Round Rock High School Orchestra
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  • Home
  • About the Directors
  • Announcements
  • Audition Information
  • Booster Club
  • Calendar
  • Carnegie Hall
  • Carnegie Hall 2022
  • Contact
  • Course Descriptions and Information
  • Eligibility Calendar 2021-2022
  • Full Orchestra 2022
  • Handbook
  • Handouts and Forms
  • Letter Jacket Points
  • Links to Music stores, online shopping, local performances
  • Midwest Clinic 2018
  • Online Learning Resources
  • Private Lessons at RRHS
  • Schedule/Tutoring
  • Solo and Ensemble
  • Solo and Ensemble Accompanists
  • TMEA Region 26 Orchestra
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Orchestra Handbook 

Verification of Handbook Acknowledgement:

Students, please read the Orchestra Handbook and sign into your school account and complete following Google Form:
​
Student Handbook Acknowledgement Form



Parents, please read the Orchestra Handbook and sign into your school account and complete following Google Form:

Parent Handbook Acknowledgement Form


Round Rock High School
Orchestra Handbook


Performing Groups:

Beginning Orchestra – This group is for students who have never played a stringed instrument before or are returning to play after many years absence of practice.  This is a one year course. This course is only offered when there is enough student interest.
 Concert Orchestra – About 80% of incoming 9th graders begin their Orchestra career in the Concert Orchestra.  It also includes 10th-12th graders as well.  Members of this orchestra are experienced instrumental musicians who focus on refining their instrumental techniques, music reading and listening skills.  The Concert Orchestra performs three concerts and may participate in UIL Concert and Sight-reading Contest.  Members may also participate in UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest.  
 Camerata Orchestra -  Members of this orchestra are experienced stringed instrumental musicians who will continue refining their instrumental techniques, music reading and listening skills. The Camerata Orchestra performs several concerts and may participate in UIL Concert and Sight-reading Contest. Members may also participate in UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest. 
 Philharmonic Maroon Orchestra - ­­­­­ This group of intermediately experienced instrumental musicians are able to demonstrate advancing musical abilities.  The Philharmonic Orchestra performs at least three concerts and competes in University Interscholastic League (UIL) Concert and Sight-reading Contest.  Additional performances may include one or more festivals.  Members are encouraged to participate in UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest.  Additional rehearsals and sectionals may be required of this group.
 Philharmonic White Orchestra - ­­­­­ This group of intermediately experienced instrumental musicians are able to demonstrate advanced musical abilities.  The Philharmonic Orchestra performs at least three concerts and competes in University Interscholastic League (UIL) Concert and Sight-reading Contest.  Additional performances may include one or more festivals.  Members are encouraged to participate in UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest and TMEA All-Region auditions.  Additional rehearsals and sectionals are required of this group.
 Symphonic Orchestra —­­­­­ This group of highly experienced instrumental musicians are able to consistently demonstrate superior musical abilities.  The Symphony Orchestra performs at least three concerts and competes in University Interscholastic League (UIL) Concert and Sight-reading Contest.  Additional performances may include one or more festivals and occasional guest appearances.  Members are strongly encouraged to participate in Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) All-Region/State Orchestra auditions and UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest.  Additional weekly rehearsals and sectionals are required of this group.
 Other Major Activities:
TMEA All-Region/State Orchestra Auditions —­­ Students who choose to participate will audition from selected etudes, studies, and musical excerpts.  These competitions provide the student with the opportunity to advance and perform at the state level.Visit http://www.tmea.org/ or consult your director for more information.
 UIL Solo and Ensemble — This is an individual learning activity for the student.  A student may prepare a solo and/or participate in an ensemble or play in two ensembles. A maximum of two entries is allowed.  Music must be chosen from the UIL approved list and will be performed in front of a judge for an individual rating.  Ensembles are rated as a group. A student must also provide and pay his/her own accompanist.  Students must also pay their own entry fee.
 UIL TSSEC — Students who perform from memory and receive a Superior rating at UIL Solo & Ensemble and may participate at UIL Texas State Solo & Ensemble Contest (TSSEC).  The contest is held on the UT Campus May 29, 31.Cost is $15.00 per solo, $10.00 per ensemble member.   Students must provide their own accompanists.
 IMIP — Private lessons are offered for a nominal fee through the Round Rock Individualized Music Instruction Program for students wishing to improve their musicianship.  Lessons can be scheduled either before or after school or during the students’ orchestra or string technique class. All orchestra members are strongly encouraged to participate in this private lesson program!

UIL Full Orchestra - Both the Philharmonic White and Symphony Orchestra students will combine every spring to perform as a full orchestra for UIL Full Orchestra Evaluation.  These orchestras will have weekly early morning rehearsals. This is part of the coursework and is an expectation of these students.  Conflicts with these rehearsals should be kept to an absolute minimum and prior notification to the directors is necessary. 


 Private instructors are carefully selected by the staff to insure quality instruction.  These instructors can only handle a certain number of students so in many cases they accept those who contact them first.  If interested, students should contact instructors as soon as possible to reserve a lesson time.
Orchestra Seating
Auditions will be held at the beginning of each semester and periodically throughout the year to determine principal chairs and orchestra seating.  Accomplished players will be seated at the front of each section.  Students will have the opportunity to practice music before the audition.  All seating will be at the discretion of the director. 
Concertmaster & Principal Chairs
These leadership positions will be awarded as a result of these auditions and at the discretion of the director.  Selection for these chairs is based on playing ability and leadership.
Attendance Policy: 
Orchestra members are expected to be present for all rehearsals and performances; orchestra is a performance class as described in the Curriculum Handbook. Attendance is required and roll will be taken at every rehearsal and performance.  Each rehearsal and performance is graded.
 Out of class rehearsals/sectionals and concerts
These are considered co-curricular activities and attendance is required.  Academically ineligible students must still attend all rehearsals and sectionals. Academic ineligibility affects only extra-curricular activities.         
 Absences and tardiness will be excused in the following cases:
1.  Medical emergency or personal injury
2.  Death in the family
3.  Illness (parent must call director before the missed rehearsal or concert) 
Tel: (512)464-6025- You must leave a message
4.  Conflict with another school activity, documented in advance.  Refer to Round Rock High School policy for priority.  Notification must be given at least 2 weeks in advance.
Examples of UNEXCUSED absences and tardiness include, but are not limited to:
1.  Work
2.  Oversleeping
3.  Transportation not arranged
4.  Anything deemed UNEXCUSED by RRHS administration.   
Penalties for UNEXCUSED absences may include:
1.  Detention: 
One before-school detention may be given for each unexcused absence.  Detention will normally be served in the orchestra room and at the discretion of the director.
2.  Loss of chair
Principal chairs are leadership positions and carry great responsibilities.  Students not up to this responsibility will be removed as section leaders.  Section players may be demoted one chair for an unexcused absence.
3.  Lowering of grade
A student will receive a grade of 0 in their class participation for each unexcused absence at a before or after school rehearsal. A zero will be recorded for missing a concert.
4.  Administrative consequence
Repeated unexcused absences will be treated per RRHS administration guidelines.
5.  Removal from organization or program

Students should fill out an absence form for absences with parent signature.
Questions:  Call Orchestra Director prior to scheduled activity.  Tel:(512) 464-6025 or 512-464-6068
Email: Sandra_Vandertulip@roundrockisd.org or Erin_Keith@roundrockisd.org 
 Eligibility:
If a student fails a class at the end of a six-week period, that student becomes ineligible for any extra-curricular activity.  This includes All-Region and All-State Orchestra auditions and performances and UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest. Ineligible students must still attend all regular orchestra rehearsals and concerts.  Scheduled rehearsals, concerts, and performances are co-curricular and eligibility does not affect these activities.
 Please make every effort to pass all your classes.  Repeated eligibility problems may result in mandatory tutoring.
Grading Policy:
Nine-Week Grading Period
Students will receive grades based on the following areas of assessment:
1.  Performance Assignments:  (30%-40%)
Students will be assigned specific exercises and musical excerpts throughout each nine weeks period.  These assignments will be graded.
 2.  Class Participation & Weekly assessment:  (40% to 50%)
Class participation includes attendance, possession of required classroom materials, and instruments kept in good working condition.  Failure to have an instrument during class will result in a failing grade for that day. Daily observations of on-task rehearsal time, performance level, behavior, and attitude will be evaluated for a weekly assessment. This may also include sectional/full orchestra/before or after school rehearsals.
 3.    Additional Quizzes/Projects:  (10%-20%)
Music theory, history, vocabulary and general knowledge will be addressed in class.  Quizzes and/or projects may be assigned on these topics.
 4.  Concerts and Performances 
Attendance is required at all scheduled events. Students will receive an orchestra events calendar in advance. There will be a severe penalty for non-attendance at any performance, except for excused absences as outlined above. 
 Semester Grades
The semester grade is the average of two nine-week period grades (85%) and the semester final (15%). 
Officers:
 Elections of officers will take place at the end of the school year and early fall.  Officers are required to attend meetings that are called throughout the year. Do not run for office if you will be unable to fulfill this commitment as well as the duties listed below.  Meetings will be held regularly, no less than once a month.  Meetings will be approximately 15-30 minutes long.
  Duties of the Officers:
 President
                   1.  Must be a junior or senior
                   2.  Call and preside over meetings
                   3.  Initiate and oversee any orchestra functions and/or social events
                   4.  Maintain a line of communication with the director

 Vice-Presidents
                   1.  Must be a sophomore, junior or senior
                    2.  Assumes office of president if president is unable to fulfill duties
                   3.  In charge of stage/loading crew (see stage/loading crew information)
 Secretary
                   1.  Must be a sophomore, junior, or senior
                      2.  Responsible for recording and keeping minutes of meetings and                                                                                                                                                                                             posting them in orchestra hall
 Historian
                   1.  Must be a sophomore, junior, or senior
                   2.  Responsible for video/slideshow at end-of-year banquet or scrapbook.
                      3.  Periodically take pictures; must be present at all major orchestra functions and activities 
 Additional representatives may be elected such as Uniform manager, Librarian, and Instrument manager. 
 Note:  Any officer who cannot fulfill his/her duties or demonstrate the integrity and character of Round Rock’s high standards of excellence will be replaced at the discretion of the director. They must sign a commitment form.
Orchestra Librarian:The orchestra librarian will be chosen by the director and be responsible for the organization, copying, and distribution of music to each orchestra. They will coordinate the stuffing of binders before the school year begins and make or delegate the binder cover copying and creating.       
Uniform Manager:
The Uniform Manager will be responsible for the uniform/storage closet.  They will organize tuxedos, dresses, cumberbunds, bow ties, etc.  They must be available before and after the school year to organize these items.  They must also help with check in and checkout of uniforms.
Stage/Loading crew:The Crew Chief with the approval of the director chooses the stage/loading crew.  These people need to be present before and after all concerts, on or off campus, to help set up and tear down for concerts or load and unload the equipment truck and buses when traveling off campus.  Points for letter jacket or extra credit may be earned for participation on the stage and loading crew. This also includes setting up rehearsals.
Instrument Storage:
Students will be assigned a locker for the entire year.  Students will need to use lock provided by the school for their instrument lockers.  The director must know the lock number and the combination for each of the locks.  Please use these to keep your instruments safe.
Uniforms:
Students will be fitted for a concert uniform in the fall. A $25.00 cleaning fee will be charged to students at the beginning of each year to cover dry-cleaning costs, replacement items and repair.s  Please do not make any permanent alterations to your uniform without the consent of the orchestra director.  Before each concert the concertmaster and principal chairs will inspect each section to make sure all of the required parts of the uniform are being worn.
 Parts of the uniform include:
 Guy’s Tuxedo- supplied by RRHS                     GIRLS –supplied by RRHS
Jacket                                                                               Concert dress
Pants                                                             
Bow tie                                                                  
 Guys must purchase:                                                   
 White wing tip collar tux shirt       

Black socks
Black dress shoes
 Girls must purchase:
black stockings
Black dress shoes
no Large jewelry please!  
 
NO flip flops!!!!!!

Letter Jackets:
Round Rock Orchestra students will be given an opportunity to earn a letter jacket based on a point system.  Points will be awarded based on the outline below and are divided into two categories; points based on performance, and those based on service.  Letter jacket points may come from either of the two categories.  The director will compile points and all decisions concerning point awards will be at the discretion of the director.  It is the responsibility of the student to notify the director in writing of all point totals applied for as they are earned.  Turn in all printed materials from attending or performing in concerts/recitals/etc out of the school setting.   Students not applying for points in a timely manner will risk the loss of some or all of their points.
 
Please check our website to verify entry of letter points.  Yearly totals will be compiled in May one week prior to the final Spring Concert and those students who have acquired a sufficient number to earn a jacket will be fitted as before school is ended.  Jackets will be mailed to the student.
 
Students who transfer into the program may be allowed to earn a letter jacket utilizing an adjusted scale.  This will be set up on an individual basis as needed.
 
Students will need to earn the following number of points to qualify for a jacket in the designated year.  These points are cumulative from one year to the next.
                             
                                 YEAR                              POINTS NEEDED                    
                             Freshman                                  55                               
                             Sophomore                                80                               
                             Junior                                      105                               
 
Performance-Oriented Points
 
Points                                Event
25                                   Complete a year as a member of the orchestra program
4                                     Audition for All-Region/State Orchestra (First Round)
8                                     Make Region Orchestra
4                                     Audition for All-State Orchestra (Second Round)
8                                     Perform at All-State Orchestra Level
8                                     Perform at UIL Solo/Ensemble Contest
2                                     Qualify for TSSEC
8                                     Participate in TSSEC
4                                     Play regularly in an organized youth orchestra
--                                         Other performances deemed by director
 
 
Service-Oriented Points
 
Points                                      Event
2                                     Work/Monitor at an approved music competition
1                                     Attend an outside orchestra/musical performance: high                                                                            school, university, community, or professional
8                                     Serve as an officer, section leader, or stage/loading crew
8                                     Orchestra Librarian
1                                     Work one hour at a booster or orchestra concession stand
                                      (cannot receive trip money credit)
1-10                                Service project to be agreed upon by student and orchestra director.  (This is only available to sophomores and juniors.)
2                                     Selection/participating in Tri-M Music Honor Society
_                                             Other service deemed by director 
 
Out-of-District Travel:
         
Purpose:
The purpose of out-of-district travel is to offer students an educational opportunity to travel and perform at festivals and concerts.  Out-of-district travel to festivals and concerts is typically scheduled bi-annually.
 
Funding:
Funding for out-of-district travel is paid for by the individual student and may be supplemented by fund-raising projects.
 
Deposit:
Once a student signs a letter of intent and makes an initial deposit, those funds are absolutely not refundable.
 
Travel Rules:
 
When traveling with the orchestra, all school rules and policies apply.  Violations of these policies will be handled as outlined in the Round Rock High School Handbook.  All students will be expected to follow a higher standard of conduct when traveling with the Round Rock Orchestra because you will be representing Round Rock High School and the Fine Arts Department.
1. Only Round Rock students, school personnel, and chaperones are allowed to ride the bus.
 
2. Students will go and return on the same bus.
 
3.   Students may arrive/return with a parent only if they have arranged to do so     
beforehand.  A note from a parent is required and needs to be approved by the director and given to the students’ chaperone.
 
4.  Students will stay in their seats while the bus is in motion.
 
5.  Loud and profane language or indecent behavior will not be tolerated.
 
6.  Students will comply with requests of chaperones.
 
7.  Students will be notified in advance if food/drink may be taken on the bus.
 
8.  There is to be no tobacco, smoking, alcoholic beverage of any kind, or any other controlled substance on orchestra trips.  This is a School Board policy and violators will be turned over to the school administration.
 
 9.  Headphones are allowed only if the sound is inaudible to other people.
 
10.  Upon arrival at a destination students are to stay seated until given permission by the director or chaperone to exit the bus.
 
11.  At the conclusion of the trip, each student must clean his/her area of the bus.
 
Important Web Sites:

Dragon Orchestra Website

 Information about TMEA Region/All State process, Music Merit Scholar
http://www.tmea.org/       

 Information about TMEA Region/All State process as well as other important information.
http://www.region26orch.net      

​Cut Time

Type RRHSOrch in Parent/Student login.  Use student ID number to access all student related information. 
https://cuttime.net/ 

 

Sandra_Vandertulip@roundrockisd.org                  
512-464-6025
​Erin_Keith@roundrockisd.org

​512-464-6068