Beginning Orchestra

Academic and Discipline Plan

John Unzicker - Instructor

john_unzicker@jsd.k12.ak.us

463-1899 ext. 213

 

 

Course Direction and Outcomes.

Beginning Orchestra will focus on the study of musical notation, ear training, memorization, and technical skills needed to perform on a chosen string  or percussion instrument.  Students enrolled in orchestra will pursue an understanding of music as a written language, an oral/aural language, and how to develop personal practice and cooperative group work habits.  Also, all students will have an opportunity to learn basic guitar techniques.

 

 

Instrument choices:  Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, & Percussion

 

Daily Materials:

  1. Instrument – We will be spending the first few weeks exploring and playing all the orchestral instruments.  The students will then choose an instrument.  *All students are responsible for acquiring their own instrument by October 1st.  Instruments are available for rent or purchase at:

Juneau Brass and Winds (789-0777) or

Rozwick & Giles (789-0218)

 

       *Cheap instruments are also for sale at Fred Meyer, Cosco, and online.

However, I DO NOT recommends purchasing these instruments!  They are of very low quality, have no resale value, and are not worth repairing.

       *School instruments are only available for families of serious financial need at a rental price of $50.00 for the school year. Please contact me for further information.  Scholarships are also available.

 

  1. Text Book ($7.00 lab fee)– Essential Elements for Orchestra, book 1  This text will be available through the school and handed out when the students have chosen their instrument. 
  2. Pencil – students MUST have a pencil, we use them everyday!

 

Grading:  Student grades will be based on the following categories:

 

Practice – Students are required to practice 60 minutes per week starting the first week of October.  Students record practice minutes on slips given out in class and turn them in with a parent signature.  Practice credit is also given for private lessons!

 

Performance – Winter and Spring Concerts are mandatory and only excused in the case of a family emergency!  An unexcused absence from the concert will result in a drop of the letter grade of the semester grade.  The concert dates are as follows:

Winter Concert:  Dec. 4, 7:00

Spring Concert:  April 29, 7:00

                                                                                                                        

Memorization – Students will be required to memorize and perform scales and melodies. 

Works of Habit – Remembering all materials for class, behavior, and effort are all part of the studentŐs participation component of their grade.  

Extra Credit – Live music attendance (1 paragraph critique), solo at concert, etc.