"Recent studies show that students who study the arts are more successful on standardized tests such as the SAT. They also achieve higher grades in high school."
- #4 in "Top Twelve Benefits of Music Education"
- #4 in "Top Twelve Benefits of Music Education"
Orchestra
Period 2
9:30 - 10:25 AM
Orchestra
The Orchestra class is a one-year course of study that offers instruction on violin, viola, cello, and string bass as well as a piano accompaniment and occasionally percussion instruments. Students are expected to have orchestral experience, can tune themselves, and play in tune with others. Students will build on prior knowledge while learning skills including shifting and vibrato.This class is open to any student who wishes to better their skills on their current instrument or begin a new instrument. Students will learn performance practices while exploring string orchestra literature from various time periods. This is a performance-based
class; participation in performances is mandatory. A limited number of school-owned instruments are available for use but most students will need to obtain their own.
The Orchestra class is a one-year course of study that offers instruction on violin, viola, cello, and string bass as well as a piano accompaniment and occasionally percussion instruments. Students are expected to have orchestral experience, can tune themselves, and play in tune with others. Students will build on prior knowledge while learning skills including shifting and vibrato.This class is open to any student who wishes to better their skills on their current instrument or begin a new instrument. Students will learn performance practices while exploring string orchestra literature from various time periods. This is a performance-based
class; participation in performances is mandatory. A limited number of school-owned instruments are available for use but most students will need to obtain their own.
Charms Practice Logs
Practice Logs are due once a week. Each student will receive a grade for their practice Log on a weekly basis. Students must sign in to their Charms Account and enter in their practice time in the "Practice Logs" section of their account. Each "week" begins on Monday and ends on the following Sunday at midnight. The band director will pull a report on Monday to input grades in the grade book so each student must make sure they log their practice times for the week by Sundays at midnight.
The steps for Charms access and for logging practice times are below as well as the grading scale.
Steps for access and logging of practice sessions:
Practice Report Grading Scale
Superior Practicing
150+minutes a week = Grade of 100
Excellent Practicing
120-149 minutes a week = Grade of 90
Fair Practicing
90-119 minutes a week = Grade of 80
Poor Practicing
60-89 minutes a week = Grade of 70
Needs Improvement
Less than 60 minutes a week = Grade of 60
Unacceptable
Not practicing at all, but still submits the practice report = Grade of 50
Not practicing at all and not submitting your practice minutes = Grade of a zero
Please contact your band teacher with any questions or concerns.
Ms. Hench
Hench_S@auhsd.us
Practice Logs are due once a week. Each student will receive a grade for their practice Log on a weekly basis. Students must sign in to their Charms Account and enter in their practice time in the "Practice Logs" section of their account. Each "week" begins on Monday and ends on the following Sunday at midnight. The band director will pull a report on Monday to input grades in the grade book so each student must make sure they log their practice times for the week by Sundays at midnight.
The steps for Charms access and for logging practice times are below as well as the grading scale.
Steps for access and logging of practice sessions:
- www.charmsoffice.com
- Top Right Corner - click "Enter"
- Under "Parents/Students/Members" type in the school code: WesternHSBand (case sensitive), then click on “Enter Student/Parent Area”
- Type in your Student Area Password - this is your school ID number
- You should now be on your students home page, click on the icon labeled “Practice Logs”
- Fill in the form for the current practice session. The student may make as many entries as they wish for each item practiced or they can sum everything up with one generic entry and total the minutes. The date always defaults to the current day; you can still enter past practice session by clicking on the calendar icon and choosing the appropriate date.
Practice Report Grading Scale
Superior Practicing
150+minutes a week = Grade of 100
Excellent Practicing
120-149 minutes a week = Grade of 90
Fair Practicing
90-119 minutes a week = Grade of 80
Poor Practicing
60-89 minutes a week = Grade of 70
Needs Improvement
Less than 60 minutes a week = Grade of 60
Unacceptable
Not practicing at all, but still submits the practice report = Grade of 50
Not practicing at all and not submitting your practice minutes = Grade of a zero
Please contact your band teacher with any questions or concerns.
Ms. Hench
Hench_S@auhsd.us
How to sign up for Ms. Hench's
Orchestra Messages
(click below)
String Technique Tips:
Something fun to Enjoy!
