regain.
POINTS WILL BE DEDUCTED FOR THE FOLLOWING:
1. Performance
Missed (no prior notice
given**)*.....................................................-50
2. Gum, food or drink in instrumental music
room.................................................-10
3. Contract not turned
in..........................................................................................-10
4. No instrument in
class.........................................................................................-10
5. Not completing an
assignment.............................................................................-10
6. Instrument not going
home..................................................................................-10
7. Not wearing uniform properly
.............................................................................-10
8. No name on contract or practice
record................................................................-5
9. Talking inappropriately/or at inappropriate
times.................................................-5
10. Not having proper materials at
desk.....................................................................-5
11. Not having all required materials (rosin,
cloth…etc)............................................-5
12. Instrument not clean or in good
repair..................................................................-5
13. Fingernails not at the appropriate length for
playing.............................................-5
14. Late to
class..........................................................................................................-5
* Final grade will be dropped two letters for unexcused
missed performances.
**Prior notice
= Written indication from parent/guardian two months before
performance.
POINTS
WILL BE ADDED FOR THE FOLLOWING:
1. Making
All-State Honor
Orchestra.......................................................................+50
2. Trying out for All-State Honor
Orchestra.............................................................+40
3. Making All-County
Orchestra..............................................................................+30
4. Trying out for All-County
Orchestra....................................................................+20
5. Studying privately per 9-weeks (lesson-teacher signed
contract with phone #)....+20
6. Superior on solo at FOA Solo & Ensemble
MPA...............................................+20
7. Excellent on solo at FOA Solo & Ensemble
MPA..............................................+15
8. Playing solo at FOA Solo & Ensemble
MPA......................................................+15
9. Superior on ensemble at FOA Solo & Ensemble
MPA.......................................+15
10. Excellent on ensemble at FOA Solo & Ensemble
MPA.......................................+10
11. Playing in an ensemble at FOA Solo & Ensemble
MPA.....................................+10
12. Parent represented at parent
meetings...................................................................+10
13. Musicianship levels passed
off.............................................................................+10
14. Wearing Orchestra Polo or T-shirt on
Wednesdays..............................................+5
15. Special music prepared for Director or
Class........................................................varies
16. Exceptional fund-raising
efforts............................................................................varies
17. Outstanding effort noted by
Director....................................................................varies
18. Outstanding improvement noted by
Director........................................................varies
19. Miscellaneous (with Director
approval)................................................................varies
HOW TO DEMONSTRATE GOOD ATTITUDE
* Be the first,
never the last, to rehearsals.
* Always have the needed and required rehearsal equipment.
* Demonstrate desire, spirit and enthusiasm for learning,
working and contributing.
* Be one of those students who is always “there” and can be
counted upon.
* Prepare and master your part of the performance in
advance when possible, “only your
best is good enough.”
* Refrain from making comments or carrying on conversation
during rehearsal.
* Maintain eye contact with the Director; use
“high
intensity listening.”
* Stop immediately when a cut-off is given.
* Exhibit enthusiasm for practice and understand the need
for repetition.
* If you experience failure, analyze it and make a plan to
improve and succeed the next time.
* Enjoy rehearsing, try to learn something new every day
and remember: “The
Orchestra will only be as good as my attitude and my
contribution.”
* Be humble in your success and encourage others on their
progress.
* Prepare for the next rehearsal.
INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITIES
* Private
lessons are
strongly encouraged but
are not necessary.
*
All-State Orchestras – Auditions are
held in early September. Students who qualify will travel
to the Florida All-State Clinic in Tampa in early January.
They will rehearse with top students from across the state
and present a concert at the end of the
clinic.
*
All-County Orchestra – Auditions are
held in early September. The group is selected by audition.
They will rehearse with top students from Orange County and
present a concert in November.
*
Prism Concert – Interested
students prepare solos and/or ensembles to perform at our
Prism Concert in the fall. Check your calendar for this
event!
*
Solo and Ensemble Music Performance Assessment
–
Interested students prepare a music selection for district
level evaluation in February. Those who earn a Superior
will receive a medal from FOA.
*
Cellobration – Master
classes, workshops and concerts for cello players. This
event occurs for a few days in the spring. It is a lot of
fun, very educational, and you can make lots of new cello
friends!
*
Summer Camp – Many colleges
and universities offer summer programs to students
interested in furthering their knowledge in music, and
making new friends. Many summer camp deadlines occur in the
early spring. Please ask your Director for more
information.
BELIEVE & SUCCEED
Courage
does not always roar. Sometimes, it is the
quiet voice at
the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow.”
ATTITUDE
Attitude is a little thing
That makes a BIG difference.
BASIC
RULES
* Students must abide by the Orange County Schools Code of
Student Conduct, Chain of Lakes Middle School Core Values
and the COLMS Orchestra guidelines and expectations
contained in this booklet.
* Suspension from school may result in subsequent
suspension from orchestra activities. Reinstatement will
require a parent conference.
* Miscellaneous Rules:
1. Any instrument or equipment not belonging to or
specifically assigned to you is strictly off limits.
2. During the regular school day, the orchestra facility is
to be used for regular classes, sectionals, rehearsals and
pre-arranged help sessions only. The area is off limits
during lunch unless you are given special permission.
3. No gum, food or drink is allowed in the orchestra
facility.
4. No gum is allowed at any performance or rehearsal.
5. For security reasons, the orchestra room is off limits
to non-orchestra members.
INSTRUMENTS
All students
are encouraged to have an instrument to practice at home.
Violinists and violists may transport instruments to and
from school. Large instruments such as celli and basses are
not permitted on the bus.
Violins and violas are expected to rent or purchase an
instrument for their use. Please use the following guide to
assist with this process.
Cello and bass players may rent school instruments to use
while at school (they go home only with prior approval from
the teacher) for a $50.00 donation a year. This donation is
to help cover maintenance costs of the instruments.
Students are encouraged to rent or purchase an instrument
for home practice as well.
If you would like any assistance with finding a rental or
to purchase an instrument, please feel free to contact me.
Keys to finding a quality instrument:
1. Please do
not get anything off of auction websites. I cannot stress
this point enough. I have seen numerous “instruments”
(pieces of junk) come from auction sites. It is a wiser
investment to purchase something quality that you have
tried before buying.
2. Rent-to-Own the best way to go. I recommend this because
stores offer great bonuses like free repair, upgrades and
trade-in policies.
3. Bring it in! I would not recommend purchasing anything
until I have had a chance to check it out. I would hate for
you to waste your money on a pretty instrument that sounds
bad. I would be more than happy to assist in trying out
potential instruments.
4. Go to a good dealer. Don’t just look online for a cheap
price. You need to take advice from people who know and you
need to try the instrument before buying. Rental
instruments are usually a certain quality,
“shop adjusted,” and they can
usually be upgraded.
Suggestions:
Gainesville
Violins:
Jan and Anna
van Rooyen run this shop in Gainesville, FL. Extremely
helpful and full of knowledge. Accept most trade-in
instruments. Also have a new branch in Tampa/St. Pete area.
www.gainesvilleviolins.com 352-372-8264
Local Music Stores
Atlantic
Strings: 866-898-2698
4976 East Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32803
*Tons of string instruments and supplies
Music and Arts Center: 407-332-1477
667 Florida Central Parkway, Longwood
*Visits school weekly. Place orders and have items
delivered to school
The
Band Room: 407-897-7080
Dover Center, 3233 Curry Ford Rd., Orlando
(408 East, South on Bumby, East on Curry Ford Rd, on left
side)
*Visits school weekly as well.
Instrument
and Supply Websites
Shar
music:
www.sharmusic.com
All instrument supplies you could possibly need. Great
reputation with products and low cost.
(Ann Arbor, MI) 1-800-248-SHAR
Southwest Strings: www.southweststrings.com
Again, many great music supplies. Well known for quality
product and price.
(Tuscon, AZ) 1-800-528-3430
Required
Instrument Supplies
Violins/Violas: Shoulder
rest, Dark Rosin, Cleaning Cloth (old clean rag),
Instrument name tag
Cello/Bass: Rock stop,
Dark Rosin, clean cloth, Instrument name tag
(Most of these come with the instrument except for should
rests and rock stops.)
Extra set of strings highly recommended but
optional.
“The
Orange County School System does not have insurance or any
other plan that will cover damage, theft, or loss of
privately owned equipment. If that equipment is to be
covered, it must be through the parent’s personal
insurance, such as homeowner’s policy, etc.”
INSTRUMENT MAINTENANCE
o Use a soft lint free cloth to wipe off your instrument to
remove any rosin, sweat and dirt (DAILY).
o Be sure to loosen your bow when you are finished
practicing.
o Do not over tighten or over loosen your bow.
o When tuning make careful adjustments. Try to adjust up to
the note rather than down.
o Replace one string at a time, this will prevent the
bridge/sound post from falling and/or loosing your peg(s).
♣ Strings should be replaced once a year.
REHEARSAL PROCEDURES
* Storage of schoolbooks – You may use
the areas provided in the orchestra room while you are in
the orchestra classes only. The orchestra facility will not
serve as your school locker. If you need it for another
class, don’t leave it.
Use
of the Instrument Storage Area
* Enter and leave your instrument before school starts.
* If your instrument is stored in this area, use the
following procedure:
** Pick up your instrument in the case for class.
** Remove the instrument and needed materials from its
case.
** Store the empty case (during rehearsal) on the storage
rack. Do not place your case under your chair. Do not block
the main or back doorways.
** At the conclusion of rehearsal, return the instrument to
its case before you leave the orchestra room and clean up
your area.
** Return your instrument to the storage rack.
** Place your case in its proper location.
* Pick up your instrument at the end of day for home
practice.
Rehearsals
in the Orchestra Room
* Required equipment – Instrument and bow in good working
order, rosin, soft lint free cloth, necessary mutes, all
books, 3 ring binder, paper and music in order, pencil,
etc.
* Before rehearsal begins, do not play. Warm up as a group.
(This may vary).
* Correct posture is essential to proper playing and will
be required at all times. Sit on the edge of your chair
(first seven inches) with shoulders relaxed and head held
high.
* If you need to ask a question during rehearsal, raise
your hand and wait to be recognized. Otherwise, there will
be no talking during rehearsal.
* If you must use the rest room raise your hand, cross your
fingers and wait to be recognized.
* Properly put your music stand away when you are done.
PERFORMANCES
* All members are
expected to attend every engagement in which their
Orchestra participates. If you are
unable to attend a performance, arrangements must be made
with the Director
one month in advance.
* No Orchestra member is permitted to leave the performance
in advance of group dismissal at any time unless excused by
the Director prior to the performance.
* Information regarding special activities, concerts and
deadlines will be posted in advance in the orchestra room
and on the website.
It is the responsibility of each individual member to keep
himself/herself informed of all notices and scheduled
events.
MUSIC
Replacement of lost music is expensive and time consuming.
Each orchestra member is responsible for the music issued
to him/her. The following guidelines will be observed:
Concert
Music
* Folders may be shared for performance and rehearsal. Each
student will have his/her own copy of the music for
practice. This music must be kept in their 3-ringed binder.
* When not in use, the concert folders will be stored and
passed out for Concerts/Festivals.
* Folders will be collected during rehearsal to be
transported to Concert and Festival locations.
* Nothing but pencil may be used to write on music.
* Remember: orchestra music is ordered as a full set, not
just one replacement piece. A few missing parts can average
$50 - $60 to replace the set.
UNIFORMS
Uniform dress
is required for orchestra members to present an appealing
stage appearance as an ensemble. Uniforms are aesthetically
pleasing and reflect the formality of an orchestra
performance. It also allows the listener and performer to
focus on the beauty of the music and not be distracted.
All students will wear the same uniform.
Uniforms are purchased in bulk from a uniform supplier. All
uniforms are ordered and purchased through the school.
Students will be measured for uniforms during orchestra to
obtain the best possible fit before ordering. Each student
is responsible for hemming or altering the dress/pants if
needed.
*See appendix for the uniform order form due August 22,
2008.
**Dresses are to be hemmed to 1 inch off the ground with
dress shoes on.
***Shoes and other accessory items are to be purchased on
your own and not through our bulk order.
Formal
Concert Uniform
Personally supplied clothing to be provided by all students
will include the following:
Boys
* Black tux shirt with “wing-tip”
collar.........................$17.00
* Black Tuxedo Pants (Dacron polyester, adjustable
waist with pleats, washable)
.........................................$27.00
* Black
bow-tie.............................................................$2.00
* Black
cummerbund....................................................$6.00
* Black dress shoes and black socks (purchase on your own).
Girls
* Black “Gavotta” dress (Black velvet/lycra top, teardrop
empire bodice with a satinique skirt, zipper back and
machine washable) Sizing and orders will be made at the
beginning of the
year...............................................$65.00
* Black low heeled pumps or dress shoes (closed toed) and
black stockings (purchase on your own).
Casual
Concert Uniform/Traveling Uniform
* Personally supplied clothing to be provided by students
will include the following:
* COLMS Orchestra Polo Shirt.
* Khaki dress slacks/floor length skirt or Capri pants.
* Your choice of shoe (closed toed).
Students
in All Ensembles
* Small earrings are allowed (Large earrings will interfere
with playing!)
* No necklaces, bracelets, rings or anything “un-uniform”
to other students.
* Hair is to be worn in an appropriate style and away from
the face.
* When in public, the uniform is to be worn correctly and
in its entirety.
* Earned medals may be worn anytime except during full
Orchestra Festivals.
PARENT
VOLUNTEERS
In order to operate a quality orchestra program many hands
are needed. In order to volunteer with any part of the
Chain of Lakes Music Department it is required by Orange
County Public Schools that you are a registered volunteer
(ADDitions School Volunteer).
Parent volunteers help with:
* Organizing Fundraisers
* Publicity
* Pre-concert assistance
* Stage hands
* Day/Night trip chaperoning
* Hospitality
* Encouragement of New Parent involvement
* Support for the music programs in the public schools
A.
How to become an ADDitions
School Volunteer
(http://volunteer.ocps.net).
This must be done once every year:
1. Select school of your choice
2. Complete an ADDitions School Volunteer Online
Application*
3. Applicant is notified of approval/disapproval status
4. Upon approval, applicant is contacted to receive
orientation and training
5. Volunteer is matched with a volunteer opportunity
6. Begin volunteering!
*Applications
are processed and subject to a background check
B.
In order to chaperone on field trips that will occur
through the year you
also have to fill
out the
“Chaperone
Application” for the current school year.
**See the
appendix for the “Chaperone Application” form due on August
28, 2009.
TRAVEL
* Transportation will be provided or approved by the
school. All members must travel with the Orchestra.
* When traveling on school buses, each orchestra member is
responsible for placing instruments/equipment to be loaded
on the designated equipment vehicle in the selected loading
area. Smaller instruments (violins, violas, etc) will be
carried on the buses.
* When traveling on charter buses, place
instrument/equipment under the designated bus. All students
are responsible for their own equipment getting on the bus.
Chaperones and selected students will help load the cargo
bay.
* All students must ride the buses they signed up for. If
specific seats are assigned, there will be no changes in
these assignments. The Director will ride Bus #1.
Chaperones will be assigned to each bus, one of whom will
be assigned to check roll.
* Standard Rules of Conduct for school buses are in effect
for all trips, including silence at railroad tracks.
* Upon arrival, everyone will remain seated on the buses
until the Director gives the signal to unload.
CHAPERONE GUIDELINES
The support and assistance of parent chaperones is
necessary to the success of orchestra activities. Selected
parents of orchestra students will act as chaperones at
orchestra functions. Chaperones will
ride on the buses and
stay with the Orchestra during the entire
activity. Anyone who
volunteers to be a chaperone accepts certain
responsibilities and will be expected to carry out assigned
duties. Punctuality is necessary. Chaperones are prohibited
from consuming alcoholic beverages immediately before or
during orchestra activities or trips. Smoking is not
allowed on school-sponsored activities or trips. The
Director will make rules and guidelines with safety and
welfare of the orchestra members in mind.
Duties
and Responsibilities of Chaperones
* Report on time and pick up your Chaperone badge from the
Chairperson or Head Chaperone. Duty assignments will be
made at this time. Turn in Chaperone badge at event’s end.
* On bus trips, there will normally be two to four
Chaperones on each bus.
* Stop all conversations on the bus during roll call. A
chaperone will check roll and report to the Director on Bus
#1 if there is any problem.
* See that all COLMS Orchestra Rules are followed. Basic
rules appear in this Handbook. More specific rules will be
provided by the Director as needed.
* Students will sit together as a group during concert and
festival performances while other orchestras are playing.
Chaperones will make sure order and proper decorum are
observed.
* When the students have left the buses at the conclusion
of a trip, check to be sure that we have left the bus neat
and clean, that all windows are up and that no belongings
have been left behind.
* If you have a problem with any student not following
directions or showing disrespect, see the Director
immediately. The role of a Chaperone is to guide and
assist. All discipline problems will be handled by the
Director.
* If a student becomes ill enough (in the opinion of a
Chaperone) to warrant calling his/her parents, the Director
will be informed of the situation and will be responsible
for contacting and discussing the problem with the parents.
If there is a problem, see the Director!
* Please be reminded that your children who are not
orchestra members are not to be brought with you when you
chaperone. To volunteer to chaperone or ask any questions
concerning chaperoning, please contact the Chaperone Chair
whose name will be posted on the COLMS Orchestra web site:
www.chainoflakesorchestra.org.
YEAR END REWARD TRIP
Criteria for Participation:
* Meets all deadlines for payment of fees (pay on or before
dates specified).
* Avoids any major disciplinary action.
* Maintains academic eligibility.
* Maintains 100 or more Attitude Points.
CHAIN OF LAKES MIDDLE SCHOOL ORCHESTRA PROGRAM
Beginning Orchestra, Concert Orchestra, Symphonic
Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra
Personnel
* Chamber Orchestra – Selected
student musicians that perform at concerts, selected
venues, and festivals (rehearses after
school).
* Symphonic Orchestra – Ensemble
composed of selected student musicians that participated in
orchestra in 6th and 7th
grade and/or
are ready to perform at this level. They will perform at
three concerts each year, an MPA, and possibly a festival.
(Rehearses after school).
* Concert Orchestra – Ensemble
composed of selected student musicians that participated in
orchestra in elementary school and 6th
grade and/or
are ready for this level of performance. They will perform
two or three concerts each year, and possibly an MPA.
(Rehearses after school).
* Beginning Orchestra – Ensemble
composed of new orchestra students. Prior musical knowledge
is not needed to join this ensemble. This is an elective
opportunity to learn to play a string instrument with two
concerts each year.
Activities
* Fall Concert
(Symphonic and Chamber Orchestras)
* Winter Concert
(All Ensembles)
* Pre-Music
Performance Assessment Concert (Chamber Orchestra,
Symphonic Orchestra, Concert Orchestra)
* Prism Concert
(Interested students, Symphonic Orchestra, Chamber
Orchestra)
* FOA District
Concert Music Performance Assessment (Chamber Orchestra,
Symphonic Orchestra, Concert Orchestra)
* FOA District Solo & Ensemble Music Performance
Assessment (Interested Students)
* Out of County
Festival (Selected Ensembles)
* Spring Concert
(All Ensembles)
Rehearsal Schedule
* Regular class
meetings
* Before and
After school rehearsals (Chamber, Symphonic, Concert
Orchestras)
Chamber Orchestra**
Personnel
* Members are
selected by the Director
Activities
* School Performances (see above)
*Selected Festivals
* Other possible selected venues
**Co-requisite
– must be a current member of the symphonic orchestra
FEES
Orchestra
Fee
The Fine Arts
Department at Chain of Lakes requests a $20.00 donation
from each student in every music course. This "orchestra
fee" helps to offset the program expenses and minimize
fundraising. The $20.00 orchestra fee is due by August
28th. Please make checks payable to Chain of Lakes or cash,
and place in a sealed envelope with the student’s name,
class period, and what payment is for.
Uniform Payment Plan:
Uniform
payments may be broken down to ease the back to school
financial burden. Please follow the schedule outlined on
the uniform order form in the appendix Please make checks
payable to Chain of Lakes or cash, and place in a sealed
envelope with the student’s name, class period, and what
payment is for.
Payment
Procedure
* Make checks
payable to “Chain
of Lakes Middle School.”
* Put
student’s
first and last name, grade and
purpose of check in the
memo section of the check.
Put the money in an envelope, seal it and write the amount,
the student’s first and last name, grade and nature of the
payment on the outside of the envelope.
* When paying
with cash (not the preferred method), put money in an
envelope, seal it and write the amount, the student’s first
and last name, grade and nature of the payment on the
outside of the envelope (envelopes can be provided at
school).
* Students or Parents must
place all payments in the DIRECTOR’S hand. Do not place
them on their desk or music stand but in the DIRECTOR’S
HAND.
CONTACT INFORMATION
David N. Olsen
Director of Orchestras
Chain of Lakes Middle School
8700 Conroy-Windermere Road
Orlando, FL 32835
S# 407-909-5400
F# 407-909-5410
david.olsen@ocps.net
TEAMWORK
Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common
vision.
The ability to direct individual accomplishment toward
Organizational objectives. It is the fuel that
Allows common people to attain
Uncommon results.
