MEMBERSHIP IN THE ORCHESTRA PROGRAM: The orchestra program is open to students who demonstrate the desire, ability, and attitude needed to participate. Each student will receive an equal and fair opportunity to participate. The director will place students in ensembles based on prior-year achievement, auditions, and/or recommendations from previous instructors.

 COURSE DESCRIPTION: Lassiter Orchestra classes develop musical understanding through ensemble participation and individual skill development, including home practice. Classes meet daily during school hours and may include after-school rehearsals and approximately four to six major performances each year.

GOALS OF THE LASSITER ORCHESTRA PROGRAM

1. Perform music and develop the technical skills needed to play a string instrument successfully.
2. Build instrument mastery and experience the satisfaction that comes from sustained effort in small and large ensembles.
3. Encourage creativity and provide opportunities for self-expression.
4. Develop the performance skills needed for independent musicianship as a string player.
5. Meet and exceed the National Music Standards and state benchmarks established by the National Association for Music Education, the American String Teachers Association, and the State of Georgia.
6. Identify and perform a range of musical styles authentically and with historical awareness.
7. Develop attitudes and habits that support lifelong participation in music. 

ORCHESTRAL ENSEMBLES

Concert Orchestra, 2nd period, is a freshman-only, non-auditioned intermediate orchestra that continues students’ instruction after middle school. The course emphasizes performance technique and musical skill through foundational exercises and primarily Grade 2–3 string orchestra repertoire. Regular practice outside class is essential for meeting performance standards. [CCSD Course Name: HS Beginning Orchestra.] Prerequisite: middle school orchestra experience and/or teacher recommendation. 

Philharmonia Orchestra, 3rd period, is a non-auditioned intermediate orchestra for upperclassmen in grades 10–12. The course emphasizes performance technique and musical skill through foundational exercises and primarily Grade 3–4 string orchestra repertoire. Regular practice outside class is essential for meeting performance standards. [CCSD Course Name: HS Intermediate Orchestra.] Prerequisite: middle school or high school orchestra experience, or teacher recommendation.

Sinfonia Orchestra, 4th period, is an auditioned advanced orchestra for students in grades 9–12. Considered Lassiter’s junior varsity orchestra, Sinfonia provides advanced instruction in performance technique and musical skill through primarily Grade 4–5 string orchestra repertoire. Regular practice outside class is essential for meeting performance standards. [CCSD Course Name: HS Advanced Orchestra.] Prerequisite: audition.

Chamber Orchestra, 5th period, includes students in grades 9–12 at the highest skill level. It is Lassiter’s elite string ensemble and the string section of the LHS Symphony Orchestra (full orchestra). Considered the varsity orchestra, Chamber Orchestra is open by audition only. Students demonstrate mastery on violin, viola, cello, or bass; complete rigorous performance assessments; and commit time outside class to rehearsals, performances, and individual practice. [CCSD Course Name: HS Mastery Orchestra.] Prerequisite: audition. 

Note: Students must maintain their standing in their assigned orchestra class both musically and behaviorally. At the director’s discretion, a student who does not meet these expectations may be reassigned to another orchestra class.

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS:

• Come to class with all required materials.
• Cooperate in rehearsal with appropriate effort, attitude, and conduct.
• Practice regularly and make personal musical progress each week.
• Complete all required playing assessments and written work.
• Attend scheduled performances prepared and in the appropriate uniform.
• Keep phones and other technology silenced and in your backpack during rehearsals.
• Maintain a positive attitude, be willing to learn, and have fun.

GRADES: A student’s semester grade is based on points earned during the 18-week semester. Letter grades follow Cobb County’s approved scale: A = 90–100, B = 80–89, C = 70–79, and F = 0–69. The county adds honors points at the end of each semester. See the LHS Handbook for Students and Parents for additional information.

WEIGHTS: Points will be given in the following areas:

Performances/Live and Recorded Submissions – 45%

• Performance evaluations assess each student’s progress in the skills and techniques taught in class and required for performances.
• Evaluations may include announced or unannounced playing assessments completed live in class or submitted as audio or video recordings in class or at home.
• Short performance evaluations and playing checks may also assess individual progress in class skills and performance preparation.
• Students may be asked to prepare and perform a solo or form small ensembles each semester as part of this category.
• Concerts are a major component of this category and may receive a 2× grade multiplier.
• Other large performance-based assessments may fall into this category. 

Rehearsal Skills & Daily Preparation – 20%

• This category includes arriving on time, treating the teacher, classmates, and guests respectfully, bringing all materials, and demonstrating appropriate rehearsal behavior, effort, and attitude.
• In addition, students may receive a grade based on the director’s assessment of student progress over a period of time.

Written and Electronic Assignments – 20%

• This category includes written classwork and homework, quizzes, reflections, online posts, practice vlogs or charts, music-folder checks, and any required online or paper forms or permission slips.

 Midterm Exam, Audition, or Project – 5%

• The midterm may be in the form of a written exam, reflection, audition, or performance assessment.

 Final Exam – 10%

• The Final Exam may be in the form of a written exam, audition, and/or performance assessment.

 LATE WORK POLICY: Late work may be accepted for a reduced grade; the maximum score for a late assignment is 89%. Late work is accepted only during the applicable six-week grading period. Deadlines will be announced in advance and enforced. Once the next six-week grading period begins and the late-work deadline has passed, work from the prior period will not be accepted, and missing assignments will remain zeroes for the semester.

 HOME PRACTICE: Practice is essential to orchestra and to learning any instrument. Every student is expected to practice the lessons, skills, techniques, concepts, and concert music taught in class. Students should devote time to practice each day. Because every student and assignment differs, there is no fixed number-of-minutes requirement; the necessary time depends on a student’s mastery of the material. An ensemble’s success depends directly on the quality practice each member brings to rehearsal.

 PERFORMANCES AND CAMP PARTICIPATION: The program typically has two to four concerts and one camp each semester. Concerts are graded, co-curricular events, and students must participate in the entire concert. Listening to and evaluating live performances is an important part of musical growth. As a Lassiter Orchestra team, we support one another and honor the work involved in preparing and performing for our school and community. Students begin each performance grade at 100 points, with attendance, timeliness, procedures, and performance/audience etiquette considered.

Points will be deducted from the grade for the following infractions:

• Leaving a performance without permission (−50 points): A performance begins with the first piece of the first ensemble and ends after the final piece of the final ensemble. All ensembles are required to listen to one another at four concerts: Fall, Winter, Pre-LGPE, and Spring. Parents, please note this expectation.
• Uniform infraction (−10 points): any missing or incorrect uniform piece.
• Out of uniform: The student will be removed from the ensemble and receive a grade of zero.
• Tardy to call time (−20 points): Students are expected to arrive 15 minutes before each assigned performance or rehearsal call time.
• Missing equipment or music (−10 to −15 points): missing instrument accessories, shoulder rest, sheet music, or similar required items.
• Behavior concerns will be addressed by the director, with appropriate grade deductions and/or disciplinary action. 

Fortunately, deductions are rarely necessary, and we understand that emergencies occur. Directors will work to address uniform, instrument, music, or transportation concerns brought to our attention. Students are responsible for preparing in advance and arriving on time, ready to support the orchestra team.

RECORDED SUBMISSIONS: Students will submit recordings through an online platform (TBD). Assignments may include scales, arpeggios, etudes, and excerpts. Students without a phone or experiencing technical issues should plan ahead and contact a director promptly. Lack of a device or technical difficulties does not automatically extend a deadline; do not wait until the last minute to submit recordings.

 REHEARSAL SKILLS: This grade reflects a student’s preparation, required materials (instrument, music, pencil, etc.), and participation in all class activities. It also considers posture, instrument position, bow hold, left-hand shape, and rehearsal etiquette. Fingernails must be short enough to maintain proper left-hand shape. Food, beverages, and gum are not permitted in the orchestra room during rehearsal, except for students without a lunch period. Bottled water is permitted.

 Rehearsal competencies include, but are not limited to:

• Arriving on time and being seated, ready to tune, three minutes after the bell.
• Helping with set-up if needed
• Remaining in seat during instruction
• Staying attentive without talking, using a cell phone, playing, or creating other distractions.
• Participation and following directions with a good attitude and effort
• Bringing required materials: a playable instrument and bow, music, pencil, rosin, mute, extra strings, and notebook.
• Maintaining proper fingernail length (required).

WRITTEN AND ELECTRONIC ASSIGNMENTS: Class assignments—including critiques, music theory, concert reflections, terminology, and history—are primarily assigned through CTLS or other electronic methods. Ask a director if you need assistance.

 MIDTERM PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT: Each semester includes a skill-based assessment on scales, arpeggios, etudes, and/or musical excerpts. This major grade provides important information about each student’s progress. Because live auditions with multiple professional string educators require extensive coordination, the assessment may occur after school. Notify a director immediately of any conflict; advance notice allows conflicts to be resolved.

 FINAL EXAM: At the end of each semester, students will complete an aural assessment, a written assessment, or both.

CLASS BEHAVIOR: Some orchestra policies align with those in the school handbook. 

1. Obey all school policies. School rules and policies are in effect at any time a student is involved in an activity sponsored by or in the name of the Cobb County Schools.
2. Treat others and their property with respect.
3. No talking, playing, or plucking while the director, assistant director, or student leader is giving directions or working with students.
4. Be in your seat, warming up, and ready to play within three minutes after the bell.
5. Always remain in your seat. Please raise your hand and wait until called on before talking. Hall passes will be issued sparingly. If possible, use the restroom prior to the class bell.
6. Bring all materials (instrument, book, music, pencil, etc.) to class each day. Keep cell phones and other personal electronic devices silenced and in your bag or on the charger at the back of the room during class.
7. Do not touch equipment or instruments that do not belong to you.
8. Put away your music and instrument after each rehearsal.
9. Do not bring food, gum, or drinks other than water into the orchestra room. Exceptions may be made only for students without a lunch period.
10. No running or horseplay in the orchestra room, instrument room or hallways.

DAILY CLASS PROCEDURE: With few exceptions, the daily routine is as follows:

BEFORE SCHOOL

1. Bring your instrument and music to the orchestra room and place them in the appropriate storage area as soon as you arrive at school. Do not leave your instrument in the hallway or main room.
2. You are welcome to practice or rehearse until the first bell. ☺
3. Respect students who are rehearsing. Remain quiet in the main room during rehearsals or sectionals.
4. Throw away your trash before leaving our orchestra home. If you move chairs or music stands, return them to the standard setup before you leave.

DURING CLASS

1. Arrive on time and be seated in your assigned seat, ready to tune, three minutes after the tardy bell.
2. Leave your backpack and personal belongings in the designated area in the back of the classroom.
3. Take your seat, remove your instrument, and place your closed case in the designated area.
4. Check the announcement screen and gather all required materials (instrument, music, tuner, book, pencil, shoulder rest, rosin, etc.) before class begins. Remain silent while tuning; noise interferes with the tuning process.
5. Practice passages taught that day before the next rehearsal. Reinforcing new learning helps you master skills quickly. Mark passages that need practice during rehearsal. Neglecting practice slows the progress of both you and the class.
6. Be attentive and follow directions the first time they are given. This saves time and supports effective progress.
7. Pack up your instrument and music and return them to their designated spaces. Cello and bass players must loosen bows, retract endpins, and return instruments to the appropriate racks.
8. Return to the orchestra room at the end of the day to collect your instrument and music. If transportation is a concern, the directors can help you develop a plan.
9. Never touch another student’s instrument or a Lassiter instrument without permission. Ask Dr. Laux if you have an issue with your instrument.
10. The director—not the bell—dismisses class.

CLASSROOM DISCIPLINE: Students who do not follow classroom rules will be addressed accordingly.

• 1st infraction: verbal warning and a teacher-student discussion after class.
• 2nd infraction: time-out/mini-conference and a reduction in the rehearsal-skills grade.
• 3rd infraction: detention and a phone call to a parent or guardian.
• 4th infraction: discipline referral.

Note: A student who severely disrupts class or interrupts the educational process (for example, through fighting) will be sent to the office immediately and may automatically receive a discipline referral.

CLASSROOM REWARDS:

• Praise (may include a high-five!)

• Positive notes/phone calls to parents
• Free time / social time
• Fun stuff!

ATTENDANCE: Orchestra members must attend all scheduled rehearsals and performances to maintain a high-performance standard. Because orchestra is a co-curricular course, rehearsals and performances are part of the educational process. Absences and tardiness affect both the individual and the ensemble. The complete list of LHSO events is published on the website calendar at the beginning of the year.

All after-school rehearsals and concerts are class requirements. Clear communication among the director, student, and parents can prevent misunderstandings. Students must attend all after-school rehearsals and performances. Read the following expectations carefully and contact a director with questions.

Written notice from a parent or guardian is required for all absences or schedule conflicts; email is preferred. Verbal or written excuses from students are not accepted.

1. Concert Attendance Policy: Performances are mandatory and are a major part of a student’s grade. Any non-emergency absence that is not submitted to the director for approval before the performance is unexcused.
2. Excused Absence: Requests to be excused from a performance must be submitted in writing by a parent or guardian at least 14 days before the scheduled performance. Conflicts related to individual religious beliefs are excused with advance notice. Notify a director in writing as soon as you know of a conflict. The director will assign a make-up project and its requirements. 

4. Excused-Absence Make-Up Grade: For an excused absence from a rehearsal or performance, the student is responsible for meeting with the director to complete a make-up assignment. The assignment may include a report, project, or recording submission. No make-up assignment will be accepted more than two weeks after the missed rehearsal or concert. Late work will not receive credit. Contact Dr. Laux directly about individual or unusual circumstances that may create a problem.
5. Unexcused Absence: An unexcused absence from class or an extra rehearsal earns a zero for that day and may lower the participation grade. It may also lower the performance grade, result in a lower seating placement, or prevent participation in a concert. Unexcused absences may result in a loss of performance and/or rehearsal-competency credit and removal from the ensemble.

Unexcused concert absences include, but are not limited to, homework, appointments, transportation problems, club meetings, babysitting, birthday celebrations, oversleeping, shopping, sports practices or games, meetings, work, and vacations. These are not valid reasons to miss a concert. Absences are excused only in emergencies. In the event of illness, notify the director as early as possible. If an unanticipated absence occurs, a parent or guardian must submit a written request within two days.

Emergencies: In the event of illness or a family emergency, a parent or guardian should notify the orchestra director in writing as soon as possible. If an emergency occurs shortly before a rehearsal, contacting the director may not be possible; follow up with a written note as soon as possible afterward. This is the only category in which an absence may be excused on the day of or after the event.

 TARDY POLICY: Students must arrive on time for all orchestra functions. Learning to be early builds an important lifelong habit and supports the organization’s success. Being on time means that, at the requested time, the student is in the assigned seat with an instrument, bow, music, and pencil. A call time will be assigned for each performance. Students who are not present and in place by call time are tardy and will receive a lowered grade for that performance. Habitual tardiness will be handled according to the Lassiter HS Student Handbook.

 CONFLICTS WITH ORCHESTRA: Rehearsal and performance calendars are normally distributed well in advance. Although conflicts cannot always be prevented, every effort will be made to minimize conflicts with major school activities. Students should submit conflicts to the director in writing as soon as they become aware of them. At least two weeks’ notice is expected, and earlier notice is better. A conflict does not automatically excuse a student.

 Orchestra is a demanding activity that requires commitment during and beyond the school day. Because orchestra is a co-curricular academic class, orchestra concerts take priority over most school sports and other extracurricular activities. Contact Dr. Laux with questions.

 SEATING ASSIGNMENTS: The orchestra works together to achieve shared musical goals. Playing assessments and student achievement are the primary factors in seating, but the director may change assignments at any time during the year. The director may use several processes to assign seats. Students begin demonstrating readiness on the first day through preparation, class participation, and instrumental competency. Section leaders must model positive leadership and may help the director mark music and guide their sections musically and behaviorally. Where a student sits is less important than consistently giving one’s best effort to strengthen the ensemble.

 AUDIENCE ETIQUETTE: Being a courteous audience member is as important as being a strong performer. Proper etiquette respects performers and their work. Talking, whispering, or moving around during a concert is distracting to performers and audience members. Parents and guests who arrive late should enter between musical selections. Audience etiquette will be reviewed before concerts.

 MAKE-UP ASSIGNMENTS: When a student is excused from a performance, class, or rehearsal, the director will assign make-up work. The assignment requires the student to perform individually for the director all music from the missed performance and may include additional material or written work.

 COMMUNITY PERFORMANCES: The orchestra may provide community performances during the school day, after school, in the evening, or on weekends. These performances help maintain positive relationships with our local community and Cobb County, and all orchestra students are expected to participate. The director may assign musicians as needed and will make every effort to provide at least two weeks’ notice.

 STUDENT LEADERS: Student leaders may assist with the orchestra’s daily operations. Every leadership role carries significant responsibility.

The concertmaster is the first chair of the first violin section and is appointed after several playing assessments. Concertmasters serve as student leaders; they may lead daily tuning and warm-ups and help rehearsals progress by communicating with the first violins and other section leaders.

Section leaders are typically the first-chair players who lead their individual string sections. If a section leader does not meet the role’s expectations, the director may reassign the position. Effective section leaders model a positive attitude, and clear communication among section leaders, the concertmaster, and the director is essential.

 ORCHESTRA LEADERSHIP DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Leadership extends beyond rehearsals and performances. Student leaders are expected to model leadership at all times and participate fully in rehearsals. Duties requiring extra time must be completed outside rehearsal unless they directly support the rehearsal.

President(s): The orchestra’s general manager(s) preside over business meetings, lead fundraising events, oversee other officers’ duties, and represent orchestra membership at officer meetings. Presidents must be juniors or seniors.

Students on the leadership team may serve in some or all the following roles:

Librarians: Issue, collect, and file music; complete library work; and keep the library neat and orderly.

Media Team: Document rehearsals, trips, and other orchestra events with digital photos; prepare selected photos for posters; provide images to the webmaster for the LHS Orchestra website and social-media accounts; and help produce a slideshow or video for the year-end Awards Banquet. 

Inventory Specialists: Assist with the storage, issue, and collection of school-owned instruments; help maintain instruments and equipment; and work with parent volunteers to support uniforms.

Logistics Team: Manage the daily setup of the orchestra room and move equipment to and from rehearsals and performances outside the rehearsal room. Team members recruit additional student help as needed.

Student Services Team: Organize on- and off-campus community-service projects, including nonperformance projects. Team members help form student solo and small ensembles for service events and recruit volunteers for projects that do not require a performance ensemble.

ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY: Students participating in extracurricular, off-campus events must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA with no failing grades in any class. Students who become ineligible are suspended from extracurricular orchestra activities until they regain eligibility. This does not excuse students from orchestra functions such as rehearsals and on-campus concerts. Academics come first.

 Students must have the items listed below by the second week of school. Most local music stores carry them, but call before making a trip to confirm availability. These materials are necessary for participation; contact a director with questions or concerns.

REQUIRED MATERIALS: 

1. All students need an instrument and bow in good playing condition, plus rosin, a polishing/cleaning cloth, a music stand, and a case tag labeled with the student’s name, address, phone number, and email address.
2. Violin and viola students must use a rigid shoulder rest (such as Everest or Kun). Foam or sponge rests should be avoided.
3. Cello and bass students must use a rockstop, especially when playing on wood or tile surfaces. Rockstops help prevent floor damage at school and at home.
4. Bring the provided music folder and a pencil for marking music. Do not use a pen.
5. Fresh, high-quality strings: Students—especially violin and viola players—should keep an extra set of quality strings on hand. Strings must be changed at least once each school year. Do not wait until a string breaks; strings lose pitch stability and vitality well before then. Old or low-quality strings can sound thin or weak and make tuning more difficult.
6. Metronome/chromatic tuner app: A metronome helps students maintain a steady beat, and a chromatic tuner supports independent tuning. Most phones support free apps for these purposes. TonalEnergy Tuner is an excellent option and includes a metronome.
7. SCHOOL INSTRUMENT USE: Subject to availability, students may use school-owned cellos and basses in class after submitting an Instrument Agreement Form. Students must keep these instruments in good condition and are responsible for damage beyond normal use. The director will determine fines based on repair appraisals. Cello and bass students must keep an instrument at home for practice and bring their personal instruments to all concerts and combined rehearsals.

 INSTRUMENT STORAGE: Students may store personal instruments in the orchestra room when they are not in use. Do not store food, shoes, gym clothes, or other non-orchestra items in the storage rooms. LHS and Cobb County Schools do not insure lost or stolen property; ask your homeowner’s insurance provider about instrument coverage.

 INSTRUMENT CARE: String instruments and bows are delicate. Handle your own instrument and all other instruments with care.

• Keep all instruments in good playing condition.
• When not in use, place the instrument and bow securely in the case. Damage can occur if the case is unlatched or jarred.
• Always loosen the bow before returning it to the case. Never over-tighten the bow.
• Use a lint-free cloth to wipe dust and rosin buildup from the instrument. Never touch bow hair; oils from the skin can damage it.
• Be careful not to bump the pegs or bridge of the instrument.
• Do your best to wash your hands before you play your instrument.
• Keep instruments away from extreme heat, cold, and humidity. Never leave an instrument in a car; heat can damage it quickly.
• Do not allow others to play your personal instrument.
• Only allow qualified string instrument technicians (a luthier) to attempt repairs.
• Label your instrument case with your name and phone number.

 REPAIRS: If your instrument needs repair, ask the repair shop for a loaner instrument to use while yours is being serviced. A loaner helps you continue participating in daily rehearsals and earning class credit.

 MUSIC LIBRARY: The school music library contains arrangements, transcriptions, and original works. Follow these guidelines:

• Only official librarians may pull music from the orchestra library unless the director gives permission.
• Students will receive a music folder and are responsible for returning all assigned music and folders. Failure to return materials may result in a replacement charge.

UNIFORM AND DRESS CODE: The orchestra uses standardized uniforms to present a professional, unified, and dignified appearance. Two uniforms are used: Concert Black for concerts and the Lassiter Orchestra T-shirt for casual performances, school events, and field trips.

Students who do not meet the required uniform or dress-code expectations will forfeit the privilege of performing. To show respect for the music and audience, the following performance dress code applies: 

Formal Uniform

Option 1: Black long-sleeve dress shirt, black dress slacks, black tie, black socks, and black dress shoes. This uniform must be ordered from Tuxedo Wholesaler to ensure consistent style, fabric, and color. 

Option 2: Black Ava EZ Fit short-sleeve gown from Tuxedo Wholesaler, black or tan hosiery, and black closed-toe pumps or flats. Sandals and clogs are not permitted. Students are fitted at the beginning of freshman year and receive ordering information. Black gowns worn previously at Mabry or Simpson Middle School are acceptable. Discounted used gowns may be available in limited quantities and sizes.

Notes For All Students:

Important: When a formal uniform arrives from Tuxedo Wholesaler, the gown or trousers will need hemming. Please plan accordingly.

Acceptable items: stud earrings; a fine or thin necklace with one pendant; and one thin, precious-metal bracelet. 

Unacceptable items: watches; dangling or hoop earrings of any size; large or flashy jewelry; plastic tube bracelets; flip-flops; two-toned shoes; white socks; sneakers, including black sneakers; and boots.

Casual Uniform

The casual uniform is the Lassiter High School Orchestra T-shirt, usually worn with blue jeans. T-shirt information and ordering take place at the beginning of the year. The T-shirt is worn for group activities and less formal concerts.

THE IMPORTANCE OF A POSITIVE ATTITUDE: Attitude strongly influences the success of an individual and an organization. Reaching goals requires dedication and disciplined daily practice, including warm-ups, solos, and careful work on ensemble parts. Sincerity, concentration, and dedication create the foundation for meaningful artistic performance. Membership in an orchestra is a privilege; make the most of every rehearsal and performance.

 THE IMPORTANCE OF DISCIPLINE: Because of the nature of the organization, orchestra discipline must be consistent. Students and parents are expected to accept the program’s ideals, principles, and rules. Orchestra members always represent the program, and misconduct reflects negatively on the orchestra, the director, Lassiter High School, and Cobb County Schools.

 THE IMPORTANCE OF PRIDE: Take pride in everything you do—not only in orchestra, but also in your classes and actions. If you choose to do something, do it with pride.

 THE IMPORTANCE OF COURTESY: Show courtesy to teachers, school employees, parents, chaperones, students, and guests. Discourtesy or rudeness will result in disciplinary action under the Lassiter HS Student Handbook. Serious violations may result in dismissal from the orchestra.

 THE “ORCHESTRA” ACROSTIC:

Opportunity, Respect, Collaboration, Honest, Effort, Self-Discipline, Trust, Responsibility, Attitude

PRIVATE LESSONS: Although not required, private lessons provide individualized instruction that can help students build the technical skills needed to become confident solo and orchestral performers. All LHS Orchestra students are encouraged to consider private study.

WEBSITE: Visit https://www.lassiterorchestra.org for current program information, calendars, and updates.

FINANCES, DUES, AND FUNDRAISING: Each year, the orchestra needs funding for music, instruments, repairs, classroom supplies, and teaching aids. The orchestra asks each student to fundraise or pay $200 per academic year. The school provides only part of the program budget; the remainder comes from fundraising and donations. Students and families are encouraged to fundraise or pay the annual dues and support additional fundraising activities. Please see details about finances in Section VII below titled Parent Involvement.

ORCHESTRA TRIPS: Trips provide educational and recreational opportunities outside the classroom and are a privilege earned through responsible participation. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher, have no failing grades, and demonstrate satisfactory behavior in every grading period. Students who do not meet these requirements, have a history of discipline problems, miss required orchestra activities, or owe money to the orchestra may not participate. The director makes final trip decisions. Trips are usually scheduled in the spring and require months of advanced notice and school-board approval.

LHS VARSITY LETTER IN MUSIC: Presented at the Lassiter Orchestra’s annual banquet, the Varsity Letter in Music recognizes students who demonstrate and sustain musical excellence in and beyond the classroom. Lassiter offers Music, Academic, and Athletic letters. All music students may earn a Music Letter by accumulating the required points during an academic year. Students may also earn annual Star/Bar merits during their four years of high school.

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Providing your child with a quality music education is an investment in the future. By supporting continued instrumental study, you create opportunities for self-expression, creativity, and achievement. Research consistently shows that parental attitude, support, and involvement help students learn to play and enjoy music. As with any skill, sustained interest matters more than talent. With your support, music can become a natural part of your child’s life.

If you have questions about any aspect of your child’s participation in the orchestra program, I am always willing to talk. Please call, email, or arrange a meeting at any time.

BENEFITS: For students, music participation can strengthen problem solving, goal setting, physical coordination, self-confidence, poise, teamwork, self-expression, memory, concentration, and more.

For families, music participation offers shared experiences: attending musical events, making music together, performing for family and friends, learning about composers and world cultures, and celebrating a student’s growth and accomplishments.

HOW YOU FIT IN: Your support is essential to your child’s success in music study.

Schedule practice time: Musical achievement develops through consistent effort. Orchestra rehearsal time is limited, and new skills introduced at school need regular practice at home. You can help by:

• Providing a quiet place in which to practice
• Remaining nearby during practice times as often as possible
• Scheduling a consistent daily time for practice

WHAT TO DO: To give your child the best possible support, you should:

• Remind your child to bring instrument and music to orchestra class
• Encourage your child to play for family and friends
• Offer compliments and encouragement regularly
• Expose your child to a wide variety of music, including concerts and recitals
• Make sure your child’s instrument is always well maintained
• Listen to your child practice, and acknowledge improvement
• Help your child build a personal music library
• Make certain that your child is on time for all school rehearsals and performances
• Encourage your child to make a commitment to his or her music studies
• If possible, obtain private lessons with a qualified instructor
• Get to know your child’s teacher

WHAT TO AVOID

• Using practice as a punishment
• Insisting your child play for others when he/she doesn’t want to
• Ridiculing or making fun of mistakes or less-than-perfect playing

LASSITER HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA ASSOCIATION (LHSOA): LHSOA is the parent booster organization for the LHS Trojan Orchestras. Its purpose is to support orchestra functions and provide funding for activities, equipment, and events not financed by the school system. LHSOA holds only two or three meetings each year, so attendance is important. With the number of students and parents in the program, every event can be covered if each family volunteers for one event—often just three to four hours during the year.

Our Mission:

LHSOA is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) booster organization established to:

• Support the Lassiter High School Orchestra Program
• Enhance music education
• Communicate with parents
• Encourage students at all levels of participation

 LHSOA accomplishes this by:

• Support the orchestra and its directors through fundraising.
• Enhance the orchestra program through orchestra and sectional clinics.
• Organize camps, master classes, and additional educational and performance opportunities.
• Communicate through lassiterorchestra.org, CTLS Parent newsletters, the Facebook page, and email.

LHSOA Membership & Financial Obligation:

As a co-curricular activity at Lassiter High School, the orchestra program asks parents to raise or pay $200 per student in annual dues. The orchestra dues cover program costs not funded by Cobb County, establishes membership in LHSOA, and allows us to run an award-winning, nationally recognized program that supports each student’s musicianship and promotes a positive learning experience.

At the beginning of the year, we will run a donation campaign to help relieve some or all the financial burden by asking families to reach out to friends, family, and community members for donations. Any portion of the dues not raised through the donation campaign is the student’s responsibility to pay by September 1.

Details of the financial obligations will be available and discussed at the first LHSOA meeting. If a family has difficulty meeting financial obligations, including student dues, contact the director in person or by email; all cases will be treated confidentially. LHSOA is an IRS-registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and donations/dues may be tax-deductible. Consult your tax advisor. 

The yearly student dues include: 

✔ Supplemental instruction through workshops, clinics, and fall/winter camps

✔ Equipment such as tuners, shoulder rests, batteries, rock stops, rosin, cloths, steel wool, etc.

✔ Yearly purchase of new music for orchestra and small ensembles, method books

✔ Guest instructors, performers, or clinicians

✔ Bus transportation on some orchestra field trips

✔ Entry fees and recording fees for performance evaluation or other performances

✔ Fees for performance sites and maintenance

✔ Student recognition awards – certificates, medals, and orchestra letters

✔ Food on competition days, after concerts, for workshops, and hospitality events

✔ Assist with purchases of new instruments and equipment

✔ Instruments, strings, bow repairs and replacement

✔ The Lassiter Orchestra T-Shirt

✔ Student ticket to the annual awards banquet

The preferred payment method is credit or debit card through https://www.lassiterorchestra.org. Checks payable to LHSOA may also be sent to school with your child and given to Dr. Laux.

As a booster organization, we rely on your support to achieve these goals. Participation helps the program excel. Thank you for your support. 

Note: Student dues should be raised or paid in full by September 1. Payment plans and alternative fundraising opportunities may be available to help families meet their obligation.

Additional Fundraising: While most of the orchestra fundraising is supported primarily through LHSOA dues, additional funds come from the Program Book Advertisement campaign, Friends of the Orchestra donations, Spirit Nights, and the other fundraiser throughout the year. Fundraiser profits support LHS Orchestra capital improvements that benefit most students or community-service projects. All students are expected to participate because these fundraisers benefit the entire orchestra. When a fundraiser is designated for a particular trip, proceeds will be distributed evenly among students participating in that trip.

Parent Volunteers and Chaperones: The orchestra welcomes help with fundraisers, concerts, receptions, photography, video recording, and more. To volunteer, contact president@lassiterorchestra.org.

VII. CALENDAR OF EVENTS

The Lassiter Orchestras perform several times throughout the school year. Concert dates appear on the orchestra calendar, which is subject to change. Families will be notified of changes, and the website will display all updates.

Please mark these important concert dates and deadlines on your calendar now.

https://lassiterorchestra.org/calendar