Dear Parent,

I would like to welcome you and your child to the High School String program. The following information is provided to familiarize you with the program. A calendar of events is included so plans can be made in advance to have your child attend performances. I will be available at parent-teacher conferences and at open house to discuss the program or any concerns you may have pertaining to your child. If you feel the need to speak to me, please do not hesitate to call. I can be reached at ext. 4134. Thank you!

- Mrs. Debbie Komosinski

A. ENSEMBLES - CURRICULAR

1.) String Ensemble

String Ensemble is a credit-bearing course that meets three days a cycle during 8th period. Students must be proficient on a string instrument and be at the appropriate level musically, to bedetermined by the director, to participate in the class. The group performs a minimum of two concerts each year. Students should strive to maintain continuous musical growth and develop the skills necessary to perform with the String Ensemble.

B. EXTRA-CURRICULAR

1.) After-school rehearsals

Students will be given extra credit for attending rehearsals during 9th period. These rehearsals provide an opportunity for the Sixth Graders, Independent Study Students and MS/HS String Students to rehearsetogether. At least two weeks notice will be given for extra rehearsals if needed.

2.) Small Ensemble Rehearsals

Students will have the opportunity to be selected to play in a small ensemble. Students will be chosen based on proficiency level. Rehearsals will be held before and/or after school at the discretion of the director and its members.

3.) Solo Competitions

Solo festivals are perfect opportunities to have your child's playing evaluated by a certified music judge. Students are evaluated on high standards established by the NYSSMA rating system. Students audition for a grade and may choose to be considered for one of the select music groups at their age level. There may be times that music festivals conflict with our orchestra's schedule. The Akron schedule will take precedence over the county performance if this situation arises. Akron students do not have to pay a fee to audition unless they miss the audition. The $12 fee must be reimbursed back to the Orchestra fund if this occurs. Extra credit will be given to those students who audition and/or make the select musical groups.

4.) Field Trip

This year we have the opportunity to travel to the West Virginia Strawberry Festival on May 17-20 along with the High School Marching Band. We will perform for a rating and participate in a parade. This trip is reasonably priced at approximately $200. A $100 deposit will be due with the enclosed trip form on September 30^th. More details will follow soon.

C. EQUIPMENT

1.) Instruments

Instruments are the responsibility of the parent. Akron Central School owns a limited number of String instruments. These school instruments are loaned out at a cost of $50/school year and/or $15/summer.  Parents may choose to rent from a music store at a higher cost. FULL SIZE VIOLINS/VIOLA MAY ONLY BE RENTED FOR ONE YEAR FROM THE SCHOOL. Students are encouraged to purchase an instrument once they reach a full size.

2.) School Instruments

School instruments will be issued during the first couple weeks of classes and must be returned at the conclusion of the school year. Equipment lost or damaged by misuse or negligence must be paid for bythe student. It is the student's responsibility to maintain the instrument and to report broken equipment to the director. Repair costs, resulting from negligence, are the responsibility of the student. The rental fee should be made payable to Akron Central Music Department There is a $5 late fee for students who do not return both the contract and the money by October 1^st.

3.) Instrument Lockers

Lockers are provided for students to store their instruments and music. Lockers must be cleaned out before the end of the school year. Broken lockers should be reported to the teacher so that repairs can be made.

4.) Concert Dress

Concert dress will consist of a knee-length or longer dress, or a blouse with a skirt (or dress pants) for the ladies. Gentlemen should wear a dress shirt with a tie and dress pants. No jeans nor sneakers should be worn.

5.) Books, Rosin, etc.

I will keep a supply of needed materials on hand at school for your musician to purchase when needed. Area music stores make weekly visits to our school and can drop off anything that is ordered previously. Payment will be due when your child receives the item.

D. GRADES

Grades are based on points. Each student will receive points for each required activity listed below.

1.) Lessons - Each student is required to attend all lessons during each marking period. A grade will be given for each lesson. It is the student's responsibility to read the rotating schedule and know when to attend. Make up lessons must occur before the next scheduled lesson or a zero will be given. Students absent from school are not expected to make up their lesson. Lesson grades will account for 2/3 of the student's final average.

2.) Practice Sheets It is recommended that students practice a minimum of 90 minutes each week. Students are eligible for 1 point extra credit for every additional 30 minutes beyond the 90 minutes, up to a maximum of four points per week. A practice sheet must be signed by a parent in order to receive extra credit points. Students are not required to turn in a practice sheet.

3.) Attitude and Rehearsal/Performance Etiquette - Each student will start the marking period with a 100. Points will be deducted from anyone who does not follow the rehearsal rules or from anyone exhibiting poor behavior. A minimum of one point will be deducted for each infraction. (Please see the following table for more information on point reductions.) Examples of point reductions include: no instrument, no music, no pencil, being disruptive in class, abusing equipment, late for class without a pass, chewing gum during rehearsal, missing a performance, and not returning equipment to the proper place.

The following performances are required of all Orchestra members: December14th - Prism Concert and May 31st - Spring Concert. There will be an additional Ensemble Concert added this year in March. If a student must miss a performance, please notify the teacher ASAP so that music may be redistributed. Acceptable excuses include sickness, death in the family, or pre-planned family vacations. Any student who performs beyond the required performances can receive extra credit.

Please mark your calendars now with these important dates!

4.) Infractions - Points will be deducted from a student's point total.

5.) Extra Credit - Extra Credit will be added to the student's grade as indicated below:

FUND RAISING

I am asking that each student participate in at least one fund raiser to help offset the cost of awards, possible future trips, and miscellaneous equipment. This year, your child will have the opportunity to sell: Cheese and Sausage (Sept.7-21), Florida Oranges and Grapefruit (Oct. 16-Nov.14) and/or Fowlers Easter Chocolates (Jan.16-Feb. 6). On December 9^th, I will need elves to help with the Santa pictures at the Community Christmas Tree Lighting. Please help if you can!!

Please return the permission form below by Friday, September 29^th.

I have read the Orchestra handbook and understand its policies for the 2006-2007 school year. I will make the necessary arrangements to participate in all required performances and rehearsals. I realize that I am a contributing member of the String Ensemble and that my participation contributes to the overall success of the group. I also understand that my actions affect all group members, not only myself. I will strive to reach my full potential as a musician and person in the String Ensemble.