ucile rwin

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iddle chool
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rchestra rogram
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Handbook

2021-2022
Mr. Daniel F. Smith
Director
 * Please note that most of this handbook was written pre-COVID-19.
Subject to change by Larimer County and Thompson School District. *

Welcome to the Lucile Erwin Middle School Orchestra! In the Orchestra Program, you will learn to perform
on a stringed instrument, make new friends, and experience the many benefits of participating in
instrumental music. We are very proud of our Orchestra Program at Lucile Erwin and happily welcome
back old friends as well as our new students.

Course Descriptions
6th GRADE ORCHESTRA
The purpose of this class is to receive beginning class instruction in violin, viola, cello, and bass. Students
progress through the sequence of first year string technique via a skill-based curriculum. Opportunities
exist for large and small group performance and numerous supplemental activities. Emphasis is placed on
proper instrument setup, tone production, music literacy, and basic ensemble skills. Students will perform
music at a Grade 1 level. Participation in one group concert per quarter is required.
Required book is Essential Elements for Strings, Book 1 (Orange) - Students must provide their own
book.

7th GRADE ORCHESTRA

The purpose of this class is to receive continuing class instruction in violin, viola, cello, and bass. Students
continue to progress through the sequence of string technique. While stress is placed on orchestral
performing skills, opportunities exist for solo and small ensemble performance. Students will perform
music at a Grade 2 - Grade 3 level. Participation in district-sponsored clinics and festivals as well as
performing in one group concert per quarter is required.
Required book is Essential Elements for Strings, Book 2 (Purple) - Students must provide their own
book.

8TH GRADE ORCHESTRA and ADVANCED CHAMBER STRINGS

The purposes of these classes are to receive advanced class instruction in violin, viola, cello, and bass.
Students continue to progress through the sequence of string technique. While stress is placed on
orchestral performing skills, opportunities exist for solo and small ensemble performance. Students will
perform music at a Grade 3 - Grade 4 level. Participation in district-sponsored contests, 8th Grade festival
with Bill Reed MS, and recruitment tours, as well as performing in one group concert per quarter per group
is required.
Required books are:
• 8th Grade Only - Essential Elements for Strings, Book 3 (Green) & Book 4 (Chartreuse)
o Students must provide their own book.
• 8 Grade / ACS – Essential Elements for Strings, Book 4 (Chartreuse)
th

o Students must provide their own book.

• ACS Only – Sound Innovations for String Orchestra, Intermediate Sound Development (Lime
Green)
o Students must provide their own book.

There will be one concert per quarter for all grade levels, as well as additional
performance opportunities for 7th and 8th graders.

All performances are REQUIRED and will be for a grade.

 Standards Based Grading
Here at Lucile Erwin Middle School, we are proud to be an IB MYP school. Per school-wide policy, to
adhere to our MYP IB requirements, our music students will be graded on a system that will correlate
with the four IB Criteria (see below). We have listed our most important assignments below under their
corresponding criteria. The IB Criteria also correlate with the State Standards for Music, which will
become the method of grading for Electives beginning with the 2016-17 school year. All assignments
will be graded on a Four Point Scale Rubric.

Criteria A Criteria B Criteria C Criteria D

Knowing and Developing Skills Thinking Creatively Responding
Understanding
Standard 1 Standard 2 Standard 3 Standard 4
Expression Creation of Music Theory of Music Aesthetic Valuation
of Music of Music
Daily Rehearsals – Composing Short Daily Rehearsals – Performance Attendance
Performance Melodies Theoretical Aspects
Aspects Post Concert Reflections
Full Musical Compositions Thompson School District
Dress Rehearsals Music Assessment Composer Biographies
Musical Arrangements
Concert Performances Written Theory Listening Assignments
Worksheets
Playing Tests
Theory Tests

Work Habits / Classroom Behavior Expectations

Alongside our Standards Based Grading System, Work Habits are now tracked separately.

Our orchestras are essentially musical teams. The actions of any individual can either help or hinder the
entire ensemble in both rehearsal and performance. Self-discipline is not optional; it is required. A system
of checks and warnings will be used to promote proper ensemble behavior. Students will receive a
deduction for any infraction in the following areas:
• Class preparation
• In seat and quiet when the bell rings
• Quiet during rehearsal when not playing
• Demonstrates correct posture while playing
• Respect for self and others
• Participates appropriately during rehearsal

Each week, the student will be assessed on their preparation and participation on the same Four Point
Scale as our Standards Based Assignments. For example:

Emerging Progressing Meets Exemplary

The Student Needs Significant The Student is Musically The Student is Musically The Student is Musically
Musical Coaching During Prepared for Rehearsal, but Prepared for Rehearsal Prepared for Rehearsal and
Rehearsal Needs Minor Coaching Assists Others
The Student Needs to Borrow The Student has Sheet Music, The Student has Marked Sheet The Student has Marked Sheet
Sheet Music but it is not Marked Music at Rehearsal Music at Rehearsal, at Home,
and Assists Others in Marking
The Student Needs to Borrow The Student has their The Student has their The Student has their
an Instrument and Supplies Instrument, but is Missing Instrument and Supplies at Instrument and Supplies at
Needed Supplies Rehearsal Rehearsal and Assist Others
In order to receive a Meets, the student must be a Meets in every row, straight down the column.
 Performance Expectations – Please Read and Reread This Section
As this is a performance-based class, attendance at all performances is mandatory. The dates and
places are listed within the handbook. Please put these dates on your calendar now so that you can
schedule around them.
• The performance of the orchestra is the primary function of the class and therefore attendance is
mandatory regardless of the time, date, or location.
• Written excuses may be considered when submitted two weeks prior to the concert if the excuse
has validity.
• A Doctor’s Note is required for illness-based concert absences without exception.
• Students must wear the appropriate concert dress for performances. Failure to be properly attired
will result in a deduction of .5 points from the standards-based grade.
• According to the State Standards, in order to Meet the Standard for a Concert Performance,
the Student Will:
a. Perform music in unison and two parts accurately and expressively at a minimal level of 1 on the difficulty rating scale (6 th)
b. Perform music in three or more parts accurately and expressively at a minimal level of 1 to 2 on the difficulty rating scale (7 th)
c. Perform music in four or more parts accurately and expressively at a minimal level of 2 to 3 on the difficulty rating scale (8 th)
• Therefore, if the concert is missed due to any type of absence, the student will arrange a
small group performance of the music for their parents and/or family members within two
weeks of the missed event. This performance should be recorded and submitted to Mr.
Smith for grading within two weeks of the missed event. There are no other make-up
assignments.
• Unexcused absences or unsubmitted make-ups for performances will result in Insufficient
Evidence for that performance.

Why is attendance mandatory at performances?

• Performing for an audience is the primary focus of this class.
• Concerts provide an experience that cannot be reproduced in the classroom.
• Performances are the means by which the skills learned in the class are evaluated.
• Orchestral performance is a group effort; therefore every missing musician weakens the
performance.
• We rehearse together and we perform together.

Other Procedures and Routines

• Be on time and in your assigned seat when the bell rings.
• Participate in all classroom activities – especially playing!
• Be prepared! Have your instrument, bow, rosin, music, pencil, and a notebook with you for every
class.
• No food, gum, or soft drinks are allowed. Water is permitted.

Concert Attire
Young Men: Black slacks, plain white long-sleeved, button down dress shirt with a collar, black tie (8 th
grade only), black socks, and black dress shoes.
Young Ladies: Black skirt (below mid-calf and no slits above the knee), plain white long-sleeved,
button down blouse with an opaque undershirt, black hose, and black dress shoes. *Appropriate length
dresses and skirts are a must due to the demands of playing a string instrument while seated
(especially the cello).

Students in Advanced Chamber Strings will require formal concert attire, which can be ordered at:
http://www.lemsmusic.com/orchestra-clothing-and-concert-attire.html
 Care of Music
Each student is expected to maintain a current folder of all music handed out. It is important to take your
folder home to practice your music, but you must always have your folder in class for rehearsal.
Forgetting your folder will result in a reduction of your Work Habits grade. Students who misplace or
lose original music are expected to order a replacement through J.W. Pepper.

Equipment
• Keep instruments in good playing condition, especially if they belong to LEMS.
• Have rosin, shoulder rests, cello/bass strap, a cloth, a pencil, good strings, etc.
• DO NOT, for any reason, touch or play an instrument that is not checked out to you. This is for
your own protection as well as the school's protection.
• Storage is available outside the Orchestra room for students who bring their own violins and
violas from home. School instruments may also be stored in the classroom cabinets.

Instrument Rentals
Instruments may be rented from the school on a first-come, first-served basis at a cost of $40 for the
academic year or $60 for the calendar year from August to August or May to May. Rental forms will be
sent home during the first two weeks of school. Your form and payment must be returned to Mr. Smith
between August 16th – 20th, 2021. It is the student/parents’ responsibility to provide an instrument
for orchestra once all of the school instruments have been rented. Rentals may be obtained from:
• Boomer Music (http://www.boomermusiccompany.com)
• Music & Arts (http://tinyurl.com/LEMSOrchestraRentals)
• Sol Vista Violins (http://solvistaviolins.com/home)

Instrument Repair
We are very fortunate to have qualified string instrument repair specialists in the Loveland/ Fort Collins
area. If your instrument becomes damaged or needs routine work or maintenance, please contact:

Boomer Music Music & Arts Sol Vista Violins

Fort Collins Fort Collins Lafayette
970-223-2424 970-223-5837 720-365-0305

Recommended Private Lesson Instructors

Violin Chealsea Allen 563-579-4720
Hannah Barnes 303-916-8820
Jephta Bernstein 970-682-2565
Bob Kreutz 970-215-8537
Loni Obluda 719-248-5018
Kristin Rangel 970-237-2388
Leslie Stewart 970-219-5985

Viola Chealsea Allen 569-579-4720

Cynthia Drexler 970-231-8752
Sue Temple 970-221-4641
Margret Miller (CSU) 970-491-5529

Cello Jenny Crum 860-995-6554

Becky Kutz Osterberg 970-219-3391
Haide Lefebvre 970-305-1275
Beth Wells 970-443-1847
Barbara Thiem (CSU) 970-484-1063

Bass Mr. Smith 970-613-7628

Forest Greenough (CSU) 970-978-3075
 Communication
Communication with students and parents will happen through several mediums. First, please sign up for
the Band app. This is MANDATORY for all students. Parents, as well as students, can send safe,
documented messages through this system directly to me as well as receive important information and
updates.

Download the BAND app from the App Store or Google Play, sign up with your TSD School Email (students),
parents can join with their personal email
• 6th Grade Orchestra – Click hyperlink to join (If under 13, please use the year 2007 for birth year)
• 7th Grade Orchestra – Click hyperlink to join (If under 13, please use the year 2007 for birth year)
• 8th Grade Orchestra – Click hyperlink to join (If under 13, please use the year 2007 for birth year)
• LEMS Orchestra Parents – Click the hyperlink to join
• Simply Strings Orchestra Boosters – Click the hyperlink to join if you’d like to be involved in our
Booster Organization

http://www.facebook.com/erwinorchestrapride
https://www.instagram.com/lemsorchestras
• Please like our Facebook and Instagram pages today to share photos and videos of your students
during their time in the LEMS Orchestra Program.

http://www.lemsmusic.com/orchestra.html
• This is also where you can find any documents that your students are given in class in case they are
misplaced.

daniel.smith@thompsonschools.org
• Please e-mail me with any questions you might have!

Acknowledgement of Handbook
This will be the first grade that your student receives this semester.

Please go to the following link to sign the Handbook Acknowledgement Form:

http://bit.ly/LEMSOrchHBSig

Please sign this document by No Later Than August 23rd, 2021.

 Important Orchestra Dates

Date / Time Event Location

09-13Aug21 Instrument Rental Week BOOMER MUSIC
07Oct21 – 6pm Fall Orchestra Concert LEMS
19Oct21 – All Day th
6 Grade to the CSO DENVER
25Oct-05Nov21 Music Dept. Fundraiser LEMS
02Dec21 – All Day LEMS or LHS @ Mtnvw Fest MVHS
09Dec21 – 6pm Winter Orch Concert LEMS
10Dec21 ACS Spring Auditions LEMS
15-18Dec21 – All Day Mr. Smith @ Midwest CHICAGO
26-29Jan22 – All Day Mr. Smith @ CMEA COLO. SPRINGS
28Jan22 LHS Auditions Due LEMS / LHS
03/10/17/Feb22 LEMS Elem. Music Tour TSD
03-05Feb22 – All Day Mr. Smith @ All State FORT COLLINS
08Feb22 – All Day th
8 Grade Orch Fest TVHS
17Feb22 – 6pm Electives Showcase LEMS
28Feb22 – 5pm Try In Night LEMS
02Mar22 – 6pm Spring Orch Concert LEMS
25Mar22 ACS Fall Auditions LEMS
04May22 – 6pm th
May the 4 ! Orch Concert LEMS
13May22 – All Day th
8 Grade @ Elitches DENVER

Dates Subject to Change with Ample Notice