Alta Sierra Orchestras

Welcome to the Alta Sierra Orchestra program! The Alta Sierra Orchestra program serves over 80 students in grades 7 & 8. Students are placed in one of three (3) co-curricular ability-based orchestras at Alta Sierra: Advanced Orchestra (1st), Intermediate Orchestra (6th), and Orchestra (6th).

Class Overview

In orchestra, students will learn proper technique on a selected instrument, musicianship, performance etiquette, music theory, aural skills, practice & organizational skills, citizenship, discipline, and teamwork. Orchestra members will have the opportunity to perform in multiple concerts and festivals throughout the year!

We hope that through their participation in the ASI Orchestra, students will develop a lifelong love and appreciation of music. If you have any questions that are not addressed on this page, please feel free to contact your director here.

Class Materials

Instrument (Owned, Rented, or School-Owned),
Pencil
Music Organizer. Either a folder or binder with plastic sheets.
Method Book (See below)
Instrument Supplies (Rosin, microfiber cloth for cleaning instrument, rock stop (cellos/basses), extra strings, etc.)
Metronome/Tuner (Strongly encouraged! We recommend purchasing your own method book and Korg TM-60 Tuner w/contact mic. Both are available online or at your local music store.)

Instruments

We encourage students to rent or purchase* their own instrument from a reputable music instrument retailer. Purchasing or renting will ensure that your child gets to play his/her 1st choice of instrument. Talk to your director about making the best musical investment you can make!! To learn more, click here.

*Students are not required to purchase or rent an instrument to participate in orchestra. However, due to limited availability, students may not be able to take school-owned instruments home to practice.

Method Book

Each student is encouraged to purchase their method book. The books we will use in class are listed below. You can purchase a method book directly from our online store, at local music shops, or online. Be sure you purchase the correct book for the instrument your student plays and the ensemble they are in.

1st Period Advanced Orchestra (Mr. Lack) - Sound Innovations for String Orchestra - Sound Development (Green Book)

6th Period Orchestra (Mr. Neu & Mr. Fredrickson) - Sound Innovations for String Orchestra - Book 2 (Red Book)

Classroom Behavior and Guidelines

Please click here to review the expectations for students who participate in the Buchanan Educational Center Instrumental Music program.

Performance Calendar

Each Alta Sierra Orchestra performs several times a year. Please visit the calendar page for a complete, up-to-date, listing of performances. Below is a summary:

CUSD Orchestra Festival • Wednesday, March 6, 2024 • During School Day • Paul Shaghoian Concert Hall • All ASI Orchestras

CMEA Orchestra Festival • Wednesday, April 10, 2024 • Fresno High School • ASI Advanced Orchestra ONLY

End of the Year Concert • Tuesday, May 28, 2024 • 6:30pm • Paul Shaghoian Concert Hall • All ASI Orchestras

ASI Orchestra Calendar

Concert Attire

Please click here for information on concert attire.

Grading

Class Participation (10% of Grade)

Students are expected to remember their instruments and music on rehearsal days. Students will earn points by putting forth their best effort, participating in each rehearsal in an appropriate manner, and showing consistent improvement. Students are expected to have all necessary supplies with them each time they come to class and to take good care of their instruments.

Music Theory Assignments/MusicFirst/Google Classroom (25% of Grade)

Students will learn the fundamentals of their instrument, along with basic concepts in music theory, vocabulary, and notation. They’ll be expected to demonstrate proficiency in these areas by periodically completing both playing and written assignments and tests.

Playing Tests/MakeMusic Cloud (25% of Grade)

Performance Participation (40% of Grade)

Being a member of the Alta Sierra Orchestra is a commitment to performing. It’s expected that orchestra members will participate in all scheduled performances. In order to receive full participation credit, students should wear the appropriate concert attire and fully participate. As representatives of ASI, students are expected to demonstrate their best behavior at all performances.

*Attendance at Concerts & Festivals, while not graded, fulfills any requirement to complete alternative assignments** given to those who do not attend our performances and festivals. If an absence is anticipated and pre-excused, the alternative assignment is due the day of the event. If you miss a concert or festival due to illness or a family emergency, the alternative assignment is due one (1) week after the date of the event or at the discretion of the director.

**Alternative Assignment Research Paper will be 5 pages typed, 12 point/Times New Roman font, double spaced, with a works cited page included on a music topic assigned by the director. Research Papers will be graded and checked for plagiarism/authenticity.

Concert Credit (ASI Advanced ONLY - Part of Google Classroom Grade)

See this page for an explanation of Concert Credit.

Grading Scale

A - 90.0% to 100.00%
B - 80.0% to 89.9%
C - 70.0% to 79.9%
D - 60.0% to 69.9%
F - 59.9% and below.

Software Used in Class (Provided)

Google Classroom Your child will be assigned a Google Classroom class to join, which we’ll use for all class announcements, assignments, and other information.

MakeMusic Cloud (formerly SmartMusic) will be used to assess students’ development on their instruments. Access will be provided in class.

MusicFirst We will be utilizing a suite of music software in a program called MusicFirst this year. MusicFirst will include access to the following programs:

Auralia (Ear Training)
Musition (Music Theory)

Flip will sometimes be used for seating evaluations and class placement.

Other Resources

MusicTheory.net
Musictheory.net is a great resource for extra music theory training and practice.