(Scroll down for Dance, Instrumental Music, Theater Arts, and Vocal Music)

CLICK HERE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Instrumental Music (Strings)

2009-2010

Instrumental Music (Strings)  

Mr. Brian McGillen, Instructor

The strings program at Sudbrook emphasizes a strong understanding of basic technique as well as the development of sensitive musicality through the performance through a variety of orchestral repertoire. Below you can find course information, identical to the information distributed in the Orchestra Student Handbook.

Class Expectations:

1. Be a team player. This means:
1. Arriving to class on time
2. Being prepared with necessary supplies
3. Coming prepared to class by practicing at home
4. Devoting your full attention to rehearsal
5. Respecting yourself and fellow orchestra members
2. No food or drink, other than water. I strongly encourage bringing bottled water to class.

Orchestra Supply List:

1. Instrument with name printed on case
2. Method Book, which can be purchased through the director
3. Rosin, soft cleaning cloth, and shoulder rest (violin/viola only)
4. Music
5. Pencil

Method Books:

Method Books can be purchased through the orchestra director. Make checks payable to Sudbrook Magnet Middle. If the student already owns the book, there is no need to purchase a new one.

Orchestra I: Artistry in Strings Book 1, $6.95

Orchestra II: New Directions in Strings Book 2, $8.95

At this point, Orchestra III will not need to purchase a method book.

Practice Recommendations:

Simply put, to master an instrument you must play it A LOT! It is expected that you will practice the music and technical exercises assigned in class, but I encourage you to also find other music you like and try to play that. Remember, music is fun – keep it that way. If possible, play with other people; for example, maybe Mom or Dad or a sibling can play the B part to a duet on piano or another instrument.

That said, it’s great to play all the way through a piece for fun every now and then, but also try to practice with purpose; i.e., set goals for yourself (think back to what we learn in class) and try to fix problems that you know you have! You will improve in class, but you will improve even more at home if you do this. Any musician would agree: the better you get, the more you’ll enjoy playing.

Practice charts will be collected weekly and must be signed by a parent. Please take these seriously, as they are a significant part of your grade. Try to practice at the same time every day, and, as a rule of thumb, practice for at least twenty minutes at least six days a week.

Grading:

As per county standards, your grade will be comprised of the following categories:

• Classwork – 50%
• Homework – 20%
• Assessments – 30%

In brief, the following will contribute to each of the above categories.

Classwork:

-Coming to class with materials

-Daily demonstration of expectations for posture, attitude, participation, and performance on your instrument.

Homework:

-Practice Charts

-Projects, including self-study assignments

Assessment:

-Playing tests

-Required concert attendance

-Written tests

Performance Attendance and Concert Dress:

You must attend all performances. An unexcused absence from a concert will result in a lower grade for the quarter.

The winter orchestra concert is scheduled for Tuesday, December 8.

Concert dress is as follows:

Boys: Long-sleeved white dress shirt, tie, dark pants (preferably black), dark socks, dark dressy shoes. Sneakers and athletic shoes should NOT be worn.

Girls: Dressy white shirt, dark pants (preferably black) or long (below the knees) skirt, dark dress shoes. Again, no sneakers or athletic shoes.

Orchestra Equipment:

School-Owned Instruments: These are issued by the director at the beginning of the school year and include cello and bass. There is an annual fee of $40 for all students using school-owned instruments, as required by BCPS, to maintain the quality of its instruments and related equipment. Normal wear and tear is expected, but any loss or damage to school equipment may be charged to the student’s parents. All rental agreements must be signed and returned to Mr. McGillen by September 11. Checks should be made payable to Sudbrook Magnet Middle School.

Student-Owned Instruments: It is the student’s responsibility to see that his or her instrument is in good working condition. Procedures for routine care and maintenance will be covered in class. Sudbrook Magnet Middle School and the Board of Education are not responsible for student instruments stored in the school. No insurance is carried for this purpose. We recommend that parents provide insurance coverage for the instruments through the place of purchase or their private homeowner’s/renter’s policy.

School Music Service Dealer, Stu’s Music: A representative from Stu’s Music Shop in Westminster comes to Sudbrook once a week for any of our orchestra and band service needs. A form will be available through the directors for any students who wish to order any additional items through Stu’s.

Repairs: Students are responsible for the care of their instrument. If an instrument needs repair, the following options are available:

• Parents can take the instrument to a music store for repair.
• Through prior arrangement, the instrument can be picked up by Stu’s during their weekly visit and taken for repairs.

Additional Opportunities:

Celtic Players: This new ensemble will give students an opportunity to play a style of music outside the classical genre. Irish traditional (Celtic) music is fast-paced dance music that is fun to play and involves some techniques not used in standard playing. Students will also have the opportunity to learn music by ear. Other instruments such as guitar, flute, and tin whistle will be included in the ensemble. Informal auditions will be held Tuesday, September 8.

Private Lessons: Students serious about furthering their studies should consider studying their instrument with a private teacher.

Youth Orchestra: There are several youth orchestras in the Baltimore area, and these are an excellent opportunity to perform real orchestral literature in a full orchestra (with winds and brass).

Middle School All-Honors Orchestra: This group is by audition only and open to all 7 th and 8 th grade students enrolled in a school orchestra program. The application deadline is October 15 and the fee to apply is 10$.

All-State Junior Orchestra: This group is by audition only and open to all 7 th and 8 th grade students enrolled in a school orchestra program. The audition date is November 14 and the application deadline is October 2.

Solo and Ensemble Festival: This is an opportunity for students to perform solos or ensemble in an adjudicated setting. The application deadline is January 22.

Vocal Music

Sudbrook’s vocal music program allows our students the opportunity to engage in musical works from BACH to ROCK!

The chorus student will:

• Explore historical musical styles through singing and playing various musical instruments.
• Build a repertoire of musical symbols and language through sight reading – ultimately learning to read music independently.
• Learn about other cultures through the universal language of music.
• Participate in county and state-wide festivals and adjudications.
• Perform in two yearly concerts as a member of the Sudbrook Singers, Soaring Eagles or the Voices of Sudbrook.
• The attire for the students is as follows:
   
  Men:
   
  • Dark suits/Dark Blazer (Level II and III)
  • Dark Slacks (Level I)
  • Long-sleeved White dress shirts
  • Black ties ( Level I and Level II)
  • Gold ties ( Level III - MEN ONLY)
  • Dark Socks and Dark dress shoes
   
  Ladies:
   
  • Black skirts to the knee and longer ( straight skirts for Level III girls ONLY)
  • White long sleeved blouse (any style permitted--as plain as possible)
  • Black dress shoes
  If there are any questions feel free to email me at echristian@bcps.org.  I am available to answer all questions. 

THEATER ARTS PROGRAM: GENERAL OVERVIEW

Mr. Tiller, Instructor , Ms. Masimore, Instructor

The Theatre program at Sudbrook is designed to give students a comprehensive view of the wonderful world of Drama. The student are introduced to theatre as an art form and learn how it applies to the world in which we live. Throughout the year, the student will be exposed to acting technique through observation, memory development, improvisation, vocal work, movement – all the necessary tools for character development. The student will also be exposed to theatre history, technical production, directing, etiquette, arts appreciation, and playwriting. All students will have the opportunity to be involved in the Fall Play, One-Acts, Showcases, and the Spring, All-School Musical.

To enhance learning, students are required to complete two performance critique/evaluations each semester. The guidelines and procedures are discussed in class and the forms are always available from any performing arts faculty member.

All literature for productions is selected by our teaching artists for study and performance and is chosen for its instructional and artistic value and merit. Sudbrook does not produce material which might be considered by some as “typically” middle school or children’s theatre. We are very proud of the fact that we are a pure Performing Arts Magnet. We are unique in that our musicals feature a student pit orchestra, student technical staff as well as a student cast. We produce full-length plays and musicals that adhere to only the highest of standards. The literature is selected as a means to address appropriate skill development and as an artistic challenge to our growth and mastery of our chosen field of study.  

Drama and the theatre offers something for everyone, but it requires hard work and dedication. The program at Sudbrook is performance based and requires participation and self-discipline to be truly successful.

DANCE PROGRAM

Ms. Rodgers, Instructor

The focus of Sudbrook Magnet Middle School’s dance program is preparation for study at the high school level.  Students are taught dance technique, history, performance and composition in the following genres:  ballet, modern, jazz.  Ethnic dance forms are touched upon through historical reading or film, and guest artists.  Dance education is our goal, not dance training as your child would receive in a private studio. 

Students read, write, and perform on a daily basis.  Twice a year, they perform on stage during our Winter and Spring Concerts.  The winter concert is a reflection of classical technique.  The spring program includes modern, and jazz dance, as well as student produced choreography.  8^th graders are given the opportunity to choreograph for the Student Choreography Festival at Patapsco High School, and then possibly for the Spring concert.

The Swingers Dance Company is an extra-curricular activity.  Any student at Sudbrook may audition for the company, but students are admitted by audition only.  The Swingers have performed at the Baltimore County Dance Festival, Morgan State University, Maryland Mentoring Partnership at the Hippodrome, Catonsville High school Hurricane relief concert, Millford Mill community festival and other area stages.

In order to study dance at Sudbrook, students must be in the Performing Arts Magnet.