Orchestra
grades are based on quarterly individual performance evaluations,
daily class attendance and contribution to the rehearsal process,
and performance grade. Students may receive one of the three grades:
Proficient
A
excellent preparation and leadership
Sufficient
B
eompetent preparation but follows more than leads
Deficient
D
not meeting performance deadlines and not showing basic competencies
Daily
rehearsal grade and folder checks (50%)
Students
are required to attend orchestra class four times per week unless
there is a schedule conflict. Rehearsals begin five minutes after
the second bell. Students not seated and prepared to play by that
time will be considered tardy. Students will be expected to actively
participate in the rehearsal process, following directions, making
appropriate musical markings and demonstrating the ability to improve
playing skills. Failure to attend class fully prepared will result in a lowered daily
grade.
Quarterly
evaluations (25%)
LHS/HO
students' performing skills will be evaluated each quarter in class.
Students will be asked to perform in small groups, excerpts from the
performance repertoire and scales. Although ability levels vary, all Honors Orchestra members must show basic competencies in technique and musicianship.
Ensemble
performance grade (25%)
In
each quarter that has a performance, students will be given a grade
for the group's overall performance. Concert attendance
is mandatory. Only extreme personal illness (with a note of explanation within 48 hours from a parent) or sudden family emergency (i.e., death in the family)
will be considered legitimate excuses for failure to attend a concert.
All absences must be followed up by a parental note of explanation
by the next rehearsal. Without written explanation, at the director's discretion, your grade
will be lowered by one letter because of your absence, and you will lose your member-in-good-standing status for the remainder of the school year.
Member in good standing
All orchestra members have good-standing status by virtue of signing up for orchestra and meeting the basic competencies. Good-standing status means you may be eligible to audition for and participate in District and All State competitions and festivals. If at any time during the school year, you lose your member-in-good-standing status, then you will no longer be eligible to participate in auditions or festivals (even if you have already been accepted to the festival). This is in accordance with the Northeast District policies governing audition and festival participation.
Section leaders
Section leaders have been chosen based on audition. They may rotate by concert. The concert master seat may be changed by concert. Section leaders will be expected to offer bowing and fingering suggestions and lead at lest one sectional during the rehearsal process. If the conductor observes during the rehearsal process that the section leader is not playing responsibly, she will replace her/him. Students may challenge ahead in the section any time during the rehearsal process until two weeks before the concert. Information about challenges may be obtained from Mrs. Haas.