The KJHS orchestra is a group that has grown each year in both size and quality.  This tradition of excellence has grown from the dedication of each student to achieve their personal musical best.  Students in 7^th and 8^th grade perform 5 orchestra concerts each year and also have additional opportunities to perform in small groups and honors orchestras.  The following information will help insure that students have the best experience possible in the Kingsley orchestra.

Grades (7th and 8th grade)

            Grades will be determined by your achievement in the following five categories:  Daily grade, playing tests (approx. one each quarter), practice charts, written work, and concert attendance.  Attitude and hard work are more important to your grade than ability.  Practice charts must be signed by a parent or guardian and turned in on Tuesday each week.  Attendance at KJHS orchestra concerts is required.  UNEXCUSED absence from a concert will result in your grade being lowered one letter for that quarter.  A listing of all required orchestra concerts is included on the second page of this hand-out.  Please mark concert dates on your calendar right away, and notify me immediately if there are any conflicts.  My web page (www.unit5.org/golickcj) will always have correct concert dates/times/locations etc. so that you will have that information available any time it is needed.  If a concert date or time needs to be changed I will always send home a note with the students and have updated information on the website.

Instruments

            School instruments are available for cello and bass students.  If you use a school cello during rehearsals you are still expected to have your own instrument at home for practice purposes.  Any student who abuses a school cello or bass will lose the privilege of using these instruments, and will be required to bring their own instrument to each class.  Due to increasing enrollment in the cello section, there may not always be enough instruments for each student.  If this occurs, then a rotation will be established to determine when students may need to bring their own cello to school.

            Violin and viola players must have their instrument at every rehearsal.  A warning will be given the first time a student forgets their instrument.  Each time thereafter a twenty minute detention will be issued.  Violin and viola players will also be assigned a locker in the orchestra room for storing their instrument.  Please bring a lock from home for this locker to ensure the safety of your instrument.

Music and Supplies

            The Kingsley 8^th grade orchestra does not use a method book.  7^th grade students need to continue bringing Essential Elements book 2 to class.  Most of the music and exercises we study are provided by the school district.  Students are expected to keep the music in good condition while it is in their possession.  Students whose music is lost or destroyed may be assessed a fee to receive a duplicate set of parts.  Photocopies of music are distributed for practice purposes only.  If you receive photocopied music, please return it or destroy it after the performance.

              6th grade students use either Essential Elements 2000 book 1, or Essential Elements 2000 book 2.

            At each rehearsal it is essential that every student has an instrument, their music, and a pencil.  If an instrument is broken and being repaired there will be no penalty as long as the student brings a note from their parents explaining the situation.

Concert Clothes (7th and 8th grade)

            At many of our concerts this year the students will be asked to wear black and white clothes in order to give a uniform appearance.  The following is a list of what is considered acceptable concert wear as long as it is also school appropriate:

Gentlemen:  Black dress pants, white dress shirt, neck tie, black socks, and black shoes.

Ladies:  Either black skirt with a white blouse, or black dress pants with a white blouse, or a black dress.  If anyone is unable to purchase concert clothes please contact Mr. Golick.

IMEA and IGSMA (7th and 8th grade)

            There are two optional events listed on the calendar for students who need extra challenges.  The IMEA orchestra festival is a chance to try out for, and perform with an orchestra of the best players from about a dozen middle schools in our area.

             Another opportunity for KJHS orchestra students is the IGSMA Solo and Ensemble Contest in the spring.  This contest enables students to perform a solo or small group composition for a music judge.  Medals are awarded for exemplary performances, and all participants receive a written critique sheet from the judge.

            More detailed information about both of these events will be made available later to interested students.

*Instruments must go home every night for their safety and to enable practice.  (Exceptions will be made only with permission from Mr. Golick)