- Payne Junior High
- Payne Orchestra Handbook
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2023-2024 Payne Junior High School Orchestra Handbook
Welcome to the Payne Jr. High Orchestra program! I am so pleased that you have chosen to improve your musical abilities this year by playing your instrument in our orchestra ensembles. Making music and working with fellow musicians will enrich your life and help you to express yourself through sound—an intelligence unique to the musical arts. The following is information that will help orient you to the Payne Orchestra program.
Payne Orchestra Ensembles:
Cadet Orchestra
This ensemble is the continuation of the programs begun in elementary school. This group will perform string orchestra literature. We'll begin reviewing fundamental theory skills, posture, and sound production. There is a $30 class fee for this class which includes our Orchestra t-shirt and busses to local field trips. All students will need to purchase the method book Essential Elements 2000 Book 2 (Purple stripe at top) for your instrument (violin, viola, cello, bass). You can purchase this book online or at your local music store. Please have your method book by the end of the first week of school.
Chamber Orchestra
This ensemble is comprised of performers with more playing experience who will perform more accelerated and challenging repertoire. We will work on more advanced string instrument techniques such as shifting, phrasing, and vibrato. There is a $30 class fee for this class which includes our Orchestra t-shirt and busses to local field trips. All students will need to purchase the method book Essential Techniques for Strings Book 3 (Green stripe at the top) for your instrument (violin, viola, cello, bass). Please have your method book by the end of the first week of school.
Rehearsal Expectations
All Payne Jr. High general school policies for behavior and attendance from the Student Handbook are observed. In order to create a safe and secure learning and rehearsing environment, no profanity will be tolerated.
When the bell rings for class, the students will be in their seat with their instruments unpacked ready to tune. For each class period, each student will have the following:
- Instrument
- Music – method book and sheet music rehearsal copies
- Pencil
- Accessories (shoulder rest, cello/bass anchor, rosin, etc.)
Rehearsal Etiquette:
- Stay present in the rehearsal. Do not do homework or read.
- Do not talk during the rehearsal; listen to what the director is teaching, even if it is not specifically addressed to you. Many techniques are similar from instrument to instrument.
- Write reminders in your music: bowing, half step marks, fingerings, etc. However, you may not write in letter names of notes.
- Raise your hand if you have a question or need clarification.
- No cell phones during class, unless they are part of an assignment.
- Use the bathroom before class. The first minutes of class are for you to unpack, get your music and start practicing, not use the restroom.
- Mutual respect for peers, instructors, equipment, and self is expected.
Music:
Students will be provided with practice copies of our orchestra arrangements for rehearsal. They should be destroyed at the end of the year to comply with copyright laws. The original copies are in the orchestra room. Have your own music every class. Do not rely on your stand partner to bring the music—your music is your responsibility.
Students are responsible for bringing their method book and rehearsal copies to class and to be prepared for the rehearsal as per the agenda items written on the board. Do not waste class time by not being prepared to play your part.
Practice Records
Students are required to practice at home approximately 4 days a week. Regular practice will ensure consistent progress. Students will turn in a parent-signed practice record every three weeks. This will be a part of your grade. The teacher will evaluate your practice by doing music checks in addition to major chair tests right before a performance.
Performances
School Concerts
There will be four evening performances this year, reflecting current student progress. These performances are mandatory and are equivalent to exams in other classes. Please put these dates on your family calendar. Concerts at Payne Cafeteria will have a call time of 6:00 p.m. and begin at 6:30 p.m.
If you are aware of a schedule conflict, please notify Dr. Dopp in advance so we can arrange an alternate assignment. Every person is vital to our orchestra so be sure to attend and perform at all concert performances.
Concert dates for 2023-2024
Tuesday, Sept. 26 – Fall Concert 6:30 - 7:30, Warm up time 6:00 p.m. (Payne Cafe Stage)
Wednesday, Dec. 13 - Winter Concert 6:30 - 7:30, Warm up time 6:00 p.m. (Payne Cafe Stage)
Thursday, Jan 11 – Performance for incoming 7th grade families – Cadet Orch. (Est. time frame, 6-8 p.m.)
Thurs./Fri., Jan. 11-12 – Elementary School Tour (during school)– Chamber Orch.
Thursday, Feb. 22- Spring Concert 6:30 - 7:30, Warm up time 6:00 p.m. (Payne Cafe Stage)
Thursday, Feb. 29 – ABODA adjudicated festival at Mt. Point HS – Chamber Orch.
Monday, May 6– CUSD Cadet Clinic – Chandler Center for Arts – Cadet Orch.
Thursday, May 2 - Finale Concert 6:30 - 7:30, Warm up time 6:00 p.m. (Payne Cafe Stage)
Adjudicated Festival Performances
Students in both Payne Orchestras will have an opportunity to perform for judges at an adjudicated festival in the spring. Students will listen to and evaluate other performing groups from different schools that day. Payne Orchestra students are required to participate in adjudicated festivals to receive full credit for classes.
Concert Dress - The performance uniform for both groups will be as follows:
Formal: Black pants or long skirt and white blouse (must have sleeves) or dress shirt. Boys will wear a dark tie. Black dress shoes and black socks are required.
Informal: Payne Jr. High Orchestra T-shirt, jeans, sneakers
Grading Policy
30% Concerts & Performances
40% Playing/Written Tests
20% Classroom Rehearsal Contribution
10% Student Practice Record – due every 3 weeks, parent signature required.
Playing tests will be either recorded or live, individual or two students playing together. Practice reflections require students to write how often they practiced at home, and what material they rehearsed. Parent must sign.
Grading Scale
The following scale will be used to determine your grade for a particular quarter:
90-100% = A, 90-89% = B, 70-79% = C, 60-69% = D, 50-59% = F
Field Trips
The orchestra may participate in various field trips that are not performance related. Details and itinerary will be provided. Class fees will help pay for transportation. Additional fees will apply for participation in social events such as Castles-n-Coasters
Fundraisers
To participate in social events (see above) students must pay their own admission, or participate in the Orchestra fundraiser to earn $35 to pay their way.
Parent Chaperones
Parent Chaperones are needed for field trips and festivals. I will send out a letter requesting assistance. Thanks in advance for chaperoning if you are available!
Instrument Check-Out
I strongly recommend that you rent/ own your own instrument. There are a few school instruments available, but they are reserved for students who have limited financial resources. Once these needs are met, the remaining instruments are available for use for the school year for a $80 district instrument rental fee. Student cellos and basses may be rented to use at school – students should rent their own home cello or bass. School instruments should be safeguarded from damage. Students are responsible for negligence or vandalism repairs performed only by a district approved luthier. Do not attempt to repair instruments yourself.
Payne Jr. High School Orchestra
Receipt of Policies
Complete the following information – please print legibly:
Instrument: Violin Viola Cello Bass
I will need to rent a school instrument: yes______ no ______ size___________
I have read and understand the policies and consequences related to my enrollment and participation in orchestra:
Printed Student Name:_________________________________________________
Student Signature: ____________________________________________________
Student email:________________________________________________________
Student cell phone number: _____________________________________________
Student T-Shirt Size (circle one):
Adult Small Adult Medium Adult Large Adult X Large Adult XXLarge
Parent Name: ________________________________________________________
Parent Signature:______________________________________________________
Parent email:_________________________________________________________
Parent cell phone number:______________________________________________
[ ] Yes! I may be interested/available to chaperone daytime field trips.