2025-2026
Brad Davis, Director
5505 West Plano Parkway
Plano, Texas 75093
469.752.7764
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the Shepton High School Orchestra program! For new students, you are now part of one of the most outstanding high school music programs in America, and for returning students, welcome back! The orchestra programs in the Plano Independent School District have received consistent recognition as being among the best nationwide. All of the orchestras in the Plano West Senior High cluster have been consistent sweepstakes winners at UIL Concert and Sight-reading Contest.
These honors reflect a tradition of excellence of this program in which you are now involved. The attainment of these and many other additional honors have come as a direct result of the dedication and work of former members. As a current member of the Shepton High School Orchestra you are heir to a rich tradition of musical and personal integrity. It is your responsibility to enhance that tradition and pass it to future members.
PURPOSES
The purposes of the Shepton High School Orchestra are:
- To develop an understanding and appreciation for the orchestra and its repertoire.
- To train students in music to a level where they may participate in the performance of these great works and to enable them to continue making music, whether as an avocation or a profession, after graduation from high school.
- To assist students in growing into responsible and successful members of society, able to work well both individually and as a member of a group, and to possess the essential characteristics of integrity, dependability, and loyalty.
The rules and procedures outlined in this handbook have been developed to accomplish these goals in the most efficient and productive manner, and to provide an accurate method of assessing each student’s progress. It is the personal and musical progress of each student, which is the ultimate goal of this organization. The success of the orchestra has traditionally been based on the concept of each student performing his or her assigned tasks to the best of his or her ability. Every student is capable of making a positive contribution to the group and growing in knowledge and appreciation.
ORCHESTRA REHEARSALS EXPECTATIONS
Proper rehearsal procedure is the only way any musical group can improve and reach its potential. We attempt to emulate the best example possible in this area: the professional symphony orchestra. At the beginning of each rehearsal students should be seated in their proper chairs with their instruments, all required music, pencil, black 1” 3-ring notebook, rosin, shoulder pad/rock stop and a pencil on their stand. Failure to meet this criterion will result in lower daily grades for the student.
We will attempt to maintain an atmosphere of relaxed concentration. Attention should remain focused on the music and the director at all times. Talking, except for relevant questions, or distracting behavior should be eliminated. Eating, drinking or chewing gum is not permitted. Electronic devices will remain off and will be invisible for the duration of the class period or will be taken by the director. Students should remain in their seats unless asked or given permission to move.
Posture should always be that which encourages greatest playing efficiency. Remember that we are playing high-level music, which demands your best efforts! Both feet should be on the floor to establish proper body balance. The back should be straight to permit free use of the arms and proper breathing. The instrument should be held properly to allow the easiest playing technique with the least fatigue. Fingernails must be trimmed to permit correct playing position. Proper posture and instrument positions have been developed through centuries of experimentation to produce the best results with the fewest problems. It is essential that we use this knowledge to enhance our performance.
Students will be issued their own music. Every person is expected to bring it to EVERY rehearsal. This will be periodically checked. All bowings, fingerings, changes in the music, and major rehearsal suggestions should be marked in these parts. Additionally, you may be quizzed on any alterations we make to the music. Please handle music carefully and responsibly.
SUPPLIES CHECKLIST
All students must have the following supplies:
- Home instruments (violin/viola to use in class, cello/bass for daily practice)
- Shoulder rest for violins/violas, labeled with student’s name
- Rock stop or anchor for cello/bass, labeled with student’s name
- 1 inch, 3-ring black binder for rehearsals and performances
- Rosin
- An extra set of strings
- Rosin removal cloth
- Pencils (pens are not appropriate in orchestra rehearsal)
- Luggage tag for violins/violas for your instrument case
ORCHESTRA GRADING POLICY
DAILY GRADES (40%)
Students will receive 20 points per day for positive participation in the orchestra rehearsal. Points will be deducted for the following:
- Talking during rehearsal without permission
- Practicing/playing other music while tuning or tuning too loudly
- Leaving the room for any reason (including bathroom, locker, etc.)
- Not putting forth effort
- Not in seat/not ready to tune when tuning begins
- Sitting on couch when tardy bell rings
- Not having supplies:
- Instrument -20
- Music, shoulder rest or pencil not on stand
- Doing/studying other class work during rehearsals
- Using cell phone without permission (and phone will be collected)
- Fingernails not trimmed
Please note that this is not a complete list, only a sample of common occurrences.
Playing daily grades, whether announced or unannounced will be worth 5 points. The following grading scale will apply:
- 5pts – the student performed the passage accurately
- 3pts – the student performed the passage mostly accurate with minimal errors
- 1pt – the student performed the passage with many errors
- 0pts – the student did not play the passage
Additional written daily grades will be given at the instructor’s discretion.
MAJOR GRADES (60%)
Rehearsals and Concerts: Since this is a performance-based class, each student is required to attend all extra rehearsals and concerts. Failure to attend a rehearsal or concert without an excused absence can result in a zero without possibility of make-up. Students with an excused absence will be given a make-up assignment. Please check calendars carefully. It is your responsibility to avoid scheduling conflicts with the planned calendar.
Playing Tests: Grades are determined by intonation, rhythm, instrument position and posture, proper bowing, and tone.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
All Orchestra students must abide by the Shepton High School attendance policy. An orchestra functions at optimum when all members are present. Therefore, all students are expected to be in attendance at all rehearsals, sectionals and performances.
All requests for an excused absence from a before or after school rehearsal are to be REPORTED IN WRITING OR EMAIL. If an absence is anticipated, a written request for an excused absence should be submitted at least a week in advance. Circumstances may justify an excused absence for reasons other than those listed below. In the case of illness or family emergency, an explanatory telephone call or email prior to the rehearsal or performance is appropriate.
Absences will be excused in the following cases:
- Death in the family
- Medical emergency or illness
- Religious holiday (we do our best to avoid scheduling events on these days)
Absences will be UNEXCUSED in the following and/or similar cases:
- Family trips
- College visitations
- Personal business or entertainment
- Commitments accepted AFTER a performance/rehearsal date was announced
This is by no means a complete list, merely a few examples to illustrate the difference between excused and unexcused absences.
Unexcused absences will adversely affect your musical progress, the progress of the orchestra, and your orchestra grade. If attendance becomes a persistent problem, it will jeopardize your membership in the group.
An orchestra functions best when all of its key components (every performer) are present. Every member of the orchestra is important to its success. When someone misses a rehearsal or performance, the entire ensemble suffers. This is unlike other academic classes in which your absence would only hurt yourself, so please be at all performances and rehearsals!
Excellence takes a commitment. We should not allow ourselves to strive for anything less. It is expected that each orchestra member will try and care at all times.
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
Performance and Travel
In addition to local performances, the Shepton High School Orchestra makes several away from school appearances each year. There is one overnight trip every two years. Our next overnight trip will be next school year. For the alternate years we will have an in town trip/event. All members of the orchestra are encouraged to travel with the group.
Private Study
The Plano Fine Arts Department has a strong private study program that is approved by the Plano I.S.D., supervised by the Director of Fine Arts and managed by the head director in each high school attendance area. The teachers who participate in the private study program are highly qualified professionals who are approved by our own staff members. The cost is $25 per weekly, half period lesson or $50 for full period lessons.
While private study participation is not a requirement, it should be noted that most students take advantage of this excellent opportunity. The advantages of one-on-one experiences are overwhelming. Productive participation in this program by as many students as possible is strongly encouraged. Contact your director at any point in the year if you are interested in participating in this program.
Uniforms
Unless otherwise stated by the director, the formal uniform for each concert will consist of the following:
Girls: Black dress with sleeves, short or long, with mid-calf to floor length skirt
-or-
Black shirt that covers the shoulders
Black dress pants
-and-
Black dress shoes
Guys: Black long sleeved shirt
Black dress pants
Black belt
Black dress shoes
Tall black socks with no logos
Our informal uniform will consist of the orchestra shirt and jeans.
Care of Equipment
Our equipment represents a large investment on the part of the Plano Independent School District. It is everyone’s responsibility to see that they receive proper care. Instruments and equipment will be issued to individual students who are expected to care for them as if they were their own. All normal up-keep and maintenance is the responsibility of the student.
Students will be responsible for any deductible fees on insurance claims. Instruments will be issued and returned in good playing condition. No one may play on another person’s instrument without permission. Instruments are to be properly cased and stored when not in use. Anyone who damages equipment through carelessness or neglect will be required to pay for its repair. We are fortunate to have good quality instruments and uniforms with which to work. Let us all make an effort to keep them in top shape.
Because of the fragile nature of our instruments and the investment put forth by parents and the school district, only orchestra students are allowed in the orchestra room unless approved by the director.
Orchestra Essentials
Throughout the year, we provide an orchestra t-shirt, and other items, we have various social events, clinicians, and other things that are done for the benefit of the students that are covered by a one-time payment at the beginning of the year. This $50 orchestra essentials is paid to our booster club so that we don’t have to ask for money for each event. The best way to pay is with credit or debit card at https://sheptonhsorchestra.membershiptoolkit.com/. Payment can also be made by check (payable to “Shepton Orchestra Boosters”) or cash placed in an envelope labeled with:
Student Name
Student ID Number
“Orchestra Essentials”
Amount in envelope
“Cash” or the check number
Please note that I will not have access to any change so any payments made in cash should be exact change. Please pay for these essentials by Friday, September 19th.
Instrument Insurance
Musical Instrument Insurance should be purchased by each student to cover damage and/or loss of instruments. Both school-owned and individually owned instruments should be covered in this way. Parents are encouraged to look for coverage through a homeowner’s policy or through an outside company.
Personal Accident Insurance
Since orchestra is a physical activity and we have events outside of school, you must be aware that Plano ISD does not provide personal accident insurance for injuries that may be sustained during practices, performances and/or any other orchestra activities. PISD does have a voluntary accident insurance policy available through AXIS Insurance Company.
For more information please visit www.pisd.edu/studentinsurance
You may also contact Combined Benefits Group at 800-749-6458 for additional information.
CONCLUSION
Your decision to participate in the Shepton High School Orchestra represents the opening of a door to tremendous opportunity. You are very fortunate to live in a community that has a tradition of excellent orchestras and a school administration that values and supports this type of study. Please recognize the value of this opportunity and make the most of it.
This handbook is a guideline to make your experience in orchestra as productive and enjoyable as possible. The rules it contains have been developed over many years of experience and refinement. All of the rules are meant to serve one purpose: to promote the musical education of each orchestra member. Like any good set of guidelines, it is constantly being changed and improved as changing conditions warrant. If you have any questions about the policies in this handbook, please do not hesitate to discuss it with your director.
Good luck in your studies and prepare yourself to have some wonderful experiences as we begin making music together this year!
Musical training is a more potent instrument than any other because rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul....
Plato (c.427-327 BC)
Please continue to the digital signature links below.
Plano ISD Guidelines for District Extracurricular Activities
Students involved in extracurricular activities are held to a higher standard of conduct than the general student body. Plano ISD views participation in extracurricular activities as a privilege, not a right. Any student who violates the Student Code of Conduct shall be subject to extracurricular discipline and/or regular school district disciplinary action. This includes any misconduct, regardless of time or location, that would reflect negatively upon Plano ISD in an extracurricular activity. Students clearly involved in major disciplinary infractions (i.e. including, but not limited to, drugs,
alcohol, and violent behavior) will be placed on probation, removed temporarily, or removed permanently from extracurricular activities. Seasons of extracurricular activities may vary and could extend into the next school year. Discipline action may affect tryout eligibility for the next season.
Disciplinary measures taken by the sponsor/principal may be in one or more of three forms, defined as special assignments, probation, and dismissal.
Special assignments may consist of extra duties and may be assigned for minor disciplinary infractions. Probation and/or dismissal from extracurricular activities will be for infractions involving alcohol, smoking, drugs, use of profanity, violence, and other serious offenses when the sponsor/principal believes the integrity and credibility of the organization has been jeopardized by the student's action.
Probation may also be assigned when the student fails to comply with rules and regulations of the extracurricular activity. (Probation is defined as: A trial period in which a student is permitted to redeem bad conduct.)
The student may be dismissed from the extracurricular activity upon any major infraction, or during a probationary period. Prior to being dismissed from extracurricular activities, the student and parents will be notified of the reasons for the action. The student or his/her parents will be afforded the opportunity of a hearing with the sponsor and principal. The appeals process will be outlined at that time. Request for an appeal must be done within 5 school days at each level of the appeals process. The student will not be eligible for any individual or team recognitions or awards that occur after the date of dismissal.
DIGITAL SIGNATURES REQUIRED!
Click on the following website and follow the instructions on the screen:
If completing on a mobile device, click “fill it out in Google Forms” at the top as sometimes it may make you do so twice.
If you have any problems, please email Mr. Davis at Shepton at Bradly.Davis@pisd.edu
Please go back to complete the beginning of year form at this time if you were directed to the handbook from there.
