OXFORD ORCHESTRAS

Member Handbook
2023-2024

Mrs. Marissa Weller, Director of Orchestras

marissa.weller@oxfordschools.org
(248)-969-5100 ext. 9413
 CONTENTS
WELCOME 4
II. RULES, POLICIES, AND PROCEDURES 7
Communication 9
III. GRADING SYSTEM 11
IV. ATTENDANCE POLICY 12
V. MATERIALS 13
School Equipment Usage 13
School Instrument Storage 13
Orchestra Uniform 13
VI. TRAVEL POLICIES 14
Travel Payments 14
Behavior/ Drug and Alcohol Policy 14
IB MYP OXFORD ORCHESTRA INFORMATION 15
2021-2022 Calendar 18

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Dear Oxford Orchestra Students and Families,

I am looking forward to a fantastic year of continuing the tradition of excellence that

the Oxford Orchestras bring to the Oxford Community Schools and beyond! We have much
to look forward to as together we dive into a year of great music, strong community, and
individual growth.
In the following handbook, you will find the outlined objectives and policies for the
Oxford Orchestras. I hope that you will read through this handbook carefully and ask
questions as necessary. It is my personal goal to provide you with an orchestra experience
that is full of excitement, entertainment, challenge, and great music. Orchestra is one of the
few school activities that is truly an all-around team sport; without you, the Oxford
Orchestras would not have the same sound, musicianship, or camaraderie. With this in mind,
being a member of the Oxford Orchestras is a privilege, and it is advised that you treat it as
one. If at any point throughout the year you develop concerns regarding the integrity of what
it means to be a member of the Oxford Orchestras, please contact me immediately; I would
be happy to develop an understanding of your thoughts and address any issues that may
arise.
Included in this handbook are pages requiring signatures. Your Oxford Orchestra contract
requires a parent and member signature and must be returned to Mrs. Weller by Thursday,
August 31st, 2023. Submission of these documents is a grade. You will also have a formative
assessment regarding the outlined policies of this handbook, so please read through
carefully. If you have any questions regarding the information or need further clarification,
please contact Mrs. Weller to discuss these matters before the documents are due.
I am looking forward to the hard work, musicianship, and memories that are to come!
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns, I’m here to help and my door is
always open!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Marissa Weller

Director of Orchestras, Oxford High School
(248)-969-5100 ext. 9413
Marissa.weller@oxfordschools.org

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 I. WELCOME
About the Orchestras
The Concert Orchestra is designed for students who are looking to increase skills and awareness
of foundational string pedagogy. The Concert Orchestra is comprised of students of all grade levels.
This class develops skills regarding individual practice and accountability, scales (major and minor),
vibrato, sight-reading skills, extension of individual technique, ear training, and theory. Success will
be measured by the individual’s improvement of these skills, as well as overall participation, attitude,
and commitment. The Concert Orchestra participates in the Michigan State Band and Orchestra
Festival (MSBOA), as well as evening performances throughout the school year. Advanced notice
will be given for all orchestra events, and students will be required to attend all after-school dress
rehearsals and performances.

The Symphony Orchestra is an advanced, auditioned ensemble comprised of upperclassmen, but

is open to students of all grade levels. Students will focus on refining and mastering foundational
string skills. Success will be measured by the individual’s improvement of these skills, as well as
overall participation, attitude, and commitment. The Symphony Orchestra participates in the
Michigan State Band and Orchestra Festival (MSBOA), as well as evening performances throughout
the school year. Students will be required to attend all after-school dress rehearsals and
performances. Dates will be communicated well in advance.

The Chamber Orchestra is an advanced, auditioned ensemble which plays college-level chamber
literature. Students will be challenged daily with technical proficiency, musical interpretation, and
professional musician etiquette. This ensemble serves as musical representatives at performances
throughout the Oxford community. The Chamber Orchestra participates in the Michigan School
Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) Orchestra Festival and all students are encouraged to
participate in the MSBOA Solo and Ensemble Festival. This class meets before school 4 days per
week during 0 hour. Attendance at all performances is required.

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 Mission Statement
The mission of the Oxford Orchestras is to provide students with
opportunities through ensemble platforms that allow for a better
understanding of themselves, their community, and music. Each student
is valued by their teacher, parents/guardians, community, and their
peers. Every student deserves the musical education that is provided by
the Oxford Orchestras.

Course Objectives
➢Developing lifelong musical skills through the continued growth
and practice of an instrument.
➢Refining through repetition and self-analyzation of music and
overall creative outlook.
➢Collaborating cooperatively as student leadership with each
other and with the director in order to progress concert music and
develop a supportive learning environment.
➢ Provide a safe space for students to express their growth as a
musician, leader, and person.

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 Extra-Curricular Orchestra Opportunities
Private Lessons: Lessons are an excellent way to get more enjoyment out of your
instrument, maximize your orchestra playing experience, and develop your technical
and expressive skills. While lessons are not a requirement to participate in the
orchestra program, many students choose to study privately. See Mrs. Weller for more
information.

Community Orchestras: Students can further enrich their orchestra experience by

participating in community orchestras such as the Oakland Youth Orchestra, Detroit
Metropolitan Youth Symphony, and more. Please contact these organizations directly
or see Mrs. Weller for more information.

Solo and Ensemble: Students are highly encouraged to participate in MSBOA

District 3 Solo and Ensemble Festival held each February. Students who receive a
Division I rating will be eligible to participate at the state level festival in late March.

Pit Orchestra for Musicals: Each year, the theatre and music departments present a
Broadway-style musical. Pit orchestra is an optional opportunity. Instrumentation
varies each year depending upon the selected musical. Students will sign up with Mr.
Gibbons to indicate interest and availability. Personnel will be selected based on
experience, musicianship, and ensemble needs.

All State Orchestra: The Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association
(MSBOA) sponsors an annual All-State Band and Orchestra for middle and high
school students. The goal of the All-State ensembles is to provide an advanced
experience, expose students to expert conductors and teachers, and bring together
some of Michigan’s finest student musicians. Membership is by audition only in mid
October and the rehearsal/performance weekend is mid January at the Michigan
Music Conference in Grand Rapids, MI.

Opportunities are subject to change. Contact Mrs. Weller if you have any questions.

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 II. RULES, POLICIES, AND
PROCEDURES
General Rules
All school rules, as stated in the Oxford High School Code of Conduct and the OCS Return to
Schools Plan apply in all Oxford Orchestra ensembles.

Class Rules
Participating in an ensemble is a privilege and a responsibility. As an orchestra, we are a
community with tremendous potential and opportunity. To assure we will achieve our highest
potential, students will be expected to maintain five key points of respect:

● Respect Administration, Staff, and Peers ● Respect Process

● Respect Property ● Respect Yourself

Failure to do so will result in the following:

1. Verbal Warning 4. Student/Teacher/Parent Conference in
2. Lowering of rehearsal grade and School
student/teacher conference 5. Student Discipline with School
3. Phone conference with Parent/Guardian Administration

Class Procedures and Expectations:

1. Students are expected to be in the classroom with their instruments and all necessary materials
by the bell. Failure to meet this requirement will result in a tardy.
2. Students are expected to be in their seats appropriately warming up at least one minute after the
bell. Failure to meet this requirement will result in a tardy. Plan to start on time, every time.
3. Place materials for other classes out of the way, whether this be in your locker or underneath
your seat.
4. No gum is permitted in the orchestra room or any of our rehearsal or performance venues.Food
should not be consumed during the class period or during orchestra events other than times stated
by Mrs. Weller. Bottled water or a cup with a lid is allowed at your chair during rehearsals. This
is for your personal safety, the safety of others, and protection of the instruments.

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Cell Phones: The Oxford Orchestras follow the OHS Code of Conduct, which states:
“Students are prohibited from using cell phones or other electronic communication devices (ECD)
during class time. ‘Using’ refers to, not only the making and/or receiving of calls or texts, but also using
the cell phone or ECD for any other purpose. Teachers may grant permission to use devices for specific
educational purposes within the educational setting. Cell phones and other communication devices shall
not be used during instructional time or at any school-sponsored events where there is a reasonable
expectation of quiet attentiveness or where the device would cause any disruption.”

If students feel that they are going to be distracted by any ECD during class, students have the
opportunity to place their cell phone in the designated classroom storage area, or place their phone on
the charger on the designated phone charger strip. The Oxford Orchestras, Oxford Community Schools,
or Mrs. Weller are not responsible for any loss or stolen ECD’s or accessories (chargers, cases, etc.).

Discipline for using cell phones during class will be as follows:

1st offense General classroom warning and reminder

2nd offense Student will be required to get up and put their phone in the designated classroom storage
area or charger power strip for the rest of the class period

3rd offense Student will be required to get up and put their phone in the designated classroom storage
area or charger power strip daily and phone conference with parent.

4th offense Student participation grade lowered, and phone conference with parent and administration.

Practicing:
Excellence is achieved through hard work and dedication. INDIVIDUAL PRACTICE is therefore
essential to maximizing our full potential as individuals and ensembles. At the high school level we
strive to achieve a strong commitment to preparation. Students are expected to practice at least 100
minutes per week (20 minutes daily, 5 days/week). This is done on the honor system though results are
regularly assessed both formally and informally during class. Students who keep a regular practice
schedule are more likely to be successful and happy as they are able to keep up with the learning
required for class.

If you truly want the grade, the success,

the skills, the growth...work for it!
It’s that simple.

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 Communication
Required performance dates will be communicated from Mrs. Weller at the beginning of the year.
“I didn’t know we had a performance” is not a valid excuse for an absence!

Additionally, students and families are expected to communicate any known conflicts in advance to Mrs.
Weller. See the “Attendance Policy” section for communication requirements regarding absences. Students
should always keep communications professional and focused on orchestra matters.

Newsletters
All students and parents will receive an Oxford Orchestras monthly newsletter during the first week of the
month. Newsletters will contain important information regarding upcoming performances, upcoming
deadlines/assignments, student achievements/updates, volunteer opportunities, and reminders regarding
upcoming events. All newsletters will be sent out via email, as well as posted on the Orchestra Schoology
page.

Cut Time
Cut Time is a tool used as a “hub” for the Oxford Orchestras. Students will use Cut Time to keep track of
their upcoming events, submit assignments, view checked out materials (such as instruments, music, and/or
uniforms), and more. Parents can use Cut Time to view student assignments, view our calendar of events,
submit forms, and submit payments (coming soon). All students and parents will set up a Cut Time account
at the beginning of the year.

Remind
Information that needs to be communicated urgently to students will be sent out via Remind. Additionally,
frequent reminders regarding upcoming performances, assignments, and events may also be sent out
through this platform.

Students need to text 81010 or download the “Remind” app from the App Store or Google Play Store with the
corresponding code for their ensemble as follows:
Chamber Orchestra- @oxfordcs
Concert Orchestra- @oxfordconc
Symphony Orchestra- @oxfordsym

Schoology
Students and parents should be regularly checking Schoology for updates and upcoming assignments and events for
the Oxford Orchestras. Schoology will always contain an updated copy of the Oxford Orchestra Handbook, the
Oxford Orchestra event calendar, and upcoming assignments.

Students and parents should check information on Schoology before forwarding questions to Mrs. Weller.
More than likely, your question will be answered from information that is located on Schoology!

Parent Communication
The best way for parents to communicate with Mrs. Weller is through email. Please allow 1-2 school days for a
response (i.e. emails sent on Monday will be answered by Wednesday, emails sent on Friday will be answered by the
following Tuesday).

Parents can also sign up for their musician’s ensemble Remind class for updates on performances and upcoming
deadlines. Families can text 81010 or download the “Remind” app from the App Store or Google Play Store.

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 III. GRADING SYSTEM
1. PERSONAL ENGAGEMENT: (20% of final grade)
This grade is based on individual participation, preparation, classroom assignments, and progress during daily
rehearsals. A prepared student is always on time, works hard each day, respects directors and peers, shows a team
spirit, demonstrates a desire to improve, and has materials at every rehearsal (including individual music and
pencil). Students are expected to be unpacked and warmed up no later than one minute after the bell. Students will
earn a daily preparation grade that will be assessed using the Oxford Orchestras Preparation Grade Rubric
(available on Schoology and orchestra website).

Fingernail length: Orchestra is unique in that students must have short fingernails in order to be able to produce a
quality sound, accurate intonation, and technical positioning on their instruments. All students must be mindful of
the effect that nail length can have on playing and keep fingernails at an appropriate length (usually no longer than
the finger tip) for orchestra rehearsals and performances, which includes the application and use of acrylic nails.
Students may lose participation points for daily rehearsal and/or performance due to fingernail length, as it
affects the ability to play your instrument. Students that must have acrylic nails for a special occasion (i.e.
weddings, prom, homecoming, etc.) may keep them on as long as absolutely necessary during orchestra
rehearsals; however, this does not apply for orchestra performances.

2. FORMATIVE ASSESSMENTS: (30% of final grade)

This grade is based on a variety of assignments, quizzes, and projects. Playing quizzes can be assigned
individually (performed in private or in class), with a stand partner, or in small ensembles. Playing quizzes may
also be assigned as recorded audio or visual files. Please contact Mrs. Weller if access to technology is a problem
for any assignment. Students may retake a playing test outside of class up to one week after the original test for an
improved grade or additional feedback. Students that have any form of acrylic nails on for a formative
assessment will lose 20% of the overall points for the corresponding formative assessment.

3. SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENTS: (40% of final grade)

All orchestra performances marked in bold on our event calendar are required and participation is part of the
orchestra grade. If a student is absent from a scheduled performance without notice, they will receive an
unexcused absence, which will result in a 0% without the opportunity to make up the grade or receive extra
credit for the semester. Please see the “attendance policy” section for further details. Students that have any
form of acrylic nails on for orchestra performances will lose 20% of the overall points for the
corresponding summative assessment.

4. FINAL EXAM: (10% of final grade)

A final exam culminating the semester’s experiences will be given to each student. This exam may include a
written and/or playing portion. More information will be provided to students and parents towards the end of the
semester.

Extra Credit options are available throughout the entire year. Contact Mrs. Weller for extra credit opportunities.
Students that have an unexcused absence from a performance MAY NOT submit any extra credit for the semester.

Grading Scale: The Oxford Orchestras follows the 100-point scale approved by the Oxford Board of Education.

Students that are concerned about their overall grade should contact Mrs. Weller immediately-
DO NOT WAIT until the completion/end of the semester!

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 IV. Attendance Policy
Orchestra is unique in that absence of one member can affect an entire rehearsal or performance.
It is expected that students are at all scheduled performances as part of their summative assessment grade.
Work-related absences are not excused! Transportation-related absences are not excused! Please plan ahead!

CORONAVIRUS ABSENCE POLICY: Students that may have performance-related absence due to
coronavirus-related concerns (illness, family illness, quarantine, contact with potential cases) should be communicated
with Mrs. Weller as soon as possible. Each situation will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis as to whether an alternate
assignment will be required. If a student is feeling ill and is displaying any coronavirus-related symptoms, they
should stay home from the performance.

Excused Absences: Students that have commitments that cannot be rescheduled should indicate these commitments
on the calendar contract at the beginning of the semester. All excused absences must be approved and
communicated to Mrs. Weller at least two weeks in advance in writing/email by a parent or guardian.
Students will be given an alternate assignment to complete and submit for participation credit for the scheduled event.
It is the student’s responsibility to initiate the alternate assignment. If you have a commitment that may be
considered an excused absence but do not communicate it to Mrs. Weller at least two weeks in advance, it
will be considered an unexcused absence.

Excused absences include: family travel, religious observances, predesignated sports commitments, and unavoidable
doctor’s appointments.

Unexcused Absences: Students that do not attend orchestra events without any advance communication will be
granted an unexcused absence. Additionally, students that have commitments that may be considered an
excused absence which are not communicated until less than two weeks prior to the event will be granted an
unexcused absence. Students will not be granted an alternate assignment, and will be penalized based on the
following policies:

1 Unexcused Absence: Written apology and understanding of attendance policy

2-3 Unexcused Absences: Phone call and Email home
4 Unexcused Absences: Meeting with student, parent/guardian, and administration
Waived Absences: Students that develop unavoidable commitments in a last-minute situation will be granted a
waived absence. All waived absences should be notified to Mrs. Weller in writing to be approved as soon as possible.
Students may be asked to provide evidence of any waived absence situation (such as a doctor’s note, obituary, and/or a
phone call or email from a parent or guardian). The Oxford Orchestras follow the grievance policies outlined in the
Student Code of Conduct for the Oxford Community Schools. Students will not be required to complete an alternate
assignment unless the number of waived absences throughout the semester reaches more than three.

Waived Absences include: illness, family illness/death, and accidents.

Sports Conflicts: Students should contact Mrs. Weller if they plan on trying out or participating in any sport that may
conflict with orchestra events. Accommodations will be made between the coach and orchestra director so that
students can attend important events for both activities.

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 V. Materials
Required Materials
For success and unity among the Oxford Orchestras, all students are required to have the following materials available and
prepared for class daily. Students that do not have access to these materials may request materials from Mrs. Weller, no questions
asked.
REQUIRED DAILY IN CLASS:
● Instrument and Bow (Individually owned or checked out from school)
● Shoulder Rest or Rock Stop
● Rosin and Cleaning Cloth
● Black Binder
● Pencil
● Habits of a Successful String Musician Method Book

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES AT HOME:

● Metronome/Tuner (or Tonal Energy App on Phone)
● Spare set of strings for instrument
● Practice Mute/String Mute
● Music Stand
School Equipment Usage
All students are held responsible for ANY equipment issued to them—including instruments, bows, music, rosin, shoulder
rests, uniforms, chairs, stands, or any other type of school property. CARELESS HANDLING OF SCHOOL PROPERTY
WILL NOT BE TOLERATED and will result in professional repair or replacement costs and possible disciplinary action. As
a general rule: leave things better than you found them! Students that may have an extenuating circumstance in obtaining an
instrument (financial hardship, doubling/second instrument) may be required to fill out an Oxford Orchestras Equipment
Rental Form. Contact Mrs. Weller for more information.

School Instrument Storage

All students should store instruments in designated instrument storage areas. Cellos and basses should always be in the
storage racks, violins and violas should always be in a locker and locked! Mrs. Weller, Oxford High School, and the Oxford
Community Schools are not responsible for any loss or theft of personal instruments.

Orchestra Uniform
This year, we will be introducing a “concert black” uniform policy. Students will be responsible to obtain
their own dress black clothes for our formal performances. Please note the following requirements for this uniform
policy:
❖ All uniform components must be solid black with no additional patterns, sequins, colors, etc.
❖ TOPS must have sleeves that go past the elbow. Tank tops, t-shirts, hoodies, or short sleeve polos are NOT
permitted. Think black dress shirt or blouse.
❖ BOTTOMS must go below the knees, especially when sitting down. Jeans, leggings (unless underneath a skirt), or
athletic pants are NOT permitted. Think dress pants or long skirts.
❖ SHOES must be closed-toe and be dress shoes; flip flops, sandals, or tennis shoes (shoes with rubber soles) are
NOTpermitted.
❖ All uniform components must follow the OHS school dress code.

*Students that have an incomplete or incorrect uniform may lose points on their performance grade.*

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 VI. Travel Policies
With any orchestra event, students are expected to follow all policies outlined in this handbook and
the Oxford High School Code of Conduct. Any behavior that goes against these policies will not be
tolerated.
Students have the opportunity to travel bi-annually on an orchestra trip in the spring semester.
Students are not required to attend this trip; however, it is a great educational experience, both musically and
personally. The Oxford Orchestras will be traveling to Orlando and Disney World in November 2024.
Information regarding this trip will be distributed in a timely manner according to trip payments.

Parents will be notified if transportation will be provided to and/or from any orchestra event. It is
expected that students are able to transport their own instruments to and from events unless otherwise
noted. In the event of coordinated school bus transportation, students are expected to treat bus rides with
respect, with all rules of the code of conduct applying to these trips.

Travel Payments
A payment schedule for bi-annual orchestra trips will be released well in advance. Any family that
has concerns regarding travel payments should contact Mrs. Weller directly and as soon as possible so that
alternate arrangements can be made.

Behavior/ Drug and Alcohol Policy

With any orchestra event, students are expected to follow all policies outlined in this handbook and the
Oxford High School Code of Conduct. Any behavior that goes against these policies will not be tolerated by
the Oxford Orchestras and Mrs. Weller.

The possession and/or use of drugs and alcohol are prohibited in any orchestra setting. If a student is
found with drugs or alcohol, parents or guardians will immediately be notified, and the student will be
required to be picked up; if an incident occurs on an orchestra trip where extensive travel is involved, the
student will be sent home immediately, with transportation costs billed to parents/guardians. If a student is
confirmed to be in possession of any substance, their membership from the Oxford Orchestras will be in
jeopardy.

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 IB MYP OXFORD ORCHESTRA
INFORMATION
Course Description and Expectations

The goal of the Oxford Orchestra program is to provide students the opportunity to reach artistic
levels of musicianship and performance using repertoire and activities that are diverse and encompassing.
The IB learner profile helps provide the basis for our orchestra curriculum, instruction, and assessments.
Opportunities and experiences will be created that allow students to be knowledgeable about
concepts and ideas that have local and global significance, to be risk-takers when confronted with the
unknown or uncomfortable, and that encourage further connections across different disciplines. Students
will be reflective about themselves and their learning process. They will become creative and critical
thinkers and be empowered to take responsibility for their own learning. Students will work effectively and
cooperatively with others and be communicators of ideas and thoughts through different modes of
expression. They will be encouraged to be caring and open-minded about others and their cultures and
personal histories and to develop their own natural curiosity by being an inquirer. Students will be asked to
be principled and act with fairness, justice, and respect toward individuals, groups, and communities and
will be taught the importance of intellectual, physical, and emotional balance to achieve well-being for
themselves and others.

Course Aims
The aims of the Oxford Orchestras are to encourage and enable students to:
➢ Create and perform music
➢ Develop technical musicianship skills
➢ Engage in a process of creative exploration and self-discovery
➢ Make purposeful connections between investigation and practice
➢ Understand the relationship between music and its contexts
➢ Respond to and reflect on music
➢ Deepen their understanding of the world

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 Course Objectives
A. KNOWING AND UNDERSTANDING
Through the study of music, students discover the aesthetics of musical forms and are able to analyze and
communicate in a specialized language. Using tacit and explicit knowledge alongside an understanding of the
role of music in a global context, students inform their work and artistic perspectives. At the end of the
course, students should be able to:
➢ demonstrate knowledge and understanding of music, including concepts, processes, and the use of
subject-specific terminology
➢ demonstrate an understanding of the role of music in original or displaced contexts
➢ use acquired knowledge to purposefully inform artistic decisions in the process of creating music

B. DEVELOPING SKILLS
The acquisition and development of skills provide the opportunity for active participation in music and in
the process of creating music. Skill application allows students to develop their artistic ideas to a point of
realization. The point of realization could take many forms. However, it is recognized as the moment when
the student makes a final commitment to present their skills to an audience. Skills are evident in both
process and product. At the end of the course, students should be able to:
➢ demonstrate the acquisition and development of the skills and techniques required in music study
➢ demonstrate the application of skills and techniques to create, perform, and/or present music

C. THINKING CREATIVELY
Music motivates students to develop curiosity and purposefully explore and challenge boundaries. Thinking
creatively encourages students to explore the unfamiliar and experiment in innovative ways to develop their
artistic intentions, their processes, and their work. Thinking creatively enables students to discover their
personal signature and realize their artistic identity. At the end of the course, students should be able to:
➢ develop a feasible, clear, imaginative, and coherent artistic intention
➢ demonstrate a range and depth of creative thinking behaviors
➢ demonstrate the exploration of ideas to shape artistic intention through to a point of realization

D. RESPONDING
Students should have the opportunity to respond to their world, to their own art, and to the art of
others. A response can come in many forms; creating art as a response encourages students to make
connections and transfer their learning to new settings. Through reflecting on their artistic intention and the
impact of their work on an audience and on themselves, students become more aware of their own artistic
development and the role that arts play in their lives and in the world. Students learn that the arts may
initiate changes as well as being a response to change. At the end of the course, students should be able to:
➢ construct meaning and transfer learning to new settings
➢ create an artistic response that intends to reflect or make an impact on the world around them
➢ critique the artwork of self or others

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 National Standards and Benchmarks
The Oxford Orchestras Curriculum has been planned to incorporate standards from multiple state, national, and
international standards in accordance to curriculum and IB requirements. Click the following links to review all
standards used to plan the curriculum for this course:
National Association for Music Education: 2014 American String Teachers Association String
Ensemble Standards Curriculum
Michigan Department of Education Standards IB MYP Year 5 Arts Criterion

Approaches to Learning (21st Century Learning Skills)

Students will be challenged to improve upon the following skills throughout the course of the year. Embedded into
the process of rehearsing, performing, and learning about music, students will develop:
➢ Thinking Skills ➢ Self-Management Skills
➢ Social Skills ➢ Research Skills
➢ Communication Skills
The Arts Process Journal
The process journal is a term used to refer to the self-maintained record of progress that students have made through
their high school orchestra career. It can be written, visual, audio or a combination of these and may include both
paper and electronic formats. Students will build their Arts Process Journal through Mrs. Weller’s assistance and
documentation.
Texts and Resources
All ensembles will be using the Habits of a Successful String Musician warm-up book for their designated
instrument. This method book will be used throughout their entire high school orchestra experience and will be used
as the “textbook” that will be integrated into the daily warmup routine. Students will have the opportunity to purchase
the book at the beginning of the year, or check out a school-owned copy that must be returned at the end of the year.
In addition, students will use various resources to obtain practice and experience with music theory, daily
assignments, and sight reading examples. All classroom assignments and worksheets will be available via our Haiku
page. Students will be responsible for any materials issued to them during the school day, and may be responsible for
replacement due to damage or loss.

Teaching Methodology
Students will learn through inquiry strategies using a variety of individual and group work activities with the main goal
of helping develop higher-order thinking skills. Strategies used include: teacher modeling/demonstration, drill and
repetition, technology inside and outside of the classroom, music analysis and research, student collaboration of ideas
and techniques, self-reflection, sight-reading, and use of the Arts Process Journal.

Course Overview
Please click here to view the course curriculum and overview.

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16
 Oxford High School Orchestras
2023-2024 Calendar
**Please know that performances dates and times are subject to change. Any changes to the schedule will be
communicated ASAP via class announcement, Schoology, Remind, Email, Monthly Newsletters, and the Oxford
Orchestras Website.**

Any dates that are bolded are summative grades for the course; attendance is
required unless an excused absence is granted from the director.

September 2023
8-10 Oxford Orchestras String Camp, Oxford High School, itinerary TBD
October 2023
1 MSBOA All-State Audition Applications Due
24 Fall Spooktacular Concert, OHS Performing Arts Center, 7pm (students report at 6:15pm)
20-24 MSBOA All-State Auditions, Location TBD, individual times TBD
November 2023
17 MSBOA District Solo and Ensemble Registration Due
December 2023
12 Winter Concert, OHS Performing Arts Center, 7pm (students report at 6:15pm)
January 2024
27 MSBOA All-State Orchestra Performance, Grand Rapids (selected applicants only, Time TBD)
February 2024
10 High School District Solo and Ensemble, Location and Individual times TBD
16 MSBOA State Solo and Ensemble Registration Due
15 All-City Workshop, OHS, entire school day (students will be excused from classes)
15 Pre-Festival Concert, OHS Performing Arts Center, 7pm (students report at 6:15pm)
23-24 MSBOA DISTRICT FESTIVAL, OHS Performing Arts Center, day/time TBD
March 2024
16 High School State Solo and Ensemble (individual times/location TBD)
April 2024
23 Spring Concert, OHS Performing Arts Center, 7pm (students report at 6:15pm)
May 2024
16 Commencement Performance, Pine Knob Theatre, 7pm (students report 3pm)

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