Clovis East Orchestras · Program Information & Forms
Welcome to the Reagan Educational Center Orchestra program! In orchestra, students will learn proper technique 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! Our hope that through their participation in the REC Orchestra, students will develop a lifelong love and appreciation of music.
Below you will review and complete the following Action Items (a detailed checklist can be found on your one page and at the bottom of this page):
Students and parents/guardians should review the information on this page, review all supplementary documents and submit items together. If you have any questions that are not addressed on this in this page, feel free to contact your director.
Below you will review and complete the following Action Items (a detailed checklist can be found on your one page and at the bottom of this page):
- Action Item #1 - Review Course Information and Expectation
- Action Item #2 - Complete Permission Slip, Emergency Card and Release Form - 'Permission Clicks'
- Action Item #3 - Review Supplies and Uniform Information
- Action Item #4 - Review District Code of Ethics and Conduct - Complete Signature Packet (online google form)
- Action Item #5 - Communication Best Practices and How to Volunteer (trips!)
- Action Item #6 - Final Considerations - Donations always needed!
Students and parents/guardians should review the information on this page, review all supplementary documents and submit items together. If you have any questions that are not addressed on this in this page, feel free to contact your director.
Please submit all necessary forms no later than Friday, September 6, 2024
Action Item #1
Course Information & Expectations
Expectations of students who participate in the Reagan Educational Center Orchestras are outlined here on the REC Orchestras page of our website. We encourage all students and their families to also review our detailed 'Handbook' to best prepare for the expectations of the program.
- An introduction and course overview for all courses offered within RECIM begins on page 1
- Our grading policy and details begin on page 9
- Information regarding necessary accessories, academic eligibility as well as our student check in/out procedures can all be found on page 11
- Noteable details continues on page 12
- Uniform information can be found on page 14
- And finally, rules, discipline, expectations and guidelines begins on page 15
Action Item #2
'Permission Clicks'
Permission Slips · Calendar · Emergency Cards · Release Forms
Traveling to events and festivals off campus and around the state are important parts of the instrumental music experience. This Permission Slip will apply to all instrumental music trips for the entire school year. Please review and download our event calendar on the REC Orchestras Calendar page of our website or reference the 'list calendar' that was sent home the first week of school.
The Emergency Card will of course help us in the case of an emergency, please be thorough so that we know all necessary information in the rare chance we can not reach you during an emergency.
The Release Form allows us to release your student to an authorize adult other than your child's legal parent/guardian at any off campus event or performance. This is the only form of the 3 that is optional.
Please click each button below to complete the necessary forms and then return to this page to continue with the other forms and action items. These forms are to be completed by each student's legal guardian.
The Emergency Card will of course help us in the case of an emergency, please be thorough so that we know all necessary information in the rare chance we can not reach you during an emergency.
The Release Form allows us to release your student to an authorize adult other than your child's legal parent/guardian at any off campus event or performance. This is the only form of the 3 that is optional.
Please click each button below to complete the necessary forms and then return to this page to continue with the other forms and action items. These forms are to be completed by each student's legal guardian.
Action Item #3
Items Your Student Needs
Daily Classroom Supplies
- Instrument - you can buy or rent from the stores listed below however a limited supply of instruments are available to check out through the school. Please reference this 'Buyers Guide' with information before making any purchases.
- Pencil – a working, sharped pencil should always be in the student’s binder/with their instrument
- A BLACK, 3-ring binder (½” or 1”) and Plastic sheet protectors (50+) ·
- Instrument Supplies - cake of instrument appropriate rosin, small cloth for wiping down instrument after every practice, shoulder rest for violins/violas, rock stop for cellos/basses, and an extra set of quality strings (because of the price point of quality strings this is an optional, but strongly encouraged supply. Please only purchase quality strings such as those listed in this 'Buyers Guide'. The cheaper the string the harder it will be for your student to play with a nice sound).
- Metronome/Tuner – we recommend the Korg TM-60 Tuner and Contact Mic, the Korg AW-LT100V Tuner and Contact Mic OR the ‘Tonal Energy’ App for Smart Phones (available online or at your local musical store). We have one class set of Korg tuners that will be used in the classroom only, they are not available to be checked out.
*Daily supplies will be needed starting on the second week of school. From then on there will be daily checks, which are part of the “Participation” grade. Again, please notify your director if your child needs assistance with any of the recommended supplies.
Area music stores that rent and sell instruments, books & supplies
Gottschalk Music Center Pollasky & 3rd 298-4400
Patrick’s Music Barstow & First 224-7287
Harvard House Escalon & Blackstone 432-9071
American Music Ashlan & HWY 41 221-0233
JT’s Music Clovis & 3rd 326-0493
Uniforms
Part of being in an performing arts ensemble or most any team means wearing a uniform. When our students perform they will almost always be asked to wear one of two uniforms - Concert Black or our Casual Uniform. Students are asked to provide their own uniforms, however, we do have a few pairs of black slacks and dress shoes available for students that need to borrow for the school year. Please be sure to purchase all necessary parts to your student's uniform as soon as possible. If you are uncertain if something is acceptable, please send a photo to your director as soon as possible to be reviewed.
Concert Black Attire: This includes a long black dress shirt, long black slacks, long black skirt or long black dress, long black socks and black dress shoes. Note, black socks are not required with black 'flats'. If wearing a suit or tuxedo students should complete the uniform with a long black tie or bow tie. If students wear a dress or a skirt, it MUST be solid black and fall below the knee while sitting. No slits above the knee. When wearing a dress/skirt students must also wear black tights/nylons. If it does not fit this criteria, said student will not be permitted to perform, or will be asked to change into black slacks. Therefore, slacks and a black dress shirt are highly encouraged. Arms must be covered from elbows to shoulders while on stage (with a black cardigan or formal jacket, but may be removed in the audience if shirt/dress is still in CUSD dresscode). High heels are acceptable so long as the heel does not exceed three inches. All attire must follow CUSD dress code policy with the exception of heel height. See your Clovis East student handbook for more details. Please let us know if you need assistance with concert attire.
Informal Attire: Wolf Pack Pride or REC Orchestras t-shirt (TBA by director), in dress code jeans, & in dress code shoes.
Concert Black Attire: This includes a long black dress shirt, long black slacks, long black skirt or long black dress, long black socks and black dress shoes. Note, black socks are not required with black 'flats'. If wearing a suit or tuxedo students should complete the uniform with a long black tie or bow tie. If students wear a dress or a skirt, it MUST be solid black and fall below the knee while sitting. No slits above the knee. When wearing a dress/skirt students must also wear black tights/nylons. If it does not fit this criteria, said student will not be permitted to perform, or will be asked to change into black slacks. Therefore, slacks and a black dress shirt are highly encouraged. Arms must be covered from elbows to shoulders while on stage (with a black cardigan or formal jacket, but may be removed in the audience if shirt/dress is still in CUSD dresscode). High heels are acceptable so long as the heel does not exceed three inches. All attire must follow CUSD dress code policy with the exception of heel height. See your Clovis East student handbook for more details. Please let us know if you need assistance with concert attire.
Informal Attire: Wolf Pack Pride or REC Orchestras t-shirt (TBA by director), in dress code jeans, & in dress code shoes.
Action Item #4
Code of Ethics · Conduct & Expectations · Signature Packet
Parents/Guardians & Students: Please review the REC Code of Ethics and the REC Instrumental Music Student Conduct and Expectations. Remember, you do not need to print and sign the Code of Ethics. We will collect your digital signature in the 'Signature Packet' below.
Parents/Guardians: Please review the REC Instrumental Music Parent/Guardian Expectations. Remember, you do not need to print and sign the Code of Ethics. We will collect your digital signature in the 'Signature Packet' below.
Together: Please complete the REC Orchestras Signature Packet.
Parents/Guardians: Please review the REC Instrumental Music Parent/Guardian Expectations. Remember, you do not need to print and sign the Code of Ethics. We will collect your digital signature in the 'Signature Packet' below.
Together: Please complete the REC Orchestras Signature Packet.
Action Item #5
Communication · Volunteer
Communication is key. Involvement in the REC Orchestras is a big adjustment for many students and their families. Please be sure to be aware of and enrolled in all our forms of communication. As noted in our Handbook, we ask that you notify us of a conflict as soon as you become aware of the conflict. The sooner you communicate, the better, more successful everyone can be. Please do not ever hesitate to email your director with questions or concerns. We welcome them and want to be sure everyone feels confident in the plan and events taking place. Most often we will reply within 24 hours unless it is a weekend or scheduled school break. If you do not hear back from your director within that time frame please do not hesitate to resend your email, the district firewall is quirky.
- Noteworthy News - Weekly emails sent by your directors with information on what's happening that week and what to expect in the weeks coming up. Details and attachments for fundraisers, concerts and other events will be included here. Make sure your email address on Parent Connect is accurate and up to date. You can also find the newsletters posted here on the website.
- Calendars - Dates for the entire the school year have all been entered into our google calendar and are ready to be reviewed. Please know that some dates may change or be slightly adjusted. These dates and times will always be communicated in our Noteworthy New and in class with students, however, we encourage you to reference our google calendar often to ensure you are up to date. Please subscribe to the REC Orchestras Calendar now if you have not already!
- Google Classroom - Every student should be a member of our google classroom page. Classroom codes can be found here. All parents/guardians are encouraged follow along throughout the year as a guardian on the page with viewing rights. Occasional assignments will be posted to google classroom as well as concert itineraries, reference recordings and other items. This is a useful resource students can easily access from their phones or computers.
- BAND App - This is a great way to stay connected for students and parents. It's almost like our own personal facebook page just for the REC Orchestras. We will post announcements here, reminders, it even has our calendar integrated and ways for directors to post documents such as concert itineraries all in one place for students and their families to reference throughout the year. Please check our our class codes document here and click the link under your student's ensemble. All Clovis East classes will be on one account, no need to subscribe multiple times. All Reyburn classes will have their own BAND class. Please be sure to enroll using your first and last names. Students should include their instrument and class period in their 'bio'. Parents/Guardians, please include your students name in your 'bio'.
- Instagram - Don't forget to follow us at @rec.orchestras
Volunteer!
The REC Orchestra does not have a formal Boosters organization, but we do often need help with chaperoning performances, concert organization and with fundraising coordination. We’ll typically send home a request for help as needed with donations, concert set-up and clean-up, ticket takers, dessert sales, pizza pick up and distribution. However, we encourage any adult excited to join the family to let us know if there is anything you would like to help with specifically. We run several fundraisers and concert events throughout each school year that can only be successful with adult volunteers. Here are just a few ways you can help this year:
The REC Orchestra does not have a formal Boosters organization, but we do often need help with chaperoning performances, concert organization and with fundraising coordination. We’ll typically send home a request for help as needed with donations, concert set-up and clean-up, ticket takers, dessert sales, pizza pick up and distribution. However, we encourage any adult excited to join the family to let us know if there is anything you would like to help with specifically. We run several fundraisers and concert events throughout each school year that can only be successful with adult volunteers. Here are just a few ways you can help this year:
- Collecting donations or 'tickets' at our concerts
- Selling and making desserts at and for our events
- Helping to serve food at concerts and events (i.e. Fall Concert and All You Can Eat Pasta Dinner)
- Pizza pick up and distribution for students at our concerts and events
- Helping to count and distribute orders for candle sales, chocolate sales and other fundraisers
- 'Crowd control' with students at concerts and festivals
- ...and so much more! How do you love to serve? Where do you excel? Don't be afraid to let us know! We love our orchestra parents!
Action Item #6
Financial Considerations · Fair Share Membership Donation
To be completed by the parent/guardian of participating students.
As you may already know, the budget dollars provided by the state to Clovis Unified do not fully fund our orchestra program, including the following activities or expenses:
To assist the program in achieving it's fundraising goal, we will offer fundraising opportunities for your students to participate. Information about current and upcoming fundraisers will be communicated in your Noteworthy News weekly emails and are listed on our REC Orchestras Calendar.
Students may assist in fundraising through one or more of the opportunities provided. Families are also encourage to make a voluntary contribute to the REC Orchestra Program instead of or in addition to fundraising.
These fundraising activities are not mandatory. Your student's participation in the program will not be adversely affected in they can not assist in fundraising and/or making voluntary contributions to the program. The REC Orchestras' fundraising goal is a collective one, and not on an individual student basis. As such, the larger the number of students unable or unwilling to assist, the greater the burden on those students who do meet the program's fundraising goal for the benefit of all students. We strongly encourage families and students to assist in fundraising activities and/or make voluntary donations to the program so that we can continue to offer these opportunities to our instrumental music students. We also thank you in advance for your ongoing support of the REC Orchestra Program.
Thank you for taking the time to read through this important information. Please complete the form below, sign and return to school with your student. Hard copies were sent home with students the first week of school. This document must be completed by a parent/guardian.
As you may already know, the budget dollars provided by the state to Clovis Unified do not fully fund our orchestra program, including the following activities or expenses:
- Instrument-Specific Sectional Classroom Coaches
- Some School-Owned Instruments
- Sheet Music
- Instrument Supplies and Replacement Cases
- Festival Entry Fees
- Some Bussing
- The Reduced Price Rental Rate for Shaghoian Concert Hall
- Extended State and Out-of-State Travel
- ...and more
To assist the program in achieving it's fundraising goal, we will offer fundraising opportunities for your students to participate. Information about current and upcoming fundraisers will be communicated in your Noteworthy News weekly emails and are listed on our REC Orchestras Calendar.
Students may assist in fundraising through one or more of the opportunities provided. Families are also encourage to make a voluntary contribute to the REC Orchestra Program instead of or in addition to fundraising.
These fundraising activities are not mandatory. Your student's participation in the program will not be adversely affected in they can not assist in fundraising and/or making voluntary contributions to the program. The REC Orchestras' fundraising goal is a collective one, and not on an individual student basis. As such, the larger the number of students unable or unwilling to assist, the greater the burden on those students who do meet the program's fundraising goal for the benefit of all students. We strongly encourage families and students to assist in fundraising activities and/or make voluntary donations to the program so that we can continue to offer these opportunities to our instrumental music students. We also thank you in advance for your ongoing support of the REC Orchestra Program.
Thank you for taking the time to read through this important information. Please complete the form below, sign and return to school with your student. Hard copies were sent home with students the first week of school. This document must be completed by a parent/guardian.
Final Checklist
All items due no later than Friday, September 6, 2024
- Together - Review the handbook with your child.
- Parent/Guardians - Complete all online ‘Permission Click’ Documents
- Permission Slip, good for all events for the 2024-25 school year (online permission click)
- Emergency Card (online permission click)
- Release Form (optional and used if someone other than the students’ legal guardian will be taking them from an off-campus event)
- Together - Pick up all necessary supplies needed for Orchestra
- Together - Fill out and submit the 2024-25 online Signature Packet (online google form)
- Students and Parents each - Subscribe to our BAND App Class & Google Classrooms (phone and online programs)
- Students and Parents each - Subscribe to the REC Orchestras Calendar.
- Students and Parents each - Follow us on Instagram · @rec.orchestras
- Parent/Guardians - Review and submit the Signed Fair Share Membership Donation Form (hard copy, pink form)
*Items that are bold are items that need to be submitted online or turn in in hard copy by September 6, 2024