Issaquah Connect
Issaquah Connect
  • Site
  • User
  • Site
  • Search
  • User
Leah Weitzsacker - Orchestra
  • Staff websites
  • Issaquah High Staff
  • Leah Weitzsacker - Orchestra
  • More
  • Cancel
Leah Weitzsacker - Orchestra
Syllabus High School Orchestra
  • Syllabus
  • More
  • Cancel
  • High School Orchestra
  • Class Expectations
  • Commitment Expectations
  • Dress Code/ Uniforms
  • Grading Scale
  • Music Terms
  • Playing Test Assignments
  • Private Instruction and Music Supplies
  • Recognition and Awards
  • Ticket Information (Concert)
General ISD Music Information
  • Why Music?
  • High School Solo & Ensemble Contest
  • ISD - History of the Orchestra Program
  • ISD - Orchestra Faculty
  • Professions and Careers in Music
  • Research results
  • Washington [State] Roundtable goals prepared for by music study:
  • Web Links
Orchestras
  • Evergreen Philharmonic Orchestra

    Evergreen Philharmonic Orchestra

    The Full Symphonic Orchestra of the Issaquah School District, Director: Doug Longman
    Last Activity: over 7 years ago
    35 members
  • Greenwood Orchestra

    Greenwood Orchestra

    Issaquah High School - Symphony, Director: Doug Longman
    30 members
Home » Staff websites » Issaquah High Staff » Leah Weitzsacker - Orchestra » Syllabus » High School Orchestra

High School Orchestra

For Our New Members

There is a different philosophy at work in the orchestra at the high-school level. It is not the same kind of class as it was in middle school. In middle school, it was possible to be successful and even get an "A" if you were always in the right place at the right time. Attendance counted for a great deal, and orchestra was a class where all levels of musicianship were welcomed, as long as standards of attendance, attitude, and effort were maintained. Those standards are still expected, but added is the very important standard of musical expertise or accomplishment. The following are examples of things that are different in the high school orchestra classes, as opposed to middle school orchestra.

Practice. Everyone is expected to practice. We learn music at a much faster pace than in middle school. It is not acceptable to use only rehearsal time to learn the music.

Lessons. Private lessons, while not required, are highly recommended. Our time in orchestra includes some instruction on the techniques of playing, but orchestra is not a group lesson class. Most of the time is spent working on the music that we perform. The demands of this music, and the level of playing required, mean that every student needs the technical help that is only available through private lessons.

Uniform. Participation in the orchestra requires a performing uniform. You must purchase a tuxedo for the school year or acquire a black dress. (We will provide information about a website we recommend that sells tuxedos inexpensively.) Measuring for tuxedos takes place during class periods at the beginning of the school year. The tuxedo rental does not include a dress shirt,  or a black tie and cummerbund, which you must provide. You must also purchase black dress shoes (closed toes) and black socks or panty hose. See the Tuxedo Information or the Women's Dress Code. If the cost of the uniform items causes financial hardship, there are resources available for such a situation; please see your director privately.

Transport. Students are required to make their own arrangements for transporting instruments and music to and from all local rehearsals and concerts. The director cannot take anybody's instrument or other items. When we travel together, we make arrangements for transporting instruments, but each student must still assume the primary responsibility for their own instrument and music folder.

Equipment. In addition to instrument supplies and a music stand, every student needs access to a metronome and a computer recording system. These are necessary for playing tests. If you do not have a system to record yourself, you will have to make arrangements to do it at school.

Playing Tests. The grading scale reflects a heavy emphasis on playing tests. The level of a student's individual musicianship, and how much time they spend practicing, is one of the most important aspects of their grade.

  • Share
  • History
  • More
  • Cancel

Equal Opportunity Notice

The Issaquah School District complies with all applicable federal and state rules and regulations and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability in its programs and activities, or employment related matters, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees are designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, District Title IX Coordinator, Section 504/ADA Coordinator or Compliance Coordinator for 28A.540 and 28A.642 RCW, in writing or by telephone. The Issaquah School District will also take steps to assure that national origin persons who lack English language skills can participate in all educational programs, services and activities. For information regarding interpretation and translation services or transitional bilingual education programs, contact Kathy Connally in writing or by telephone.
For general information or to be directed to a specific department, please contact the ISD Receptionist at 425-837-7000.
Amanda Dorey, Title IX Coordinator Stacey Zachau, District HIB Coordinator Amanda Dorey, Civil Rights Compliance Officer Pam Ridenour, Section 504 Coordinator
425-837-7000 5150 220th AVE SE, Issaquah, WA 98029
Report a problem
Service provided by the Issaquah School District