Avon Lake High School

Orchestra Handbook

2017-18

Mrs. Dawn Kulikowski, Director

Concert Orchestra
String Orchestra
Chamber Orchestra
Chamber Orchestra Honors
*This handbook is not meant to be all encompassing. As the year progresses, there may
be a need for additional assignments or modifications to expectations.*

In order for our orchestra to be successful as a whole, all students must be ready to
play on time so that valuable rehearsal time is not wasted. This means arriving to
class as soon as possible to have a few minutes get out your instrument and tune. If
you are tardy to class, you must have a pass from a teacher or counselor. If you do not,
your participation points for the day will be affected, and your parents will receive a
phone call or email. If you are consistently tardy, your counselor and subsequently the
principal will be notified. Please see the ALHS Student Code of Conduct for more
information on class absences and tardies.

It is very important to have all students attend all rehearsals and performances, so that
orchestra can be a fun, successful experience for everyone! Every rehearsal counts,
and every member counts. Your individual commitment to the group is very
important. If a conflict or emergency arises and you need to miss a dress rehearsal or
performance, you MUST notify Mrs. Kulikowski with a signed note or email from a
parent, guardian or teacher including your name, reason for absence, phone number,
and signature. If you need to miss a performance, a makeup assignment will be given
in place of the performance. Unexcused absences include extra-curricular activities
and work. In order to receive full credit for a makeup assignment, you must notify Mrs.
Kulikowski about the absence at least 2 weeks in advance of the performance.
Exceptions to this include last-minute illness or family emergency. The sooner you
notify Mrs. Kulikowski, the easier it will be to adjust seating, balance, etc.

Occasionally we will need to have rehearsals after school. These rehearsals are to
work on balance, sectionals, and to give orchestras the opportunity to play as a full
group onstage. As much notice as possible will be given so that students can make
arrangements to attend these rehearsals. If you are unable to attend a rehearsal, you
MUST have a parent or guardian send a note or email to Mrs. Kulikowski explaining
why. This note or email must be received in advance if it involves a scheduling
conflict, or within 2 days after the rehearsal if it involves illness or family emergency.
Dress rehearsals prior to performances are mandatory.

Rehearsal Procedures
1. Come in and get out your instrument, music, AND a pencil EVERY DAY!
2. Tune your instrument with a tuner ask for help if necessary
3. I will explain what our goal for the day is
4. We will start rehearsing!

Rules:
We dont laugh at each others mistakes. We help each other out.
We dont talk while instructions are being given. We show each other respect.
We dont distract others during class. We take orchestra seriously.
We try our best. We work together as a team. We have fun!
Talking is not appropriate during a rehearsal. Even if your intention is to help another
student with the music, you are distracting others. If you need to get something from your
locker for class, you MUST ask for a hall pass to take care of it at the beginning of class. No hall
passes will be given out during rehearsal unless it is an emergency.
Failure to follow any of these rules will result in the following:
1. Verbal warning
2. Subtracting participation points for the day
3. Meeting with the director after rehearsal
4. Phone call home
5. Being sent out of rehearsal

Orchestra students must follow school rules at all times, including during performances and
field trips. Any violation of school rules will be reported to the high school principal. School
rules are enforced for the safety of all students.

Preparation for Rehearsal

All students should come to every rehearsal with their instrument, music, and a
pencil to mark in notes on the music and/or to complete assignments. If you forget your
instrument, or if your instrument is being repaired, you still need to pay attention and be
involved so that you do not miss anything important during rehearsal. Even without an
instrument, you can certainly still learn and get something out of the rehearsal! Students who
disrupt the rehearsal and the learning process of other students, with or without an
instrument, will be removed from the classroom. If you are absent from school and do not
bring in your admit slip from the office, the absence will be considered unexcused.

Instrument Maintenance

You should make every effort to take care of your instrument. It is strongly
recommended that every student have an extra set of strings in his or her case, in the event
that a string breaks during rehearsal. I can replace a broken string, but I cannot provide
strings for the entire orchestra. You should also have a soft cloth in your case to wipe excess
rosin off of your instrument. Please also remember to loosen your bow EVERY time you put it
away!

Practicing

Students should practice their orchestra music at home, not only in rehearsal. All
students should practice an average of 15-20 minutes each day. It is much more productive to
practice numerous times during the week for shorter amounts, than to have one marathon
practice session each week. 15 minutes each day is the minimum; the more you practice, the
better you will become! If it is difficult for you to take your instrument home during the week,
please make an effort to take it home over the weekends. There may also be opportunities for
students to practice during their study hall. Please see Mrs. Kulikowski to receive a pass to
come to the orchestra room during study hall.
Evaluation

Playing evaluations will take place at the discretion of the director, usually 2-4 times a
year. You will receive plenty of notice as to what music to prepare and what is expected of
you. These evaluations will not only help the director determine what areas students need
the most help with, but they will also help you become aware of what you can do to improve
your own playing.

Seating

Once during each semester, there will be auditions to determine seating order for the
orchestras. Seating will be based not only on a students performance in the audition, but also
on his or her work ethic, potential and leadership ability. Information about what to prepare
for the seating audition will be handed out to give students time to be as prepared as possible.

Concerts

Concerts are a great opportunity for orchestra students to show their family and
friends what we have accomplished during the school year! ALL students are required to
perform in and attend orchestra concerts. You will be expected to stay for the entire concert,
not just your portion, to show support to your fellow students. If an emergency arises and you
cannot attend the concert, you MUST bring a signed note from a parent/guardian explaining
the situation OR have a parent/guardian call and leave me a detailed message. Missing a
graded performance due to a sporting event, extracurricular activity, or work is considered
unexcused, and a student will need to complete an alternate assignment as determined by
Mrs. Kulikowski.

OMEA Events: Solo & Ensemble Contest and State Orchestra Contest

Every year in January or February, the Ohio Music Education Association holds a Solo &
Ensemble Contest for high school students. Students who are currently taking private lessons
are strongly encouraged to participate in solo contest. Students can choose a piece with the
help of their private instructor, but this piece must come from a list that has works ranging in
difficulty from C to A (easiest to hardest). The fee for a solo is $15, and the fee for an
ensemble is $20. More information will be given out as the date approaches.
This year, String Orchestra & Chamber Orchestra will be going to State Orchestra
Contest. This event will be held at the end of February or beginning of March. The
performance times & location will be given out as soon as they have been determined. The
orchestra will receive written & aural feedback from adjudicators. Performing in this setting
is a great experience for the orchestras.

Private Lessons

Private lessons are a great way for students to improve their skills and learn more
advanced techniques on their instruments. Working with a teacher one-on-one allows a
students individual needs to be addressed and prepares students for leadership positions in
the orchestra. Please contact Mrs. Kulikowski for a list of private teachers & studios.
Concert Dates
Here are the 2017-18 ALHS Orchestra Concert Dates (as of 8/18/17). Please mark
these on your calendar now to avoid conflicts later. Dates/times are subject to change.

11th Annual District Orchestra Concert (Grades 5-12)

Monday, October 30th, 2017
6:00 PM, ALHS Commons

ALHS & Learwood Holiday Orchestra Concert (Grades 7-12)

Tuesday, December 12th, 2017
7:00 PM, PAC

OMEA High School State Orchestra Contest (String & Chamber)

Friday, February 16th OR Saturday, February 17th, 2018
Location & Time TBA

ALHS & Learwood Spring Orchestra Concert (Grades 7-12)

Thursday, May 10th, 2018
7:00 PM, PAC

If you would like further information on anything, please do not hesitate to email me at
Dawn.Kulikowski@avonlakecityschools.org or leave me a message at (440) 933-6290 x1542.

Please KEEP the upper portion of this page for your records. Detach and return the
contract below.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ALHS Orchestra Contract

We have read the ALHS Orchestra Handbook. We understand the students commitment and
dedication to the orchestra. The student will follow the rules and guidelines stated in the
handbook at all times. We have marked the above performance dates on our calendar.

Student Signature _______________________________________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian ________________________________________________________________________________________

Please return this form to Mrs. Kulikowski NO LATER than

Friday, August 25th, 2017.