ORCHESTRA HANDBOOK Chisholm Trail Middle School - Uel Smith Anthony Fontana - Northwest ISD Moodle
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Chisholm Trail
Middle School
ORCHESTRA
HANDBOOK
Uel Smith
Orchestra Director
Anthony Fontana
PrincipalTable of Contents Introduction……………………………………………...3 Purpose…………………………………………………..4 Goals and Objectives…………………………………….4 Instruments………………………………………………5 Use of School Instruments……………………………….5 Conduct…………………………………………………..5 Fingernail Policy………………………………………...5 Supplies………………………………………………….5 Grading System………………………………………….6 Contests and Competition………………………………..6 Absence Policy…………………………………………..7 Eligibility………………………………………………...7 Private Lessons…………………………………………..8 Extracurricular Code of Conduct…………………….9-10 Fees……………………………………………………..11 Request for Private Lessons……………………………12 Signature Page………………………………………….13 Calendar Dates……………………………………...14-15
INTRODUCTION The Northwest Independent School District takes great pride in being able to offer Orchestra classes at Chisholm Trail Middle School as part of a well-rounded educational experience. Although we consider participation in instrumental music programs a right of all students, we do expect certain standards of each student enrolled in our classes: 1. RESPONSIBILITY 2. SELF-DISCIPLINE 3. MUSICAL EXCELLENCE 4. LEADERSHIP It is my goal to produce outstanding orchestras and outstanding musicians. It is my belief that students learn more and develop better self-discipline, responsibility, knowledge, and take more pride in superior orchestras than in poor ones. To produce an outstanding orchestra requires that each student accepts certain responsibilities. The following pages will outline the basic requirements for the CTMS ORCHESTRA. PLEASE RETURN THE SIGN PAGE OF THIS HANDBOOK TO THE ORCHESTRA DIRECTOR WITH ALL THE REQUESTED INFORMATION COMPLETED AND SIGNED. This will indicate your notification and acceptance of the policies of the CTMS Orchestra program. Please retain the remainder of the handbook so you may refer to it when necessary. As the CTMS Orchestra begins its fourteenth year of string orchestra instruction, I congratulate you on beginning or continuing your journey with ORCHESTRA, which will be exciting and fulfilling. I hope that each of you will feel pride in being part of the “orchestra family”. If you have any questions please contact me immediately at (817-215-0634) or email me! Uel Smith usmith@nisdtx.org 817.215.0634
PURPOSE
The CTMS Orchestra is a yearlong credit course that meets regularly during the school day. It is
a performance-based class, with emphasis on class participation, teamwork, and effort. The
nature of this class requires the development of skills, concepts and the mastering of string
playing objectives. These must also be demonstrated outside of the classroom in rehearsals and
performances.
The primary objective of each student in school should be to obtain the highest quality overall
education possible. Academic performance and success goes hand in hand with musical success.
We take pride in knowing that orchestra students are among the highest achieving students in the
school and are also among the most active in other organizations. Education research has
shown that students who are involved in extra and co-curricular activities perform at a
consistently higher academic level and have higher levels of self-esteem.
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Goals
1. Identify and define parts of instrument, staff, notes, clef, key signatures, time signatures,
rhythms, musical terms, musical styles and intervals.
2. Use staff, notes, key signatures, time signatures, rhythms, musical terms, and intervals
appropriately.
3. Develop correct posture/position, proper intonation, rhythmic accuracy and bowing
techniques.
4. Generate practice habits in each student to achieve performance expectations for
individual and ensemble performance.
5. Demonstrate the ability to read, evaluate, critique and perform scales and pieces on an
appropriate level.
Objectives
1. Tone production.
2. Cognitive skills.
3. Finger, arm and hand coordination.
4. Performance skills.
5. Group activities.INSTRUMENTS
All instruments are to be in good playing condition at all times. Proper maintenance is
required!!! Students are expected to have rosin, shoulder rests, rock stops, mutes, and music.
Please check with the director for advice on purchasing an instrument BEFORE you buy online!
USE OF SCHOOL INSTRUMENTS
If you play the cello or bass, you will use a school instrument at school. This is offered to you as
a convenience so that you will not have to transport these large instruments to and from school. It
is district policy that each cello/bass student is charged a $50 maintenance fee per school year for
repairs on those instruments.
Any damage incurred to the instrument while in the possession of that student or family is
the sole financial responsibility of that party.
CONDUCT
The conduct of an Orchestra student reflects not only on him/herself, but also on other Orchestra
students as well as his/her school and community. I will hold our students to a very high standard
of citizenship and behavior because I believe that my students are the best students at CTMS.
FINGERNAIL POLICY
All students must keep their fingernails short, especially on the left hand. You cannot play
properly with long nails; they ruin left hand position and cause intonation problems. I will keep
nail clippers on hand and encourage students to use them when needed.
Fingernails interfering with the student’s proper position and posture will have a negative
effect on the student’s daily grade. Keep those fingernails short!
SUPPLIES
ALL students are required to have:
1. Instrument/Bow/Case
2. Kun shoulder rest (Violin/Viola) or Rock Stop (Cello/Bass)
3. Tuner/Metronome
4. Cloth (can be purchased or made from an old T-shirt)
5. Rosin (each musician needs their OWN ROSIN)GRADING SYSTEM
A student’s grade for orchestra for each six weeks is comprised of:
Beginner Orchestra:
Formative (40%): Daily work, practice record
Summative (60%): Concerts/Performances, playing test, written tests/essays
Performance Orchestras:
Formative (40%): Daily work, practice records, sectional
attendance when applicable
Summative (60%): Concerts/Performances, playing tests, written tests/essays
FOR PRACTICE RECORDS: Practice logs are due every week in Moodle. If a student is unable
to submit practice record in Moodle, then student will need to turn in paper copy of times on
Monday during class (it is not the teacher’s responsibility to chase down practice records for
those students who are unable to submit in Moodle). The grade equals the number of minutes
practiced that week. For Example: 100 minutes = grade of 100, 86 minutes = grade of 86, 150
minutes = grade of 150, 180 will be the highest weekly grade for a students practice record.
It is important to me to teach our musicians responsibility and preparedness. However, in the
event of a practice record misstep, it is very easy to make up a missed grade on a practice record
by just practicing extra minutes on the next few practice records to make up the difference.
Concert attendance is considered a MAJOR GRADE. Our concerts are the orchestra equivalent
to a unit test – it is the sum of all we have been working on in class. Please mark concert dates on
your calendar and plan on attending.
CONTESTS AND COMPETITIONS
Contests and competitions are a big part of what we do in orchestra. The students set high goals
for their orchestras and work incredibly hard to attain those goals. I also believe that they learn
very important lessons through the strains of competing. UIL Contest is a very big event in our
school year. It is the orchestra equivalent to the academic classes’ STARR test. There will be lots
of intense rehearsals and sectionals in the spring semester leading up to our contest. UIL is not a
competition against the other orchestras in our area. Rather, it is a competition against a standard
of excellence and perfection. An Orchestra’s performance is judged by a panel of three judges on
a scale of I (Superior) to V (Poor). Beginner Orchestra does not attend UIL; they compete in
spring at a competition.ABSENCE POLICY
Good communication between teacher, student, and parents can prevent misunderstandings.
Please read the following rules and contact the director if you have any questions. These rules
pertain to all orchestra rehearsals, sectionals, performances, field trips, or any other activity that
takes place with the Orchestra outside of the class time (where the school’s absence policy is
already in effect).
1. ALL absences (excused or unexcused) from a sectional or performance must be
communicated to the director via phone call, e-mail, or written note. If a student
misses a sectional or performance for an excused reason, he or she may make up
the grade for full credit. If a student misses a sectional or performance for an
unexcused reason, he or she may make up the grade for partial credit. Excessive
absences may result in removal from the organization.
2. Advance notice is required for all prior commitments. A prior commitment is
defined as a date already committed to another event when the schedule is
announced. Outside of school activities (i.e. baseball practice, medical
appointment, hair appointment, etc.) are NOT considered excused absences.
3. In the case of illness and/or family emergency, the parents should send a written
notice to the director as soon as they are aware that a situation exists. If it is an
emergency situation, i.e. something that happens 30 minutes before a concert is
going to begin, it may be impossible to get in touch with anyone. Thus, please
follow up with a written note as soon as possible after the fact. This is the ONLY
category where absences will be excused the same day or after the event.
An Orchestra performs at an optimum level with all members present. Therefore, students are
required to participate in all sectionals, rehearsals, and performances unless excused by the
director. I do understand that car/ride situations, athletic conflicts, and other things to do come up
through the course of a year. If there is a problem getting your child to before or after school
rehearsals, sectionals, or concerts, PLEASE let me know! I will work with coaches to resolve
any athletic conflict, help find rides to school, or figure out a solution to the problem. So many
times, we have students that just don’t show up to sectionals…and then I find out months later
(and lots of zeros later) that the problem was that they rode the bus and couldn’t get here that
early. I will work with any situation, as long as I am made aware of it!
ELIGIBILITY
A single failing grade in any class on a report card will deny you many performance privileges.
This problem can virtually destroy all of our hard work, both individually and as an orchestra.
Students’ grades have a direct influence on every other student in their orchestra. The teamwork
needed for a successful performance is based on the responsibility of each student to pass his/her
own classes. Eligibility can and will affect Spring Festival.PRIVATE LESSONS
I have found that students who take private lessons have greater mastery of the music and
material. One-on-one instruction is very beneficial and can help students achieve greater goals in
Orchestra. Private lessons are not really like a tutorial; they are to help a child advance faster
than the class, and achieve at a higher level. Private music lessons will be offered as enrichment
to classroom instruction. Participation in these supplemental lessons is optional. Students who
choose not to participate in supplemental lessons will not be penalized grade wise or otherwise in
their class activities. Enrollment by the students in the private lesson program is on a completely
voluntary basis. There will not be any undue pressure on students to take supplemental music
lessons. Private lessons will be available during your child's orchestra class at the very
reasonable price of $20 per lesson. SCHEDULING IS DONE ON A FIRST COME BASIS, if
you wait until later to sign up or forget to bring back the form, you may find that the teachers
have full schedules.
Student's Responsibility:
1. Be fully prepared for each lesson.
2. Follow guidelines pertaining to absenteeism.
3. Supply method books and other materials as required by the private teacher.
4. Participate in all activities required as a condition of private study.
Lesson Location and Scheduling:
The supplemental music instructor will schedule lessons for the students in the program who
desire to participate. Lessons will be twenty minutes in length. It will be the responsibility of the
student to notify his/her supplemental music instructor at least twenty-four hours in advance if a
lesson is to be cancelled unless, of course, a serious emergency arises. If the student will be
absent from school please notify the instructor as soon as possible about the absence for the
lesson. This courtesy is also the responsibility of the private music instructor if he/she must
cancel a lesson.
The school directors will aid the student in advising the private music teacher of concerts,
programs, holidays, etc., which would result in any interruption of the regular lesson schedule.
Financial Implications:
The Private Music Teacher will be responsible for all billing, collection, and accounting for
funds related to lessons. Checks will be made payable directly to the Private Music Teacher.
Each lesson is $20.
Questions concerning assignment of private music teachers should be directed to the Orchestra
Director. Questions concerning lesson dates and times or number of lessons taught should be
directed to your student's private lesson teacher.Extracurricular Activities, Clubs, and Organizations
Participation in school and school-related activities is an excellent way for a student to develop talents, receive individual recognition, and build
strong friendships with other students; participation, however, is a privilege, not a right.
Eligibility for participation in many of these activities is governed by state law as well as rules of the University Interscholastic League (UIL)—a
statewide association overseeing inter-district competition.
The following requirements apply to all extracurricular activities:
A student who receives a grade below 70 at the end of a grading period may not participate in extracurricular activities for a time
period, as stipulated in the UIL Side-by-Side FM(Legal). Students in advanced courses, such as pre-AP, AP, GT courses, and dual
credit college courses, are required to maintain a passing standard of 60 or higher in order to maintain UIL eligibility FMF(Local).
Students who fall below this passing standard will lose UIL eligibility in accordance with UIL regulations and for the period of time
identical to students who lose eligibility in non-advanced courses.
A student who has an individualized education program (IEP) who fails to meet the standards in the IEP may not participate for a time
period, as stipulated in the UIL Side-by-Side.
An ineligible student may practice or rehearse.
A student is allowed in a school year up to ten absences not related to post-district competition, a maximum of five absences for post-
district competition prior to state, and a maximum of two absences for state competition. All extracurricular activities and public
performances, whether UIL activities or other activities approved by the Board, are subject to these restrictions.
A student who misses a class because of participation in an activity that has not been approved will receive an unexcused absence unless
the absence is excused by campus administration.
Sponsors and coaches of extracurricular activities, including but not limited to: interscholastic athletics, cheerleaders, drill teams,
and marching bands, may develop and enforce standards of behavior that are higher than the District-developed Student Code of
Conduct and may condition membership or participation in the activity on adherence to those standards. These higher standards
are outlined in each extracurricular group's guidelines and constitutions. Extracurricular standards of behavior may take into
consideration conduct that occurs at any time, on or off school property. No provision of an extracurricular behavioral standard
shall have the effect of discriminating on the basis of sex, race, disability, religion, or ethnicity.
Expected standards of behavior shall be approved by the principal and the Superintendent or designee before they are
communicated to students. Students shall be informed of any extracurricular behavior standards at the beginning of each school
year or, in the case of interscholastic athletics, cheerleaders, drill team, and marching band, at the time the students report for
workouts or practices that occur prior to the actual beginning of classes. Students and their parents shall sign and return to the
sponsor or coach a statement that they have read the extracurricular behavior standards and consent to them as a condition of
participation in the activity, as well as signing the District’s “Extracurricular/Co-curricular Student Pledge of Conduct.”
Organizational standards of conduct of an extracurricular activity are independent of the Student Handbook and Code of Conduct.
Violations of the organization’s standards of conduct that are also violations of the Student Handbook and Code of Conduct may
result in school-assessed disciplinary actions. Likewise, students who violate the District’s Student Handbook and Code of
Conduct will be assessed appropriate disciplinary consequences for the infraction and the consequences may result in a student’s
removal or limited participation in an extracurricular activity if the disciplinary action or level of offense violates the higher
standards of conduct specified by the student’s extracurricular organization.
Administrators and sponsors are expected to discipline students according to established rules.
Board Policies FM (LEGAL/LOCAL), FNC (LOCAL), and FO (LEGAL/LOCAL)
Sponsors of student clubs and performing groups such as the band, choir, and drill and athletic teams may establish standards of behavior—
including consequences for misbehavior—that are stricter than those for students in general. If a violation is also a violation of school rules, the
consequences specified by the Student Code of Conduct or by local policy will apply in addition to any consequences specified by the organization.
[For further information, see policies FM and FO.]Extracurricular and co-curricular activities are a privilege. Students who participate in extracurricular and/or co-curricular activities in grades 6-12
are held to a higher standard. Inappropriate behavior including but not limited to the following will not be tolerated: drinking alcoholic beverages
or using tobacco illegally, taking illegal drugs or being in possession of drug paraphernalia, or attending or remaining at an activity where alcohol,
drugs, or tobacco are being consumed illegally. Other offenses that violate the Student Code of Conduct and comprise the integrity and credibility
of the organization(s) may comprise other examples of such behaviors. The consequences for violating the Pledge are outlined in detail on the
pledge form. The Pledge is in effect at all times. The Pledge in no way replaces or supersedes the Student Code of Conduct or Texas Education
Code, and in no way supersedes the mandates of the Texas Education Code. Violation of the Pledge may also constitute a violation of the Student
Code of Conduct. If it does, disciplinary action under the Student Code of Conduct may also be imposed by the District. Students who participate
in extra/co-curricular activities are required to follow the Pledge in order to participate in those activities. The “Extracurricular/Co-curricular
Student Pledge of Conduct” follows:
EXTRACURRICULAR/CO-CURRICULAR STUDENT PLEDGE OF CONDUCT
I pledge to abide by requirements
established by Northwest Independent School District
in order to be allowed to participate in any extracurricular/co-Curriculum activities.
Consequences for violating the “Extracurricular/Co-curricular Student Conduct” will be in effect for all students participating in extracurricular/co-
curricular activities for up one full calendar year from the date the student and parent were notified of the known violation.
First Violation
The suspension from extracurricular contest/competitions will cover 15 instructional school days, including weekends and/or
contest/competitions following the date the student and parent are notified. If the incident happens during a holiday the student may not
participate during that time and once school reconvenes.
During the period of suspension, the student will be allowed to practice before or after school, attend, and participate in any practice of
extracurricular or co-curricular activities.
The University Interscholastic League may set other standards, which will require compliance of students in UIL-sponsored groups.
Second Violation
The student shall be suspended from any extracurricular activity for 90 instructional school days, including weekends and/or activities
following the date the student and parent are notified. If the incident happened during a holiday the student may not participate during that
time, and once school reconvenes, the student will continue the 90 day suspension from the activity.
During the period of suspension, the student will be allowed to practice before or after school, attend, and participate in any practice of
extracurricular or co-curricular activities.
The University Interscholastic League may set other standards, which will require compliance of students in UIL-sponsored groups.
Third Violation
The student will be removed from participation in extracurricular or co-curricular activities for one calendar year. After the one-year
suspension, the student must apply for reinstatement to a campus committee that will review the student’s academic, attendance, and behavior
records.
The University Interscholastic League may set other standards, which will require compliance of students in UIL-sponsored groups.
In order for a student to be considered in violation, any one of the following conditions must occur:
1. The student must admit to a violation.
2. The parent of the student must admit to the violation.
3. A NISD staff member must witness the student in violation.
4. A local agency report or citation must be filed. (Including, but not limited to, DWI–Driving While Intoxicated, DUI–Driving Under the
Influence, MIP–Minor in Possession, and MIC–Minor in Consumption)
A violation is defined as follows:
1. The use, sale, possession, and/or possession of illegal drugs and/or alcohol.
2. The depictions of the use, sale, possession and/or distribution of illegal drugs and/or alcohol.
3. The presence at a gathering where illegal drugs and/or alcohol are used, possessed, sold and/or distributed illegally.
4. Any offenses for which a student can be according to the Student Code of Conduct:
suspended,
placed in a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP), or
expelled.
5. Any other offense that violates the Student Code of Conduct and comprises the integrity and credibility of the organization(s).FEES
Each Orchestra student is responsible for paying a yearly Orchestra fee,
which covers an Orchestra T-shirt (concert dress for Beginners), spring
music festival, required competition entry, and end of year uniform cleaning
if applicable. This fee is in addition to the District Instrument Usage fee for
Cello and Bass players. All fees are due September 9, if there are any
special financial circumstances please notify Mr. Smith in writing or email
no later than August 30.
Beginner Orchestra fee -- $50
Symphonic, & Chamber Orchestras fee -- $50REQUEST FOR PRIVATE MUSIC INSTRUCTION I desire private music instruction for my son/daughter in (instrument). I understand the cost of the lessons is $20 per lesson and is to be paid directly to the teacher during the first lesson of the month. __________________________________________ Print Student Name __________________________________________ Print Parent Name ___________________________________________ Student Signature ___________________________________________ Parent Email Address ___________________________________________ Parent Phone Number Please return this application to your son/daughter's orchestra director For Campus Use: Private Teacher ________________________ Teacher Phone ________________________ Lessons to begin on _____________________ Financial Implications: Guidelines from the Texas Education Agency allow private music teachers to be paid directly by students or parents. Checks from individuals for student lessons should be made out to the individual contractor. Private music contractors are responsible for all matters related to billing and collection of fees for lessons.
Student Name (print Last, First): _____________________________________
Signature Page
Please check each box. Your signature below indicates that you have been
notified and accept all dates and policies in the Orchestra Handbook. Please
return by September 1.
I have read this handbook and understand all the information inside.
I understand the expectations and responsibilities taken on by my
involvement in an organization of this caliber.
I understand that my yearly Orchestra fee is due on or before September 9 (if
payment by due date is a problem please contact Mr. Smith in writing or email
no later than August 30)
Student Signature ____________________________
Parent Signature_____________________________Calendar Dates: September 9 CTMS Orchestra Fees Due (All Orchestras) Sept 17- Oct 4 Fundraiser (All Orchestras) October 1 District Instrument Fees Due (Cello & Bass) October 5 Northwest HS Fall Concert* October 19 Fall Concert @ CTMS (All Orchestras) October 30 All-Region Auditions (Select students) November 9 All District Orchestra @ EHS (Select students) December 7 Winter Concert @ CTMS (All Orchestras) December 10 Holiday Tour (Chamber Orchestra) December 10&11 All-Region Clinic/Concert (Select students) December 14 Northwest HS Winter Concert* February 8 Pre-UIL @ Northwest HS (Chamber Orchestra) February 22&23 UIL @ BNHS (Chamber Orchestra) March 10 Northwest HS Dessert Concert* April 28 NISD Orchestra Festival @ Eaton HS (All Orchestras)
May 2-6 Auditions for CTMS 2022-2023 school year May 17 Northwest HS Spring Concert* May 19 Spring Concert @ CTMS (All Orchestras) May 20 Uniform turn in (Chamber Orchestra) Chamber Orchestra indicates Chamber and Symphonic Orchestras. Events marked with an * are extra credit for attendance.
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