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

2. 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

3. 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!

4. 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

5. PRACTICE
Think of practicing as homework with flexibility of choosing which days you do your work for my class 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

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

9. 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.

10. (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

11. 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!

12. 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.

13. 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

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