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Tappan Middle School

Orchestra Handbook

Ms. Julia Knowles


(734) 994-2011 ext. 35420
knowlesj@aaps.k12.mi.us 

Ms. Kathleen Ford


fordk@aaps.k12.mi.us 

2018-2019

www.tappanorchestras.weebly.com
https://www.a2schools.org/Domain/33  
 
 
 
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Tappan Orchestras 
Calendar of Events 2018 - 2019 
 
 
 

Items in ​Bold Type​ are r​ equired​ Performances for specified grade levels. 
 
Information is also available on a Google calendar on our website at 
www.tappanorchestras.weebly.com  
 
Please check this calendar with your child's other activities, such as sports. 
 
September 
13 Tappan Curriculum Night  6:00pm Tappan Middle School 
14  All Tappan rental instruments must be brought home 
21 MSBOA All State Band & Orchestra Registration Deadline (7th & 8th Only) 
 
October 
26  MSBOA Solo & Ensemble Registration Deadline  
27-28 All State Band and Orchestra Auditions (7th & 8th Grade Only) Saline HS 
 
December 
3 MSBOA All State Orchestra Acceptance Document & Fees Deadline 
5 8th Grade BOC (Band/Orch/Choir) Assembly 1st Hour 
5 8th Grade BOC Concert  6:30pm (6:00 Call) MS Auditorium 
11 7th Grade BOC Concert  6:30pm (6:00 Call) MS Auditorium 
18 6th Grade BOC Concert  6:30pm (6:00 Call) MS Auditorium 
21 7th Grade Orchestra & Choir Elementary Tour Angell, BP, Pattengill
 
January 
24-26 MSBOA All-State Ensemble Weekend Grand Rapids 
 
February 
Blue Lake Scholarship Auditions – Dates TBA, during school 
7  Orchestra Night After School Rehearsal 7th & 8th Only 3:15-4:30pm Tappan Gym 
9 MSBOA Middle School Solo & Ensemble Livonia Franklin HS 
12 Orchestra Night 7th & 8th Grade   7:00pm Hill Auditorium 
 
March 
5th Grade Visit to Tappan Date TBA, (7th Grade, during school)  
6 6th Grade Ann Arbor Symphony Field Trip Hill Auditorium 
 
May 
21 Spring 6th, 7th, 8th Orch Concert  6:30pm (6:00 Call) MS Auditorium 
24 8th Grade Band/Orchestra Assembly  (tentative)  MS Auditorium 
 
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Welcome to the 2018-19 Tappan Orchestras 
 
We are looking forward to making music with you with you this year! Learning to play an instrument 
is a lot of fun as well as hard work. Through hard work comes the artistic ability of being able to 
express yourself through your instrument and finding a musical community of friends – a reward that 
can last a lifetime! Please take a moment to read this packet carefully to ensure a successful and 
rewarding experience in orchestra class this year.   
  
Grades: ​Grades will be updated on a weekly basis. 
Playing Tests / Homework Checks / Worksheets​: 30% 
Orchestra is an interactive experiential learning environment. Group success is dependent on the 
continuous musical improvement of ​every student​. Be practiced & prepared for rehearsal every day 
- make it a part of your routine! 
7th/8th ONLY - Playing Tests ​ determine your concert seating, which is not a ranked seating 
order. There will be at least one playing test for chair placement before each concert. Playing 
tests may be retaken in person for a better grade during Advisory. 
 
Homework Check​s​ do not determine chair order but are held in class periodically for practice & 
preparedness accountability. Most often, you will be given advance notice for HW Checks. 
HW Checks may be retaken for a better grade via Google Classroom or in person during 
Advisory. 
 
Worksheets/Practice Records ​ are designed to help understand the technical aspects of our 
music, set goals, and develop independent practice habits. All written assignments are available 
in your Google Classroom folder and may be redone as many times as needed for a better grade. 
 
Google Classroom Assignments /Forms:​ 10% 
Students will be expected to complete assignments on Google Classroom via the app or 
www.classroom.google.com​. Assignments might include answering a question, providing a 
constructive comment, completing online note reading activity, or turning in a form. If you are 
having trouble accessing a computer or smart device, iPads are available for use in the Orchestra 
room during Advisory and lunch. Students may also go to the Media Center to use a computer to 
complete assignments. Parents may opt in for Google Classroom updates on assignments and 
announcements.  
 
Public Performances / Demonstration of Skills:​ 40% 
All of our concerts play an important part in each individual student’s musical development. 
Additionally, every orchestra member’s success is interdependent on one another. We work very 
hard to avoid school conflicts when planning the concert schedule. It would be appreciated if 
parents could help students resolve any outside conflicts that might occur by sharing the concert 
dates with non-school activities.  
 
 
 

Excused Absence​ If a conflict absolutely cannot be resolved and you must miss a concert, 
notification must be received in writing ​AT LEAST ONE WEEK​ before the concert. If your 
director excuses the absence, you must schedule a time to perform the entire concert for the 
director, watch the concert, and write a review in order to make up the concert grade. Students have 
two weeks from the date of the concert to schedule and make up the grade.  
Unexcused Absence​ If the absence is not excused, or the student does not come to the 
performance, the student ​may not​ make up the grade. Missing the concert without notification will 
result in a zero for the concert and cannot be made up.   
Emergency Absence ​It is understood that emergencies and illnesses will occur. In these cases, a 
parent phone call or email will be necessary for consideration of an excused absence. If the absence 
is excused, the student will have 2 weeks to make up the concert.   
 
Rehearsal Skills / Participation​: 20% 
Materials Checks ​- Each student in all grades will have the opportunity to receive 5 points for being 
prepared for class. Materials checks are not always announced in advance. 5 points are for being in 
their seat on time at the bell prepared to learn, and having their instrument, music, pencil, and a 
planner out and ready. ​Note: Tappan will only be using ​school provided ​planners for hall passes 
this year and they must be brought daily to all classes, including electives.. 
Daily Participation​ - Every student will receive 20 points at the beginning of each week. Points 
will be deducted as follows: 
Forgotten Instrument: 5 Missing Music: 3 Missing Pencil: 1  
*​One free pass for forgotten instrument per student/per year.* 
Talking, Inappropriate Behavior, Posture or Effort: determined by director based on 
persistence/severity 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Orchestra Night 2018 
Hill Auditorium  
 

Class Materials​ ​In Class, On Time, Every Day, with Materials, Engaged in Learning   
  
● Black ½” or 1” Binder​ ​just for orchestra (no larger, please!) 
○ Can be stored in the assigned Binder Slots, or in your cubby. 
● Pencil 
● School-issued planner 
● Instrument  
○ Violins  &  violas  must  bring  their  instrument  to  school  every  orchestra  class  and  store 
them  in  the  instrument  storage  room  during  the  school  day\.  Cellos  &  basses  must  have 
an  instrument  at  home  to  practice  on,  but  will  use  a  class  set  cello  or  bass  at  school.  See 
below for rental information.   
● Music / Method Book 
○ Each  student will be given one copy of each piece at the beginning of the concert cycle. It 
is  your  responsibility  to  keep  track  of  all  the  music  and  have  it  at  each  rehearsal.  Music 
will  be  available  on Google Classroom to print if you lose or forget your music. You may 
also  receive  a  string  method  book  that  you  must  return  at  the  end  of  the  year  in  good 
shape.  If  you  lose  this  book  or do not return it at the end of the year, you will be charged 
the replacement cost. Extra copies  
● Rosin   Violin, Viola, Cello  Bass Rosin (Pop's) 
● Endpin Stop (Cello/Bass) Bass Rock Stop Cello Rock Stop 
● Shoulder Rest (Violin/Viola) Everest KUN Wolf Secundo 
● Tuner & Metronome 
○ Every  student  should  have  a  tuner and metronome at home for use during practice. If you 
do  not  wish  to  purchase  a  physical  tuner/metronome,  we  suggest  downloading  the 
following apps: Instune, TonalEnergy Tuner, Tempo by Frozen Ape  
● OPTIONAL: ​Practice Mute 
○ Practice mutes allow you to practice your instrument without it being too loud. See here 
● OPTIONAL​: Dampit Instrument Humidifier 
Concert Uniform  * Always dress to impress! * 
Top:  Plain white dress shirt (must have a sleeve, no tank tops). 
 
Bottom:​ Solid black dress slacks/skirt (​no jeans, leggings, and skirts MUST comfortably cover 
knees when seated)​ , black socks/nylons/tights (​legs must be covered​), black dress shoes (​no 
tennis shoes or boots)​  
 
 
In School Events:​ Tappan Orchestra T Shirt or Tappan Blue T Shirt  
 
Order Tappan Orchestra Shirts here before 9/30: 
https://pogo.undergroundshirts.com/collections/tappan-apparel-fall-18 
 
*The school does not provide this uniform. Let us know if you need financial assistance obtaining a 
uniform. The first time you will need it is for the December concert.  
 
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Instrument Rental 
Instrument Sizing & Transportation​ At the beginning of every year, students will be sized to 
make sure they are playing an instrument they feel comfortable on. A class set of cellos and basses are 
available to use during school rehearsal. Violins and violas must bring their instrument from home to 
class for every rehearsal. All students must bring their home instrument for concerts. 
Tappan Rental Instruments​ Tappan does own a collection of instruments that we are able to 
give out based on availability of size and instrument type. Families with any financial need or students 
receiving free or reduced lunch will be given a instrument to rent through Tappan at no cost.  
Tappan Violas & Basses​ We are able to provide basses for most bass players and violas to most 
violas players. However, if you are able to rent an instrument, we encourage you to do so because the 
correct size is not always available through Tappan. 
​Instrument Guarantee​ If you are renting through Tappan, you are responsible for all materials 
loaned to you and covering the cost of any damages. You will be asked to sign a Guarantee Form 
which will be used to assess damage at the end of the year.  
Renting through Shar/Hewitt​ If you order anything through Shar Music or Hewitt Music (rosin, 
up-size, etc.), our reps visit Tappan every week. If you call to place an order, it can be delivered to 
Tappan for pick up during the school day. If you ever need to send your instrument in for a size swap 
or repair, you will need to leave it in the Orchestra Room with a teacher by Tuesday morning. 
Buying an Instrument ​Purchasing an instrument is a big investment. Generally, it is prudent to 
hold off on buying an instrument until the student has reached a full size instrument, generally feels 
comfortable and spatially aware enough to handle a their own instrument, and is committed to playing 
the instrument for a number of years. ​NEVER ​purchase an instrument online without playing it in 
store first. Please ask your teacher for a list of reputable retailers. Amazon/Walmart/etc are ​NEVER​ a 
good choice for instrument purchase. If you wouldn’t buy a car without test driving it, don’t do it for 
an instrument.  
 
Shar Music Contact Information: 
(866) 742-7261 ​http://www.sharmusic.com 
2465 S Industrial Hwy, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 
 
Hewitt’s Music Contact Information: 
(248) 957-9090 ​https://www.hewittsmusic.com/  
23330 Farmington Rd, Farmington, MI 48336 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Private Lessons  
Private  lessons  are  very  worthwhile  for  any  student  at  any  level  of  progress  or  ability.  They  serve  to 
supplement  and  enhance  the  learning  your  student  is  already  engaged  in.  One-on-one  attention  is  an 
ideal  form  of  instruction  that  can  increase  your  child’s  confidence  on  their  instrument  and  make  it 
more  fun.  We  highly  encourage  all  students  take  private  lessons.  Small  group  lesson  options  are 
available  in  addition  to  traditional  private  lessons.  We  can  provide  you  with  some  names  of teachers 
in the area or you can visit the orchestra website for contact information. Sectional coaches often teach 
lessons  in  the  community.  If  your  child  enjoyed  working  with  one  of  our  sectional  coaches,  please 
reach out to Ms. Knowles or Ms. Ford for information regarding lessons. 
Private Teacher List: goo.gl/u3KMxn 
Practice 
Excellence is achieved through persistence and hard work. Orchestra students are expected to work 
hard in class ​AND ​at home practicing individually. Our experience has shown that students who 
practice regularly are the ones who are successful and happy with their orchestra experience because 
they feel comfortable with their instrument and the class material. A good practice session involves 
warming up (scales, chorales, etc.), working on personal goals (intonation, increase tempo, private 
lessons, Solo & Ensemble music, etc.) or class assignments (playing tests, technique goals, etc.), and 
then playing something for fun (your favorite piece, a different style, faster, etc.). The best practice 
sessions are spent in a quiet, well-lit space and last long enough to accomplish goals. 
 
Tips for Practicing 
● Schedule practice time. The same time every day helps build routine. 
● Have your practice area set up so you are always ready to practice. 
● Plan before you play. Write a checklist of what you want to work on. 
● Set goals. Determine what you want to get out of your practice session today. 
o Ex. Prepare for a lesson, class, or performance, fix one challenging spot in a piece. 
● Tricks to make practicing fun: 
o Roll a dice to see how many times you will play a section 
o Break it down! Play it backwards, change the rhythms, change the tonality 
o Put the names of your pieces in a hat and draw one out to see which one to practice 
o Purposely play a piece with sloppy posture then play it with good posture and see how much 
better you sound and feel! 
o Practice in front of a mirror 
o Run speed rounds with scales and a metronome 
 
Tips for Parents 
● Be patient and praise! Praise! Praise! If it doesn't sound good, that means they are probably 
working on the hard stuff, not just what’s easy! 
● Encourage good practice habits and posture (violin/viola/bass stand while playing). 
● Talk about goal setting and planning ahead. 
● Help student find a quiet place to practice with materials set up. 
● Attend concerts with enthusiasm, praise and applause! 
● Take your student to concerts of professional orchestra and band musicians like the Ann Arbor 
Symphony, U of M Symphonic Orchestra, Detroit Symphony Orchestra 
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MSBOA All State and Solo & Ensemble (7th & 8th Grade Only) 
Through the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA), 7th & 8th grade students 
can choose to participate in two events throughout the year. 
All State​ audition excerpts and forms will be distributed the first week of school. Audition sign 
up deadline is Sept. 21. Auditions will be held at Saline High School on October 27th & 28th. If 
you are accepted, all fees and documents must be received by MSBOA no later than December 
3rd. All State performances are at the Michigan Music Conference in Grand Rapids January 25th 
& 26th. 
Solo & Ensemble i​ s HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for all 7th and 8th grade students​. You 
may sign up in October to perform a solo work and/or to perform with others in a small 
ensemble (i.e. a duet, trio, quartet, quintet, sextet, or septet.) to receive a rating and feedback. 
There is a fee for participation in this event. The exact amount will be known in October. S&E 
will be held at Livonia Franklin High School on February 9th. 
 
Orchestra Extras 
Chamber Orchestra ​will be open to exceptional 7th & 8th grade orchestra students who are looking 
for a challenging ensemble experience. Chamber Orchestra will meet once a week during Advisory 
and entrance is by audition only. Audition excerpts will be handed out in September and auditions will 
be held the first week of October. Because you will be missing Advisory one day every week, students 
are expected to be exceptionally organized as well as exceptional musicians. This will all be taken into 
consideration during your audition.  
Practice Club ​is a once a week after school opportunity to get extra help, extra challenge, get your 
practice time in, or play with friends. Practice club will begin in October and will run up until our 
Spring concert. High School mentors from Huron and Pioneer will be available to help students as 
needed. Other private or small group lesson opportunities may be available during practice club as 
well. Day of the week TBD and will run from 3:15-4:30pm. Late buses will be available. 
Summer Music ​https://www.a2schools.org/domain/2218​ ​AAPS offers a summer music curriculum that 
meets M-Th for about an hour for the month of July. This is a great way to meet other orchestra 
students around the district and keep up your playing skills over the summer. Jazz Band opportunities 
are available for bass players and Intermediate & Advanced Orchestras are available for all string 
instruments. Fee for class ~$205 / instrument rental $50 
AAPS Music Scholarship h​ ttps://www.a2schools.org/Page/9703​ E ​ ach year AAPS offers scholarships 
for students wanting to attend summer music programs. Scholarships are audition based and held in 
February. 
8th Grade Advisory Jazz Band​ 7th Grade students who play a band instrument, bass, drums, or piano 
may audition for Ms. Stout’s jazz band at the end of their 7th grade year. Other instruments may be 
considered depending upon jazz experience. Please see Ms. Stout for more information. 
 
High School Auditions 
High School Orchestra is a rich and supportive musical experience. There are both non-audition and 
audition based ensembles available to freshman. Students interested in auditioning should prepare for 
auditions in April. More info here: 
http://pioneerorchestras.squarespace.com/auditionsandcompetitions/  
https://sites.google.com/a/aaps.k12.mi.us/hhsorch/auditions  
 

Classroom Rules & Expectations 
In Class, On Time, Every Day, with Materials, Engaged in Learning  
Be Kinder Than Necessary  
Taste Your Words Before You Say Them  
● Entering the classroom after the bell has rung constitutes a tardy. Chronic offenders (two or 
more in nine weeks) will lose a percentage of their daily participation points. 
● Cell phones are never allowed in the orchestra classroom, during concerts in the audience or on 
stage, and on any field trips. If a cell phone is seen out, it will be held by the teacher until the 
end of the class/event and the parent contacted if necessary. 
● Student leadership and community is a large part of the ensemble experience. Students who do 
not treat teachers, peers, or materials with care and respect will be held accountable for their 
words and actions. 
First offense​ ​- Warning, redirect behavior 
Second offense​ -​ Conversation with teacher after class or during lunch, parent contacted 
Third offense​ - VOE issued (violation of expectations), parent contact and/or conference, 
administrator contact and/or conference 
● Students may only leave the room with a signed pass in the school issued planner. Students may 
never leave the classroom without teacher permission.  
 
Parent Communication 
Parent communication will most often be via email. Please make sure your email is correctly listed in 
PowerSchool. Important documents and assignments will also be available through your child's 
Google Classroom Orchestra page and you may opt in for weekly Google Classroom updates. 
Orchestra updates will also be posted on the website. 
 
Please contact if you have any questions. 
Ms. Knowles  (734) 994-2011 ext. 35420 ​knowlesj@aaps.k12.mi.us  
Ms. Ford (734) 994-2011 ext. 35420 fordk@aaps.k12.mi.us  
 
This and other information is available on the orchestra website and on Google Classroom:  
www.tappanorchestras.weebly.org  www.classroom.google.com  

 
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Order Your Tappan Orchestras T-Shirt! 
September 30th Deadline 
 
Now available on the Tappan MS apparel order form.  
 
$13 
 
https://pogo.undergroundshirts.com/collections/tappan-apparel-fall-18 
 
 

 
 
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Tappan Orchestra 2018 - 2019 
Student / Parent Contract 
 
Student Name: __________________________________________ 
 
Calendar Information: 
❏ I have added all of the Orchestra events to my family calendar. 
 
Volunteer Opportunities 
During the year we will ask for assistance in the following areas. We will contact you via e-mail about each 
event. Please consider the following opportunities to help us! If interested, please fill out the attached 
Volunteer Certification Form (even if you filled one out last year). 
● Concert Set-Up / Tear Down 
● Photography / Videography 
● 7th Grade Elementary Tour 
● Orchestra Night 
● 6th Grade Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra Field Trip 
 
Parent email address: _________________________________ 
 
STUDENT 
I have read and understand the orchestra guidelines and will make a positive contribution to my ensemble by 
obeying the rules and procedures explained, and by meeting the rehearsal and performance obligations listed 
and that I may receive. 
 
____________________________________________________________________ 
Student Signature: Date: 
 
____________________________________________________________________ 
Print Name: 
 
 
PARENTS / GUARDIANS 
We have read the Tappan Middle School Orchestra class responsibilities and understand the student’s 
responsibilities for class participation, performance participation and performance attire. As parent / guardian, 
I will help my son/daughter meet all the rehearsal and performance obligations and any they may receive. We 
verify that all contact information in PowerSchool is up to date and accurate in order to receive all orchestra 
communications. 
 
____________________________________________________________________ 
Parent / Guardian Signature: Date: 
 
____________________________________________________________________ 
Print Name: 
Please return this form by ​Wednesday, September 12th. ​Thanks! 
 
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