Category: News

Newsletter 12-7-18

Winter Concert Wrap-Up

I wanted to congratulate our orchestras on wonderful performances at the Winter Concert.  It’s incredible to see the progress we have made this semester and I look forward to our continued growth in second semester.

Today each of the classes welcomed a guest conductor, Mr. Christopher Thibdeau.  Mr. Thibdeau, a graduate of the Eastman School of Music and Cleveland Institute of Music, did a wonderful job helping our student excel for their next performances.

Here are some notes for end of the semester:

Week of 12/10 

During the last regular week of classes, we will spend several days reading new literature and sight-reading in preparation of our upcoming Large Group Performance Evaluation (LGPE) in February and will also be reviewing for our Semester 1 Final Exam.  

Semester 1 Final Exam

Our semester 1 Final Exams will be 12/18-12/20 and will consist of a 100 question multiple choice exam over a variety of necessary musical terms and vocabulary. 

The study guide and quizlet below will be helpful for students wishing to prepare for the exam.  

Note:  Symphony and Chamber students final exam will be their culminating performance in Chicago.

Midwest Preview Concert

Symphony Strings will perform their Midwest Preview Concert from 7:00-8:00 PM on Tuesday, December 11.  

Attendance is mandatory for all orchestra members and the concert is open to the public.  I think you will be impressed with what the studentsmandatory attendance for all orchestra members, open to the public)

Chicago/Midwest Clinic Trip

Symphony Strings will be traveling to Chicago for a performance at the prestigeous Midwest Clinic.  Our concert will be on Wednesday, December 19 at 10:30 AM. In addition, the orchestra will serve as a demonstration group for an educational session entitled “It’s all about the bow!” led by Dr. Laux at 3:00 PM. Students and parents can follow our journey by tuning into our Instagram and Twitter feeds.

Upcoming Dates

Please mark your calendars for second semester!

  • All-State Auditions, Round 2: Saturday, January 12 at Westminster School
  • LGPE Preview Concert: Thursday, February 7, 7:00 PM, AHS Auditorium
  • Concert Orchestra LGPE: Tuesday, February 12, 1:15 PM @ Northview HS
  • Philharmonia LGPE: Tuesday, February 12, 4:10 PM @ Northview HS
  • Sinfonia LGPE: Thursday, February 14, 3:40 PM @ Northview HS
  • Symphony LGPE: Thursday, February 14, 5:45 PM @ Northview HS
  • Chamber LGPE: Thursday, February 14, 7:55 PM @ Northview HS

For more dates, please visit the orchestra calendar.

Final Reminders for the Winter Concert

We are so excited to perform tonight and look forward to seeing you there!

  • If you RSVP’d for the pizza/salad dinner, please arrive around 5:30 PM to eat.
  • Those students not teaching should arrive between 6:15 and 630 PM.
  • The concert begins at 7:00 PM.
  • Students must sign out at the end of the concert after the stage and all equipment has been cleared.

Special Note:

AHS has been set as a polling place for the December 4 runoff election today, so there will be voting machines in the fine arts lobby. Please do your best to avoid disrupting the elections and the election workers.

Donations are still needed for the Concert Cafe!

Please sign up to donate some items to our concert cafe! We want it to be extra special.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080549a9a628a46-winter

After the concert

  • Wednesday, 12/5: Concert Review & Self Assessment
  • Thursday, 12/6: Rehearsal for LGPE Music
  • Friday, 12/7:Special guest conductor, Mr. Christopher Thibdeau, in all classes
  • Week of 12/10: Final Exam Review
  • Tuesday, 12/11:  Midwest Preview Concert 7:00-8:00 PM (mandatory attendance for all orchestra members, open to the public)
  • 12/18-12/20: Final Exams
  • 12/18-12/21: Symphony Trip to Chicago for the Midwest Clinic

Upcoming Dates

  • All-State Auditions, Round 2: Saturday, January 12 @ Westminster School
  • LGPE Preview Concert: Thursday, February 7, 7:00 PM
  • Concert Orchestra LGPE: Tuesday, February 12, 1:15 PM @ Northview HS
  • Philharmonia LGPE: Tuesday, February 12, 4:10 PM @ Northview HS
  • Sinfonia LGPE: Thursday, February 14, 3:40 PM @ Northview HS
  • Symphony LGPE: Thursday, February 14, 5:45 PM @ Northview HS
  • Chamber LGPE: Thursday, February 14, 7:55 PM @ Northview HS

Fall Concert 2018 Final Reminder

Hello everyone,

This is the final reminder for our Fall Concert tomorrow night, Tuesday, September 25 at 6:30 PM in the Alpharetta High School auditorium. Students who have RSVP’d to eat dinner with us should arrive at 5:00 PM. If students are not eating, they should arrive between 5:45 and 6:00 PM. Middle school students will arrive before 5:00 PM and will eat at about 5:30 PM.

Symphony and Chamber orchestra classes will meet for a combined rehearsal on stage before the concert. 4th and 5th period students should be in uniform, ready to play, at 5:30 PM. After our rehearsal, we will do a photograph on stage.

Each of the five orchestras will perform and we will be hosting the combined orchestras from Webb bridge and Hopewell middle school. Please welcome them! The finale of our concert will feature the famous “Ode to Joy” from Beethoven’s 9th Symphony.  There will be over 250 string players playing in unison!!

I hope for the concert to conclude around 8:30 PM. Once all of the groups are done playing, I am asking students to stay for an extra five minutes to help tear down, and clean up the auditorium. Students must sign out after the concert in order to receive their full grade. Sign out sheets will be displayed once everything has been cleaned up.

Our annual AHSO Program book will be on distributed at this concert.  Thank you to the advertisers and parents who purchase personal ads.

Our wonderful AHSOA parents will be running the “Concert Cafe” and will have refreshments and other goodies available for sale.  All proceeds benefit the orchestra program!

I know you will enjoy this concert and look forward to seeing you there! Please enjoy the concert promo video made by our own Philharmonia violinist, Sara Allen!

 

Newsletter 09-05-2018

GMEA All-State Orchestra Audition Sign-Up

If you want to audition for the GMEA All-State Orchestra, please sign up no later than tomorrow, September 6 with Dr. Laux. First round auditions are on Saturday, October 13. Auditions require a $25 fee payable to AHSOA by September 14.

Sign up here

Excerpt Test #1

Everyone should have played their scale test in class a few weeks ago. Our next playing exam is  the first excerpt test and is due this Friday by 11:59 PM. Late submissions will be reduced by 11 points per day late.

All assignments are posted on the class calendars, under the Members menu on the website.  Be sure to follow the directions for recording and uploading your video along with submitting the online form with your video’s URL.  Click here for directions!

Orchestra Picture Day

This Friday, September 7 is our orchestra group photo day. These photos will be used for our orchestra program book. All students will need to bring their full uniform and instruments to school on Friday.  Please don’t forget the details, such as your black shoes and socks!

Special thanks to Mr. Craig Sweat for his expertise and for taking the time to photograph us!

Uniforms

There are still a few new students who have not paid for and/or picked up their orchestra uniform. Students need uniforms on Friday for our group photos and for our upcoming concerts.

SPF Payments

We are still missing Student Participation Fee (SPF) payments.  These fees cover many necessary expenses that allow our orchestra program to be its best.  If you have not submitted your SPF payment, you can do so by sending in a check with your child for $120 made payable to ASHOA or use our convenient online payment option. It is an expectation that each family contributes their fair share for the good of the program.  If you need to discuss payment arrangements with Dr. Laux, please contact him at [email protected].

Curriculum Night

Curriculum night at AHS is Thursday, September 13 at 7:00 PM.  I’m looking forward to seeing you there and showing you all what is happening with the orchestra classes!

Fall Concert

Don’t forget that our Fall Concert is Tuesday, September 25 and will begin at 6:30 PM.  All of the orchestras will perform and we will be inviting our special guests, the combined 8th grade orchestras from Webb Bridge and Hopewell MS. We will all perform a special grand finale too!  You don’t want to miss it.

A pre-concert dinner will be served starting at 5:00 PM.  An RSVP form will be sent out to students soon.

Tri-M Music Honor Society

Attention students in Sinfonia, Symphony, or Chamber Orchestra!  You are eligible to apply for the Tri-M Music Honor Society.  Visit this link for more information and to apply! https://goo.gl/forms/2q8BvOgixBukTM7s2. The deadline for the application is September 28.

Welcome Bach to School 2018!

Dear Students and Parents,

Greetings! I hope you have had a wonderful summer and a chance to relax, and rejuvenate. I am so excited for the upcoming school year and hope you are too. We are going to have a great time making music and learning together!

The first thing on our agenda is the our “Bach To School” Mini-Camp. This event will take place over two evenings, Wednesday, August 1 and Thursday, August 2 from 6 PM to 9 PM in the AHS Orchestra Room and Auditorium.

The event will be filled with fun, some music making, a guest conductor, and getting everything ready for the start of the school year. The orchestra leadership team will be putting together the activities, and I know it will be a great time. We will be serving pizza on Wednesday and will have an ice cream social on Thursday.

In order for us to know who will/will not be attending and to help provide an accurate pizza count, EVERYONE should RSVP using the link below. Please RSVP by Sunday, July 29.

https://bit.ly/2JLK4My

Please let us know if you will be able to attend both days, just one of the days, or neither days. While the mini-camp is not required, it is highly encouraged and will be a great way to have some fun, get to know your fellow orchestra colleagues, and possibly break the spider webs off of your instrument. You all practiced diligently all summer, right??  😉

I’m looking forward to seeing you on August 1!!

Sincerely,

Dr. Laux

Upcoming Events — please mark your calendars now!

August 1/2 – Bach to School Mini-Camp, 6-9 PM
August 6 – First day of school!
August 7 – Program book and friends of the orchestra fundraiser begins
August 23 – Potluck Dinner, 7 PM
September 25 – Fall Concert with 8th graders (6:30 PM Start time)

The rest of the year’s dates can be found online: http://www.alpharettaorchestra.org/calendar/

Midwest Meeting for Symphony Members 2018-2019

Dear AHS Symphony parents,

It is hard to believe that this school year is drawing to a close. It has been an incredible year and I’m so excited to what is upcoming!  Congratulations to your child for auditioning into the AHS Symphony! We pride ourselves on continuing the tradition of excellence of orchestral performance at AHS.

As you have probably heard, the AHS Symphony Strings has been accepted to perform at The Midwest Clinic in Chicago.  The dates of the conference are December 19-22, 2018, however our exact performance time has not yet been announced. The Midwest Clinic is an international band and orchestra conference with a 72 year history. Each year there are over 17,000 attendees from 30+ countries.  The conference features over 50 concerts and 100 educational sessions among other activities. Being selected to perform at The Midwest Clinic is one of the most prestigious honors awarded to a school music program.  Each year only a handful of high school orchestras are selected to perform.  For more information about The Midwest Clinic, please see the attached promotional letter.

In an orchestra, the participation of each member of the ensemble is critical to the success of the ensemble. Due to the significance of this accomplishment and the rigor of the performance program, it is expected that every member of Symphony (and the new Chamber Orchestra) attend this trip. In 2006 the Winter Park High School Philharmonic performed at The Midwest Clinic under my direction and I know that the made a profound influence on those students and that a trip to Midwest has the potential to be a life-changing experience for our students as well. Personally, I can attest that my first Midwest performance was one of the highlights of my career thus far.

Our trip to Chicago will come up very quickly, particularly with summer break upon us.In order to effectively plan and inform you of everything that will take place, I would like to have a short meeting on Wednesday, May 23 at 7:00 pm in the orchestra room.  At the meeting we will discuss travel plans, costs, summer rehearsals, fundraising opportunities, and more. I would like to answer any questions you may have, and also gauge interest for parents who would like to serve as chaperones.

Please contact me should you be unable to attend this important meeting.  I look forward to seeing you on Wednesday!

Sincerely,

Dr. Laux

Midwest Clinic – First Parent Letter 05-15-18

Midwest Clinic Promotional Letter

AHSO Newsletter 03-30-18 Spring Break Edition

It’s hard to believe that Spring is upon us. The second semester always seems to fly by. April and May will be busy months, so please be ready and do not catch the fever (Spring Fever!). Below is some orchestra information you need.

Playing Tests

The following playing tests are due by Sunday, April 15 by 11:59 PM.  Please use this form.

Concert Orchestra – Mystical Portal

  • Violin I – 49-57
  • Violin II – 67-75
  • Viola – 87-95
  • Cello – 57-67
  • Bass – 1-13

Philharmonia  – La Paloma

  • Violin 1/2 – 32-49
  • Viola – 15-29
  • Cello – 15-29
  • Bass – 81-end

Sinfonia – Idylls of Pegasus

  • Violin 1 – 82-94
  • Violin 2 – 104-117
  • Viola – 82-94
  • Cello – 100-112
  • Bass – 52-62

Symphony – West Side Story

  • Violin – B-C
  • Viola – B-C
  • Cello – I-J
  • Bass – F-H

Important Dates

All important dates are on the Orchestra Calendar, but I’ve listed them below for your convenience. Events marked with an asterisks (*) means that attendance is MANDATORY for all orchestra students!

  • Friday, April 13 – Leadership Applications Due
  • Friday, April 13 – Movie Night, 6:30 PM “West Side Story”
  • Wednesday, April 18 and Thursday, April 19 – Ensemble Performances in class
  • Tuesday, April 24 – Wind Ensemble Concert (extra credit!)
  • Thursday, April 26 – Senior Recital*
  • Tuesday, May 1 – Spring Concert*
  • Friday, May 4 – Awards Banquet at Metropolitan Club
  • Thursday, May 24 – Graduation Performance*

Placement Auditions

The deadline for submitting your placement audition video has passed, but if you failed to submit, you can still do so if you want to be considered for Philharmonia, Sinfonia, or Symphony.

Please use THIS FORM for your audition (not playing tests).

Small Ensemble Performances

All small ensembles will perform in class on Wednesday, April 18 and Thursday, April 19.  You will be assigned a day, so please be ready on 4/18. This is a major performance grade for the second semester. If you haven’t registered your small ensemble, please do so here.

Movie Night

The orchestra will host another movie night on Friday, April 13 at 6:30 PM in the orchestra room.  We will be watching West Side Story! Pizza will be served  and students will sign up to bring snacks, desserts, and drinks.  Watch for an RSVP form when we return from Spring Break!

Leadership Applications

AHSO Leadership Team Applications are now being accepted through April 13, 2018. Be a part of something great!!

Senior Recital

The first-ever AHSO Senior Recital will be on Thursday, April 26 at 7:00 PM.  All students are required to attend and will sign in and out for their grade. We will have cake afterwards!

Spring Concert

Our Spring “Pops” Concert will be on Tuesday, May 1 at 7:00 PM.  Please invite everyone you know as we are going to have a great evening of music making!

Awards Banquet

The annual AHSO Awards banquet will be on Friday, May 4 at the Metropolitan Club.  Please mark your calendars!  Information regarding ticket sales will be available after break.

Solos

Each student must prepare a solo.  The piece can be just about anything and you must upload a performance video and complete the Solo Performance Submission form. The deadline for solo submissions is Sunday, May 13 at 11:59 PM.

Graduation

It has been a tradition for some time that the AHS music department all perform at the AHS graduation ceremony.  This year graduation will be on Thursday, May 24 at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater.  Between set-up, rehearsal, performance, and tear-down students should plan on the whole day.

Graduation Honor Cords

We will be ordering orchestra honor cords for graduation.  The Orchestra cords will be maroon and white entwined and will be $6.  Checks should be made payable to AHSOA and submitted to the drop box. You must be in orchestra for all four years to earn a cord.

Leadership Meeting

We wil have a leadership meeting at 5:30 PM prior to the movie night on Friday, April 13.

Orchestra Newsletter 3-7-2018

LGPE  Wrap-Up

Congratulations to the AHS Orchestras on very fine performances at LGPE this year!  I couldn’t be more proud of how each of the orchestras prepared and executed their performance.  In addition, the students were well behaved on and off the stage.

Concert Orchestra received two superior ratings and two excellent ratings for an over all rating of excellent. Philharmonia received straight superior ratings! Sinfonia received straight superior ratings on stage and an excellent in sight-reading, for an overall rating of Superior.  The AHS Symphony received straight superior ratings even with a very difficult program.

I received many compliments from our clinician, Kirt Mosier, as well as parents and other orchestra directors that were in the audience.  Keep up the great work!

All-State Wrap-Up

Congratulations to our 13 students for their participation in the GMEA All-State Orchestras this year.  We are thankful that you represented AHS in such a exemplary manner!

Digital Learning Day

Please keep a look out on the website and text message for your Digital Learning Day assignment (for Friday, March 9, 2018).

Upcoming Events

Please mark your calendars with the following!

In progress this semester is our solos and small ensembles unit.  Everyone will prepare a solo (to be uploaded by April 20, details forthcoming) and students will prepare a small ensemble and will perform for the class on April 19-20.

New this year is our Senior Night Concert that will feature senior solos and chamber performances.  Please mark your calendars for Thursday, April 28 at 7:00 PM.

Our Spring Concert is Tuesday, May 1.  This date changed, so please double check your calendar.

The annual Orchestra Awards Banquet is set for Friday, May 4.  More details are forthcoming.

Last this year the orchestra will once again play the AHS graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 24.  This is a required event for all-non-senior orchestra members.

Auditions 2018-2019

Please don’t forget that your audition videos are due on Friday, March 23. This weekend would be a great time to practice and submit well before the deadline.

Orchestra Trip 2018-2019

We are actively putting together an itinerary for our trip next year in the March/April time frame.  We are looking to go on a cruise, so stay tuned! 🙂

 

Need Volunteers for AHSOA Board 2018-2019

Dear Orchestra Parents,

It’s time to establish our Alpharetta High School Orchestra Association (AHSOA) board for next year and we really need your help. We have 5 board members graduating and now have the following positions open:

  • Co-president
  • Publicity chair
  • Hospitality chair
  • Travel chair

Board meetings are once a month (at most), and you will find a lot of reward in supporting an awesome, talented group of students along with a dedicated director. Please consider serving in this wonderful organization in which we all belong. I can be reached at the number below for any clarification on what each position entails along with any additional questions and concerns. Thank you.

Eddice Nguyen
AHSOA co-president
678. 458. 5525

Potluck Dinner Reminder

Dear Parents and Students,

Don’t forget about our annual Orchestra Potluck Dinner this Wednesday, August 16 at 6:30 PM in the AHS Cafeteria!

For each orchestra student attending, we ask that at least one parent/guardian attend, if possible, but families are welcome! It will be a grand night of food, so bring your appetites!

The food assignments will be determined by the student’s primary instrument and are as follows:

  • Violin & Cello – Favorite Main Dish
  • Viola –  Salad/Vegetables/Fruits
  • String Bass & Harp –  Desserts

Items of Note:

  • Please include an ingredients side card beside the dish for those who have allergies. We have many students with food related allergies to things such as nuts, eggs, milk, etc…
  • Please bring a serving utensil for your dish!
  • Please bring your checkbook to pay for uniforms, student performance fees, etc.

We will take an informal RSVP from students in class so that we may get an approximate count of who will attend.  Looking forward to seeing you all there!

Alpharetta High School Orchestra