KLEB CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
This page contains useful information for the Kleb Chamber Orchestra ONLY
SECTIONAL REHEARSALS
Section rehearsals are held once each week before the regular school day. They are designed to give the director a time in which to grade students, conduct chair auditions, and rehearse music that the Orchestra is working on at the time, including Region Orchestra music, solos, ensembles, etc. All students should be prompt and prepared for their instrumental section to begin at the designated time. Tardiness or unexcused absence can result in loss of chair placement and/or affect the student’s participation grade.
- Are section rehearsals required?
YES! Sectionals are required because this is the ideal time in which the Orchestra director can hear a student on an individual basis. This is also the best time to work with the students in small groups by instrument in order to make the best use of the 50-minute class period.
- Do section rehearsals conflict with other school activities?
The directors go to great lengths to schedule section rehearsals around other school activities. However, we cannot always schedule around each individual student’s non-school activities. We may need your help occasionally rearranging piano lessons, doctor’s appointments, etc.
Download the schedule for sectionals here
SOLO/ENSEMBLE CONTEST
The Solo and Ensemble Contest is an opportunity for all students to show their individual skill on their instrument. They each prepare a piece to perform with a piano accompanist in front of a judge who specializes on the students’ instrument. These master teachers then mentor the student after their performance to help them grow in their technique and musicianship skills. The Chamber class participates in the ensemble portion of the contest. They will be put into chamber groups and will be required to attend morning coaching with the directors at least once a week.
CONCERTS
Every concert and rehearsal is a major grade! Students using school cellos/basses will need to bring their instrument from home for the extra rehearsals. Please arrange transportation accordingly.
During the concerts, each student will be doing a concert evaluation when they are not performing. Concert evaluations are not optional. This will be part of the major grade along with the performance grade. Students are to write in complete sentences in their critique. One worded answers or vague answers will result in a grade deduction. The student will turn in the evaluation in class the next school day or when he/she returns from being absent.
ANN ROBERTS MUSIC FESTIVAL
The Ann Roberts Music Festival, formally known as the Galveston Isle Festival, is a festival for our three top performing groups: Philharmonic, Symphony, and Chamber. The music that is prepared for UIL will be performed as three judges evaluate our performances and give us feedback as well as scores. To celebrate the achievement of such concert, the students will be rewarded with a fun day in Kemah after the performances. More details will be given in class.
Students who take part of the Ann Roberts Festival will need to follow UIL rules of “No Pass/No Play”.
REGION ORCHESTRA
Region Orchestra is only for students of the Chamber class. The students are given two etudes to learn for an audition into the Region IX Philharmonic or Symphony Orchestras. The auditions contain students from the Klein, Tomball, Conroe, and Spring Independent School Districts. During the blind audition, students will play both etudes for two panels of judges. If they are chosen, those students will be placed in either the Philharmonic or Symphony Orchestra, based on their rank. Once in region, the students are required not only to fulfill their requirements of orchestra at school, but also attend the extra rehearsals, clinics, chair auditions, and concerts that region requires. If students make the region orchestra and do not fulfill their duties as part of region, they will be put on a probation of one year and may not be able to try out the next year.
UIL - University Interscholastic League
UIL Concert and Sight-Reading performance is the “STAAR” test of orchestra. The performing groups will prepare three pieces to perform for a panel of three judges. They will be evaluated based upon music performance and music preparedness, and given scores. After the Concert portion, the students move to the Sight-reading portion where three different judges will evaluate and score the music literacy of the group. In all, the group will receive 6 ratings from the judges.
"No Pass No Play" rules apply to students participating in UIL.
UNIFORM
- Boys: Black dress pants of plain, polyester blend (check the length!). Black dress shoes and socks, Tuxedo shirts, blue bow tie, and cummerbundt.
- Girls: dress pants of plain, polyester blend (check the length!). Black dress shoes and socks, Tuxedo shirts, blue bow tie, and cummerbundt.
The items listed above will be checked out at school and returned at the end of the year. If any of these items are lost, the student will be responsible for the replacement cost. If uniform parts need cleaning during the year, please dry clean items, as all items will fade.
The professional tuxedo shirts are a high quality, washable 65/35 blend with sewn –in pleats, purchased from Al’s Formal Wear. Tux shirt cost is $17.00. The students will be measured for their shirts at school.
If students show up to concerts and are inappropriately dressed, they will forfeit the privilege to play in the concert. If they are able to change and clothe themselves according to orchestra regulations by ten minutes before the concert begins, they will be permitted to play.
PRIVATE LESSONS
All orchestra members are encouraged to study privately. Many students have realized tremendous growth in both maturity and in playing ability as a result of private lessons. Students who seek advanced opportunities will in all likelihood realize greater success. Private lessons will enhance student progress over and beyond the regular class work. Lessons are available from local teachers at the schools. For more information, check out the "Private Lessons" tab or contact the directors on the "Contact" page.