Nansemond river High School

Instrumental Music

 Orchestra

Course Outline

 

Instructor:  Mr. Woodis

Required Text:  Essential Strings 2000 Book 1

Prerequisite:  Beginning String Orchestra or Private Instruction

Co curricular activities: NRHS String Orchestra

 

Course Description:  Orchestra is designed for students who wish to explore string orchestra or full orchestra music in depth.  Emphasis is placed on advanced playing techniques and terminology.  Units in full orchestra, string orchestra and chamber orchestra will be covered. 

Performance is required.  All students are expected to practice a minimum of 30 minutes a day, 6 days a week.

 

Students must be enrolled in orchestra or band class in order to participate in many of the instrumental ensembles with the exception of the Pep Band.

 

Objectives:  The Students Will:

1. Demonstrate technical ability of a moderate to advanced level.

2. Demonstrate a high level 1 of aural skills to include listening and intonation.

3. Demonstrate knowledge of all major scales.

4. Prepare and perform orchestra literature of a medium to medium advanced level.

5. Demonstrate knowledge of advanced terminology.

6. Perform for adjudication

7. Use dynamic contrast and technical skills as a means of expression.

Be introduced to full orchestra, string orchestra and chamber ensembles.

 

Activitities:  The teacher will foster a wide variety of teaching techniques.  These will include, but not limited to the following: 

1. Lecture

2. Demonstration

3. Supervised listening sessions.

4. Discussions

Self-assessment / critique with audio-video equipment.

 

In order to achieve the listed objectives, the students will engage in the following activities.

1. Taking notes

2. Imitation performance on instrument

3. Description of styles and characteristics of appropriate material.

Demonstration of consistent improvements.

 

Projects:  (At teacher discretion)

1. Concerts                                4.  District Orchestra Festival                  

2. Performance activities                       5.  Graduation

Written and oral reports              6.  District Orchestra Auditions

7.  Grading Period Projects.

Field Trips:

1. Symphony Performances                   4.  District Festival

2. Opera                                                              5.  All District Orchestra Festival

Master clinics / Professional artist recitals

 

Assessment: 

1. Written and playing tests at the discretion of the teacher.

2. Homework

3. Daily Practice Log

4.    Worksheets

 

Grading Rationale:  Since music is a performing art, all students are expected to participate in all rehearsal and performance activities.  Missing rehearsals and performances will result in a lowered grade for the nine weeks.

1. Daily Work.  (Notebooks, class participation, worksheets.)                  10%

2. Homework Practice Logs ( Selected students only)                               20%

3. Quizzes.  (Performing excerpts, scales etc., written tests, solos.)          30%

4.    Tests / Performances                                                                             40%

 

Class Expectations

1. A notebook should be brought to class daily.

2. A pencil should be kept in the instrument case and placed on the stand daily.

3. Chewing gum, candy, food or drinks are not permitted in the class.

4. Students will not play an instrument until he/she is instructed to do so.

5. The teacher will dismiss the class not the bell.

Correct posture will be demonstrated at all times while playing.

 

 

Please sign and return the portion below to Mr. Woodis as soon as possible.

 

I have read the Course Outline, including Class Expectations, for Orchestra classes at NRHS.

 

 

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   Student’s Signature                                Parent’s Signature                      Date