Symphony Orchestra Syllabus 2022-2023 |
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Welcome!
Mr. Zachary May, Orchestra Teacher | [email protected]
"Where words fail, music speaks" - Hans Christian Andersen
Mr. Zachary May, Orchestra Teacher | [email protected]
"Where words fail, music speaks" - Hans Christian Andersen
Required Symphony Orchestra Concert Dates 2022-2023
Thursday, December 15, 2022. 7:00 PM - With String Orchestra and Concert Orchestra
Thursday, March 9, 2023. 7:00 PM - With Concert Orchestra
Wednesday, May 31, 2023. 7:00 PM - With String Orchestra and Concert Orchestra
Thursday, June 22, 2023. 4:00-11:00pm Graduation - All Symphony Orchestra members perform (seniors only 1 piece)
Thursday, December 15, 2022. 7:00 PM - With String Orchestra and Concert Orchestra
Thursday, March 9, 2023. 7:00 PM - With Concert Orchestra
Wednesday, May 31, 2023. 7:00 PM - With String Orchestra and Concert Orchestra
Thursday, June 22, 2023. 4:00-11:00pm Graduation - All Symphony Orchestra members perform (seniors only 1 piece)
Field Trip/Special Event Dates 2022-2023
Thursday, November 17, 2022 10am-5pm - New Jersey Symphony Concert and "Meet the Artist" Experience
Monday, March 27, 2023 (all morning) In-school exchange clinic with Lyons Township HS Orchestra from Illinois
Thursday-Saturday, April 20-22, 2023 - Band & Orchestra Tour to Boston and Six Flags New England
Thursday, November 17, 2022 10am-5pm - New Jersey Symphony Concert and "Meet the Artist" Experience
Monday, March 27, 2023 (all morning) In-school exchange clinic with Lyons Township HS Orchestra from Illinois
Thursday-Saturday, April 20-22, 2023 - Band & Orchestra Tour to Boston and Six Flags New England
Symphony Orchestra Learning Outcomes
• I can contribute positively to the orchestra during classes and performances.
• I can reach personal goals through regular individual practice.
• I can play major and minor scales to 4 flats and 4 sharps in three octaves.
• I can read, write, and play in tune in keys up to 4 flats and 4 sharps.
• I can correctly read and perform all rhythms down to sixteenth notes.
• I can play all bowings accurately.
• I can shift fluidly to positions 1-5 on my instrument.
• I can produce good tone with detachè, legato, staccato, spiccato, and lourè bowing.
• I can use vibrato consistently.
• I can adjust my volume and tone to blend with others in the orchestra.
• I can identify musical eras by dates, stylistic traits, and important composers.
• I can correctly use musical vocabulary to critique a performance.
• I can contribute positively to the orchestra during classes and performances.
• I can reach personal goals through regular individual practice.
• I can play major and minor scales to 4 flats and 4 sharps in three octaves.
• I can read, write, and play in tune in keys up to 4 flats and 4 sharps.
• I can correctly read and perform all rhythms down to sixteenth notes.
• I can play all bowings accurately.
• I can shift fluidly to positions 1-5 on my instrument.
• I can produce good tone with detachè, legato, staccato, spiccato, and lourè bowing.
• I can use vibrato consistently.
• I can adjust my volume and tone to blend with others in the orchestra.
• I can identify musical eras by dates, stylistic traits, and important composers.
• I can correctly use musical vocabulary to critique a performance.
Grading
Participation = 25% / Sectionals = 25% / Performance (Performance Assessments and Concerts) = 50%
Participation = 25% / Sectionals = 25% / Performance (Performance Assessments and Concerts) = 50%
- 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.
- Individual Performance Assessments 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!
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.
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!
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.