Orchestra Syllabus

COURSE SYLLABUS:
WASHINGTON JH CONCERT OrchestrA

Instructor Mrs. Debbie Wegener

Prerequisite previous string experience or consent of  instructor.

Course Goal:

This course is designed to develop the orchestral student's ability to independently improve their instrumental technique and make musical decisions through a variety of musical literature and class experiences.

Course Description

This course is for students with orchestral experience and basic to intermediate technique skills.  Students will expand their technique and musical skills using a wide range of literature, including works from many periods and styles.

2 Textbooks Needed:  String Explorer, Book 2 (you purchase) and Essentials for Strings (scale book-school provides)

                Literature:               Allegro  from Concerto Grosso, Opus 6, No. 1                Handel/Dackow

                                                Ashokan Farewell                                                             Ungar/Custer

                                                Dos Fuegos                                                                       Sieving

Performance Attire

Ladies need a white, dressy blouse (either short or long sleeved) with a modest neckline, long black skirt (IT MUST REACH PAST YOUR KNEES WHEN SEATED) or black dress pants, nylons or black socks and black dress shoes.

Gentlemen need a white dress shirt with a collar (either short or long sleeved), black dress pants, black socks, and black dress shoes.

NOTE: If students have difficulty finding performance attire, please consult the instructor as soon as possible for help.

• one major playing exam at the beginning of the semester, videotaped (for seating purposes), plus additional playing quizzes as needed.  Most exams will be announced in advance.

• unannounced playing quizzes throughout the quarter on musical selections rehearsed in class.

• written work (small assignments, theory worksheets, practice journal, etc.)

• performance attendance for all required concerts

NOTE:  Students need to give me a blank VHS video tape for their portfolio.

Effort & Daily Participation

This category will be based upon the following criteria:

1. Attentiveness in rehearsals and class
   
   • Are you ready to play when the director is on the podium?
   • Do you stop playing when the instructor stops?
   • Are you actively listening to directions and rehearsal critiques?

• Are you actively playing your instrument?

3. Improvement
   
   • There should be an improvement in one or more of the following areas as the year progresses:
     a. Bow technique
     b. Left hand technique
     c. Shifting
     d. Vibrato
     e.  Sound quality and projection
     

4. Posture
   a.  Sitting posture: Is your back straight in your chair?
   b. Instrument posture: is your instrument in proper playing position?
   

Theory Workbook

Students will be doing regular written work on music theory and music history.  Students must turn assignments in on time (Tuesdays) to receive full credit.  Assignments may be turned in late for partial credit.

Practice Journal

Students will be recording their practice amounts of time and what music played every week in their journals.  Students must turn assignments in on time (every Monday) to receive full credit.  Assignments may be turned in late for partial credit.

Quizzes & Tests

Exams will be in both written and performance areas.  The final exam for second semester will be a written exam.

NOTE:

• Absence from any required event will dictate a drop of one grade level of the quarter grade.
  
• Due to the nature of group performances, make-up work for unexcused absences will not be allowed.
• Please note that excused absences consist of family emergencies such as a death in the family or severe student illness.  In the event of a missed performance, students are expected to bring a note from a parent explaining the reason for the absence within two days of the performance.
• UNEXCUSED absences include missed concerts due to work conflicts or other non-academic organizational activities.  Due to the advanced notice regarding performances, these conflicts should not be an issue.  Please address specific, individual cases to the instructor.
• Those not properly attired for any event will not be allowed to perform, and will consequently drop one letter grade level.
  

Quarterly Chronology                   
* indicates Required Events                                                                                        

COURSE EXPECTATIONS

Mrs. Debbie Wegener

Bachelor of Music Education, Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL

Previous Experience: Assistant  director for Moline Junior Symphony, Orchestra Director for Wilson Junior High in Moline, IL, creator of the Eighth Avenue Strings, 34 years experience teaching Suzuki violin, clinician and adjudicator for various solo/ensemble contests. Ten years teaching Orchestra in the RI/Milan School District #41.

Mrs. Wegener will be available before and after school for help as her schedule permits.  Parents will receive phone/written communications regarding student progress both positive and negative, and will be notified of classroom offenses if they occur more than once.  Parents wishing to contact the instructor to set up conferences or with questions regarding student progress can reach the instructor at the following numbers:

Washington School Office: 309-793-5915       ext. 4133	home email: deborah.wegener@sbcglobal.net
Home: 309-762-5339	school email: debbie.wegener@risd41.org

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns!

Parent Expectations

Parents are encouraged to attend the performances to support the students' efforts.  In addition, parental support on a routine basis (i.e. asking students to perform at home, checking students' practice habits) will enable the student to progress more quickly in class.  The instructor also requests the assistance of parents throughout the year in the various fundraising events and in chaperoning field trips.

As a student, musician, and a member of the Washington Concert Orchestra, it is expected that you¢GU

• Bring your instrument (in good shape) daily to class.
• Bring your music and folder and music books daily to class
• Bring a pencil daily to class.
• Attend every rehearsal, sectional, and performance.
• Be committed to the preparation of the selected literature.
• Maintain a high level of focus throughout rehearsals.
• Make positive contributions to the ensemble and your section.
• Be considerate of the personal space and belongings of others and use good manners.
  

Please return this part to Mrs. Wegener by Friday, August 10.

            We have read the Washington Orchestra Course Syllabus and Welcome Letter, have seen the required calendar events (please mark your calendars now) for the year.  We understand and will follow the expectations of responsibility and commitment set out in these pages. We understand that any schedule conflicts need to be brought to Mrs. Wegener's attention by September 3rd:

Student signature___________________________________________      Date___________________

Parent signature____________________________________________      Date___________________

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This Page was last update: Wednesday, November 28, 2007 at 2:35:41 PM
This page was originally posted: 4/24/07; 2:54:31 PM.
Copyright 2008 Mrs. Wegener Orchestra Director

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