6th Grade Orchestra Course Guide


Teacher Contact Information

Teacher Office Hours

Rachel McGuire Orchestra Room L-3 Period 5 & 6 (M/TH) [email protected] (650) 213-0159

After school at TEAM: 3:00-3:05 Mondays Drop-in Times: Brunch- M, TH; Lunch- M Appointments: Wednesdays at lunch or WIP, Mondays after school. Please schedule in advance. Via email - emails will be returned within 48 hours on weekdays.


Course Overview Course Description The 6th Grade Orchestra twice-weekly rehearsals are spent working on the development of string technique, fundamentals, and notation, knowledge of music within historical and cultural context, and large group ensemble playing. Students perform at formal concerts once or twice a semester.

Performances JORDAN ORCHESTRAS CONCERTS: December 8 - March 2 - May 11 All concerts are at 7:00 PM in the Jordan MPR. CONCERT ATTENDANCE Students receive academic credit for all performances in addition to daily classroom activities. • All members of the ensemble are required to attend all events listed on the calendar. • Absences will be excused for personal illness, family emergency, and religious holidays. • Prior approval may be given at the discretion of Ms. McGuire for other unavoidable conflicts with at least 48 hours advanced notice. • Excused absences will be given a make-up assignment. • Unexcused absences will result in a zero for the ensemble skills grade. CONCERT DRESS Jordan 6th Grade Orchestra t-shirt, black dress pants or skirt, black socks or tights, and allblack dress shoes

Procedures & Expectations CLASSROOM PRACTICES 1. Treat all teachers, classmates, and equipment with respect. 2. Work and perform to the best of your ability at all times. 3. Listen to and follow directions the FIRST time they are given. 4. Seek help when you need it!

CLASSROOM PROCEDURES 1. Stow backpacks in your locker. 2. Water containers must have lids; no food or gum. 3. Be in assigned seat, ready to work, within 2 minutes of the bell. 4. Bring all materials to every class.

5. Follow all Jordan rules at all times Our orchestra is a music team. The actions of any individual can either help or hinder the entire class.

CONSEQUENCES for not being a team player: 30 minute after-school detention

Common Statement of Student Adherence to all Board Policies All students are expected to know and adhere to all PAUSD School Board policies including, but not limited to: tardiness & attendance, student discipline & behavior, homework, academic honesty, and citizenship & respect.

GRADING PRACTICES Grade Breakdown - 25% for each of the following categories: • Daily Participation and Materials Attendance, attentiveness, cooperation, and a willingness to work your hardest every class starts with bringing all of the required materials! • Performances Our orchestra is a music team! Every student must participate in all concerts to perform at our best! See calendar for required events. • Playing Tests Playing tests are a way for students to show Ms. McGuire their work and to get individual feedback for improvement. Students are tested around 3 times a semester. • Written Work & Quizzes Study of music notation, theory, history, culture, and context is important to building a strong musical foundation and understanding of the music we play. Grading Scale: 100-90% = A

89-80 = B

79-70 = C

69-60 = D

59-0 = F

Required & Recommended Materials Classroom  Music  Books   Students have either purchased or will be assigned a method book for group classwork throughout the year. Books borrowed from Jordan are to be returned in the same condition as when they were checked-out, with reasonable wear and tear, or student will be responsible for replacement costs.

Required  Materials  

1. Pencil with eraser 2. Music Folder or binder containing orchestra sheet music & book 3. Rosin 4. Cleaning Cloth 5. Name tag on instrument case 6. Shoulder rest or sponge (violin and viola) 7. Rock-stop or strap (cello and bass) 8. Extra set of strings (required if you are using your own or a store-rented instrument) 9. Music Stand (for at-home practice)

Recommended  Materials   1. Digital Tuner 2. Metronome

Other Music Opportunities at Jordan All-­‐District  6th  Grade  Honors  Orchestra   Jordan  Chamber  Orchestra   Peer  Coaching   Small  Chamber  Ensembles   Jazz  Band  

Jordan  Orchestra  Retreat:  Friday,  September  23,  3:15-­‐5:30  PM   Jordan  MPR


Orchestra Agreement 2016-2017 Student I have read the information in the Jordan Orchestra Course Guide and understand its contents. I am aware of the scheduled events and am committed to participating. I am aware that I will be responsible for mastering musical and technical tasks and content. I understand the expectations for daily rehearsal, will adhere to the rules, and understand the consequences of failing to do so. I am committed to practicing and being a positive and hardworking member of the ensemble.

Student name (printed) ______________________________________________________________

Student Signature ________________________________________________ date______________

Parent/Guardian I have read the information in the Jordan Orchestra Course Guide and understand its contents. I am aware of the scheduled events and am committed to making sure my child will participate. I also understand the grading system for the class and the expectations for daily rehearsal. I will ask my child frequently to show me what he/she is working on in orchestra and encourage their continued practice and improvement.

Parent/Guardian Signature _________________________________________

date______________