McClure Middle SchoolOrchestra Handbook

2013 – 2014Clare Mansell, Director

Parents and students, please print, sign and return the signature page. This indicates you have read and understood all content contained within this handbook. The signature page is due by Friday, September 6, 2013

At McClure, we are focusing on moving our students from “meeting” standards to “exceeding” standards through the

use of higher order thinking skills and rigor while we ensure that all students improve in math and reading.

First, some information about your director:

My name is Clare Mansell, and I am a 20 year veteran strings teacher, the first 17 of which were spent in Fulton County, Ga. This will be my 4th year at McClure. I was born and raised in Roswell, Ga. My main instrument is viola, I have a BM in music education, and an MM in viola performance. My secondary instrument is violin. I also have an EdS in administrative leadership from LMU. I have played professionally in many symphonies – here are a few: Chattanooga, Baton Rouge, Atlanta Ballet, Asheville, Greenville, Savannah, Charleston, Jackson, MS, Mississippi Opera, Atlanta Pops, and Orquesta Sinfonica de Xalapa in Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico. I have a son who is a cellist who recently graduated from Cleveland Institute of Music with a Master’s in Cello Performance and a husband and four cats. I love playing and I love teaching! I also am the founder and director of the Upbeat! Strings Camp. I am happy to be at McClure!

Benefits of Playing in an OrchestraPlaying a stringed instrument not only allows students to develop a musical languagewith which to express themselves, but also many other skills and intelligences thatinfluence their lives beyond the music:

1. Players develop habits of dedication and persistence that transfer to other

academic and emotional aspects of their lives, helping them envision and achieve

long term goals.2. Players create relationships with other peers with whom they

interact and create music with on a daily basis, regardless of the daily

emotional changes of

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adolescence, helping them master the essential skill of cooperation necessary in

adult interactions.3. Players learn responsibility for their part both for themselves

and the orchestra,including the ability to see mistakes as an opportunity to

improve and grow on the road to success.

There are many reasons to learn to play a stringed instrument; whatever your purpose, Iam glad I am here to help you on your path!

Outline of Material to be covered:6th grade – Essential Elements 2000 Book 1

Instrument parts Positions Note reading Time signatures Rhythm counting and clapping Realizing notes on instrument pizzicato and arco Integration of the above Singing of their melodic rhythm Elements of successful practice Discussion of keys Scale practice Slurs Music theory as pertains to half and whole steps and scales Piano keyboard Composition of original rhythms Shifting for bassists and cellists Sheet music practice and performance

7th grade – Essential Elements 2000 Book 2 Various bowing techniques Expansion of rhythmic patterns Expansion of scales Expansion of finger patterns Extended scale practice – both major and minor Shifting for bassists and cellists Introduction of vibrato for all instruments Music Theory – intervals, both generic and specific, harmonic and

melodic Sheet music practice and LGPE performance

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8th grade – Essential Technique 2000 for Strings Expanded bowing techniques Expansion of scale knowledge and practice Shifting for all instruments Vibrato for all instruments Recognition and performance of all intervals within an octave Expansion of time signatures – particularly compound meter Realization of stylistic properties of different musical periods and

compositions Composing and performing original melodies

Classroom Rules and ExpectationsIn order to create the most productive, meaningful rehearsal possible, there are certainexpectations members of the Orchestra must follow on a daily basis. Failure to adhere tothese expectations will result in consequences listed below and/or a revoking ofprivileges.

1. Come prepared to class every day, having a violin or viola and bow IN GOOD WORKING ORDER, case, rosin, an EXTRA SET OF STRINGS, a 1” black orchestra notebook complete with 20 sheet protectors and assigned sheet music, an appropriate orchestra book (please read further for grade specific), and a pencil. Cello and bass players will use the school instrument while at school, and they must have a 1” black orchestra notebook complete with 20 sheet protectors and assigned sheet music, an appropriate orchestra book (please read further for grade specific), and a pencil.

2. Students will be seated and unpacked and ready to play within a reasonable time – undue chatting/visiting in the locker room is not permitted.

3. Violin and Viola students will need to have their instruments and music every day. If a (store) rented instrument needs service, please take it as soon as possible, and ask if the store will provide a loaner instrument in the interim – they should be able to do this. In the case the student is without an instrument that is being serviced, a handwritten parent note is required. Celli and bass students will usethe school instrument that has been signed out to them at school, and a (store) rented instrument for home

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practice. In the case of basses, I will probably have an instrument available for your student to check out for the year. NOTE: CELLO STUDENTS – IF YOU CAN RENT AN INSTRUMENT WITH “PERFECTION PEGS” IT WILL BE MUCH EASIER FOR YOU (AND ME) TO TUNE! THERE SHOULD BE NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE.

3. Once seated, students are expected to remain quiet during tuning (and rehearsal) and check on the board for warm-ups, and/or practice the day’s music.

4. Restroom and water breaks are not permitted during class. Please utilize time between classes to use the facilities. If you must go during class, first check with me, and sign out and sign in on the sheet by the door.

5. Respect all other sections as I work with them – this means keeping yourself and your instrument quiet. This is a perfect opportunity for silent practice, and especially to make your left hand fingers smarter or to do some shadow bowing.

6. Know your part – we're TEAM ORCHESTRA, and only as good as our weakest link.

7. Absolutely NO GUM in the orchestra room.8. Follow all school rules while in orchestra.

Behavior ConsequencesUpon choosing to not follow the rules defined above, the following consequences willoccur:

1st offence: Verbal reminder of expectation2nd offence: Behavior card mark3rd offence: Behavior Card mark and Teacher Phone call to Parent4th offence: Administrative referral

In some instances, such as property destruction, the director retains the authority toproceed directly to administrative referral.

Orchestra Room Hours

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The orchestra room will be open beginning at 8:05, daily. Here is the before-school schedule: Monday and Wednesday – Chamber Sound (an audition-only group), Tuesday – violin/viola student mentoring, Thursday – cello/bass student mentoring.Chamber Sound is an auditioned group. Once a student makes it into Chamber Sound, there is no need to audition again.

LockersViolin and viola students will be assigned a locker in which to keep their instrumentwhile it is at school. Memorizing the combination is the student's responsibility. I will give it to them and they will write in their agenda. NO ONE ELSE should know your locker combination. Students may drop his or herinstrument off before the first bell and may pick it up at the end of the day. Lockers are toremain locked during the day. The director and school are not responsible for damagedinstruments due to unsecured lockers. Remember: Instruments left overnight indicates to me you are not practicing, and we all know practice is vital to your development asmusicians!

Folders and MusicStudents need to have a black 1” notebook with 20 sheet protectors in which to keep theircopies of our sheet music. This is also a very handy place to keep a pencil! Pleasekeep up with your music. Caution: There will be no replacements for lost music. Students are expected to keep up with their music.

School InstrumentsVIOLIN AND VIOLAThere is a very limited supply of violins and violas available for students' use. 6th graders will get 1st consideration. If you genuinely need to use a school instrument, please send me an email ASAP clare.mansell@cobbk12.org – first come, first served. You must then complete and return an instrument use form, which I will give your child. Please keep in mind that if your student is using a school instrument and breaks it, you are responsible for the repair or cost of replacement of the instrument. Generally speaking, the majority of orchestra students will rent an instrument from a reputable music (string) store, which services their instruments in-house. This is a

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great way to go because your child will learn responsibility and take ownership by taking care of his/her “baby”, you will earn equity while renting your instrument which will go towards a purchase of a step-up instrument, minor repairs should be free, and most stores offer insurance coverage for a nominal fee – if the instrument is broken, you will be get another free of charge. CELLO AND BASSCelli and basses are available for use at school (they are not allowed on the school bus) after completion and return of a signed instrument use form. There are a few celli that are available for at-home practice, if renting one from a music store is not an option. If you rent one from a store, it is advisable to get one with PERFECTION PEGS. These instruments should be available at no extra cost. For bass players - I will attempt to furnish a bass for all bassists to have one at home.

Please take care of these instruments! A well-cared for and maintained quality instrument will last hundreds of years – ever heard of a Stradivarius? Please make sure your son or daughter is taking care of their instrument. This is a GREAT way for them to learn about responsibility.

Concert AttendanceOrchestra concerts are the culmination of our collective hard work both in class and athome. They are our chance to show everybody what we have accomplished in class. Wewill have several concerts throughout the year, each concert counting as playing testgrade of “100” for the number of selections we perform, however, there is a limit of 3 grades per concert. Concert Attendance is extremely important for every member of our group! If a student cannot attend a concert, please give me written notice as soon as possible via a signed note or an email prior to the concert date. The student will then be required to perform the selections for me during homeroom for a grade on each selection. This will take place a day or two after the concert. If a student is ill and absent that day, he/she is not expected to be at the concert. If this is the case, the student will be expected to come in during homeroom within 5 days after the concert to play sections of the music for grading purposes.

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A list of concert dates is included in this handbook. There will be a couple or three after school rehearsals added during the year, and I will apprise you as soon as I know the dates. I have included all concert dates, as well as GMEA (GA Music Educators Association) functions. Certainly not all of these dates will pertain to your child. All GMEA functions are outside of school day. Please write down the dates on your calendar so you do not miss any of your child’s performances! These can be some of the best memories (and pictures and videos) of your child’s school days.

Concert Dress - please, no exceptions All Grades:Orchestra polo shirt or royal blue polo shirtBlack dress slacks or black tea-length skirtCellists: Slacks or Ankle length only skirt Black dress shoes (no sneakers) and black socks/hose

Students not dressed appropriately will not be allowed to participate in the the performance and will be required to come to the orchestra room during homeroom to test on the pieces the day following the concert.

After School RehearsalsIt may be necessary to have rehearsals outside of class to better prepare for concerts. Thisallows each grade/ensemble/section to receive more specific instruction before theirperformance. All extra rehearsals will be held after school in the Orchestra Room or onstage and last 60 or 90 minutes unless otherwise notified on the calendar. Atthe last rehearsal for each grade before each concert, we will run-through expectations and concert etiquette for our performances.

If you cannot make these rehearsals, please let the director know beforehand. The rehearsal schedule will be listed online as soon as it is known.

Extra-Curricular EventsThere will be several opportunities throughout the year for both class and individual

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performances outside of the classroom. Our extra-curricular ensemble is:

McClure’s Chamber Sound Orchestra is for students seeking more challenging repertoire and additional performance possibilities outside of the school day.We will be playing at various times in the community as well as on Orchestra Concerts. Chamber Sound will be by audition only. Chamber will rehearse Monday and Wednesday mornings from 8:00 to 8:50.

County, State and Regional Events

GMEA Solo and Ensemble is held in October, and provides students – the vast majority of whom study privately, to perform solos or small ensembles – duets, quartets, etc. for a judge and subsequent comments and ratings. I will be glad to provide sheet music selections for these ensembles and coaching on Friday mornings if students are interested in putting together groups. Additionally, these student ensembles may come in on Tuesday or Thursday at 8:00 to work with their group.

GMEA All-State Orchestra is an opportunity for students from all over the state to perform with other students who share a love of playing at their same level. All-State consists of three levels: Middle School, 9-10 and 11-12, so students will be with their own peer group. The competition for All-State is tough, as you might imagine, and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND securing a private teacher for lessons starting early in the 6 th grade, if All-State might be something that would interest your child! It is a fantastic experience, as well as the preparation leading to it. I will supply a list of area private teachers for students who ask me for one.

There are two auditions for All-State: A district audition held in Cobb and a state audition that is held in Atlanta. Those selected will rehearse and perform over the course of three days in Savannah, GA during the month of March. I will send a form home for students that are interested in auditioning.

Cobb County MS Honors Orchestra is a two-day event held in April during which students from Cobb County middle schools are able to audition to perform with students from area schools. I believe

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EVERY student in 7th and 8th grade should audition for this group. This is a great peer and ability-building event cumulating in a performance on a Saturday afternoon in April.

Grading System

Letter %A 90-

100B 80-89C 74-79D 70-73F 0-69

GradingStudents must have necessary equipment on a daily basis. They cannot learn to play their instrument if it is sitting at home! I will be unable to furnish a school violin or viola for a student to use who has left their instrument at home. Students without instruments will be assigned written work at my discretion. Additionally, if there is a playing test on the day that the student forgot their instrument, they will be required to take the test on a friend’s not-so-familiar instrument. If a (store) rental instrument needs repair and is in the shop, please write me a note, and I will furnish an instrument for school use only. Remember, students must have – on a daily basis - instrument and bow in good repair, orchestra music binder with sheet protectors and music, Essential Elements book, and shoulder rest (violin and violas only).

TestsPlaying tests will be assigned frequently (generally weekly) throughout the year. They are designed to determine individual mastery of skills

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and areas that need more focus while providing an opportunity for individual feedback to each student concerning his or her progress.Playing tests will cover material from Essential Elements book and/or concert music.As noted earlier, concert selections performed on the concert will count as 2 test grades of 100!Playing tests will be performed in front of the class. It’s important to realize that, although we all strive for perfection, it is not easy to come by – we all will make mistakes! However, a well prepared student will make less of them!Tests not performed will be recorded as a “0”. It is a student’s responsibility to let me know within 3 days of coming back to school after an absence that they need to make up their test - during homeroom - and clear up the “0”. Playing tests will count for 50% of the grade.

Written tests will be given throughout the year and cover topics such as note reading,rhythms, vocabulary, music history, theory and composition. A basic knowledge of music theory and history is vital to understanding anything we wish to learn involving music, regardless of instrument. There are many fun websites available to review these skills - www.dsokids.com and www.nyphilkids.org are wonderful sites that will keep you occupied for hours! See the “links” page on my blog for a more thorough listing. Written tests or assignments will count for 50% of the grade.

Think Tac Toes – Instead of Practice LogsA monthly Think Tac Toe will be on my blog. Each student is expected to download each sheet and be responsible for each square by the end of the month. These take the place of practice sheets and the student may do it in any order they wish. It does not need to be returned to me. The weekly playing test material will come from these Think Tac Toes. Generally, playing tests on the Think Tac Toe material will be: cello, bass and viola on Wed., and violins on Thursday. Many times, the students not taking the playing test will simultaneously have a written test.

Practicing TipsPHave a goal (or several!) for each session. e.g. cementing

rhythms in asection or getting a short section (4-8 measures) really in tune. Work on one goal. Look at your Think Tac Toe for what needs practicing. Remember “life’s a cinch inch by inch, but by the

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yard, it’s really HARD!” Do a section at a time in 5-10 minute segments, switching focus after the time limit has passed.

Counting, clapping, pizzicatoing, and singing are all part of practicing and will help you get to your playing goal! Shadow bowing is also advised. We will

discuss thoroughly in class!PStart small and slow. Practice short individual passages at a

slow tempo first.Link passages together at a slow tempo, and gradually increase the speed. A free metronome is available at www.metronomeonline.com .

PPractice at least 5 days a week. 20 minutes is recommended. Don’t try to do it all in one session!!

PRemember your positioning! Correct posture/position makes all the difference!!!!!!

PFind someplace quiet so you won’t be disturbed while you practice.

PCreate a regular practicing schedule each day. This will greatly increase your

levels of attention.

Play for your parents – they’ll love seeing and hearing what you’re doing!

Private InstructionThe orchestra at McClure serves a large (and growing!) number of students. In order tomaximize your potential, I highly recommend finding a private instructor on your instrument to help speed your growth as a musician. I will give your child a list of area instructors, and you can check with friends as to who they used as a private teacher.

Extra CreditExtra credit may be possible several times throughout the year. Credit will be given forattending or participating in musical performances outside of McClure sponsored events(Cobb Symphony Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, other Cobb County school concerts, All State, Honors Orchestra, etc.) A signed

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program or note from a parent is required for credit. A limit of 2 per grading period is allowed for this grade of “100”.

8th Grade Music Trip We offer a spring trip for the eighth grade music students every year toattend a workshop at Disney Studios in Orlando, Florida and then go to Disney World. This trip will occur after the CRCT in the spring. This is a reward trip scheduled for students who’ve been in their musical group for 3 years, and it is SO much fun!!! There will be an informational parents’ meeting in the theater to discuss details as well as fundraising opportunities to help offset the cost for students and chaperones. Chaperones will be needed, so if you would like to accompany us, please fill out the interest form in the Disney Information Packet distributed at that meeting. Students cannot have been referred to the administration at any point during the year and must attend all rehearsals, the pre- LGPE concert and LGPE performance in order to participate.

ClosingPlaying in an orchestra is a fun, rewarding experience, and many students will play their violin, viola, cello or bass for the rest of their lives. Joy, discipline, responsibility, teamwork, creativity, learning, listening and enjoying music, and fun are but a few of the positive benefits of being in orchestra. This information is designed to help the process run smoothly. Every effort is made to provide answers to most questions within this handbook; however, please do not hesitate to ask any questions or voice any concerns.

Contact InformationMy email address is clare.mansell@cobbk12.org I check my e-mail frequently, and will make every effort to respond to your messages within 24 hours. The Orchestra also hosts its own e-mail address: mcclureorchestra@gmail.com. This is the best method for sending any large files (pictures, scans, etc), and will be the originating e-mail for all newsletters.

The phone number to my office at McClure is (678) 331-8131 x 248, though I very much appreciate e-mail instead. The McClure Orchestra has a blog! Check it out regularly for assignments, announcements and other pertinent information for all orchestra

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members and their parents and guardians. It can be found through the McClure Homepage.Please note that this syllabus is subject to change.

Clare Mansell, Orchestra DirectorClare.Mansell@cobbk12.org678 331-8131 X 248McClure Middle School3660 Old Stilesboro RoadKennesaw, GA 30152

McCLURE ORCHESTRA CALENDAR 2013-14

8/29 DISNEY MEETING FOR 8TH GRADERS/PARENTS9/4 FUNDRAISER KICKOFF9/10 GMEA SOLO AND ENSEMBLE DEADLINE9/10 GMEA ALL-STATE APPLICATION DEADLINE9/13 DISNEY DEPOSIT $150 AND INTENT FORM DUE9/18-19 FUNDRAISER MONEY/ORDERS DUE (6TH/18, 7TH& 8TH /19)10/11 DISNEY 2ND PAYMENT OF $12510/12 GMEA SOLO AND ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL - CAMPBELL10/19 GMEA ALL-STATE DISTRICT AUDITIONS - POPE11/1 FUNDRAISER - POINSETTIAS (8TH DISNEY ONLY) STARTS11/8 DISNEY 3RD PAYMENT OF $12511/15 FUNDRAISER - POINSETTIAS - MONEY/ORDERS DUE12/13 TENTATIVE CHAMBER SOUND FIELD TRIP TO AQUARIUM12/17 6TH AND CHAMBER SOUND HOLIDAY CONCERT - 7 P.M.12/19 7TH/ 8TH HOLIDAY CONCERT - 7 P.M.1/11 GMEA ALL-STATE FINAL AUDITIONS - WESTMINSTER1/17 DISNEY 4TH PAYMENT OF $1251/28 COBB CO. MS HONOR ORCHESTRA AUDITIONS - MABRY2/7 FINAL DISNEY PAYMENT AMOUNT TBD2/27-3/1 ALL-STATE EVENT (FOR ACCEPTED STUDENTS) - ATHENS3/11 GMEA MS LGPE 7TH GRADE - DURHAM3/12 GMEA MS LGPE 8TH GRADE - DURHAM3/18 COBB COUNTY 6TH GRADE JAMBOREE - HARRISON3/21-22 COBB CO. MS HONOR ORCHESTRA - McEACHERN 4/15 HARRISON CONCERT FOR 8TH GRADE - HARRISON

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4/21 6TH/CHAMBER SOUND CONCERT - 7 P.M.4/22 7TH/8TH CONCERT - 7 P.M. 4/29 MANDATORY DISNEY MEETING - 7:00 P.M.4/30-5/4 DISNEY TRIP FOR 8TH GRADE5/6 EVENING OF THE STARS

Materials Needed(Take this list to the store if it’s your first time going)

Students will need several things with them each day:

Instrument, bow and case – in working condition, marked with the student’s name on the big end for violins and violas. NOTE: ALL STUDENTS WILL LEARN AND BE EXPECTED TO TUNE THEIR INSTRUMENTS STARTING IN THE 7TH GRADE. THEREFORE, IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU HAVE YOUR RENTAL SHOP CHECK ALL PEGS AND TUNERS TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE NOT TOO TIGHT OR TOO LOOSE FOR YOUR CHILD TO BE ABLE TO ADJUST PROPERLY. IF THE PEGS ARE NOT WORKING PROPERLY, IT IS THE JOB OF THE SHOP (WHERE YOU RENTED THE INSTRUMENT) TO CORRECT!! IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR CHILD TUNING HIS/HER INSTRUMENT, YOU MAY ASK THE RENTAL STORE TO GIVE YOU AN INSTRUMENT WITH “PERFECTION PEGS” – THERE SHOULD BE NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE. THIS IS ESPECIALLY USEFUL FOR CELLO PLAYERS! THE BOW SHOULD BE NON-WARPED AND WITH ADEQUATE HAIR THAT IS NOT TOO DIRTY, WHICH MAY INDICATE THAT THE BOW NEEDS REHAIRING OR REPLACING, DEPENDING ON THE VALUE OF THE BOW.

Shoulder rest (violin and viola only ) – models

with feet are recommended for proper instrument support – please make sure to get the correct size!! KUN is the recommended brand.

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Extra set of strings (violin and viola only, cellists should keep a set at home). Strings should be replaced about every year, or earlier upon breakage

Rosin that is NOT cracked, broken or otherwise does not work

Cleaning cloth – such as an old t-shirt or washclothEssential Elements 2000 For Strings book (Book 1 for 6 th , Book 2 for 7 th ), and for 8 th : Essential Technique 2000 for Strings20 sheet protectors in which to keep sheet

music Black 1” orchestra notebook - sturdy one that can

be used for 3 years Pencil (I suggest keeping it in your case or binder)

Things to have at home:Folding (wire) music standRock Stop (cello and bass). XEROS Strap style Rock stop is recommended for cello Rosin

Parents and Students: Please sign and return this signature page by Friday, September 6th. This lets me know you have received, read and understood the information presented in this handbook.

SIGNATURE AND INFORMATION PAGEI acknowledge that I have received and read the 2013 – 2014 OrchestraHandbook. I understand and agree to follow the policies outlined above and tobe a supportive and positive member of the orchestra program at McClure.

The orchestra will be continuing its e-mail database this year. This database will allow me to communicate important information such as rehearsal and concert dates. I may also need to contact you personally with regards to your child and his/her participation in orchestra. Please provide an e-mail address in the space below. The e-mails will originate from McClureOrchestra@gmail.com.

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______________________ __________________________Student Name (please print) Student Signature

______________________ __________________________Parent Name (please print) Parent Signature

Parent E-Mail Address: ____________________________________________Address: ____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________

Home Phone: _________________Parent Cell: ______________________PLEASE, PRINT CLEARLY!!!

And if you can help during the year in any volunteer function, please complete the following – I v ery much appreciate it!!!!!!!

Parents: Yes! I want to help out the McClure Orchestra by volunteering during the year. I appreciate your help SO much!

Name________________________Data entry _____ Technical Assistance___ Library Organization____, Trip Chaperone_____, Concert Chaperone _____ Fundraiser Distribution____, Running soundboard____, playing drumset on concert _____, Other (pls. specify) ________________________________

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