J. L. Simpson Middle School Orchestra

Student and Parent

HANDBOOK

Ms. Andrea Pulley, Orchestra Director

August 2017

Dear Student and Parent(s)/Guardian(s),

Welcome to a new school year & the orchestra program at J. L. Lupton Simpson Middle

School. I hope you had a relaxing and enjoyable summer vacation. I am excited to have recently

moved to Virginia from Georgia and especially excited to teach your amazing young string

players. The success of our orchestra program centers around responsibility, dependability,

dedication, and working toward musical improvement individually and as a group. It is my goal

to produce an outstanding orchestra and with each person working together and doing his or her

part, we can achieve this goal.

This handbook contains very valuable information and will prove to be a helpful guide

for defining the expectations that are important for keeping the Simpson Orchestra a quality

organization. Please read this handbook carefully, and return the requested page(s) to the director

with all the pertinent information completed and signed. This will indicate your receipt and

acceptance of the policies of the J. Lupton Simpson Orchestra. Please return signed information

pages by Thursday 8/31 or Friday 9/1. This will be recorded as your child’s first participation

grade which will be an automatic 100%.

Communication between the director, parents, and students is very important. I will do

my best to relay important information concerning your child to you in a timely manner. If you

ever have any questions or information for me, please feel free to contact me through the

administrative offices at Simpson Middle School.

Sincerely,

Ms. Andrea Pulley Orchestra Director

J. Lupton Simpson Middle School

Tuscarora High School Loudoun County High School

Course Description

The following skills and concepts will be developed by means of orchestral literature, etudes and

technical studies appropriate to the needs and abilities of the student:

1. Correct posture and position

2. Tone production and vibrato 3. Major and minor scales and arpeggios

4. Bowing styles, articulations and techniques 5. Listening skills

6. Musical interpretation and expression

7. Music history and theory 8. Advanced positions in various keys

9. Concert and rehearsal etiquette

Grading System

Orchestra students will be graded in the following manner

Assessment

Performances, Rehearsals, Recorded Playing

Tests submitted to “Schoology”, Written Tests, Quizzes…etc.

50%

Homework

Practice Logs

.

25%

Daily Participation

Arriving on time, having all required materials, actively participating in class

rehearsal…etc

20%

Classwork

“Check Ups” (Concept Checks), Worksheets, Study Guide completion, Review…etc

5%

This is a professional performing organization and a performance based course. As

such, it is very important to prepare skill studies, exercises, and concert pieces at

home.

Extracurricular Activities

Orchestra members are able to participate in many extracurricular activities which are fun and

educational for the student and also benefit the orchestra. I strongly encourage students to take part in as many of these as possible. They include:

Junior Regional Orchestra

All County Orchestra

State Assessment (Performance Evaluation)

Chamber Music Groups

Other Church and Community Performance Opportunities

Musical Auditions

Hershey Park Adjudication

Many more…

Simpson Orchestras The program is comprised of three performing ensembles: 6th Grade Beginner Orchestra,

7th Grade Orchestra, and 8th Grade Orchestra. Performance selections will be rehearsed during the

student’s orchestra class and also during occasional after school rehearsals. Attendance for after school rehearsals are MANDATORY for all students and will be posted to Phoenix Gradebook.

Parent Involvement : )

A successful orchestra needs the involvement of parents in many ways. Some of the ways parents will be asked to help are: 1) Supervision of a regular home practice routine, 2)

Fundraising assistance, 3) Coordination of special events, 4) Attendance at concerts, and 5) Chaperones.

***Practice Policy***

It is understood that students will need to study and practice at home on a regular basis. Because this is an ensemble class, the lack of preparation by one student affects all other students

in the group. To be a learning contributing member of the Simpson Orchestra, you are required

to practice and log your time. 8th Grade Practice Logs are due the first day of each week that orchestra meets (Monday or Tuesday depending on A or B day). 6th and 7th Grade Practice Logs

are due at each and every class session unless stated otherwise. Sectionals and orchestra rehearsals do not count towards the overall total. This will count as a part of your homework

grade. You are given “free passes” which will be discussed during class.

***Private Lessons*** It is strongly encouraged that students take private lessons to enhance their orchestral

learning experiences. Through concentrated and individualized help on specific techniques and literature on the student’s specific instrument, progress will be more readily visible and audible

at home as well as at school. Private instruction also greatly increases a student’s chances of

being selected for All-State, Governors Honors and scholarships. Please let me know if you would like a list of recommended private teachers.

Concerts

Concerts are the culmination of many hours of hard work. They are a vital part of the course objectives and the grading policy. Therefore, attendance at concerts and extra rehearsals is

mandatory. Concert and rehearsal dates are announced well in advance with the expectation that medical/dental appointments, soccer practices, piano lessons, etc. will not be a source of

schedule conflicts. Excused absences from an after-school rehearsals and concerts will be

granted only in extreme circumstances (illness, family emergency, religious observance). In cases where a true emergency arises and a student is unable to attend a rehearsal or concert, he or

she will complete an alternate assignment.

****As Ms. Pulley’s students and member of this organization, you are expected to look and act professionally in class and at performances. To achieve success requires a tremendous amount of self-discipline. We should demand excellence in everything that we do, and should expect the same in our musical performance. Every student who is a member of any JLSMS string ensemble is subject to all school and county policies regarding behavior, in addition to following rules and

expectations listed below.****

RULES

1. Be respectful of everyone and everything.

2. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself. 3. No food, drink, or gum in class.

EXPECTATIONS

The student:

Will arrive on time, be seated in his/her assigned chair with their instrument ready. Will come to all activities prepared with required class materials, including their

instrument. Will have electronic devices turned off and put away at all times.

Will be an active listener during rehearsal. (i.e. no talking while other students are working.)

Will have a sharpened pencil at every rehearsal! (NO PENS, even if they are the erasable kind.)

Be Ready Be Responsible Be Respectful

Be Musical!

CONSEQUENCES FOR INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR

First offense -------------------------------- > Warning. Second offense ----------------------------- > Lunch Detention assigned. Phone call home. Third offense -------------------------------- > Referral to House office.

UNIFORMS

Simpson Orchestra uniforms (golden polo) are to be purchased by all grade

levels and are to be worn at all performances with BLACK DRESS PANTS , and

BLACK DRESS SHOES. BASICALLY ALL BLACK FROM THE WAIST DOWN. Ladies

MUST wear their hair up in a bun (the bun is required for longer hair). More will

be discussed in class.

“REMIND” NOTIFICATIONS

If you are able to do this please take the time to set up your phone/e-mail to

receive alerts regarding our events throughout the school year. This has been

very useful in the past and I will continue using both this and the Phoenix e-mail

system to keep everyone in the loop : )

Beginner Orchestra

Text @grasshop16 to 81010 and follow all prompts

7/8 Grade Orchestra

Text @mustangorc to 81010 and follow all prompts

How To “Conduct Yourself” In the Simpson Orchestra Student/Parent Agreement

Parents and Students must read, understand, and sign this contract.

I , ____________________________ understand that playing in an orchestra

requires team effort and cooperation between the musicians, instrumental

coaches, and conductor. Realizing that we have limited rehearsals and that

absences affect our preparation, I agree to be part of the team and to adhere

to the following guidelines:

1) I agree to be present at all rehearsals, and I understand that the following

would constitute an excused absence.

Permissible Absences:

-Illness

-Family Emergencies

-Special Circumstances with the consent of the Program Director

*Unexcused absences or excess tardiness may result in a lowered grade.

2) I understand that attendance to the entirety of all concerts is mandatory

for students (if you must leave directly after performing Ms. Pulley MUST

be notified. We stay for the entire concert out of RESPECT and to support

our colleagues.

3) I agree to arrive at the scheduled times with my instrument, music, and

pencil, to check- in with the Program Director, Ms. Pulley, and to

promptly find my seat, tune, warm-up and be ready to rehearse.

How To “Conduct Yourself” In the Simpson Orchestra Student/Parent Agreement

4) I agree to prepare the orchestra music to the best of my ability both at

home and during class and TURN IN MY PRACTICE LOGS.

5) I agree to display mature, non-disruptive behavior at all times and to

act respectfully towards the conductor, parent volunteers, and my

fellow colleagues (students).

6) I agree to respect the conductor’s decisions as final regarding my

ensemble and seating placement.

***Ms. Pulley really would love to cut down on using paper this year so

returning your signed permission form for the school year will act as our proof

of “receipt” of these rules of conduct. This will be your first homework grade for

the year.

Please refer to the director’s letter for contact information if you have any

questions.

How Ms. Pulley

looks when you turn

stuff in on time.

Music Stores & Required Materials

MUSIC STORES

Day Violins (recommended)

14221A Willard Rd #500, Chantilly, VA 20151

(703) 391-9444

Leesburg Music and Arts

Marketplace at Potomac Station

617 Potomac Station Dr.

Leesburg, VA 20176

(703) 779-4905

Guitar Center (a few supplies)

Melodee Music

46077 Lake Center Plaza

Sterling, VA 20165

(703) 450-4667

ONLINE

(please ask about specifics before you buy)

www.sharmusic.com

www.southweststrings.com

NEVER EVER ORDER FROM PAWN SHOPS,

WALMART, OR EBAY**************

The Potter Violin Company

(recommended)

4706 Highland Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814

(301) 652-7070

Weller Violins (violin maker)

705 King Street

Second Floor

Alexandria, VA 22314

(703)-548-3799

REQUIRED MATERIALS

I know, seems like a lot but really it’s the Instrument, the book, and the

accessories to take care of your investment : )

Instrument in good working condition (PLEASE ASK ME BEFORE YOU BUY).

o There are a number of options if you decide to purchase OR rent from the

stores listed above.

o We do have a LIMITED number of instruments we can loan at school for $100

for the school year. This is on a FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS. If you have

financial concerns PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO SPEAK WITH ME IN PERSON

and we can figure something out together.

1 set of extra strings (Prelude strings are affordable and sound pretty good)

o For more advanced musicians you may want to try the following:

o Helicore

o Peter Infeld

o Thomastik Dominant

o Evah Pirazzi

Music Stores & Required Materials

Essential Elements for String Orchestra, Book 1 FOR 6th Grade

Essential Elements for String Orchestra, Book 2 FOR 7th Grade

Essential Technique for String Orchestra, Book 3 FOR 8th Grade

3-RING BLACK BINDER WITH SHEET PROTECTORS (In which to keep all

music and method book.) Pencil (needs to be kept in music binder at all times!)

Rosin (purchase with your instrument rental)

Small, soft cloth for wiping off instrument.

Shoulder Rest (violins and violas) (type - “Kun” or similar ) VERY VERY IMPORTANT!

Rock Stop (cellos)

Tuner

o Snark is the brand we have for class use only

o You may choose to download a tuner app – I have downloaded DaTuner Lite on

my own personal phone)

Music stand (for at home practice) – a folding wire stand is perfectly fine.