Orchestra, as a class, is very different from other typical school classes. Creating assignments and graded work looks different  in this room than it does in a math, language, or even art classroom! Our classroom goals are group-based, and all the work is group work. As such, the most important thing for us to learn is how best to function as a group. Here is a list of important standards  for which I will be holding my classroom students accountable through weekly grading. These are things that we (especially in the 7th and 8th grade) have all discussed thoroughly, and we will all expect them of each other.
 

• Be present (physically and mentally!) and on time. This one is pretty universal, no matter what kind of class you are in! If it is possible, arrive early so that you have plenty of time to unpack your instrument and set up for orchestra before the time starts.
   

• Come prepared. This means 2 things:
  1. Come having thoroughly practiced your music. I have spoken with all my students about the importance of practicing outside of class. Rehearsal is for group practice time, and group practice time can only happen when everyone has practiced individually at home. I always make myself available to students who want extra practice time after school!
  2. Have your materials. Before leaving for school, double check that you have your instrument, sheet music, rosin, pencil, and any other required materials. Not having your instrument in class results in a zero for the day. Not having your instrument twice in one week results in an automatic zero for the week.
  -Of course, if your instrument is in the shop or in need of a repair that prevents you from playing, this won't count against you! I will have other ways for you to participate, but you must communicate with me!
   

• Bring a pencil. This is so important, I've mentioned it twice now! You will need to have a pencil (not a pen!!!) to make important notes in your music for things that I change or add, or to mark specific sections of music you know you will need to practice at home.
   

• When I (the conductor) stops the group, please refrain from continuing on! This goes back to being present, and it comes down to simple respect of time and energy! We have to do a lot of stopping and starting in order to use time efficiently.
   

• Don't be afraid to ask questions!!! I am happy to take the time to clear up confusion, or to demonstrate what I am looking for! However, make sure you are paying attention, and refrain from personal conversations during rehearsal. This will prevent the same questions needing to be answered multiple times, and also goes back to respect as well as being present.
   

• Orchestra does not have typical paper and pencil (or online!) tests or finals. Instead, we will use group concerts as performance assessments. I can not require attendance for outside school activities (concerts) at this point in time, and if I did it wouldn't be fair to students who are unable to attend due to emergencies, or other reasons outside of their control. Instead, any student who is unable to perform in the concert will have their own separate performance assessment, where they play their concert music for me personally so that I may grade them based on the same goals as the group in their performance.