Courtnay Gildersleeve, Director

Orchestra Phone:  262-970-3779

cgilders@waukesha.k12.wi.us

 

Welcome Back!

 

Please reserve some time to review the entire 2023-2024 Orchestra Handbook. The handbook will remain on the website all year.

 

Do not forget to take a moment to mark your personal calendar with our events and concerts/performance dates found under the calendar tab. 

 

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns whatsoever. 

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HANDBOOK

Orchestra Sequence

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6th Grade Orchestra - This orchestra class is designed to start students on the violin, viola, cello and bass. This class meets every other day. Students who are entering into 6th grade but have prior instruction on any of the instruments listed above could be placed in 7th or 8th Grade Orchestra as their schedule allows. Please contact Mrs. Gildersleeve for more information. 

 

7th Grade Orchestra –  This orchestra is for students who have been playing the violin, viola, cello and/or bass for at least one year. This class meets every other day.

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8th Grade Orchestra - This orchestra is for students who have been playing the violin, viola, cello and/or bass for two or more years. This class meets every day. 

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GRADING PROCEDURES

Students will be assessed each quarter based on the following criteria:

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Students will be assessed on the following standards:

    1. Perform & Create

    2. Respond & Connect

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30% Formative Assessments  

70% Summative Assessments

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Concerts/Performances – Orchestra is a performance-based class therefore all performances listed on the calendar are summative assessments as it is the culmination of our learning. Please see the calendar tab for performance dates. In the event you have a scheduling conflict with a performance date, please contact me as soon as possible stating the reasons for the excused absence and/or conflict. Unexcused absences at performances will result in a grade of Insufficient Evidence (IE) and the student will be ineligible to attend the extra-curricular orchestra spring field trip.

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CLASSROOM DEPORTMENT

• Be courteous 

• Food, drink, and gum are NOT ALLOWED in any rehearsal or performance areas. Water is acceptable.

• Respect the rights and property of others.

 

Orchestra Supply List

• Instrument

• 1 inch black 3 ring binder

• Violins/Violas –Shoulder Rest, extra strings, and rosin

• Cellos/Basses - I have instruments for students to use during class.  Students are required to bring their home instrument to the concert or any "during the school day" clinics/performances.

• Grade Level Supply List:  
  2023-2024 Supply List for Orchestra

  • 6th Grade Orchestra - String Basics Book 1 - Instrument Specific, RENTED Instrument, One Inch Black Binder

  • 7th Grade Orchestra - Essential Elements Book 2  - Instrument Specific, RENTED Instrument, One Inch Black Binder

  • 8th Grade Orchestra - Essential Technique - Instrument Specific, RENTED Instrument, One Inch Black Binder

 

Equipment

The following will be expected of ALL orchestra members:

• Personal instruments (violins/violas) will be placed in an assigned locker or storage area. After class all instruments should be completely packed (bows loosened) and stored in their assigned areas for safekeeping.  

• All instruments are to be in good playing condition. Proper maintenance is required as needed. 

• Students are expected to have rosin, shoulder rests, rock stops, cloths, sharpened pencils, good strings, etc.  

• All instruments kept in the orchestra room during the day MUST have the students name clearly printed on the outside of the case. 

 

What do I wear for the concert?

Concert attire is concert black bottoms and shoes with the Les Paul MS Orchestra T-Shirt.  Mrs. Gildersleeve will be sending out T-Shirt Online Ordering Link in early fall. The shirt is the same design as previous years and can be worn again this year. T-shirt ordering will only be open once in early fall so make sure to get your order in if you are new to orchestra at LPMS or need a smaller/bigger size. 

 

Should my child take private lessons?

Although your child receives valuable instruction in class, private lessons provides:​

• Review and reinforcement of class assignments when necessary. 

• Earlier exposure to techniques such as vibrato, advanced bowing, shifting, and intonation.  

• Expand opportunities for advanced solo instruction.

• Greater confidence in their individual performing because of the individual attention private lessons provides.  

• Heightened standard for group endeavors such as concerts and festivals.  

 

Private lessons are not required, but it is one of the best investments in a student’s success in learning to play a musical instrument!

    *See Mrs. Gildersleeve for more information