| Expectations and Grades |
| Students are expected to approach each class with a
positive attitude and contribute to a productive rehearsal. Grades
will be determined by a combination of effort, behavior, attitude
and contribution to the ensemble. |
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| Students must be prepared at each rehearsal with an instrument in good playing condition, music and a pencil. Repeated failure to come prepared will result in a lowered grade. (If there is a reason a student cannot bring his/her instrument to class, he/she must bring in a short note from a parent.). |
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| Students are expected to learn to the best of their ability the music presented in rehearsal within two weeks of distribution. Students will be expected to play a specific assignment individually or in small groups as a part of their grade |
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| Students are required to participate in all performances except in the case of illness or family emergency. An unexcused absence from a performance will result in a student receiving a lowered grade. |
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| Lessons |
| Although it is not required, all students are strongly encouraged to study privately. Advanced technique is best acquired in a lesson setting. A list of area professional teachers is available from the music department. On the back of that list are students from Lexington High School who offer their services at a modest fee as private tutors under the guidance of Mrs. Haas, the LHS orchestra director. |
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| Instruments |
| ALL INSTRUMENTS MUST BE TAGGED WITH THE STUDENT’S NAME ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE CASE. Students are expected to provide their own instruments in good working condition for use in rehearsals. Some families choose to rent inexpensive instruments to leave at school for rehearsal purposes. All students should have rosin, violin /violas need a shoulder rest or sponge, and cello/bass need a rockstop. An extra set of strings is also recommended.. |
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| Storage |
| Violins and violas may be kept in the instrument storage area next to the orchestra rehearsal room. Instruments should be placed on tables or on metal shelves, not left on the floor. This space is open before and after school and during rehearsals. Instruments may also be locked in students’ personal lockers if they fit. Cellos and basses are stored in one of the two designated practice rooms. |
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| Music Folders |
| Music is provided for rehearsal and for personal practice. Students are encouraged to take music home for practice but must be responsible for bringing it back to school for each rehearsal. Musical markings may be made in the parts in pencil.. |