Buchanan Orchestras
The Buchanan Orchestra program serves over 90 students in grades 9-12. Students are placed in one of three (3) co-curricular ability-based orchestras at Buchanan: Chamber Orchestra I (7th), Chamber Orchestra II (7th, and String Orchestra (1st). Students in Chamber Orchestra I & II are also members of the Buchanan Symphony Orchestra.
Auditions & Class Placement
Orchestra placement auditions take place each spring. Seating auditions take place 1-2 times a year, usually at the beginning of the school year and mid-year.
All 25-26 auditions will be submitted via Google Classroom in the Spring of 2025.
Class Overview
In orchestra, students will learn proper techniques on a selected instrument, musicianship, performance etiquette, music theory, aural skills, practice & organizational skills, citizenship, discipline, and teamwork. Orchestra members will have the opportunity to perform in multiple concerts and festivals throughout the year!
We hope that through their participation in the BHS Orchestra, students will develop a lifelong love and appreciation of music. If you have any questions that are not addressed on this page, please feel free to contact your director here.
Class Materials
Instrument (Owned, Rented, or School-Owned),
Pencil
Music Organizer. Either a folder or binder with plastic sheets.
Method Book (See below)
Instrument Supplies (Rosin, microfiber cloth for cleaning instrument, rock stop (cellos/basses), extra strings, etc.)
Metronome/Tuner (Strongly encouraged! We recommend purchasing your own method book and Korg TM-70 Tuner w/contact mic. Both are available online or at your local music store.)
Instruments
We encourage students to rent or purchase* their own instrument from a reputable music instrument retailer. Purchasing or renting will ensure that your child gets to play his/her 1st choice of instrument. Talk to your director about making the best musical investment you can make!! To learn more, click here.
*Students are not required to purchase or rent an instrument to participate in orchestra. However, due to limited availability, may not get the instrument type of their choice and in rare cases, students may be unable to take school-owned instruments home to practice.
Method Book
Each student is encouraged to purchase their method book. The books we will use in class are listed below. You can purchase a method book directly from our online store, at local music shops, or online. Be sure you purchase the correct book for the instrument your student plays and the ensemble they are in.
1st Period String Orchestra (Mr. Neu) - Habits of a Successful Middle-Level String Musician
7th Period Chamber Orchestra (Mr. Lack) - Habits of a Successful String Musician (1st Edition - NOT 2nd Edition!)
Classroom Behavior and Guidelines
Please click here to review the expectations for students who participate in the Buchanan Educational Center Instrumental Music program.
Performance Calendar
Each Buchanan Orchestra performs several times a year. Please visit the calendar page for a complete, up-to-date, listing of performances. Below are some key events:
Friday, October 18, 2024 • College of Sequoias Orchestra Festival • Visalia, California • All BHS Orchestras
Monday, October 21, 2024 • Fall Orchestra Concert • Paul Shaghoian Concert Hall • All BHS Orchestras
Friday, December 13, 2024 • Winter Concert • Paul Shaghoian Concert Hall • All BHS Orchestras
Saturday, February 8, 2024 • Homestead Orchestra Festival • Homestead HS, Cupertino • All BHS Orchestras
Wednesday, March 5, 2025 • Festival Concert • Paul Shaghoian Concert Hall • All BEC Orchestras
Wed-Mon, March 12-17, 2025 • BHS Chamber Orchestra Seattle Trip
Tuesday, March 25, 2025 • CMEA Festival at Fresno HS • All BHS Orchestras
Thursday, March 27, 2025 • CUSD Orchestra Festival • Paul Shaghoian Concert Hall • All BHS Orchestras
Friday, May 16, 2025 • End-of-the-Year Concert • Paul Shaghoian Concert Hall • All BHS Orchestras
Concert Attire
Please click here for information on concert attire.
Grading
Class Participation (10% of Grade)
Students are expected to remember their instruments and music on rehearsal days. Students will earn points by putting forth their best effort, appropriately participating in each rehearsal, and showing consistent improvement. Students are expected to have all necessary supplies with them each time they come to class and to take good care of their instruments.
Assessments (30% of Grade)
Students will learn the fundamentals of their instrument, along with basic concepts in music theory, vocabulary, and notation. They’ll be expected to demonstrate proficiency in these areas by periodically completing both playing and written assignments and tests.
Performance Participation (50% of Grade)
Being a member of the Buchanan Orchestra is a commitment to performing. It’s expected that orchestra members will participate in all scheduled performances. To receive full participation credit, students should wear the appropriate concert attire and fully participate. As representatives of ASI, students are expected to demonstrate their best behavior at all performances.
*Attendance at Concerts & Festivals, while not graded, fulfills any requirement to complete alternative assignments** given to those who do not attend our performances and festivals. If an absence is anticipated and pre-excused, the alternative assignment is due the day of the event. If you miss a concert or festival due to illness or a family emergency, the alternative assignment is due one (1) week after the date of the event or at the discretion of the director.
**Alternative Assignment Research Paper will be 5 pages typed, 12 point/Times New Roman font, double spaced, with a works cited page included on a music topic assigned by the director. Research Papers will be graded and checked for plagiarism/authenticity.
Concert Credit (10% of Grade)
See this page for an explanation of Concert Credit.
Grading Scale
A - 90.0% to 100.00%
B - 80.0% to 89.9%
C - 70.0% to 79.9%
D - 60.0% to 69.9%
F - 59.9% and below.
Software Used in Class (Provided)
Google Classroom Your child will be assigned a Google Classroom class to join, which we’ll use for all class announcements, assignments, and other information.
Other Resources
MusicTheory.net
Musictheory.net is a great resource for extra music theory training and practice.
