Assignment descriptions
Classroom Observations (150 points in total)
Attend and observe the following sections (6 in total). Submit your observation forms via Canvas by the due dates.
· Two in-person observations of grades 6–12 orchestra lessons. (Observing classes throughout September, October, and November to understand the teaching at different stages of the semester is highly recommended.)
· One in-person observation of grades 6-12 orchestra performance. (School orchestra October showcases, limited available dates, please schedule ahead.)
· One observation of Dr. Tong’s teaching video on YouTube: a middle School grade 7 viola sectional session.
· Two observations of online clinic rehearsal labs/ open rehearsals of grades 6–12 orchestra on YouTube.
Submission dates are listed below. Early submissions are recommended. Any late submission is subject to a grade reduction.
- #1 — 9/18/2026
- #2 — 10/2/2026
- #3 — 10/16/2026
- #4 — 10/30/2026
- #5 — 11/13/2026
- #6 — 12/4/2026
In-class pass-offs (125 points in total)
There are 5 in-class pass-offs, one for each instrument (violin, viola, cello, and double bass). The final pass-offs covers instrumental maintenance, basic conducting knowledge, and miscellaneous topics.
In-class playing tests (200 points in total)
There are 4 in-class playing tests, one for each instrument (violin, viola, cello, and double bass). Students are expected to demonstrate their playing skills and follow the performance directions for the selected repertoire.
Article Reviews (50 points in total)
There are 2 articles about orchestra teaching, students finish reading and submit review reports on canvas. Early submissions are recommended. Any late submission is subject to a grade reduction.
- 1st submission on canvas due on 9/25/2026.
- 2nd submission on canvas due on 10/30/2026.
Lesson Plan (50 points in total)
Students are required to submit 2 lesson plans on canvas. Early submissions are recommended. Any late submission is subject to a grade reduction. The first lesson plan must be submitted two lessons before the student’s scheduled orchestra teaching practice. The second lesson plan must be submitted two lessons before the scheduled orchestra teaching demonstration. Students with approved lesson plans may proceed with the orchestra teaching practice and demonstration.
- Submission on canvas is due two lessons before the assigned date of in-class orchestra teaching practice and demonstration.
In-class orchestra teaching practice (100 points in total)
After learning all the string instruments and basic conducting skills, the classroom will be arranged in an orchestra setting. Each student will be assigned for an in-class orchestra teaching practice. Once the lesson plan is approved, students will direct the orchestra for a short piece/excerpt (selections will be provided) as part of their teaching practice and receive feedback. All students are required to participate in this assignment, either as the director or as a member of the orchestra. Directors must demonstrate effective teaching skills, while instrumentalists must prepare and practice the excerpts before each lesson.
In-class orchestra teaching demonstration (200 points in total)
After the class finish orchestra teaching practice, each student will be assigned for an in-class orchestra teaching demonstration as the final project. Once the lesson plan is approved, students will direct the orchestra for a complete orchestra piece (selections will be provided) as part of their teaching practice and receive feedback. All students are required to participate in this assignment, either as the director or as a member of the orchestra. Directors must demonstrate effective teaching skills, while instrumentalists must prepare and practice the excerpts before each lesson.