The Webb
Bridge Middle
School
· James Barket, Director
· Elizabeth Fogartie, Principal
The WBMS Orchestra Handbook
Contents
- Purpose
- Participation
- Attendance
- Conduct
- Grades
- Absences
- Instruments
- Books
- After-School Ensembles
- Other Opportunites
- Dress for Concerts
- Special Information for beginning Sixth Graders
- Field Trips
- Practice
- Go back to Webb Bridge Middle School Orchestra
Purpose: The orchestra program at
Participation: All students are eligible to participate. Beginner
level is possible in the 6th grade (see special notes, below). Membership in
orchestra is from semester to semester. The Advanced Violin Ensemble, the Viola
Ensemble, and the Low Strings Ensemble are open to those students who are
deemed qualified by the director. Students must participate in a
regularly-scheduled music class to be eligible for after-school ensembles.
School policy dictates that a student may not withdraw without written parental
consent. Prior to withdrawal, parents are encouraged to speak with the director
so that possible adjustments to their child’s learning program may be
attempted. No student will be dropped without prior parental notification. If
withdrawal is necessary, it must be done at the conclusion of a semester. Goals
and objectives for students with Individual Education Plans will be addressed
in this course. Go to top of page
Attendance: When a child is excused from school, an absence from
orchestra will also be granted. To be excused from an after-school orchestra
rehearsal or a concert when the student is in school, the student must bring a
written note from a parent explaining the absence no later that the day before
the rehearsal or concert. Concerts count as test grades. All concert dates are
in student agendas, posted on the board, and posted on the WBMS Orchestra Web
Site. Students are expected to keep their parents informed of all concert and
rehearsal dates to avoid family conflicts. If students have private lessons
that conflict with a rehearsal or concert, the students will be expected to
reschedule the private lessons and attend the concert or rehearsal. If a
student misses a concert with an excused absence, he/she will still be required
to make up the work. During part of December and January, students should plan
on rehearsing after school on Monday or Wednesday from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. This
will enable us to get ready for Large Group Performance Evaluation. We may also
rehearse after school just before in-school performances. Students will be
given a schedule of after-school rehearsals.
Students arriving tardy to class must have a pass to be excused. Unexcused
tardies will be applied to the student’s participation grade. Go
to top of page
Conduct: Students are expected to know and abide by the
conduct rules listed in the WBMS Student Agenda. Students should remain seated
unless given permission otherwise and speak only after raising their hands and
being acknowledged by the director. As a class, we will speak one at a time and
remain silent when anyone else is speaking. Good respectful conduct benefits
everyone! Go to top of page
Grades: Grades are based upon the student’s performance in
these specific areas: participation in class (60%); playing tests and classwork
(20%); homework assignments (20%). Attitude, improvement, and the ability to be
on task in class are key areas of participation. Go to top of
page
Absences: Upon returning to school, the student should contact
the director to request make-up work. If the absence was excused, make-up work
will be counted for full value. Go to top of page
Instruments: Students are encouraged to provide their own
instruments. Some school instruments are available, but they are reserved for
students with serious financial need. All other students (cellos and basses
excepted) should secure their own instruments. A list of Fulton County-approved
music stores that provide instruments ia available upon request. Students using
a school instrument must fill out a county usage form and are responsible for
up-keep and repair (this includes replacement strings). A voluntary usage fee
is requested.Go to top of page
Books: Students should obtain a copy of Essential Elements
For Strings (beginning students: Book I; Sixth graders: Book II; Seventh
graders: Intermediate Techniques; Eighth graders: Advanced Techniques). The
instructor will provide additional materials.Go to top of page
Go back to Webb
Bridge Middle School Orchestra
The After-School
Ensembles (AVE, VE, & LSE): All
orchestra students are eligible and encouraged to audition for the after-school
ensembles. They rehearse Chamber style without conductor. The director
organizes and runs the rehearsal, but the students perform as a large chamber
group. Therefore, although all students are eligible to participate, membership
is reserved for students who demonstrate the highest professional behavior. The
director listens to the auditions and determines the membership. Both Advanced
Violin Ensemble and Low Strings Ensemble meet after school from 3:45 to 4:45
p.m. AVE meets on Monday, and LSE meets on Wednesday. The Viola Ensemble meets
on Thursday mornings from 7:35-8:25. All students must be picked up from school
by 5:00 p.m. Attendance is required for all rehearsals and concerts. Since
these groups rehearse before or after school only once a week, please try to
schedule doctors and similar appointments on non-rehearsal days.Go
to top of page
Other Opportunities: GMEA and ASTA with NSOA provide additional opportunities
for music students during the year. The main events are the Solo Competition
(November), Solo and Ensemble Performance Evaluation (November), Large Group
Performance Evaluation (February), and All-State Orchestra (March, but
auditions are in October and January). We will all participate in the Large
Group Performance Evaluation, but students are also encouraged to participate
in the other events. There are also several area honor orchestras. Among these
are the MYSO String Orchestra and the Fulton Youth Orchestra. To be eligible
for the Solo Competition, All-State Orchestra, or any of the honor orchestras,
students must have an Excellent conduct grade.Go to top of page
Dress for Concerts: Boys: Black pants, white WBMS orchestra shirt; dark
shoes and socks. Girls: Black skirt or pants; white WBMS orchestra shirt; dark
shoes, flesh-colored hose (no mesh!). Students will participate in performances
only when properly dressed.Go to top of page
Special Information for
Beginning Sixth Graders: Welcome to
the
Field Trips: Each year we have the opportunity for two or three
field trips. In past years, orchestras traveled to GSU,
Practice: Students are expected to develop a practice routine.
Dr. Barket will assist you and offer you guidance as you develop your routine.
Students who take private lessons are requested to give the name and phone
number of their private teacher to the director. Your cooperation is greatly
appreciated! Again, I welcome everyone to the Webb Bridge Middle School
Orchestra Program, and I look forward to working with all of you. James Barket
(Barket@fultonschools.org) Go to top of page
Please e-mail the following information to
me or fill it out, sign the form, and have your child bring it to me at WBMS.
Unless you do not have access to e-mail, please e-mail the information. Thank
you very much! Student
Name____________________________________________Grade__________ Parent
Name_____________________________________________Phone Number__________
Best time for phone calls__________________Num. of hrs/wk student will
practice________ I am interested in serving as a chaperone for WBMS
Orchestra field trips. Yes---------No I am e-mailing or returning
this information to Dr. Barket with the understanding that I have read and
understand the WBMS Orchestra Handbook, and my child will abide by all
conditions stated therein. I agree to check the WBMS Website (www.jamesbarketweb.net/WBMS.html) regularly!