Wow, the weeks have been flying by. All of the students agreed that the first week seemed like forever, but as we get into the swing of our schedule and routines, it has begun to go much faster. Here is this week’s orchestra news!
Orchestra Homework (Practice)
If your child tells you that they don’t have any orchestra homework, please remind them about “NRB” – Notes, Rhythms, and Bowings. Every student is responsible for learning their notes, rhythms, and bowings at home. This way in class we can work on ensemble-specific musical elements like dynamics, balance, blend, phrasing, and more.
Our first Practice Vlog assignment (minor grade) will be coming this week. This requires students to set musical goals within a piece or exercise, explain them, then provide a 5 minutes practice SAMPLE video on FlipGrid. I say sample because obviously, students should be practicing more than just 5 minutes. The video should be actual practice, not a performance or run-through of the music. When students are practicing properly, it really shouldn’t sound polished. Students should isolate problem areas, slow down the tempo, use a metronome, have a tuner handy, and employ practice strategies that we discuss in class.
Orchestra T-Shirt Design
Students and Parents — please help us design this year’s orchestra t-shirt! Each year the orchestra prints t-shirts for every student to help boost orchestra spirit. (This is paid via student participation fees). It’s always great to have a student design the shirt, so please submit your designs to Dr. Laux!
We generally use a graphic on the front upper left chest and a full back design. You should include the school year of 2021-2022. Click here for more information.
Program Book Fundraiser
Our program book fundraiser began this week! If you haven’t seen our program book, please ask your child to show you the book sample (2019-2020) they received this week along with the order form. As I mentioned last week the program book is a professionally printed booklet that highlights our orchestra program and doubles as a memorable keepsake for the year. Program Book also serves as an important fundraising source for the AHS Orchestra through the sale of advertisements.
You can view a digital copy of the program book here.
Do you have a business that you would like to promote? Do you frequent a local business that would benefit from advertising to our audiences? Our program book is for you!
Former advertisers include:
- Lawyers
- Doctors’ offices
- Music teachers (think about your private teachers!)
- Youth Orchestras
- Insurance Agents
- Beauty Salons
- Dry Cleaners
- Landscapers
- Restaurants
- more…
You can sell to family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, your boss, relatives, or simply approach business owners when you frequent their establishment.
Parents of Seniors: Would you like to feature your special string player in the program book? Then consider purchasing a personal ad!
Our advertisement order form is available in hard copy or online. All orders are due by Friday, September 10. We are asking each student/parent to sell a minimum of one business card-sized ad.
Special thanks to Beau Vinci Violins for supporting us by purchasing the premium back cover of the program book. 🙂
Student Participation Fee (SPF)
As I mentioned in my last newsletter, the SPF is important in helping continue the AHS Orchestra experience. This year the SPF is $120 per student. The fee can be paid on our website (along with uniform, all-state, etc.) at https://www.alpharettaorchestra.org/paypal
If you would rather pay via check, you may send in your payment with your child and have them put it in the orchestra drop box next to Dr. Laux’s office door. Checks should be made payable to AHSOA. We would like SPF paid by September 10 if at all possible.
Should you have questions or concerns about SPF, please do not hesitate to contact me. I’m happy to help.
Uniforms
All girls should have been fitted for an orchestra dress this week unless they have one that already fits. Boys will be fitted this week during class by our vendor, Tuxedo Warehouse. Boys who already have a tuxedo will need a new BLACK tuxedo shirt and will be measured for one during class. I’m still waiting on the price of the shirt and will have that available as an option on the website payment page soon.
Please pay for your uniform on our website at https://www.alpharettaorchestra.org/paypal. Should you wish to write a check, again, all checks should be made payable to AHSOA and brought to school to be put in the dropbox next to my office door.
Students using School-Owned Instruments
Please don’t forget to complete the Instrument Use Agreement and pay the School Instrument Rental Fee payment on OSP.
Virtual Curriculum Night
Mark your calendars for the AHS Virtual Curriculum Night on Thursday, September 9. I will have a video prepared that discusses our curriculum, day-to-day class, and our activities.
Washington D.C. Trip
We will soon be having another informational parent meeting about our orchestra trip to Washington D.C. from March 11-14, 2022. It’s not too late to get in on this amazing experience! Details to follow…
Upcoming Dates
- September 9 – Virutal Curriculum Night
- October 5 – Fall Concert, 6:30 PM
- October 29 – KSU Orchestra Invitational (Philharmonia, Sinfonia, Symphony, Chamber Only)
- December 9 – Winter Concert, 7 PM