Course: Orchestra I 2021-2022

Instructor: Mrs. Catherine Cochran

Room: 208

School Phone Number: 205-231-3900

Google Voice Number:  205-304-1898

Google Classroom Code: c43ngp4

Schoology Access Code: D47C-4DZZ-H4VJV

Zoom Meeting ID: 853 2075 6852

Course Description: Orchestra I is a one-credit course, novice level, designed for students to experience instrumental music in an orchestral setting. Students will develop a characteristic tone and engage in the processes of creating, performing, and responding as related to instrumental music, while employing the concepts of timbre, rhythm, melody, harmony, form and expression. Students will study works of orchestral literature and learn to connect musical experiences to other cultures and disciplines within and outside of the arts. 

Standards Covered:

• Select varied repertoire to study based on interest, music reading skills (where appropriate), an understanding of the structure of the music, context, and the technical skill of the individual or ensemble.  
• Demonstrate how knowledge of formal aspects in musical works informs prepared or improvised performances. 
• Identify expressive qualities in a varied repertoire of music that can be demonstrated through prepared and improvised performances.  
• Use self-reflection and peer feedback to refine individual and ensemble performances of a varied repertoire of music.  
• Demonstrate technical accuracy and expressive qualities in prepared and improvised performances of a varied repertoire of music.  
• Demonstrate an awareness of the context of the music through prepared and improvised performances.  
• Identify reasons for selecting music based on characteristics found in the music, connection to interest, and purpose or context.  
• Identify how knowledge of context and the use of similarities and contrasts impact responses to music.  
• Identify interpretations of the expressive intent and meaning of musical works, referring to the elements of music, contexts, and (when appropriate) the setting of the text.  
• Identify and describe the effect of interest, experience, analysis, and context on the evaluation of music. 

Classroom Materials

You are required to have the following items with them in class on a daily basis:

• Binder or Notebook  
• Paper
• Pencil
• Highlighters 
• Music
• Instrument 

Textbook: Essential Elements for Strings book 1 (Violin, Viola, Cello, or Bass)

You are required to purchase this text:

Books may be purchased at local music stores or online (amazon.com or sharmusic.com) for about $7.00. There is a classroom set that may be used while at school. Any other music will be selected and provided by Mrs. Cochran.  

Student Expectations:

Responsibilities of students:

• Arrive on time and attend all rehearsals and concerts.
• Come to class with your instrument, music, pencil, and all other materials you may need for a successful rehearsal.
• Practice at home is vital to the success of the orchestra.
• No food or drink is allowed in the orchestra room. 
• Students must put their cell phones in the phone container when entering the classroom.

Daily Classroom Procedures

Before Entering the Classroom:

• Use the restroom. Students will not be allowed to use the restroom while the lesson is being given (unless there is an emergency).
• Make sure you have your instrument, music, pencil, paper, and all other materials BEFORE entering the rehearsal room.

When You First Enter the Classroom:

• Place your phone in the phone container.
• Get instrument and all other materials needed for rehearsal.
• Sit in your assigned section and begin unpacking and tuning.
• Begin gathering music, opening books, and looking over the agenda for the day while attendance is being taken.

When You Leave the Classroom:

• Make sure you have written down practice assignments.
• Leave your set and section area clean.
• Return any supplies that you used to the teacher.
• Pick up your cell phone.

Grading Criteria

In accordance with the policy at G. W. Carver High School, the letter grades, along with the corresponding numerical grades, are listed below.

The classroom grade for each semester is broken down as follows (This is subject to change based on changes to school/department policy. You will be notified immediately of any changes made to the grading procedure.)

• Semester Exam = 20% (Orchestra is a performance-based class and therefore 

participation in our performances will be considered the exams for this class).

• Formal Assessments =20% (Playing quizzes/tests, written tests, checklists).
• Classwork = 50% (Participation, written assignments, section work).
• Homework =10% (Practice journal entries)

Your grade for the year is broken down as follows:

• Semester I = 50%
• Semester II = 50%

In accordance with school policy, you will receive progress reports from all teachers at the midpoint of each 9 weeks. If you would like a detailed progress report that includes all grades recorded up to that point, you must request this from me. I will do my best to provide this to you within one to two days of the request.

Make-Up Work/Incomplete Grades Guidelines:

• Field Trips: Students are responsible for communicating and notifying the teacher of any field trips. Students are expected to take any tests or quizzes that are missed because of a field trip on the next day.

• Make-Up Work: Students cannot make up a rehearsal. That is why attending all classes and rehearsals is vital to the success of the orchestra.  

• Tardiness Policy: Students should be on time for class each day. If a student is tardy, they MUST have an excuse from their previous class or will not be allowed in the classroom.

Electronic Devices in the Classroom

In accordance with school policy,

• Cell phones, pagers, beepers, CD players, DVD players, radios, picture cameras, camera phones, camcorders, laser pointers, and other electronic devices identified by the school administration must not be audible or visible during the school day and must be turned off. These devices will be taken if they are seen or heard.
• PDA’s, graphing calculators and other handheld devices shall not be used for exchanging information, personal e-mail, playing games, or chatting unless sanctioned by a classroom teacher as part of an instructional exercise.

Zoom RAM Rules

1. All BCS Code of Conduct  rules are applicable during ALL Zoom class meetings.
2. BE ON TIME! All classes will start and end on time. Just like regular classes, it is important that you are on time to your zoom meeting class. Teachers are working hard to get the most out of their limited amount of time. Their will be a graded 8-minute bell ringer at the beginning of each class. These bell ringers will not be allowed to be made up due to late arrival to your zoom class meeting.
3. RESPECT that learning is happening here. Be kind and polite!
4. Try to find a place in your home or work area that will not have a lot of background distractions during class. This will help our online classroom lessons go more smoothly and quietly. If your work area is in your bedroom, you must get out of bed for class.
5. One you find your workspace, prepare your area with all the necessities for each class. Be organized and ready for class.
6. Everyone will be muted when your class begins. The teacher will unmute you when you need to speak.
7. You must use your FIRST and LAST name when you log in for each zoom class meeting for attendance purposes.
8. Appropriate school attire is required per BCS School Code of Conduct.
9. Please remember you are in class when you are on Zoom. you are encouraged not to eat or drink during your zoom class meetings. If you have to eat or drink, no one else should hear you eating or doing other things in the background.
10. It is MANDATORY that your video be on for the entire zoom class meeting.
11. Please turn off your cell phones during zoom class meetings.
12. If the chat feature is not available and you have questions for your teacher, please ask your teacher verbally if she/he isn’t in the middle of speaking or use the raise hand feature on the top right hand of your screen and wait for your teacher to acknowledge you.

Academic Dishonesty Policy:

Please sign and return only this page of the syllabus. If you do not return this page signed within one week, you will receive a zero for a quiz grade and your parent/guardian will be contacted.

The state has adopted more stringent standards known as the Common Core Standards. The rigor and pace of the class will be much different than what students may be accustomed to. It is very important that students take notes, do their homework, and participate in class!

I have read all of the information in the course syllabus and agree to abide by all of the items listed. I agree to take notes in class, participate in class, complete the classwork, and to do all homework assigned to me. I understand that failure to do my work will result in a failing grade for this course.

_____________________________ Student Signature   _____________________   Date

I have read all of the information in the course syllabus. As a parent/guardian, I understand that it is my responsibility to motivate my child to work to his/her highest potential in this class.

Course: Orchestra II/III   2021-2022

Instructor: Mrs. Catherine Cochran

Room: 208

School Phone Number: 205-231-3900

Google Voice Number:  205-304-1898

Orchestra II 

Google Classroom Code: eok5pmg 

Schoology Access Code: FX7R-86KJ-JM835 

Zoom Meeting ID: 819 8552 0243

Orchestra III

Google Classroom Code: 2zgg5rr

Schoology Access Code: K999-JXXN-THBBG

Zoom Meeting ID: 856 5202 9876

Course Description: Orchestra II is a one-credit course designed for students to experience instrumental music in a setting of only orchestral instruments. Students will develop a characteristic tone and engage in the processes of creating, performing, and responding as related to instrumental music, while employing the concepts of timbre, rhythm, melody, harmony, form and expression. Students will study works of rhythm, melody, harmony, form and expression. Students will study works of orchestral literature and learn to connect musical experiences to other cultures and disciplines within and outside of the arts. 

Standards Covered:

• Select a varied repertoire to study based on music reading skills (where appropriate), an understanding of formal design in the music, context, and the technical skill of the individual and ensemble.  
• Demonstrate how the setting and formal characteristics of musical works contribute to understanding the context of the music in prepared or improvised performances.  
• Demonstrate understanding and application of expressive qualities in a varied repertoire of music through prepared and improvised performances.  
• Develop strategies to address technical challenges in music and evaluate their success using feedback from ensemble peers and other sources to refine performances.  
• Demonstrate attention to technical accuracy and expressive qualities in prepared and improvised performances of music representing diverse cultures and styles.  
• Demonstrate an understanding of the context of the music through prepared and improvised performances.  
• Explain reasons for selecting music, citing characteristics found in the music and connections to interest, purpose, and context.  
• Describe how understanding context and the way the elements of music are manipulated inform responses to music.  
• Identify and support interpretations of the expressive intent and meaning of musical works, citing as evidence the treatment of the elements of music, contexts, and (when appropriate) the setting of the text. 
• Explain the influence of experiences, analysis, and context on interest in and evaluation of music.

Classroom Materials

You are required to have the following items with them in class on a daily basis:

• Binder or Notebook  
• Paper
• Pencil
• Highlighters 
• Music
• Instrument 

Textbook: Essential Elements for Strings book 2 (Violin, Viola, Cello, or Bass)

You are required to purchase this text:

Books may be purchased at local music stores or online (amazon.com or sharmusic.com) for about $7.00. There is a classroom set that may be used while at school. Any other music will be selected and provided by Mrs. Cochran.    

Student Expectations:

Responsibilities of students:

• Arrive on time and attend all rehearsals and concerts.
• Come to class with your instrument, music, pencil, and all other materials you may need for a successful rehearsal.
• Practice at home is vital to the success of the orchestra.
• No food or drink is allowed in the orchestra room. 
• Students must put their cell phones in the phone container when entering the classroom.

Daily Classroom Procedures

Before Entering the Classroom:

• Use the restroom. Students will not be allowed to use the restroom while the lesson is being given (unless there is an emergency).
• Make sure you have your instrument, music, pencil, paper, and all other materials BEFORE entering the rehearsal room.

When You First Enter the Classroom:

• Place your phone in the phone container.
• Get instrument and all other materials needed for rehearsal.
• Sit in your assigned section and begin unpacking and tuning.
• Begin gathering music, opening books, and looking over the agenda for the day while attendance is being taken.

When You Leave the Classroom:

• Make sure you have written down practice assignments.
• Leave your set and section area clean.
• Return any supplies that you used to the teacher.
• Pick up your cell phone.

Grading Criteria

In accordance with the policy at G. W. Carver High School, the letter grades, along with the corresponding numerical grades, are listed below.

The classroom grade for each semester is broken down as follows (This is subject to change based on changes to school/department policy. You will be notified immediately of any changes made to the grading procedure.)

• Semester Exam = 20% (Orchestra is a performance-based class and therefore 

participation in our performances will be considered the exams for this class).

• Formal Assessments =20% (Playing quizzes/tests, written tests, checklists).
• Classwork = 50% (Participation, written assignments, section work).
• Homework =10% (Practice journal entries)

Your grade for the year is broken down as follows:

• Semester I = 50%
• Semester II = 50%

In accordance with school policy, you will receive progress reports from all teachers at the midpoint of each 9 weeks. If you would like a detailed progress report that includes all grades recorded up to that point, you must request this from me. I will do my best to provide this to you within one to two days of the request.

Make-Up Work/Incomplete Grades Guidelines:

• Field Trips: Students are responsible for communicating and notifying the teacher of any field trips. Students are expected to take any tests or quizzes that are missed because of a field trip on the next day.

• Make-Up Work: Students cannot make up a rehearsal. That is why attending all classes and rehearsals is vital to the success of the orchestra.  

• Tardiness Policy: Students should be on time for class each day. If a student is tardy, they MUST have an excuse from their previous class or will not be allowed in the classroom.

Electronic Devices in the Classroom

In accordance with school policy,

• Cell phones, pagers, beepers, CD players, DVD players, radios, picture cameras, camera phones, camcorders, laser pointers, and other electronic devices identified by the school administration must not be audible or visible during the school day and must be turned off. These devices will be taken if they are seen or heard.
• PDA’s, graphing calculators and other handheld devices shall not be used for exchanging information, personal e-mail, playing games, or chatting unless sanctioned by a classroom teacher as part of an instructional exercise.

Zoom Ram Rules

1. All BCS Code of Conduct  rules are applicable during ALL Zoom class meetings.
2. BE ON TIME! All classes will start and end on time. Just like regular classes, it is important that you are on time to your zoom meeting class. Teachers are working hard to get the most out of their limited amount of time. Their will be a graded 8-minute bell ringer at the beginning of each class. These bell ringers will not be allowed to be made up due to late arrival to your zoom class meeting.
3. RESPECT that learning is happening here. Be kind and polite!
4. Try to find a place in your home or work area that will not have a lot of background distractions during class. This will help our online classroom lessons go more smoothly and quietly. If your work area is in your bedroom, you must get out of bed for class.
5. One you find your workspace, prepare your area with all the necessities for each class. Be organized and ready for class.
6. Everyone will be muted when your class begins. The teacher will unmute you when you need to speak.
7. You must use your FIRST and LAST name when you log in for each zoom class meeting for attendance purposes.
8. Appropriate school attire is required per BCS School Code of Conduct.
9. Please remember you are in class when you are on Zoom. you are encouraged not to eat or drink during your zoom class meetings. If you have to eat or drink, no one else should hear you eating or doing other things in the background.
10. It is MANDATORY that your video be on for the entire zoom class meeting.
11. Please turn off your cell phones during zoom class meetings.
12. If the chat feature is not available and you have questions for your teacher, please ask your teacher verbally if she/he isn’t in the middle of speaking or use the raise hand feature on the top right hand of your screen and wait for your teacher to acknowledge you.

Academic Dishonesty Policy:

Please sign and return only this page of the syllabus. If you do not return this page signed within one week, you will receive a zero for a quiz grade and your parent/guardian will be contacted.

The state has adopted more stringent standards known as the Common Core Standards. The rigor and pace of the class will be much different than what students may be accustomed to. It is very important that students take notes, do their homework, and participate in class!

I have read all of the information in the course syllabus and agree to abide by all of the items listed. I agree to take notes in class, participate in class, complete the classwork, and to do all homework assigned to me. I understand that failure to do my work will result in a failing grade for this course.

_____________________________ Student Signature  _____________________Date

I have read all of the information in the course syllabus. As a parent/guardian, I understand that it is my responsibility to motivate my child to work to his/her highest potential in this class.