The handbook provides information about the Cooper Middle School Orchestra program for the upcoming school year. It outlines the different orchestra ensembles for 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. It also discusses practice expectations, morning practice times, concert attendance policies, and traditional concert attire. The handbook aims to give students and families everything they need to know to have a positive experience in the orchestra program.

1. Cooper Middle School
Orchestril Handbook
Kevin Ruy, Orchestra Director
(770) 819-2438
kevin. ray @cobb k 12. o rg

2. Welcome to the Cooper Middle
Sc krc ol Sf ring Orches tra
ProgrAm!
This handbook will provide everything you need to know to have a
positive and successful experience in the Cooper Middle School
orchestra. Please keep this handbook as reference throughout the year.
ORCHESTRA ENSEMBLES
Sixth Grade Orchestra
No musical experience reqrired! All sirth graders are eligible to join this
c/ass. All skills ne@ssary in plaging a sting instntment uill be taught.
Th.e mainfoans is tecltniqtte aqui.sition, music reading, and performanre!
7ft Grade Orchestra
Shtdents utill build on tlrc teclmiques acquired in tlrcir 6th grade orch.estra.
Sfitdents utill learn seueral pieces of music and reinforce th.eir music
reading skflls. Sfitdents will also perform at the Georgia Music Educators
Association (GMEA) Large Group Performance Eualuation. Other
opporfitnities include tLrc Solo/Ensemble festiual and All Countg and Alt
State auditions.
8tr Grade Orchestra
Sfiidents will build on tlrc techniques aquired in tlrcir 6th and Vn grade
orchestra. Tlrcg uill also perforrt at GMEA and participate in
Solo/Ensemble Festiual, All Countg, and All-State auditions. Students will
also master aduanred techniqtes for preparation into high school
The Cooper Fiddlers
An ertra q,uricular group offered to all orc?rcstra members uho utishto
participate. Tlrc foctts utill be fiddling htnes, bluegrass, and otlrcr world
music stgles! Cooper Fiildlers will meet fipice a month and perform at the
Winter and Spring concerts. Att instruments are encouraged to join.

3. PRACTICE
Practice is the key to a successful orchestra and musician. lf students wish to master the
instrument, individual practice is required. Violin and viola students are encouraged to take
their instruments home throughout the week. Cello students are encouraged to take their
instruments home on the weekend as it may be more difficult to transport their instruments.
Bass players will have to practice their basses during morning practice. Bass players are also
encouraged to take their instruments home over Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring breaks.
MORNING PRACTICE
8:15 - 8:50 a.m.
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
Students will not be required to document their practice; however they wil! be required to
perform playing exams in class. They will be given a two week period in which to practice and
work on their exam. Students will also be encouraged to keep an organized folder of music and
exercises. Notebook checks will be taken periodically throughout the nine weeks.
Suggested practice session :
L. Warm - ups
2. Scales
3. Concert music
4. Something fun !

4. Instrument Use and Care
Renting
It is strongly recommended and encouraged that students rent an instrument. Many stores offer a
"Rent-To-Own" agreement where each monthly rental fee is put towards financing the
instrument if you wish to purchase it in the future. String instruments are investrnents that
actually gain value with age and proper care.
School Instruments
School instruments are limited and reserved for those with difficult financial situations. There is
no charge for using these instruments; however they should be exceptionally cared for. It is a
privilege that Cooper Middle School is blessed with school string instruments. Please help me
ensure that future students will have instruments that are in good working condition. If a school
instrument is damaged or destroyed, fees will be applied to repair or replace the instrument. No
school instrument will be distributed without a signed contract from parent/guardian.
Use/Care
I)o not attempt to do home repairs on a string instrument. They must be taken to a "luthier,"
or a qualified string repairman. These individuals have apprenticed or studied for years in the art
of making and repairing string instruments. Before taking an instrument to the repair shop, please
inform me of the problem. I am available for very basic repairs that may occur throughout
the year at absolutely no charge to you.
Here is a list of things to consider when caring for a string instrument:
I. DO NOT PUT STICKERS ON A STRING INSTRUMENT.
It damages the varnish which helps the violin produce a good tone.
2.DO NOT LEAVE YOUR STRING INSTRUMENT IN EXTREME TEMPERATURES.
This is especially true with heat. The glues are made in a way that pushes and pulls in
regards to the instruments environment. Ojlen times, the results of extreme temperatures
are cracks, the warping of wood, and the melting of adhesives. All of which are very
costly repairs.
3. LOOSEN THE BOW HAIR AFTER PRACTICING OR PERFORMING.
The bows are designedwith ayery specific curve. If the tension of a bow is not released it
can result in the loss of these curve. This is also a very costly repair.
4. WIPE OFF ROSIN RESIDUE THAT IS ON STRINGS AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK.
This helps the strings last longer and resonate more. Also, wipe offthe rosin residue that
mayfall on the body of the instrument. This will also help maintain the varnish.

5. Double Basses and Cellos
If you choose to rent cello, I encourage you to leave the rented instrument at home to
a bass or
practice on. Your child can use an instrument at the school for rehearsal each day (Students must
sign a contract for use at school). Please bring your child's personal instrument the day of the
concert. Please also consider that because these instruments are larger in size, a vehicle large
enough to transport a bass will be needed.
If you have not rented a cello or bass I will try and havea bass or cello available for your child to
take home (under contract) and one to use during class. Again, it is important that adequate
ffansportation be procured.
Yiolins and Violas
Students should bring their instruments to school in the morning before home-room. Lockers will
be distributed only for those students who bring their own instrument to school each day.
Instruments should be taken with them at the end of class. It is the students' discretion to retrieve
their instrument at the end of the day. They should do this as quickly as possible due to faculty
meetings or other engagements that I am obligated to attend after school.
Accessories
Accessories include the following; rosin, shoulder rests, rock stop, books, music, and strings. If
you do not wish to rent an instrument, I ask that you provide the accessories needed for your
child.
Daily Equipment Checlcs
I expect the students to be prepared each day within the first two minutes of class. This gives
them ample time to retrieve their instrument, set up and get seated, and begin the warm-up. I will
check each day that the students come prepared with the following; instrument/bow, shoulder
rest/rock stop, pencil, and music. This will be part of their participation grade.

6. Traditional Concert Attire
A good performance is as much a visual performance as it is an aural one. As we strive to sound
as one ensemble, so should be look as one. Sfudents must come to concerts dressed appropriately
to receive full credit for affending.
YOUNG MEN must have on black dress shoes, black dress pants, black socks, a black belt,
and a white buttoned-down collared shirt. Shirts must be tucked in!
YOUNG LADIES must have on black dress shoes, a plain black dress (pants/skirt are also
acceptable) and a plain white blouse or buttoned-down collared shirt. Only ladies
performing on a violin or viola may choose to wear a skirt. Skirts must fall below the knees
to be considered acceptable.
Anybody who is not properly dressed wilt be sent home to change. If proper attire is not acquired
before the start of the performance, he/she will not be allowed to perform.
Concert and Attendance Policv
Participation is crucial to the success of the orchestra as a whole. If a student misses more than
ten rehearsals (two weeks of school) he/she will not be allowed to participate in concert. This is
also grounds for expulsion of the program. If there is a family illness, death, or concern that
inhibits the students attendance in orchestra please do not hesitate to call or leave a signed note
with a phone number to be reached at.
Students will receive l00Yo of their performance grade by performing in a concert with proper
concert attire and concert etiquette.
Performance Make Up - Excused: In the event of a death, illness, or medical emergency in the
family, an excused absence during the performance will be permitted. However, sfudent must
perform concert music for me before school the following school day. Please do not hesitate to
call when able to following an incident. A signed note or phone call from a parent/guardian is
required for excuse.
Performance Make Up - Un-excused: In any other circumstance other than that listed above,
the performance absence will be un-excused. The student will be required to perform the concert
music for the class the following day. They will be graded for each error and mistake made
throughout the performarrce. It is much easier to get the full credit by showing up!

7. Student Conduct
Ideally, the most efficient way to teach an orchestra would be to teach each section separately
(violin, viola, cello and bass) and then combine the entire orchestra. Unfortunately, this not
possible when teaching in a public school setting. Therefore, student conduct will play a crucial
role in ensuring that each individual will receive the instruction and attention needed to become
successful on there given instrument.
Behaviors subject to disciplinary steps include: excessive talking, inappropriate use of
instruments, tardiness, unseatedwithout permission, not ready to play, running/horseplay
in orchestra roorn.
THREE STRIKES POLICY!
When asked three times to perform a specific task or to correct a behavior listed above, a student
will receive an automatic detention. Class time is limited and every second of instruction is vital
to the success of the student and the program. The behaviors listed about are disruptive and
slows down the pace of the entire class.
Guidelines for Good Conduct
1. RESPECT of each other, equipment and of the instructor will be the most valued attribute of
the students. Students will regularly perform in front of the entire class for graded
assessments and also for examples of proper execution of technique. Sfudents who
disrespect others after an individual performance will be reprimanded immediately and
parents will be contacted.
2. RAISE YOUR HAIID before speaking!
3. BE PREPARED as quickly as possible. You only have two minutes!
4. NO FOOD, DRINKS, CANDY, GUM, or COSMETIC PRODUCTS will be permitted
during instruction.
5. PLAY ONLY ON YOUR ASSIGNED INSTRUMENT.
6. REMEMBER THE THREE STRIKE POLICY!

8. Field Trip Procedures
Students in the Cooper orchestra will very frequently go on field trips throughout the school
year. Here are some very important procedures and expectations of behavior for the duration
of the field trip.
L. Field trip forms must be signed bv a parent or guardian two davs prior to the event.
2. Please ensure a safe bus ride bv keepine the noise level down while in transit to event.
No horseplav will be tolerated and will result in disciplinarv actions when back at school
(administrative referral. parent contact)
3. Stav with the group. This is a safetv and security concern. Anv student who leaves the
sroup will be subiect to an administrative referral.
4. Please follow the instructions of anv adult (teacher. chaperone. etc.) while on the field
trip.
5. Parents/suardians who would like to attend the event/performance but is not a
chaperone. please make sure to communicate that vou will be checkins vour child out at
the event/performance. This can be done throueh a short note on the field trip form.
phone call. or email. lt is important that I have this information so that I can take an
accurate roll call when departing the event.
Field trips are great opportunities for students to get out of the school and serve the
community; however they are very stressful. Please review these policies and procedures
carefully so we can all have a fun and positive experience on field trips!

9. Cooper Orchestra Virtuosos
It is important to set goals and track our progress. Starting at the beginning of the year, students can
participate in the Cooper Orchestra Virtuosos. All students begin below the rank of amateur and must
strive to achieve the highest rank of virtuoso. ln order to successfully become a "virtuoso," students
must complete the following challenges listed below by the end of the year. Those students who have
become "virtuosos" will participate in a pizza and ice cream party at the end of the year.
lcE CREAM IPIZZA PARTY: Friday, May 1L,2OL2
RANK 6th GRADE 7th GRADE 8th GRADE
Essentia I Elements Essential Elements Sca les
Book 1 Book 2
Ylrluoso! # 193 Minuet Sight Reading C major two octaves
Challenge (back of
book)
#L82 Surprise #I3zThe Hanukkah D major two octaves
Symphony Theme Song
6"t"int #166 Academic Festiva! # 118 Row, row, row A major two octaves
Overture your boat
#139 Russian Folk Tune #LA7 Ayn Kaylokaynu G major two octaves
GoNCEBffi #IOzThis Old Man #91 Tom Dooley G minor
#86 Ode to Joy #63 A major scale D minor
Professional #76 For Pete's Sake #55 A Song for Anne Bb maior
#64 The D major scale #47 Rondeau F major
Amateur #22 Lightly Row #36 Jesse James A major
Correct Bow hold and #29 Oh ! Susannah C major
correct left hand
Challenges can be played before school during morning practice or on select after school practice
days.

10. Playing Test Rubric
Teacher Name: Mr. Ray
Student Name:
Technique Demonstrates the Demonstrates three Demonstrates two of Demonstrates one of
following areas: (1) of the four aspects of the four aspects of the four aspects of
proper posture, (2) technique. technique. technique.
correct bow hold, (3)
bow stroke, and (4)
correct placement of
instrument.
Note Accuracy Notes are An occasional A few inaccurate Wrong notes
consistently inaccurate note is notes are played, consistently detract
accurate. played, but does not detracting somewhat from the
detract from overall from the overall performance.
performance. performance.
Attention in Student is focused Student is usually i Student is Student is rarely
Glass and attentive focused and { sometimes focused focused and
throughout class and attentive during { and attentive during attentive during
follows directions to class, but sometimes Iclass, but is easily class. Sometimes
the best of his/her is distracted by f distracted by others disruptive to rest of
ability. others. I and sometimes class.
Tone Quality Tone is consistently Tone is focused, Tone is often The tone is often not
focused, clear, and clear and centered focused, clear and focused, clear or
centered throughout through the normal centered, but center regardless of
the range of the playing range of the sometimes the tone the range being
instrument. Tone has instrument. Extremes is uncontrolled in the played, significantly
professional quality. in range sometimes normal playing detracting from the
cause tone to be less range. Extremes in overall performance.
controlled. Tone range are usually
quality typically does uncontrolled.
not detract from the Occasionally the
performance. tone quality detracts
from overall
performance.
TOTAL POINTS:

11. DATE:
Notebook Gheck I Participation
Teacher Name: Mr. Ray
Student Name:
CATEGORY 2 Points 1 Point 0 Points
Prepared On time for class, has On time for class, Has ls late for class, not
book, folder, pencil, most supplies needed for prepared for class, leaves
planner, has taken class classroom continually
restroom/drink break.
jNeatness Notebook is neat and Notebook is a neat and Notebook is disorganized.
i
l
organized. organized with a few
I
a
i
exceptions.
]
I
i
1
I
I
i
i
I
1
I
1
Gompletion of Student keeps up with the Students keeps up with Assignments are
Assignments completion of worksheets most assignments and has incomplete and music has
and music is marked put a few markings in the not been marked.
(fingerings, etc.) music.
Discussion Participates in discussion Sometimes participates in Does not participate in
without shouting, listens to discussion or shouts discussion, does not listen
others speak, pays during discussion, to others or pay attention
attention to sometimes listens and to teacher/presenter
teacher/presenter pays attention
COMMENTS:
TOTAL POINTS:

13. Please return completed form by
ORCHESTRA INFORMATION SHEET
StudentNAME
Address
City Zip Code
Home Phone Parent E-MAIL
MotherNAME Work Phone
FatherNAME Work Phone
Would you consider chaperoning / volunteering? YES _ NO
I recommend parents list any instrument they rent or purchase on their homeowners / rental
insurance policy.
Student lives with (circle one) Mother Father Mother & Father Other
Instrument Brand Serial #
Name of Music Store (if renting/purchasing)
Grade Team Home Room Teacher
I have read and understand the information included in the Cooper Middle School Orchestra
Handbook.
Parent Signature Date
Student Signature Date