•  Perry Orchestras Handbook 2023-24

    Welcome to the Perry High School Orchestra Program! I am excited that you have chosen to continue your string studies by being part of the Perry Orchestras. We have a musically rewarding year planned for our groups and are thrilled that you will be a part of our performing groups.

     

          This handbook contains valuable information pertaining to the Perry Orchestra Program. Please read it carefully with your parents then return the attached contract acknowledging that you have read the handbook and are aware of the students’ responsibilities in orchestra classes and mandatory performances. If you have any concerns or questions, please e-mail or call me at the school. Thank you!

     

    Dr. Valerie Dopp, director of Perry High School Orchestras                        

    e-mail:  dopp.valerie@cusd80.com       Phone:  (480) 224-2961                   Orchestra Room:  D105

     

    PERRY HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA WEBSITE

    You may access the Perry High School Orchestra Website by logging on to the Perry H.S. home page (then click staff, Dopp). The website lists important information for orchestra students and parents. It includes the orchestra instructor’s brief bio, syllabus, event list/calendar, the student handbook, fundraising/parent booster club among others.

     

         ORCHESTRA CONTRACT

    You will find the ORCHESTRA CONTRACT at the end of this Orchestra Handbook. The primary purpose of this contract is to make certain that both you and your parents have read this handbook and are aware of the responsibilities involved in orchestra membership. It also indicates that you have reviewed the accompanying PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE with your parents and have arranged to be available on all the dates.

     

          CLASS FEE

    There is a $40 class participation fee for all Perry Orchestras. Fees collected will cover the student’s orchestra t-shirt, local field trip transportation costs, and newly purchased sheet music for the orchestras. If the fee is a hardship for your family, please communicate your need for a scholarship to Dr. Dopp.

     

        PLACEMENT AUDITIONS

    Three string orchestra classes are currently offered at Perry. Placement audition or the director’s recommendation is required before student placement in an appropriate performing group. Schedule placement auditions by making an appointment with the orchestra director during the week before school starts, or during the first week of school. Students that have not auditioned will be enrolled in Concert Orchestra.

     

    TECHNIQUE BOOKS

    All orchestra students use a supplementary technique book in addition to their regular orchestra sheet music.  Students would be encouraged to purchase a copy of this book for their home and class practice. It is available at local music stores (be sure to call first to make sure your book is in stock – they may have to order it).

               

    All Students: Essentials for Strings - Kjos Music Company (black)

     

    PRIVATE LESSONS

    It is highly recommended that students take private lessons.  Nothing can replace this kind of individualized, expert attention and guidance.   Private lessons greatly increase the chances for students to participate in High School Regional Honor Orchestra, All-State Honor Orchestra, and prepare them for collegiate level music classes, either music performance or music education.

     

     

    PLAYING TESTS AND CHAIR PLACEMENTS

    Individual playing tests will be given once per quarter throughout the school year and will function also as chair placements for each orchestral section. The playing test may be comprised of scales and excerpts from the current repertoire. The tests may be digitally recorded and submitted or observed live at the discretion of the orchestra director. In-class practice checks may be given periodically and may or may not be announced. A student grade will not be determined by comparing an individual playing with that of other orchestra members; it will be based entirely on his/her own effort and progress as they relate to their musical potential and aptitude.  In addition to being graded, students will be seated according to how well they perform comparing with others in their section with a consideration for what is the best for the orchestra. Seating within a section will freeze approximately one to three weeks before each major performance. Chair rotation will also be part of the orchestra class seating practice.

     

    During the grading period, playing test may be retaken once for a better grade.  It will be student’s responsibility to arrange a time with the orchestra director to come in before or after school to make up missed tests or retake a test.  If students miss a test, or do not submit a recorded test, their Infinite Campus gradebook will reflect a “0” until the test submitted. Competition is a part of life, but it is not the only part; enjoy the challenges, celebrate the successes, and learn from your mistakes.          

    PRACTICE CHECKS

    Practicing your instrument is homework in orchestra and each student is expected to practice a minimum four days a week. Although we will not be turning in practice logs this year, we will be doing in-class practice reflections and you may keep your own log to create and work toward musical goals and to keep track of your musical progress. Practice checks may occur at any time and may be performed with a stand partner, or individually. Be prepared for periodic practice checks – they count toward your grade in orchestra class!

     

    REHEARSAL/BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS

    All Perry General School policies for social distancing, behavior, and attendance from the Student Handbook are observed.

    A.        When the bell rings for class, the students will set up their chair and stand, prepare their instrument, and be ready to tune. For each class period, each student will have their:

    1) Instrument     2) Music       3) Pencil          4) Shoulder rest, mute, rosin etc.

    If the student does not have these materials, his/her rehearsal contribution grade will be affected. DO NOT USE OTHER STUDENTS’ INSTRUMENTS WITHOUT PERMISSION.

    B.        Do not talk during the rehearsal; listen to what the director is instructing, even if it is not specifically addressing to you. Write in everything in your own part: bowings, phrases, fingering, etc. Raise your hand if you have a question or need clarification. Stay present in the rehearsal; do not do homework, read, or text message.

    C.        No food, drink or gum in the classroom except for closeable bottled water.

                SET DRINKS ON DR. DOPP’S DESK.

    D.        All string players must keep left hand fingernails trimmed short. Do not get porcelain nails or nail tips.

    E.        Students are only permitted to use cell phones and earphones in orchestra class for designated projects.   Cell phones should be in your backpack during class – not in pockets or on music stands.

    CONCERTS/PERFORMANCES

    Parent Concerts

    There will be a school concert per quarter, reflecting student progress for that grading period. These performances are MANDATORY and are equivalent to EXAMS in other classes. All concerts are in the Perry High School Auditorium, beginning at 7:00pm. The dates for the concerts are:

                        Wed., Sept. 27th       Tues., Dec. 5th        Tues., Feb. 27th        Wed., May 8th

     

    CUSD Secondary Orchestra Workshop, and Perry Preview

    On October 26, the Chamber Orchestra will work with the incoming 8th graders and other high school Chamber Orchestra students at the new Perry Secondary Orchestra Workshop  at Chandler Center for the Arts. This is a during-school field trip and will count toward service hours for diploma seal or NHS

    .

    On January 18, Chamber and Symphonic Orchestras will perform for the Perry Preview Curriculum Night. We will be featured on the stage as the Perry administration talks to incoming 8th grade students and their parents. This will also count towards service hours.

                   

    Graduation Ceremony Performance

    This is the annual special performance at the senior graduation ceremony and mandatory for Chamber and Symphonic orchestra members: (site and date TBD).

     

    ABODA Festival

    ABODA (Arizona Band and Orchestra Director’s Association) organizes performances in which the students have the opportunity to be evaluated by other well-established educators and musicians and perform for other schools. ABODA Festivals are AIA sanctioned events, which mandates that students must maintain their passing status in order to participate. This year, Chamber Orchestra will participate in the Fall ABODA adjudicated orchestra festival at Campo Verde HS – Fri., Sept. 22nd.

     

    Washington D.C. Spring Tour

    This year Perry Chamber and  Symphonic Orchestras, along with the Basha Chamber Orchestra, will have the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. and participate in Music Celebrations International Festival of the States. The tour will include airfare, a charter bus and tour guide, four-night hotel stay with breakfasts and dinners, presenting a concert in a famous venue, working with a world-class clinician, visit to the Smithsonian and Arlington National Cemetery, and much more. Cost of the tour will be approx. $1,600. Students can use tax credit donations to help pay for their trip. Some partial scholarships may be available.

    Dates of the Washington D.C. Tour are Mon. – Fri., March 11-15, 2024. Please attend the Parent Information Night in early August.

     

    Regional/All State Honor Orchestras/Solo & Ensemble

    In January the students have an opportunity to audition for and participate in an orchestra that is comprised of the best string students in the region, and later in the state. Audition and excerpt information will be distributed in class this week. Students in Perry Chamber and Symphony Orchestra are strongly encouraged to participate. In addition, all students are encouraged to participate in the solo & ensemble events sponsored by ABODA. Guidelines for the solo & ensemble are available to all students. See info on yellow Perry Events page.

     

    GRADING POLICY - Grade Breakdown as follows:

    40% Concerts/Performances                       30% Playing Tests & Written Tests

    15% Literature Preparation                        15% Rehearsal Contribution

              (practice checks and reflections)                  

                                         

    Letter Grade Distribution:   A = 90-100%     B = 80-89%     C = 70-79%     D = 60-69%     F = 59% or lower

     

    PERFORMANCE ATTIRE

    As a member of the Perry orchestras a student will wear the ‘traditional’ concert attire at performances:

    GENTLEMEN: Long sleeve black Tux Jacket and Pants, Black bowtie and cummerbund, Long sleeve white Tux Shirt, Black dress shoes and socks. Students will work with a tux rental/purchase shop to rent or purchase appropriate concert attire and are responsible for the fee or may order a tux online. Cost is approx. $125.00

     

    LADIES: Black long sleeve ankle-length dress, Black dress shoes and black hose. No flip-flops. New orchestra students need to rent a concert dress from the school and pay the one-time, non-refundable $40.00 rental fee. Girls may keep their dresses until they withdraw from the orchestra or graduate, then dresses must be gently washed and returned.

     

    We want everyone to perform in uniform.  We play better when we look sharp.  This means dress shoes are polished, uniforms are clean and wrinkle-free.  Festival score sheets typically have a “uniform grade.”  We need to always “dress for success” for all performances – including DRESS SHOES.

     

    LOCKS AND LOCKERS

    Violin and viola players will be assigned an instrument locker in the storage room. These lockers are only for the storage of musical instruments. Students will share a locker with another classmate. Violin and viola players MUST USE LOCKERS TO STORE INSTRUMENTS DURING THE SCHOOL DAY. Students should take instruments home several days a week to practice unless you have a second instrument at home. Instruments left on the floor will be IMPOUNDED. See Mrs. Dopp for retrieval process.

     

    SCHOOL INSTRUMENT USAGE/CHECK OUT

    I strongly recommend that students rent/own their own instruments. There are a few school violins/violas available at Perry but they are reserved for students who have no means of having an instrument otherwise. Once these needs are filled, the remaining violins/violas can be rented out. For cello, bass, and harp players, they will use school instruments during the regular orchestra classes and need to pay the instrumental rental annual fee unless they want to bring their own instruments to school each day. Students should bring their own instruments from home for performances, as there may not be enough instruments for combined orchestras. Instrument annual rental Fee is $80 (set by the district) for the current year with a signed contract. The student is responsible for any damages to the instrument. Repairs are made only through the district luthier.

     

    ORCHESTRA LETTERING QUALIFICATION

    Students may earn their orchestra letter in their second year to demonstrate excellence in playing/participation in orchestral activities. Every student is strongly encouraged to participate in this privileged lettering program and be the best orchestra member he/she can be (please see Mrs. Dopp for requirement details).

     

    FUND RAISERS

    The Orchestra Boosters uses several FUND RAISERS to help lower the costs of orchestra activities. All students should participate so we can lower the costs for all students. Major fundraisers planned include: Fry’s Loyalty Card and American Furniture Warehouse; See’s Candy orders (November); Ava’s Popcorn (January).

     

    REMIND – Communication

    All students should participate in the REMIND app so Dr. Dopp can send you timely messages and reminders about upcoming events. To join by text, send a text message to 81010 and enter YOUR class code:

     

    23-24 Chamber Orchestra @hf6dckk  

    23-24 Concert Orchestra @ ed6kf6 

    23-24 Symphonic Orchestra @ cdaee6

     

    Perry Orchestras Handbook & Participation Contract

     

    Sign and return by Friday, July 28, 2023 for a preparation grade.

     

    Please print very clearly so I will not misinterpret your email and phone numbers.

     

    I have read the 2023-2024 Perry High School Orchestra Handbook.

    I understand and accept the responsibilities and requirements for this class, including the expectations, grading and attendance policies, and performance dates. 

     

    Email addresses will only be used by Dr. Dopp and the Perry Orchestra Boosters for the purpose of

    communication related to the school orchestra activities.     

     

     

    _______________________________                ________________________________

    Print Student Name                                                          Student Signature

     

    _______________________________                ________________________________

    Student instrument                                                            Orchestra class

     

    _______________________________                ________________________________

    Student cell phone #                                                         Student email address

     

     

     

    _______________________________                ________________________________

    Print Parent/Guardian Name                                             Parent/Guardian Signature

     

    _______________________________                ________________________________

    Parent/Guardian cell phone #                                           Parent/Guardian email

     

    We need volunteers to support Orchestra activities. Please check any area of interest below.

     

    [   ] Helping with Concerts – set up/break down, selling roses, raffle tickets

    [   ] Booster Meetings (First Wednesday of each month – 6:00 p.m.)

    [   ] Chaperoning Field Trips

    [   ] Helping with dress hemming.

     

    Thank you so much for your support!

     

    Dr. Dopp

    dopp.valerie@cusd80.com

    602-750-0790