Cy-Fair

High School Orchestras

Kevin Ray, Orchestra Director

www.cyfairorchestra.weebly.com

Kevin.ray@cfisd.net

cyfairorchestra@gmail.com

Cy-Fair High School 22602 Hempstead Hwy. Cypress, Texas 77429 Phone: 281-517-2194

www.cyfairorchestra.com

Cy-Fair Orchestras

UIL CLASS Name Description

Varsity Chamber (4) -  Audition Required. -  Performs grade IV/V literature from the UIL PML. -  Students should be comfortable performing three-octave scales and

Class 1 solos (Refer to UIL Prescribed Music List) -  Violins must be comfortable in all advanced positions (must read

several ledger lines/8va) -  Violists must be comfortable in advanced positions. Must be able to

fluently read treble clef -  Cello/Bassists must be comfortable in thumb position and should read

tenor/treble clefs with fluency. -  Must be able to sight-read at a grade III/IV level -  Encouraged to audition for Region 27 Orchestra. -  Region Audition material, skills and mastery will be integral part of

curriculum. -  UIL Solo and Ensemble contest required. -  Private Lessons not required by encouraged. -  Full Orchestra Rehearsals after school.

Non-Varsity Symphony (2) -  Audition Required. -  Performs grade II/III/IV literature from the UIL Prescribed Music List. -  Students must be comfortable with two-octave scales (both major and

minor) -  All instruments should be able to shift accurately from each position. -  Must be able to sight-read at a grade I/II level. -  Varsity level skills will be taught to level of mastery. -  UIL Solo and Ensemble contest required. -  Full Orchestra Rehearsal after school.

Sub Non-Varsity (A)

Philharmonic (6) -  Audition Required. -  Performs grade II/III/IV literature from the UIL Prescribed Music List,

Must sight-read at a grade I level. -  Students will be taught fundamentals to level of mastery.

Sub Non-Varsity (B)

Camerata (1) Concert (5)

-  Audition required for Concert (5) -  No audition required for Camerata (1) -  Orchestras will combine to form Sinfonia Orchestra. -  Students will be taught the fundamentals for success in orchestra

Communication

kevin.ray@cfisd.net Primary District Email

cyfairorchestra@gmail.com Weekly Newsletter, Reminders

www.cyfairorchestra.com -  Orchestra website / blog -  Resources

-  Solo/Ensemble Sign-up Form -  Absence Requests -  Class information

-  Calendar

(281) 517-2194

Cy-Fair HS Office Phone Please call during conference periods 3/7 or

before and after school.

Policy Students should please communicate non-pertinent concerns via email (it is preferred that parents are copied). Students may text

only through the Remind number and only pertinent items (spring trips, etc.). Please allow 24 hours for email and phone response.

Staying connected to students, parents, and community is vital to the success of the Cy-Fair Orchestra program. Please feel free to contact me via email/phone with any questions or concerns. Please allow 24 hours for email/phone response. Here are the ways to stay informed.

Communication (Continued) Remind codes for each orchestra. (See remind.com for more information) These reminders will be used to communicate concerns specific to each orchestra (ex. Sectionals, after school rehearsals). Send a text message to the number 81010 the class code that corresponds with your orchestra.

Sinfonia (1st and 5th period) @1sinfonia

Philharmonic (6th period) @1philhar

Symphony (2nd period) @1symphony

Chamber (4th period)

@1chamb

Spring Trip Participants

@1cfost

*Text Message Rates apply REMINDERS FOR:

Sectionals, Concerts, Playing Tests, Emergency Cancellations (ex. Car Wash cancelled due to weather), Trip Checkpoints, etc.

CHARMS OFFICE ASSISTANT Charms is a online cloud-based database that will help keep you informed of the administrative side of the Cy-Fair Orchestra program. When you log into your account, these are just a few examples of what you can expect:

1. Contact information (email newsletters, news items, keeping informed) 2. Financial Statements (Receipts for Activity Fee, ledger of financial records, trip payments) 3. Forms (Handbook, Region Etudes, All-State excerpts, syllabus, etc.) 4. Communication between Booster Club and Director 5. Calendar for major events (please refer to the calendar online: Cy-Fair Website) 6. Much more!

It is important that all contact information is updated each year.

  NEW STUDENT CHARMS ONLINE REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS:   1. Go to www.CharmsOffice.com/charms/login.asp 2. Type in cyfairhsorch in the PARENT/STUDENT/MEMBER LOGIN box 3. In the next window, next to ENTER STUDENT ID/PASSWORD – type in your student’s ID# (use numbers only) Click ENTER and you should see your student’s name at the top right corner. 4. Find the ICON that says PERSONAL INFORMATION, and open it. 5. Please complete all the information for both student AND PARENT(S).

Use dashes when typing in phone numbers. Double check e-mail accuracy.

6. When all information is complete, click UPDATE. (This is a green button at the bottom of the page.)

General Procedures, Policies and Expectations

Sectional Attendance Sectional attendance is a vital part of the success of the orchestra program. Sectionals will be divided mostly by instrument and on occasion by designation of high/low

strings. Students should expect at least two to three sectionals per quarter grading period. Assessment grades will be taken. Sectional schedules and calendars will be provided on a monthly basis and can be view for several

months in advance on the Cy-Fair Orchestra website.

Academic Eligibility

As per Texas State Law, students must receive a 70 or higher in all class to be academically eligible to compete.

This includes all contests governed by the University Interscholastic League including Solo/Ensemble

Competition, State Solo/Ensemble Competition, Concert and Sight-reading competition. This also includes

extracurricular events and auditioning for Region 27 Orchestra. Eligibility will be strictly upheld. Eligibility will also we considered when making orchestra placements.

University Interscholastic League *University Interscholastic League

See uiltexas.org for more information.

The University Interscholastic League is the governing body for all competition in the state of Texas. It is the joint responsibility of students and directors to pay careful

attention to guidelines, procedures, and classifications to avoid disqualifications from competitions.

Students will have the opportunity to participate in the UIL Solo/Ensemble Competition held in February of each year

and the UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Competition held in March/April of each year.

General Procedures, Policies and Expectations (cont.)

Performance Attendance Students will have from five to six major performances each year. These include a Fall Concert, Children’s Concert, Winter

Concert, Pre-UIL/UIL Performance, and Spring Concert. Each concert is a major grade. Concerts will be excused due to major

family events, illness, or emergencies. Communication from parent/guardian is needed for excusal of events. Students will be permitted to make-up any concerts missed by recording excerpts

(at the directors discretion) of concert music.

Materials / Supplies

Violin and viola students will need to rent or own their instrument. Cello and bass students will be given an instrument

to use during the school day. Cello and Bass students will be given a CFISD contract. They may not use loaned instruments

until the contract agreement is returned. Students with financial need will be supplied an instrument to use during the school year. All students are responsible to maintain equipment and resources. Students will be subject to loss of privileges and/or removal from program if instruments or resources are abused.

Various method/exercise books will be recommended and supplied throughout the year to supplement instruction.

Accommodations can be made.

Class Expectations

-  Enter room quietly. -  Be prepared with instrument, music, and pencil.

-  Tune softly and quickly. -  Good rehearsal etiquette and technique (limit sidebar

conversations to pertinent business, stay engaged). -  Keep room clean and tidy by putting away books, rosin,

folders, etc. -  Return ALL materials to designated areas prior to the end of

class instruction.

General Procedures, Policies and Expectations (cont.)

Student Code of Conduct Students are expected to abide by the Cy-Fair Orchestra Code of Conduct and all CFISD District policies whenever

representing the Cy-Fair Orchestra program. This applies to all curricular/extracurricular activities such as UIL performances and overnight trips. Here are basic

expectations: 1.  Treat all orchestra members with respect and dignity.

2. Be punctual. 3. Proper citizenship when representing Cy-Fair Orchestras.

Uniforms

and

Formal Concert Dress

Students will be issued a formal concert uniform at the beginning of each year. Gentleman will receive a tuxedo

jacket and pants. Ladies will receive a dress/gown. It is the responsibility of the student to maintain these items

throughout the school year. Gentleman are responsible for acquiring their own tuxedo shirt, bow-tie, black socks, and

black dress shoes. Ladies are responsible for the appropriate footwear. Accommodations will be made for

those students with financial needs. Students will be charged for any damaged uniforms returned at the end of

each year.

Activity Fee

An activity fee of $80 will be charged at the beginning of each year. SEE ACTIVITY FEE Handout for what services

and resources will be supplied. *If financial need arises, optional payment plans can be arranged. All financial disclosures remain confidential.

General Procedures, Policies and Expectations (cont.)

Informal Concert Dress 1.  Orchestra Spirit T-Shirt 2.  Denim jeans (with no holes)

3.  Everyday school shoes/sneakers

Children’s Concert The annual Cy-Fair Orchestra Children’s concert will take place in the fall (late October – early November). This is a

major event in promoting string education to the community. This is also a fundraising event for the

orchestra. Informal Concert dress required for this event.

String Supplies

Representatives from Fishburn Violins and Lisle Violins are in weekly contact with the Cy-Fair High School Orchestra. Students can request that supplies from these shops are brought to Cy-Fair. Payment can be in the form of cash/

check and must be paid up front. FISHBURN VIOLIN: (281-290-4580)

LISLE VIOLIN: (713-526-4005)

Spring Trip Policy As per CFISD policy, the orchestra program will travel out of state every other year. Students should view the spring trip as a privilege and represent the Cy-Fair Orchestra program

at the highest level. Participation is optional. Students must sign a contract and adhere to high standards of behavior

and citizenship in order to attend the spring trip. Trip payment installments will be scheduled throughout the

year. Parents are required to attend a mandatory trip meeting prior to departing. The Cy-Fair Orchestra Program has historically had a four year rotation in regards to Spring

Trips: Year One: IN-STATE

Year Two: DISNEY WORLD, ORLANDO, FL Year Three: IN-STATE

Year Four: WINTER PARK SKI FESTIVAL

General Procedures, Policies and Expectations (cont.)

Spring Trip Policy (cont.) Parents should expect to budget the following: In-state: $400 – 600 Out-of-state: $850 – 1200

As per CFISD policy, chaperones will attend with no charge. The ratio of adult to student is 1 adult per every 10 students.

Deposits are non-refundable. Depending on infraction, students will be sent home at the parents expense.

Orchestra Banquet The end-of-the-year banquet will be held each year in April/May. This event is sponsored by our Orchestra Parents Association and will require a small fee for entry. The orchestra banquet is a celebration of the orchestras

achievements throughout the year. This is a dance/catered dinner party for our students. Parent chaperones are needed

each year and the dress is formal.

Orchestra Banquet Expectations Students are expected to adhere to school and orchestra conduct policies. Students may wish to drive themselves to

banquet with written parent permission and are not permitted to leave banquet and return. They must stay for the entire duration of the event or choose to leave early.

Students will sign a log when exiting banquet. This is matter of student safety. Students should not leave the banquet

without talking to an adult/directors. Students will also be required to arrive on time. Late students will not be

permitted entry.

Social Event Policy There will be periodic socials throughout the school year to celebrate orchestra events, team building and morale.

School sponsored social events will be advertised with adult supervision. Student sponsored social events will be

advertised with NO adult supervision (via social media).

Orchestra Placements and Chairing

Orchestra Auditions Orchestra auditions will take the place of the final exam. Students will be graded on an rubric that totals 200 points

that will be broken up into three categories: Scales (50 points), Excerpts (150 points) and Sight-Reading (50

points). Students will be ranked based on this criteria for orchestra placement consideration.

Students who complete the Philharmonic track objectives during the school year will not be required to audition for

orchestra placement at the end of the year.

Director Discretion

and

Orchestra Placements

Although orchestra rankings based on end-of-year auditions will be used primarily to determine placements, final

decisions are ultimately at the directors discretion. Apart from the audition ranking, the director will consider the

following: 1.  Sectional Attendance

2.  Eligibility 3.  Concert Attendance

4.  UIL Participation 5. Solo/Ensemble Participation

6. Overall citizenship in orchestra

Chairing

Chairing will be conducted at directors discretion. Students will be assigned principal positions based on the following criteria: periodic playing assessments, citizenship in class,

leadership qualities, and sectional attendance. Students can plan to be reseated 1-2 times per six-week period. Seating should not be viewed as a reflection of student ranking in orchestra. Students will be seated based on

where they will be most successful and contribute positively to the overall musical affect of the group.

Region and All-State Information

Timeline All Region/All-State Information is found at TMEA.ORG (Texas Music Educators Association).

APRIL: Etude Books Selected MAY: Etude Numbers Assigned

JULY: All-State Orchestra Excerpts Published AUGUST: Region Etude Cuts Selected OCTOBER: Region Audition on Etudes

OCTOBER: All-State Audition (Taping) on Etudes/Excerpts for students eligible.

NOVEMBER: Region Clinic and Concert FEBRUARY: All-State Orchestra Performances at

TMEA Convention in San Antonio

Fees Region Audition: $15 (as of 2016) All-State Taping: $30 (as of 2016)

Originals

As per TMEA policy, students are required to own the original copies of the required etude books.

2017-2018 Region 27 Orchestra Division Chair

Kevin Ray, Orchestra Director Cy-Fair High School

*Contact for concerns about audition

2017-2018 Region 27 High School Orchestra

Organizers

Melissa Shideler, Orchestra Director Langham Creek High School

Elizabeth Ledford, Orchestra Director Cy-Ranch High School

*Contact for music, questions about rehearsal

Region and All-State Information (cont.)

Region Audition Procedure All judging panels will consist of 5 members (3 of which are orchestra directors in the region). Students are assigned a number/letter. No

practicing, talking, or audible metronomes are permitted. Students will be assigned rooms and

must not leave room while judging panel is present. There will be one student auditioning and another on a “hot seat.” The audition will conclude after all students in the room have auditioned both

on both etude cuts.

Out-of-District Travel Because Region 27 auditions are traditionally held in Spring Branch ISD, students are not permitted to drive themselves and a CFISD bus will be provided to take students to audition site. Students may get picked up by a parent or guardian at the audition

site.

Piano Region Audition

Students auditioned for region on piano will wait to audition for all levels (Region, Area, and All-State)

on the day of the All-State taping.

All-State Taping

Top Region Members will be permitted to perform All-State excerpts. This is traditionally held 2-3 weeks after the region audition has taken place.

The cuts will be made available on the TMEA website the day prior to the audition.

UIL Solo and Ensemble Competition

Requirements Students in Chamber (4) and Symphony (2) are required to perform at the UIL Solo/Ensemble

Competition or evening recital in February. Students will consult director/private instructors to find a selection on the Prescribed Music List (PML)

that best represents the students development.

Prescribed Music List

Students will be responsible for reading the performance requirements on the PML. Students

who do not perform from the correct edition or stray from the requirements listed will be disqualified.

Accompanist

Students who choose to perform a solo will be required to pay for an accompanist if the selected work calls for piano. Students should expect to pay

a fee from $35 – 40 for two rehearsals and performance.

Discretion of the Director

Students who are not prepared to compete at competition will be excused from their performance

on the discretion of the director.

Merit of Solo/Ensemble

Solo/Ensemble is an important curricular event in orchestra.

Texas State Solo/Ensemble Competition

Students who earn a Division 1 rating on a Class 1 Solo (memorized) or Ensemble will have the option

to perform at the TSSEC in Austin, TX. Students must inform director of plans prior to registration date. This date occurs historically in early April.

Private Lesson Teachers

Private Lessons Private Lessons are encouraged for all students who would like one-on-one instruction to better

their technique and skills. Most students competing at the region and state level are

involved in private lessons. Please contact me regarding any financial situations that may inhibit your participation private lessons. I have limited funds based on a case by case basis for serious

string students interested in private lessons.

Private Lesson TIPS:

1. Consistency: Depending in budget, considering weekly, biweekly, etc. instruction that is consistent. Often times,

students who sign up for private lessons for the sole purpose of Region auditions or Solo/Ensemble will not

find the same success as students who consistently attend lessons year-round.

2. Qualifications: Seek teachers with music degrees and performance experience to ensure high quality

instruction. 3. Practice skills and techniques from week to week.

Progress will not be achieved solely by private lesson attendance. Students should carefully prepare concepts

addressed to prior to lessons.

CHECK www.cyfairorchestra.com for Updates to Private Lesson Teacher Lists.

Private Lesson Teachers

Orchestra Clinicians of Cy-Fair HS

Cathy Fishburn, RET. Dean Fishburn, Owner of Fishburn Violin

John Ricarte, Brazosport Orchestra George Engelmann, RET.

Bingiee Shiu, Memorial HS Danielle Prontka, Memorial HS

Christopher Mustell, Cy-Ridge HS Victoria Campian, Cy-Woods HS

Dave Hunter, RET. Elizabeth Ledford, Cy-Ranch HS Desiree Overee, Seven Lakes HS

Student Officers and Responsibilities !!

Cy$Fair!High!School!Orchestra!Leadership!Team!

!!!

!!

ORCHESTRA!DIRECTOR!

President!Orchestra!Operation!Manager!

Concertmaster!

VIOLA!Section((Leader(

Vice!President!Student!Activity!Leader!! Facilities!Manager!

Classroom!Facilitator!

Secretary!

Head!Librarian!

Orchestra!Publicity!Manager!!

Activity(Staff(

VIOLIN!Section((Leader((

CELLO!Section((Leader(

BASS!Section(Leader(

Facility/Equipment(Staff(Publicity(Staff(

Librarian(Staff(

Children’s!Concert!Script!Writing!Team!

Student Officers and Responsibilities (cont.)

President – Orchestra Operation Manager

- Communicate student concerns with Orchestra Director, Orchestra Parents association, Leadership team - Lead leadership meetings; delegate specific tasks to members - Coordinate ALL orchestra activities - Makes executive decisions when difficult to achieve consensus - Make classroom and concert announcements - Provide assistance to Orchestra Director when needed - Attends all orchestra activities (concerts, retreats, sectionals - Assists Orchestra Director - Promotes orchestra morale, unity, and character - Leads Banquet preparations

Vice President – Student Activity Leader

- Organizes monthly student activities with president - Plans potlucks, banquet, and other social activities with president - Heads Orchestra T-Shirt Committee - Assist with technology (recordings, video, etc.) - Appoints a representative from each class period and communicates items discussed in leadership meetings - Attends all orchestra activities (concerts, retreats, sectionals) - Assists Orchestra Director - Promotes orchestra morale, unity, and high character

Facilities Manager

- Appoints a team of 4-6 students (representatives from each class period) - Makes sure that students keep orchestra room tidy and do not abuse equipment. (Makes sure rock stops, books, tuners, etc. are put away) - Assists with setting up stage at concerts - Assist with attendance - Assists with creating a functioning classroom

Student Officers and Responsibilities (cont.)

Orchestra Publicity Manager - Acts as historian for the orchestra - Manages archives of orchestra pictures - With consent of president/orchestra director, advertises orchestra achievements and events - Puts a slideshow presentation together for Centrum concert - Manages Orchestra Social Media presence (Facebook, twitter, etc.) - Creates advertisements for orchestra events - Assists with marketing for orchestra (Create logos, etc.)

Head Librarian

- Organize music for all orchestras - Assist with copying procedures and distribution - Organize library - Helps copy and distribute solos/ensembles for UIL Competition - Assist with music needs during full orchestra rehearsals

Secretary

- Takes minutes for all leadership meetings - Shares minutes (through email communication) with all members and Orchestra Director - Assists president as needed - Assists ALL officer positions

Children’s Concert Script Writing team*

Not an elected position. Interested students will meet with Orchestra Director. Orchestra director will make appointments. Children’s Concert Themes: 2013: “Around the world” 2014: “Doctor Who” 2015: “The Spirit of Adventure” 2016: “Inside Out”

Student Officers and Responsibilities (cont.)

Expectations -Makes every attempt to help ALL orchestra students feel welcome and part of the program -Considers the needs of ALL orchestra students -Attends ALL orchestra events and activities -Performs responsibilities without extra prompting -Provides ideas on fundraising and encouraging student involvement at social events -Respects the authority of the President and Orchestra Director

Guidelines

-Orchestra Master Calendar needs to be consulted prior to scheduling of all social activities. -Plans social events at least once a month -Social events during class need prior approval -President should hear out the ideas, thoughts, and plans of leadership team but ultimately has final approval -All matters of fundraising or collecting of money needs approval by orchestra director (district policy)

Dismissal from Office -Student leaders who do not fulfill their obligation to their position will be removed from office at the discretion of the Orchestra Director. (Ex: absence at orchestra events, poor leadership and modeling, behavior infractions, disrespect to director and students)