Buchanan Chamber Orchestra
2022-2023 Student & Parent Contract

Congratulations on your acceptance into Chamber Orchestra! We have a very exciting school year coming up with several performances and trips being planned.

Chamber Orchestra requires a high level of commitment, dedication, and musicianship and before we start the new year, we want to make sure you understand what is expected. Please take a moment to review the following information and then complete the appropriate form below.

Individual Practice

You are expected to practice your instrument regularly at home (30 Minutes, 5-6 times a week). Your focus should be split between technique and preparing music for class. Class time is where we work to improve the ensemble, not work on what you can individually prepare at home.

Private Lessons

If you aren’t doing so already, all students should consider taking private lessons. While not required, lessons will help you improve your individual musicianship much more rapidly. Click here to access our private teacher list.

Grades

You are expectated to maintain a 2.5 GPA with no D’s or F’s. Even though Chamber Orchestra will keep you busy throughout the year, it is important that you maintain your grades in ALL of your classes. Yes…we will check!

Performance attendance

All performances and rehearsals scheduled outside the school day are mandatory. Exceptions may be made based on the program attendance policy.

The BEC Orchestra Calendar on the website always shows the most current schedule of performances.

Currently Scheduled Performances:
Monday, October 17, 2022 - Fall Orchestra Concert
Monday, November 28, 2022 - BHS Area Elementary Winter Concert (BHS Symphony Orchestra performs)
Monday, December 5, 2022 - BEC Orchestra Winter Concert
Friday-Saturday, February 10-11, 2023 - Homestead Orchestra Festival Trip
Thursday, March 9, 2023 - CUSD Orchestra Festival
Thursday-Friday, March 9-10, 2023 - Sonoma State Trip
Date TBA - CMEA Orchestra Festival
Monday, March 20, 2023 - BEC Orchestra Festival Concert
Wednesday-Monday, March 29-April 3, 2023 - National Orchestra Festival in Indianapolis (Tentative)
Friday, May 19, 2023 - BHS End of the Year Concert

Trip Participation

Trips are an extension of the classroom experience and all Chamber Orchestra students are expected to participate.

Indianapolis 2023 - Music For All National Orchestra Festival - We are applying to perform at the Music for All National Orchestra Festival in Indianapolis next spring. The application includes recordings of this year’s Chamber Orchestra that will be reviewed and judged for quality. Only the best ensembles are invited to perform. Our application will be submitted by June 5th and we will find out over the summer if we have been invited or not. This is an incredible opportunity to perform alongside some of the best high school orchestras in the country!

If we are accepted to perform, we will travel to Indianapolis Wednesday, March 29, 2023 to Monday, April 3, 2023. **Please note that this trip will extend 3 days into Spring Break. In line with our performance attendance policy, all Chamber Orchestra members are expected to attend. The estimated costs for this trip and other trips we plan to take next year are approximately $1,750.00 to $2,000.00 per student. Financial assistance will be provided for those in need, but should not be a deterrent to participation. Trip payments will be made monthly August to March.

If you have concerns about the Indianapolis trip, or any other any other information on this contract, please contact Mr. Lack directly at: JohnLack@cusd.com