2022-2023 Orchestra Handbook

August 2024

Dear Members & Parents/Guardians,

Welcome to the 2024-2025 Sam Rayburn Orchestra Family!  We are very excited to get started this year, whether this is your first year or not! We pride ourselves on having a close-knit family at Sam Rayburn while building skills that are essential and applicable across a wide range of careers. We believe it is no accident that some of the most influential people were orchestra students. 

We have compiled this handbook to organize the year for all of us. Inside you will find:

• Orchestra Expectations/Individual Expectations

• Syllabus 

  • Grading Policy

  • Attendance Policy

  • Instrument Policy

  • Uniform Policy

• Calendar of events

• Supplies Quick-sheet

• Forms that will need to be filled out and on file:

  • Member+Parent+Director Contract

  • Pasadena ISD Fine Arts Code of Conduct

  • Photo Release

  • Uniform Contract

Congratulations on your continued effort, musicianship and support!  I hope that orchestra is not just a class that you go to every day, but a place where you develop a great skill you can share for generations, some of your best friends of your young schooling life, and play in a high school orchestra – a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that only exists while you are here. We’ll be learning a lot about leadership, goal setting, problem solving, expression, concentration, cooperation and creativity. Many of the skills learned here will reach beyond this room and help you to become a better candidate in the real world, a better student and a more impactful family member.

If you have any questions, concerns or anything of importance please do not hesitate to contact us! We check all of my forms of communication on a daily basis.

Mr. Jose Martinez                                  

Director of Orchestras                          

jmartinez9@pasadenaisd.org                 

Purpose

The fundamental purpose of the Sam Rayburn High School Orchestra is to provide students with the opportunity to increase their appreciation and understanding of music, develop as independent musicians, to grow as citizens, and to build a community within the program and beyond.

In the Sam Rayburn High School Orchestra, we value…

• Preparation

  • Students showing an effort to improve musical skills

  • Good work ethic and a desire to follow rules

• Respect

  • Spirit that is positive toward the image of the orchestra

  • Supportive attitude toward students and conductors

• Integrity

  • Good character

  • Honesty & communication

• Dependability

  • Being on time and an active participant in classes & rehearsals

  • Eagerness to help with daily functions of the orchestra

• Excellence

  • Openness to accept teaching which is designed to help

  • A constant learner mindset with a lack of judgment for other learners

Orchestral Ensembles

There are many ensembles. Each group has different levels of commitment needed. We have a place for every student to participate and balance orchestra with their level of playing ability and availability. Those unable to meet these expectations will be placed in an orchestra with fewer expectations.

• Chamber Orchestra (Varsity)

  • Regular after-school rehearsals are mandatory. Students will be participating in Region orchestra auditions, Solo/Ensemble, full orchestra, and numerous performances. 

  • Participates as a Varsity group in the UIL Annual Assessment

  • The face of the Sam Rayburn Orchestra to the community

  • Daily expectations are to build as close to a professional ensemble as possible

• Symphony Orchestra (Jr. Varsity)

  • Regular after-school rehearsals are mandatory. This group is also required to participate in Solo/Ensemble and full orchestra. Those interested and able may also audition for Region Orchestra.

  • Participates as a Jr. Varsity group in the UIL Annual Assessment

• Philharmonic(Sub-Non-Varsity A)

  • Few after school rehearsals and concerts

  • Participates in UIL Concert and Sight-Reading annual assessment

• Concert Orchestra (Sub-Non-Varsity b)

  • Few after school rehearsals and concerts

• Blue Orchestra

  • Class comprised of our newest orchestra members, this group performs at several concerts throughout the year.

• Symphony Orchestra (Full orchestra)

  • Chamber and Philharmonic will combine with the band to create the Sam Rayburn Symphony Orchestra for select performances. 

  • All rehearsals for this group will be after school

• Texan Quartets

  • Selected by audition, our Texan Quartets will perform at events across Pasadena and Sam Rayburn High School as a service to the community

Orchestra Fee

There is an orchestra fee of $30.  This include materials that we will be using throughout the year, help pay for transportation, anything that is needed in the classroom, and the orchestra t-shirt for the year.  Students will have the opportunity to be able to fundraise to pay off the fee. 

Ensemble and Chair Placement

Ensemble Placement is done semi-annually and subject to many factors including playing ability, attendance history, ensemble instrumentation needs, behavior, and director discretion. While we will do our best to place you in the appropriate group, being selected to participate in a particular ensemble does not guarantee that you will be placed in that class and does not serve as a guarantee or promise that you will remain in that group if you are unable to meet the expectations at director discretion. ALL DECISIONS ARE FINAL REGARDING ENSEMBLE PLACEMENT.

Chair Placement within ensembles is based on many factors and subject to director discretion based on the needs of the ensemble. Ensemble seating should not be seen as an indication of playing ability.

Section Leaders may be subject to additional responsibilities and are expected to serve as musical leaders. Placement within the section may vary and is at director discretion.

Expectations of Individuals

Each orchestra member should be willing to accept the following individual responsibilities:

1. Practice/Musical Study

You are expected to practice for 1-2 hours outside of class per week. The orchestra room and practice rooms are available before and after school or during your lunch if your home does not contain a suitable practice space. 

2. Equipment

The student is responsible for having proper equipment for every rehearsal, including music, proper shoulder rests, rock stops, soft cloths, and pencils.

3. Attendance

Students are expected to attend all required orchestra rehearsals and performances (see Attendance Policy)

4. High Personal Standards

Each orchestra member agrees to help build and maintain the high standards for a successful orchestra by doing his/her part.  This includes:

1. Being on time

2. Preparing the music IN ADVANCE OF REHEARSALS

3. Contributing in fundraising efforts

4. Helping other students by working together to solve problems

The key to our mutual success is based on 

100% individual achievement

- - - - S Y L L A B U S - - - -

Grading Policy

Major Grade, counts twice in grade book

Play tests

Quizzes

Concert attendance

Dress rehearsal attendance

Solo Contest

Minor Grade, counts once in grade book

Daily Grade 

Participation

Supplies check

practice records

after school sectionals 

Eligibility Policy

Some events (Region, Solo and Ensemble, Musical, Ticketed events, field trips, etc.) require students to be eligible according to UIL and TEA policy and Texas State Law. To ensure students are able to fully participate in the orchestra program, students must make every effort possible to pass all classes. 

The orchestra program values academic performance and we encourage you to reach out to us and your fellow orchestra members for help in ensuring you are taking care of business in your classes. ASK FOR HELP SOONER THAN YOU THINK YOU NEED IT! 

Attendance Policy

The majority of our rehearsals are focused on fixing group ensemble issues, not individual mistakes. Performances and assessments require a full team approach as well. To ensure we operate as a full team, the following attendance policy is in effect:

Concerts and some rehearsals are 

MANDATORY 

under Pasadena ISD Fine Arts Policy

PLEASE NOTE CONCERTS 

ON FAMILY CALENDARS ASAP

Unexcused absence consequences (1 concert or 5 sectionals):

1) A call home to discuss future in the program

2) Put on Performance Probation* 

Excused absence process:

1. Acceptable reasons:

   1. Family Emergency (Death etc.)

   2. Severe Illness (beyond a cold or headache)

   3. Official Pasadena ISD business with principal approval

2. Parent or guardian communication required 

   1. Signed personal note

   2. Email

   3. Phone call/message

3. Put on Performance Probation*

Note: “Doctors appointment” and “unable to find a ride” will be unexcused.  There are many students at these rehearsals and car-pools are recommended, as well as scheduling doctor’s appointments. Unlike sports, we only meet once a week, so attendance is much more important.

*Performance Probation

Members designated on probation be prohibited from attending socials/trips/fundraisers etc. until they perform two of the following: 

1. Playing test on their entire part to replace part/all of the performance grade 

2. A short solo work

3. Alternative playing assignment

We realize there are always extenuating circumstances. Please contact us in those cases! In general, please communicate early and often regarding your absence!

PISD POLICY: “Students enrolled in performance-based classes such as orchestra are expected to participate in live performances.  Performances extend what is taught in the classroom and are often the culmination of a unit of study.  The majority of a school’s live performances must, of necessity, take place outside the school day (in the evening). If a student is not present at a performance, he/she is expected to bring a note explaining the absence.  The note should be presented to the director the next day.  Whether the absence is excused and appropriate make-up work can be given will be decided on an individual basis.”

Classroom Policy

The 3 Levels of Respect

Respect yourself 

Personal safety

100% Individual Achievement

Self-discipline

Respect equipment 

Your own

Parent/guardians

Others

PISD/Taxpayers/Public

Respect others 

Fellow musicians

Parents & guardians

Teachers

Substitutes

Visitors

Specifics

• No horseplay

  • This orchestra room is expensive

• The office contains FERPA and HIPPA protected information and is for directors only. Students may only come in the office if invited

• Pass your classes

• No talking out of turn

• NO FOOD/DRINK/GUM/SNACKS

• If it’s not yours, don’t touch it/use it

  • Using an instrument that is not yours is considered vandalism

• Personal instruments go home more than they stay here

• Label all personal property

Procedures

1. Read the board for instructions

2. When the bell rings, you have 2 minutes to be in your seat ready to go

1. Have supplies and be ready to play

2. Soft cloth and rosin needs to be at your seat

3. Avoid having cases at your seat

2. Everyone must have their music at their seat every day. Mark your music as well as the music on the stand so you have something to practice

3. Students should not leave personal items in the orchestra room. Items left in the orchestra room will be sent to lost and found

4. There will be time at the end of class to put away materials

Orch. Student Council (OSC) Policy 

The OSC is the Orchestra’s student-led council that makes the decisions concerning the social activities of the Orchestra. The OSC meets to discuss, plan, and expand the Orchestra’s influence both on campus and within the community. Examples of activities the OSC is involved in: Banquet, Movie Nights, Socials, Lock In’s, Field Trips, Decorations, and Fundraisers. Orchestra students who attend meetings are automatically enrolled as members. After Spring Break, members are allowed to apply to become elected officers of the OSC. Officers are elected based on their desire to work, general attitude, ability to accept responsibility and do an assigned job conscientiously, and willingness to give the extra time involved. Officers may be removed at director or president discretion for non-fulfillment of duties. Elections will be reopened to fill the position and the president, vice president and director may choose to appoint an interim officer until an election may be held. 

EQUIPMENT Policy

Just a note that we need quality professionally playable instruments. Purchasing an instrument of poor quality online, from a second-hand store, or even using a beloved family instrument in disrepair may require you to cover costs to make the instrument playable. This is why we recommend renting because vendors will allow you to apply that rental money as credit towards a better instrument and can exit the plan as soon as it is paid off. 

Violin or Viola

Violins and Violas should make their best effort to rent an instrument of their own from an outside vendor. Renting is the best option because the quality is guaranteed. We recommend Lisle Violin Shop, who we trust with our own school instruments. We have a limited selection of school owned instruments. Reach out to us for details.

Lisle Violin

4510 Burke Rd

Pasadena, TX 77504

281-487-7303

Cello & Bass

We will provide a school instrument to use, but you will need to rent another home instrument from Lisle or from me to use as a practice instrument. This will allow you to practice at home. Students will need to pay a $30 instrument insurance and protection fee to use any PISD instruments for the year. 

Additional Supplies

• Shoulder rest for violins/violas

• Rock stop or anchors for Cellos/basses

• Rosin 

  • Recommended rosins:

    • Violin/Viola – Bernadel (blue pouch), Melos dark/light, Jade

    • Cello – Jade or Hill

    • Bass – Kolstein All-Weather (KEEP SEALED IN RUBBER)

• Cleaning Cloth

• Pencil

• 1” Black Binder

• Set of 5 tab dividers 

Fundraising Policy

Participating in fundraisers throughout the year is highly encouraged to ensure the program can continue to thrive. Any inventory or money handled by students for fundraising is property of Pasadena ISD or donor. Students will be required to pay for goods, donated funds, or money received in exchange for goods for their full amount in the case of loss or negligence. Every effort to ensure funds are turned in promptly should be taken to avoid stolen goods or funds. There are no returns and students must turn in the money at the end of each fundraiser.

Uniform Policy

Formal Concert Dress

Option 1 Formal Wear

• Provided by School: Black Tuxedo 

• STUDENT MUST OBTAIN THE FOLLOWING:

  • White Tuxedo Shirt (Black for Chamber)

  • Black tall knee length socks

  • Black leather/fake leather DRESS Shoes 

    • NO black sneakers/keds/converse etc.

Option 2 Formal Wear

• Provided by School: Black Dress top and Columbia Blue Skirt

• STUDENT MUST OBTAIN THE FOLLOWING:

  • Black ballet flats or black toe covering heels

Other Expectations

• Earrings must be of modest size (No long or dangling)

• Nails must be trimmed to allow professional holding of the instrument

• No exposed necklaces! (They cause buzzing/instrument scratching)

• No studded belts, rings, or perfume

• No cologne/perfume

Summer Uniform

• Orchestra T-Shirt 

• Tan khaki pants (not cargo or jeans!)

• Tennis shoes

• No studded belts, nails, rings, or cologne/perfume.

Acceptable concert dress is at the discretion of the director. We reserve the right to refuse to let you perform if you are in violation of dress code.  This will be counted as an unexcused concert absence (See attendance policy).

Cleaning 

Uniforms must be cleaned at the end of the year.

Letter Jackets Policy

A student becomes eligible to receive a music award jacket after successfully completing any of the following requirements:

• Serving two consecutive years in the Varsity Orchestra and registered for a third.

• Achieving membership in a TMEA All Region Orchestra.

• Participating in an orchestra other than the Varsity Orchestra for three years and registered for a fourth.

Credit for years of participation in other schools will be accepted.  However, one full year of service must be completed in this district for the student to be eligible.

 2024-2025 Orchestra Calendar

Dates are subject to change

October 5, 2024 – Times TBD

Region Auditions

Sam Rayburn HS

(Select Groups)

October 24, 2024, 3:00-4:30 PM

Fall Concert Dress Rehearsal

SRHS Auditorium

October 30, 2024 – 7 PM

Fall Concert

SRHS Auditorium

November 21, 2024, 3:00-4:30 PM

Winter Concert Dress Rehearsal

SRHS Auditorium

December 2, 2024 – 3:00 pm

Elementary Concert Dress Rehearsal

SRHS Auditorium

(Select Groups)

December 3, 2024 – 7PM

Winter Concert

SRHS Auditorium

December 6, 2024 – 8:30 am

Elementary Concert

SRHS Auditorium

(Select Groups)

December 13, 2023 – Times TBD

Winter Tour

(Select Groups)

February 1, 2025,  Times TBD

State Qualifying Solo Contest

Baytown Sterling HS

(Select Groups)

February 25, 2025,  7PM

Pre-UIL Concert and Clinics

SRHS Auditorium

(Select Groups)

March 6-7, 2025 – TBD

UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Assessment

Dobie HS 

(Select Groups)

April 9-12, 2025,  Times TBD

Spring Trip

Varsity/ Jr. Varsity, Juniors and Seniors only

April 12, 2025,  Times TBD

Solo Contest

Pasadena Memorial HS

May 6 , 2025 – 3:00-4:30 PM 

Spring Concert Dress Rehearsal

SRHS Auditorium

May 8, 2025 – 7 PM

Spring Concert

SRHS Auditorium

Chamber (Varsity) and Symphony (Jr. Varsity) are subject  to additional performances, rehearsals, and requirements not noted in the full calendar

Student/Parent/Director contract

The following are the specifics regarding involvement in the Sam Rayburn High School Orchestra

1. Student agrees to:

   1. Read and be familiar with the handbook and abide by its policies

   2. Be in your seat at the bell with binder, pencil and instrument

   3. Maintain a quality instrument 

      1. Functioning bow with a working screw and quality hair

      2. Playable strings

      3. Repair/replace instrument as request

   4. Keep music organized and marked with personal notes

   5. Label all personal equipment

   6. Not touch other people’s equipment

   7. Not eat, drink or chew gum during rehearsal

   8. Be enthusiastic and prepared to play using engaging posture at all times

   9. Attend all mandatory concerts and events in appropriate attire

   10. Communicate about events and expectations with family

2. Parent/Guardian agrees to:

   1. Read and be familiar with the handbook and abide by its policies

   2. Provide my child with a quality instrument 

   3. Provide my child with the necessary classroom materials/concert dress

   4. See to it that my student can be transported to after-school events

   5. Encourage practicing

   6. Communicate with faculty about conflicts/financial impossibilities etc.

   7. Attend performances when possible 

3. Director agrees to:

   1. Provide and abide by the handbook and its policies

   2. Provide a clean and safe room with chairs and stands in order

   3. Provide funding and venues for various events and equipment

   4. Provide music and appropriate grades in a timely fashion

   5. Make the best use of rehearsal time

   6. Make sure all members are needed and important

   7. Be prepared to fix problems and teach 

   8. Be respectful of time

   9. Communicate

I verify that my child, ______________________________, and I have received a digital copy of the Orchestra

                              (Please print student’s name)

Handbook.  We have read all of these materials and agree to be responsible for meeting the expectations of the school, orchestra, and district.  We agree to comply with the regulations presented in these materials and understand that there are consequences for not meeting these obligations.

Parent/Guardian:  _______________________________________________  Date: ____________

                                    Parent/Guardian Signature  

Student:                    _______________________________________________ Date: ____________

                                    Student