About the program
Honors Symphony Orchestra
Course Description
This course is designed for the student who has a desire to perform challenging music in an orchestral ensemble, and participate in numerous activities above and beyond those of a less rigorous ensemble. Students will not only continue improving their technique on their instrument, but will also learn theory fundamentals, and improve overall musicianship and music literacy. Emphasis will include advanced keys, various bowing techniques, some exploration of tonal harmony, ear training, sight reading as well as a brief introduction to musical analysis.
Student Responsibilities
All Orchestra students’ conduct reflects not only on himself or herself, but also on other students, their school and community. Each student is expected to:
Materials
All students need a quality instrument with quality strings, a bow in good shape, and proper supplies such as shoulder rests, rock stop, rosin, a mute and extra strings. Access to a computer or recording device for home use is necessary for recording tests. In addition, a binder w/dividers and a pencil, are necessary every day and at every performance.
Students may be given assignments in the following categories:
Grading
Grades are based on the following:
The Grading Scale is broken down as follows:
40% Daily Grade – materials – good work ethic – positive attitude
30% Performance – progress on instrument (evidence of practice)
20% Written tests, quizzes
10% Successful completion of Honors “extras”
Below are the additional requirements for earning Honors credit in Symphony:
Maintain membership “in good standing” for the duration of the year. This is evident by display of a consistently positive attitude, a high level of musical achievement, and an exemplary work ethic, as displayed every day in class.
Participate in all regular activities of the Orchestra…concerts, assemblies, and all required events, as outlined in the Turpin Orchestra Handbook for which may include required after school sectionals and/or weekly chamber orchestra rehearsals.
Audition and/or Perform for one or more of the following: SW Region Orchestra, CSYO, NKU Youth Orchestra, Overture Awards, local concerto competitions, or other “outside” school ensembles/competitions/recitals/outreach performances, with “prior” approval of the director.
Perform at OMEA Solo and Ensemble competition, OMEA Large Group Competition, in the community at pre-approved sites for “community service,” such as a nursing home, Kroger or other with “prior” approval of director, and in “above and beyond” events as they occur throughout the year such as, but not limited to NHS Induction Ceremony, Grade-level Honors Awards Ceremonies, Senior Mother’s Breakfast, 4th or 8th grade recruiting events, various gigs, and Pit Orchestra for the MUSICAL at THS or elsewhere.
Attend two outside performances each semester of pre-approved concerts/events, such as CCM concerts or recitals, CSO concerts, etc., and submit a critique of said event within three weeks of the date of the performance/event.
While not required, private lessons are highly recommended for the member to be successful in this ensemble. Sectionals will be required of all members, schedule TBD.
Course Description
This course is designed for the student who has a desire to perform challenging music in an orchestral ensemble, and participate in numerous activities above and beyond those of a less rigorous ensemble. Students will not only continue improving their technique on their instrument, but will also learn theory fundamentals, and improve overall musicianship and music literacy. Emphasis will include advanced keys, various bowing techniques, some exploration of tonal harmony, ear training, sight reading as well as a brief introduction to musical analysis.
Student Responsibilities
All Orchestra students’ conduct reflects not only on himself or herself, but also on other students, their school and community. Each student is expected to:
- Display common courtesy, maturity and respect, both to teacher and to other students. Talking, distracting behavior of any kind, or making extra unnecessary noise during class is absolutely unacceptable, and prohibits everyone from learning and listening. Students should work to expect a high standard both of themselves and their colleagues.
- Follow rules and policies as outlined by the director, the Forest Hills Schools and Turpin High School, as outlined in the Turpin High School Student Handbook.
Materials
All students need a quality instrument with quality strings, a bow in good shape, and proper supplies such as shoulder rests, rock stop, rosin, a mute and extra strings. Access to a computer or recording device for home use is necessary for recording tests. In addition, a binder w/dividers and a pencil, are necessary every day and at every performance.
Students may be given assignments in the following categories:
- Playing assigned material (submitted online as a video)
- Ear Training (writing what you hear on manuscript paper)
- Sight Reading (playing at sight with no prior study or practice)
- Written Work (class quizzes or tests on music basics)
- Listening-Analysis-Written-Oral Reports (see next page for more details)
- Chamber Ensemble Participation
Grading
Grades are based on the following:
- Promptness to class (Daily)
- Having all materials (instrument in good condition, 2-3 pencils, 3 ring binder with dividers for handouts & other music) (Daily)
- Willingness to learn, displaying positive attitude (Daily)
- Appropriate, professional, attentive, quiet rehearsal technique (Daily)
- Evidence of outside practice – mastery of the material assigned (Performance)
- Successful completion of all written assignments, quizzes and tests (Written)
- Fulfillment of all requirements listed below
The Grading Scale is broken down as follows:
40% Daily Grade – materials – good work ethic – positive attitude
30% Performance – progress on instrument (evidence of practice)
20% Written tests, quizzes
10% Successful completion of Honors “extras”
Below are the additional requirements for earning Honors credit in Symphony:
Maintain membership “in good standing” for the duration of the year. This is evident by display of a consistently positive attitude, a high level of musical achievement, and an exemplary work ethic, as displayed every day in class.
Participate in all regular activities of the Orchestra…concerts, assemblies, and all required events, as outlined in the Turpin Orchestra Handbook for which may include required after school sectionals and/or weekly chamber orchestra rehearsals.
Audition and/or Perform for one or more of the following: SW Region Orchestra, CSYO, NKU Youth Orchestra, Overture Awards, local concerto competitions, or other “outside” school ensembles/competitions/recitals/outreach performances, with “prior” approval of the director.
Perform at OMEA Solo and Ensemble competition, OMEA Large Group Competition, in the community at pre-approved sites for “community service,” such as a nursing home, Kroger or other with “prior” approval of director, and in “above and beyond” events as they occur throughout the year such as, but not limited to NHS Induction Ceremony, Grade-level Honors Awards Ceremonies, Senior Mother’s Breakfast, 4th or 8th grade recruiting events, various gigs, and Pit Orchestra for the MUSICAL at THS or elsewhere.
Attend two outside performances each semester of pre-approved concerts/events, such as CCM concerts or recitals, CSO concerts, etc., and submit a critique of said event within three weeks of the date of the performance/event.
While not required, private lessons are highly recommended for the member to be successful in this ensemble. Sectionals will be required of all members, schedule TBD.