J. M. HANKS HIGH SCHOOL
ORCHESTRA
ORCHESTRA
STUDENT HANDBOOK
2014 - 2015
J. M. Hanks High School
2001 N. Lee Trevino
El Paso, TX 79936
434-5163
[email protected]
2014 - 2015
J. M. Hanks High School
2001 N. Lee Trevino
El Paso, TX 79936
434-5163
[email protected]
WHY YOU SHOULD STAY INVOLVED IN ORCHESTRA
Academics and Music Go Hand-in-hand
The average SAT score in the State of Texas in 2013 was 1437. The average SAT score for members of the All-State Bands, Orchestras, and Choirs was 1847.
--Texas Music Educators Association
“SAT scores of students who took part in music instruction surpassed students with no music training. Additionally data revealed that for every year a student participated in music instruction, their SAT scores improved.”
--Profile of College Bound Seniors, National Report for 2001, The College Board
“College admissions officers continue to cite participation in music as an important factor in making admissions decisions. They claim that music participation demonstrates time management, creativity, expression, and open-mindedness.”
--Carl Hartman, “Arts May Improve Students’ Grades,” The Associated Press, October 1999.
“A recent study states that music majors have the highest rate of admittance to medical school, a whopping 66.7%. Biochemistry, the subject area closest to medicine, has a rate of 59.2%.”
---Rockefeller Foundation
“A grounding in the Arts will help our children to see; to bring a uniquely human perspective to science and technology. In short it will help them as they grow smarter to also grow wiser.”
--Robert E. Allen – Chairman and Chief Executive Office, AT&T Corporation
“GE hires lots of engineers. We want young people who can do more than add up a string of numbers and write a coherent sentence. They must be able to solve problems, communicate ideas and be sensitive to the world around them. Participation in the arts is one of the best ways to develop these abilities.”
--Clifford V. Smith, President of the General Electric Foundation
“The things I learned from my experience in music in school are discipline, perseverance, dependability, composure, courage and pride in results…Not bad preparation for the workforce!”
--Gregory Anrig – President, Educational Testing Service
Academics and Music Go Hand-in-hand
The average SAT score in the State of Texas in 2013 was 1437. The average SAT score for members of the All-State Bands, Orchestras, and Choirs was 1847.
--Texas Music Educators Association
“SAT scores of students who took part in music instruction surpassed students with no music training. Additionally data revealed that for every year a student participated in music instruction, their SAT scores improved.”
--Profile of College Bound Seniors, National Report for 2001, The College Board
“College admissions officers continue to cite participation in music as an important factor in making admissions decisions. They claim that music participation demonstrates time management, creativity, expression, and open-mindedness.”
--Carl Hartman, “Arts May Improve Students’ Grades,” The Associated Press, October 1999.
“A recent study states that music majors have the highest rate of admittance to medical school, a whopping 66.7%. Biochemistry, the subject area closest to medicine, has a rate of 59.2%.”
---Rockefeller Foundation
“A grounding in the Arts will help our children to see; to bring a uniquely human perspective to science and technology. In short it will help them as they grow smarter to also grow wiser.”
--Robert E. Allen – Chairman and Chief Executive Office, AT&T Corporation
“GE hires lots of engineers. We want young people who can do more than add up a string of numbers and write a coherent sentence. They must be able to solve problems, communicate ideas and be sensitive to the world around them. Participation in the arts is one of the best ways to develop these abilities.”
--Clifford V. Smith, President of the General Electric Foundation
“The things I learned from my experience in music in school are discipline, perseverance, dependability, composure, courage and pride in results…Not bad preparation for the workforce!”
--Gregory Anrig – President, Educational Testing Service
J. M. HANKS HIGH SCHOOL
ORCHESTRA
INTRODUCTION
ORCHESTRA
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the J. M. Hanks High School Orchestra Program. We wish you many years of musical enjoyment and personal success as a member of our music department. This handbook is intended to answer the most frequently asked questions and to set forth policies and guidelines, which all orchestra students are expected to follow.
Please read this book carefully and save it for future reference. Sign the pages at the end of this book, acknowledging your understanding of the policies and guidelines, and return them to me the day after you receive this handbook.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me.
Ms. Kelly Weddingon
Orchestra Director
434-5163
[email protected]
Please read this book carefully and save it for future reference. Sign the pages at the end of this book, acknowledging your understanding of the policies and guidelines, and return them to me the day after you receive this handbook.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me.
Ms. Kelly Weddingon
Orchestra Director
434-5163
[email protected]
STUDENT OFFICERS
President: Juan Aranda Vice President: Alexandra Salcido Secretary: Jesus Nieto
Treasurer: Amanda Mitchell Librarian: Gabriel Garcia
Historian: Karina Monticone Stage Manager: Diego Rodriguez-Barraza
President: Juan Aranda Vice President: Alexandra Salcido Secretary: Jesus Nieto
Treasurer: Amanda Mitchell Librarian: Gabriel Garcia
Historian: Karina Monticone Stage Manager: Diego Rodriguez-Barraza
HANKS HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA SCHEDULE OF EVENT
This is only a partial schedule. I will give you a more complete schedule as finalized dates become available. If you know of a conflict – LET ME KNOW NOW! Conflicts that arise later are not conflicts. Orchestra comes first. Additional events may be added as the year progresses. I will make every effort to notify you of these additions in a timely manner.
This is only a partial schedule. I will give you a more complete schedule as finalized dates become available. If you know of a conflict – LET ME KNOW NOW! Conflicts that arise later are not conflicts. Orchestra comes first. Additional events may be added as the year progresses. I will make every effort to notify you of these additions in a timely manner.
August
September October October October October November December December January February February April April May May May May/June |
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TBA TBA 11 25 27 TBA TBA TBA 29-31 TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA |
Thursday
Saturday Saturday Monday Thur.-Sat. |
Ad Sales fundraiser begins
Orchestra Picnic Fall Concert All Region H.S. Audition All-State Taping All-Region Freshmen Orch Audition YISD Honors Orch Concert E.S./M.S. Tour Winter Concert All-Region Clinic and Concert Solo and Ensemble Festival Hanks Jazz Festival Contest Concert YISD Orchestra Contest/Clinic Spring Concert UIL Orchestra Festival Hanks Area Super Concert Banquet |
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STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
The goals of the J. M. Hanks High School Orchestras are as follows:
The goals of the J. M. Hanks High School Orchestras are as follows:
- To develop an understanding and appreciation for one of mankind’s greatest artistic achievements – music as written for and performed by full and string orchestras.
- To train students in music to a point where they may participate in the performance of these great works and to enable them to continue to make music, whether for pleasure or a profession, after graduation from high school.
- To assist students in growing into responsible and successful members of society, able to produce well, both individually and as a member of a group, and possessing the essential characteristics of integrity, dependability, and loyalty
Students will contribute to the J. M. Hanks High School Orchestra by:
· CARING for other students who share a similar dream
· Showing RESPECT of self and fellow musicians
· Demonstrating RESPONSIBILITY on and off the performance stage
· Manifesting TRUST by being dependable and honest
· ROLE MODELING the standards of our musical FAMILY
CLASSROOM RULES AND EXPECTATIONS
1. Be in your seats ready to play when the bell rings. This includes having your instrument, music, pencil, etc,
ready to go.
2. Everyone must have their own music at their seat every day
3. No GUM, food, or drinks of any kind is allowed in the orchestra room.
4. Hats, sunglasses, hoodies etc, are not to be worn during class.
5. Ipods, Mp3s, cell phones (including texting etc.), are not to be used during rehearsals.
6. Respect the property of other individuals. This includes instruments as well as music. You do not have
permission to “borrow” anyone else’s instrument or materials. Please do not assume that you do. You
would feel awful if you damaged someone else’s instrument and so would they, and their parents, and your
parents and the director, and the principal and….
7. Respect other people--their opinions, abilities, belongings, and space.
Consequences of inappropriate behavior
1. Verbal Warning
2. Student/Teacher - Conference/Detention
3. Student/Teacher/Parent Conference
4. Notify Administration
ready to go.
2. Everyone must have their own music at their seat every day
3. No GUM, food, or drinks of any kind is allowed in the orchestra room.
4. Hats, sunglasses, hoodies etc, are not to be worn during class.
5. Ipods, Mp3s, cell phones (including texting etc.), are not to be used during rehearsals.
6. Respect the property of other individuals. This includes instruments as well as music. You do not have
permission to “borrow” anyone else’s instrument or materials. Please do not assume that you do. You
would feel awful if you damaged someone else’s instrument and so would they, and their parents, and your
parents and the director, and the principal and….
7. Respect other people--their opinions, abilities, belongings, and space.
Consequences of inappropriate behavior
1. Verbal Warning
2. Student/Teacher - Conference/Detention
3. Student/Teacher/Parent Conference
4. Notify Administration
ATTENDANCE AT REHEARSALS AND PERFORMANCES
ATTENDANCE AT ALL REHEARSAL AND PERFORMANCES IS REQUIRED
CONFLICTS: Orchestra activities are planned to try to avoid conflict with as many major activities as possible. Orchestra students are encouraged to be active in as many activities as they like; however, orchestra members should remember that they are required to participate in all orchestra events, rehearsals and performances, and that grades are given for each activity.
IN THE EVENT OF A CONFLICT: the student has the responsibility of submitting a signed note from a parent, or the appropriate teacher/coach/sponsor explaining the conflict. This note does not automatically excuse an absence. Each case will be considered individually, according to the circumstances of the situation.
EXAMPLES: (Including but not limited to)
CONFLICTS: Orchestra activities are planned to try to avoid conflict with as many major activities as possible. Orchestra students are encouraged to be active in as many activities as they like; however, orchestra members should remember that they are required to participate in all orchestra events, rehearsals and performances, and that grades are given for each activity.
IN THE EVENT OF A CONFLICT: the student has the responsibility of submitting a signed note from a parent, or the appropriate teacher/coach/sponsor explaining the conflict. This note does not automatically excuse an absence. Each case will be considered individually, according to the circumstances of the situation.
EXAMPLES: (Including but not limited to)
Excused Absences:
Death in the family Medical emergency or illness Religious Holiday |
Unexcused Absences
Job (Plan ahead) Personal business or entertainment Transportation issues (Plan ahead) |
PUNCTUALITY: Before and after school rehearsals will start on time. The stated time denotes the beginning of the rehearsal, not the setup time. You should plan to be in your seat 5-10 minutes before the start of a rehearsal, prepared, warmed up, and ready to go. Tardies and absences from these rehearsals will affect your grade. If you must miss a rehearsal, due to another school activity, be sure to let the director know ahead of time, and PUT IT IN WRITING. In the case of illness, the students MUST BRING A NOTE, SIGNED BY A DOCTOR OR PARENT, to the first class session upon returning to school.
MAKEUPS GRADES
REHEARSALS: All rehearsal absences, whether excused or unexcused, must be made up. It is the student’s responsibility to arrange for the makeup assignment/time. Only excused absences will be given full credit for the grade. Unexcused absences will receive a reduced grade.
PERFORMANCES: In the case of an excused absence for a performance, a makeup assignment may be assigned at the discretion of the director. Unexcused absences from a performance will not be made up.
PERFORMANCES: In the case of an excused absence for a performance, a makeup assignment may be assigned at the discretion of the director. Unexcused absences from a performance will not be made up.
ELIGIBILITY
Grades are important! Keep those grades up. In order to participate in any district, region, or state festival or competition, students must be passing all their classes. This is a Texas TEA/UIL requirement and no exceptions can be made. This is especially important in the Varsity Orchestra. Grades will be checked on a regular basis to determine eligibility. Failure to maintain passing grades may result in being dropped from Varsity and placed in Jr. Varsity
Concerts and functions that involve only Hanks HS or are arranged by Hanks HS are not subject to the “Eligibility” rule (for example the Fall Concert, Winter Concert, Super Concert, etc.).
Concerts and functions that involve only Hanks HS or are arranged by Hanks HS are not subject to the “Eligibility” rule (for example the Fall Concert, Winter Concert, Super Concert, etc.).
PRACTICE
Individual home practice is an essential part of any musician’s learning process. It is expected that each student do his or her best to learn his or her parts outside the classroom. Rehearsals are for rehearsing as an ensemble, not for learning individual parts.
MATERIALS LIST
Instrument
Rosin****
Extra strings: please get a good quality string like “Dominant,” or “Helicore.”
Stay away from “Red Label Super Sensitive”
Violins and Violas - shoulder rest
Cellos and Basses – end pin anchor
Cleaning cloth
Black Binder (Hard Cover)
Pencil (NOT PEN)
Combination lock for locker (no keyed locks)
****Due to Ms. Weddington’s severe allergic reaction to rosin, students will only be allowed to use the Super-Sensitive Hyper-Allergenic Rosin. The rosin can be purchased through the school at a discounted price. Students can fundraise for the rosin as well.
Rosin****
Extra strings: please get a good quality string like “Dominant,” or “Helicore.”
Stay away from “Red Label Super Sensitive”
Violins and Violas - shoulder rest
Cellos and Basses – end pin anchor
Cleaning cloth
Black Binder (Hard Cover)
Pencil (NOT PEN)
Combination lock for locker (no keyed locks)
****Due to Ms. Weddington’s severe allergic reaction to rosin, students will only be allowed to use the Super-Sensitive Hyper-Allergenic Rosin. The rosin can be purchased through the school at a discounted price. Students can fundraise for the rosin as well.
LOCKERS
Storage lockers for each instrument will be assigned on a first come, first serve basis. Cellos may have to share. You must have a combination lock to check out a locker.
EQUIPMENT
Rent or Own?: By now, most orchestra students have invested four or more years to being in orchestra. If you do not already own your violin or viola, this is a good time to consider making this investment. Cellos and basses can be more costly, but even these should be considered an investment, especially for those who are considering pursuing music in college. I would be happy to assist and advise anyone who is considering purchasing a new instrument.
Store or School?: For those who choose to rent, we have several area music stores that have rental and rent-to-own plans for all instrument. Hanks HS has a few instruments for rent, but we have a very limited quantity. YISD does not provide insurance for school owned instruments. Students will be held responsible for school instruments issued to them. It is recommended that students using school instruments provide insurance coverage for the instrument issued to them. This includes coverage against fire, theft, accidental damage, and abuse. Students renting school equipment will also be responsible for general maintenance and upkeep (including string replacement).
Care and Maintenance: Please keep your instrument in good playing conditions at all times. A minor repair can quickly become a major repair if not seen to right away. Also, a student who is sitting in class without an instrument is not learning, and will quickly fall behind the rest of the class.
Store or School?: For those who choose to rent, we have several area music stores that have rental and rent-to-own plans for all instrument. Hanks HS has a few instruments for rent, but we have a very limited quantity. YISD does not provide insurance for school owned instruments. Students will be held responsible for school instruments issued to them. It is recommended that students using school instruments provide insurance coverage for the instrument issued to them. This includes coverage against fire, theft, accidental damage, and abuse. Students renting school equipment will also be responsible for general maintenance and upkeep (including string replacement).
Care and Maintenance: Please keep your instrument in good playing conditions at all times. A minor repair can quickly become a major repair if not seen to right away. Also, a student who is sitting in class without an instrument is not learning, and will quickly fall behind the rest of the class.
UNIFORMS
Informal: The informal uniform will consist of the official orchestra polo shirt ($15.00-$20.00) and jeans. Please make sure the jeans are clean, fairly new, no holes etc.
Formal: The formal uniform consists of a uniform black dress for the ladies ($60.00) and a black tuxedo for the men ($100.00 – includes jacket, pants, shirt, cummerbund and bow tie). These will be ordered through the orchestra and may be paid for directly or by fundraising.
Any student who shows up to a performance inappropriately dressed will not be allowed to perform.
Formal: The formal uniform consists of a uniform black dress for the ladies ($60.00) and a black tuxedo for the men ($100.00 – includes jacket, pants, shirt, cummerbund and bow tie). These will be ordered through the orchestra and may be paid for directly or by fundraising.
Any student who shows up to a performance inappropriately dressed will not be allowed to perform.
FEES AND EXPENSES
(Fees and other expenses may be paid through fundraising)
(Fees and other expenses may be paid through fundraising)
Uniform Fee: Informal: Orchestra Polo Shirt $15.00-$20.00
Formal- Ladies: Black formal uniform $60.00. Black dress shoes,
Men: Black Tuxedo $100.00, black dress shoes, black socks
(The formal uniforms will be ordered through the school)
Instrument Rental Fee: $25.00 per year.
All Region Fee: $10.00
All State Taping Fee: $20.00
Solo and Ensemble Fee: $7.50 per person/per entry
Formal- Ladies: Black formal uniform $60.00. Black dress shoes,
Men: Black Tuxedo $100.00, black dress shoes, black socks
(The formal uniforms will be ordered through the school)
Instrument Rental Fee: $25.00 per year.
All Region Fee: $10.00
All State Taping Fee: $20.00
Solo and Ensemble Fee: $7.50 per person/per entry
FUNDRAISING
We are very fortunate to have an orchestra program in our schools. Many schools around the country do not. Unfortunately, our schools do not have enough funds to pay for all of our expenses. Therefore, we must fund-raise, a lot and often! Please plan on being an active participant in our fund-raisers. The more money we raise the more successful our program and the more fun we can have.
SPRING TRIP
On occasion the Orchestra takes an out of town trip during the Spring Semester. At this time, the possibility of a trip is still being discussed. Normally, our trips cost between $600-$800 per person (depending on transportation and activities). Once the uniform and other fees have been met, all other moneys earned from fund-raisers etc. will be credited to each student's individual travel account. It is possible to pay for your entire trip through fund-raisers if you get busy and work at it. (We are planning to take a trip in the Spring of 2016).
PRIVATE LESSONS
Private lessons are strongly encouraged. There are many fine private music teachers available in the community. Please ask your director for a list of teachers
LETTERING
(sample)
(sample)
Orchestra students must have played in orchestra for one school year to be eligible for an orchestra letter.
Based on a point system. Total points needed = 100
I. An absence or “0” in any of the following will automatically disqualify you from earning a letter.
a. Fall Concert 10
b. Winter Concert 10
c. Spring Concert 10
d. Pre-Festival Clinic/Concert 10
e. Orchestra Festival 20
II. The following are ways to earn more points toward you Orchestra Letter/Pin:
a. All Region Audition 10
b. All Region Selection and Participation 10
c. All State Audition 10
d. All State Selection and Participation 20
e. Solo and Ensemble Festival 10
f. Division “I” rating – on solo 10
g. Division “I” rating – ensemble 10
h. Jazz Contest 10
i. Attend a professional concert 1-5 (1 pt. per event- Proof needed)
III. Points may be deducted for unexcused tardies, absences or discipline problems (food, gum, behavior
etc.).
Based on a point system. Total points needed = 100
I. An absence or “0” in any of the following will automatically disqualify you from earning a letter.
a. Fall Concert 10
b. Winter Concert 10
c. Spring Concert 10
d. Pre-Festival Clinic/Concert 10
e. Orchestra Festival 20
II. The following are ways to earn more points toward you Orchestra Letter/Pin:
a. All Region Audition 10
b. All Region Selection and Participation 10
c. All State Audition 10
d. All State Selection and Participation 20
e. Solo and Ensemble Festival 10
f. Division “I” rating – on solo 10
g. Division “I” rating – ensemble 10
h. Jazz Contest 10
i. Attend a professional concert 1-5 (1 pt. per event- Proof needed)
III. Points may be deducted for unexcused tardies, absences or discipline problems (food, gum, behavior
etc.).
ORCHESTRA BOOSTERS
All Orchestra Students and Parents are invited to be active members
All Orchestra Students and Parents are invited to be active members
OBJECTIVES
1. The objectives of the Booster Club shall be:
a. To provide financial and other assistance to the Hanks High School Orchestra
b. To stimulate a spirit of fellowship and cooperation among the membership of the Booster Club.
c. To promote musical education in the community.
2. All activities of the Booster Clue in furtherance of the foregoing objectives shall be conducted in cooperation
with, and subject to, the approval of the Orchestra Director and the Board of Directors.
Orchestra Boosters are in charge of fund-raising to meet the needs of the orchestra, both for the general fund and for the Spring Trip. The Boosters also provide assistance at our various public performances and festivals.
Orchestra Booster Club meets at least once each semester in the J. M. Hanks High School Orchestra room. To maintain the quality and high standards that the orchestra has set would be impossible without the Boosters. All parents are encouraged to get involved.
1. The objectives of the Booster Club shall be:
a. To provide financial and other assistance to the Hanks High School Orchestra
b. To stimulate a spirit of fellowship and cooperation among the membership of the Booster Club.
c. To promote musical education in the community.
2. All activities of the Booster Clue in furtherance of the foregoing objectives shall be conducted in cooperation
with, and subject to, the approval of the Orchestra Director and the Board of Directors.
Orchestra Boosters are in charge of fund-raising to meet the needs of the orchestra, both for the general fund and for the Spring Trip. The Boosters also provide assistance at our various public performances and festivals.
Orchestra Booster Club meets at least once each semester in the J. M. Hanks High School Orchestra room. To maintain the quality and high standards that the orchestra has set would be impossible without the Boosters. All parents are encouraged to get involved.
For more information (or to volunteer to help), contact our
Booster President, Belinda Imai at:
Booster President, Belinda Imai at:
REQUIRED SIGNATURES
Please fill out the information on the following pages.
Sign, date, and return these pages to your director the day after you receive this handbook.
Sign, date, and return these pages to your director the day after you receive this handbook.
hanks_high_school_orchestra_handbook_agreement.docx | |
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hhs_orchestra-student_information.docx | |
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hanks_orchestra-permission_to_travel.docx | |
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File Type: | docx |