Orchestra Handbook
2024-2025

About the Orchestras

The Hillgrove Orchestral Program consists of three orchestral ensembles: Concert, Sinfonietta, and Premiere. Students are placed in one of three ensembles based upon assessments during the year and auditions in the spring. All placements are for the entire year. 

Concert Orchestra (4th period) is an intermediate-level ensemble for freshmen with experience in a middle school orchestra program. The course focuses on developing fundamental executive, musical, and artistic skills essential for performing grade 2-3 string orchestra repertoire. Students are expected to practice individually outside of class to meet performance standards successfully. [CCSD Course Name: HS Intermediate Orchestra] Prerequisite: previous orchestra experience in middle school and/or teacher recommendation.

*Freshmen may be placed in the Sinfonietta or Premiere Orchestras based upon an audition in the Spring and Fall. 

Sinfonietta Orchestra (2nd period) is an advanced-level ensemble typically comprised of sophomores, juniors, and seniors. This course builds on foundational skills with advanced instruction in performance techniques that focus on the executive, musical, and artistic abilities essential for performing grade 3-4 string orchestra repertoire. All members must practice individually outside of class to meet performance standards successfully. [CCSD Course Name: HS Advanced Orchestra.] Prerequisite: previous orchestra experience in Concert Orchestra and/or teacher recommendation.

Premiere Orchestra (3rd period) is the top performing ensemble of the Hillgrove High School Orchestra Program. This orchestra comprises of students who exhibit exceptional skill on their instruments . Commitment to the program is essential, as students are required to enroll for the entire academic year. They often travel to national or international festivals in the Spring and perform as part of the Hillgrove Symphony Orchestras, collaborating with the Hillgrove Band, Chorus, or Theater. All members must practice individually outside of class to meet performance standards successfully. [CCSD Course Name: HS Mastery Orchestra.] Prerequisite: Audition. 

Note: Students must demonstrate both musically and behaviorally that they can uphold their standing in their respective orchestra class. If the student is not successful, the student may be removed from the orchestra program or placed in a different orchestra class at the director’s discretion.

Hillgrove Orchestra Grading Policy      

Students enrolled in orchestra classes earn a grade based upon their classwork. Grades are reported every six weeks and are not associated with any extra-curricular activities or orchestra letter policies. Only the final grade is recorded on a student’s transcript. The orchestra grading policy is as follows:

50%     Formative Assessments – Based upon students’ weekly preparation of technical exercises and repertoire, as well as in-class assignments. Improvement and effort are considered. This includes formative quizzes and spot performance assessments. Please see the section on Rehearsal Guidelines for classroom expectations.

40%     Summative Assessments – There will be several major performance assessments each semester that determine placement in the orchestras, as well as to determine individual effort and improvement. Treat each day in class as an audition.

10%    Final Exam – Multiple choice exam over the content covered during the semester. 

If a student misses an assessment due to an excused absence, the student will make up the assessment the first day they are back in school unless other arrangements are made with the directors. Students will not be allowed to make up any work missed due to an unexcused absence. 

Attendance Policy

Coordinating family and school schedules can be a challenge. Please look at the Hillgrove Orchestra Calendar and note all mandatory orchestra events on your family calendar to avoid potential conflicts. The activities of all orchestras have been scheduled well in advance, and it is expected that every student will make appropriate plans to attend each event based upon this schedule.

Demonstrating a commitment to the orchestra and its members by participating in every scheduled event is vital to the student’s growth as a musician and to the success of the orchestra as a whole. Orchestra is a “hands-on” curricular activity and you are expected to participate in all scheduled events.

In the case of an unexcused absence from a rehearsal or performance, the student will be assigned an alternate assignment, disqualified from earning an orchestra letter and may not be considered for placement in a higher-level class. The student may also loose the privilege of participating in orchestra-related field trips.

Excused absences: Illness or injury, family emergencies, etc.  A note from a parent submitted within two school days of an absence is required for an excused absence.

Unexcused absences:  Conflicts with work schedule or job related problems, broken strings or other instrument problems (we have emergency instruments), conflicts with extra-curricular activities, no ride, etc.  Each of these conflicts can be avoided with careful planning. If you have an unavoidable conflict, talk to Dr. Doke as soon as you can.

Rehearsal Guidelines

One of the most important aspects of participating in a performing group such as ours is discipline and teamwork. We cannot afford to waste time and energy on behavior problems. Any reasonable instruction given by the director must be followed to insure success.  This includes writing instructions into the music as directed, numbering measures, sitting properly, holding the instrument properly, and any other non-musical aspect of being in the Hillgrove Orchestras that is pertinent to our success. 

Proper rehearsal etiquette includes the following:

• Be on time. This means being ready to rehearse at the beginning of class. Tardiness will result in a deduction from the daily grade and a disciplinary referral.Being on time is paramount for our orchestras to run efficiently and to maximize the time we’re given to rehearse.  During class, students are given until 4 minutes after the final bell rings to be in place, “ready to play”.  For all other rehearsals, it is expected that the students will be in place and warming up at the time the rehearsal begins.  This, of course, means they will need to arrive prior to the rehearsal beginning – 30 minutes early is always a good guideline. This is commonly known as "Call Time".

• Go to the restroom before class so we have fewer disruptions during rehearsal.

• No food, drinks, candy or gum at any time in the classroom.  Water is okay.

• No cell phones in class.  Period. – Administrative Referrals have been written for this in more than anything else… Don’t do it. 

• Eliminate all other potential distractions (homework, reading books, etc.)...our rehearsals are not a study hall!

• General behavior. Raise your hand if you have a question.  Do not disrupt the class.  Be respectful. Do not get up without permission and do not pack up until I dismiss the class.

• No profanity or offensive language. – Administrative Referral.

• Take care of your instrument.  Whether you are using the school’s instrument or your own, maintain your instrument and take care of it.  Keep it clean, change old strings, have your bow re-haired when needed, etc.  Bring your instrument to class every day.

• Do not use any instrument other than your own. –   Administrative Referral

• Pick up after yourself and help to keep the room clean.

• Do not bring valuables to class. If you can’t keep up with it, don’t expect us to.

Orchestra Fees and Financial Responsibilities

Orchestra fees for members of the Hillgrove Orchestra Program will be $55.00 per student.  These fees have been established to help offset the costs associated with running the Hillgrove Orchestra Booster Club (HOBC).  Each student will receive a Hillgrove Orchestra t-shirt upon payment of all fees (including uniform payments). Some costs covered by HOBC funds include:

• Annual membership dues to professional affiliations such as the Georgia Music Educators Association, the American String Teacher Association, and the Music Educators National Conference.

• Directors Professional Development – Clinics and Conferences.

• Bank and administrative fees.

• Awards, Trophies, Plaques and Orchestra letters.

• Fees for Guest Clinicians and Conductors.

• Field Trips and Transportation costs.

The orchestra fee of $55.00 should be paid by September.

There will be fundraising opportunities to earn money for orchestra fees.  Any money earned during these fundraisers may be used for orchestra fees.  If you do not wish to participate in fundraising, please access the online payment link on our website.  Please note that orchestra fees are NOT part of uniform fees. 

Orchestra Uniforms

In order for our orchestra students to maintain a professional look when performing, each student must purchase an orchestra uniform.  Formal uniforms will be worn at all formal concert events.

Boys will wear a standard tux with adjustable-waist pants.  The COST of $110.00 includes pants, coat, shirt, cummerbund, bowtie, cufflinks, and button covers. Each tux will be fitted to the student and delivered in a hanging bag. If your student already owns a tux with black cummerbund and bowtie, then no purchase is necessary.  If you need a cummerbund/bowtie/cufflink set, they can be purchased at any local formalwear store.  Boys must wear black shoes and sock as part of the uniform.

Girls will wear a concert black dress.  It has an empire waist, which is flattering to any body type and is made of a machine washable material that needs no ironing!  It also will be fitted to each student and delivered in a hanging bag.  The COST is $90.00.  Girls must wear black shoes and nylons as part of the uniform.

The tuxes and full-length dresses will be the Hillgrove Orchestra standard uniform for years to come, therefore, seniors could possibly offer their uniform for sale to incoming students.

Boys Uniform Cost – $110.00                   Girls Uniform Cost – $90.00

Payment is required at the time of the fitting in early August.  Please access online payment in the HOBC square site.   The Booster club will make one payment to the company upon delivery of uniforms.  Please note that this is not a fundraiser for the HOBC.

School-Owned Instruments

All students in high school should make every effort possible to either rent or own their own instruments.  Students gain a sense of ownership and learn responsibility when they have their own instrument.  Maintaining and caring for an instrument is an important part of being a musician.  A list of local music stores can be found on the main page of the orchestra blog.  Several stores will offer have back-to-school promotions and very reasonable rental plans.

The Hillgrove Orchestra has a limited number of school-owned instruments…primarily basses and cellos for use during rehearsals.   There are also a limited number of school-owned violas, but no violins.  Obviously, it is difficult for cello and bass players to bring their personal instruments to school each day due to the size of the instruments. If you need to use a school-owned instrument, please contact Dr. Doke and fill out CCSD Form IS-934 for School-owned Instrument Checkout.  Not all instruments will be available for checkout, depending on class size and instrument availability. Students checking out a school owned instrument will be responsible for the safe-keeping of the instrument and shall maintain the instrument in good condition at all times, including having it repaired in the event of an accident. Students using a school owned instrument will be expected to use it to the best of their ability for serious study including regular attendance at all organizational rehearsals and performances, regular home practice and additional instruction and study when possible.

Orchestra Letter Policy 

All student members in the Hillgrove Orchestra Program have the opportunity to earn a Hillgrove Orchestra Letter. Each year after earning an orchestra letter, a gold service bar may be earned which can be attached to the original letter. To earn a letter or bar for any one year, a student must:

1) Be in orchestra for one full school year or two full consecutive semesters.

2) Have no unexcused absences from any scheduled rehearsals or performances for the entire year.  See attendance policy.

3) Have no disciplinary action that results in any kind of school suspension.  This means that if you have ISS or OSS, you cannot letter.

4) Be current with your Orchestra Fees.

5) Accumulate a total of 100 Artistry Points, which may be earned as follows:

• 50 points – Studying privately during the entire year.  Documentation from your parents and private teacher is required for these points.

• 25 Points – Auditioning for Cobb County Honor Orchestra, Georgia All-State Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra, Georgia Youth Symphony or Metropolitan Youth Symphony.

• 25 Points – Being accepted to and participating in any of the orchestras listed above.

• 25 points – Participating in school musical (Pit, Cast or Crew)

• 25 points – Participating in any other community orchestra.  Documentation is required.

• 25 points – Attending an Professional Quality Concert (Atlanta Symphony, Opera, Ballet, etc.) and turn in the program or ticket. Concerts must be approved by Dr. Doke and documentation is required.

• 10 points – Attending a non-professional concert (Hillgrove Band, Chorus, Theater, Middle School Concerts, etc.) and turn in the program or ticket. Documentation will be required.

• 10 points – Attendance at Booster Club functions.  This would include any meetings, fund-raisers, etc.

• 10 points – Attendance at any after school rehearsal or sectional that is not on the regular schedule (50 points max).

It is the student’s responsibility to keep track of their Artistry Credit Points.  Dr. Dakon will monitor concert attendance and discipline.  Points must be turned in by May 1st to receive an orchestra letter.

Private Lessons

There are many advantages to taking private lessons. Obviously, the individual attention that a student receives in private instruction helps them to develop their maximum potential as a player and member of our orchestra. In addition, private instruction offers students the opportunity to explore the extensive wealth of solo literature available for each instrument. Many of the world’s greatest composers have written masterpieces for the individual string instruments, and private lessons give students the opportunity to explore and experience these works. Private lessons provide special performing opportunities that bring recognition for your child through solo recitals.  Private lessons are crucial for any student that is planning a career in music.

Providing students private lessons is one very effective way to enrich a student’s experience in the Hillgrove Orchestra. Many of the most outstanding players that I have taught over the past 25 years have studied privately. These students have been successful at District Honor Orchestra, Georgia All-State Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra, Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, GMEA Solo and Ensemble Festival, and many have gone on to receive scholarships at colleges such as The Cleveland Institute of Music, The Berklee School of Music, Furman, Indiana, Florida State, Kennesaw State, Emory, Georgia State, South Carolina, UGA, Georgia Southern, and many others.

There are several private teachers in the area who have been very successful with young people.  Please contact the private teacher of your choice for information on scheduling, fees and studio policies. Fees generally range from $20-$40 per hour lesson.  These teachers are working toward the same goals and are experienced in teaching and motivating young people. Please seriously consider offering this special opportunity to your child.