Syllabus

The general Orchestra syllabus covers all Orchestra classes.

Those students in Junior Varsity, Varsity, and Honors classes

have an additional syllabus which covers their own special circumstances.

To view a particular Orchestra syllabus, please select the appropriate link below.

General Syllabus for All Orchestra Classes

What you must be prepared to contribute for the Orchestra to be successful:

• Discipline
• Dedication to Excellence
• Focus
• A team concept
• Realistic expectations for yourself and your classmates
• All of your talent

What the Orchestra Class expects from you:

• Be on time to every class and function
• Be prepared with all your materials
• Be intense and involved in every rehearsal
• Be ready to learn something every day
• Be courteous to everyone
• Be proud to be a part of the DPHS Orchestra Program

Orchestral Music Course Description

In music, students develop their intellect, refine their emotions, understand the cultural and creative nature of musical artistry and make connections among music, the other arts, technology, and other aspects of social life. Through creative performance, students apply the expressive technical skills of music and critical-thinking skills to evaluate multiple forms of problem solving. Students analyze and evaluate music, developing criteria for making critical judgments and informed choices.

1)  Perception

                  The student describes and analyzes musical sound and demonstrates musical artistry. The student is expected to:

                  a)  perform appropriate literature expressively

                  b)  define musical performances, intervals, music notation, rhythm/meter, and harmonic texture, using standard terminology

                  c)  identify music forms of performance

2)   Creative expression/performance

                  The student plays individually and in groups, performing a varied repertoire of music. The student is expected to:

                  a)  exhibit accurate intonation and rhythm, fundamental skills, and advanced techniques on literature ranging from moderately difficult to difficult, while performing independently                   in an ensemble

                  b)  exhibit, describe, and critique small and large ensemble performance techniques experienced and observed during formal and informal concerts and rehearsals

                  c)  exhibit informed concert etiquette during live performances in a variety of settings

                  d)  sight read major, minor, modal and chromatic melodies

                  e)  read music that incorporates complex rhythmic patterns in simple and compound meters

                  f)  interpret music symbols and terms referring to dynamics, tempo, and articulation when performing

                  Grading Procedures are outlined in the Orchestra Handbook

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Junior Varsity Orchestra Syllabus

Prerequisites for Junior Varsity Orchestra:

• Orchestra Director’s permission
• Qualification through audition
• Exemplary conduct in all previous Orchestra courses
• Commitment to support all activities of the Junior Varsity Orchestra

What is expected from Junior Varsity Orchestra students:

• Be an example of excellence in all your classes.
• Always have class music prepared
• Prepare for a grade all music for All Region Orchestra tryouts.
• Prepare an appropriate Solo and/or in an Ensemble for a grade
• Help support Orchestra Weekend and other Orchestra events
• Participate on official trips and field trips

Junior Varsity Orchestra Course Description

In Junior Varsity Orchestra Class, students develop a sense of their place within the society of their peers and the rewards of passing along to others the gift of Music.

• Perception

The students will be responsible for all of the requirements outlined in the General Orchestra Syllabus

• Creative expression/performance

The students will be responsible for all of the requirements outlined in the General Orchestra Syllabus

Grading Procedures

As outlined in the Orchestra Handbook. Region tryout and a combination of Recital and Solo and Ensemble efforts will constitute six-weeks test grades.

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Varsity Orchestra Syllabus

Prerequisites for Varsity Orchestra:

• Orchestra Director’s permission
• Qualification through audition
• Current membership in a performing Orchestra class
• Exemplary conduct in all previous Orchestra courses
• Commitment to support all activities of the Varsity Orchestra

What is expected from Varsity Orchestra Students:

• Be an example of excellence in all your classes.
• Always have class music prepared
• Prepare for a grade all music required for All Region Orchestra tryouts.
• Play an appropriate Solo and/or in an Ensemble at Regional Solo and Ensemble Contest
• Help support Orchestra Weekend and other Orchestra events
• Participate on official trips and field trips

Varsity Orchestra Course Description

In Varsity Orchestra Class, students develop a sense of their place within the society of not only their peers but also their community at large, and the rewards of passing along to others the gift of Music.

• Perception

The students will be responsible for all of the requirements outlined in the General Orchestra Syllabus

• Creative expression/performance

The students will be responsible for all of the requirements outlined in the General Orchestra Syllabus

Grading Procedures

As outlined in the Orchestra Handbook. Region tryout and a combination of Recital and Solo and Ensemble efforts will constitute six-weeks test grades.

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Honors Syllabus

Prerequisites for Honors Orchestra:

• Orchestra Director’s permission
• Successful completion of at least both semesters of Orchestra I and II with a minimum overall 3.8 grade point average in Orchestra I and 4.0 in Orchestra II (and III)
• Current membership in a performing Orchestra class
• Exemplary conduct in all previous Orchestra courses
• Two recommendations in writing by adults (non-family members)
• One page written essay on a gifted musician’s responsibility to his/her community

What is expected from Honors Students:

• Be an example of excellence for your classmates in all your classes.
• Volunteer a minimum of three monitored hours per six weeks grading period with less fortunate students approved by the Director, particularly at the junior high level. Junior High students should be approved by their Instructor.
• Keep a graded journal for each six week period about your experiences working with the above mentioned students and what you gained from the experience.
• Prepare for a grade all music for All Region Orchestra tryouts.
• Play a Class I Solo and/or in a Class I Ensemble at Regional Solo and Ensemble Contest and on a Recital.
• Help co-ordinate Orchestra Weekend and other Orchestra events.

Orchestra Honors Course Description

In Honors level Orchestra Classes, students develop a sense of their place within the society of not only their peers but also their community at large, and the rewards of passing along to others their insights into the gift of Music.

• Perception

The students will be responsible for all requirements outlined in the Orchestra Syllabus of his/her level orchestra class while being a positive role model for all non-honors students

• Creative expression/performance

The students will be responsible for all requirements outlined in the Orchestra Syllabus of his/her level orchestra class while giving positive advice and assistance to anyone asking for such

Grading Procedures

Six-week Orchestra Class grades will be embellished by the content of student’s above mentioned journal. Region tryout and a combination of Recital and Solo and Ensemble efforts will constitute six-weeks test grades.

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