Orchestra Officer Election

    Please choose ONE candidate for each position

    SAMANTHA
    As someone that has been heavily involved in orchestra and music in general for many years, I believe I can accurately gauge the goals of our symphony orchestra through our music and extracurricular activities. By connecting with more students in the orchestra from different social and musical backgrounds, I hope to make the class more enjoyable every day. ​
    SYDNEY
    ​I believe I would make a good candidate because not only is making music something I hold with a really high value, but I also love spreading my passion for music of all genres with others however I can. Being in the symphony orchestra for two years has taught me so much about chamber music and teamwork dynamics. I feel that I am capable of furthering orchestra spirit, and I’m so excited to make this upcoming year count!
    MAX
    ​I have experience in this position, I am in the orchestra room at least once per week anyway, and am very interested in making sure the orchestra is as fun as it has always been
    MEL
    ​I have a true passion, not only for music, but for helping others and creating an environment where anyone can feel safe and have fun! Additionally, I have an open mind and would be more than willing to try new things and give 100% to whatever the task is at hand :)
    GRACIELA
    ​I am a creative person, and i can come up with a lot of ideas on how to make symphony even more fun and enjoyable.
    CHELSEA
    I think I make a good candidate because I’ve always tried since day 1 to make the best out of Orchestra. Wether it be the music that we play or the encounters we make. Orchestra to me is like a family we have our ups and downs but, at the end of the day even if we’re in different social groups we help each other. If I do get elected I promise I’ll make sure we stay having this “family vibe” and enjoy our special year. ❤️ ​
    ABIGAIL
    I am very organized, neat and optimistic. I will do a great job keeping track of the attendances and making sure the music library is organized, along with the other responsibilities I will undertake. ​
    ADRIANNA
    ​What would make me a great candidate for the secretarial position of the Symphony orchestra is my meticulous attention to not only organization and clean up, but the monitoring of the Symphony's events as well. Symphony orchestra, Honors Ensemble and countless other musical clubs, for myself and many others, is the time of our days that can help us relieve stress and immerse ourselves in our music. I hope as secretary, I can continue making the class enjoyable by promoting our hard work on social media and club fairs, maintaining the classroom and possibly even decorating the room.
    EMILY
    ​I helped stay organized with the money this year and I feel like I would be able to continue that onto next year
    JULIETH
    I am very responsible and I because this will be my first year in symphony I think it is a small role but I can play a big part in orchestra. ​
    ESTHER
    ​I love participating in fundraisers! Since things are being cleared up in my schedule, I will definitely have a lot more time to help organize ideas as well as organizing fundraisers.
    CHRISTOPHER
    I have loved playing orchestra since 4th grade. I would love the opportunity to help create a united environment. Through being treasurer, I can help the orchestra stay organized and contribute in a positive manner.
    Megan
    I am an extremely organized and responsible person. My handwriting is easy to read and I excel in making charts, lists, and systems. I will have all money collected and paperwork completed on time, turned into the Student Activities office. I am available to be at all orchestra fundraisers and spend extra time in the orchestra room. I manage funds well, and will hold people accountable until I receive their payment. I am great at collaborating with others, and my co and I will make sure that money will be received, organized, recorded, and turned over in an highly efficient manner. ​

Symphony Orchestra  Syllabus 2019-2020
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Welcome!
Mr. Zachary May, Orchestra Teacher | zacharymay@wpcsd.k12.ny.us
"Where words fail, music speaks" - Hans Christian Andersen
Required Symphony Orchestra Concert Dates 2019-2020
Thursday, December 12, 2019. 7:00 PM - With Choir and Treble Choir
Thursday, March 12, 2020. 7:00 PM - With Concert Orchestra
Tuesday, June 2, 2020. 7:00 PM - With String Orchestra and Concert Orchestra (Spring Concert IV)
Field Trip Dates 2019-2020
Friday, October 25, 2019. 10:30am - 6:00pm - New York Philharmonic Field Trip
Friday-Monday, ​April 17-20, 2020. Symphony Orchestra Tour to ​Montreal, Quebec
Overview
The Symphony Orchestra is a group of advanced string players who are able to demonstrate an appropriate proficiency level. Students also receive small group instrumental instruction on a rotational basis. Most of the repertoire for this ensemble is similar in difficulty to levels IV, V, and VI in the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) manual. Repertoire is chosen from the Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and/or Contemporary periods, as well as selections from popular and global music. Attendance at all scheduled performances is required.
Grading
Participation = 30% / Sectionals = 30% / Performance (Performance Assessments and Concerts) = 40%
  • Participation grade is based on preparedness, attendance, punctuality, activity in class.
  • Sectionals: You will be excused from other classes to attend sectionals. There are 7 offered each quarter, and you must attend 5. Additional make-up lessons are scheduled and students can meet with Mr. May at lunch by appointment for further make-up opportunities. 
  • Playing tests are given once per quarter. Excerpts are chosen from the concert repertoire or solos chosen by individual students.
  • Concert Attendance is mandatory. There are no excused absences. Emergencies will be assessed on a case by case basis.
Classroom Policies 
Mr. May's policies are based on the White Plains City School District policies and procedures
Attendance and Tardy 
            • TARDY -       In your seat with instrument more than 2 minutes after the bell (no pass)
            • CUT -          Out of class without a parent excuse
                                 Out of class for more than 10 minutes of the class period
            • One unexcused absence results in an after-school detention with the teacher
            • Bathroom passes may be used in an emergency after the first 10 minutes and before the last 10 minutes of class

Required Materials
            • Black 1/2” Binder    • Instrument  • Shoulder Rest/Rock Stop and Rosin    • Pencil      

Behavior Expectations
            • Treat others how you would like to be treated
            • Listen silently while the teacher gives instructions
            • Be ready to play immediately when a measure number is given
            • Work according to instructions during group or written work time
            • Put away all materials at the end of every class period

            Failure to meet any of these expectations can result in:
                        (a) Reduction of participation grade (according to orchestra participation rubric)
                        (b) Parent phone call and discipline referral
                        (c) Referral to house administrator

Cell Phones, Headphones
Cell phones and headphones should never be used during orchestra class unless needed for a class-related activity. Please use phones before or after class only! Multiple 

Food, Drink, and Gum
For the safety of our students and care of instruments, no food, drink (except for water bottles), or gum are permitted in the orchestra room. Exceptions can be made for students making up a missed sectional during the lunch hour.
PARENT SIGNATURE: Please Print form and return to Mr. May with a parent signature. Then complete the Info Sheet below or at wphsorchestra.org/symphony. due Friday, 9/6/19.

“I have read and understand all classroom policies as outlined in this syllabus. I understand that my child is required to attend all three evening concert dates listed.”
"Lei y entiendo todas las políticas del aula como se indica en este programa de studio. Entiendo que mi hijo(a) require asistir a las tres fechas de los conciertos que figuran en el plan de estudios.”


Parent Signature________________________________               Date_______________________
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    Student Info Survey - Symphony Orchestra

    Please complete all fields accurately and click the 'submit' button below by 7:30 am on 9/6/19 for full credit.