Fantastic Fall Concert
STUDENTS: Wonderful first concert, orchestras! I have been so pleased with your progress and was exceptionally proud of your performance last Thursday, particularly because it was so early in the school year.
We will continue to work on our technique and will begin sight-reading new music that will be performed on our Winter Concert, scheduled for Thursday, December 8. This concert will feature all of the orchestras and special guest performers from Webb Bridge Middle School.
PARENTS: If you have any photos from the concert you would like to share, please send them to me or post online so that I may download them and include them in our orchestra memory book.
Also, thank your for your continued support. I know the beginning of the school year is hectic and expenses can add up, especially when you consider uniform payments, student performance fees, and instrument rental/maintenance.
I would also like to publicly thank our AHSO Booster board! They have been extremely welcoming to me. In addition, their organization and attention to detail in planning and executing events is unparalleled! The students and I are very appreciative of all of your work!
Orchestra Method Book
Today each student received a new orchestra technique book. This book should be kept at home for practice and we will use our class set of books in class. Philharmonia and Chamber Orchestras should continue to bring their Essential Elements books to class.
Replacing Strings
Students: Are the strings on your instrument over a year old? If so, they probably need to be replaced.
Dr. Laux recommends the following strings:
- Violin: D’Addario Kaplan Amo or D’Addario Zyex
- Viola: D’Addario Helicore or D’Addario Zyex
- Cello: D’Addario Helicore
- Double Bass: D’Addario Helicore
Other brands/models may be used. Strings can sound quite different on different instruments.
Family Portrait Fundraiser
Hurry — time is running out to sign up for your family portraits! Reserve your spot now!
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!
Please reserve your spot now!
Not sure about family portraits? Watch this public service announcement created by the AHS Orchestra leadership team!
Fulton County HS Honors Orchestra
The Fulton County HS Honors Orchestra is an event for the top students in Fulton County. There are auditions on November 7 at Centennial HS and the event takes place on November 15-16. This year’s guest conductor will be Dr. Nathaniel Parker, the orchestra director at Kennesaw State University. For more information, including audition excerpts and requirements, please click here. It would be great to have AHS well represented!
All-State Auditions
The day is coming quickly!! All-State Auditions are next Saturday, October 15 at Autrey Mill Middle School. Individual student audition times are posted on the orchestra room door. Students should arrive at least 15 minutes prior to their scheduled audition time.
Charms
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.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns. LAUXC [at] FULTONSCHOOLS [dot] ORG