WALLED LAKE WESTERN COURSE SYLLABUS for All Performing Orchestral Ensembles

2016-2017

Ted McDonald, Director

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Table of Contents



Academic Misconduct

9



Attendance, daily

6



Attitude

10



Auditions and Seating

7



Awards and Criteria

15



Benchmarks

6



Course Requirements

6-8



Grading

8



Festivals and Competitions

13-14



Full Orchestra/Orchestra Winds

5



Fund Raising

16



Introduction and Welcome

3



Instruments and Responsibility

11-12



Lockers and Locks

11



Music Boosters: Student Accounts/WLWOB

16



Music Booster Meetings

16



Music, Music Folders, Library

12



Music Theory

7



Orchestra letter and criteria

15



Office and Facilities

13



Performance Expectations

10



Performing Ensembles (descriptions)

4-5



Practice rooms

10



Rehearsal Procedures

9



Scales and Proficiency

7



School Owned Instruments

11



Student Responsibilities

11-12



Teacher Contact

3



Uniforms

12

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I.

September 2016 Dear Parents and Students, Welcome to the Walled Lake Western High School Orchestra program! I hope this year will be exciting and rewarding for all of us as we move forward musically. This year promises to be a truly remarkable one. Between our Halloween Spooktacular, Day for Strings, and the Senior Concerto Concert, there are exciting things happening! The policies in this course syllabus have been established to continue the standard of excellence established by the Walled Lake Western Orchestra Program. They are consistent with policies that professional and amateur musicians adhere to and are instituted to help prepared you for a successful musical future. Please keep in mind that these policies pertain to each and every member of orchestra. For our orchestras to continue to be truly successful ensembles, students should not expect to be excused from or an exception to, any of these expectations of all musicians.

PERFORMING ENSEMBLES

Chamber Strings By audition only. Consists of the top players and membership varies slightly from year to year. They will have demonstrated top musicianship skills, pedagogical development as well as focus and excellence. Adherence to all professional expectations, rehearsals, behaviors and self discipline are required at all times. Failure to do so will result in elimination at the semester break. These students will perform all the same literature as the Symphony but spend less class time in preparation and explanation. They will explore the more advanced string and chamber music literature. Classes meet daily and additional time after school may be required. Advance notice will be given. * Students must also enroll in Symphony Orchestra. This is mandatory.

Symphony Strings consist primarily of junior and seniors who demonstrate mastery of the basics, thrive on challenge, have a strong sense of musicianship, have established for themselves a successful practice routine, understand how to problem solve in their individualized practice sessions, have excellence as a goal, and wish to pursue professional symphony literature on a day to day basis. Students must be able to complete all 2 octave major scales in two minutes or less, as well as their 4 basic 3 octave scales. Symphony Orchestra will meet during 4th hour once every week and may include some after school rehearsals.

Please feel free to contact me at any time. The fastest and easiest way is via e-mail. Thank you for all your support. We have a tremendous year ahead of us with so many exciting opportunities. Here’s to another great year!

Sincerely,

Ted McDonald Office Phone: 248-956-4592 Email is the quickest and easiest way to reach me: [email protected]

Philharmonia Strings is a training feeder program primarily for students who need more time to develop the necessary string pedagogy to succeed in Symphony. This class will focus on the individual development of stronger skills including how to practice, scales and octave work (major and minor), vibrato, sight-reading skills, extension of individual technique and ear training and theory. Success will be measured by the continued improvement of all skills and the development of individual musicianship. Philharmonia is a competing ensemble that may also perform as an addendum to the Symphony Orchestra. Some after school rehearsals throughout the year will be expected. Advanced notice will be given.

Orchestra website: sites.google.com/a/teachers.wlcsd.org/wlworch Text Alerts: Text the following to 81010 Chamber: “@wlwchamber” Symphony: “@wlwsym” Philharmonia: “@wlwphil” 3

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II. COURSE REQUIREMENTS – DAY ORCHESTRAS PERFORMING ENSEMBLES Cont.

Symphony Orchestra (+Winds) represents the top performers at Western and, musicians should possess all the qualities underlined under Symphony Strings. Membership is not limited to any age group or grade level. We are seeking the best musicians who are willing to work on further developing their skills and musicianship on the best of the professional symphony literature. Once you have been selected for the Orchestra Winds, you are a permanent member. Vacancies are filled yearly as students graduate. Winds membership is limited to: 3-4 flutes, 2-3 oboe, 4-6 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 4-6 French horns (at times alto saxophone), 4 trumpets, 3-4 trombones, 1 baritone, 1-2 tuba and 4 percussion. Rehearsals are every Friday after Marching Band Season has ended.

Chamber Ensembles are formed by students to provide experience in small ensemble playing. All string students will have the opportunity to perform in one group during the school year as part of the “Chamber Music Project”. These ensembles will participate at District and State MSBOA Solo & Ensemble Festival and will perform in class for a grade. Ensembles are designed to form as a year-round experience. These groups should consist of same-grade members and may hire a professional coach. Ensembles are expected to perform for community service groups as well as special school assemblies, meetings and awards ceremonies. Students are encouraged to obtain 2 sessions per month. Mr. McDonald will be available for the other 2 sessions per month at no charge. Students will need to arrange for several quartet rehearsal sessions per week for maximum benefit.

Your grade in Orchestra is a study in progress of events and pedagogy that involves 4 general areas in which the report cards are based. The process for evaluation is described below.

1. Tests and Quizzes: (40%) - Theses include scales, theory, bowing, auditions and music terms; also “on the spot” pop-playing quizzes. Passages will be checked in both group and individual settings. Being prepared by practicing on passages previously rehearsed is expected. Progress is monitored constantly.

2. Rehearsal Skills/Attendance/Etiquette: (10%) - You will receive up to 100 points a week for rehearsals. Failure to meet rehearsal guidelines will result in loss of points for the day. No instrument or music will result in a zero for the day. Unexcused absences result in zero points. Unexcused tardies result in a 5-point deduction.

3. Performances: (30%) - You will receive the full credit for each performance in which you actively participate. This includes being a good audience member. You are required to arrive on time and remain throughout the duration of the concert, even if your performance part in completed. A lack of participation by musicians cannot be tolerated. You will receive zero points for missed performances. Absences are NOT excused for any reason except extreme emergencies. *The rule for attendance at an orchestra rehearsal/performance versus sports practice/game is: a. a sports game takes precedence over an orchestra rehearsal b. an orchestra performance takes precedence over a sports practice & game 4. Projects: (20%) - You will have a few group projects to complete during the year. One is the Chamber Music Project, which spans about four months, the other group projects (TBD) will take place after our May concert.

“Practice makes perfect is not true. …..Perfect practice makes perfect is….” Sunichi Suzuki, 1979 5

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~AUDITIONS and SEATING~

~Grading Summary~ Your grade in orchestra is not given to you - you earn it. It will reflect your level of effort in performance, preparation, group work, improvement and is related to your own ability, rehearsal discipline and grades. Your grade will also reflect attendance at all rehearsals and performances as well as written assignments, and written tests.

“A” - Earned at least a 90% on their playing tests and benchmarks and done all of the following: Perfect attendance Show evidence of consistent and regular practice Excellent rehearsal discipline, participation and group work Consistent preparedness for class and demonstrate consistent improvement in playing Consistent punctuality and cooperation Show knowledge of instrument and music studied Attended all concerts.

“B” - Earned 80-89% on their playing tests and benchmarks, done the above, with occasional lapses or deficiencies in classroom preparedness, discipline and/or playing skills. “C” - Earned 70-79% on their playing tests and benchmarks and done the following: Show evidence of occasional practice Show minimal improvement in playing skills Demonstrate inconsistency in classroom preparedness, punctuality, and/or discipline Exhibit disruptive behavior Not retested on benchmarks and playing tests or made minimal progress

Auditions for chairs are held at least once per semester via use of after-school or evening playing tests. The seating within the sections is based on these test scores. Auditions are based primarily on materials from the orchestra repertoire. It may, at times include an assigned etude, scales, benchmark as well as specific festival materials. You will have one week to retake your playing exam to raise your grade. Your seat, however, will not change. Students will have as many opportunities to demonstrate more accurate practicing through their retake of their playing exams. If you improve your score, this will become your grade. Students who do not retake their playing tests will have earned that grade as their final grade for the 10-week marking period. The best way to guide you into improvement is by giving you the opportunity to demonstrate your increase in playing skills. Auditions may be held in an open sectional basis with all members of the section present or on an individual basis. Retakes may, at times also be held on an individual 10 minute appointment which may will include a written commentary from the director, in a private studentteacher session. The commentary provides the students with guidelines for their current musical progress and suggestions for further refinements for future growth. Practice Quizzes will be given weekly to determine whether you have shown a commitment to improving your playing, and subsequently, the orchestra as a whole. Be warned, your seating may be changed based on your performance on your practice quizzes.

~CHAMBER ORCHESTRA STUDENTS~ Chamber Orchestra members need to achieve a 95-100% on their auditions, thus proving their ability to thoroughly practice, demonstrate excellence and exhibit commitment.

There will be no challenges. III. ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT

Students earning a "D" or "E" will have scored less than 69% on their playing tests and benchmarks and made no further effort to reaudition to raise their grade point. They will have avoided any attempt for clarification of materials and demonstrated a severe lack of interest in, or understanding of, the procedures and requirements of the class as stated above or have been absent from performances. This student would also have exhibited rehearsal discipline that is disruptive or apathetic, which would prevent the orchestra as well as themselves from being successful.

“…there is nothing wrong with being average if that’s the best you can be...BUT...never settle for less than your personal best.”

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Any and all cheating on exams/quizzes or copying of other students materials in classroom assignments will be dealt with in accordance with the Walled Lake Schools Code of Conduct. 100% loss of grade.

IV.

REHEARSAL PROCEDURES

The following procedures are to provide for a successful experience in the Western Orchestra program and to ensure all members take responsibility and ownership. Above all, students have the right to learn and I have the right to teach. All members are expected to display the proper attitude for rehearsal, that is: come to class and rehearsal prepared, as do all good musicians. This means you must have all of the necessary equipment (i.e., instrument, music, pencil, mutes, etc.), have your music practiced and prepared for rehearsal. It is also expected that you will be punctual for class and seated with all talking and discussion ceased within three minutes after the bell has rung and be ready to tune at the Concertmasters direction. During rehearsal there should be no talking or discussion except by section leaders. Questions should be directed to the director. Students having excused tardiness should make every attempt to be the least disruptive as possible when entering the room. Once rehearsal begins your full attention and energies should be focused on the music being rehearsed. During those periods in rehearsal when you are not playing, you should still be listening attentively and marking your music as necessary.

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PRACTICING occurs at home. REHEARSAL involves those tasks which you cannot accomplish yourself on your own time. Inappropriate rehearsal behavior is detracting from rehearsal and is a waste of time and will not be tolerated. We expect that every musician is here to learn to make music - that's where your priorities should be during class. HOW OFTEN DO YOU NEED TO PRACTICE????? “You only need to practice on the days you eat….. and only ‘till you get it right!”

You are expected to be in the room by the bell. Failure to do so constitutes an unexcused tardy and disciplinary action with the WL School Code of Conduct. You are expected to be in your seat, prepared to tune and rehearse three minutes after the bell rings. This means you are set up with your chair, music stand, instrument and music folder. The concertmaster will tune immediately. You are expected to fully cooperate with your concertmaster’s directions. Rehearsal will end with sufficient time remaining in class to put away instruments, music and stands before the bell.

“To be early is to be on time. To be on time is to be late!” Dr. W.D. Revelli, Director of Bands U.M. (1901-1998)

PERFORMANCES Since this is a performance oriented class, and most concerts and performances occur in the evening or weekends, time outside the school day is required. By enrolling in orchestra, you have made a commitment to the organization and have a responsibility to be in attendance at every concert. The orchestra can only perform at its best when all members are present. Participation in performances is a requirement of the class. DO NOT EXPECT TO BE EXCUSED FROM PERFORMANCES. Missing a performance is a very serious offense in a musical ensemble at any level. A concert/performance is like a test or final examination but cannot be made up. Students absent from performances will be dealt with firmly and strongly, with absences resulting grade lowering. (“Not having a ride” or a “missing uniform” are not excuses for missing a concert. Illness or family bereavement are valid exceptions and will be treated on an individual basis). EXTRA REHEARSALS and SECTIONALS You will be required to attend at least 2 sectionals per concert. That number can be increased or decreased via Mr. McDonald's discretion. Sectionals take place before or after school and must comprise of 3 or more students from your section. There needs to be an adult present if your sectional is at school. A section leader is not required, but is highly encouraged to maintain consistency. You must fill out the Sectional Form to receive credit. Any additional sectionals above the required number will give you extra credit. There will be an occasional extra rehearsal outside of the school day, especially before concerts and festivals. Your attendance at these rehearsals is MANDATORY. Conflicts will be dealt with on an individual basis. You must communicate these conflicts at a minimum of one week in advance. Students who are absent from these rehearsals without being excused will have their grade lowered.

Each Day You Will Need: Instrument Rosin Tuner PENCIL Music Folder/Music (both you and your stand partner) Staff Paper (provided by Mr. McDonald)

PRACTICE ROOMS Practice rooms are designed for practice use only. They should be left clean for the next person's use. All papers must be picked up. These rooms will be monitored and students using them will be held accountable for their condition. If you find any damage, you must report it immediately. Failure to adhere to these rules will result in revoked practice room privileges.

Food & Gum Policy In order to maintain a clean room; food and gum are not permitted during rehearsals. You will be deducted participation points if you use these items in the classroom. 5 points for each infraction. If it becomes a recurring issue, additional disciplinary steps will be taken.

Attitude is defined as proper rehearsal behavior which includes:

NO FOOD, GUM, CANDY, BEVERAGES ARE ALLOWED IN THE BAND, CHOIR, ORCHESTRA or PRACTICE ROOMS!

V.

ATTITUDE

Personal responsibility for self and ensemble Personal preparation A sensitive and supportive concern for the skills and musical growth of yourself and your peers

1.

Keep your cell phone out of sight, potentially receive 20 points for the day.

If we are to continue in our pursuit of excellence as an orchestra, every student must possess a positive attitude about themselves, their peers and the orchestra. Rehearsals cannot be disrupted by talking, doing homework, or just horseplay. Every musician must demonstrate responsibility by having all necessary materials (instrument in proper working condition, rosin, music, extra strings, mute, etc.) and being ON TIME to the rehearsals. If every student gives 100% effort at every rehearsal and concerts, the orchestra can begin to grow and perform to the highest level of musical sensitivity and refinement.

2.

Bring out your cell phone without my permission, lose all 20 points for the day.

Remember, be a leader, not a follower!

Cell Phone Policy In order to maintain an organized and efficient rehearsal, cell phones are prohibited during rehearsal unless you are told otherwise. You have 2 options:

If cell phone use becomes a recurring issue, additional disciplinary steps will be taken, up to and including detention or removal from the orchestra program.

Great things can be accomplished

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With a positive attitude!

VI.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES and INSTRUMENT CARE

USE OF SCHOOL OWNDED INSTRUMENTS: STORAGE and RESPONSIBILITY at HOME and at SCHOOL All students using school owned instruments will be required to sign a Walled Lake Loan Agreement Form and accept all financial responsibility while it is in your care for the duration of the school year/summer. This includes the cost of bow rehairing, tips, windings and strings. Any and all repairs are to be done with the pre-approval of the director. STUDENT USE OF SCHOOL OWNED INSTRUMENTS IN SCHOOL You will be assigned an instrument for the year. You may not ever use someone else’s instrument unless specifically instructed to do so by the director. Every student using a school owned instrument is expected to care for and maintain the equipment properly while in his/her possession. It is advisable for parents to add this to their homeowner’s insurance policy. Any damages other than normal wear will be the financial responsibility of the student. You will sign a loan agreement form and be responsible for any and all scratches, dents, or wear and tear. We will give you an instrument in near perfect or perfect condition. You must return it in the same condition it was issued or pay for the repairs.

HOME USE OF SCHOOL OWNED INSTRUMENTS All students using a school owned instrument must have completed an Instrument Loan Agreement in order to use the instrument. It is necessary that you add the instrument to your Home Insurance Policy to protect it from loss or damage. You are responsible for yearly bow rehairs and string replacements.

MUSIC and MUSIC FOLDERS Much time, effort and expense is spent making sure each member of the orchestra has an individual folder of music and a number for each part in the folder. Every student is responsible for their folder and all music assigned to that folder. The music and the folder must be returned at the end of the school year or upon the request of the director. Damaged or lost music and / or folder will be assessed at the double the current rate of replacement to cover both the part and shipping and handling. ($15.00 per folder and between $2.00 and $7.50 per piece of music). A librarian will be appointed to each orchestra to assist with the paper work. Please treat them with respect. Each student is assigned a slot to store his or her music in at school.

UNIFORMS Each musician is issued a concert uniform by the Walled Lake Schools and is for the concert use of music students only. The uniforms have been professionally dry cleaned prior to distribution. The complete uniform must be worn at all performances and will consist of the following: Walled Lake Schools provide Men with: Concert black tuxedo jacket Concert black tuxedo trousers Concert black cummerbund and black bow tie Male student must supply: Black dress socks Black dress shoes White tux shirt (pleats preferred) (may be purchased for $20 through the music department.)) Walled Lake Schools provide Women with: Long black skirt ¾ sleeved black blouse Female student must supply: Black dress shoes (no open toe. Heel is to be 1-1 ½ “ maximum) Black sheer nylons Simple jewelry at the neck line The uniform is assigned for the year and can be exchanged if size needs change during the year.

Please notify the instructors of any size changes BEFORE events, not the day of! PRIVATELY OWNED STUDENT INSTRUMENTS LOCKERS AND INSTRUMENT SAFETY

CARE OF

Students are provided with an instrument locker at school and a lock. Parents and students are reminded the instrument lockers are for the protection of students’ instruments during school hours.

You are financially responsible for each uniform and its condition. Repairs needed during the course of the year are the responsibility of the parent and student. (i.e. broken zippers, buttons, seams) The repairs are to be completed by a qualified seamstress. Once issued a uniform, all students are to take the uniform home. All students will be issued a uniform and on a hanger in a garment bag and are to return it properly hung. The Walled Lake Schools will assess fees for all damaged, ruined, torn, or missing parts. Dry cleaning during the school year may be necessary for the men’s tuxes. Please have it done by professionally dry cleaners. You do not have to return the uniform clean. Women may hand wash and drip dry both the blouse and the skirt. Do not rub the fabric on the women’s blouse to avoid destroying the sparkle finish. Woolite is recommended.

The Walled Lake Schools are not responsible for the damage, loss or theft of student instruments while in the building. We do not leave your instrument at school overnight. At least once a year, a student learns this lesson the hard way. Instruments are targets of theft for quick money at pawnshops. The replacement cost of the lock is $15.00 due to the special keying of the locker system.

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VII.

OFFICE and FACILITIES

We are very proud of the fine music facility we have at Western. To that end, I know you will treat the facility like your own and help ensure that those who follow you will also benefit from this fine building. The music offices are a workplace, not a student lounge, nor are the office facilities for student use. Students are asked to respect the privacy of the teacher. The desk, its contents, computer and phone are private spaces. THE PRINTERS, COPY MACHINES and PHONE ARE NOT FOR STUDENT USE

VIII.

FESTIVAL OPPORTUNITIES ~RATING SYSTEMS~

The Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (M.S.B.O.A.) sponsors all district and state festivals. The festivals give young musicians the opportunity to perform for professional music adjudicators. These adjudicators listen to and comment verbally and in writing on adjudication sheets, which are returned to the students through their director. Students then have the opportunity to review their areas of strengths and weakness in performances. The performances are rated from a “I” (First Division) through a “V” (Fifth Division). A division “I” rating represents an excellent/superior level of performance and musicianship, II represents good (some flaws) III “fair”, IV “poor” and” V” rating “unsatisfactory”. Medals are awarded for 1st and 2nd division ratings.

M.S.B.O.A. District Solo and Ensemble Festival MANDATORY/OPTIONAL

It is expected that each member of the orchestra will attend this festival as either as soloist or a member of an ensemble. By committing yourself to participate in this festival, you are accepting the challenge that you are a valuable performer who is willing to accept professional criticism and critique in order to further your musical growth. It is through this willingness to excel and challenge yourself that we will continue to grown as a musical organization. A student enters as a member of up to two ensembles. An ensemble may have up to eight members. Students may perform up to two solos only if they perform on two different instruments. Students receiving a “I” at District Solo and Ensemble Festival are eligible for State Festival. This Festival is mandatory for any student in the Chamber Strings Ensemble.

M.S.B.O.A. State Solo & Ensemble Festival OPTIONAL If you receive a “1” at district festival you become eligible for State level. Here, they will require a solo that will count as 50% of your final grade. You will also be expected to perform scales and sight-reading and each will contribute to 25% of your score. Piano, harp and percussion proficiencies also require a specific etude and have a slightly different scoring system.

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M.S.B.O.A. District IV Orchestra Festival MANDATORY All orchestra students are required to participate in this festival on the designated Friday or Saturday in March. The performance requirements for Symphony Orchestra include one string selection and two full orchestra selections as well as sight-reading. Philharmonia is required to perform three string selections and sight-read. This festival is usually a six hour commitment which includes transportation time, warm-up times, listening to other ensembles plus our own performance.

M.S.B.O.A. State Orchestra Festival MANDATORY Upon receiving a 1st division rating at District Festival, the orchestra is eligible for State level competition in April and may do so if the director chooses. The requirements for State are the same as District, but we compete only against those groups who received a "1" at District. This festival can take up to ten hours because of longer travel time distances.

M.S.B.O.A. All-State Orchestra/ Michigan Music Conference

Each year, at the end of October, students have the chance to audition for the MSBOA AllState Orchestra. The audition consists of a prepared excerpt, scales, and sight-reading. The audition tapes are sent to a panel of judges, who decide which students will participate in the All-State Orchestra during the Michigan Music Conference in January, which takes place in Grand Rapids.

M.S.B.O.A. State Honors Orchestra/ Michigan Youth Arts Festival If a student receives a 1st division at State competition and the recommendation of their adjudicator the student may be nominated to participate in this State Honors Orchestra. Scoring is usually required to be in the 90’s for nomination. The State Honors Orchestra involves intense rehearsals on a college campus and a concert presented in May during Michigan Youth Arts Festival.

M.S.B.O.A. State Solo Finalists/ Michigan Youth Arts Festival Each year, at State Solo and Ensemble Festival, approximately 100 students are identified as top soloists in the State. They will be invited to compete in late April for the honor of one of five positions in the State. The top five soloists will perform their solos with accompaniment at the Michigan Youth Arts Festival in May. One string, wind, brass, piano and vocalist will receive this State honor

Michigan American Strings Teachers String Quartet Competition This prestigious competition takes place in the spring at Michigan State University School of Music. Critique and pre-preparation for the competition is done with a world-renown professional string quartet and MSU faculty. There is an entry fee charged. Winners will receive a monetary award, statewide recognition, be featured at Youth Arts Festival in May, and eligible for the National competition through A.S.T.A.

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X.

IX.

ORCHESTRA AWARDS

Chenille letter, pin and year guard are presented to students in grades 9-12 who meet the following criteria on a yearly basis. To qualify for district music award of a chenille letter, pin or year guard, the student must demonstrate their services to the school music program in addition to fulfilling those requirements of the daily ensemble class. Attendance is expected at all scheduled performances of which the student is a member. Each student must display a positive attitude toward the ensemble. Rehearsal preparation and superior citizenship will be given equal weight. In addition, high school students are expected to participate in three or more of the following musical activities within the Walled Lake Schools including: school talent show, variety show, solo and ensemble festivals, MSBOA Honors orchestra, fine arts festival, musical, community theater, additional small ensembles, any various other school supported or sponsored activity unique per school year. 1st Year the Criteria is met the student will receive a Chenille music letter and numerals

WALLED LAKE ORCHESTRA MUSIC BOOSTERS (WLWOB)

All of our orchestra parents are considered a part of the Boosters and are welcome to attend any board meetings at any time. Meetings are usually held on the second Wednesday evening each month is presided over by the executive board. The Boosters provide support for our program by helping with activities that their sons and daughters are a part of, such as distributing programs at concerts, hospitality at concerts and festivals, being chaperones when we go to festivals and on trips and workshops, and various other activities. You are never required to do these things, but if a board member calls you, please realize that we can’t provide all these opportunities for all the students without your individual help! Each year, WLWOB has several fundraisers to allow parents and students the opportunity to earn credit to be used for trips, band/orchestra camps, instrument repairs and supplies or towards the purchase of a new instrument, case of bow. FUND RAISING and VARIOUS PROJECTS There are many ways to raise money provided by the Music Boosters. Each year there will be quick sale opportunities and yearlong programs. Students will be allowed to “bank” a portion of their fundraising into separate accounts for trips, camps and various activities involving the music department that would take additional family funding.

2nd Year the Criteria is met the student will receive a Silver Pin 3rd Year the Criteria is met the student will receive a Blue Pin

STUDENT ACCOUNTS

4th Year the Criteria is met the student will receive a Red Pin

The Booster Treasurer creates individual student accounts for each student who earns money through fund-raisers. Each month a current balance sheet is posted in the band and orchestra rooms so students can check the amounts in their accounts. The account money can be used for any band or orchestra activity that require some sort of payment, such as summer music camps, field trips, shirts, music lessons, tux shirts, but it can never be used for the uniform deposit nor can it be withdrawn simply for cash. We will provide students with information on how to appropriate this money. Account money will carry over form year to year as long as the student is a member of the WLW Orchestra. The account can be transferred to a sibling if s/he will be a WLW Orchestra member the year directly after the first student leaves the program. However, once the students leaves or graduates, any remaining money goes directly to the Music Boosters Scholarship fund which provides scholarship money to students who go to summer music camps

Three special awards will be given to Senior string students: The Golden Baton Award—Presented a senior string student in recognition of assistance and outstanding contributions to the director. This student devotes an extra hand, an unusual degree of loyalty, cooperation, enthusiasm towards the operational aspect of the school music program.

The Directors Award—Presented a senior string and student in recognition of assistance and outstanding contributions to the success of Walled Lake Western Symphony Orchestra program by displaying an unusual degree of loyalty, cooperation, enthusiasm and spirit in the promotion of school instrumental program.

The National School Orchestra Award—Presented a senior string student in recognition of singular musical merit and outstanding contributions to the success of Walled Lake Western Symphony Orchestra, for displaying an unusual degree of loyalty and cooperation, and for exemplifying that high standard of conduct and musicianship that is the aim of the school instrumental programs.

Keep in mind that all music ensembles are a TEAM. T ogether E veryone A chieves M ore! 15

Music Booster Meetings 2016-2017 All Booster meetings are Mondays at 6:30pm in the Orchestra Room F101 September 28 (following Curriculum Night) October 22 November 19 December 10 January 7 February 11 March 24 May 5 June 2

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