Following three essential rules will ensure your success in Orchestra:

1. RESPECT    2. RESPONSIBILITY   3. RIGHT ATTITUDE

 

1. Respect
 Be respectful of others
o No talking/playing while the teacher or another classmate is
talking.
o No running/horseplay/misuse of instruments/accessories
o Try to turn things in/talk to the teacher/use the bathroom/get
music during the first or last 5 min of class when we are
unpacking/packing up.
 Respect the instruments & classroom
o No running/horseplay/misuse of instruments/accessories
o No food/gum/open drinks
o No nails (sorry!)
o Cellos cannot wear short skirts/dresses due to the posture
required to play the instrument.
o Cello endpins in at all times unless we are rehearsing

2. Responsibility
 Be on time, prepared for class, and on task every day.
 Practice weekly (and turn in practice logs)
 Ask for help

3. Right Attitude
 Give your best at all times – strive for excellence
 Maintain a positive attitude
Handbook

About me
Welcome to a new year of music-making in the Charlottesville Orchestra Program. I am
looking forward to what the Buford Orchestra will accomplish this year. If you ever have
any questions, feel free to call me at 245-2455 or email me at
scruggstl@staffordschools.net

Tresa Scruggs, a native of Williamsburg, VA, started playing violin at the age of six
and has tried to play everything with strings on it ever since. She holds a bachelors degree
in music education from Lynchburg College. In her free time she likes to play Irish and Old
Time fiddle music or spend time outside.
Curriculum … The Orchestra curriculum consists of skill development and musical
performance preparation. During the first half of the year (especially September and
January), the emphasis is on the introduction and development of playing skills. Mastery of
the fundamentals of playing is the key to success!

2016—2017 Events
 Winter Concert
 All County Orchestra Auditions
 All County Orchestra Event
 Junior regional Orchestra Auditions
 District Orchestra Assessment
 Junior Regional Orchestra Event
 Spring Concert

Instrument
 Every student is expected to have an instrument to play for rehearsal. Violin and
viola players must bring their own instruments to school. Cellos and basses may
RENT school equipment (see required materials and fees). Any student who does
not bring their instrument will not be given a holiday from rehearsal, but will
instead be permitted to sign out a school instrument that is available for
emergencies (aka “Instruments of Shame”) Repeated use of these instruments will
greatly affect your participation grade.
--If you are renting an instrument from the school, the instrument rental fee is
$100 for the school year.  Payment plans are available by request.
 --If you are interested in purchasing an instrument, let Ms. Scruggs know and
she can guide you in that process.  What looks like a “good deal” may not really
 be a good deal if the quality is poor and the instrument is hard to play. We call
them VSO's -- Violin-Shaped Objects!

Other materials needed for class

 case with name tag
 rosin

 soulder rest (violin/viola)

 Rockstop (cello)

 Clean, soft cloth to keep your instrument clean.

 Electronic tuner

 Music stand for home practice (highly recommended)

 Bring your own music, instrument, and a pencil every day. Failure to do so results in a lower
participation grade.

 Put your instrument on a shelf or in a designated place.

 DO NOT ever leave your instrument on the floor, in a car, or in a place where it could get
damaged.
 You should also have your instrument’s make, model, serial number, and purchase
price written down and filed at home. Having a good photo of the instrument and
accessories is also a good idea.

Practice Expectations
 The key to successful concert performances is that each member of the orchestra is
doing their part to advance their individual progress. The key to individual
continued progress in Orchestra is daily practice.  Each student is
expected to practice 75 minutes a week (6th grade), 100 minutes a week
(7th grade), and 125 minutes a week (8th grade). This breaks down to 15,
20, or 25 minutes of practice 5 days a week depending on your grade
level.
 Please help your child by doing the following:
1. Schedule a time each day for the practicing.
2. Provide a music stand where the music can be placed and easily
read.  Folding stands are available for purchase at the Music and
Arts store on Rt. 29 North across from Fashion Square Mall.
 3. Encourage the repetition of a short selection until it is mastered. 
Just “playing through” the music is not the best use of practice
time.
4. Sign the Practice Record each week.  Be aware of how much time
your child is actually spending practicing.
5. Offer plenty of encouragement to your young musician.  Playing a
stringed instrument requires many complex skills, and it takes
some time before a student sounds accomplished.
 Signed Practice Logs will be turned in EVERY Friday. If you do not have it on
Friday you may turn it in on Monday for half credit. After that, you will be
required to fill out a “Taking a Zero” form.
 Extra practice = Extra Credit (1 minute = 1 extra point on practice log)

Concert Expectations

 Concerts represent all the work we have done so far and are part of the curriculum and final
Orchestra grade. Three week notice is required if you have a conflict. IF excused, an
alternate assignment will be required in place of that concert participation grade.
 Wearing appropriate concert attire is an essential component of performance
as it sets a professional atmosphere and shows respect for the great tradition
of classical music. Each string player is required to dress in appropriate
concert attire in order to perform on our stage. Be sure to care for your attire
(keeping it clean and wrinkle-free and without tears) so that you can make
your best impression on stage.. Also be mindful that the audience does not
want to see chewing gum, cell phones, or other distractions.

 Dress code for everyone is:

o Black dress pants (no jeans)

o White dress shirt (nice blouse for girls, collared long sleeve shirt for boys) No tie
needed. (No T-shirts, no shirts with writing on them)

o Black dress shoes (no tennis shoes)

o Black socks (boys)

 Arrive on time to the pre-concert rehearsal (curtain call), which will be announced, about a
week prior to the event. The curtain call is usually one hour before the event. Please tell
parents that the theater will NOT be opened and available to them until apx. 15 minutes
before the concert begins.
  Please plan to stay for the entire duration of the concert to hear the other performing
ensembles.

Grading

Private Lessons
 Although not mandatory for participation in the orchestra, private lessons can make
an enormous difference to the musical experience of string students. Whether for
extra help or to work on more advanced technique not taught in class, the
combination of an effective private instructor, orchestra class, and regular practice
is an ideal recipe for musical growth. Please do not hesitate to ask me for
recommendations if you are looking for additional help.

Helpful websites for purchasing strings and other equipment:

 www.sharmusic.com
 https://www.johnsonstring.com
 www.swstrings.com
Classroom Expectations (What is expected of you daily, what is part of our normal routine)

 Make good choices and follow directions the first time

 Use good manners and be kind
 Involve yourself, Do your best
 Speak and Play only at proper times
 Care for everything and everyone in the music room

Classroom Procedures (what to do and when/where/why)



Together Everyone Accomplishes Much

Try your best everyday
Earn your grades and earn respect honestly
Be Attentive
Make good decisions and follow directions the 1st time

Classroom Behavior expectations

 Smile, learning is fun!
 Try your best every day
 Respect the people and instruments of RTMS
 Involve yourself
 Negativity left at the door
 Growth mindset
 Speak/play only when the teacher allows