Welcome to Victoria ISD Orchestra! You will find that learning an instrument will be one of the most rewarding experiences that you will have in a lifetime.  It requires work and dedication, but the rewards are worth it.  You will make lifelong friends from this group and may find that being in a musical group is much like being part of a big family.

This handbook is designed to inform you of all aspects of VISD Orchestra. Parents and students will need to read the entire handbook and become familiar with the rules and procedures for this class. Please take a close look at the calendar that was provided to you by your director. Know when your attendance is required.

Orchestra is not just another class; it is a performing group. It is your responsibility to know what is expected of you as a member of our orchestra programs. By joining this group you have taken on a big responsibility. Every member of the orchestra is important and each person must do his or her part to create a strong group. With a little hard work and a lot of determination, you can be proud of what you will accomplish as a musician in one year.

We work hard in orchestra but I can assure you that it will all pay off in the end. There will be many planned social events, parties and of course an end of the year trip to celebrate your accomplishments throughout the year.

We look forward to a great year and a great orchestra with you as part of it!

Sincerely,

Justin Balli

Orchestra Facilitator, West HS / Patti Welder & Cade Middle Schools

• Correct size instrument in good working condition. No colored instruments!

• Pencil EVERY day in class

• Cleaning cloth kept in your case. (A piece of an old t-shirt works great!)

• Rosin

• Shoulder rest (for Violins and Violas)

• Rock stop/straps (for Cellos and Basses)

• Performance attire (see “Concert Policy”)

• Essential Elements 2000: Book 1 & 2 for your instrument (FYO)

• Essential Elements 2000: Book 2 & Essential Techniques 2000 for your instrument (ADV)

• Orchestra activity fee $40 (binder, sheet protectors, social events, any misc. materials used during class, and includes orchestra t-shirt,)

You may purchase or rent an instrument and purchase music supplies at any reputable music vendor.  Consult your teacher if you are not sure. 

Collins Music Store 
3112 N Navarro St
Victoria, TX 77901 
(361) 582-0357            

Tee’s House of Music 
906 E Red River St
Victoria, TX 77901
(361) 575-0204

Terra Nova Violins
7795 Burnet Rd,
Austin, TX 78757
(512) 640-4072

SHAR Music (online)
www.sharmusic.com
(800) 248-7427
sharserv@sharmusic.com

Terra Nova Violins 
6983 Blanco Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78216
(210) 349-4700

Katy Violin Shop
5131 S Fry Rd #500
Katy, TX 77450
(281) 769-1778

Attendance
Orchestra is a performing class. Class time is used for rehearsal for these performances and it is of utmost importance that the orchestra performs with the same number of musicians as it rehearses with. You will be given plenty of notice for scheduled concerts. It is your responsibility to make arrangements for arriving at the concert site at the correct time. 

“I did not have a ride” is not an excuse. You will be excused for personal illness and family emergencies only. In these cases, a notice from a parent or guardian is required. For an excused absence, an alternate assignment will be given. An alternate assignment will not be given for unexcused absences. Failure to attend a concert will result in a zero grade.

Concert Attire and Uniforms
It is important for any performing group to look uniform in their dress while on stage. Students are expected to follow the attire/uniform guidelines as listed below. Students out of concert attire risk an incomplete grade for that concert and/or possible dismissal from the event.

Concert Attire:

Boys:                                                              
- Black, long sleeve button down shirt          
- Black dress pants                                        
- Black belt                                                    
- Black socks and black dress shoes              

Girls:
- Black dress shirt/blouse
- Black dress pants OR long black skirt          
- Black socks or hose  
- Black dress shoes

Rules

1. Follow all directions the first time they are given.

2. Be in your seat with all materials by the time the tardy bell rings.

3. You may talk only when called upon by the teacher.

4. Respect the people, equipment, and furnishings of the orchestra room.

5. No long fingernails for any reason.

6. No gum, candy, food or drinks allowed in the rehearsal room.

Consequences

1. Verbal warning

2. Conference after class

3. Detention

4. Phone call to parent/guardian

5. Administrative referral

Severe disruptions will result in the student being sent immediately to the office and risk of elective change.

Tardy Policy
The orchestra will follow the school wide tardy policy.

Grades
Daily grade – 40%

• Playing assignments

• Sectionals

• Written assignments

• Unannounced materials check

• Bringing your instrument every day

• (This is a weekly grade that drops daily every time you forget your instrument)

Tests – 30%

• Playing Tests

• Chair Tests

• Written Tests

   

Performance – 30%

• Concerts

• Contests and Competitions

Care of your instrument

1. Keep your hands washed and cleaned before handling.

2. Wipe your instrument down with your cloth after every use.

3. Be careful self-tuning your instrument. Do not use pegs unless taught how to use them.

4. Never allow others to play your instrument.

5. Never attempt to repair your instrument by yourself.

Care of your bow

1. Do not touch the hair of the bow.

2. Tighten the bow before use. Loosen the bow after use.

3. Wipe the stick of the bow to avoid rosin build-up.

District Owned Instruments
The district owns a limited number of violin, violas, cellos and basses for student rental. There is an annual VISD instrument fee of $80 for middle school. This money is used to help cover repair expenses caused by normal wear and tear. It is not designed to cover cost from damage or loss of the instrument due to theft/misplacement or neglect. This type of repair is the responsibility of the student who is using the instrument.

Please ask your director for the Instrument Loan Agreement Form if you are needing to use a district instrument. District instruments are first come first serve. 

Violins/Violas/Cellos
It is recommended that you purchase or rent your own instrument from one of the local music stores. Having your own instrument, either renting or owning guarantees that you will not have to share a district owned instrument with another member of the orchestra 

Basses
Bass students are generally not expected to rent an instrument from a music store. Whenever possible, we try to provide a school instrument. You are more than welcome to rent or even purchase your own.

Eligibility
To participate in any extra-curricular activity, students must pass all classes the grading period prior to the event. If a student earns a grade lower than a 70 in any class, state law prohibits participation in any extra-curricular event. 

Extra-curricular events:                     
(Eligibility rules apply)                                                          

- Region auditions                                                                 
- Region concert                                                                    
- Solo and Ensemble contest                                                 
- UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest
- Any field trips

Curricular events:
(Eligibility does not apply)
- Extra rehearsals
- Concerts
- Social events

Fundraising
The orchestra does two fundraisers a year. 

• Fall (1st semester): Great American Catalog Sales

• Winter (2nd semester): Old Fashion Candy Co. Chocolate Sales

Any money raised by students from these two events goes directly towards their spring trip payment. Any extra money raised goes towards the orchestra’s sundry account which pays for social events, supplies, music, instruments etc.

Spring Trip Requirements
Our spring trip must be earned by the dedication of each student. The following requirements must be met in order for a student to be eligible to attend the end of the year trip: 

• Must pass the final grade check of the school year

• May not be sent to ISS/OSS or a combination of both for two or more times

• Must turn in all remaining chocolates and/or chocolate money from our second fundraiser

• Played in every concert (one excused absence is allowed with a make-up)

It is beneficial for both parents and students to sign up for our REMIND classes because of the many concerts, rehearsals and contests that involve this class. REMIND allows the director to send text and email messages directly to those signed up for quick and convenient reminders for events.

Please sign up for either Text or Email or both. To sign up for a remind class follow these instructions: 

3rd and 7th Period                                         
Parents required                             
Students optional                                       
Text message:                                                 
Enter this number: 81010                               
Text this message: @pwcfyo                         
Send                                                              

Email:                                                             
Enter this address:                                         
pwcfyo@mail.remind.com 
Send (no subject required)                            

OR use this Link:         
https://www.remind.com/join/pwcfyo                                    

4th and 6th Period                       
Parents required      
Students required
Text message:
Enter this number: 81010
Text this message: @pwcadvo
Send                                                               

Email:
Enter this address:
pwcadvo@mail.remind.com
Send (no subject required)

OR use this Link:
https://www.remind.com/join/pwcadvo