The orchestra program follows a weekly 3-Strike Policy on behaviors that are not otherwise explicitly addressed. A student's 3 strikes are renewed each week; they do not carry over. This policy is in effect or behaviors such as:
​
Forgetting an Instrument
Forgetting a Lesson Log
Talking
Phones*
Tardies
Others
​
The 3-Strike Policy will be enforced on a per-week basis as follows:
​
Strike 1 - Conversation, no consequence
Strike 2 - 10m detention (served within 2 days), email home, Minor Referral
Strike 3 - 30m detention (served within 2 days), Student call home, Major Referral
​
*Phones will be treated slightly different. If it is seen out of pocket or heard for whatever reason, other than asked for, I will take it.
​
Strike 1 - Mine for class, goes in my box at my feet
Strike 2 - Mine until the end of the day, in a safe place, email home
Strike 3 - Mine until Mom or Dad come get it, student call home, Minor Referral
3-Strike Policy
Rehearsal
Rehearsal
Rehearsal
The basic requirement for rehearsal is to participate and learn. I design class to be fun, engaging, and meaningful. Everything I ask students to do, whether that is to play their instrument, a game, or complete a worksheet, it is all centered around student learning. I have created posters that summarize my behavior expectations for rehearsal time. At the end of each week, the entire ensemble grades themselves using this scale, and is graded accordingly as a class.
These are the behavior expectations for rehearsal. If a student is disruptive, or is refusing to participate, they will follow the 3-Strike Policy.
Lessons
Lessons are the crux of any quality orchestra. In order for us to be successful year after year, lessons need to be attended, encouraged, and practiced for. This will ensure individual growth, as well as ensemble growth. I have outlined the procedure for lessons below.
​
Attendance
I expect every student, every week, to attend their group lesson. I expect them to practice outside of the school day to be ready to present their music. I expect them to remember their lesson time, and to come to my room 2min prior to set up, and to be ready when the group ahead of them is done. If a teacher is causing a problem, let me know, I will resolve that. I do grade 21st Century Skills, which is responsibility. This requires them to meet the criteria as follows:
Is on time on their own
Has their instrument
Has their materials - lesson log and lesson book
Is prepared
Lessons are where the learning happens. I get a chance to teach your student weekly one-on-one and fix any issues that arise before they become bad habits. also, lessons outside of school are expensive! I'm free! I get each student for the first three weeks to ensure they understand the procedures, and to remind them of their lesson time. After that, it is up to them to show up.
While this seems difficult, they are absolutely capable. I am trying to push every student to be independent and to build a work ethic. If I can get those two things to happen, McKinley orchestra is going to be extraordinary.
Materials
I expect each student to bring their lesson log and/or solo, and I will supply the book. Having these ensures I can keep track of their progress, and they can keep track. I try to help by sending what was accomplished in lessons in an email after each lesson, but the log is required for your student to know what is next. Students should keep their lesson book at home.
​
​
Book 1 Lesson Logs
​
​
​
Book 2 Lesson Logs
​
​
​
​
Practicing
I expect students to practice 15min every other day. That is the minimum. Anything more will be beneficial, but be careful not to burn them out by practicing too much. Also, please encourage your student through the screeches, stops, crunches, and frustration. Feeling the success of completing songs and solos is so rewarding, and you will notice a change in other areas of their life, too. Music is so powerful.
Bows
​
Bows are required for our instruments to play long, sustained notes. In order to do this, our bows need to be tightened to the point of taught, but the stick should always bend towards the hair. They need just enough rosin to grip the string, but not to so much to seem chalky. BOWS MUST BE LOOSENED AFTER EVERY PRACTICE. If a bow does not tighten, the hair is stretched from being stored tight.
​
Rosin
​
I supply rosin on the piano during class. Students may get up to use the rosin, and return it to the piano. Rosin must not be taken to, or left on stands.