Last modified: April 27, 2023

Orchestra Disclosure 2019

Course Description/Overview/Welcome Statement

Welcome to THS Orchestras!

Director: Dr. Marcel Bowman: MarcelB@provo.edu

Email is my preferred method of communication.

Learning Expectations

Students will learn:

• Rudiments of reading music: notes (pitches), rhythms, dynamics, tempos, meter, key
• String technique: posture, scales, shifting, vibrato, tone
• Aural Skills: ensemble playing, tuning, balance
• Musicality, phrasing, and appropriate style
• A broad repertoire of music in a variety of styles and from various time periods

Grades

Class instruction is based on the state core curriculum. Grades are competency and performance based, as well as based on participation and attitude. 10 points daily in class will be given for participation and attitude/effort.

Grade Calculation

Concert Reports

Two orchestra concert reports must be completed per year (one during Term 1 and one during Term 3). The report format will be given shortly. Here is a list of eligible performances:

• Orchestra concerts (high school level or above). I highly recommend Utah Symphony concerts.
• Musical Theater, Ballet, Opera (must have a live orchestra). I highly recommend Pioneer Theatre, Ballet West, and Utah Opera.
• Solo String Instrument Recitals

All performances must be high school level or (preferably) above. Occasionally, a video about an orchestra, a composer, a famous performer or a composition may be viewed for half credit, with the director’s approval. Students may choose to write a report on the video subject as an alternate activity.

Assessment of Progress

Under construction

Course Materials

Materials needed

• Instrument in good repair
• Set of spare strings (they always break at inopportune times!)
• Rosin
• Shoulder rest (violin/viola)
• Rock stop (cello/bass)
• Music stand for home practice
• Metronome for home practice
• Performance mute (not practice mute) Sinfonia and Philharmonic classes only.

Instrument Rentals

Instruments may be rented if available from the school for $100 per school year ($25 for summer break). This is the same for those not using a school instrument at home.

• Please pay the financial office.

NOTE: Those who share instruments at school will need to be prepared to bring their home instrument for dress rehearsals and concerts at the request of the director.

Classroom Procedures

Attendance

Participation

Concert Dress

Students are expected to dress modestly and conservatively, so that the focus of performance can stay on the music, without distraction. Students will cover their arms, legs, and feet. NOTE: Black means solid black, without designs, pinstripes, polka dots, etc. Also, black is not gray, charcoal gray or navy blue. Please follow the guidelines below:

Calendar of Due Dates for Major Assignments

Orchestra calendar link: http://tinyurl.com/THSOrch2019

This contains all the performances and other events for the year.

Progress Reports and Report Cards

Connecting Home to School

Email Addresses

Please make sure I have your correct email address. I send several emails home per term to announce field trips, concerts and playing tests.

Remind.com

I will be using Remind as a method of communication between me and the Philharmonic Orchestra class. Please sign up using the information below. You may also download the Remind app for your smartphone.

Philharmonic: text @PhilTHS to 81010

Sinfonia: text @SinfTHS to 81010

Concert: text @EZOrchTHS to 81010

Personal Statement and other items (optional)