Middle School

Students in Middle School Orchestra will continue to place emphasis on preparing their individual musicality to enhance their ensemble's overall performance.  Students should keep a healthy practice habit at home and work towards performing their music with little to no mistakes.  Middle school students will be evaluated on performing tests to determine practice record assignments.  Students achieving a 95 or better on performance tests will be exempt from turning in practice records for a given period of time (until next performance test).  Students achieving 94 or below will be required to turn in weekly practice records for a given period of time.  This places emphasis on getting the job done musically, rather than meeting the weekly quota of 120 minutes. Some students need less practice time, and some students need a bit more.  However, the emphasis should always be whether or not the student can accurately and sufficiently perform their concert music.

Beginning in 2009-2010, orchestra students will be exploring SmartMusic program for performance test assessments.  This will be available to students for free in the orchestra room, or students may prefer to purchase a copy to keep at home.  More information will be communicated in the first quarter.

Required Materials for Middle School Orchestra:

• Instrument, bow, & case in good condition (bow has been rehaired or replaced recently; there are no damaged or missing pieces on the instrument) . Cello & bass students will be assigned a school instrument to use during the day, but an instrument is still required to keep at home for practice. Violin & viola students will be assigned a shelf to keep their instrument during the day.
• Spare set of strings (used strings in good condition are ok) for emergencies
• Kun, Viva, or similar shoulder rest for violins & violas in good condition. Sponge shoulder rests do not provide sufficient support
• Rockstop for cellos & basses (prevents endpin from slipping)
• Essential Technique for Strings 2000 Book 3 for student's instrument (green trim). Available at most music stores - call ahead for inventory
• Black 1 inch 3-ring notebook with sheet protectors (low or no glare is best)
• Notebook paper
• An agenda or homework planner/calendar
• Pencils with good erasers
• PERFORMANCE ATTIRE: Students need the following items: white long- sleeve, button-up oxford or dress shirt with a collar, black dress pants, black dress shoes & socks. Girls may wear skirts as long as they are at least mid- calf length and pantyhose. Girls who play cello are generally more comfortable in pants. Please no sneakers, denim, or t-shirts. Jewelry is also not recommended since it can interfere with playing string instruments. All other school dress code items apply with regards to modesty and Christian- appropriate appearance. *The goal of performance attire is to provide a uniform appearance that does not distract from the musical performance!

Remember the importance of keeping the instrument & bow away from siblings or other people who are not familiar with how to care for string instruments.  Also be sure to keep instrument & bow away from extreme heat or cold - always keep at room temperature.  The orchestra teacher is able to fix minor maintenance issues such as a fallen bridge, loose strings or replacing broken strings.  Any instrument that needs minor repairs should be taken to the teacher first. Broken bridges, fallen soundposts or other major damage needs to be taken to the music store's repair department.

More information and important documents can be found below, or you may contact Audra Boyd, Orchestra Director, should you have any questions or concerns.