Orchestra Classroom Conduct/Student Responsibilities

1. Treat all people, instruments, and music with respect.
2. Follow classroom procedures every day.  (3-minute rule)  
3.  I gave you a pencil at the beginning of the year.   Have it with you in class at all times!
4. No food, gum, or drinks are allowed in E-Wing.  Bottled water is permissible.
5. Raise your hand and wait to be called upon if you have a question.
6. Disruption in class will result in a loss of Participation points for the day.
7. Respect the opinions and ability levels of others – we function as a team.
8. Be on time for rehearsal.  Tardies will be addressed per LSW policy.

Classroom Equipment

1. 1. Equipment is to be used only with the expressed permission of the teacher; this includes the acoustic and electronic pianos as well as the stereo equipment.
2. Teacher’s office, desks, and phones are off limits for students unless permission is given.
3. Use proper receptacles for all garbage: RECYCLE!
4. Leave the dry erase board clear for teacher use.
5. Respect the classroom environment.  This is your space too!

LPS Policy Regulation #3630.1:

“It shall be the responsibility of each student to give proper care to instructional equipment, materials, and supplies. Where carelessness leads to destruction or loss of equipment or materials beyond normal use, the student and/or his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) will make appropriate payments. “

Attendance

Attendance is crucial for every member of the orchestra. Due to the nature of the course, when a student is absent he/she misses rehearsal that cannot be made up. In addition, the entire ensemble suffers because that student was not in school to learn his/her part along with the rest of the ensemble. Excessive absences OR tardies could result in lunch detention or referrals.

Performances

Performances are extremely important and make up a large part of the student grade; they are like the final exam in other courses. In order to have outstanding performances, everyone must be present.   The absence of one class member affects the performance of the orchestra as a whole. You are expected to be at all performances.  Absences due to special circumstances will be reviewed by the director.

• ALL performances (concerts, contests) are required.
• Students are required to attend all performances for which a two-week notice is given. Work schedules need to be adjusted, as absences due to a student’s job are ALWAYS UNEXCUSED.
• If you know of a pre-planned event (i.e. family wedding, etc.) notice MUST be given IN WRITING at least 2 weeks prior to the performance.
• In a last minute emergency situation, students will only be excused from a performance due to a personal illness, death in the family, or an unexpected emergency.  Students will not be excused because they do not have a ride.
• The director must be notified of an expected absence prior to the performance. The instrumental office phone number is 436-1306, ext. 66504 (Mr. Fahrlander) or 66507 (Mrs. Wilhelm). This is a 24-hour number with voicemail. You may also send an email.  Mr. Fahrlander – jfahrla@lps.org;  Mrs. Wilhelm- awilhel2@lps.org. 
• The director will determine (in a pre-planned event or emergency) whether an absence from a performance is excused or unexcused.  If excused, it is the student’s responsibility to get make-up work.
• Students who miss a concert AND have given prior notice will be given an alternate assignment to earn their points.  Assignments will be given at the director’s discretion.
• If a student does not attend a performance and has not given prior contact, this will result in a 0 for that event.  All performances are summative scores in Synergy.
• In the event of ‘bad’ weather on the day or evening of a performance or rehearsal; directors will coordinate with administrators and/or event organizers to determine if the performance or rehearsal will occur.  If the directors determine that the performance or rehearsal will continue as planned, students will be expected to attend as usual.  Parents can choose to withhold their child from the performance or rehearsal but the absence will be unexcused.
• No points will be taken away from a student who cannot attend a performance due to religious or excused reasons. However, a two-week notice must be given to the director along with a parent note or email.

Grading Policy

• All weekly music theory assessments, homework, participation, and morning rehearsals will be graded as a “Formative” assessment. Formative assessments are worth 20% of the student’s grade.
• Contests, concerts, finals, and quarterly playing tests will be graded as a “Summative” assessment. Summative assessments are worth 80% of the student’s grade.

 

Student Activity Conflicts

There are times when students simultaneously participate in an organized sport or performing group. Conflicts occasionally arise when practices and regularly scheduled events take place concurrently. Although every attempt will be made to keep such scheduling to a minimum, the following guidelines will be followed:

1. When a practice/rehearsal and an event (game or concert) are scheduled simultaneously, the EVENT takes precedence.

2. When two practices or rehearsals are scheduled simultaneously, the students may SELECT the event in which she/he will participate. He/She should make the decision and notify both teachers and coaches, whenever possible, at least three (3) days in advance.

3. Under NO circumstance will the student be penalized for his/her decision; that is, class grades are not to be lowered, the student will not be benched, nor will the student’s ability to earn a letter be affected.

4. When successive rehearsals/practices are in conflict with one another, students should try to be equitable with both activities.

5. In case of a disagreement among the parties concerned, the matter should be referred to the administrator or administrators in charge for a solution.

Concert Attire:

All Members: Concert Black–

Men– Black dress shirt, black dress pants, LONG black socks, black shoes, black tie optional

Women– Black top (no sleeveless tops please), black pants or skirt.  The skirt must be below the knee while seated with black hose/tights.  Shoes must be closed toe- no flip flops or sandals.

Travel Procedures

This organization travels in Lincoln and out-of-town destinations and rules apply. These rules are set forth by the State of Nebraska and LSW School Policy and are for your safety as well as the reputation of our group and school. Each time you speak, act, and think you are representing your school, your city, your state, and your country.

1. No alcohol/drugs allowed! If you use… you will be sent home at your own expense!

2. The Law: any trouble you get into with the law is on your own terms- we do not bail you out or wait for you.

3. All Large Ensembles will travel via bus. Students are required to travel on the bus unless the parents/guardians have elected to drive the student to all events.

4. Dress as you would at school. If a specific dress is necessary, we will let you know well in advance.

5. No foul or off-color language at any time.

6. Follow the guidelines in your itinerary for times and places.

7. Departure times are firm! Do not be late for anything.

8. If you are not sure if you have permission to do something, chances are you don’t . . . think before you act!

Southwest Music Department Philosophy:

We, the staff of the LSW Music Department, believe that students should be involved in as many activities/athletics as they wish. When possible, every effort will be made to allow for flexibility when conflicts arise. A diverse high school experience provides a good foundation for college and lifelong learning.