Category: News

Welcome to the 2017-2018 School Year!

Welcome to the AHS Orchestra! I am looking forward to an exciting year and am very excited to be starting my “sophomore year” as director.  I will send newsletters every few weeks. Here are a few important things to know for the beginning of the year…

“Bach to School” Orchestra Social

The first orchestra social of the year will be this Friday, August 11 from 6-9 in the AHS Orchestra room and auditorium. The AHSOA will provide pizza, drinks, and ice cream.  The AHS Orchestra Student Leadership team will provide activites and games so that students can better get to know each other.  Each new students will be assigned a big brother or sister (upperclassmen) to aid with the transition to the new building.  It will be a lot of fun.

Students were asked yesterday to RSVP, and we would live every student to do so by today, Wednesday, August 9 at NOON.

Please use this RSVP link.

AHS Orchestra Potluck Dinner and Informational Meeting

The annual Orchestra Potluck Dinner and Meeting will be Wednesday, August 16th at 6:30 PM in the AHS Cafeteria. This event is a fun, social gathering for students and parents that will help bring together our orchestra community. In addition, the dinner will serve as a membership meeting for the Alpharetta High School Orchestra Association. The AHSOA board members will present some important information for the upcoming year. Items of discussion will be the orchestra budget, fundraisers, supplies, uniforms, volunteering, and more. 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 – Appetizers or 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.

Student Participation Fees

The Orchestra Student Participation Fee (SPF) is $120 for the 2017-2018 school year. This payment is due at the Potluck Dinner on August 16th, 2017, so please bring checkbooks to the potluck.

The Alpharetta High School Orchestra Association (AHSOA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose main purpose is to provide services and financial support to the AHS Orchestra program.

The Student Participation Fee (SPF) is the primary source of funds for the AHSOA. Without the participation fee, our program could not be as robust as it is. Fulton County provides only $1,500 annually for our orchestra program –  about $10 per student, which is significantly less than the cost to provide the high quality program that AHS is known for. Sheet music alone will likely cost $3,000 this year!

The SPF for 2017/18 remains the same as the last two years, at $120 per student. Items covered by the SPF include:

  • sectional coaches and guest clinicians
  • sheet music
  • registration and transportation for LGPE and KSU Invitational
  • awards at our annual banquet
  • dinner at the Bach to School social
  • pre-concert dinners for the Winter and Spring Concerts
  • movie nights including snacks and drinks
  • student music books
  • student t-shirts
  • equipment repairs and maintenance
  • needed capital improvements, including technology items
  • instrument lockers

Expenses not covered by the SPF:

  • required uniforms (tuxedo for gentlemen and concert dress for ladies)
  • optional travel trips
  • audition, travel and participation fees for All State, GMEA Solo and Ensemble, Fulton County Honor Orchestra etc.
  • end-of-year banquet

Families experiencing difficulty in meeting orchestra financial obligations should contact Dr. Laux or one of the AHSOA Board. Cases will be treated with strict confidence.

Orchestra Calendar

The calendar for the year has been set and can be found on our website at http://www.alpharettaorchestra.org/calendar

Please be sure to subscribe to the calendar (Google) or simply mark all of the days on your own calendar.

Our first concert is Thursday, September 28, so save the date!

This is going to be a fantastic year and I look forward to making music with each of you. Please contact me any time if you have questions or concerns. Go Raiders!

Dr. Laux
[email protected]

Placement Audition Materials for 2017-2018

Students,

Please download the following documents for next year’s placement audition.  Each packet includes detailed directions and the required etude and scales.

The deadline for submission is Friday, March 31, 2017 at 11:59 PM.

Check out our YouTube Playlist with professionals playing the excerpts.

I would like to clarify that the audition is only a part of the determining factors for next year’s orchestra placement. What you do everyday makes the biggest impact. Daily behavior, attitude, work ethic, home practice, performance progress and potential are all considered. For incoming freshmen, your middle school teacher’s recommendation will be taken into consideration.

Finally, each orchestra must have an appropriate balance of the different instruments and open seats will be filled to maintain this balance. Current AHSO students who were accepted into All-State Orchestra are exempt from auditioning (incoming freshmen are not excluded and must audition).

If you choose not to audition, you will be placed into the AHS Philharmonia.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Dr. Laux

2017 All-State Results

Congratulations to the following 14 students for being accepted into the 2017 GMEA All-State Orchestras! We are excited that you will be representing AHS in such an exemplary way. We are also very proud of every student who put in the effort and courage to play audition.

The orchestra and conductor along with instrument and chair placement is below.

11/12 Full Orchestra- Steven Amundson, Conductor

  • Daniel Barket, Principal Bass
  • Alan Ko, Viola, 2
  • Sitara Mysore, 1st violin, 22

11/12 String Orchestra- Bill Bitter, Conductor

  • Alexis Forrest, 2nd Violin, 12

9/10 Full Orchestra- Allen Tinkham, Conductor

  • Adam Wang, Cello, 7
  • Olivia Barker, Harp
  • Richard Cho – Concert Master
  • Eileen Liu, 1st violin, 12
  • Vivia Lung, 2nd violin, 9
  • Michelle Cho, 2nd violin, 18
  • Sarang Pujari, 2nd violin, 19

9/10 String Orchestra- Dr. Christopher R. Selby, Conductor

  • Kaci Xie, Viola, 1
  • Jenny Heo, 1st violin, 6
  • Derek Wang, 2nd violin, 7

GO RAIDERS!!!

Happy New Year and Welcome Back!

Greetings and Happy New Year!

I hope you all have had a great break!  It was nice to relax and catch up with family and friends. I want to thank you all for your generous gifts — I was so moved by your thoughtful cards and notes.  I’m extremely grateful to be your director and an AHS Raider!

Please see the important items below…

All-State Auditions, Round Two

GMEA just announced this morning, because of the impending snow, accompanied by below freezing temperatures on Friday evening and Saturday morning, that All-State auditions have been POSTPONED until NEXT SATURDAY, January 14, 2017.  

All audition times will remain the same. Please note that there will be no make up auditions for students that can’t attend next Saturday because it would compromise the integrity of the auditions.

See the list of audition times! (pdf)

LGPE – Large Group Performance Evaluation

The next 6 weeks will be intense with LGPE, so I hope you are ready for the ride. We all need to buckle down and set aside some serious time for home practice.  I understand how busy you are, but we must prioritize. We will be discussing how to set realistic practice goals and strategies to maximize your time. You may not think that you matter, but the group is only as strong as its weakest link.  Everyone matters and contributes to the orchestra as whole!  You all have a big responsibility.

LGPE will be hosted at Chattahoochee High School this year.  Please double check and clear your calendars for the following dates.  

Tuesday, February 14: Philharmonia@ 1:30 PM; Chamber @ 3:30 PM

Thursday, February 16: Sinfonia @ 4:15 PM; Symphony @ 6:30 PM

 

Here’s to an amazing 2017, everyone!!

-Dr. Laux

Wow!

Dear AHSO  parents and students,

The title of this post says it all – Wow!! What an outstanding winter concert! I am so proud of each of the orchestras and the work of each of the students.  It is always incredible to me how well they focus, concentrate, and bring their “A” game.  The orchestras have made so much progress since the fall concert and this growth is what makes my job not really a “job” at all. I am so thankful to be at AHS!

Many special thank you to our INCREDIBLY TALENTED AHSOA board for their countless hours of work that helped make the concert night extra special. The students and I appreciate all that went into setting up a great dinner (for 250+ hungry students) and having the most amazing concert cafe. I am forever grateful for your dedication to the orchestra. Such a special evening would not happen without you, so on behalf of myself and all of the students – thank you!!

Also, thank you to the parent volunteers who helped serve dinner and made donations to the concert cafe.

Finally, to the students – what can I say?  I’ll just say this:  YOU ARE AWESOME!! 🙂

Photos & Videos

Parents if you have any videos or photos that you would like to share, you can share them with me via email, Google Drive, OneDrive or Dropbox.  My email is [email protected].

Congratulations

Congratulations to the AHS Symphony and the one and only Mr. Sheldon Fisher for receiving the GMEA Exemplary Performance Award.  Mr. Fisher graciously provided the plaque for permanent display in the orchestra room.

AHSO Newsletter, 12-02-16

Dear Orchestra Families,

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are looking forward to the upcoming Winter Break!  Our Winter Concert is coming up soon and I couldn’t be more excited.  I am sure you will be impressed with each of the orchestra’s performances.  Details are below…

Winter Concert

The Winter Concert is this Thursday, December 8 at 7:00 PM in the AHS Auditorium.  This performance will feature each of the AHS Orchestras as well as the combined orchestras from Webb Bridge and Hopewell MS.

Students should plan on arriving to school a little before 5:00 PM for dinner and camaraderie.

4:50-5:20 PM – Pizza dinner in AHS Cafeteria
5:30 PM – 8th grade combined rehearsal (AHS students change)
6:00 PM – AHS & 8th Grade Combined Rehearsal

Concert Cafe

Once again the AHS Orchestra Association (AHSOA) will be sponsoring the concert cafe and will be selling all sorts of goodies, with proceeds directly benefiting the AHS Orchestras!

We are asking for volunteers to assist, and are also looking for donations of food, drinks, and goods.  Please sign up here:

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f48aaad22a7f85-winter

Drake House Charity

In the spirit of the holiday season, the Alpharetta High School Orchestra has decided to collect donations for The Drake House during the winter concert. The Drake House is a charity that provides homes and aid to homeless women and children in North Fulton County, and they help about 40-50 families a year. Monetary donations will be accepted before and after the concert.

AHSO Newsletter, 11-11-2016

Note: Sorry this email comes to you a few days later than when it was posted online. I am integrating the AHS Orchestra Email List into a management system called Mailchimp. This system will allow you to update your email subscription preferences or unsubscribe easily.  In addition, when a news item is posted to the orchestra website, it will automatically be sent to your inbox.

Happy Veterans Day!  Thank you to all who have served our country.

Veteran’s Day Performance

Special thanks to our string quartet of Michelle C., Richard C., Alan K., and Andrew M. for performing tonight at the City of Alpharetta’s Veteran’s Day Ceremony. Your hard work will be appreciated by many.

Quote of the week

“Your performance tomorrow depends on your learning today” -Fred Shoemaker

Solo & Ensemble Performance Evaluation

Solo & Ensemble is tomorrow Saturday, November 11 at Inman Middle School.  The AHS student’s times are in the PDF below.

ahs-solo-and-ensemble-schedule-f2016

Students should arrive 20 minutes prior to their performance time and can leave when they are done.  Students should be “dressed up” as to represent AHS in a positive way.

Place: Samuel M. Inman Middle School.  For directions to the event, please use the address 774 Virginia Avenue NE; Atlanta; 30306. Google Map Link

Self-Assessment Listening Assignment #1

Students will complete an online listening assignment and self-assess. See the links below to your individual assignments.

Due Wednesday, November 16 at 11:59 PM.  Late submissions will have a reduced grade.

Full Orchestra

Symphony Members:  Full Orchestra rehearsal will begin on Monday, November 14. Please be prepared with both the Schubert and Anderson.

Fulton County Honor Orchestra

The following orchestra students auditioned into the Fulton County Schools Honor Orchestra.  They will perform their concert next Wednesday at Centennial High School at 7:00 PM under the guest direction of Dr. Nathaniel Parker from Kennesaw State University.

Congratulations to:

  • Jenny H., violin
  • Eileen L., violin
  • Nicole H., violin
  • Ida V., violin
  • Philip M., viola
  • Emma S., viola
  • Daniel B., double bass

We are proud of you and thankful you will be representing the AHS Orchestra!

Winter Concert

Our preparations for the Winter Concert are well underway!  The concert will be on Thursday, December 8 at 7:00 PM.

We will be joined by the 8th grade orchestra students from Webb Bridge and Hopewell Middle Schools and are excited to meet them and hear their performance.

Students should plan on staying after school on concert day and will need to bring their uniform with them in the morning. We will have a rehearsal with the middle school students and for our combined finale piece.  Students will be served a pizza dinner.  More details will follow.

All-State 9/10 Excerpts – CORRECTION

The piece titles and tempi were missing from round two all-state audition excerpts.  Please visit the GMEA website to download new PDF’s of the excerpts.

Fall Concert 2016 Photos

Special thanks to Mr. Prince for taking some incredible photos of our Fall Concert!  View them here!

Orchestra T-Shirts

The new orchestra t-shirts have been ordered and should be here soon!  Who is excited?  AHS Orchestra Spirit!!

 

Final photo fundraiser reminder

Dear students, parents, and friends, 
I just wanted to send a reminder about our Tanner photography fundraiser this weekend. If you have not signed up for a photo shoot, it’s not too late!  

For only $25 you get your own private sitting and an 11 x 14 portrait. All proceeds go to the AHSOA. 

Sign up here…

https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/4090f48aaad22a7f85-tanner

AHSO Newsletter, 9-20-2016

Charms

Dear Orchestra Parents: To ensure the most reliable communication link to each of you, we would like to have your most up-to-date contact information.  Dr. Laux and the AHSOA manage student and parent data in the secure Charms system.

If you have not done so this year, please log into Charms as soon as possible (directions here) and update your information. This way we know that you will receive all of the important orchestra news and information.

Playing Check this Friday, September 23

Philharmonia – A minor scale, one octave (violins, play upper octave)

Chamber – D minor scale, two octaves with eighth notes slurred (EE Book 3, #165)

Sinfonia – Violin/Bass:  3 octave A minor scale & arpeggio; Cello/Viola: 3 octave D minor scale & arpeggio

Symphony – Spot check on Elgar Serenade, 1st movement.  Specific measures to be announced in class on Thursday.  For now, practice ALL of it.

T-Shirt Design Contest

Please see this flyer to learn more about and enter the AHSO t-shirt design contest.  Entries are due no later than THURSDAY, September 22.

Concert Uniforms

Tuxedos will be delivered to the school in the next few days.

Dresses have been delivered and we will be distributing them to any remaining students tomorrow.

Some students may need to have their dressed hemmed, so please be proactive in getting this taken care of. Please read below about ALTERATION/HEMMING of your dress.

One option for alterations is:
Mrs. Chung of Master Cleaners, on the corner of State Bridge and Kimball Bridge Rds, has offered a 20% discount off of hemming (normal price-$18). When you go to be measured, bring your dress and the shoes you will wear for the concert. She says that you can choose to have the hem shortened by cutting, then finishing (permanent) or, a semi-permanent hem which can be altered to be made longer at a future date (in case of growth).

It would be best to take the dress in as soon as is possible, so dresses are ready for the concert. Any other alterations needed would be an additional charge, they will let you know.

Another option is:

A Z Tailor Alterations 
11765 Jones Bridge Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30005).
678-205-1910
Cost is $15-$16 for hemming
Please bring appropriate shoes. Turn around time is approximately 2 days.

Fall Concert

Our concert is just about a week away!  Please join us for a night of great music on Thursday, September 29 at 7:00 PM in the AHS Auditorium.

Students should arrive at 6:00 PM for tuning and warm-up.

The AHSO will be accepting donations for the “Concert Cafe.”  Please sign up to bring items or work a short shift.

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080a4caeae2ea64-concert

Family Portrait Fundraiser

The AHSOA is excited to be partnering with Tanner Photography this fall for the AHSOA Family Portrait Event! Please join us for a family portrait session with your family at Mill Creek Pond (30000 Mill Creek Ave. Alpharetta, GA 30005)

  • Saturday, October 15th from 9:30am-12:30pm
  • Sunday, October 16th from 10:00am – 2:00pm

You will receive a sitting time and one 11 x 14 portrait of your family for only $25! ($120 Value Courtesy of Tanner Photography). Time slots/orders are pre-paid online and all proceeds go to the Alpharetta High School Orchestra Association.

Bring your whole family! Bring your pets! Great for Holiday cards! Please also feel free to share with your friends, family and neighbors so they can support us and take advantage of this phenomenal offer!

Time slots are filling up fast, so please reserve your spot now!

Not sure about family portraits?  Watch this public service announcement created by the AHS Orchestra leadership team! 🙂

OneDrive Orchestra Shared Resources

Dr. Laux has shared a folder for all orchestra students on OneDrive that allows students to access a plethora of resource materials.  Included in the folder are:

  • Full conductors scores (to check bowings, markings, etc.)
  • Rehearsal recordings
  • Reference recordings
  • Handouts

Students are expected to access these materials to listen to recordings, view the scores, and more.

To access the Orchestra Shared Resources folder on OneDrive, simply follow these directions.

  1. Log onto http://portal.office.com  (bookmark this site)
    • Enter your school email address (formatted as [email protected])
    • Enter your password
    • Click on OneDrive
    • On the left hand side, click on “Shared with Me”
    • You will see a folder named: “Orchestra Shared Resources“
    • The main folder contains resources for all orchestra students and there are folders for specific items for each of the orchestra classes.
Alpharetta High School Orchestra