Orchestra

Period 4 – Room C15

Ms. Mallory Legman

Email: mlegman@branfordschools.org
Website: bhsid.weebly.com

BHS Mission Statement

The mission of Branford High School is to prepare students to be independent and collaborative
learners who are responsible, informed, and contributing members of society. In partnership
with the community, we strive to provide a learning environment that supports all students in
embracing diversity, acting with integrity, and achieving their personal and academic potential.

Instrumental Music Program Mission Statement

The mission of the Branford High School Instrumental Music Department is to stimulate an
aesthetic experience by immersing students in music and cultivating opportunities for them to
create, perform, respond, and connect. Music is a necessary part of a well-rounded education for
every child. BHS music courses promote students’ immediate and long-term musical
development and prepare them for lifelong musical engagement as contributing members of the
community.

Course Materials
Instrument
Accessories
Rosin
Cloth
Shoulder Rest for violin/viola (highly recommended)
Music in folder (will be provided)
Pencil
Tuner (highly recommended)

Course Expectations
Students are expected to work collaboratively and independently in orchestra class. This course
will require a minimal amount of written homework. Most outside-of-class work will come in
the form of practicing. Students should be practicing at home and/or during study hall/open at
least three, preferably five or more, days each week. Grades will be primarily performance-
based. Students may be required to complete performance-based homework assignments and
may borrow school materials if they do not have the necessary technology at home. Fingernails
must be kept short in order to properly press down and pluck (pizzicato) strings. Students who
come to class with long nails will be asked to clip them at home. If the problem persists, students
will be sent to the school nurse to clip their nails.

Remind
I use a free service called Remind to communicate with orchestra members and families. Please
use the link provided to sign up for Orchestra email alerts or text messages:
remind.com/join/bhs22orch
Food & Drink
Water is the only beverage allowed. No food, gum, or other drinks are permitted.

Device/Cell Phone Policy

The Branford High School device and cell phone policy requires that students deposit their
phones and smart watches in a teacher-designated storage spot upon entering the classroom.
Phones must remain in storage for the duration of the class period. Parents should call the main
office at 203-488-7291 if they need to reach their child during class. Students who fail to follow
this procedure will be subject to consequences according to school policy.

CONCERTS
Concerts are a culminating performance and an opportunity to showcase the learning that takes
place every day in this course. Except in emergencies, attendance is expected at all concerts.
Students who miss a concert may see a reduction in their grade and/or may be asked to complete
an alternate assignment. Please make note of the concert dates listed below. Dates are subject to
change, and I will communicate any changes as quickly as possible.

BHS Instrumental Music Winter Concert (Concert Band, Jazz Band, Marching Band, Orchestra)
Thursday, December 15, 2022
(Snow date is Monday, December 19)
7:00 p.m.

Branford Public Schools All Strings Concert (Gr. 5-12 Orchestras) at WIS
Thursday, April 27, 2023
7:00 p.m. concert, early evening rehearsal and dinner

BHS Instrumental Music Spring Concert (Concert Band, Jazz Band, Marching Band, Orchestra)
Friday, May 12, 2023
7:00 p.m.

This year, we may play a couple of “full orchestra” pieces, meaning pieces that include winds
and percussion in addition to strings. We may need to schedule a couple after-school rehearsals
to practice these pieces with the wind and percussion players. I will communicate these dates and
any additional rehearsals or performances as soon as they are set.

Concert dress for the above performances is all black. This means: black dress shirt, black
pants, black belt (if wearing a belt), black socks, and black shoes. Long dresses or skirts are
permitted, but they must fall past the knees when seated; anything shorter is not appropriate for a
concert. Attire should look professional (i.e. no ripped clothes). Concert attire must follow the
school dress code, as designated by board of education policy.

If you are experiencing financial hardship or anticipate a problem with concert dress
expectations, please let me know immediately.
. Grades
50% Performance Assessments
35% Written Assignments & Assessments
15% Written Reflections on Performance

Extra Help
Ms. Legman is available for extra help by appointment during Periods 1 and 8 and after school
during Semester I.

Senior Internships
Students participating in the senior internship program are expected to participate in any end-of-
year performances, including but not limited to the All Strings Concert and Spring Concert, and
any evening rehearsals to prepare for these events.

Final Exam
Per department policy, seniors who have earned an A average do not need to be present during
the final exam time slot. All other students (including students in grade 12 who have an A- or
lower and all students in grades 9-11) must attend the final exam.
 Syllabus Acknowledgement

This form is due on Wednesday, September 14, 2022.

SCHOOL: Branford High School

CLASS: Orchestra

INSTRUCTOR: Ms. Legman

YEAR: 2022-23

Please indicate acknowledgement of each statement by initialing each line.

Student Guardian
Initials Initials

_______ ______ I read and understand the course expectations, including the expectation
that fingernails be kept short.

_______ ______ I read and understand the cell phone policy, including that parents will be
unable to reach students via cell phone when they are in class.

_______ ______ I made note of the concert dates and understand concert attendance
expectations.

_______ ______ I read and understand the concert attire expectations.

_______ ______ I read and understand the rehearsal and performance expectations for
students participating in senior internships.

Please indicate acknowledgement of all syllabus information by completing and signing the
portion below.

My student and I have read and reviewed the syllabus together.

We understand the requirements of this course.

Student Name __________________________

Student Signature __________________________ Date _________________

Parent/Guardian Name __________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature __________________________ Date _________________