WHS Orchestra Handbook
Please read the Handbook in its entirety and complete the Google Handbook Acknowledgment form. One response per orchestra member and one per parent/guardian.
WAYLAND HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
STRING ORCHESTRA
This ensemble will focus on standard orchestra repertoire. Course emphasis will include rehearsal techniques and advanced performing skills. The string orchestra will be a major performing group for the school and community.
Periodically literature and rehearsals will include full symphonic orchestra (strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion). This opportunity will require combining band and string students as needed. Rehearsals and performances outside of school hours will be required.
HONORS SINFONIA ORCHESTRA
(Prerequisite: Audition only)
The ensemble will focus on the continued development and refinement of advanced performing and ensemble skills. Band and string members will be combined for instruction as needed for the full orchestra. The Sinfonia will be a major performing group for the school and community. Admission is by audition only and acceptance is based on instrumentation needs. Performances will include string and full orchestra with attendance at outside rehearsals and concerts required.
HONORS FULL ORCHESTRA SECTIONAL
This rehearsal is required for preparation of full orchestra winds, brass, and percussion. The skills of independent parts and orchestral performance are central to this course. (Note: no string players are in this class).
DIRECTOR
Ms. Susan Memoli, Orchestra Director and K-12 Director of Fine Arts
Contact Information:
Fine Arts Office Phone: 508-358-3724
Email: [email protected]
WHS Orchestra Website: WHS Orchestras
FINE ARTS JACKETS
Students may be eligible for a Fine Arts Jacket, depending on the number and years of Fine Art courses they have taken and additional Fine Arts activities they have participated. Jackets will be awarded at the Fine Arts Awards Night in the spring. Once a jacket is earned, continue to accumulate points towards a service bar.
Jacket Requirement/Service Bar Form:
Jacket/Service Bar Form
JUNIOR EASTERN DISTRICT ORCHESTRA
The Junior District Orchestra is an auditioned group consisting of students in grades 7-9 of exemplary performance ability from the Eastern Massachusetts geographic area. The audition requirements are included in the handbook. A recital of Wayland students intending to audition will be held at the Middle School prior to auditions for those interested in the experience. Selection for participation in this ensemble is a prestigious and honorable achievement.
Grade 9 students may audition for Junior and/or Senior District.
Requirements, audition and event dates are available at:
Junior District Audition Requirements
SENIOR EASTERN DISTRICT ORCHESTRA
The Senior District Orchestra is an auditioned group consisting of students in grades 9-12 of exemplary performance ability from the Eastern MA geographic area. The audition requirements are included in the handbook. Selection for participation in this ensemble is a prestigious and honorable achievement and All-State (audition) recommendations are also determined by this audition.
Requirements, audition and event dates are available at:
Senior District Audition Requirements
ALL-STATE ORCHESTRA
Senior District auditions determine the students selected both for the ensemble and those who receive are eligible to audition for All-State. Those eligible for All-State auditions will compete TBD. The top musicians selected for the All-State Orchestra will participate in rehearsals in Boston, with the culminating performance at Boston's Symphony Hall.
Requirements are available at:
All State Requirements
PRIVATE LESSONS
WHS Orchestra members are strongly encouraged to study their instrument privately. Individualized professional instruction is one of the best ways to make personal progress and enhance instrumental study and performance.
If you do not currently have a private teacher, lessons are available at many area music schools, musicians and through the Wayland School Community Programs. For more information on the WSCP Lesson Program, click here.
WSCP Private Music Lessons
WHS-ELEMENTARY STRING PRACTICE PARTNERS
WHS instrumental mentors are a significant part of our elementary instrumental program. You may earn $13 for each half hour session, or choose to earn community service hours. WHS Practice Partners must be taking private lessons themselves and be approved by Ms. Memoli.
COMMUNICATION
Check your email and Remind messages regularly. If you are not receiving emails, texts or assignments, contact Ms. Memoli immediately.
ASSESSMENTS
Individual progress and mastery will be measured through the use of audio and/or video assessments and a variety of online platforms such as MakeMusic Cloud (formerly SmartMusic) and SightReadingFactory. Please make sure you are registered for your Google Classroom and the platform being used for your ensemble.
TRI-M
The Tri-M Music Honor Society is an international honor society for music students that was started in 1952.
The three M logo stands for “Modern Music Masters”. The lyre and the scroll represent music accomplishment and service of its members. The five lines of the music staff indicate the five criteria upon which members are selected:
scholarship, character, cooperation, leadership, and service.
Be rewarded for your music accomplishments and service activities. Share your love of music.
Applications will be accepted for those who have completed two full years in a curricular musical ensemble following Senior District Auditions in late November.
TO QUALIFY:
- A student must maintain a B average (with no term grade lower than a C for all high school courses to date), and have music performing ensemble grade of A.
- A student must also have completed or be completing the second full year of enrollment in a curricular performance music class at Wayland High School. Support for your application is needed from a WHS music teacher. Please speak to this teacher to confirm support before submitting this application.
- Applicant should have demonstrated leadership, service and character in their activities.
- The applicant must have auditioned for Senior District in the application year.
- New members will perform an approved composition for the Induction Ceremony to be held in January.
CONCERT DRESS REQUIREMENTS
Masquerade Concert:
• A creative costume (that still allows you to play your instrument!)
All other performances:
•Formal black: DRESSY long sleeved, black collared shirt with black, long black tie or black, dressy blouse; long black slacks or skirts, black hosiery (socks or stockings), black dress shoes. No yoga pants, jeans, sweatpants or athletic wear.
INSTRUMENT STORAGE
WHS is not responsible for the safety of your instrument. Keep it in a secure, locked place. Violin/Viola lockers are available on a first come-first locked basis. Share one of these lockers with a friend. All cases must have a name tag!
Also, check that your instrument is listed on and covered by your insurance policy.
PARENTAL SUPPORT
The success of the Fine Arts programs relies not only on the dedication of the staff and students, but also on the generous support of families and the community. Parents and guardians - please join CAPA (Creative Arts Parents Association) and get involved in the activities that CAPA supports. Assistance is needed in a variety of capacities. For more information, check out the CAPA website at: http://whsarts.org/
_______________________________________________________________________________________
WAYLAND HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC DEPARTMENT PERFORMANCE ENSEMBLES GRADING PROCEDURES
Skill Development 20%
Rehearsal 20%/ Performance Participation 20%
Assessment 20%
In-Class Participation 20%
Extra Credit
Things that will adversely affect the grade: tardiness, unexcused absence, forgetting music and/or instrument, lack of effort, lack of concentration or self-discipline during the rehearsal process (including cellphone distractions) and absence from performances.
Orchestra assessments will include use of individual and small group playing tests, sectional observations, and attendance and responsibility records.
WAYLAND HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
STRING ORCHESTRA
This ensemble will focus on standard orchestra repertoire. Course emphasis will include rehearsal techniques and advanced performing skills. The string orchestra will be a major performing group for the school and community.
Periodically literature and rehearsals will include full symphonic orchestra (strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion). This opportunity will require combining band and string students as needed. Rehearsals and performances outside of school hours will be required.
HONORS SINFONIA ORCHESTRA
(Prerequisite: Audition only)
The ensemble will focus on the continued development and refinement of advanced performing and ensemble skills. Band and string members will be combined for instruction as needed for the full orchestra. The Sinfonia will be a major performing group for the school and community. Admission is by audition only and acceptance is based on instrumentation needs. Performances will include string and full orchestra with attendance at outside rehearsals and concerts required.
HONORS FULL ORCHESTRA SECTIONAL
This rehearsal is required for preparation of full orchestra winds, brass, and percussion. The skills of independent parts and orchestral performance are central to this course. (Note: no string players are in this class).
DIRECTOR
Ms. Susan Memoli, Orchestra Director and K-12 Director of Fine Arts
Contact Information:
Fine Arts Office Phone: 508-358-3724
Email: [email protected]
WHS Orchestra Website: WHS Orchestras
FINE ARTS JACKETS
Students may be eligible for a Fine Arts Jacket, depending on the number and years of Fine Art courses they have taken and additional Fine Arts activities they have participated. Jackets will be awarded at the Fine Arts Awards Night in the spring. Once a jacket is earned, continue to accumulate points towards a service bar.
Jacket Requirement/Service Bar Form:
Jacket/Service Bar Form
JUNIOR EASTERN DISTRICT ORCHESTRA
The Junior District Orchestra is an auditioned group consisting of students in grades 7-9 of exemplary performance ability from the Eastern Massachusetts geographic area. The audition requirements are included in the handbook. A recital of Wayland students intending to audition will be held at the Middle School prior to auditions for those interested in the experience. Selection for participation in this ensemble is a prestigious and honorable achievement.
Grade 9 students may audition for Junior and/or Senior District.
Requirements, audition and event dates are available at:
Junior District Audition Requirements
SENIOR EASTERN DISTRICT ORCHESTRA
The Senior District Orchestra is an auditioned group consisting of students in grades 9-12 of exemplary performance ability from the Eastern MA geographic area. The audition requirements are included in the handbook. Selection for participation in this ensemble is a prestigious and honorable achievement and All-State (audition) recommendations are also determined by this audition.
Requirements, audition and event dates are available at:
Senior District Audition Requirements
ALL-STATE ORCHESTRA
Senior District auditions determine the students selected both for the ensemble and those who receive are eligible to audition for All-State. Those eligible for All-State auditions will compete TBD. The top musicians selected for the All-State Orchestra will participate in rehearsals in Boston, with the culminating performance at Boston's Symphony Hall.
Requirements are available at:
All State Requirements
PRIVATE LESSONS
WHS Orchestra members are strongly encouraged to study their instrument privately. Individualized professional instruction is one of the best ways to make personal progress and enhance instrumental study and performance.
If you do not currently have a private teacher, lessons are available at many area music schools, musicians and through the Wayland School Community Programs. For more information on the WSCP Lesson Program, click here.
WSCP Private Music Lessons
WHS-ELEMENTARY STRING PRACTICE PARTNERS
WHS instrumental mentors are a significant part of our elementary instrumental program. You may earn $13 for each half hour session, or choose to earn community service hours. WHS Practice Partners must be taking private lessons themselves and be approved by Ms. Memoli.
COMMUNICATION
Check your email and Remind messages regularly. If you are not receiving emails, texts or assignments, contact Ms. Memoli immediately.
ASSESSMENTS
Individual progress and mastery will be measured through the use of audio and/or video assessments and a variety of online platforms such as MakeMusic Cloud (formerly SmartMusic) and SightReadingFactory. Please make sure you are registered for your Google Classroom and the platform being used for your ensemble.
TRI-M
The Tri-M Music Honor Society is an international honor society for music students that was started in 1952.
The three M logo stands for “Modern Music Masters”. The lyre and the scroll represent music accomplishment and service of its members. The five lines of the music staff indicate the five criteria upon which members are selected:
scholarship, character, cooperation, leadership, and service.
Be rewarded for your music accomplishments and service activities. Share your love of music.
Applications will be accepted for those who have completed two full years in a curricular musical ensemble following Senior District Auditions in late November.
TO QUALIFY:
- A student must maintain a B average (with no term grade lower than a C for all high school courses to date), and have music performing ensemble grade of A.
- A student must also have completed or be completing the second full year of enrollment in a curricular performance music class at Wayland High School. Support for your application is needed from a WHS music teacher. Please speak to this teacher to confirm support before submitting this application.
- Applicant should have demonstrated leadership, service and character in their activities.
- The applicant must have auditioned for Senior District in the application year.
- New members will perform an approved composition for the Induction Ceremony to be held in January.
CONCERT DRESS REQUIREMENTS
Masquerade Concert:
• A creative costume (that still allows you to play your instrument!)
All other performances:
•Formal black: DRESSY long sleeved, black collared shirt with black, long black tie or black, dressy blouse; long black slacks or skirts, black hosiery (socks or stockings), black dress shoes. No yoga pants, jeans, sweatpants or athletic wear.
INSTRUMENT STORAGE
WHS is not responsible for the safety of your instrument. Keep it in a secure, locked place. Violin/Viola lockers are available on a first come-first locked basis. Share one of these lockers with a friend. All cases must have a name tag!
Also, check that your instrument is listed on and covered by your insurance policy.
PARENTAL SUPPORT
The success of the Fine Arts programs relies not only on the dedication of the staff and students, but also on the generous support of families and the community. Parents and guardians - please join CAPA (Creative Arts Parents Association) and get involved in the activities that CAPA supports. Assistance is needed in a variety of capacities. For more information, check out the CAPA website at: http://whsarts.org/
_______________________________________________________________________________________
WAYLAND HIGH SCHOOL MUSIC DEPARTMENT PERFORMANCE ENSEMBLES GRADING PROCEDURES
Skill Development 20%
- Personal preparation is evaluated constantly during rehearsals and sectionals. Students are expected to participate actively and cooperatively in rehearsal.
- Be prepared with all necessary equipment and materials.
- Be prompt.
- Prepare for each rehearsal.
Rehearsal 20%/ Performance Participation 20%
- This includes arriving on time (early), with your music folder and instrument. Participation requires preparation and progress on assigned selections.
- Attendance includes evening rehearsals (20%) and all performances (20%). Unexcused absences will affect grade, seating assignments, part and solo assignments.
Assessment 20%
- Rhythm and pitch accuracy
- Musicality
- Personal improvement
- Individual playing assessments will be made primarily through MakeMusic and/or video submissions. Submissions are expected by scheduled Google Classroom posted date.
In-Class Participation 20%
- All students should demonstrate respect for self and others, rehearsal skills, enthusiasm, dedication, pride and positive leadership. Students are expected to help others in their sections.
Extra Credit
- Auditioning for Districts, All-Eastern and/or and All-State; private lessons; participation in outside music organizations; individual projects and recitals.
Things that will adversely affect the grade: tardiness, unexcused absence, forgetting music and/or instrument, lack of effort, lack of concentration or self-discipline during the rehearsal process (including cellphone distractions) and absence from performances.
Orchestra assessments will include use of individual and small group playing tests, sectional observations, and attendance and responsibility records.