Welcome to

1. Welcome to

2. About Mrs. Pittman, Orchestra Director • Violinist • Product of GCPS Fine Arts Program—Collins Hill HS (1997) • Bachelors of Music Education-Georgia Southern University (2002) • Master of Arts in Curriculum & Instruction- • Nova Southeastern University (2011) • Active member of Georgia Music Educators Associate, District 13 • Orchestra Chair & member of the American String Teachers Association • 11th year as a string educator & 5th year at PMS

3. Na Seo, Director of Orchestras, Norcross HS “Creating Musicians for Life” Vertical Program Grades 6-12

4. Science Mathematics History Geography Orchestra is cross-curricular Social Studies Foreign Language Physical Education Language Arts

5. Instructional Objectives Develop an interest in and appreciation of instrumental music Develop skills in reading notation and musical vocabulary Develop good posture, technique, and instrument care Develop discriminating listening and performing skills Perform music of various styles, origins, and time periods Develop a proper understanding of music and techniques to form objective criticisms.

6. Non-academic Goals Self-discipline Responsibility Cooperation Creativity Self-esteem Lifetime creator and advocate for music

7. Orchestra WebsiteIncludes letters to parents, resources, assignments, past concerts, calendar info, and so much more.Go to www.pinckneyvillemiddle.orgClick on Teacher Pages (Pittman)

8. Student must have their instrument & supply fee by September 3, 2013 • Mrs. Pittman has sized your student. It is very important that you get an instrument that fits your student. • A letter has been sent home with the student final instrument choice

10. School Owned Instruments Large Instruments with a value of $1500+ CELLOS & BASSES ONLY $60 rental fee ($30 per semester)

11. Where to rent Atlanta Strings North Fulton Strings Huthmaker Violins Ronald Sachs Violins Do-Re-Mi Music

12. Please be CAREFUL where you purchase your child’s instrument!

13. Your child might out grow their instrument—physically and musically • Avoid instruments made in China. European instruments are much higher quality • Avoid eBay, Amazon & big box retailers. You will end up spending 3-4 times the purchase price to make the instrument playable. Many repairmen won’t even attempt to make these instruments playable. • Brands to avoid: • Mendini, The Instrument Store, Cremona, Palatino, Musino, Molinari, Antonius, Florea, Bellafina, D’Luca, Cecilio, Becker, Doreli, Maestro, 2 Kool 4 Skool, anything that doesn’t have a name or anything that is not the color of orchestral instruments. Set on Purchasing? Things to consider….

14. Orchestra Fees: $50 Orchestra Polo (uniform for concerts) Method Book: Essential Elements 2000 Book I, Orchestra notebook Pencils, highlighters Sheet music Administrative costs: Repairs, purchase of instruments, stands, chairs, shelves, music, etc.

15. Class Work & Practice Records: • Rehearsal Competency-having required materials for class and displaying qualities of musicianship. Points will be lost when not prepared. Students who habitually do not have their required materials or do not display musicianship will receive disciplinary consequences. • Practice Records: Practicing is vital in a student’s musical development. Students will be required to practice 100 minutes each week & satisfactorily complete a practice reflection to earn full credit. • Performance Evaluations: • Written & performance tests will be administered through out the school year. Written tests will be based on vocabulary, notation & listening skills. Playing tests will assess students playing ability. Tests will be administered individually or small groups. • Concert/Final Exam: • Concerts are MANDATORY. If a concert is not scheduled for a quarter then a final exam will be administered.

16. Practice Records: Due when your student has class on Friday 2 components: time & reflection

17. Your student will receive login information for their own Class Dojo account. You will get weekly emails regarding their performance habits and behavior. ClassDojo Video

18. Important Dates: September 3rd: Instruments & Supply Fee Due (the earlier these come the earlier we can get started!) December 10th , Demonstration Concert 7:00pm PMS Gym

19. EEi Demo

20. Classes 6th Grade Orchestra Beginning Orchestra—designed for those with little to no orchestral experience Concert Orchestra Combined 7th & 8th grade orchestra students Philharmonic Orchestra The honor orchestra for the PMS orchestra program. Consists of 7th & 8th grade orchestra students that qualify through an audition process.

21. Recent Achievements 2011 Mark Wood & Electrify Your Strings Philharmonic Orchestra earning Superior ratings at GMEA’s Large Group Performance Evaluation 5 Students participating in local honor orchestras 5 participating in All-State & Statewide Honor Orchestra Philharmonic Orchestra selected to perform at the GMEA In-Service Conference January 30, 2014

22. Open Practice The orchestra room is open every morning, except Thursday at 8:15 AM

23. Questions ??? Thank you for coming and supporting your child’s music education I look forward to having a great year. Please make sure to pick up the handouts.