Students enrolled in the orchestra class will receive
four-tenths of an
academic credit for each full year of participation.
Students may use orchestra class
credit toward the fulfillment of the
mandatory music requirement.
MNHS ORCHESTRA
2010-2011
Directed by Mrs. Elizabeth Reese
610 325 - 6458
Dear Students and Parents,
It is with a happy heart that I welcome each of you to a new school year. I hope you are as excited as I am to be a part of this wonderful High School Orchestra. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with you this year. It is my goal to impart to you my true love of music through my background as an educator and professional violinist/pianist.
This handbook includes a lot of important information. Please take time to review its contents which includes:
Concert Dates
Concert Attire
Select Ensemble/Quartet Information
Other Performance Opportunities
Grading Policies
Rehearsal Days and Time
Music Folder Responsibilities
Lesson/Sectional Information
District 12 Orchestra / Chester County Youth Orchestra Requirements
2010-11 Orchestra Agreement (sign and return by 9/21/2010)
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at anytime. This is going to be a wonderful time for all of us. I look forward to the year and all it brings!
Musically Yours,
Mrs. Elizabeth Reese
Important Dates 
Here is my best estimate of the concert dates and extra rehearsals for the year. If something is added to the list, or dates change I will inform students and parents in writing and on the district internet site.
Winter Concert December 20th, 7:00pm (Students arrive 5:30 pm)
MNSH Music Trip (TBA)
Spring Concert March 2nd, 7:00pm (Students arrive 5:30 pm)
Graduation Commencement at Villanova, 6:00pm (Arrival time TBA)
Concert Attire 
Gentlemen will be wearing tuxedoes. Men will need to purchase their own tuxedo suit, black shoes, and socks. More information about obtaining the shirts will follow.
Ladies will be wearing black on black. More information on blouse orders will follow. Black stockings and black shoes will need to be purchased by the student.
Select Ensembles/Quartet Information 
Select ensemble is an auditioned group that rehearses once a week after school. This group will play more challenging music and will be featured at school and community events. Participation in this group will allow for other unique performance, travel and social activities throughout the year.
From this group, the top members will be selected to be in coached Quartets. This most elite group will study and be coached standard string repertoire. The quartets are featured in concerts and community events.
Auditions for select ensemble/quartet will be part of the general seating audition process but must occur no later than September 23rd. SELECT ENSEMBLE will rehearse each TUESDAY from 3:00-4:00. Quartet members will stay until 4:30
Other Performance Opportunities
Performance opportunities for the community will be scheduled during the school year. You will be notified of the date, time, and location as they are scheduled.
Music Folder Responsibilities 
Students will be given a numbered folder of orchestra music at the beginning of the semester. Students are responsible for their folder and its contents.
Students will be expected to pay for a lost or damaged folder or music. Music may only be written on in pencil and folders will not be accepted if they are extremely damaged or decorated in any way such as with stickers or other materials.
Lesson/Sectional Schedule
All students enrolled in orchestra are required to participate in weekly lessons during the school day. These lessons will be scheduled during study halls. There will be no interference with the academic class schedule. If you do not have any scheduled study halls, lessons may be scheduled during the lunch periods.
While it is not a requirement, I strongly encourage all members of the orchestra to participate in private lessons. A list of reputable teachers in the area is available from me.
Grading Policies
Grade will be earned based on the following five categories
I. Participation and Preparedness
15 points per rehearsal
- To receive full credit, students must be prepared (instrument, music and pencil), be on time (Doors will be locked at 7:05), and demonstrate appropriate behaviors and attitudes in orchestra each rehearsal. Rehearsal will take place every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Additional rehearsals may be necessary, students will be informed of the day and time of any additional rehearsal.
II. Sectionals/Lessons
15 points per lesson
- Students are expected to attend weekly lessons. These occur during the school day. See the lesson policy for further information. Students are expected to have all materials prepared for all lessons.
III. Playing Tests, Seating Tests, Miscellaneous Quizzes
25 points per test = 50 points per marking period
- There will be one playing test per quarter and one written response per marking period
IV. Dress Rehearsal/Concert Performance
100 points per event = 50 points dress rehearsal / 50 points concert
- This grade is earned through full participation in the concerts and the completion of a concert reflection statement.
- If a concert is missed with an excused absence, a written assignment will be given as a replacement for the missed points. No points will be awarded if a concert is missed with an unexcused absence. (see below)
Absence Policy
Excused Sudden illness, death in family, approved family vacations, emergency
Unexcused work, no ride, too much homework, I forgot etc.
Parents must contact the director (signed note or phone call) PRIOR to the event if a dress rehearsal or concert is to be missed. In the event of an emergency a note is expected immediately upon return to school.
V. Folder Check
25 points
- Students are expected to maintain their folder. All pieces are to be well maintained and have student folder number written in pencil. All given bowings and fingerings are to be marked in pencil.
District 12 / County Audition Requirements 
Repertoire
|
Instrument |
Title |
Composer/Arranger |
Publisher |
JW Pepper # |
Section Needed |
|
Violin |
Concerto No.3 in G Major |
Mozart / Auer / Strasser |
Carl Fischer |
4873717 |
1st Movement |
|
Viola |
Concerto in C Minor |
J.C. Bach / Casadesus |
Editions Salabert |
5090626 |
1st Movement |
|
Cello |
Sonata in G Minor |
Eccles |
International |
4848453 |
1st and 2nd Movements |
|
String Bass |
Concerto in G Minor |
Dragonetti |
Liben Music Pub. |
7571771 |
1st Movement |
Scales
· Major scales scores are based on a 12 point per scale number
· You will be asked four major scales (strings are not required to play the chromatic scale)
· String scales will be selected from the following: C, G, D, A, E, F, Bb, Eb, Ab
· If you play only one octave of a two octave scale, you will score no more than a 6
· If you play only one octave of a three octave scale, you will score no more than a 4, two octaves, no more than 8
· Scale speed should be no slower than 120 for the quarter note
· Scales are to be played separate or slurred
· All scales are to be played with the following rhythm:
|
Violin |
E2, A3, D2, G3, C3, F2, Bb3, Eb2, Ab3 |
|
Viola |
E3, A2, D3, G2, C3, F3, Bb2, Eb3, Ab2 |
|
Cello |
E3, A3, D3,G2, C3, F3, Bb2, Eb3, Ab2 |
|
String Bass |
E2, A1, D1, G2, C1, F2, Bb1, Eb1, Ab2 |
More information on District12 / CCYO Audition Policies and requirements will follow
2010-11 Orchestra Agreement
(Sign and return by 9/21/2010)
I have read and understand the contents of the 2010 MNHS Orchestra packet. I fully understand the expectations of the director and have noted the following:
· Mandatory Dress Rehearsal / Concert Dates
o 12/20; 3/2 if dates are added or changed, written notice will be provided
o Grading Policy
o Concert Attire
o Absence Policy
o Music Folder Responsibilities
I am responsible for folder # ____________
o Lesson / Sectional Procedure
My lesson is on Day # __________
My lesson period is _________
_____________________________________ _____________________________ _________
(Student Name print) (Student Name sign) (date)
_____________________________________ ______________________________ ________
(Parent/Guardian Name print) (Parent/Guardian Name sign) (date)
Student Information Sheet (Return by 9/212010)
Name__________________________________ Student Number_____________________
Grade _________________________ Email (Student) ______________________
Email (Parent/Guardian)________________________________________________________
Phone Numbers:
Student Cell_____________________ Parent/Guardian Cell_________________________
Home__________________________
EMERGENCY CONTACT - Name, number, and relationship _____________________________
Primary Instrument Played________________________ Length of Study_________________
Other Instrument(s) Played ________________________Length of Study _________________
_______________________ Length of Study__________________
Do you study privately? Yes / No If so, with whom? ________________________________
Were you in Select Ensemble last year? Yes / No
Are you interested in being considered as a member of Ensemble / Quartet? Yes / No
What other music ensembles are in? _______________________________________________
Are you in any other performing ensembles outside of school? Yes / No If yes, which?
Would you be interested in learning a string instrument? Yes/No
Bass, Cello, Viola, Violin
Please list any other information that you think I would need to know about your musical background, etc.:
Are you interested in being an Orchestra Leader this year? Yes/No
Are you considering auditioning for County? _________________
Are you considering auditioning for Districts? ________________________