Friday, September 18, 2009

Today, the 8th grade received “permanent” section assignments, accompanied by practice parts. Students were divided based on ability, with strong players being assigned to both the first and second violin sections and distributed among stands in the viola and cello sections. Seating will continue to rotate, but with more structure. Barring any disciplinary or scheduling changes, the stand partners that students sat with today will continue to be their partners until permanent concert seating is assigned.

The following practice parts were distributed:
Cellos Ole by Richard Meyer
Dramatic Essay by Mark Williams
Mambo Incognito by Doug Spata
Fanfare and Frippery by Richard Stephan

On the front of each practice part packet is a Practice Log. Record both lesson and orchestra assignments (and practice) on this log. I will be checking the logs of the students in my lesson groups. Ms. Norman, Ms. Dame, and Mr. Herchenroder may also choose to check these logs, or they may distribute a similar log.

8th graders have homework over the weekend:

Cellos
Cellos Ole: measures 7-15; Mambo Incognito 25-37

Violins & Violas
Mambo Incognito measures 7-25; Dramatic Essay: beginning to measure 9



Some 6th graders arrived on time today, got out their instruments, and found their seats without me even having to remind them. These, and a few more, showed good focus and sat like good musicians (with their feet flat on the floor, their backs away from their chairs, good instrument posture, all without talking) all throughout rehearsal. I look forward to the day that all the 6th graders can conduct themselves in this way.

Orchestra at FMS is different from orchestra in the elementary school. In 6th grade, everyone receives a grade for orchestra that gets factored into their average in the same way their core classes are. Because of this, orchestra functions in much the same way as other classes at Farnsworth in that lateness, absence, and missing supplies/equipment (and, by nature, homework) are all recorded and factored into the final grade. Make sure you have your instrument, practice part, pencil, and any written homework with you on the day it is due. Just like in any other class, students who are late need to come with a pass, and just like in any other class, homework is late if it is left in a locker or in a homeroom.


My grading policy is outlined in the handouts that students received on the first day of school as well as the handout parents received at open house. Someone asked me today if it was possible to fail orchestra. The answer is yes, but I hope I will never, ever have to fail a child in a music class. The simplest things to remember in order to pass and receive good grades in orchestra are:

1. Bring your instrument and your folder (with practice parts & homework) every orchestra day.
2. Attend your lessons. Be on time, bring your book, and practice your assignments.
3. Fully prepare your orchestra homework by practicing every day.
4. Contribute musically to orchestra and lessons by playing to the best of your ability and by being respectful to your teacher and classmates.

We read through 3 movements of Miniature Symphony by Richard Meyer, which will probably be the final addition to the 6th grade concert program.