Cy-Fair

High School Orchestras

Kevin Ray, Orchestra Director

www.cyfairorchestra.weebly.com

Kevin.ray@cfisd.net

cyfairorchestra@gmail.com

Cy-Fair High School 22602 Hempstead Hwy. Cypress, Texas 77429 Phone: 281-517-2194

Cy-Fair Orchestras

UIL CLASS Name Description

Varsity Chamber (4) -  Audition Required. -  Performs grade IV/V literature from the UIL PML. -  Students should be comfortable performing three-

octave scales and Class 1 solos at UIL Solo/Ensemble Competition

-  Violins must be comfortable in all advanced positions (must read several ledger lines/8va)

-  Violists must be comfortable in advanced positions. Must be able to fluently read treble clef

-  Cello/Bassists must be comfortable in thumb position and should read tenor/treble clefs with fluency.

-  Must be able to sight-read at a grade III/IV level -  Encouraged to audition for Region 27 Orchestra -  Private Lessons not required by encouraged. -  Full Orchestra Rehearsals after school

Non-Varsity Symphony (2) -  Audition Required. -  Performs grade II/III/IV literature from the UIL

Prescribed Music List. -  Students must be comfortable with two-octave scales

(both major and minor) -  All instruments should be able to shift accurately from

each position -  Must be able to sight-read at a grade I/II level

Sub Non-Varsity (A) Philharmonic (6)

-  Audition Required. -  Performs grade II/III/IV literature from the UIL

Prescribed Music List, Must sight-read at a grade I level -  Mastering techniques / scales will be taught

Sub Non-Varsity (B) Camerata (1) Concert (5)

-  Audition required for Concert (5) -  No audition required for Camerata (1) -  Orchestras will combine to form Sinfonia Orchestra.

Communication

kevin.ray@cfisd.net Primary District Email

cyfairorchestra@gmail.com Weekly Newsletter, Reminders

www.cyfairorchestra.weebly.com -  Orchestra website / blog -  Resources

-  Solo/Ensemble Sign-up Form -  Absence Requests -  Class information

-  Calendar -  Parent Information Form

Text message (469) 502-7954 with @cdb2f to receive alerts and reminders about orchestra.

Remind101.com Text Message Correspondence (All regular texting rates apply)

(281) 517-2194

Cy-Fair HS Office Phone Please call at during conference periods 3/7.

Staying connected to students, parents, and community is vital to the success of the Cy-Fair Orchestra program. Please feel free to contact me via email/phone with any questions or concerns. Please allow 24 hours for email/phone response. Here are the ways to stay informed.

CHARMS OFFICE ASSISTANT In order to receive electronic communication for anything orchestra-related, you must follow the below instructions.   CHARMS ONLINE REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS:   1. Go to www.CharmsOffice.com/charms/login.asp 2. Type in cyfairhsorch in the PARENT/STUDENT/MEMBER LOGIN box 3. In the next window, next to ENTER STUDENT ID/PASSWORD – type in your student’s ID# (use numbers only) Click ENTER and you should see your student’s name at the top right corner. 4. Find the ICON that says PERSONAL INFORMATION, and open it. 5. Please complete all the information for both student AND PARENT(S).

Use dashes when typing in phone numbers. Double check e-mail accuracy.

6. When all information is complete, click UPDATE. (This is a green button at the bottom of the page.)

General Procedures, Policies and Expectations

Sectional Attendance Sectional attendance is a vital part of the success of the orchestra program. Sectionals will be divided

mostly by instrument and on occasion by designation of high/low strings. Students should expect at least one sectional per six week period.

Academic Eligibility

As per Texas State Law, students must receive a 70 or higher in all class to be academically eligible to compete. This includes all contests governed by the University Interscholastic League including

Solo/Ensemble Competition, State Solo/Ensemble Competition, Concert and Sight-reading

competition. This also includes extracurricular events and auditioning for Region 27 Orchestra.

Eligibility will be strictly upheld.

University Interscholastic League *University Interscholastic League

See uiltexas.org for more information.

The University Interscholastic League is the governing body for all competition in the state of Texas. It is the joint responsibility of students and

directors to pay careful attention to guidelines, procedures, and classifications to avoid

disqualifications from competitions. Students will have the opportunity to participate in

the UIL Solo/Ensemble Competition held in February of each year and the UIL Concert and

Sight-Reading Competition held in March/April of each year.

General Procedures, Policies and Expectations (cont.)

Performance Attendance Students will have from five to six major performances each year. These include a Fall

Concert, Children’s Concert, Winter Concert, Pre-UIL Performance, UIL Performance, and Spring

Concert. Attendance is required and participation is a major grade. Concerts will only be excused due

to major family events, illness, or emergency situations. Communication from parent/guardian is

needed for excusal of events.

Materials / Supplies

Violin and viola students will need to rent or own their instrument. Cello and bass students are

welcome to use their own instrument or loan an instrument from the school. Students will be

provided with a black three-ring notebook. All students are responsible to maintain their folders.

Various method/exercise books will be recommended throughout the year to supplement

instruction. Accommodations can be made.

Class Expectations

-  Enter room quietly -  Be prepared with instrument, music, and pencil

-  Tune softly and quickly -  Good rehearsal etiquette and technique (limit

sidebar conversations, stay engaged) -  Regular home practice of techniques and skills

taught in class -  Keep room clean and tidy by putting away

books, rosin, folders, etc.

General Procedures, Policies and Expectations (cont.)

Student Code of Conduct Students are expected to abide by the Cy-Fair Orchestra Code of Conduct and all CFISD District

policies whenever representing the Cy-Fair Orchestra program. This applies to all curricular/

extracurricular activities such as UIL performances and overnight trips.

Uniforms

and

Formal Concert Dress

Students will be issued a formal concert uniform at the beginning of each year. Gentleman will receive

a tuxedo jacket and pants. Ladies will receive a dress/gown. It is the responsibility of the student to

maintain these items throughout the school year. Gentleman are responsible for acquiring their own tuxedo shirt, bow-tie, black socks, and black dress shoes. Ladies are responsible for the appropriate

footwear. Accommodations will be made for those students with financial needs. Students will be

charged for any damaged uniforms returned at the end of each year.

Activity Fee

An activity fee of $75 will be charged at the beginning of each year. This fee will be used for the following purposes: (1) Orchestra Spirit T-Shirt, (2) Printing/Copying needs of orchestra, (3) Orchestra Composite Photograph for room and yearbook, (4) Uniform Dry-Cleaning, (5) Trophy Engraving, (6)

Orchestra binder, (7) Uniform Alterations *If financial need arises, optional payment plans

can be arranged.

General Procedures, Policies and Expectations (cont.)

Informal Concert Dress 1.  Orchestra Spirit T-Shirt 2.  Denim jeans (with no holes)

3.  Everyday school shoes/sneakers

Children’s Concert The annual Cy-Fair Orchestra Children’s concert will take place in the fall (late October – early

November). This is a major event in promoting string education to the community. This is also a

fundraising event for the orchestra. Informal Concert dress required for this event.

String Supplies

Representatives from Fishburn Violins and Lisle Violins are in weekly contact with the Cy-Fair High

School Orchestra. Students can request that supplies from these shops are brought to Cy-Fair.

Payment can be in the form of cash/check and must be paid up front.

FISHBURN VIOLIN: (281-290-4580) LISLE VIOLIN: (713-526-4005)

Spring Trip Policy As per CFISD policy, the orchestra program will travel out of state every other year. Students should view the spring trip as a privilege and represent the Cy-Fair Orchestra program at the highest level. At

the director and administrative discretion, parents/guardians of students with a record of behavior

infractions may be required to attend the trip as a chaperone.

Orchestra Placements and Chairing

Orchestra Auditions Orchestra auditions will take the place of the final exam. Students will be graded on an rubric that

totals 200 points that will be broken up into three categories: Scales (50 points), Excerpts (150

points) and Sight-Reading (50 points). Students will be ranked based on this criteria for orchestra

placement consideration.

Director Discretion

and

Orchestra Placements

Although orchestra rankings based on end-of-year auditions will be used primarily to determine

placements, final decisions are ultimately at the directors discretion. Apart from the audition

ranking, the director will consider the following: 1.  Sectional Attendance

2.  Eligibility 3.  Concert Attendance

4.  UIL Participation 5. Solo/Ensemble Participation

6. Overall citizenship in orchestra

Chairing

Chairing will be conducted at directors discretion. Students will be assigned principal positions based

on the following criteria: periodic playing assessments, citizenship in class, leadership

qualities, and sectional attendance. Students can plan to be reseated 1-2 times per six-week period. Seating should not be solely viewed as a reflection

of student ranking in orchestra.

UIL Solo and Ensemble Competition

Requirements Students in Chamber (4) and Symphony (2) are required to perform at the UIL Solo/Ensemble Competition in February. Students will consult

director/private instructors to find a selection on the Prescribed Music List (PML) that best

represents the students development.

Prescribed Music List

Students will be responsible for reading the performance requirements on the PML. Students

who do not perform from the correct edition or stray from the requirements listed will be disqualified.

Accompanist

Students who choose to perform a solo will be required to pay for an accompanist if the selected work calls for piano. Students should expect to pay

a fee from $35 – 40 for two rehearsals and performance.

Discretion of the Director

Students who are not prepared to compete at competition will be excused from their performance

on the discretion of the director.

Merit of Solo/Ensemble

Solo/Ensemble is an important curricular event in orchestra.

Texas State Solo/Ensemble Competition

Students who earn a Division 1 rating on a Class 1 Solo (memorized) or Ensemble will have the option

to perform at the TSSEC in Austin, TX. Students must inform director of plans prior to registration date. This date occurs historically in early April.

Student Officers and Responsibilities !!

Cy$Fair!High!School!Orchestra!Leadership!Team!

!!!

!!

ORCHESTRA!DIRECTOR!

President!Orchestra!Operation!Manager!

Concertmaster!

VIOLA!Section((Leader(

Vice!President!Student!Activity!Leader!! Facilities!Manager!

Classroom!Facilitator!

Secretary!

Head!Librarian!

Orchestra!Publicity!Manager!!

Activity(Staff(

VIOLIN!Section((Leader((

CELLO!Section((Leader(

BASS!Section(Leader(

Facility/Equipment(Staff(Publicity(Staff(

Librarian(Staff(

Children’s!Concert!Script!Writing!Team!

Student Officers and Responsibilities (cont.)

President – Orchestra Operation Manager

- Communicate student concerns with Orchestra Director, Orchestra Parents association, Leadership team - Lead leadership meetings; delegate specific tasks to members - Coordinate ALL orchestra activities - Makes executive decisions when difficult to achieve consensus - Make classroom and concert announcements - Provide assistance to Orchestra Director when needed - Attends all orchestra activities (concerts, retreats, sectionals)

Vice President – Student Activity Leader

- Organizes monthly student activities with president - Plans potlucks, banquet, and other social activities with president - Designs orchestra T-Shirt - Assist with technology (recordings, video, etc.) - Appoints a representative from each class period and communicates items discussed in leadership meetings - Attends all orchestra activities (concerts, retreats, sectionals)

Facilities Manager

- Appoints a team of 4-6 students (representatives from each class period) - Makes sure that students keep orchestra room tidy and do not abuse equipment. (Makes sure rock stops, books, tuners, etc. are put away) - Assists with setting up stage at concerts - Assist with attendance

Student Officers and Responsibilities (cont.)

Orchestra Publicity Manager - Acts as historian for the orchestra - Manages archives of orchestra pictures - With consent of president/orchestra director, advertises orchestra achievements and events - Puts a slideshow presentation together for Centrum concert - Manages Orchestra Social Media presence (Facebook, twitter, etc.)

Head Librarian

- Organize music for all orchestras - Assist with copying procedures and distribution - Organize library - Helps copy and distribute solos/ensembles for UIL Competition

Secretary

- Takes minutes for all leadership meetings - Shares minutes (through email communication) with all members and Orchestra Director - Assists president as needed

Children’s Concert Script Writing team*

Not an elected position. Interested students will meet with Orchestra Director. Orchestra director will make appointments.

Student Officers and Responsibilities (cont.)

Expectations -Makes every attempt to help ALL orchestra students feel welcome and part of the program -Considers the needs of ALL orchestra students -Attends ALL orchestra events and activities -Performs responsibilities without extra prompting -Provides ideas on fundraising and encouraging student involvement at social events -Respects the authority of the President and Orchestra Director

Guidelines

-Orchestra Master Calendar needs to be consulted prior to scheduling of all social activities. -Plans social events at least once a month -Social events during class need prior approval -President should hear out the ideas, thoughts, and plans of leadership team but ultimately has final approval -All matters of fundraising or collecting of money needs approval by orchestra director (district policy)

Dismissal from Office -Student leaders who do not fulfill their obligation to their position will be removed from office at the discretion of the Orchestra Director. (Ex: absence at orchestra events, poor leadership and modeling, behavior infractions, disrespect to director and students)

Letter Jacket Policy

3 points Performance in Region 27 Orchestra Auditions for this group generally occur early in school year.

Students should work on audition etudes and excerpts diligently throughout the summer break.

4 points

Taping for All-State Orchestra Students who pass the region audition will be invited to tape

for consideration in the Texas All-State Orchestras

4 points

Acceptance to perform in any of the three Texas All-State Orchestras

3 points Earning a Superior Rating (I) when performing a Class 1, 2, or 3 Solo at UIL Solo/Ensemble Competition

2 points Students earning an Excellent Rating (II) when performing a Class 1, 2, or 3 Solo/Ensemble at UIL Solo/Ensemble

Competition.

2 points Earning a Superior Rating (I) when performing a Class 1, 2, or 3 Ensemble at UIL Solo/Ensemble Competition

2 points First year of satisfactory participation (must have not missed events due to ineligibility)

5 points End of second year of satisfactory participation (must have not missed events due to ineligibility)

10 points End of the third year of participation (must have not missed events due to ineligibility)

Students can letter in orchestra and earn a letter jacket by receiving 10 points. Points can be earned in the various ways listed below. Fittings for letter jackets will occur periodically throughout the year. *Note: Only Freshmen are permitted to perform Class III solos/ensembles at UIL Competition unless you are performing on a secondary instrument (ex. Violinist performing on viola, etc.)