Orchestra Handbook

2020-2021

Director: Lauren Fischer

785-313-0596 | LAURENFISCHER@KSU.EDU
Table of Contents

MISSION STATEMENT: ......................................................................................................................... 2

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: ..................................................................................................................... 2

PROGRAM GOALS: ............................................................................................................................... 2

PROGRAM CALENDAR: ......................................................................................................................... 3

CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS: ............................................................................................................... 4

GRADING PROCEDURES: ...................................................................................................................... 4

PRIVATE LESSON INFORMATION: ......................................................................................................... 5

CONCERT DRESS CODE: ........................................................................................................................ 6

ORCHESTRA SUPPLIES: ......................................................................................................................... 6

INSTRUMENT CARE: .................................................................................................................................. 7

INSTRUMENT RENTAL ................................................................................................................................ 7

STUDENT LEADERSHIP:......................................................................................................................... 7

SECTION LEADERS:.................................................................................................................................... 7
COMMITTEES: ......................................................................................................................................... 8

ACTIVITY POLICY: ................................................................................................................................. 9

FUNDRAISING POLICY: ......................................................................................................................... 9

AWARDS: ........................................................................................................................................... 10

FORMS: .............................................................................................................................................. 10

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Mission Statement:
The students in our music program will gain a comprehensive understanding of
music and leave the program with skills to proficiently play their instrument.
Students in our music program will also gain skills in respect, dedication,
collaboration, and creativity. We select music from a variety of different styles
and genres to give students a broad understanding of music, culture, and
history.

Program Description:
Our string orchestra is designed to further develop students’ skills on bowed
string instruments, as well as deepen students’ overall musical understanding
through performance of music from different styles, cultures, and historical
periods. Members of the orchestra are strongly encouraged to take private
lessons and participate in musical opportunities outside of class. To enroll in this
ensemble, students must have at least one year of prior experience on a bowed
string instrument (violin, viola, cello, or double bass). Students who would like to
enroll but do not have one year of prior experience must get instructor
permission to enroll.

Program Goals:
• Students will further develop their skills on a bowed string instrument.
• Students will gain musical vocabulary and develop listening skills so they
will be able to accurately describe music they listen to using musical
vocabulary.
• Students will learn how to effectively practice and evaluate both
themselves and their peers.
• Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of how the string
instruments produce sound and have an understanding of how to play
their instrument.
• Students will gain knowledge about music history and music theory.
• Students will become more musically literate through reading and
performing music as well as listening, improvising, and composing music.

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Program Calendar:
Events in Bold are Required for all members
Event dates and times are subject to change
If you have a conflict with one of the required events, let Ms. Fischer know

Wednesday, September 23rd, 7-9PM - Orchestra Bonding Night

Monday, October 12th – District Audition Due

Tuesday, October 27th at 7:30PM - Orchestra Concert – High School Auditorium

Wednesday, November 11th, 7-9PM – Orchestra Bonding Night

Saturday, December 5th – District Orchestra

Tuesday, December 15th at 7:30PM – Orchestra Concert – High School

Auditorium

Saturday, January 9th – All State Auditions

Wednesday, January 20th, 7-9PM – Orchestra Bonding Night

February 25-27th – All State Orchestra

Tuesday, March 2nd at 7:30PM – Orchestra concert – High School Auditorium

Wednesday, March 31st, 7-9PM – Orchestra Bonding Night

Saturday, April 10th – District Solo and Ensemble Festival

Thursday, April 15th – Large Ensemble Festival – During School Day

Saturday, April 24th – State Solo and Ensemble Festival

Tuesday, May 11th at 7:30PM – Orchestra Concert – High School Auditorium

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Classroom Expectations:
§ We will respect ourselves and others in the class. This includes:
o Being supportive when someone performs in front of others
o Participating in class activities
o Not talking or playing your instrument while the teacher is talking
o Communicating concerns with the teacher
§ We will respect the materials used in class including
o Lightly marking the music with pencil
o Not eating or drinking during class (other than water)
§ If there is a reason why you may need to eat during class
occasionally, let Ms. Fischer know
o Taking care of school owned instruments and equipment
o Taking care of your personal instrument so it can be used during
class every day.
§ We will respect the time we have. We have a limited amount of time to
rehearse together so we have to make the most of it. This means:
o Showing up to class on time and ready to tune
o Bringing a pencil to class and leaving it on your stand so you will be
ready to mark music.
o You should wait until I dismiss you to pack up your instrument. I will
give you a few minutes each day before the bell rings to pack up
your instrument
o Try to use the restroom before class if possible. If you need to use the
restroom during class, you don’t need to ask permission before
going, just grab the pass by the door and try to not disturb the rest
of the class.

If you think you will have trouble meeting any of these expectations, please
communicate your concerns to Ms. Fischer

Grading Procedures:
Your grade in orchestra will be dependent on participation, playing tests,
journals, compositions and projects, and self and peer evaluations.

1. Playing Tests – 30% - Playing tests will occur every few weeks and students
will have at least a one week notice of what they will be playing for the
playing test. Some playing tests will be video recordings, and others will be
performed in front of the ensemble during class. Each playing test will be
graded on a rubric, which students will have access to one week before
the playing test.

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 2. Journals – 10% - Students will write journals based off of what they are
learning and observing during rehearsal and journals based off their at
home practice sessions.
3. Compositions and Projects – 10% - Students will have two compositions or
projects each semester. These assignments will be used to help deepen
students understanding of the music we are rehearsing for the concert.
Students will be given the rubric used to assess the composition or project
when the composition or project is assigned to them
4. Self and Peer Evaluations – 20% - Students will evaluate their own
performance and their peers’ performances using rubrics. These will be
assessed based on how thoroughly the student was able to assess the
performance, and the constructive comments the students can give for
the performance. This is important because being able to evaluate
performances is an important skill to have as a musician.
5. Participation – 30% - Your participation grade will be based off following
classroom expectations, participating during class, and performances at
concerts.

Private Lesson Information:

Private lessons are not required for participation in orchestra, but they are highly
recommended. If you are interested in private lessons and need to find a
teacher, here is the contact information for some of the teachers in town:

Violin/Viola: Cello: Bass:

Example Teacher1 Example Teacher 4 Example Teacher 6
Email Email Email
Phone Number Phone Number Phone Number

Example Teacher 2 Example Teacher 5 Example Teacher 7

Email Email Email
Phone Number Phone Number Phone Numer

Example Teacher 3
Email
Phone Number

If you are interested in private lessons but think you will have trouble affording
them, please let me know and we will try to work something out with one of the
teachers.

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Concert Dress Code:
The concert dress code is all black. Please try to avoid clothing with prints on it.
Having all black attire for our concert will help our orchestra to look more
polished. If you think you will have trouble obtaining black clothing for the
concert, or if you have questions about if what you have is acceptable, let Ms.
Fischer know.

Women: Men:
§ Full Length black dress with at § Black button-down shirt
least ¾ length sleeves § Black tie
§ Black Full-length skirt or dress § Black dress pants
pants § Black dress shoes
§ Black blouse with at least ¾ § Black Socks
length sleeves
§ Closed toed black dress shoes
§ Leggings are not acceptable
unless they are being worn
underneath a skirt or dress
§ You’re top must have at least ¾
length sleeves. If you have a
top that you want to wear that
has shorter sleeves, you may
wear it if you put a black
cardigan or jacket over it.

Orchestra Supplies:
Violin/Viola Cello/Bass
§ Shoulder Rest or sponge § Rock Stop
§ Rosin § Rosin
§ Cleaning Cloth § Cleaning Cloth
§ Pencil § Pencil
§ Music Stand (for practice at § Music Stand (for practice at
home) home)
§ Metronome (can be an app on § Metronome (can be an app on
your phone) your phone)
§ Tuner (can be an app on your § Tuner (can be an app on your
phone) phone)

It is important that you take care of your supplies and bring everything
necessary to rehearsal every time.

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Instrument Care:
§ Instruments should be wiped down with a dry cloth every day. Do not use
a damp cloth, or a paper towel or tissue, these could damage the
instrument.
§ Do not touch the hair on your bow
§ Bows should be loosened any time they are not being used
§ Apply rosin to your bow about once a week, or as needed
§ Keep your instrument at room temperature as much as possible.
Prolonged periods of heat or cold can damage the instrument.

Instrument supplies may be purchased from any local music shop, or

sharmusic.com. I do not recommend buying instrument supplies, such as rosin,
from Amazon because it does not usually come in good condition.

Instrument Rental
§ The school district has instruments available to rent for students who
cannot get an instrument of their own. If you need to rent one of these
instruments, please fill out the form at the end of this handbook.
o If these instruments are severely damaged while in your possession,
you will be responsible for paying for the repairs.
o Students renting an instrument will be given a cleaning cloth and
rosin in the case. If these are lost or broken it will be the student’s
responsibility to fix them.
o If a string breaks on a school owned instrument, the school will
replace the string.
§ We try to keep enough cellos and basses at the school for students to use
while they are at school, so they do not have to take their instrument back
and forth every day. Depending on enrollment numbers, there is a
chance this may not be possible. If you play cello or bass, please also fill
out the instrument rental form at the end of this handbook.

Student Leadership:
Our orchestra has a variety of student leadership positions for students to get
involved in. Students who are interested in leadership positions will need to
submit an application at the beginning of the year. Here is a list of our leadership
positions:

Section Leaders:
Application and Audition Required
Section leaders will have after school meetings at least once a quarter with Ms.
Fischer to discuss bowings, and techniques for the pieces we will be working on
for that concert. Section leaders will lead their section during rehearsals and

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sectionals. It is the section leader’s responsibility to communicate important
information to the rest of their section. One of the section leaders will also be
selected to be concertmaster. The concertmaster will be an assistant to Ms.
Fischer and help run rehearsals on days when we have a substitute. You do not
have to be a violinist to be the concertmaster.

§ Violin I Section Leader

§ Violin II Section Leader
§ Viola Section Leader
§ Cello Section Leader
§ Double Bass Section Leader
§ Concertmaster

Committees:
Application Required
Our orchestra has committees that work to get everything done that needs to
be done and help plan fun events for the ensemble. Below is a list of the
committees we have. Each committee has a leader of the committee as well as
5 additional committee members. Students are able to be on more than one
committee.

Music Librarian Committee – The students on this committee will help sort and
organize our music library, as well as collect music and put it away after a
concert.

Concert Set-Up/Tear-Down Committee – Students on this committee will be in

charge of setting up the stage before our concerts and putting things away
after the concert.

Orchestra Bonding Committee – The students on this committee will be in charge

of organizing activities for the orchestra to do on bonding nights. These activities
are meant to help strengthen the collaboration and relationships within our
ensemble, and do not need to be musical activities. This committee also plans
community service events.

Recruitment Committee – The students on this committee will help with

recruitment events such as instrument nights, and visits to feeder schools. They
will also brainstorm and plan fun recruitment activities that we could do in the
community.

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Activity Policy:
§ Due to the nature of this class, some activities will be required that
happen outside of school hours (such as concerts). You will be informed of
these activities well in advance, and if you know you have a conflict and
may not be able to attend, you need to to communicate that to Ms.
Fischer as soon as possible. I understand that sometimes things come up,
and depending on the circumstances, students may be able to make up
their attendance if they need to miss an event.
§ This orchestra will occasionally take trips off of school grounds. In the case
that we are taking a trip, students will be given the handbook with all of
the information and expectations for the trip well in advance. Drugs and
alcohol use will not be tolerated at any orchestra events. If you are
suspected of using drugs or alcohol you will be sent home at your own
expense. When we are taking a trip, you need to positively represent our
school and this ensemble and be on your best behavior.
§ We will have some events outside of the school day that are not required.
These are fun events that everyone is encouraged to come to but are not
required. Students are expected to continue following orchestra
expectations while they are at these events, even if they are outside of
the school day. If you are not following our expectations, you will be sent
home.

Fundraising Policy:
Keeping an orchestra program running effectively requires us to fundraise so
throughout the year we will have a variety of fundraisers. Some of these
fundraisers will be going toward the general orchestra fund to providing things
such as new music and instruments for the program, and other fundraisers will be
specifically for students to raise money to put toward their trip fund. Students will
be able to earn money for their trip fund even on years when we are not taking
a trip. If students or parents want to know how much is in their trip fund account,
you can send me an email and I will let you know. Students are expected to
volunteer for fundraisers at least twice a year when possible. While participating
in fundraisers, students are expected to follow all orchestra expectations and
positively represent the orchestra.

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Awards:
Orchestra Letter
§ Students can earn points toward a letter through participation in various
activities
§ Point sheets will be handed out during the spring semester

Orchestra Award
§ Selected by director
§ Given to a student who helped the orchestra grow through leadership
and accountability. A student receiving this award was always there to
help out even when it wasn’t required.

Director’s award
§ Selected by director
§ Given to a student who displays excellent musicianship and excels in
leadership qualities. This student has been a leader in the orchestra and
also helps others with their development of musicianship.

Musicianship Award
§ Voted on by the students
§ Given to a member of the orchestra who students feel embody the spirit
of the orchestra. The student selected should show leadership skills,
excellent musicianship, and a dedication to the orchestra.

Forms:
Please look through the attached forms, sign them, and return them to the
orchestra director as soon as possible. Thanks!

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 Instrument Rental Form

Please fill out this form if you are planning on renting an instrument from the
school, or if you play cello or bass and would like an instrument to play at school
so you can keep your personal instrument at home. Rental violins and violas will
come with a shoulder rest and rental cellos and basses will come with a rock
stop. All instruments will come with a cleaning cloth and rosin. If any of these
items are lost or damaged it will be your responsibility to replace them. If any
significant damages happen to the instrument while it is in your possession, you
will be required to pay the bill to get them fixed or replace the instrument. We
have a limited number of school owned instruments so it is critical that all
instruments issued to students are well taken care of.

Student Name: _____________________________________________________

Student Instrument: _________________________________________________

Instrument Size (if not known, leave blank): __________________________

This instrument is a cello/bass for me to keep at school so I don’t have to carry

my personal instrument back and forth: Yes No

I agree to the above conditions. If the instrument is damaged while in my

possession, I will pay to have it fixed by a school approved instrument shop. I will
return the instrument in the same condition that it was given to me.

Student Signature: ___________________________________________________

Parent Signature: ___________________________________________________

Date: ______________________________________________________________

Director Signature: _________________________________________________

Date Instrument Issued: _____________________________________________

Instrument Number: _________________________________________________

Date instrument returned: ___________________________________________

Condition of returned instrument: _____________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

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 Travel Permission and Medical Information

As an orchestra we will sometimes take trips to various festivals, or other events.

To be able to take the students on these trips we need parent permission, and
student medical information so that we are able to keep your children as safe
as possible. Please fill out the information listed below and return it to your
student’s teacher. This needs to be returned before students will be allowed to
go on trips.

Student Name: ______________________________________

___ I give the orchestra program permission to take my student on a school

sponsored trip

Parent Signature: _____________________________________

Medical Information:
The information given on this form will be kept confidential and only used in case
of an emergency.

Does the student have medical information that we as directors need to know
about? What medications do they take?

Who is the student’s primary doctor?

Please list the student’s health insurance information

Emergency contact information:

Name: Name:
Phone Number: Phone Number:
Email: Email:
Address: Address:
Relation to Student: Relation to Student:

____ I give permission for this medical information to be used in case of

emergency

Student Signature: ___________________________

Parent Signature: ____________________________
Date: _______________________________________

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 Contact Information

Student Name: ___________________________________

Student Phone Number: ___________________________

Student Email Address: _____________________________

Student Mailing Address: _________________________________________________

Parent Name: _____________________________________

Parent Phone Number: ____________________________

Parent Email: _____________________________________

Parent Name: _____________________________________

Parent Phone Number: _____________________________

Parent Email: _______________________________________

I have read through the handbook information and understand the policies in
place for us to have a successful orchestra program.

Student Signature: ________________________________

Parent Signature: __________________________________

Date: ___________________________

Please sign and return this form to the orchestra director.

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