Behavior Policy

General Procedures
Members of this program are expected to represent themselves, their ensembles, and the school appropriately. All
school rules are in effect during orchestra activities. These policies can be reviewed in the school Student Handbook.

Classroom Expectations

Engagement
Students will demonstrate active participation in classroom activities. They will play their
instruments at appropriate times in rehearsals or sectionals and ask questions and contribute
comments during discussions. Additionally, students will come to class with all necessary materials
(instrument, music, and pencil) and prepare their parts before rehearsals.
Productive Sound
Students will be conscious of the sound created in the classroom. Side conversations and other
extraneous noises will be kept to a minimum and at minimum volume so as not to distract from the
musical sound goals during the rehearsal. Students will strive to produce their best possible sound
during all rehearsals by demonstrating proper posture and technique.
Respect
Members of the ensemble will respect one another and all music-making materials. The music that
we create and the tools we use to do so are integral to our daily learning, so as an ensemble we must
create an environment that maintains our resources and fosters our ability to grow as musicians.

Classroom Procedures
Entering the Classroom
Upon entering the classroom, students must remove instruments from their cases and begin tuning
or find the teacher for tuning assistance. Students are expected to be seated two minutes after the
bell with a tuned instrument and music organized in the order of rehearsal.
Extra Music
If a student needs music to replace lost or forgotten parts, he/she may find extra copies on the table
in the back of the room. Parts are organized in folders by piece, and organized in score order within
each folder.
Instrument Maintenance
If a student needs rosin, peg lubricant, or a rock stop, supplies will be in a bin on the table in the back
of the room. Extra strings will be kept in the teachers desk, so students will need to ask for the key to
access them. Students should ask the teacher for help with more serious maintenance issues, such as
re-stringing an instrument, resetting a displaced bridge, or remedying faulty pegs or tuners.
Hall Pass/Tissues
Should a student need to use the restroom or go to their locker during the class period, he/she may
quietly grab the appropriate bathroom or hall pass on the lanyards by the door. If a pass is currently
being used, students will have to wait until the pass is back in the room before they leave. Tissues
and hand sanitizer will be placed on a table underneath the passes and may be used (quietly) as
necessary.

Cell Phone Usage

Use of a cell phone will not be permitted during rehearsals, lessons, or performances for any reason.
Rehearsals, lessons, and performances all require each participants undivided attention. Failure to comply
with this policy will be treated as an absence and will be reflected in the students ensemble skills grade.

Travel Procedures
Occasionally, performances come with the opportunity to travel to venues within and beyond the community.
Following are some basic guidelines to prepare for these travels.

Materials

Always travel with the appropriate materials. These include:

instruments and accessories (e.g., rock stops, rosin, extra strings, shoulder rests and mutes)
collapsible music stand
music (do NOT assume your stand partner remembered)
concert dress
pencils

Logistics
Whether we travel by plane, train, or automobile, follow these procedures to make sure the trip is smooth.
Be on time. The group will depart at the scheduled meeting time. If you are late and miss the bus, you
are absent.
Stay with the group. You will be assigned a seat partner, a chaperone, and a specific bus (if
applicable). Stay in close proximity with these people, and know how to contact them in case of
separation. Report to the same bus, same chaperone, and same bus buddy.
o While we love the support of friends and families who come to hear us on the road, persons
who are neither student musicians nor chaperones must travel separately from the
ensemble. This means that student musicians will travel on the busses with the rest of the
group, while friends and family must find their own transportation.

Emergencies
Should an emergency situation arise, remain calm and know who to contact.
If immediate assistance is required, call 911.
If no emergency services are necessary, or immediately after calling 911, contact the director and
follow the instructions they provide.
If you are lost, remain where you are or move to a safe place close to your location, then contact your
chaperone or director.
It is the responsibility of the director to notify the appropriate people back home of any details
surrounding an emergency situation.

Attendance Policy
Due to the nature of performance based classes, out-of-class time commitments (e.g., concerts, festivals) are
required for all participating students. The learning experiences and values from this class come not only
from daily rehearsals and outside practice, but also from these performance opportunities that occur outside
of the class period and school day. Every player is a vital part of the orchestra, so every players attendance is
integral to group success.
A master schedule of concerts and events will be issued to students and parents at the beginning of the school
year. Unavoidable absences (e.g., death in the immediate family or medical emergencies) will be honored if
the director is informed before the performance and official documentation regarding the absence is
submitted upon the students return to rehearsal. In the event of absence, the conductor holds the right to
contact the parent/guardian to confirm the nature of the absence.
When applicable, students must make arrangements to make up any work with the director prior to the
absence. All make-up work should be completed prior to the absence, as well. Should a conflict arise between
an ensemble engagement and another school sponsored activity, the director will work with the student,
activity sponsors, principal, and parents to determine a compromise that will be agreeable to all parties.
Because the concert is integral to the performance nature of the ensemble and a vital component to being a
part of this team of musicians, any absence will be reflected negatively in a students ensemble skills grade.

Seating Policy
Seating in orchestra is based on auditions held at the beginning of each concert cycle. Seating placements are
effective through one full concert cycle. Placements are determined by the director, and all placements are
final.
Principal chairs will be auditioned and interviewed at the beginning of each concert cycle. These students
must always strive for excellence in performances; demonstrate responsibility by being set up and prepared
to play before the start of rehearsal; be prepared for rehearsals ahead of time by practicing their parts outside
of rehearsal; and exhibit a willingness to help their section learn parts, bowings, fingerings, etc.
Please note that the orchestra is not seated on a hierarchical basis, and that seating is not a reflection of an
individual students strengths. Several factors are considered for each seating decision. If students or parents
would like an indication of the students performance level, they can check the students class grade, or
contact the instructor directly.
Below is a map of the orchestra set-up. The orchestra will be organized in the traditional orchestral pattern
shown unless unusual instrumentation or special performance needs dictate otherwise. An aisle in the middle
will be kept clear for easier movement through the classroom.