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Practicing & Practicing Conditions
Students will be expected to practice everyday. During the course of Orchestra class and in individual sectionals, students will learn proper and effective practice techniques. Regular and structured application of these techniques is instrumental to success. To that end, class homework grades will reflect the time and effort applied in daily practice. Practice logs will be turned in every week during the first orchestra rehearsal for a grade. Practice logs will be accepted up to one day late with no penalty, after that, late logs will drop one grade level for each day that the log is late.
* 150 or more min./week = "A"
* 120-149 min./week = "B"
* 90-119 min./week = "C"
* 60-89 min./week = "D"
Students and their parents can takes certain steps towards increasing the effectiveness of a student's practice routine. Those steps include, but are not limited to, the following:
* Schedule a regular time or set of times to practice each day.
* A Practice Area should be in a quiet location, free from distractions. Good lighting and adequate ventilation is a must.
* Students will need some sort of music stand to ensure proper playing posture.
* Students should sit up straight on a hard chair while practicing.
* The instrument must be in first rate, working condition. The higher the quality of the instrument and mouthpiece, the higher the possibility of sound, and the easier it is for the student to play!
* Help motivate your child towards practicing. Remind the student that practicing must be done even when they don't want to. You make them brush their teeth when they may not want to; proper practice should be viewed in a similar way.
* Praise work well done. A congratulatory remark can be made while the student is practicing, or later, such as during meals.
* Avoid non-constructive criticism. Practicing, in its very essence, is repeatedly playing something that you may not do well yet. Many students will feel uncomfortable playing "poorly" in front of parents or siblings, especially if they are musicians as well. But this is a necessary step towards improvement.
* Plan activities ahead. Remember that a student's participation in rehearsals and performances is not only required, but a very necessary part of the success of the ensemble. An Orchestra is a team, and as such, each individual's contribution towards the success of the whole ensemble is vital, necessary, and important.
* Never use practicing as a punishment.
In Orchestra class we will cover the essential basics of proper practicing and give the students real-life, concrete skills that they can use to help themselves improve. These skills will be demonstrated in daily classwork, reinforced with written handouts, and assessed in weekly sectionals.
Guidelines for School-Owned Instruments
At Folly Quarter Middle School we are very lucky to have a large number of professional-quality and near-professional-quality instruments. Although it is expected that most students will rent or own their own instruments, some instruments (due to size, extremely high cost, and rarity) will be available for student use during the school year. These instruments include, but are not limited to, Cello and Bass. Violins and Violas under special circumstances.
Students may complete a School Instrument Sign Out Form and utilize a particular school owned instrument while at school or at home. All students (not just those using the instrument) must comply to the following guidelines:
You are responsible for proper care and protection of the instrument at all times.
You are responsible for any repair and/or replacement from damage, accidental or due to negligence or abuse.
The instrument must be returned immediately at any time requested by the Orchestra Director or School Administrative Staff.
Instruments will be checked on a monthly basis by the Orchestra Director to ensure proper care and protective measures are being taken by the student.
Because we only have a limited number of school-owned instruments, a student's use of a particular instrument may preclude another instrumentalist from using it. Therefore, it is imperative that the student agree to be a positive contributor to the Orchestra by practicing, being present at all rehearsals and performances, maintaining a proper demeanor, and playing at his or her highest level possible.
Unless instructed by the Orchestra Director, the student will perform on this instrument for the entire school year.
To help ensure the positive musical contribution of students using the limited number of school owned instruments, private lessons are recommended.
Finally, all students in the Orchestra program will take an active role in protecting and maintaining the "like-new" condition of all school-owned instruments and facilities. |
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