The Orchestras at Pope High School consists of four performing orchestras.
Greyhound Orchestra
Greyhound Orchestra is for students with prior experience. No audition is required to participate. Students perform level three music and will learn the basic music theory and structure. Students will also learn to perform in keys up to 4 sharps or flats. This class is open to all grade levels
Sinfonietta Orchestra
Sinfonietta Orchestra is for students with prior experience. No audition is required to participate in this Orchestra. Students perform level four music and is open to all grade levels. Students will perform music that challenge them to learn skills to master their instruments at a high level. Private lessons are encouraged and highly motivated students are prepped to participate in Chamber and Philharmonic Orchestras.
Chamber Orchestra
Chamber Orchestra is a high level performing Orchestra. The Orchestra is open to all grade levels and perform level four and five music. Chamber Orchestra focuses primarily on chamber music (music for small ensembles) and is the bridge into performing in the Mastery Orchestra. It will challenge students to excel and reach the goals of performing in the top orchestra at Pope High School.
Philharmonic Orchestra
Philharmonic Orchestra is the most advanced orchestra that shows excellence in musicianship and ability. The music performed is primarily level six and will challenge students to manage their time and devote themselves to higher levels of performance. An audition is required for this Orchestra. Students who cannot participate in Honor Orchestra and/or All State auditions may forfeit their eligibility to register for Symphony.
Expectations and Policies
All Pope High School and Cobb County rules and policies will be followed in the orchestra classroom.
Good rehearsal conduct shall be observed at all times. The most important rule of conduct is to show respect for your peers and teacher. Consideration, courtesy and a positive attitude are contagious.
Tardy Policy
Students are expected to be on time for class, rehearsals, and performances. Tardy is defined as not being in the orchestra class or (online) when class starts or not having your instrument ready for the class session. Tardies can directly affect your orchestra grade for the semester as it directly affects participation in the ensemble. Students who are late due to excused school business must have a signed note from a teacher or administrator.
Class tardies are handled according to the following steps:
5th tardy = Parent contact.
7th tardy= Referral to administrator and possible loss of parking privileges.
Students who are late due to excused school business must have a
signed note from a teacher or administrator.
10th and subsequent tardies = ISS
(This is on a per semester basis)
Grading Policy
Rehearsal Standards and Rehearsal Techniques = 45%
Rehearsal techniques include daily classwork (i.e. playing during class time, quizzes, worksheets, projects and rehearsals). If you do not have an instrument, please contact Mrs. Benton to see if arrangements can be made for you to either rent or borrow one. Everyone is responsible for completing all performance requirements. Failure to do so will result in a failing grade. Students that miss rehearsals must submit a written notice to Mrs. Benton one week before the event.
Students are also expected to have their instrument every day or expect to receive a zero for class participation. Also, all students are expected to keep their nails low (even with the fingertip, not pass it) at all times.
A positive attitude is essential to a productive rehearsal so conduct is a part of your grade; disrespect will affect your grade.
Tardies in class will lower the daily participation grade.
Failure to follow class rules will result in points taken away from your daily grade.
Tests = 15%
Tests are an important part of your grade, so preparation is vital. Students will perform playing tests live (during class) or via video uploaded to CTLS. Deadlines for uploads are stated when assignment given. Computer incompatibility is not an excuse! Some tests will be written and may be taken during class or uploaded to CTLS.
Concerts/Projects= 30%
Make every effort to attend all performances. There will be no reason for you to not accommodate a concert date. It is to your advantage to talk with coaches and other necessary people to see if there are conflicts. These conflicts should be dealt with immediately. Missed performances and rehearsals require a written excuse that is in compliance with Cobb County rules and regulations. Make-up work will be given if the excuse is accepted. DO NOT WAIT TILL THE WEEK OF THE CONCERT TO INFORM THE TEACHER THAT YOU CANNOT ATTEND!
Final Exam = 10%
The exam grade is worth 10% of your final grade.
The exam will be cumulative. (Covering all material from the semester)
Community Service
Students in Chamber and Philharmonic Orchestras will have a new component added this year. Each student will be responsible for completing 3 community service hours by the end of each semester. They cannot be used for lettering points, but separate activities/events. The deadline for the service hours is May 2025. Accepted activities are listed on the website.
First semester = 3 hours
Second semester = 3 hours
Total = 6 hours
Orchestra Dues
Every club, organization, and athletic team at Pope High School has dues, as does Orchestra. The Pope Orchestra Booster Club (POBC) uses our dues to bring wonderful clinicians, activities, and supplies to students. Orchestra dues are necessary for our program's success and allow students to experience expert techniques from clinicians, expenses for trips/activities, and other miscellaneous expenses. Participation is the key to making this program excel. Our success depends on no less than 100% participation. Orchestra dues are $125 per student for the 2024-2025 school year.
Other fees collected throughout the year are minor application fees for All-State, Honors Orchestra, and Solo/Ensemble Competition. Fees for these events total no more than $25-$30 dollars and are exciting and necessary experiences for all students who wish to audition.
Electronic Devices
Students may use cell phones/electronic devices for tuning at the beginning of class. Students must keep phones/electronic devices in bookbags/purses, or the caddies provided. They can charge while in the caddy. They may also use them only when advised by the teacher. If the phone is out during class when not advised by the teacher, it will be taken up and returned at the end of the class period the first time. After the third repeat offense, the student will receive an office referral for disobedience, class disruption and non-compliance.
Lockers
Lockers are for violin and viola use only. They are not alternatives for school assigned lockers. All students can use the folio cabinet to store music if needed. Students using lockers are responsible for providing their locks and giving the combination to Mrs. Benton. Lockers should be locked to protect them. Vandalism of lock and/or lockers is an offense that requires a school referral. No food or drinks are allowed in lockers.
Uniforms
Orchestra Dress
Tuxedo Package
Uniform Option
Lettering Points
Students can receive points for lettering in various activities throughout the school year. Students need 350 points in order to letter in Orchestra. Points are valid from June 2024-April 2025. A complete list is posted in the Orchestra Room
Student Conductors
Student conductors are selected by Mrs. Benton. Students selected will help Mrs. Benton with class. Student conductors will also have an opportunity to conduct on a concert during the school year.
Class Officers
Positions
Please click on the Signature Form button. The signed form is due August 7, 2024
Any student using a school instrument must complete this form and return to the teacher.