Orchesttra Handbook

Introduction and Staff

We welcome you as a member of the 2007-2008 NVHS Orchestra program. The consistent high quality of the music department at NVHS is reflected in multiple GRAMMY recognitions over the past several years. Consistent with our high musical standards, we have high expectations for each student enrolled in orchestra. This handbook is designed to provide you and your parents with an awareness and understanding of the policies, organizational structure, and general functioning of the Neuqua Valley High School Orchestra Program. This handbook should be read in its entirety and discussed with your family.

Richard Bauer   richard_bauer@ipsd.org    428-7178  Chamber Strings, Symphonic Orchestra, NVSO
Jennifer Gillespie    jennifer_gillespie @ipsd.org      Wildcat Fiddlers
Brad Pfeil            brad_pfeil@ipsd.org    428-6452   Concert Orchestra, Chamber Strings
Greg Schwaegler     greg_schwaegler@ipsd.org      428-6673 Concert Strings, Symphonic Orchestra, Symphonic Strings
Charles Staley   charles_staley@ipsd.org    428-6670 NVSO

Philosophy & Goals

National Standards for Music Education

1. Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
2. Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music.
3. Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments.
4. Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines.
5. Reading and notating music.
6. Listening to, analyzing, and describing music.
7. Evaluating music and music performances.
8. Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.
9. Understanding music in relation to history and culture.

Neuqua Valley Philosophy Of Music Education

Young people should have an education that gives them the opportunity for a wide variety of learning experiences. Music provides a unique avenue to the imaginative and affective aspects of life and their contribution to our cultural heritage.

Young people play, sing, move, compose, and listen to music through participation in the music program. They have active musical experiences of both an individual and shared nature under expert guidance. Their lives and the life of the community will be enriched by their participation.

As music educators of Indian Prairie School District 204, we strive to do the following:

Nurture an enjoyment and understanding of music, which will enrich the quality of life

Help students realize their potential by providing opportunities for creativity and expression of feelings and ideas through music.

Develop individual musical interests and skills that will allow participation in music making throughout life and which may lead to a career in music.

Expand knowledge, awareness, and appreciation of different kinds of music to cultivate discriminating consumers.

Offer varied musical experiences through which students may become acquainted with other art forms and cultures.

Rules & Expectations

Rules

All members of the NVHS Orchestra Department must adhere to the following rules:

Have the appropriate classroom materials every day.

Show proper respect to classmates, visitors, equipment, and director.

If "it" is not yours, leave "it" alone.

Be on time to class, prepared to play.

Food or beverage is not allowed in the orchestra room.

Why these rules exist:

1. Without the appropriate materials, a student cannot function to the best of his/her ability. Each of the Neuqua Valley High School Orchestras relies on the efforts of each member. If even one member of the orchestra cannot fully participate, the orchestra suffers.

2. Like any class, learning cannot occur without the mutual respect of teacher and student.

3. Instruments, music and equipment are expensive. Instrument repairs are expensive.

4. Class time is very valuable and very short. Every minute will be used to help achieve our musical and personal goals.

5. The messes caused by food and beverages can be very expensive and can damage music or instruments beyond repair.

Consequences

Steps in this hierarchy can be passed over as a result of extreme behavior.

First offense: Warning that future actions of the same nature will result in punishment.

Second offense: Student must serve a 30-minute detention.

Third offense: Student must serve a 30-minute detention. A phone call home also occurs.

Fourth offense: Referral to the student’s Dean, plus a conference with parents regarding an evaluation of student's continued involvement in the class.

Justification of consequences:
This hierarchy of consequences allows the students to make a mistake before being penalized. This hierarchy is constructed so the students and parents understand the rules, consequences, and rewards for the 2007-2008 Neuqua Valley High School Orchestras.

Attendance Policies

The success of our orchestra program is in direct relationship to students' attendance and effort during rehearsals. The attendance policy of the Concert Orchestras, Symphonic Orchestras, and Chamber Strings is the same as the school’s attendance policy. If a student is absent from the class (12) times in one semester, the student may be dropped from the class.

As a member of the NVHS Orchestra Department, students are expected to:

1)   place attendance at all orchestra performances as of equal, if not greater, priority to any other activities in which you are involved,
2)   show a sense of responsibility by informing your parents of performance dates, and
3)   show a sense of responsibility by informing the director of potential conflicts well in advance.

An absence from a scheduled performance shall be considered excused if the absence is due to serious illness or accident. Family emergencies for health reasons will also be excused if the student’s parent notifies the director of the emergency situation as soon as possible. An absence from a scheduled performance shall be considered unexcused if the absence is for any reason other than those mentioned, or the absence has not been discussed with the director prior to the performance.

A request for an excused absence from a performance for reasons other than those stated above must be discussed with the director no less than 10 school days prior to the performance. Any request, regardless of reason, received after that time can be listed as unexcused. Specific arrangements must be made in advance with the director in the event of conflicts with other school, community, or family activities. If a possible schedule conflict can be foreseen, a note should be given to the director when the conflict is discovered. Excused absence requests as a result of conflicts between performance events and part-time jobs will not be accepted. No student will be required to perform in any annually scheduled performance for which the director could not provide a minimum of 11 school days notice. (See 2007-2008 Performance Calendar)

Performance attendance with proper concert attire, materials and preparation will result in the maximum point total for the performance. Musicians who are tardy for the call time, display improper concert etiquette or leave before the time stipulated by a director will receive a reduction of at least 10%.

Students with an Excused absence from a performance will be given the opportunity to complete an alternative assignment. A request for an alternative assignment must be made by the student within 1 week of the performance absence. The director will determine the make-up assignment and the due date.

A student with an unexcused absence from any performance will receive no points for the performance. In most cases, this will drop his quarter grade by two grade levels.

Equipment

The following will be expected of all orchestra members.

Students are responsible for all music they receive. Missing or damaged original music must be replaced. If the part is still published, the music will cost $5.00 to replace, plus shipping. If the part is permanently out of print, the student will need to recreate the original using FINALE.

All instruments are to be in excellent playing condition.

Students are expected to have rosin, shoulder pads, rock stops, cloths, pencils, good strings, wire music stand with carrying case, BLACK three-ring binder (Symphonic and Concert Orchestras Only), and a metronome.

All instruments stored in the school orchestra room must have the student's name clearly printed on a tag outside the case.

All violin and viola students MUST provide a personal lock for the orchestra room lockers and give the combination to their director.

All students in Concert and Symphonic orchestra may need to purchase a supplemental method book for technique.

Rehearsal Expectations

The actions of each musician directly affect the productivity of each rehearsal. We expect students to behave in a manner respectful of each other and of the directors. To that end we have included the following list of expectations for each musician during every rehearsal.

Musicians will be in the room getting necessary equipment ready when the bell rings.

Musicians will be prepared with a pencil for every rehearsal.

Musicians will not talk when the director is talking or working with another section of the orchestra.

Musician demonstrates proper rehearsal decorum when the conductor steps to the podium.

Musicians will not bring food or drinks into the orchestra room.

Musicians will not do homework from other classes while in rehearsal.

Musicians will treat each other and the directors with respect during the rehearsal.

Musicians will have adequately prepared concert music outside of rehearsal.

Performance Opportunities

Course Offerings

Concert Orchestras (periods 2 and 3) are non-auditioned freshman ensembles. These groups are for the student who is developing vibrato, good tone production, and shifting. These groups will provide the foundations of excellent instrumental playing and prepare students for the transition to the orchestras at the main campus.

Concert Strings (period 4) is the auditioned freshman orchestra. These students are highly encouraged to study with a private teacher, are encouraged to do IMEA auditions and will be expected to participate in the solo & ensemble festivals. This group plays very challenging music and moves at an accelerated pace.

Symphonic Orchestras (periods 2 and 6) are non-auditioned ensembles at the Blue Campus. Both sections are open to students in 10-12 grades. Through more challenging orchestra literature and technique classes, these groups will provide the skills necessary to continue advancing through the orchestra program.

Symphonic Strings (period 1) is an auditioned orchestra at the Blue Campus. It is open to students in 10-12 grades. Symphonic I provides sophisticated instrumental experiences through study and performance of master works for string and full orchestra. Members are expected to advance their musicianship through completion of technique classes.

Chamber Orchestra is an auditioned orchestra at the Blue Campus. It is open to students in 9-12 grades. There is a strong emphasis on individual preparation for rehearsals and performances. Private study with a professional on principal instruments is required. Scholarship money may be available for students unable to pay for lessons. All students perform in quintets, quartets and other small ensembles.

Chamber Strings is an auditioned orchestra at the Blue Campus. It is open to students in 9-12 grades. Chamber Strings offers the most advanced instrumental experience through study and performance of college level works for strings and full orchestra. There is a strong emphasis on individual preparation for rehearsals and performances. Private study with a professional on principal instruments is required. Scholarship money may be available for students unable to pay for lessons. All students perform in quintets, quartets and other small ensembles.

Co-curricular Ensembles

The following groups are open to students involved in the NVHS orchestra program.

Wildcat Fiddlers
This group will meet on Tuesday evenings in the orchestra room at the main campus from 6 – 7:30pm. The Wildcat Fiddlers will be open to any orchestra student with an interest in fiddle music. Mr. Brad Pfeil (NVHS) and Mrs. Jennifer Gillespie (Crone MS) will co-direct this group.

NVSO
Directed by Mr. Bauer and Mr. Staley, the Neuqua Valley Symphony Orchestra will be a co-curricular full orchestra opportunity during 2^nd semester. The NVSO will rehearse on Monday evenings from 6pm until 8pm.

IMEA District and All State Festivals
Interested students will audition for the District IX Orchestra. Students who are accepted into the orchestra will participate in an all day festival with a guest conductor and students from area high schools. Students who place highly in the District IX Orchestra may be selected to participate in the All State Festival. The All State Festival takes place in Peoria during the Illinois Music Educators Convention in January.

District 204 Solo & Ensemble Festival
Students will prepare a solo or small ensemble entirely outside of class. A minimum of four sessions with their director must take place in order to participate. Students must also meet with their piano accompanist. During this festival students will have a 10 minute session with a guest clinician. There are no ratings or scores from this festival. All students will be expected to attend the Honors Recital at 7pm following the festival. In order to participate students MUST attend the MANDATORY meeting in January – date and time TBA.

IHSA Solo & Ensemble Contest
This contest is similar to the District 204 Solo & Ensemble Festival, however points are tallied and scores are posted. Also, there is less time available with the judges. In order for students to be eligible to participate in the contest, they must have participated and performed in the District 204 Festival.

Fox Valley Music Festival
One of the oldest music festivals in existence is a two day festival with a Sunday rehearsal from 2-5pm and a Monday rehearsal beginning at 1pm and culminating in a concert that evening at 7pm. Students will have the opportunity to perform with a guest conductor and students from the surrounding Fox Valley area. Students must be able to attend both days of the festival. This is a non-auditioned festival.

Jazz Bands
Orchestra students are eligible for membership in the NVHS Jazz bands. String bass players and pianists are encouraged to try out for these outstanding groups. Jazz begins in September and meets on Wednesday evenings. Watch for signs to be posted around the music department.

World Voices
World voices is a non-auditioned choral group which performs world music. This group rehearses on Tuesday evenings. Watch for signs about this exciting group around the music department. All are welcome!

Standards of Operations

Grading Policies

Quarter Grade:
        Technique Class = 40%
          Concert/Dress Rehearsal Participation = 20%
          Class Participation = 20%
          Written Work = 20%

Semester Grade:
          First Quarter = 40%
          Second Quarter = 40%
          Final Exam = 20%

Technique Class: Students in concert and symphonic orchestras will be required to attend technique class one day per week during one half of their lunch/option period. Students should check the technique class bulletin board in the orchestra room at the beginning of each quarter for their assigned times. Students will need to bring their orchestra binder to technique class each week. Students will receive a grade each week based on their preparation of the assigned material. Students in chamber orchestra will be assigned to a chamber ensemble that will meet at least once a week during their option period.

Concert/Dress Rehearsal Participation: All students are expected to participate fully in all scheduled orchestra performances. Students will be graded as to whether they arrive at the appointed call time, are dressed appropriately in the orchestra uniform, concert decorum, audience behavior and having appropriate materials with them. If students have an excused absence from a scheduled orchestra concert they will be required to complete a make up assignment, as determined by the director. Students will not have the opportunity to make up points from any unexcused performances.

Class Participation: All students are expected to be prepared and participate in every class rehearsal. This portion of the grade is based upon the following criteria: punctuality, instrument, equipment and music care, preparation, posture, self-discipline and professionalism, effort and contribution, achievement of stated goals, objectives and practice.

Written Work: Written work will consist of theory worksheets, patron of the arts, and history/background assignments.

Uniform Policy

All Ladies: Uniform black dress ordered in class, formal black shoes, no jewelry.

Gentlemen in Chamber Strings, Chamber Orchestra, or Symphonic Strings: Black tuxedo, white tuxedo shirt, black bow tie, black cummerbund, black dress socks and black dress shoes.

Gentlemen in Concert Orchestra, Concert Strings, or Symphonic Orchestra: Black dress pants or tuxedo pants, black bow tie, black cummerbund, white tuxedo shirt, black dress socks and black dress shoes.

Order forms will be distributed at the start of the school year.

Performing Art Awards & Letters

Each year students will be able to gain points towards letters and patches in the Performing Arts. Students will begin accumulating points anew each year. Below is listed the minimum number of points needed each year to receive a letter or numeral. If one does not receive one’s numerals as a freshman, they will be awarded the first time a letter is earned.

             Year                Points                        Award
              09                    10                    Frosh/Soph Letter, numerals
              10                    10                    JV Letter
            11                    10                    Varsity Letter
            12                    10                    Performing Arts Plaque

Patches will also be awarded for participation in all activities that receive 3 or more points. These patches are in addition to the letter/numeral awards. Patches can be earned even if the total points do not add up to the requirements for numerals and letter.

The following is a listing of activities/events and their corresponding point values:
NVSO - 5                               Solo & Ensemble - 3            Fox Valley Festival - 2
Wildcat Fiddlers - 5             IMEA District Festival - 3 Marching Band - 2
Pit Orchestra/Musical - 5 IMEA All State - 3               Executive Board - 2
Jazz Band - 5
World Voices - 5

Enhancements

Fundraising
To help offset the cost of tours and special opportunities, students will have the opportunity to participate in fundraisers. 100% of the money raised from the citrus sales, the poinsettia sale and the car wash will be credited to the student accounts. Student accounts will be recorded and handled by the Orchestra Parents Association.

Orchestra Parent Association (OPA)
The Neuqua Valley High School orchestra program could not function without it’s outstanding parent organization. The parent organization is comprised of all the orchestra parents and is directed by an executive board. All meetings are open to any orchestra parent. The orchestra parents assist in many ways throughout the year. Orchestra parents make possible our fundraising efforts, the Fine Arts Festival, the Crystal Concert and help with our travel plans and uniforms. Contact an executive board member to volunteer.

2007-2008 OPA Executive Board Members

President:

Lynette Pajkos

630/416-8399

lmpajkos@aol.com

Vice President:

Secretary:

Treasurer:

Helen Chen

630/922-9823

helenchen@comcast.net

Ways & Means:

Private Lessons

Private lessons are required for Chamber Strings students and strongly recommended for all other orchestras. Private lessons are offered both at school and in the Naperville area. The private lesson teachers on our list are professional musicians and top quality instructors. Students should contact the private teachers directly. Each private lesson teacher establishes their own policies but expect to pay between $20 and $22 per 30-minute lesson. Students must pay for any missed lesson unless arranged in advance with the teacher. If lessons must be rescheduled, it will be done at the teacher’s convenience.

A list of private teachers will be available from your directors.

Handbook Contents

Neuqua Valley Philosophy Of Music Education

Rules & Expectations

Performance Opportunities

Co-curricular Ensembles

Music Department Calendar (click here)