North Atlanta High School

Orchestra

Student and Parent

HANDBOOK
2019-2020
Mr. Stephen Lawrence, Orchestra Director

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 North Atlanta High School Orchestra 2018-2019
Course Syllabus and Outline

Instructor: Stephen Lawrence, MME

Email: slawrence@atlanta.k12.ga.us Room: H4043

August 2019
RE: Orchestra Handbook

Dear Student and Parent(s)/Guardian(s),

Welcome (back) to a new school year & the North Atlanta High School
Orchestra program. I hope you had a relaxing and enjoyable summer vacation.
Being a part of the Orchestra at North Atlanta High is exciting and challenging
and I hope that you are looking forward to this year as much as I. The success of
our orchestra program centers on responsibility, dependability, dedication, and
working toward musical improvement individually and as a group. It is the goal
of the director to produce an outstanding orchestra and with each person
working together and doing his or her part, we can achieve this goal.
This handbook contains very valuable information and will prove to be a
helpful guide for defining the expectations that are important for keeping the
North Atlanta Orchestra a quality organization. Please read this handbook
carefully, and return the requested pages to the director with all the pertinent
information completed and signed. This will indicate your receipt and acceptance
of the policies of the North Atlanta High School Orchestra. Please complete the
online acknowledgement page to confirm that you have read and understood this
handbook by Monday, August 19th.
Communication between the director and parents is very important. I will
do my best to get important information concerning your child to you in a timely
manner. If you ever have any questions or information for me, please fell free to
call me at school.

Sincerely,

Stephen Lawrence
4111 Northside Pkwy., NW
Atlanta, GA 30327

404-802-4776

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 North Atlanta High School Orchestra
SCHEDULE OF ORCHESTRA ACTIVITIES (2019-2020)
Date Event Group Required
August 22 Fall Parents Meeting ALL Yes
Parent’s Meeting : 6:30 pm
Spring Trip Meeting #2: 7:15pm
September 3 All-State/ Solo & Ensemble Due TBA No
September 26 North Star Show @7:00PM Phil Yes
October 3 Tentative NAHS/SMS Side by Side Phil Yes
October 5 Fall Mini Camp ALL Yes
October 19 All-State Audition #1 TBA No
October 23 Fall Orch.Tech Reh. ALL Yes
October 24 Fall Concert @7pm ALL Yes
November 9 Solo/Ensemble @ SMS TBA No
November 14-15* APS Honors Orchestra @TBA TBA No
December 4 Holiday Show Tech Reh. ALL Yes
December 5 NAHS Holiday Show ALL Yes
December TBA Bethel UMC Performance TBA Yes
January 11 All-State Final Audition TBA No
February 27 APS Pre-Festival Event TBA Yes
February 29 Spring Mini Camp ALL Yes
March 4 NAHSO PreFest Tech Reh ALL Yes
March 5 NAHSO PreFest Concert ALL Yes
March 5 - 7 All-State Event TBA No
March 11 - 12 GMEA LGPE Orchestra ALL Yes
March 17 Tri-M Fall Recital Atrium 4:00-9pm
March 20 – 21* H. Orchestra Music Festival 1
March 27 – 28* H. Orchestra Music Festival 2
April 17 -18* H. Orchestra Music Festival 3
April 25 Spring Concert Mini Camp ALL Yes
April 29 Orchestra Spring Concert Tech Reh ALL Yes
April 30 Orchestra Spring Concert ALL No
May TBA NAHS Visions Program TBA Yes
Please put these dates on your calendar. If there are any changes or additions, I will
let you know in a timely manner. Thank you for you cooperation and I look forward
to a fun and successful year.

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*Those items with asterisks will be discussed in class so your kids will have the up to
date information.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Purpose
Our Orchestra’s purpose is to:
-Serve the school and community through quality concert performances.
-Furnish members with an invaluable experience in music as an art form.
-Develop individual responsibility and self-discipline.
-Further school spirit.
-Encourage and develop leadership and teamwork.

Description of Orchestra Classes

The orchestra program at North Atlanta is made up of three performing ensembles-Concert,
Symphonic and Philharmonic Orchestras, and one techniques ensemble being Beginning
Orchestra. In each of these groups the following skills and concepts will be developed by means of
orchestral literature, etudes and technical studies appropriate to the needs and abilities of the
student:

1. Correct posture and position

2. Tone production and vibrato
3. Major and minor scales and arpeggios
4. Bowing styles, articulations and techniques
5. Listening skills
6. Musical interpretation and expression
7. Music history and theory
8. Advanced positions in various keys
9. Concert and rehearsal etiquette
The North Atlanta High School Beginning Orchestra Techniques Class is a non-performance
group is comprised of mostly 9th grade students that new to the instrument and 10th -12th grade
students that are learning a second instrument. This class will focus on various performance
techniques and reading of music notation with a focus on notes and basic rhythms.
The North Atlanta High School “Concert Orchestra” and “Symphonic Orchestra” is a
performance group comprised of 9th through 12th grade students. The students are selected
through auditions and/ or with the approval of the Orchestra Director, with the understanding
that there will be out-of-school performances and rehearsals required of all members during the
school year. The course will cover the mechanics of string instruments: note reading, rhythm,
pitch discrimination, expression, and music literacy at a higher level.
The North Atlanta High School “Philharmonic Orchestra” is a performance group comprised of
9th through 12th grade students. The students are selected through auditions and with the
approval of the Orchestra Director, with the understanding that there will be out-of-school
performances and rehearsals required of all members during the school year. The students are
chosen based on their musical skills, dependability, and commitment for success. The members
of the Philharmonic Orchestra will sometimes to be asked to perform at functions with a short
notice; therefore, the students must be flexible. Failure to communicate in a timely fashion with
the Director can result in dismissal from this elite ensemble.

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 COURSE MATERIALS
Habits of a Successful String Musician Method Book by Chris Selby
All students must obtain method book as it will be used for daily classroom exercises, playing
test/quizzes, seating auditions and much more. Each student is strongly encouraged to own their
own book as homework will be assigned from this book as well.
Instrument Loan Fee
For students who do not own or rent their own instrument, a school instrument will be assigned.
A fee of $25 per semester (or $40 or the year) will be collected as a maintenance fee to aid in the
upkeep of the instrument. Any concerns with this fee should be addressed to Mr. Lawrence as
soon as possible.

Tuner and Metronome

All students are encouraged to purchase a personal tuner and metronome. These devices are
necessary during personal practices at home to improve his/her performance. Each student will
be assigned a tuner at the beginning of the school year. It is the student’s responsibility to return
the tuner at the end of the school in the same condition it was received. Replacement cost for
tuners is $14 (Violin/Viola) a $20 for cello/bass.

UNIFORMS
Formal Uniform
All students must have the appropriate director-approved uniform to participate in the
Orchestra concerts. Failure to acquire proper uniform can result in student being dismissed from
concert. If any student is unable to acquire proper attire because of financial reasons, he/she
must submit this concern to the Orchestra Director no later than 1 month prior to the concert.

*Ladies – Concert black dress Cost is $96

Gentlemen - Black tuxedo, white shirt, black bowtie, black socks. Cost is $135

Informal Uniform

Orchestra shirt with nice jeans and tennis shoes. Cost of shirt is $15.

Gig Uniform

Dressy all-black attire. If dress falls above the knee, tights/stockings must be worn. No
jeans, t-shirts, tennis shoes, etc may be worn. Required for Philharmonic students only.

GRADING SCALE

Orchestra students will be graded in the following manner:

Formative Assessments 45%
a. Daily Application of Performance
b. Playing Test
c. Theory Test
d. Afterschool Rehearsal/ Smart Music Submissions
e. Concert Review and Critiques*
Summative Assessments 45%
a. In-Field Application of Performance
b. Midterm
c. Unit Tests
d. Major Assignments
Final Exam 10%

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*Students must attend three on-campus/school performances and two outside school
performances before the close of the semester as a requirement of the NAHS Fine and Performing
Arts Department.

-90-100 points A
-80-89 points B
-70-79 points C
-69 or below F
Late Work Policy:
Students with late work or unexcused absences are expected to submit missed work by the
deadlines established below. The deadlines for submission are as follows:
• Students are expected to turn in assignments by the due date.
• Assignments turned in after the due date will be assessed a 20% penalty from the
assigned grades.
• Midterm exams for first semester will be administered October 10-11, 2019. All
assignments missed from August 12, 2019 to October 9, 2019 must be submitted by
October 11, 2019 no later than 4:00 PM.
• Final exams for first semester will be administered Dec. 17-20, 2019. All assignments
missed from October 16-December 13, 2019 must be submitted by December 16, 2019 no
later than 4:00 PM.
• Midterm exams for second semester will be administered March 12-13, 2020. All
assignments missed from January 6 to March 11, 2020 must be submitted by March 13,
2020 no later than 4:00 PM.
• Final exams for second semester will be administered May 19-22, 2020. All assignments
missed from March 17 – May 15, 2020 must be submitted by May 18, 2020 no later than
4:00 PM.

Academic Honesty Policy and Infinite Campus Monitoring

As a stakeholder (parent or student) of North Atlanta High School, I will adhere to the academic
honesty policy provided in the student handbook and consistently and frequently monitor Infinite
Campus for attendance and academic performance.

ADVANCED ORCHESTRAS

Grading for LGPE preparation during 2nd semester for the Orchestra classes involve individual
check-offs on each of the selections. The students need to accurately perform 95% of each
selection in order to participate in the LGPE event—first chair/stand players at 100%.

Testing
Playing tests and check offs will be given regularly by Director. A numerical grade will be
assigned after each quiz/test. Written and Playing tests will be given throughout the semester.

Homework
The student’s grade will be lowered when homework is turned in late—one letter grade per school
day. All students are responsible in learning music completing all written/oral homework. All
students will be responsible for numbering the measures in his/her music within 2 days of
issuance. This is not to be done during class. The section leaders will check parts and report
failures to the Concertmaster (mistress).

Attendance Policies for Performance Rehearsal

Orchestra members shall regard performance as their primary purpose for belonging to
this organization and shall make every possible effort to be in attendance unless there is
an emergency situation.

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Students are required to be present at all rehearsals and performances in order to receive
full credit and remain in good standing with the Orchestra. Students should complete an
Absence Request form and submit it to the Director at least one day in advance to avoid
any grade penalty. Please note that the Absence Request form is only in place to aid in
creating an appropriate assignment for makeup of the missed rehearsal/concert. The
Director reserves the right to excuse or not excuse each absence depending on the
situation at hand.

A personal illness and death in the family are considered emergency situations. In this
case, a written explanation should follow (a doctor’s note, if student is ill).

An absence from a final rehearsal could result in a student not being allowed to perform
with the orchestra for the upcoming performance(s). Unexcused absence from a public
performance could result in dismissal from the Orchestra and/or lowering of grade
(zero) and receiving demerits.

Dismissal
The Director reserves the right to remove a student from organization for:

- An unexcused absence from a performance

- Use of drug or alcoholic beverages while representing the Orchestra or North Atlanta
High School
- Continued failure to demonstrate a cooperative behavior and attitude

Parents shall be notifies immediately regarding the above circumstances for dismissal. Students
dismissed from performing organizations shall continue to function in daily class until the end of
the semester. He/she will have an alternative assignment during that time. A grade will be
assigned based only on class work/assignment and participation.

CLASSROOM RULES AND PROCEDURES

Tardiness to Class:
Students are expected to be in class before the bell rings. The students need to understand the
nature of our class in which much preparation (such as tuning/ warming up, getting music,
instrument, etc…. prior to actual class instruction) needs to take place.

Tardiness will not be tolerated in this class. Parents are responsible of obtaining students
attendance via Parent Portal. Tardiness can count toward the loss of school privileges as well as
deduction towards student’s merit points. Students must also serve private detentions. The
student may also be demoted to lower chair. Please Do Not Be Late to Class!!!

Classroom Participation:
Students are expected to be attentive and respectful. There should be not talking except by the
conductor. If students have any questions, they should raise their hand and wait to be called.
They should address all major questions to the conductor instead of discussing things among
themselves. For any minor problems (such as bowing, etc…), they should check it out with
his/her section leader. When the conductor works with one section, and individual or any other
situation not involving your personally, your focus of attention should still remain on the
conductor because the concepts being taught may also directly or indirectly apply to you as well.

Food, drinks, gum, etc… are absolutely not allowed in rehearsal room and rehearsal areas
(without permission). Cell phones, IPods, or any type of MP3 players are also not allowed during

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rehearsals. Failure to comply to these rules will result in lowering of classroom grade, privileges,
demerits, and/or further disciplinary action.

INDIVIDUAL PROGRESS

Chair Assignment
Students will be assigned seating and parts in their section according to their demonstrated
playing ability during auditions.

Section leaders and assigned parts will be determined following these auditions. Section leaders
will assist other students in learning the assigned music.

First stands shall make every effort to be at all rehearsals and be in their seats before rehearsal
begins. The first stands should be one of the first persons to learn the music. Failure to learn
quickly will result in demoting to lower seating. All students are expected to progress through
individual, daily practice.

Seating Auditions for “Concert” “Symphonic” and “Philharmonic” Orchestra (initial

seating auditions ONLY)
Students will play two assigned scales and arpeggios of three octaves (two octaves for string bass
and Concert Orchestra), prepared excerpt given by the director, and sight reading music.

Challenges
A student may challenge for a higher chair following a written request to the Director and
informing the person being challenged. A challenge from will be used. Current music and sight-
reading may be used for challenges during the school year. A prepared solo will be used for initial
audition only.

Challenges involving a change in part will not be allowed four weeks prior to a scheduled
performance, unless noted otherwise by the director.

Private Lessons
Private lessons are not required but are strongly encouraged. Individual progress can enhanced
through private tutoring. The Director would be happy to assist students in contacting private
teachers.

FACILITY AND EQUIPMNENT

Director’s Office
Students shall enter the Director’s office only for official business. This is off limits to all students
except those engaged in work or meeting. Please do feel free to come in to the office to seek
help/advice or discussions. Students are requested not to interrupt during conferences.

Rehearsal Rooms
Each orchestra member shall assume the responsibility of picking up his/her music, instrument,
books, clothing, etc. and storing such items properly at the end of each rehearsal or performance.
Any music and/or items left in rehearsal room and rehearsal areas may result in a lowering of
student grade and/or demerit points.

No personal items should be left in the rehearsal rooms. The school will not be responsible for
any personal items left in the classroom. All equipment, including instruments, must be stored
properly on shelves, lockers, and racks. Chairs, stands, equipment must not be removed without
permission.

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Only orchestra/music students are allowed in the orchestra room.
Instrument Storage
All instruments must be properly stored in assigned lockers/bins at all times when not in use.
Instrument that is too large for shelving will be assigned in specified storage area.

Storage bins/lockers are to be kept clean and free of litter and personal items. Students are
expected to take their instrument home daily. Therefore, every storage bin should be empty of
personal items, including instruments at the end of school day

Library
The librarians/ helpers will assist students with all music needs. Students other than the
librarians/helpers are not allowed to remove music or return music to library cabinets.

Lost Music Fines

Each orchestra member shall be issued music. Students not receiving issued parts shall
immediately inform a Librarian in order to obtain it. All students need to have their own parts at
ALL rehearsals (NOT JUST YOUR STAND PARTNER).

Music damaged or lost will be paid for by the responsible person at the determined replacement
rate.
2019-2020 GMEA ALL-STATE ORCHESTRA INFORMATION
District All-State Auditions

Students who are auditioning for an All-State Orchestra must play the following:
Etude, Scales, and Sight Reading.

- Detache scale and arpeggio: 15 points (30 points for M.S. only)
- Slurred scale and arpeggio: 15 points (9-10 H.S. and 11-12 H.S. only)
- Etude: 30 points (see below info regarding Etude)
- Sight-reading: 20 points
-
Total 80 points(55 points needed to pass the 1st round)

ALL SCALES MUST BE PLAYED FROM MEMORY

Scales and Arpeggios for 9-10 High School:

Student will be asked to play the following scales, separate bows or slurred two notes per
bow, and arpeggios with separate bows (QN = 60 or EN = 120 on slurred scales):

VIOLIN G and A major, 3 octaves

G and a melodic minor, 3 octaves

VIOLA C and D major, 3 octaves

c and d melodic minor, 3 octaves

CELLO C and D major, 3 octaves

c and d melodic minor, 3 octaves

BASS F and G major, 2 octaves

f and g melodic minor, 2 octaves

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Scales and Arpeggios for 11 - 12 High School:
Student will be asked to play the following scales, separate bows or slurred two notes per
bow, and arpeggios with separate bows (QN = 60 or EN = 120 on slurred scales):

VIOLIN Bb and C major, 3 octaves

G and a melodic minor, 3 octaves

VIOLA Eb and F major, 3 octaves

c and d melodic minor, 3 octaves

CELLO Eb and F major, 3 octaves

c and d melodic minor, 3 octaves

BASS Ab and Bb major, 2 octaves

f and g melodic minor, 2 octaves

Sight-reading
There will be only one sight-reading selection at District Audition. This selection will be
of a Lyrical/ Technical nature.

MISCELLANEOUS

Instrumental Music and Athletics

Music students are encouraged to participate in any sport they choose provided rehearsals of the
music group can be attended. The Director and Coach will try to work out a compromising
schedule for the student. It is the student’s responsibility to first inform the Director and Coach
of the situation prior to the conflict.

Scheduling of Classes
Orchestra members who are confronted with scheduling problems should consult the Director for
assistance.

Students who have earned first chair status in their respective primary ensemble sections must be
enrolled in regular scheduled class. Students need to be enrolled in the regular scheduled class to
participate in performances. Exceptions are upper classmen who have unresolved schedule
conflicts involving classes necessary for graduation and/or AP/ IB class conflict or Joint-
Enrollment conflict in which the Director has approved for participation.

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 MERIT SYSTEM

Merits are points given to students for extra work or outstanding achievement worthy of
recognition. Students accumulate merits to qualify for awards given at the annual Spring
Orchestra Banquet. Merits do not affect a student’s semester grade.

Demerit points will be given to students not following rules of orchestra, such as missed
rehearsals, chewing gum in class/ rehearsal, leaving music on the stand, negative
behaviors, etc…

MERIT ACCUMULATION
2018-2019

Orchestra Letter/ Bar – 30 – 55 merits

Star – 55+ merits

______ Orchestra Officer/ Volunteer (6pts)

______ Extra effort in helping with orchestral needs (1pt/event)
______ Have met Section Leader Responsibilities (3 pts per Semester)
______ “Excellent” Ratings at Solo & Ensemble Festival SOLO – (3pts)
ENSEMBLE (2pt each)
______ “Superior” Ratings at the Solo & Ensemble Festival SOLO – (5pts)
ENSEMBLE (3 pt)
______ Participation in High School All-State Orchestra Auditions
Auditions DIST. (5pt) STATE (additional 5 pts)
______ High School All-State Orchestra Member (10pts)
First Chair at All-State (add 10 pts)
______ Atlanta Public Schools Youth Orchestra (10 pts)
______ Governor’s Honors Participant in Music (15pts)
______ Major Fund Raising Sales (4pt) Highest (additional 8pts)
2 , 3 , 4 (add. 5 pts)
nd rd th

______ Private Lessons on Major Instrument (3 pts per month)

______ GMEA Large Group Performance Evaluation Participation (5 pts)
______ Superior Rating at GMEA LGPE (2 pts)
______ Regular Membership in Performing Organization Other than NAHSO –
Requiring Weekly Rehearsals – ASYO, MYSO, BYO, etc… (1 pt Per Month)
______ NAHSO Concert Participation (3 pts each Concert)

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2019-2020 NAHSO Afterschool
Rehearsal Schedule
Concert & Symphonic Orchestras
Every 1st Wednesday of the Month* + Tech Rehearsals
September 4
October 2
October 23 – Fall Concert Tech Rehearsal
November 6
December 4 – Holiday Concert Tech Rehearsal
January 8
February 4
March 4 – Pre-Fest Tech Rehearsal
April 1
April 29 – Spring Concert Tech Rehearsal

Philharmonic & Chamber Orchestras

Every 2nd Wednesday of the Month* + Tech Rehearsals
September 11
October 9
October 23 – Fall Concert Tech Rehearsal
November 13
December 4 – Holiday Concert Tech Rehearsal
December 11
January 15
February 12
March 4 – Pre-Fest Tech Rehearsal
March 9 (Monday)
April 15
April 29 – Spring Concert Tech Rehearsal

*Times TBA

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