Symphony Orchestra

Fort Collins High School

Course

This ensemble is an upper level ensemble with the goal of making music
always in mind. In this group we will strive to make music out of every
moment whether we be reading a piece for the first time or on our last
rehearsal before the concert. This means that this ensemble is dependent
upon every member to be a musician at all times. I look forward to making
music with this group!

Subject

We will focus on many stylistic eras of classical music as well as new genres
and newly composed works. This class will culturally educate each student
about musical aspects, including but not limited to, performance practices,
differences in stylistic eras, composer influences, significance of historical
events on music, and expression of music.

Instructor

Grade level
Time duration

Hello Symphony Orchestra! My name is Mr. Williams for those of you who
do not know me. I am a music lover and musician from Colorado State
University (GO RAMS!). I wish to get to know all of you on a personal basis
and just know that I am extremely passionate about music and want you to
love music as well. Anyone who wants to visit further is more than welcome
to grab me and ask questions any time.
Junior and Senior level high school students.
Period 4 Tuesdays and Thursdays for 90 minutes.

Objective for the year!

Students will be able to transfer musical knowledge from class sessions into a
performance setting while bringing the cultural relevance of the music into the
performance.

Materials

Each students respective instrument with bow, music, rosin, and any materials
required by each specific instrument.

Daily activities and

procedures

Students will be in their seat with instrument, music, and any other necessary
materials when the bell rings and be ready to play within two minutes after the
bell has rang.

Attendance

Students must be present at all times to be successful in this class. I

understand appointments happen and you will eventually be home coughing
up a lung so please do not come to school if you are a walking germ factory.
Students who do miss class must have appropriate documentation for the
absence per the school absence policy and will follow up with Mr. Williams for
missed material.

Tardy Policy
Grading

All students will follow the school tardy policy and procedures when late for
class.
The grading scale will be as follows:
A 90%-100%
B 80%-89%
C 70%-79%
D 60%-69%
F NO ONE FAILS MY CLASS OR ANY ASSIGNMENT.

Weighting

30%- Class Participation

10%- Performing Opportunities
10%- Concert Etiquette
10%- Midterm Exam
10%- Final Exam
10%- Listening Assignments
20%- Cultural Relevance Projects

Late Work

Rounding
Extra credit

I will accept late work but the assignment will lose a letter grade for each day
the assignment is late, including the day it is turned in, until the day it is turned
in.

I will round any grade that ends in .5 or higher up to the next whole number.
For example a 85.6% 86%
We will rarely have extra credit opportunities but when we do they will be
fantastic learning opportunities and I will give as much notice as possible. The
opportunities could include professional guest artists, select special videos, and
others.

Assignments

Mr. Williams
Words to
Live By

Assignment

Description

Due Date

Listening Assignment
#1

Last day of first

trimester

Cultural Relevance
Project #1

October 5th

Listening Assignment
#2

Last day of second

trimester

Cultural Relevance
Project #2

November 5th

Listening Assignment
#3

Last day of third

trimester

1. BE A MUSICIAN IN EVERYTHING YOU

DO.
2. The golden rule in music is respect. Respect
your fellow musicians, your teacher, the
music, and what the music is conveying. Signs
of disrespect will be handled on a case by
case basis.
3. Have Fun.
4. Bring me your best every day.
5. There is no failing in my class. I will help you
in any way I can to be successful. Let me
know when you need help and I will be there.
6. ASK QUESTIONS
7. Life is great, life is grand, enjoy every second
and enjoy every nanosecond that music is in
your life.