WELCOME TO THE HARRISON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA!

The Importance of Attitude

It is not who you are, but who you are willing to become… The greatest factor that will help you to be successful is your attitude. This is not only true in music, but in life. You must be dedicated and work hard to reach your potential. Come to class wanting to play better than you did the day before and expecting to do so because you came prepared.

“I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you... We are in charge of our attitudes.” Chuck Swindoll

The Individual and the Group

You are expected to consistently work at a high level. You should spend time daily practicing individually outside of class. The result of this individual practice is two-fold: first, you will become a better musician; second, the entire group will improve.

You are part of a group: when you don’t produce, it hurts everyone.

Foundations…

  • The Orchestra will only be as good as your attitude and your contribution.
  • Believe that only your best is good enough.
  • Be humble in your success; demonstrate class in all situations.
  • Exhibit enthusiasm for practice and understand the need for repetition.
  • Be one of those students who is always “there.”

“There are only two options regarding commitment. You’re either in or you’re out. There’s no such thing as life in-between.” Pat Riley

Expectations for Symphony Members

  • Make a genuine effort to learn and improve daily.
  • Be honest and fair with others.
  • Be responsible and assume the consequences of your actions or inactions.
  • Be regular in attendance, on time, and account for all absences in advance.
  • Be personally clean, neat, and presentable including appropriate hairstyles and piercings.

Expectations for Symphony Directors

  • Provide the group with a music education as it relates to performance and critical listening.
  • Plan each day’s assignment and encourage daily progress of the entire orchestra.
  • Assess each member’s musical and technical progress and suggest pedagogical and musical ideas for improvement.
  • Grade the progress of each member, including some or all of the following: rehearsals, performances, playing tests, and any other work that benefits the program and the student.
  • Separate/dismiss students that are not adding to the program due to poor attitude and/or lack of improvement.