Grade Orchestra Michael Susinno, Director

Northport Middle School

7^th and 8^th Grade Orchestra

Michael Susinno, Director
September 1st, 2011
Dear Students and Parents,
Welcome back! I am eagerly looking forward to the start of our school orchestra program. I know that many of you participated in school music programs this summer as well as private music camps. We have many events planned for the 2011-2012 school year here at Northport Middle School and I’m sure that you will find the experience to be very rewarding.

Our first rehearsal will be on Wednesday, September 14^th on the stage. Please plan to arrive no later than 7:50am. Our downbeat on the 14^th as well as at all future rehearsals will be 8:00am sharp, and we will be playing for the majority of our first rehearsal. Our orchestra will rehearse each Monday, Wednesday and Friday that school is in session.

Now is the time to check that your instruments are in good working order. Students who own instruments may want to consider purchasing a new set of strings. It is recommended to replace the strings at least once per year. If you need any assistance in selecting new strings or purchasing them, I am always happy to help. For those students who play school owned instruments, I will examine your strings and replace them as needed. For those of you who do not currently have an instrument, please stop by and see me in room H69 or leave a note in my mailbox in the main office as soon as possible.

It is expected that all students will find or purchase their own rosin, rock stops or straps for cellos and basses as well as several #2 pencils. All students will need a BLACK 1” three ring binder for their music and class assignments. This binder will be needed during all lessons, which will be held periods 1,2,3,7 and 8 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays as per a rotating schedule that will be posted and distributed to students prior to September 19^th, 2011.

Lessons will begin the week of September 19^th. All teachers receive copies of the lesson schedules and will be aware of when you need to miss class. As a courtesy, I suggest that you hand in any assignments due on the date of a lesson prior to 1^st period, as well as pick up any work that you are responsible for. Conflicts between lessons and labs/tests/oral presentations can always be worked out provided that you inform me prior to the conflict. I am happy to help you in any way that I can.

Please read and sign both forms attached to this letter. Bring them with you to be handed in at our first rehearsal.If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me at school (M,W,F at NMS 262 6765), (Tu,Th at Ocean 262 6840) or via email at [e-mail].

Musically Yours,

Mr. Susinno

Northport Middle School

7^th and 8^th Grade Orchestra

2011-2012 Calendar of Events and Grading Procedure
Grading Policy

50% lessons

25% class participation/attendance

25% excerpt performances/seating auditions

Rehearsals
Music-making is much like team sports; it’s a group effort and everybody counts! For that reason it is important that you arrive on time and are ready to play. Be in the auditorium by 7:50 ready to be tuned and be in your seats with your music on the stand for the downbeat at 8:00. You may not go for extra help or make up tests during a rehearsal, nor may a teacher schedule you for such.
Tardiness
Being on time is perhaps your greatest obligation to the rest of the orchestra. Since it is the first class of the day, it is the hardest one to be on time for. I ask you make a special effort in this area. I will not penalize anyone for legitimate tardiness, no matter how late. This happen (even to me on occasion); just bring a note that day or the next. An unexcused tardiness like “I woke up late”, “We had a hard time getting out of the house” would negatively impact the participation portion of your quarter grade.
Concerts
All concerts are an important part of the ensemble experience and also a part of the student’s grade. Any students who are absent from a concert will be required to write a research paper to be handed in by the completion of that affected marking period. Failure to do so may result in a failing grade. Our concert dates are as follows
Winter Concert, Monday, December 19^th, 2011 at 7:30pm.

All District String Festival Rehearsal 1- TBA from 6:30-8:30pm.

All District String Festival Rehearsal 2- TBA from 6:30-8:30pm.

All District String Festival, TBA(held during school hours)

Spring Concert, Thursday, May 31st, 2012 at 7:30pm.

NYSSMA Major Organization Festival-will be scheduled as dates become available later in the school year,

Music and Art Festival- Sunday June 3rd, 2012 at 1pm.