guidelines and educational packet for the 2009-2010 school year

1. Moon Area Middle School Orchestra Guidelines
“The Choice is Yours”
Revised 5/11/09
Student success is enhanced when there is sincere effort, a willingness to learn, an ever-increasing sense of self-control
and discipline, and support by parents. By insisting on these things, Moon Middle School can better foster student
achievement and creativity in, with and through the musical arts.
These guidelines identify the goals and requirements for the future success of middle school instrumental band and the
students who participate. These guidelines have been coordinated to create consistency for all Moon Middle School
students participating in instrumental and choral music. You will find similarities between choral and instrumental
guidelines so all Moon Middle School students are treated equally.
Please take the time to read these guidelines.
Content Requirements
Participation in instrumental music has educational objectives consistent with other disciplines within the school with
the added dimension of musical performance in the public setting. Orchestra is a school class. Arts performance
standards are law. Instrumental Orchestra is designed to provide young musicians with critical thinking skills. This
enables them to comprehensively interpret and speak the language of music through instrumental music performance.
Musical instruction focuses on the following concepts:
1. Following instructions (non-verbal from the conductor and verbal from the teacher) State Standards 9.1, 9.3, 9.4
2. Instrumental Technique for quality tone production and articulation. State Standards 9.1, 9.3, 9.4
3. Music Reading skills and applied theory State Standards 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4
4. Large group (ensemble) performance State Standard 9.1
5. Active Listening Training (musical and verbal) State Standards 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4
6. Balance (volume and dynamics) State Standards 9.1, 9.3, 9.4
7. Intonation (playing in tune) State Standards 9.1, 9.2, 9.3
8. Historical and Cultural Perspective of Repertoire State Standard 9.2
9. Music Theory State Standards 9.1, 9.3
10. Stylistic Interpretation of band literature State Standards 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4
Students will:
1. Accurately follow the conductor’s gestures.
2. Demonstrate self-control and appropriate class participation in a large group setting.
3. Maintain cleanliness and serviceability of their personal, rental or school owned instrument so that it functions properly in class.
4. Maintain an individual folder of printed band materials and literature.
5. Be prepared for every class with their instrument, complete folder with all materials and a pencil.
6. Complete written theory assignments.
7. Perform on their instrument for playing grade alone and with others.
8. Participate in required performances and rehearsals.
9. Make up missed class time.
Class/ Rehearsal Guidelines
1. When the bell rings, students must quickly assemble and/or prepare their instrument to play. Students should be
seated with folders, instrument, pencil and any other materials needed for that day. Students must wait for the
gesture to play before sounding their instrument.
2. TALKING IS NOT TOLERATED DURING LESSON/REHEARSALS BECAUSE IT HINDERS
LEARNING.
3. Students will be seated by instrument. Parts will be assigned by the director and/or through an audition process.
That decision will be based upon the educational needs of the group and/or individuals as determined by the
teacher.
4. Restroom passes will be limited. A student’s personal Agenda Mate is a student’s hall pass. According to school
procedures, students are not to be sent into the halls without presenting THEIR Agenda Mate hall pass.
5. Percussion instruments will not be played by students unless directed to do so for class purposes. Students who
play on percussion instruments without permission will be assigned Friday detention.
6. THERE WILL BE NO GUM OR FOOD DURING CLASS AND REHEARSALS. As a result, Friday
detention is issued for gum chewing without warning.
7. The director will give ample “pack up” time near the end of the class. No more playing should occur. Students
should exit through the band room double doors only.

2. Being Prepared For Class
1. Student has serviceable, properly functioning instrument for class. Broken instruments could adversely affect a
student’s grade.
2. Students will have an opportunity to make up missed classes due to absence, medical, no instrument, etc. to avoid
a zero for that class.
3. School Owned Instruments-Large instruments provided by the school are issued ready to play. The student is
free to take the instrument home to practice as if they owned it. The director notes dents or damage prior to issue.
The user is responsible for repairs beyond normal wear and tear as determined by the director. The user pays for
repairs resulting from carelessness, neglect or attempted home repairs. A general rule is for the user to care for the
instrument as if they owned it.
4.The student’s name is clearly marked on the case
by a tag, masking tape or other useful means.
5. Student has a pencil. (not a pen) A pencil is a tool for school. It applies to orchestra too. Have numerous pencils
stored in the instrument case if possible.
6. Being prepared will earn 6 out of 10 participation points per class. Not being prepared will earn zero and need for
make-up session.
7. This year, students will be given a warm up book that will be considered their text for the class. This book
should be brought to every class during the school year. Not having this will result in the student losing
points. Students will need to put this packet in a small three ring binder.
Instrument Storage at School/Transporting the Instrument
1. Students are assigned an instrument storage place in the Moon Middle School string room to assist with
transporting the instrument. It is not year-round storage.
2. Instrument cases need to be clearly marked with student names. Points are assigned to this.
3. Students have the option of organizing their day to conveniently get their instrument to class. Some options
include:
• Deliver instrument to band room after students are dismissed to morning advisor base classroom.
• Keep instrument in advisor base room or locker and deliver to the band room later in the day as the schedule
permits.
• Keep instrument in advisor base room or locker and bring to class when needed.
• Pick up at the end of the day to take home. Convenience varies based on bus departure.
4. Bus transportation-Students should try their best to use school transportation for instruments.
5. Parent transportation-Parents always have the option of transporting instruments before and after school. Note:
Students are still responsible for following arrival and dismissal procedures. Parent transportation does not exempt
students from standard arrival and dismissal procedures.
6. All STUDENTS SHOULD NOT TAKE INSTRUMENTS OUT OF CASES AT THE BUS STOP OR ON
THE BUS!
Attendance
Performances and rehearsals are graded. They are viewed as organized homework or tests. Mark your calendars when
notice is mailed or sent with students. When a student fails to notify their parents of additional Orchestra events, it is
perceived as a communication issue between the child and the parent and will not change the teacher’s well-intentioned
efforts to follow through on grading. The expectation is that students will take the notices to their parent/guardian.
ADVANCED NOTICE
Responsibility is taught by insisting that students manage all of their responsibilities and give the director the courtesy
of advanced notice when there are conflicts. Other than the emergency situations listed below, same day notice is not
viewed as advanced notice. Advanced notice can be given with a hand written note, or email. Students can expect
make-up-performing work just as in other classes.
Contact with Mr. Minamyer
♦ mminamyer@masd.k12.pa.us (school)
♦ 412-264-9440 X2191 (school)

3. It is also expected that the Orchestra schedule not be the one always sacrificed when conflicts occur. Care is taken to
schedule the number of orchestra commitments required to improve the quality of music education for the group and/or
to improve the quality of individual musical experience.
Emergency situations such as a death in the family, accident, serious student illness will be accepted excuses from
performances and rehearsals. Please use the contact information to reach the director in the event of an emergency.
*****Unexcused absences from performances/rehearsals and/or absences with no advanced notice will not be made up
for points.
Grading System for Orchestra 6,7,8
Orchestra is graded like other classes using A, B, C, D; F grades. It is included in the grade point average on the report
card. An automatic A should not be expected.
1. Grades for Orchestra are established by assigning point values into the GRADE QUICK grading software provided
by Moon Area Schools.
2. There are ten (10) possible daily participation points awarded each day.
3. Six (6) points are earned when students are prepared for class and follow all Rehearsal/Class Guidelines.
4. The seventh eighth and ninth points are earned by actively participating and demonstrating quality class work that
is evidence of home practice, as determined by the director.
5. A score of 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or zero (0) is logged for each student each day. There are 220 participation points per nine
weeks.
6. Performances are worth (75) points. When a performance is missed, students will be scheduled for a make-up
performance worth twenty (40) points.
7. There are numerous tape test and practice reports that will be given throughout the year, with points ranging from
20 to 50 points.
8. Make-up work: Students who miss a class due to absence, forgetting instruments/materials will need to make up
the work by scheduling a 20 minute practice session before or after school within one week to avoid a zero.
NERVES COUNT!
Orchestra is a performance class. Everyone gets nervous about having to perform. That is part of the learning
experience and it counts as one of the variables students must overcome to earn an “A”. Home practice eliminates this
variable for students because the outside preparation builds confidence needed to control nerves during a performance
in school. When a student performs poorly during a play test due to nervousness that is an indication that more
preparation is needed at home.
Students have homework every day. Homework is in the form of practicing and/or playing their instrument outside
of class on a daily basis. There is an audible difference between the students who work at home and those who do not.
Home practice is necessary for improvement in everything a student does at school. If you do not hear the instrument
being practiced at home, chances are the student is not reaching their fullest potential and their performance is suffering
at school. There will be assignments, quizzes and playing evaluations given throughout the year that require outside
effort. Music is a part of the curriculum and is an opportunity to think, learn, create and perform on the highest levels.
Having self-control in class, self-discipline in practice and performance and respect for other ensemble members is
vital to the learning process.
HHH (Helpful Homework Hints)
1. Students can request to stay after school for the purpose of individual self-guided practice.
2. Students can work on new difficult material or they can play familiar music for fun and enjoyment. This keeps the
practice experience fun.
3. Have students teach the parent.
4. Have student play for home audience.
5. Find a private teacher in the community to augment the school experience.
An “A” is earned when:
♦ a student performs well technically and musically
♦ a student demonstrates the confidence achieved by practicing at home
♦ a student performs well at rehearsals and concerts
♦ a student scores well on playing evaluations
♦ a student earns high marks on written assignments and quizzes
♦ A student contributes positively to a large group musical experience without causing disruptions.

4. Concert Attire
Students will be expected to present a professional appearance for every performance. Black and white performance
attire is a music performance standard that is included as proper participation. Arrive at school properly dressed for a
concert performance.
Girls: Knee length (or longer) black dress, skirt. White sleeved blouse or shirt. Dress shoes and stockings
(with dress or skirt).
Boys: Black dress pants (Dockers style is fine). Dark socks. White Long or short sleeve dress shirt.
Conservative tie. Loafers or dress shoes.
Stage appearance No-no’s: denim, athletic shoes, white socks, hats, shirts untucked.
Do not wear these to a concert.
2009-2010 Event Dates
(Additional performance opportunities/rehearsals TBA)
Winter Concerts begin at 7:00 p.m.
7th
Grade Winter Concert Tuesday Nov. 24, 2009
8th
Grade Holiday Concert Wednesday December 8, 2009
6th
Grade Winter Concert Thursday January 14, 2009
Spring Concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. (Except 8th
grade orchestra)
7th
Grade Spring Concert Tuesday April 27, 2009
6th
Grade Spring Concert Thursday May 6, 2009
8th
Grade Spring Concert Monday May 17, 2009 (MAHS at 7:00)
Just like last year, the MASD Music Department will have its own website as well as
edline to post pictures, sound-clips, upcoming homework and events. Included on the Strings
Signature Page, there is a yes or no box to check if you would not like to have your son/daughters
work posted on the web page. You may also stay up to date by signing up for the Edline system to
keep up with your child’s grade, as well as email updates and grade postings on a weekly basis.

5. Print Student’s
Name________________________________________________________
Grade_______________
Class_________________
Orchestra Signature Page
****This page must be returned the first week of class. This will be kept in the
student’s file and used for future reference if needed.
Read and discuss the stated Orchestra Guidelines for Orchestra 6,7,and 8. These
guidelines are to be followed by the student, parents and director.
I have read the attached Guidelines and Discipline Plan. I understand what
will be expected of me as a student in the orchestra program and in the classroom. I
have discussed this information with my parents/guardian.
Student’s
Signature______________________________________________________
Print Parent’s
Name________________________________________________________
Parent Signature_________________________________________Date:________
Parents email address____________________________________________
(Email address will be used for homework updates, concert information, and parent to teacher contact)
___YES, I give permission to Mr. Minamyer to post your child’s pictures, sound-clips, and work on
the www.masdmusic.org and www.moonband.org.
Revised 5/11/09