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Important Links:
Metronome
Online Metronome
Tuning Links
www.get-tuned.com
Just for violins
http://www.violinonline.com/tuning.htm
Just for violas
http://www.violaonline.com/tuning-viola.htm
Just for Cellos
http://www.celloonline.com/tuning-cello.htm
Blue Lake website:
www.bluelake.org
Online Metronome
Tuning Links
www.get-tuned.com
Just for violins
http://www.violinonline.com/tuning.htm
Just for violas
http://www.violaonline.com/tuning-viola.htm
Just for Cellos
http://www.celloonline.com/tuning-cello.htm
Blue Lake website:
www.bluelake.org
Class Information:
MacDonald Middle School 6th Grade Orchestra
Handbook, Course Expectations and Syllabus
Content / Class Materials
Instruction will focus on tone, intonation, technique, rhythm, musicality and articulation in accordance with state and national standards. Proper technique, posture and hand position will be emphasized. Students will be expected to write about and evaluate music on a regular basis.
Students will need to bring the following items to each class*:
(* please see Mr. Valentine if you are unable to provide these suggested items)
Class Rules:
Be Here
Students are expected to be in class before the ‘second’ bell rings.
Be Prepared
Students should have instruments, bows, music, method books, orchestra folders and pencils at every class.
Be Respectful
Students should respect each other, their teacher, themselves, the instruments and the classroom.
Be Kind
The most important rule of all. No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. Whoever said “…but words will never hurt me.” was a liar.
Be Responsible
Students should come to orchestra are ready to learn with a positive attitude and without cell phones, handheld games, and anything else they could distract others from a learning process. Friends don’t play the blame game!
Be Productive
Mistakes are proof that you are trying! Make them! Learn from them!
Be Safe
Orchestra is a safe place. Be safe with each other’s hearts, minds and bodies. Be safe with your instruments too!
Class Information:
Home Practice:
Your child must practice his/her instrument regularly. Thoughtful and consistent home practice is the greatest contributing factor to your child’s success as a musician. I recommend practicing around 20 minutes a day, five to six days a week. Musicianship is not “one size fits all”. Your child may have a practice schedule that looks different from his/her classmates'. Please work closely with your child to ensure that a manageable and productive schedule is firmly established. Find a quiet location in the home where a music stand can be used and where the instrument can be safely left out so it is readily available for the next session.
In class, we will discuss how and what to practice. Please contact me if your child needs additional help using practice time wisely.
Music Book:
All students need their own copy of Essential Elements 2000 Book 1. This book can be purchased at most music stores in the Lansing/East Lansing area. The book should include a CD and instructional DVD. If it does not have a CD there may be a form in the book which you can fill out and mail in to receive a CD free in the mail or access a downloadable copy. Please look into this! The CD is a wonderful teaching aid for beginners. There are different books for each instrument, so please check that your child has the instructional book that corresponds with his/her instrument. (You might have one from a previous student!)
Instrument Rental:
If your child does not already have an instrument, please consider renting an instrument from a local music store. East Lansing Public Schools has established a good relationship with Marshall Music in the Frandor Shopping Center. A few school instruments are available if students are unable to rent or purchase an instrument.
Instrument Care/Repair:
Please review the first section of the Essential Elements 2000 DVD with your child. It demonstrates the proper way to store and care for your child’s instrument. If your child’s instrument needs repair, check with the music store where you are renting the instrument. If you are not renting an instrument, I recommend taking instruments that need repair to Marshall Music or The Okemos Music Academy.
Private Lessons:
I strongly recommend private lessons for all students. Students who take supplementary private lessons together with classroom orchestra will experience greater success with their instruments. The Okemos Music Academy (517) 664-1110 offers excellent instruction along with Marshall Music (517) 337-9700.
Grading Procedures:
30% Concerts/Performances
Students must:
25% Practice Charts
Students must:
25% Classroom Participation
Students must:
20% Playing Quizzes
Students must:
Citizenship grade:
Citizenship grades will be based on students doing the following:
Practice charts are due each Monday and should be signed by the student and parent or guardian. If there is no school on a Monday practice charts will be due the first day of school for that week. If lost, practice charts can be found and printed off from the East Lansing orchestra website. Twice during each grading period students may substitute attendance at a concert (such as Lansing symphony orchestra/MSU concerts) instead of turning into practice chart. The student chooses this option he or she must turn in a parent signed program along with a paragraph or two describing the performance. Late to practice charts will be accepted up to one week after the due date but not after the end of a marking period.
Performances:
Orchestra students will participate in at least two concerts during the year. Please note the concerts are required component orchestra. Any conflicts (such as trips or extracurricular activities) should be communicated to me in advance. If you must miss a concert due to an emergency please call or e-mail me as soon as possible. Alternate assignments will be given for students who have been excused absence from a concert if I am notified in advance. The concert schedule can be found on the orchestra web page or in hardcopy from me by request.
Concert Dress:
Sixth grade students should wear a professional looking white shirt, black pants or skirts and black dress shoes. No boots please.
Private Instruction and Extra Help:
All students have the ability to learn to play an instrument and I will include all learners in the orchestra program. After school help will be available throughout the year for students who need extra assistance and for those who wish to prepare for contests and auditions. Please contact me personally to arrange a time. I encourage students to study privately and will provide a list of local teachers.
Communication:
It is best to communicate with me via e-mail.
Please visit the orchestra web site as well: http://eastlansingorchestra.weebly.com/
Handbook, Course Expectations and Syllabus
Content / Class Materials
Instruction will focus on tone, intonation, technique, rhythm, musicality and articulation in accordance with state and national standards. Proper technique, posture and hand position will be emphasized. Students will be expected to write about and evaluate music on a regular basis.
Students will need to bring the following items to each class*:
- Instrument and bow.
- Pencil and orchestra folder.
- All music.
- Method book (Essential Elements Book 1 for your instrument)
(* please see Mr. Valentine if you are unable to provide these suggested items)
Class Rules:
Be Here
Students are expected to be in class before the ‘second’ bell rings.
Be Prepared
Students should have instruments, bows, music, method books, orchestra folders and pencils at every class.
Be Respectful
Students should respect each other, their teacher, themselves, the instruments and the classroom.
Be Kind
The most important rule of all. No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. Whoever said “…but words will never hurt me.” was a liar.
Be Responsible
Students should come to orchestra are ready to learn with a positive attitude and without cell phones, handheld games, and anything else they could distract others from a learning process. Friends don’t play the blame game!
Be Productive
Mistakes are proof that you are trying! Make them! Learn from them!
Be Safe
Orchestra is a safe place. Be safe with each other’s hearts, minds and bodies. Be safe with your instruments too!
Class Information:
Home Practice:
Your child must practice his/her instrument regularly. Thoughtful and consistent home practice is the greatest contributing factor to your child’s success as a musician. I recommend practicing around 20 minutes a day, five to six days a week. Musicianship is not “one size fits all”. Your child may have a practice schedule that looks different from his/her classmates'. Please work closely with your child to ensure that a manageable and productive schedule is firmly established. Find a quiet location in the home where a music stand can be used and where the instrument can be safely left out so it is readily available for the next session.
In class, we will discuss how and what to practice. Please contact me if your child needs additional help using practice time wisely.
Music Book:
All students need their own copy of Essential Elements 2000 Book 1. This book can be purchased at most music stores in the Lansing/East Lansing area. The book should include a CD and instructional DVD. If it does not have a CD there may be a form in the book which you can fill out and mail in to receive a CD free in the mail or access a downloadable copy. Please look into this! The CD is a wonderful teaching aid for beginners. There are different books for each instrument, so please check that your child has the instructional book that corresponds with his/her instrument. (You might have one from a previous student!)
Instrument Rental:
If your child does not already have an instrument, please consider renting an instrument from a local music store. East Lansing Public Schools has established a good relationship with Marshall Music in the Frandor Shopping Center. A few school instruments are available if students are unable to rent or purchase an instrument.
Instrument Care/Repair:
Please review the first section of the Essential Elements 2000 DVD with your child. It demonstrates the proper way to store and care for your child’s instrument. If your child’s instrument needs repair, check with the music store where you are renting the instrument. If you are not renting an instrument, I recommend taking instruments that need repair to Marshall Music or The Okemos Music Academy.
Private Lessons:
I strongly recommend private lessons for all students. Students who take supplementary private lessons together with classroom orchestra will experience greater success with their instruments. The Okemos Music Academy (517) 664-1110 offers excellent instruction along with Marshall Music (517) 337-9700.
Grading Procedures:
30% Concerts/Performances
Students must:
- Attend all scheduled performances unless extenuating circumstances occur. Those instances will be evaluated individually.
- Follow guidelines outlined in the concert section of the orchestra handbook.
25% Practice Charts
Students must:
- Demonstrate a motivation to practice outside of school.
- Complete the sufficient number of practice charts per marking period.
- Practice charts are pass/fail. Students will not lose points if they are unable to practice every day.
25% Classroom Participation
Students must:
- Contribute to a positive classroom culture.
- Bring all needed supplies to each class (instruments, music, pencil).
- Arrive to class on time.
- Stay focused on lessons during class.
- Demonstrate an interest and motivation to improve as a student musician.
- Display leadership qualities among their peers.
20% Playing Quizzes
Students must:
- Demonstrate musicianship and proper technique.
- Follow instructions for improvement.
Citizenship grade:
Citizenship grades will be based on students doing the following:
- Being punctual
- Brings necessary supplies / including planner
- Respects other’s property
- Respects dress code
- Participates in lessons and activities
- Stays on task without disrupting others
Practice charts are due each Monday and should be signed by the student and parent or guardian. If there is no school on a Monday practice charts will be due the first day of school for that week. If lost, practice charts can be found and printed off from the East Lansing orchestra website. Twice during each grading period students may substitute attendance at a concert (such as Lansing symphony orchestra/MSU concerts) instead of turning into practice chart. The student chooses this option he or she must turn in a parent signed program along with a paragraph or two describing the performance. Late to practice charts will be accepted up to one week after the due date but not after the end of a marking period.
Performances:
Orchestra students will participate in at least two concerts during the year. Please note the concerts are required component orchestra. Any conflicts (such as trips or extracurricular activities) should be communicated to me in advance. If you must miss a concert due to an emergency please call or e-mail me as soon as possible. Alternate assignments will be given for students who have been excused absence from a concert if I am notified in advance. The concert schedule can be found on the orchestra web page or in hardcopy from me by request.
Concert Dress:
Sixth grade students should wear a professional looking white shirt, black pants or skirts and black dress shoes. No boots please.
Private Instruction and Extra Help:
All students have the ability to learn to play an instrument and I will include all learners in the orchestra program. After school help will be available throughout the year for students who need extra assistance and for those who wish to prepare for contests and auditions. Please contact me personally to arrange a time. I encourage students to study privately and will provide a list of local teachers.
Communication:
It is best to communicate with me via e-mail.
Please visit the orchestra web site as well: http://eastlansingorchestra.weebly.com/