GHS Orchestra Handbook 2024 - 2025

I am thrilled to have you as part of our musical family. Together, we will create beautiful music and lasting memories. Below, you'll find essential information to help guide you through a successful year.

Class Requirements

  • Participation: Your active involvement in all rehearsals, extra rehearsals, and sectionals is a key part of our daily coursework. We grow as a team through consistent practice and dedication.

  • Materials: Always bring your instrument, music, and accessories (tuner, rosin, shoulder rest/rock stop, extra strings, cleaning cloth, and pencil) to every class. These are your tools for success.

  • Concerts and Activities: Participation in all concerts and activities (unless noted as optional) is mandatory and part of your grade. If life happens and you need to miss a rehearsal or concert last minute, please inform me as soon as possible via email or Remind. We will discuss how to make up the performance when we're back at school. If you know about an absence ahead of time, please see the attendance section below.

  • Grade Point Average: All orchestra students are expected to maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher. If your GPA falls below 2.0, you will be on Academic Probation and may be ineligible to participate in field trips per Glendora Unified School District Policy.

  • Concert Dress: Arrive on time and in complete formal concert dress to receive full credit. Being early is being on time. Students not in complete concert dress will not be allowed to perform and will receive an unexcused absence. The orchestra polo shirt and pants are required for casual performances.

Attendance

  • Class Attendance: Be in your seat, instrument ready, and prepared to tune within three minutes of the bell. Consistent tardiness will require make-up time during tutorial sessions.

  • Concert Attendance: Attendance at all performances is required. Your grade will reflect your participation and presence for the entire concert.

Absence Policy

To request an excused absence:

  • Rehearsals outside school hours: Notify three school days in advance.

  • Concerts and Major Performances: Notify ten school days in advance.

  • Contests or Festivals: Notify at least one month in advance.

All absences must be communicated by a parent in writing. Student excuses are not accepted. Unexcused absences may affect eligibility for non-mandatory trips.

Formal Concert Dress

Concert dress is required for live performances and any recorded videos. All students must be in one of the two options for concert dress.

Option 1:

  • All black attire: This uniform can be purchased from Friar Tux. Please see the Friar Tux uniform sheet.

    • Black Tuxedo Jacket

    • Black Flat Front Tuxedo Pants

    • Black long sleeve button collared shirt & Long Black Tie

    • Black dress shoes and long black dress socks

Option 2:

  • Oratorio Concert Dress: This will be purchased through the GHS Orchestra Boosters

  • Black closed-toed dress shoes appropriate for a dress. Flats are highly encouraged.

  • If leggings or nylons are worn, they must be black or skin-colored.

Hair, Make-up, & Jewelry Guidelines

We understand the importance of personal style and self-expression. However, in our musical performances, we aim to create a cohesive and professional appearance that allows the audience to focus entirely on the music we create together.

  • Hair: Please maintain natural hair colors. Modest dark hair coloring is acceptable. If you have any questions, feel free to discuss them with Mr. Nelson.

  • Make-up: Wearing make-up is perfectly fine, but please keep it modest to avoid drawing attention away from the performance.

  • Jewelry: Jewelry should be modest in size and should not vibrate against your instrument while playing. If you choose Option 2 for your uniform, please remove any bracelets unless they are worn for religious purposes.

There is a time to stand out as an individual and a time to blend in with the group. During our performances, we want our audience to be captivated by our music. By wearing a uniform and minimizing personal style expressions, we can achieve this goal together. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Instrument Use

Cellos and basses are available through the music department. The suggested contribution to offset maintenance costs is $90 for the full school year. Please submit a loan agreement and any applicable payments (cash or check made payable to GHS Orchestra Boosters). The form is available on our website or from Mr. Nelson.

Grading

Your grade will be based on the following categories:

  1. Concerts/Rehearsals/Performances: 30%

  2. Participation: 30%

  3. Playing Exams/Classwork: 30%

  4. Final Exam/Project: 10%

·      Improvement and Participation: Daily participation is crucial. Points will be deducted for lack of participation, late assignments, and inadequate preparation.

·      Playing Tests and Assignments: These will be given throughout the year and are evaluated individually.

·      Unexcused Absences: Missing a performance without an excuse will lower your total grade by one letter grade (e.g., an A becomes a B).

Assignments/Projects

  • In-Class Assignments: Due during the class period unless additional time is granted.

  • Weekly Assignments: Assigned on the first class of the week and due the following Wednesday by 11:59 PM.

  • Projects: Due dates will be provided at the start of the project, typically on Wednesdays by 11:59 PM.

Awards

  • Varsity Letter: Earning a varsity letter in orchestra is a prestigious honor recognizing dedication to the field of music, skill, and contribution to the ensemble. Please see varsity lettering requirements to apply for a varsity letter in orchestra.

  • Scholarships: Each year two seniors receive scholarships from the orchestra boosters. These are based on merit (expanding and improving one’s talent on the instrument. Remember talent is learned and only hard work and perseverance can help it to grow) as well as dedication to the orchestra.

  • Various Awards: Including dedication, outstanding students (based on the concept that talent and achievement on one’s instrument is shown through hard work, dedication, and perseverance not on one's perceived natural ability), most improved, etc.

Communication

When emailing your teacher, please include:

  • A clear subject line

  • A properly formatted email with a salutation (e.g., Hello/Dear Mr. Nelson), complete sentences, and a complimentary close (e.g., Sincerely)

  • Professional and respectful language

Do not email assignments; submit them through the designated locations.