Musician handbook 2016 2017 ENGLISH by San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory

2016-2017 Opus Musiciansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Handbook

IN THIS BOOK 3

Welcome to Opus!

What is Opus?

Opus Programs

Opus Strings Program

Opus Band Program

Festejo Orchestra

OHO Chamber Ensembles

Communication

Materials Fee

10 Instrument Loans, Care, & Repairs 11 Practicing 12 Preparation for Rehearsal 12 Rehearsal Etiquette 12 Lost Music 13 Attendance Policy 13 Musician Check-out 14 Rehearsal Schedules 20 Weekly Rehearsal List 21 Event Calendar 22 Concerts & Concert Attire

The teachers include him and take care of him. The other kids include him too. It helps both him and the other kids. As a family, we don’t feel separated. You all have embraced us, included us, made us all one. The teachers are patient with my son. I feel like Fernando is happier than before because he’s a part of something important. He feels proud of being in Opus. And we are so proud of him too.” - Alma, mother of special needs student “It’s scientifically proven that music makes your brain smarter. It’s also scientifically proven that Opus is better than everything else.” - Sean, trombone

“This program has changed my life a lot. You know that there is a place that you belong.” - Bruno, cello “Truly having music at our school has not only transformed how our students learn but how our students view school. It has elevated the learning experience for all our kids… [The Community Opus Project] has created opportunities and has created dreams that our kids never had.” - Francisco Escobedo, Ed.D, CVESD Superintendent

23 Family Involvement & Volunteering 24 Additional SDYS/Opus Opportunities 25 Opus Teaching Artists

“My Opus moment is every time I see a musician develop ‘the hunger’ for music.” - Mr. Charlie, Opus Teaching Artist

29 Opus Administration 30 Consents & Releases for SDYS 32 Longy Bard Study FAQ

“All the families are the notes that make the perfect song called SDYS.” - Cynthia, Opus parent

WELCOME TO OPUS! Dear Opus Families, You and your family are now embarking on a wonderful journey filled with learning, creativity, exploration, and musical performance. Taught by professional Teaching Artists who share their passion and knowledge of music with our students, the Community Opus Project is an after-school winds and strings program of the San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory. In partnership with the Chula Vista Elementary School District since 2010, the Community Opus Project has been a catalyst that has spearheaded the return of in-school music to the 46 schools in the district. We at the Community Opus Project strive to provide rehearsals and sectionals full of intensive instruction and sensitive listening that build community and showcase musical mastery. By enrolling in the Community Opus Project, you are electing to pursue excellence. Because excellence requires discipline and effort, we set explicit participation and commitment standards for our musicians. Our Opus Musiciansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Handbook provides the details you need to thrive in Opus â&#x20AC;&#x201C; such as important dates and attendance requirements. We are excited to begin the 2016-2017 musical journey together. Annette Fritzsche Community Program Manager

Making music education accessible and affordable for all...

WHAT IS OPUS? The San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory (SDYS) has been teaching music education to students ages 8 to 25 for 70 years. Playing an instrument in an ensemble develops young people’s habits and skills that shape the way that they learn. Musicians make new friends and enjoy the thrill of performing for an audience. In the past, schools used to provide music instruction as part of students’ core education. However, funding for the arts has been severely reduced and many schools no longer offer arts education. Learning music is not a luxury and SDYS believes that every student deserves accessible and affordable music education. SDYS developed the Community Opus Project in 2010 to partner with local school districts to display the benefits of music education. It began in partnership with the Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD), which is a school district that had not employed a music teacher in any of its 46 schools for over 15 years. Nearly 30,000 students are enrolled in CVESD. SDYS loaned instruments and provided free after-school music lessons for 65 3rd graders at two Title 1 elementary schools. The students enjoyed the rehearsals and performances, and the schools noticed an increase in the students’ attendance record, focus on academic tasks, and parental engagement at the schools. The district was inspired by the results and asked SDYS to serve more students the following year. Within three years, the district had been convinced of the value of music education and began to provide high quality, in-school music instruction for all students, taught by credentialed music teachers. As music teachers are hired into Chula Vista schools, SDYS continues to provide free, after-school instrumental programs for their students. Many students from the first Opus classes are now in middle school and are a part of their school’s orchestras. SDYS will continue to serve Chula Vista and help create a community where students from all of the city’s neighborhoods have access to high quality, affordable music education.

OPUS PROGRAMS

OPUS STRINGS PROGRAM The Opus Strings Program is comprised of two ensembles, Alegría Strings and Esperanza Strings. Musicians in these ensembles play the violin, viola, cello, or double bass. Each two-hour rehearsal is consists of a sectional and a full ensemble rehearsal. Viola

Violin

Esperanza Strings Esperanza Strings is Opus’ entrylevel strings group, focusing on beginning ensemble techniques and instruments skills’ development.

Double Bass

Cello

Alegría Strings Alegría Strings is our mid-level ensemble comprised of musicians with 1-3 years of string orchestra experience. Musicians focus on enhancing skills such as fingering, tone quality, intonation, and sight-reading. Musicians will improve their ensemble skills, such as the ability to follow the conductor, play together, improve group intonation, and build section cohesion by integrating technique into ensemble playing.

OPUS BAND PROGRAM The Opus Band Program is comprised of two ensembles, Alegría Band and Esperanza Band. Musicians in these ensembles play the flute, clarinet, alto saxophone, trumpet or trombone. Each twohour rehearsal is consists of a sectional and a full ensemble rehearsal.

Esperanza Band Esperanza Band is Opus’ entry-level wind group, focusing on beginning ensemble techniques and instruments skills’ development.

Alegría Band Alegría Band is our mid-level wind ensemble comprised of musicians with 13 years of band experience. The band focuses on ensemble skills such as tone production and quality, musicianship, blend, balance, rhythm, and sight-reading. Musicians will enhance their ability to follow the conductor, play together, and achieve group intonation as well as section cohesion by integrating technique into ensemble playing.

FESTEJO ORCHESTRA The Festejo Orchestra is the Community Opus Project's most advanced string ensemble. Musicians in Festejo experience an elevated level of musical training, ranging from exposure to music theory, history, and analysis. These various activities, in addition to a more rigorous full ensemble training, will provide students with an enhanced learning experience. Musicians are required to audition in order to join Festejo. The audition will be 5 minutes long and will consist of solo, a 2-octave scale of your choice, and sight reading. Musicians who are accepted will be notified by mid-July.

OHO CHAMBER ENSEMBLES The Opus Honor Orchestra (OHO) Chamber Music Program is for musicians in 7th grade and up with at least two years Opus experience. Chamber music is a unique opportunity to feature each musician individually, while coming together to create balanced and beautiful music. Because of the limited number of instruments, each instrument plays an equally important role in the ensemble and must perform without the direction of a conductor. Musicians expand their knowledge of important concepts such as left- and right-hand technique, vibrato, shifting, bowings, articulation, tone production, intonation, balance, and blend. Repertoire includes arrangements representing various periods and styles. Prospective musicians wanting to join OHO are required to audition for admission and placement. Current OHO musicians who wish to change their current ensemble may request to audition for a new ensemble placement. The audition will be 5 minutes long and will consist of the Three Sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s: solo, 2octaves scale, and sight reading.

COMMUNICATION Communication between Opus staff, musicians, and their families is essential. The Community Opus Project utilizes the following forms of communication:  Opus Insider: A weekly email is sent with important information for families and musicians from each ensemble. Please read these emails to stay up to date with your musicians’ Opus activities. Please ensure emails from “@sdys.org” are not blocked as spam.  Opus Bulletin Board: Located at each rehearsal site, these boards include notices and flyers as well as request forms for musicians.  Facebook: All family members are invited to join the Community Opus Project’s private Facebook group. Members can post or view important (and fun) updates, photos, and videos of Opus musicians. It is also a good venue to ask or answer questions.  Texting: Participants must opt in by following the instructions on the “Remind” sheet provided at orientation. Texting is sparsely used, but will be used for mass announcements such as schedule adjustments and important reminders.  Email/Phone: We use email and phone to contact musicians and families directly. Email is the best way to contact Opus staff and Teaching Artists outside of rehearsal, but the Opus Coordinator and Community Program Manager can also be contacted via phone. All Opus Team contact information can be found on the back cover of this handbook. Follow the San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory:

MATERIALS FEE A $25 materials fee is required for all musicians. The materials fee contributes to the musicians’  Opus T-shirt,  Sheet music,  Method books, and  Instrument supplies Fees are due before the first rehearsal day of the season (the week of August 1, 2016). We accept cash or checks made payable to “SDYS.” We can accept credit cards during the on-site orientations.

INSTRUMENT LOANS The San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory provides instrument loans to Opus musicians. If you borrow an instrument from SDYS, you are responsible for the care of the instrument and for returning it in the same condition as you received it. You also assume full financial responsibility for replacing the instrument if it is lost, stolen, altered, or damaged beyond repair. Please do not remove the instrument’s identifying barcode tag under any circumstances. If the tag breaks or falls off, please notify a Teaching Artist. SDYS is not liable for loss or damage to instruments. Musicians are expected to take care of their own instruments and respect other musicians’ instruments and property.

INSTRUMENT CARE 101  Avoid extreme temperature and humidity.  Treat your instrument like it is your baby.  Take out and put away your instrument properly.  Always follow care instructions.  Use a dry, soft cloth to clean your instrument.  Always place your instrument in a safe place, where it will not be sat on, stepped on, exposed to water or chemicals, or in any way come to harm.

SDYS INSTRUMENT REPAIRS If your instrument is in need of supplies or repair, please notify a Teaching Artist. All repairs to SDYS instruments are done in-house or through a trusted repair technician. We can recommend repair technicians to musicians who own their own instruments. DO NOT try to repair the instrument yourself. This can result in financial repercussions. The sooner you notify a Teaching Artist about the repair, the sooner you will be able to play the instrument again. If you use a school instrument and it needs repair, please contact your in-school music teacher for further instruction.

PRACTICING Daily practice time is essential for student success. Opus musicians need to spend time each day in individual practice. Teaching Artists will advise and coach musicians on how best to manage practice time. Evident lack of practice may count against the musician as 1/2 absence. Check out these useful practice tips: Find a Quiet Place Practice in the same place each day. Be sure there are no distractions. Practice Slowly Start out at a slow tempo and then slowly increase the speed. Perfect Practice Makes Perfect If you make mistakes during practice, go back to an earlier spot and fix your mistake. Play it correctly several times to make sure you have learned it correctly. Remember that it’s not about practicing until you get it right, but practicing until you can’t get it wrong. Practice More Often for Less Time It is better to practice for 10 minutes several times a week rather than 1 hour one time a week. Focus on Difficult Sections First Practice passages that are the most difficult before moving on to the easier sections. End on a Happy Note End your practice session by playing something you enjoy.

HELP YOUR MUSICIAN PRACTICE Regardless of musical background, a parent's support and encouragement will have a tremendous impact on a child's progress in music. To assist in the musical growth of your child, you can: Facilitate Regular Practice Provide a daily time and place where your child can practice without noise, distractions, or interruptions. Encourage Big and Small Performances In addition to Opus performances, ask your child to play for you, your family, and friends. Living rooms, back porches, and family gatherings are excellent opportunities for small performances.

Get Involved! Enthusiastically attend all Opus events to show your support. When possible, attend an Opus rehearsal to learn the goals, policies, and procedures of your child’s Opus Teaching Artist and encourage those concepts at home. Talk to the Teaching Artists Ask Teaching Artists about your child’s progress during check-out. Teach Commitment Teach your child to be consistently present and punctual by helping him or her to be on time to rehearsals and performances.

BE PREPARED FOR REHEARSAL Musicians are expected to take personal responsibility for rehearsal preparation. This includes making sure that musicians are mentally ready and have all necessary materials present. Use the acronym “RIP” to remind you how to be prepared for rehearsal:

R I P

EPERTOIRE. Have your sheet music, folder, and/or method books ready and on your music stand.

NSTRUMENT. Bring your instrument to every rehearsal. ENCIL. Always have a pencil on hand to make markings in your music.

Musicians who are ill-prepared for rehearsal may have ½ absence counted against them.

REHEARSAL ETIQUETTE Musicians are expected to take personal responsibility for understanding rehearsal etiquette:  Using electronic devices is prohibited during  Be on time for rehearsals, rehearsal,  Do not touch or write on anything not  Store instruments properly during rehearsal belonging to you, breaks, and  RIP — Repertoire, Instrument, and Pencil,  Provide your own snack for snack time.

LOST MUSIC New music is distributed throughout the school year. Any musician who loses his/her music will be required to pay a $1 replacement fee per part. Musicians may fill out a request card at the Opus bulletin board.

ATTENDANCE POLICY Participation in Opus requires a considerable commitment to weekly rehearsals, practice, and concert performances. Consistent, weekly attendance at rehearsals is essential to create strong musical ensembles. Because enrollment is limited, it is necessary for students and families to commit to the entire year of instruction. You may have to choose between joining Opus and other activities. Please carefully review the attendance guidelines and rehearsal/concert schedule before making the decision to continue. All musicians are expected to be at every rehearsal and every mandatory concert on the calendar. Musicians are required to be at rehearsal, warmed up, and ready to rehearse at 3:30 PM unless otherwise discussed and approved by the Opus Coordinator. Each musician is significant to the integrity of his/her ensemble.

ABSENCES Because we understand Absences due to illness or emergency count toward the total number of allowed absences. Please plan accordingly. We understand that conflicts do come up, our attendance policy allows up to two absences per quarter (1 absences per quarter for OHO Chamber ensembles). Recurring absences over these limits or excessive late arrivals and early departures from rehearsals may result in dismissal from Opus at the discretion of the President & CEO. All absences must be reported to the online “Report an Absence” form detailed below.

REPORT AN ABSENCE Report all absences, late arrivals, or early departures at least 4 hours in advance. You can “Report an Absence” online or at your site’s Opus bulletin board. Please notify a Teaching Artist if you need help.

MUSICIAN CHECK-OUT The safety of our musicians is our highest concern. At the end of each rehearsal, parents and guardians must sign out their musician with the Teaching Artists. This typically takes place near the Multi-Purpose Room. Exceptions are made for musicians who walk home after rehearsal. In those cases, a written letter of consent must be provided in advance to the Opus Coordinator.

MON/WED REHEARSALS Semester 1 (August 1 - December 17, 2016)