Strings/Orchestra Behavioral Expectations and Grading Policies
Ms. Caryn Neidhold, Director
B. D. Billinghurst Middle School Orchestras
CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS
* Appropriate Behavior: Be polite and respectful to and of your peers, yourself, your teacher and your environment. Demonstrate appropriate etiquette at all concerts and activities.
* Appropriate Participation: Participate to the best of your ability.
* Punctuality: Be on time and ready to participate.
* Preparedness: Come to class with all of your materials. Students will receive grades periodically for having materials in class. Materials include but are not limited to:
1. Instrument (in good working condition with all necessary equipment including rosin).
2. Music binder
3. Pencil, shoulder rest (violin/viola), strap or rock stop (cello/bass), student I.D., tracker
4. Forms & parent communication.
* Show the Bighorn Attitude and exhibit T.R.A.C.K.S.!
CONCERT ATTENDANCE
Fall Concert TUESDAY, December 11, Billinghurst Middle School, 7 p.m.
Zone Concert Saturday, February 9th at McQueen High School
All day event with concert in the afternoon for the parents. 10 – 5 p.m.
Spring Concert Thursday, May 9th, Billinghurst Middle School, 7 p.m.
Vallejo Tour May 10th & 11th for Intermediate, Advanced, & Golden Strings
8th Grade Awards Golden Strings Only – Thursday, May 31st
Concert participation is mandatory. Pre-arranged absences will be excused only at the instructor's discretion. Written notice is expected a minimum of one week before the concert (e-mail or hand-written notes). After-the-fact excuses for absences from concerts will not be accepted with the exception of emergency instances. In those cases, excusal will still be at the instructor's discretion and must include a written explanation from the parent. (Please note: If a concert is missed unexcused, given the weight in the grading policy, the highest grade possible will be a C.) Students are expected to adhere to the guidelines of concert etiquette as attached. Students receiving excused absences will make up the credit by submitting a 3-page, typed research paper on a topic agreed upon by Mrs. Neidhold and the student. The deadline for this paper is one week before the end of the quarter.
Students will need to be present and prepared one hour prior to any concert or event.
All students will take part in either the set up or tear down of each concert for full credit.
Note about carpooling: Because the dates for all performances and events have been carefully planned and given to all parents with considerable advanced notice, please make arrangements for carpooling for any students having transportation difficulties to any concert or event.
CONCERT ATTIRE
Billinghurst Middle School
Performing Arts Dress Code
Dress Code:
Performing Arts Shirts
Available for purchase through the Performing Arts Department
All black bottoms:
Black pants or skirts (must cover knees when sitting)
Black socks, tights or nylons
Black shoes
Students will not be allowed to perform in the concerts and receive credit for concert participation unless they meet the dress code. Black jeans are acceptable if they are NOT faded. Blue jeans are not acceptable. A clothes closet of donated black slacks, skirts, shoes, and socks will be available to loan to students unable to provide appropriate clothing. Most parents paid for the shirt at registration. If you did not pay at registration, the fee is $10.
Please plan ahead to have concert clothes available in time for the performance.
INSTRUMENT QUALITY
All instrument used in the Billinghurst Orchestra Program must meet or exceed MENC specifications. Instruments that meet or exceed the MENC specifications stay in tune and have a set-up (string height, fingerboard curvature, nut height, neck angle) that allows the student to be successful.
Please DO NOT buy an instrument off of Ebay or Craig's List. Years ago I bought a viola for $150 and had to spend an additional $200 to make the instrument playable. (It's still a terrible instrument and I don't use it--a sad waste of money.) This does not mean there are not decent instruments on Ebay or Craig's List, it means that you cannot be guaranteed of the quality and experience has shown that these instruments are seldom good enough.
If you would like to purchase an instrument, please consult Mrs. Neidhold.
A limited number of school instruments are available for a maintenance fee. However, many of the instruments are old and not in the best of condition. Renting or purchasing an instrument will be a better guarantee that your son or daughter will have a great instrument.
SUPPLIES
* Instrument in working order
* Rosin
* Orchestra binder and pencil (Int/Adv binders will be handed out in October, Beginning Books will be handed out after the November concert.) $10 Fee.
* Music stand to practice at home (do not bring to school)
GRADING GUIDELINES
Each semester the grades will be dependent on:
Citizenship – Classroom behavior, having the correct materials, attitude
Concert Attendance – Scheduled events for Billinghurst Orchestra students
This is always worth at least 25% of the quarter grade.
Practice Sheets
Theory and History Worksheets on the back of Practice Sheets
Playing Tests
Mastery Check Lists
Written Tests
The grading distribution and guidelines may be changed at the discretion of the teacher.
Extra credit may be earned for participating in a youth or community orchestra such as JHO and RPYO, attending a concert of orchestra or strings performers and extra help with concert set up or tear down. Programs from concerts attended or performed in must be turned into Ms. Neidhold for credit.
There will be Theory and History Worksheets on the back of the weekly practice sheet. Students who do not turn in Practice Sheets and Theory/History Worksheets will have a double zero on their grade. Students who, in the past, have waited until the end of the grading period to turn in all handwritten practice sheets will receive zeroes for the Theory and History grade. Mrs. Neidhold will not provide past Theory and History worksheets.
CITIZENSHIP
Because making music in Billinghurst String Classes requires teamwork and cooperation, the academic grade is heavily weighted by the citizenship grade the student earns.
1. Follow Classroom Behavior Expectations.
2. Be in chair with instrument out and ready to tune 2 minutes after the bell rings. Ms. Neidhold is the timekeeper.
3. Display a positive attitude throughout class.
4. Make sure you have your instrument, music and a pencil on class days.
5. Keep the room clean and orderly.
* Binders from other classes should not be brought to the orchestra room.
* Cello and bass cases need to be put on the racks.
* Violin and Viola cases may be neatly placed next to your chair.
6. Be supportive of other members of the class.
7. Students who earn a “C” academic grade or lower in Orchestra are not eligible to earn an “A” in citizenship. Usually, this represents practice and preparation for class and students who are not prepared have not done their share as a citizen of the Orchestra class.
8. Instrument safety is of upmost importance. Horseplay or any physical motions that endanger instruments will not be tolerated.
PRACTICE SHEETS
- Practicing is essential for the progress of the individual student and the orchestra as a whole.
- Practicing is required each week. The Practice Sheets are for the student’s convenience but students must practice regardless of whether or not they have received a Practice Sheet.
- 6th Grade will begin Practice Sheets in the 2nd quarter.
- Practice sheets are accepted late but must be turned in 3 days before the end of the quarter. Mrs. Neidhold will refuse to grade Practice Sheets if a student chooses to turn them all in at the end of the quarter.
- Practice for a previous week cannot be “made up” since music is time based and that window of opportunity is gone. However, students are always encouraged to practice for extra credit.
- Required practice times are for the entire week (not daily times).
- The time logged on the practice sheet is for individual practice only. Class time and JHO/YSS/YCO/YSO rehearsal time does not count, as well as time spent in private lessons. All individual practice, whether for school, private lessons, honor groups counts toward the class assigned practice time.
- Research shows if students try to remember their practice for the week, they will be 50% wrong. Keep records each day while you practice.
- It is the student’s responsibility to get a practice sheet. It is not the teacher’s responsibility to make sure the student picks up the weekly practice sheet. Practice logs may be turned in on any paper. The paper must include student’s name, dates of practice, amount of time practiced and parent’s signature.
- Parents must sign the practice sheets or the students will not be given credit.
- Students should keep old practice sheets for each quarter.
- Practicing more frequently in smaller time amounts will lead to better skills than completing the entire practice in one or two days on the weekend. Students often develop bad habits practicing for long practice sessions (over 30 minutes).
- Listening to music is critical for all aspects of learning to play an instrument. (Consider trying to learn a foreign language just through the written language.) CD’s of most of the music we are performing are part of the class materials. Students are also encouraged to listen to other classical music. KUNR, the Washoe Libraries and YouTube are great resources for a wide variety of classical music. Listening may be passive. Students may listen to the music in the car, while studying and before going to sleep at night.
- Bass players and their parents must read and sign an additional practice contract which makes allowances for transportation.
MASTERY CHECK LIST
Each quarter students will receive a Mastery Check List of skills to master during the course of the quarter. The intention is that all students receive 100% grade. If a student is working diligently toward fulfilling the Mastery Check List but needs more time, Ms. Neidhold may choose to allow the student additional time to complete the check list.
Beginning Strings students will work primarily on the Mastery Check List the first quarter. Beginning students are not required to take their instruments home for the first quarter.
JUNIOR HONOR ORCHESTRA (JHO) AUDITIONS
Junior Honor Orchestra placement is through conductor nomination instead of audition this year. Intermediate and Advanced Orchestra students, please see Mrs. Neidhold if you would like to be considered for a nomination.
GOLDEN STRINGS
Golden Strings students have additional performance opportunities held throughout the school year. The following are performances students should expect to participate in:
Veteran's Day Assembly - School Assembly - November 9th
School Holiday Concert - School Assembly - December 21rd
8th Grade Honor Awards Night - Evening Performance - May 30st
Nevada Legislature Performance in Carson City - TBA
Additional performances may be assigned throughout the school year.
Golden Strings grades will depend on attendance, tardies, concert participation and book reviews. Because Golden Strings doesn't follow the school Advisory curriculum, students are required to read and review two (2) books per quarter. The books may be either fiction or non-fiction and may not be books assigned for work in other classes. Students may get suggested titles from Mrs. Neidhold, Mrs.Coullahan or friends. Book review forms are available from Mrs. Neidhold. Picture books, comic books and graphic novels are not acceptable for this assignment.
INFINITE CAMPUS
Please make sure the school has your regular e-mail.
Students grades will be updated regularly on Infinite Campus. In addition, all forms sent home to students will be posted on Infinite Campus. Please check the main page for your student’s orchestra class. Please know that preparing for class has the highest priority. Planning events that have deadlines such as performances and field trips have the next priority and grading is the last priority for my time demands.
There will be occasional newsletters for Orchestra families on Infinite Campus.
Please understand Infinite Campus is still in transition. We will all strive to do our best to make Infinite Campus a tool to aide in the education of your child.
BEGINNING STRINGS RENO PHIL YOUTH ORCHESTRA FIELD TRIP
In the spring semester, the Beginning Strings classes will hear the Reno Philharmonic Youth Symphony Orchestra perform their annual children's concert. This will occur during the school day and we will travel by school bus to the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts then enjoy a pizza lunch after the concert. There will be a small fee for this event.
COMMUNICATION
Please be aware that the only way to communicate with a large number of students is through Infinite Campus, the Billinghurst Orchestra Blog and EdConnect phone messages. The location of those messages is somewhat difficult to find and you must go and check on a regular basis. The page looks something like this:
Please regularly check the Billinghurst Blog. All forms that are passed out in class will be posted there. Information about upcoming events and kudos to great work will be posted as well.
Billinghurst has a Facebook Page. Be sure to “Like” the Billinghurst Middle School (Official Page). https://www.facebook.com/billinghurstmiddleschool
Also, you will receive short recorded messages on your home phone regarding Billinghurst Orchestra information.
Always feel free to contact me via my school e-mail address: cneidhold@washoeschools. I cannot accept calls during the school day since I will be in class but if you must, please call after 2 p.m and hopefully I will be in my room to accept your phone call. You may leave a message with the office and I will return your phone call within 24 hours.
Finally, please double check that your contact information that the office has is correct. Because Infinite Campus is still a new program (and has been changed since last year) you may have to follow up with the office several times to insure that your information is correctly updated.
FUNDRAISING
Fundraising can hope to only cover a small portion of expenses for the Billinghurst Orchestra Program. Chocolate sales every day after school pay for classroom expenses such as tape, storage bins, paper, etc. 8th grade students help sell this candy after school.
The past two years we have had successful Popcorn Palace sales for our main fundraiser. At the end of last year students indicated they would like to try selling cookie dough or similar items. Parents! Mrs. Neidhold would like some input since you are the main support system for these fundraising events. Please e-mail and state your preference.
The sale (popcorn or cookie dough) starting in October is our main fundraising to help offset costs of the Music in the Parks Festival Tour and the Beginning Orchestra’s field trip to hear the Reno Philharmonic Youth Symphony in April. We need one to three parents to help with this fundraiser. The help would include collecting money for deposit in the school bank account; accumulating the order to submit to the company; and organizing the orders to be given out to the students. Please contact Mrs. Neidhold if you are able to help with this fundraiser.
In the spring we may have a smaller fundraiser to earn money to invest in classroom equipment. Last year we were able to buy 42 new stands for our room!
If you have a fundraising project you would like to organize, please contact Mrs. Neidhold.
MUSIC IN THE PARKS FESTIVAL TOUR (“Vallejo Tour”)
This tour is an exciting opportunity for Intermediate, Advanced and Golden String students to participate in a competitive music festival. Plans are currently being made for this event and you will receive further information as well as a commitment form in the near future. The benefits of participating in a major event such as this tour are: 1. giving the students higher performance goals; 2. increased motivation; 3. increased commitment and focus to music; and 4. a better understanding of the effect of the individual’s contribution to the group.
The tour is scheduled for Friday, May 10th and Saturday, May 11th 2013. (Remember we have a concert Thursday, May 9th – a perfect way to prepare for a festival.) Students will travel to Vallejo on Friday and perform at a music festival for judges. We will receive comments, a rating and a ranking. This is a festival sponsored by Music in the Parks and other Reno middle schools have successfully participated in this festival in past two years. Billinghurst Orchestras had a wonderful experience. The students' behavior was admirable and the orchestras were awarded with several trophies for their wonderful performances.
We will stay the night in Vallejo and then visit 6-Flags Sea World the following day, returning in the late evening on May 11th.
Parents and students must know that the students’ day-to-day citizenship in both the Strings class and Billinghurst Middle School will determine if a student is allowed to participate in the tour. In the interest in having a successful and positive experience, Ms. Neidhold reserves the right to revoke any student’s participation in this tour at any time.
There will be a fee for this trip. We will attempt to alleviate the costs of the trip through fundraising. Any parents interested in helping with fundraising are gratefully welcome J ! It is unlikely that the fundraising will cover the entire cost of the trip. You will receive a timeline as to when funds are due and the maximum amount charged for this trip.
Because this is an overnight trip, our group will need a significant number of chaperones. Any parents/guardians interested in volunteering as chaperones should contact Ms. Neidhold at cneidhold@washoeschools.net. There is no fee for parent chaperones. Older siblings and family friends under age 21 will not be accepted as chaperones. To start this process you must see Jennifer Wilson in the Billinghurst office. Chaperones must fill out a volunteer form in the Billinghurst office and then get fingerprinted at the WCSD Police Office. This must occur at least 6 weeks before the trip in order to receive the fingerprint clearance in time.
CONCERT ETIQUETTE
Here are some guidelines about etiquette and courtesy at a classical concert.
It is important to remember that attending a classical concert is very different from going to a movie or a rock concert, or of watching a movie at a theater or on television. Most of these "rules" serve to provide the best possible listening environment for the audience and for the performers on stage, and others are simply the result of traditions that have evolved through the years.
The rule of thumb in classical concert etiquette is to be considerate of the performers and of other audience members and to avoid causing distractions that will disturb the atmosphere of the performance. Here is a short list of common "rules" of etiquette for attending a classical concert:
1. Be on time. Don't be the last one to be seated, and if you arrive after a piece has started wait until the piece is over before finding your seat.
2. Don't talk or whisper during a performance. Remember that the performers can hear you every bit as well as you can hear them.
3. Be sure to turn off any cell phones, pagers or wristwatches that can make noises before entering a concert.
4. Stay seated except for intermission and the end of the concert, unless you are truly ill and need to leave the concert hall.
5. Don't clap until you're certain that a piece is finished. If the piece has several sections, it is usually not appropriate to clap between the sections. When in doubt, wait to see what the rest of the audience is doing; you don't have to be the first to applaud.
6. Whistling, whooping or shouting is not appropriate at a classical concert, although occasionally someone will call 'bravo' after a particularly fine performance.
7. Every concert does not automatically conclude with a standing ovation.
8. You should not eat or drink anything in the concert space, including candy, where the wrapper can make a particularly distracting noise.
9. Be discreet in the use of your program during the performance. Many people do refer to their program during a piece, especially if they are following the text of a choral piece, but be cautious that you don't drop it or make noisy page turns.
10. Above all, enjoy the music. Everybody experiences concerts in different ways; some people closely follow the printed program during a piece, some listen with their eyes closed, some follow the conductor's every gesture, some do all of these and more. The important thing is to help create and sustain an environment where everyone in the hall can totally immerse himself or herself in the beauty and magic of the live performance of fine music.
BILLINGHURST STRINGS STUDENT INFORMATION FORM
Parents – Please complete this form with your student. Please print clearly.
See reverse side.
Name___________________________________________________________________
Instrument________________Grade__________Class____________________________
Parent/Guardian Names____________________________________________________
Home Phone__________________________________
Parent/Guardian Cell Phone/Work Phone #’s (please identify)
_______________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian e-mail_____________________________________________________
Student e-mail____________________________________________________________
Do you take private lessons on your string instrument?__________________
Private Teacher’s Name____________________________________________________
Private Teacher’s phone & e-mail____________________________________________
Are you a member of?:
Junior Honor Orchestra___________
Reno Philharmonic Youth String Sinfonia_________
Reno Philharmonic Youth Concert Orchestra_________
Reno Philharmonic Youth Symphony___________
Do you have a regular place in your home to practice with good posture?_____________
INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED: Please consider me for Junior Honor Orchestra
d YES d NO
I have read and reviewed the Billinghurst Strings/Orchestra Behavioral Expectations and Grading Policy and agree to abide by them.
_________________________________________________ _________________
Parent Signature Date
_________________________________________________ _________________
Student Signature Date
Please check source of your instrument:
d My child already has an instrument (check one):
d We own the instrument d We rent the instrument
d I will be getting an instrument from a store or at rental night.
d I need assistance.
Please return this form to Ms. Neidhold by Friday, September 7th.
Student Name__________________________________________Period_____________
Student Name__________________________________________Period_____________
Please fill and sign the following:
VOLUNTEERING
I would like to help:
____ Chaperone Vallejo Tour
____ Chaperone Orchestra Festival (during the day, one day event in the first week of April)
____ Chaperone 6th Grade Field Trip to Reno Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Concert (in May)
_____ Parent monitor at concerts.
____ Fall Fundraiser ______Spring Fundraiser
___Chaperone Zone Day (all grades) Other ____________________________
MEDIA RELEASE
Billinghurst Middle School Orchestras would like to include students' performances, photos, written word or spoken word on the internet primarily for the school's website but may also be posted to Youtube or another similar website. The purpose of these postings will be to praise and appreciate the work and effort of these young musicians and encourage students coming to Billinghurst to consider becoming part of our wonderful family. Please sign the following permission so we may include your child.
I give permission for Billinghurst Middle School Orchestras to record, film, photograph, my son/daughter during the 2012-2013 school year for the purposes of posting his/her photos and or videos on the Billinghurst website, YouTube, etc. I understand that the purpose of including my son/daughter is to acknowledge and commend his/her accomplishment and encourage future Billinghurst students to participate in the Billinghurst Orchestra program. No party (including Billinghurst Orchestras, the student, and the student's family) will receive financial or other compensation for these postings.
Parent Signature_______________________________date______________
VIDEOS & MOVIES
Videos and movies have a limited use in the Billinghurst Orchestra classroom. On occasion an educational video or movie about music is shown. There are a few PG rated movies that have relevance to music education and are supportive of our educational environment. Please give permission for your son/daughter to view these movies.
I give permission for my son/daughter____________________________to watch relevant PG rated movies in the Billinghurst Orchestra program.
Parent Signature_________________________________date____________________
