RHHS Orchestra Program
Welcome! The orchestra program at RHHS consists of 9th-12th grade students. We offer two separate skill based classes: The Intermediate Orchestra is for all freshman students and any upperclassmen who need remediation in fundamentals, and The Advanced Orchestra which consists of sophomore-senior students who can handle more difficult music .
We typically have 3-4 performances/concerts each year. Occasionally we will include other instruments (piano, drums, etc.) as necessary and collaborate with the other fine art departments to enhance our performances!
Behavior/Expectations
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Be respectful
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Be on time and prepared
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Do your best
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Take care of our room! (No food, candy, gum, or liquid other than water is allowed at your seat)
Fingernail Length
In order to play your instrument properly, you must keep your fingernails short. To be more specific, you should not let your nails grow past the tips of your fingers.
Sculpted or acrylic nails can damage your instrument and will not be allowed.
Class Procedures
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Enter calmly, set up your instrument, & prepare for class. You may warm-up/tune before I begin class. (There may be other directions on the board/projector.)
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Follow instructions & always give your best effort.
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When class is over (or when instructed), pack up your materials.
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Before leaving, return chairs and music stands to the instructed position.
Discipline
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Verbal warning
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Phone Call home
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Parent Meeting and Behavioral Contract issued
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Dismissal from Orchestra Program
Cell Phone Policy
You will not need your cell phone in class therefore, phones must be put away and out of sight.
Materials
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These materials are required in orchestra class every day:
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Music Folder (provided)
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Music (provided)
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Pencil
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Instrument & bow
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Violin/Viola: Shoulder Rest
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Other materials needed: Rosin, extra strings, etc.
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Mr. Johnson does not supply strings for personal or rented instruments. He will put new strings on any instrument FREE OF CHARGE. Most music stores will charge! Mr. Johnson will supply strings for school owned instruments
Performance & Rehearsal Attendance Policy
Orchestra is a commitment of your time and money, and we want to build one of the top programs in Georgia. We perform 4-6 public concerts every year. As this is a performance based class, playing in our concerts and attending any after school rehearsal is a required part of this course for all students.
The following are examples of an unexcused absence: community sports team practice / games, unable to get a ride, family vacation, a headache, birthday parties, etc. An unexcused absence from a performance or rehearsal automatically results in a 0.
Efforts will be made to avoid school sponsored events. If a personal conflict or illness (must provide written documentation) does arise and Mr. Johnson is notified in advance, we can usually come to a compromise. Excused absences can be made up by playing the required pieces of music for Mr. Johnson and a writing assignment. COMMUNICATION IS KEY!
Concert Attire
Ladies
* Black dress
* Black top or blouse, sleeves must cover the shoulder.
(No spaghetti straps, necklines, please be modest)
* Black pants or black skirt (skirt must be AT LEAST knee length and accompanied with black hose/spandex, etc.)
* Black shoes
Failure to comply with the dress code may result in a student being dismissed from the concert.
Gentlemen
* Black polo, or long sleeve, button down shirt
* Black dress pants
* Black socks
*Black shoes
Optional - Black Dress Coat / Black Tie