• Shaw Middle School Orchestra Handbook

    2024-2025

    Orchestra Educator: Kara Warren

    kara.warren@washoeschools.net

     

    Table of Contents:

    1. Courses and Ensembles

    2. Classroom Rules and Expectations

    3. Office Hours and Communication

    4. Orchestra Academic Grades

    5. Absent Work, Missing Work, Late Work Policy

    6. Instruments 

    7. Class Fees

    8. Concert Dress 

    9. Concert Expectations and Etiquette

     

    1. Courses/ Ensembles

    2. 6th Grade Beginning Orchestra: This is a beginning strings class for 6th grade. 6th graders are required to take a music class and can choose to take band, orchestra, or choir. Students will learn basic note reading, identify strings and note names on their instrument, and become familiar with either violin, viola, cello, or bass. Students will also learn the basic anatomy of string instruments, instrument care, methods of performance, and how to practice at home. This course may seem slow at times because students would like to start playing and making noise right away, but there is a lot of ground to cover before getting to that stage. I have planned plenty of interactive and engaging activities to do along the way as students begin their string journey. 

    3. 7th Grade Intermediate Orchestra: This is a 7th-grade course. Students in this course will expand their knowledge and experience from 6th grade. The students will advance their techniques by learning how to play parts independently from other sections and bring them together to form more complex pieces of music within various genres. They will also learn more advanced concepts like key signatures, articulation, phrasing, rhythm meters, etc. These skills will help prepare students for upcoming events in Washoe County like the Orchestra Festival as well as preparing them for 8th grade. 

    4. 8th Grade Advanced Orchestra: This is the most advanced orchestra class offered at Shaw. These students will take their orchestra experience from the last two years and become more well-rounded musicians. Students will begin to understand how to express emotion by using written notes in music as well as their technical ability. Students will also learn how to interpret music beyond the paper. They will use these skills to prepare them for Orchestra Festival, school concerts, and other playing opportunities throughout the year. This course is also meant to prepare them for high school if they choose to pursue orchestra.

    5. Chamber Orchestra (Enrichment): This group meets during the school Enrichment period. Any students in the 8th-grade orchestra may participate in the Chamber group. Students who play other instruments may also join the Chamber group with approval from Mrs. Warren first. The main goal of this class is to explore many different genres and focus on personal accountability within a small group. We will use our time to rehearse and perform music from pop, theater, classical, rock, multicultural, etc. These pieces will also broaden and advance the student's technique. Students will also fulfill the normal Enrichment class procedures which include SEL lessons, planner checks, and make-up/ retake times for all class assignments. 

    6. Silver Strings Class is a vibrant course tailored for 7th and 8th-grade students through audition or Mrs. Warren's approval, inviting them to delve into the rich tapestry of fiddle, rock, and jazz music traditions. Through a blend of written and aural exploration, students will deepen their understanding of each genre's techniques and cultural influences. The course offers both individual and group learning experiences, fostering collaboration and creativity among students. Students may have multiple performance opportunities and gigs! 

     

    Objective: My overall goal for each class is to ensure students become well-rounded musicians. Students will have a strong foundational understanding of how to play their instrument, how to interpret and express music, and how to become independent musicians. 

     

    II. Classroom Rules and Expectations:

    Classroom Rules: 

    1. At the beginning of class, students are expected to enter the classroom and set up their instruments, music, and pencil in their assigned spot. 

    2. NO TALKING or PLAYING when the teacher is talking/instructing. 

    3. Backpacks go under the chair, and cases go on the left side of the chair. 

    4. Cell phones must be put away and on silent

    5. No food or drink is allowed (except for bottled water)

    6. NO GUM

    7. Be respectful to your instrument, peers, and your teacher

     If you do not follow the classroom rules above, you will be required to attend 15-minute lunch detention in the Orchestra Room. During lunch detention, you will sit in a chair facing the wall in a good seating posture for 10 minutes. That time is meant for self-reflection and how to improve your behavior for next time. The last 5 minutes will be spent with me as you discuss how you will make better choices and improve your behavior in future classes.  If the behavior is repeated, you will receive a referral. 

    Student Responsibilities and Expectations: 

    • Practice a little bit each day

    • Be respectful and responsible with your instrument and bow

    • Bring your instrument to class every day

    • Come prepared with music and a pencil

    • Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your teacher and peers!

    Parent/ Guardian Responsibilities: 

    • Set aside a space for your child to practice

    • Encourage your child to practice a little bit every day (about 15 mins)

    • Support your child with any opportunities they might be interested in with orchestra (i.e honor orchestra, private lessons, music camp, etc.)

    • Be proud that your child is making music!

     

    III. Office Hours and Communication 

    • Office Hours: I will be available after school till 2:45 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. 

    • Infinite Campus: This is the primary source of communication. Please make sure all your contact information is correct and up to date in the infinite campus. 

    • Email: Please allow at least 24 hours for a response. I rarely check my email on the weekends. 

     

    IV. Orchestra Academic Grades

    Assessments 

    1. Students will be required to perform playing tests throughout the school year. 

    2. If you refuse to play the test then that is the equivalent of not turning in a written test and therefore you will receive a 0%.

    3. If you are absent or fail to turn in a test/quiz it is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to arrange a time to perform for me during my office hours or submit the test at a later date.

    4.  If you receive less than a 90% on any playing quiz/test AND it was completed on time, you may ask for a retake. This can be done during office hours or submitted online after teacher approval.

    Approach to Learning (Classroom work) 

    For students to be successful in the orchestra, they must come prepared with their instrument, music, pencil, and evidence of home practice, and play their instrument in class. Students will receive up to 100 points for preparedness, good musician etiquette, and approach to learning. 

    Orchestra Practice Record (Homework)

    Students will complete an optional weekly home practice record assignment this year. 

    Practice records are due every Monday. Students will be rewarded along the way with how many hours they complete. 

    Students are expected to bring their instruments home once a week. Cellos and Double Bass players will have an at-home instrument that remains home for the school year so that they do not need to carry one back and forth.

    Written Work  (Classroom Work)

    1. All written work will take place during class time.

    2. Students must write their first and last name, class period, and instrument they 

    play on the paper in order to receive credit. 

    1. No name = no grade

    2. All written work must be completed in pencil.

    3. Students are still required to complete written work if they are absent. You will have until the end of the following week to receive full credit, and until the end of the quarter to receive 75% of the grade. 

    Citizenship (Behavior)

    Students will receive 100% at the start of each quarter. For each negative behavior event, a student will lose 5 or more points. If there are outstanding positive behavior points, a student will receive up to 5 points.

    V. Absent Work, Missing Work, Late Work Policy

    1. Absent Work: According to new WCSD guidelines, absent students are required to complete work in order for absences to be considered “excused.” In orchestra, students will have the number of class days absent plus one to complete the work. So, if Katie is absent for two days, she will have two days plus one more to complete the absent work. If Katie has not completed the absent work by the end of those three class days, her absence will count as “unexcused.” Even though her absence will remain unexcused, Katie has until the end of the unit or grading period to complete the work to count toward her grade.

    2. This is the process for how all orchestra students will complete absent work:

    During my office hours, spend 20 minutes practicing in the orchestra room. This is a solid 20 minutes of practice, without stopping, talking, daydreaming, etc.

    1. Late work is accepted but the final score will drop a letter grade each day it is past due



    VI. Instruments.

    Instrument School Rentals:

    1. School instruments are available to rent on a first come first serve basis. Families with Free & Reduced Lunch Receive priority. There is a $50.00 rental fee. This fee is separate from the classroom fee and does not include extra supplies. Once students have turned in their rental agreement form and money, they will be assigned an instrument for the school year.

      Purchasing or Renting Online:

      1. Shar Music………………………………………………..www.sharmusic.com

      2. Music and Arts …………………………………………...www.musicarts.com 

      3. Johnson’s Violins ………………………………………...www.johnsonstring.com

      4. Southwest Strings ………………………………………..www.swstrings.com

    Purchasing or Renting in Reno/ Sparks: 

      1. Blue Note B’s………………………………………………………. 775-453-9219

      2. Muzic Fuze…………………………………………………………..775-432-2422

      3. Dodd Violins at Blue Note B’s ……………………………………...775-453-9219

      4. Absolute Music…………………………………………………….. 775-852-2637

      5. Carpenter’s Music………………………………………………….. 775-852-7618

      6. Terry Scott Strings ………………………………………………….775-379-0322

      7. Steinway Piano  …………………………………………………….775-829-0600

    • DO NOT purchase an instrument from Amazon, eBay, crag’s list, or an online store that is not supported by music teachers.

    • DO NOT purchase a painted instrument (i.e pink, blue). These instruments are painted for a reason to hide a manufacturer error. 

    • DO NOT purchase Cecelio or Mendini instruments. You will have to spend between $50-100 just to get one that can play well. 

    • Check with your teacher if you are uncertain about what size to get. 

    • Please remember that you are investing in your child’s education and you want them to be successful in music class. Students are more likely to succeed in the orchestra when they can practice on good-quality instruments. 

    My Recommendations for Purchasing Instruments: 

    • Franz Hoffman (any model, especially the Amadeus version)

    • Samuel Eastman (any model- higher quality for beginning instruments)

    • Bellafina (any model-good quality for beginning instrument)

    • Knilling (any model)

     

    VII. Class Fees

    Class fees will be used to purchase orchestra shirts/ uniforms, books, strings, tuner batteries, classroom rosin, other classroom supplies, etc. Please take note that this fee DOES NOT include instrument rentals. *The 8th graders are invited to join the Six Flags Music Department Trip and will be given a separate handout with more information on fees. 

    1. 6th Grade Beginning Orchestra- $30

    2. 7th Grade Intermediate Orchestra- $30

    3. 8th Grade Advanced Orchestra- $30 

    ALL FEES must be in an envelope with the student's first and last name, class period, and what the payment is for. DO NOT seal the envelopes (I need to be able to double-check the amount when the students turn them in. DO NOT combine fees (i.e. classroom fee and instrument rental fee. This keeps the fees separate and it is easier to keep track of each student's account so that there is no confusion. 

     

    VIII. Concert Dress Attire

    The orchestra focuses on making music together. Thus, the proper etiquette requires all musicians to be dressed the same - in “concert black”. That way, no one musician stands out from the other and the audience can focus on the music as a whole. It is imperative that students follow proper dress etiquette when they have concerts.  Please reach out if you have any questions about the correct dress for concerts. 

    6th Grade Concert Attire: 

    • Plain Blue Jeans - no holes, busy designs, or leggings.

    • Shaw Middle School Orchestra Shirt

    • Nice closed-toed shoes - these can be tennis shoes, vans, converse, or any full-toed shoe that is white.

    7th and 8th Grade Concert Attire: 

    • Black slacks or dress pants - no leggings, jeans, skirts, or dresses

    • Shaw Middle School Orchestra Shirt

    • Black socks

    • Black dress shoes - no tennis shoes, black shoes with white markings, vans, converse, or flip-flops. 

     

    IX. Concert  Expectations and Etiquette

    Students are expected to attend and perform at all the concerts for a grade. Please remember that concerts are a valuable experience for a growing musician. This is an opportunity where they can showcase their hard work throughout the school year in front of their loved ones. Dates and times will be announced in class and sent home with a handout. 

    Students who need an alternative to the concert performance assignment must contact Mrs. Warren at least two weeks before the concert date to receive full credit. The make-up assignment details are provided on the back of the concert announcement, and it must be completed before the concert date. Please note that late submissions will not be accepted.

    Please treat each concert like you are attending a movie theater. Make sure to silence all phones and keep talking to a minimum. Everyone is encouraged to applaud at the end of each piece of music!