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Julie Simpson

Orchestra Director

  • Room Number: Orchestra Room
     Department: Electives/Music
    Courses Taught: 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Orchestra
    Years of Experience:     23 years

    The Moore Orchestra offers three levels of string instrument education.

    • Students may choose to play the Violin, Viola, Cello, or Bass in the 6th grade. Proper technique and practice habits are established.

    • Students in the 7th grade orchestra continue their music education through the experience of competition and numerous concerts throughout  the year.

    • Students in the 8th grade orchestra learn advanced skills to prepare for high school. Competitions are mandatory in 8th grade and participation in all concerts is required for all orchestra members. Students who wish to double block in the 8th grade will have the opportunity to experience  music such as jazz ,mariachi and chamber ensembles. 

    The Moore Middle School Orchestra has received  Sweepstakes and First Division Ratings at the U.I.L. State Orchestra Contest 10 years in a row!

    Grading

    Practice Report 25% - Weekly minimum as follows; 7th &8th grade-120 minutes per week 6th grade- 60 minutes for the first six weeks increasing to 100 minutes the 2nd six weeks

    Class Participation 25 % -Come to class with the required materials and be an active participant in our organization.

    Concerts and Competition 25%-Students are not excused from participating in orchestra activities unless a note from a parent stating illness or family emergency is received. Unexcused absences count as a “zero”.

    Performance/Written Exams 25%-It is the student’s responsibility to make up any missed assignments before or after school.

     

    Tutorial – 8:00-8:40 a.m. and 3:40-4:00 p.m.

    Tutorial  are available before and after school and students are encouraged to use this time to practice or make up missed assignments. A mandatory tutorial may be assigned in order to help a student achieve success.

      Selection of Instruments -Beginning students will select instruments during the first two weeks of school with the director’s assistance. The selection of instruments is dependant upon several factors including; a student’s physical aspects, prior knowledge of string instruments, proper balance of the orchestra and desire on the part of the student. After students learn the techniques of proper care for the instruments, they will be sent home for practice. This does not usually occur until about the 4th week of school.

    PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE AN INSTRUMENT AT SAM’S WHOLESALE,

    WAL-MART, SEARS, FLEA MARKETS OR

    THROUGH THE INTERNET.

     

    Using a School Instrument -Students are encouraged to rent or purchase their own instrument. However, the school does have a limited number of instruments available.  If a student is chosen to use a school instrument, supplies are still required and strings are replaced at the student’s expense. The Tyler Independent School District requires a one-time fee of $50.00 to be paid in order to use any school owned instrument. Instruments will not be issued until this fee is paid.

      Supplies-May be purchased at the instrument dealer showcase or at one of the recommended instrument dealers listed below; required no later than September 17th.  1.  Pencil in class every day

    2.  Quality rosin

    3.  Soft, clean cloth for wiping your instrument every day. (cotton handkerchief, etc.)

    4.  Set of strings if using school instrument. Pro-Arte or Dominant Brand strings only. (Do not purchase the brand SUPER SENSITIVE.)

    5.  Rock Stop (cello/bass)

    6.  Violin polish (do not purchase guitar or furniture polish)

    7.  Shoulder rest (violin-viola)

    8. Moore Orchestra T-Shirt-$10.00