Handbook

Franklin Middle Schools

String Orchestra

Diane M. Plouffe, Director

9/8/11

Dear Parents/Guardians,

WELCOME BACK!!!! I’m very excited to begin another year of string orchestra in Franklin.

For those of you who are new to the middle school music program, I would like to inform you as to how the orchestra schedules works.

Remington: 6th Grade Days 2,4,6 X period

7th and 8th Days 1,3,5 X period

Horace Mann 6th Grade Days 2,4,6 H period

7th and 8th Days 1,3,6 H period

Annie Sullivan6th Grade Days 1,3,6 Flex period

Beginners Days 1,3,5 Flex period

7th and 8th Days 2,4,6 Flex period

In addition to these scheduled orchestra classes, we also have one pull out sectional class per week. If a student has a conflict on any given sectional day due to a test or lab in their academic class, they may reschedule their lesson for that week. Sectionals are an important part of the music curriculum in the Franklin Public Schools and attendance at all classes is crucial to the success of the music student.

For all rehearsals and lessons orchestra students will need :

· pencil,

· their music

· rosin

· shoulder rest (violin and viola players)

· a rock stop or anchor (cello and bass players)

· Essential Elements 2000 (6^th Grade) Book 1 (7^th& 8^th Grade) Book2

· Suzuki Books

I would greatly appreciate you and your child reading over the following information and signing and returning the form on the last page. I have requested your e-mail address in order to create an easy and quick form of communication. I am looking forward to seeing you all again this year at all of our exciting events.

If you ever have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call me at my Sullivan Extension: 508-553-0322 ext. 3612 or my Horace Mann extension 508-541-6230 ext. 2847. You may also e-mail me. plouffed@franklin.k12.ma.us. I will check my voicemail and e-mail on a regular basis and return your calls promptly.

Sincerely,

Diane M. Plouffe

Grading Policy

Grading: 50% Weekly Performance Assessments

50% Responsibility (having their instrument, music and all

supplies for rehearsals and sectionals)

1000% Effort and Attitude

Performances: Students must be at ALL performances. If a student cannot make a performance due to an unavoidable conflict, please contact Mrs. Plouffe at least two weeks in advance. An unexcused absence from a performance will be reflected in the grading.

Orchestra 2011-2012 Calendar

Only highlighted dates are mandatory.

September 14^th Instrument Rental Night, FHS Cafeteria, 4:00 -7:00 p.m.

December 15th Concert - RMS Concert 7:00 p.m.

January 10^th Concert – HMMS Concert 7:00 p.m.

January 19^th Concert – ASMS Concert 7:00 p.m.

February 4th CDMMEA Jr. Festival Auditions

February 7th Concert Hour, Marvin Chapel, Dean College, 7:00 p.m.

February 9^th Concert Hour, Marvin Chapel, Dean College, 7:00 p.m.

March 30th-31stMICCA Concert and Choral Festival, Location and Time TBA

April 9th CDMMEA Jr. Festival Reh. 3:30 – 7:30 p.m.

April 25th CDMMEA Jr. District Festival Rehearsal, 3:30 – 7:30 p.m.

April 28th CDMMEA Jr. District Festival Concert 2:00 p.m.

June 4^th ASMS- Concert 7:00 p.m.

June 5^th RMS – Concert 7:00 p.m.

June 6^th HMMS – Concert 7:00 p.m.

June 8^th Canobie Lake Park 2-10:00 p.m.

Private Teachers

All Instruments - LifeLong Learning - 508-553-4814

Violin/Viola Kathleen Woods woodsk@franklin.k12.ma.us~

Violin/Viola Don Krishnaswami (617) 821-0597 classical@aol.com

Violin/Viola Carla Loukota 508-553-0853 carlaloukota@gmail.com

Violin/Viola Jacob Litoff 508-376-4761

Violin/Viola - Susan Holcomb (Music and Arts) 508-473-2895

Cello Eleanor Hilly Blake 1-617-596-6778 eleanorcello@aol.com~

Cello Brent Selby 508-553-4814 brent.a.selby@gmail.com

Bass Richard Balest 508-520-3936 plucker.2@comcast.net

I would like to stress the importance of private lessons. One on one help is very beneficial to the music student and helps to make their experience more enjoyable. Above you will find a list of private teachers who will be available for lessons throughout the year.

Each year the Franklin Music Boosters offer music lesson scholarships to 1-2 students from each of the musical ensembles. Students are selected based on a written essay by the student. More info coming soon!

If you have any questions, please call me at 508-553-0322 ext. 3612

Acknowledgement Form

Please complete and return.

I have read the Franklin Middle Schools Orchestra hand book. I understand the expectations outlined within and will take note of the obligations indicated in the calendar.