Beginner and Philharmonia Policies

 In order to have a successful year, here are a few basics.

  1. Attendance and preparedness are vital! Please check your calendars carefully, and be sure you bring your instrument and any other supplies you’ll need (music, pencil, etc) to every class! If you have to miss class, please notify me ASAP. This is for your own benefit (so I can tell you what you’ve missed) and is also good orchestra etiquette- after all, we’re a team!
  2. Practicing your instrument really works! If you do it consistently and effectively, practicing can be virtually magical. Many of the best practice habits come from having a support system and family members who will help keep you on track. I’ll give you practice tools in our weekly classes; it’s up to you to use those tools throughout the week.
  3. Communication will keep us together. If you have any questions, are struggling, frustrated, or bored and need a challenge, let me know!! I want this to be a GREAT year for every student, and I’ll do my best to make sure everyone’s participating at their best level, and you can help me do this! I check my email and phone messages every day.
  4. Support for each other is essential! Everyone learns at different rates and in different ways, and we’ll be learning a lot of challenging skills this year. If you notice your stand partner struggling with something you’ve already mastered, or if you don’t understand a concept that your neighbor seems to grasp with ease, help each other!  A little encouragement can also go a long way.
  5. Respect your instrument, your environment, and your teammates. An orchestra room takes a little extra caution; avoid any activities which might put you, your neighbors, or any orchestra equipment at risk, and if you see a friend starting to act in a risky way, please remind them of this guideline.

 

With these basics taken care of, we can spend our time playing music and having fun!! My goal is to help you make the most progress musically in the most joyful and exciting way possible.

Please contact me at any time with questions, concerns, notifications, suggestions, compliments, frustrations, triumphs, or anything else you think I should know!

 

Miss Corinna Smith
Corinna.L.Smith@gmail.com
(734) 476-0352
www.myspace.com/corinnasmith