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Winter Concert |
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES
CONCERT ORCHESTRA - 1st period daily
This class is designed to train the beginning to intermediate string player in proper performance and rehearsal techniques and to nurture their potential through the rehearsal and performance of quality string orchestra literature appropriate to the level of their development. It is also designed to prepare the musician for performance at a more advanced level. Musical, historical and theoretical concepts are discussed and applied appropriately to every piece of music. There will be at least three annual performance opportunities, depending upon skill level. Musicians in this class are encouraged to audition for Junior District Orchestra and to participate in Solo and Ensemble Festival. This ensemble will perform at the VBODA level of 2/3/4.
SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA - 2nd period daily
This class is designed to develop the potential of the instrumental musician through rehearsal and performance of quality string and symphony orchestra literature appropriate to the level of that development. It is also designed to prepare the musician for performance at the advanced level. Musical, historical and theoretical concepts are discussed and applied appropriately to every piece of music. There will be a minimum of three annual performances. Musicians in this class are encouraged to audition for Junior District Orchestra and to participate in Solo and Ensemble Festival. This ensemble will perform at the VBODA level of 3/4/5.
CONCERT AND SYMPHONIC COURSE OBJECTIVES (based upon Virginia Music Educators Association)
- Vocalize instrumental part using accurate pitch.
- Demonstrate ability to tune an instrument to a given pitch.
- Perform alone and in small and large ensembles with good posture, good playing position, good bow control and appropriate articulation. Students should be exposed to and have experience playing literature representing music written by the great Western composers and diverse world cultures.
- Demonstrate by performance a basic understanding of phrase structure.
- Improvise simple rhythmic variations and simple melodic embellishments on familiar melodies.
- Create an original, simple melody.
- Identify key signatures and apply to music being performed. Read at sight, simple melodies in appropriate clef, individually and in large ensembles. Play major scales of 8 key signatures.
- Read whole, half, quarter, eighth and dotted notes and rests in 2/4,3/4,4/4 and meter signatures at various tempi involving tempo changes. Identify notes by letter name and fingering or position and demonstrate by playing.
- Discriminate between melody and harmony. Discriminate between duple and triple time signature, major and minor tonalities. Discuss how elements of music affect emotions conveyed by a specific piece of music.
- Express critical judgments about your own performance of music being studied. Demonstrate a positive attitude toward music, self-development and group cooperation.
- Identify ways in which the principles and subject matter of other disciplines taught in the school are interrelated with those of music.
- Describe distinguishing characteristics of representative music genres and styles from a variety of cultures.
- Periodic scale tests: Students will be expected to play scales periodically, beginning with C major, and work their way up through and including 3 sharps and 3 flats. Concert orchestra: 1 octave - 2 octaves Symphonic Orchestra - 2 octaves
- Periodic tape tests: Students will perform selected passages of music, on a cassette tape, from concert selections for a grade.
- Technique expansion: Students will expand their articulation "repertoire" to include
the following bowing styles:
- staccato
- spiccato
- legato
- martele
- loure
- Students will work on bow placement, tone production and dynamic contrast in relation to the phrasing and musicality demands of the piece.
- Students will be vigilant in their pursuit of proper playing position in both the left and
right hands and in proper posture.
- Cultivate a solid understanding of music theory through the implementation of theory worksheets, problems and quizzes at certain points during each quarter.
- Cultivate a general understanding of musical form and periodic styles through identification of form in the concert music we study, and through listening to professional recordings or live performances of certain pieces in and out of the classroom.
- Cultivate a true belief that music is a language without words that is the expression of our emotions, many of which are too complicated to explain. It is our goal to put a piece of our heart into each performance and rehearsal, so that we might be able to express the beauty in ourselves through the music, in order that we might share that beauty with everyone around us.
There will be auditions in the Fall to determine seating placement. At the discretion of the director, there may be opportunities for seating changes at other times during the year. We will not have challenges, unless the director deems it necessary.
If additional help is needed, students may make an "appointment" with Mrs. Meyers for after school help on Wednesdays.
EVERY STUDENT IS EXPECTED TO:
- Come to class on time.
- Be equipped daily with:
- instrument and bow
- music
- pencil
- Be prompt in unpacking and preparing for rehearsal.
- Warm-up in the appropriate manner.
- Tune under the concertmaster's direction.
- Perform at his/her highest level during rehearsals and concerts.
- Pack up instrument and store in the instrument storage room daily.
- Return music folder to the music folio cabinet daily.
- Complete written or taped work promptly, complying with deadlines.
- Participate in all required concerts wearing the appropriate concert dress.
- Attend all extra rehearsals to be called at the discretion of the director.
- Practice orchestra music at home to master difficult passages.
ALL STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO:
- Study with a private teacher who specialized in your instrument. I can help place you with a teacher, if you need assistance.
- Participate in a Youth Symphony Orchestra (Northern Virginia Youth Association, Prince William Youth Symphony, McLean Youth Orchestra or the Levine School Orchestra) See me for more information and audition dates.
- Attend concerts and performances of all kinds at the Kennedy Center, Center for the Arts, Wolf Trap, and other cultural centers in our area.
- Consider forming a string quartet. There are many times during the year when I receive calls from the community requesting the services of a string quartet for various functions. I can coach you to get you ready.
- Represent Franklin Middle School by participating in auditions for Junior District Orchestra or in Solo and Ensemble Festival. See me for more details and audition information.
SCHOOL INSTRUMENT INFORMATION:
- Cellos and basses will be available for school use for all students. A rental contract must be filled out and the appropriate fees must be paid for annual rental. If there are extra instruments, and you do not own your own cello or bass, I will provide you with a rental instrument for home practicing. Otherwise, you will need to rent one from a local music store.
- Violinists and violists can consider renting a second instrument to leave at school. It is recommended that you rent an instrument of good quality, while staying within a modest price range. I do not have school violins or violas for rental.
- If you participate in the free or reduced lunch programs, FCPS will provide an instrument for you for a modest fee, after filling out a rental contract.
Ladies: Dressy white blouse - long sleeved preferred BLACK skirt that falls to or below the knee - no minis ! Black hose Black dress shoes
Gentlemen: White long sleeved dress shirt BLACK dress pants Black socks Black dress shoes - No tennis shoes Long dark tie - may have a pattern
If you have trouble locating any of the above mentioned clothing items, please contact me immediately, so that we can work out a solution together before our first concert.
Violin/Viola:- Properly sized instrument
- Shoulder rest. Kun preferred. Kadenza brand is also good.
- Inexpensive set of emergency strings
- Rosin
- Cleaning cloth - Dad's old white t-shirts work well.
- Pencil
- New cassette tape
- Music stand for at-home practice.
- Nail clippers for nice short nails !
Cello/Bass:
- Properly sized instrument
- Instrument at home to practice upon.
- Rock stop/old leather belt
- Inexpensive set of emergency strings for your home instrument.
- Rosin
- Cleaning cloth - Dad's old white t-shirts works well.
- Pencil
- New cassette tape
- Music stand for at-home practice.
- Nail clippers for nice short nails !
The grade for each nine week period is based upon the student's musical achievement with the addition or subtraction of points for participation, self-discipline and responsibility.
Musicianship - The major part of the student's grade is based upon individual and group testing of playing ability, with individual grades given in the categories of tone, rhythm, intonation, technique, style and ability to play scales and simple melodic lines from memory. Individual playing tests are usually performed on tape by each student. Written tests will also be given during the grading period.
The grading scale is as follows:
- A 94-1OO
- B+ 90-93
- B 84-89
- C+ 80-83
- C 74-79
- D+ 70-73
- D 64-69
- U below 64
Participation, self-discipline and responsibility points - The following points are added or subtracted from the musicianship grade at the end of each grading period. There are no carry-overs from one grading period to another.
ADDITIONAL POINTS
- Participating in Solo and Ensemble Festival 50 points
- Participating in District Orchestra auditions 10 points
- Member of district Orchestra 100 points
- Member of Youth/Church Orchestra 100 points
- Participating in extra musical activities 25 points
- Active member of the music library staff 25 points
DEDUCTED POINTS
- Absence from a performance 100 points
- Late for a performance 25 points
- Unexcused absence from a rehearsal or sectional 50 points
- Late for class, rehearsal or sectional 10 points
- Disruptive behavior (constant talking, etc.) 10 points
- Without music or properly maintained instrument in class or rehearsal 15 points
- Leaving instrument at school over a weekend 10,000 points
- Not having a pencil in class or at rehearsal 10 points
- Damage to school music equipment and facilities 50 points
