Marshall Middle School Orchestra “Where I Make a Difference” Marshall Middle School Orchestra

Concert Dates… Monday, January 9, 2017 Winter In-School Concert TBD Wednesday, May 10, 2017 Spring In-School Concert TBD ~All concerts take place at MMS & start at 7 pm

Instrument Care & Procedures 6th and 7th grade has rack for each team upstairs 8th grade bring to my room in the am Cellos/basses may use school instruments Rosin, extra strings Extra violins and violas NO SHARING/BORROWING CASES MUST BE LABELED Taking care of all things!

Folder Checks Folder checks will be worth 15 points Sheet music, pencil, and instrument Students are responsible for knowing the A day B day schedule so they know when to bring their instruments Responsibility training…we will add a practice calendar to the folder in October that must be kept up to date

PRACTICE Think of practicing as homework with flexibility of choosing which days you do your work for my class. 200-400 min/month Get into a routine early—will become a part of their day. 10, 20, 30 minutes at a time. I understand sometimes we all have bad practice weeks! Looking for some level of consistency and effort on the part of the students.

Quizzes Periodically written quizzes to raise level of concern for accountability and knowledge regarding circle of 5ths, key signatures/time signatures, relative major and minor scales, finger patterns, music symbols, rhythm pattern reading, etc. These concepts will continue to be embedded in our daily routines as we work through and rehearse string orchestra literature.

Performance Assessments At least one per 12 weeks Students will be asked to play for me individually…sections of orchestra literature from which we are currently working I will give plenty of advance notice, but I tell students if they are keeping up with their practicing, there should be no need for a practice cram session.

(Performance Assessments con’t) Usually 96 points assessing…. Posture/Position Tone Quality Intonation/Correct Pitches Rhythm Bowing/Articulation Dynamics/Expression

Team Approach Orchestra at MMS functions as a team. Our greatness as a group/ensemble depends on the greatness of each individual performer I only ask that you give me the best you have to offer…prepare your music, do your part, be responsible for your efforts as an orchestral musician and we will continue to be a great orchestra.

(Team Approach con’t) As a team, it is also our responsibility to support one another (inside and outside of the orchestra classroom) and celebrate the diversity that each of us brings to that group

Chamber Orchestra, Blackboard Auditions are next week MWF-after school and during activity period Visit my web page or have your child view on Blackboard Focus 2020…work in progress! iPads, Google, Blackboard, oh my! I am flexible! I like to help!

6th Grade ~ The Transition Big transition for the kids Elementary pull-out ~ scheduled class Heightened responsibility, every other day Ensemble setting for 45 minutes Good thing! You will notice a dramatic change in their playing…hopefully practicing more…but also, they are just playing more.

Getting the Train Going! Establishing routine, understanding procedures…where instruments go, making sure they have their materials We will spend a great deal of time in the next few weeks continuing to build aural skills with tonal/rhythm patterns, working with scales and arpeggios in major and minor keys Targeting specific bowing technique and articulations to achieve more cohesive sound

Most Importantly… Building relationships! Making music together! Working as a team! Meeting individuals where they are! Having a great time!