Welcome to the 2020-2021 school year! I am very excited to begin our learning this year. While I understand this year will start out differently than most of us were hoping, I am going to do my best to make it as enjoyable and worthwhile as possible.
If you didn’t get a chance to see my welcome video on Information Day, please visit watch it below or go here.
In addition, our orchestra student leadership team created a video to introduce themselves. Please watch and get to know our amazing student leaders!
In your Outlook calendars, you should see invitations to our daily synchronous (live) teaching sessions. Please be sure to download the AHS bell schedule for URL and keep it handy next to your computer.
If you haven’t done so, be sure to download the Office 365 suite (Word, Powerpoint, Excel, Outlook, Teams, OneNote) to all of your devices (computer, tablet, and phone) and log in with your FCS student credentials. As you probably know, FCS will be utilizing Microsoft Teams for our learning in all classes. While I am sad that Google Classroom will not be allowed, I am gaining faith in that Teams will work well also.
Our goal at the beginning of the year will be to BUILD COMMUNITY. I know living in these times of uncertainty may be somewhat depressing and stressful. This is completely normal and expected — we all have experienced this! But I want you to know that your orchestra family is here for you!
While we can’t play together, we can work on building our team, honing our individual technical skills, and diving deep into learning about orchestra and music in a variety of ways. This way, when we do get the opportunity to come back face to face, we will be stronger than ever and will be able to have lots of fun playing in large groups and making awesome music. I can’t wait!
I’m asking you all to be patient and empathetic during the times of Universal Remote Learning (URL). There may be some things you don’t like about orchestra class or some of our assignments. Please understand that I will be doing all I can. If something goes well, we will continue to do it. If something isn’t well-received, we won’t. There will be some trial and error because this is the first time we are doing this for real. Do know that we will get through this and we will do it unified TOGETHER!
If you are new, you will learn that I am not only an orchestra teacher, but I am one who cares deeply about my students and their well being. I care about you as students and also as people. I love my orchestra family! ❤️
Our first meeting will be tomorrow morning and it will be great to see you all. Check your Outlook calendar for the invitation or log into Teams, go to your class, and then select the “class meetings” channel. You will see the link to the live meeting.
For our live meetings, please note the following expectations:
Cameras must be turned ON (I know it can be weird, but don’t be shy!)
Backgrounds should be blurred, if possible
Microphones must be MUTED unless called on to speak
Find a good place for your computer or device where you will be able to work efficiently and uninterrupted
Use the “raise hand” button to ask a question
Use the chatbox to answer questions, not for conversations between classmates (unless that is the directive)
Our first assignment will be the Orchestra Beginning of the Year (OBOY!) assignment. There will be some simple administrative tasks for you to complete. It won’t be difficult. Stay tuned for that post here on the website and links on Teams.
I’m looking forward to our meeting tomorrow and to our journey this year. Stay strong, be resilient, and be flexible. We can do this and we will have a great time!!
Welcome to Week 2 of Teleschool. I hope you are all safe and doing well through these uncertain times. I’m looking forward to watching everyone’s practice videos they made last week.
This week we will engage in a few small, but fun assignments. My goal is to make the assignments motivational and enjoyable and not punitive. I understand everyone is stressed and going through a lot of emotions. Music should be something that we LOVE to do.
ZOOM MEETING:
We will meet online today at 10:15 AM. I am happy to schedule more meetings and plan to meet with individual classes and sections to go over music, etc. I would love your feedback on this!
[Link removed from website, please check 8:00 AM email]
WEEK 2 ASSIGNMENTS:
This week our assignment will have three parts. Each part is meant to cover an aspect of our curriculum (Aesthetics, Music Theory, Music performance).
PART 1 – Listen and Reflect on YouTube
PART 2 – Complete a rhythm counting sheet using DuckSoup
PART 3 – Record a video on FlipGrid
As usual, details and directions for the assignments are available in Google Classroom. Together the assignments should not take more than the required 120 minutes of elective instruction.
New this week: Students will need to complete an online attendance form by 3:30 PM today in order to receive credit for participating. The link will be posted on Google Classroom. (This ensures students are logging in to the platform).
On a personal note, I really miss seeing the students and interacting with them at school. While online teaching has some strong points, nothing compares to face-to-face teaching and learning! I look forward to the day when we can be together again. In the meantime, it is important that we all need to stay positive and so that we can make the best of a difficult situation.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns!
LGPE was a huge success! This year we served as the host location and it was a lot of work managing all 48 orchestras and 2150+ students. Special thanks to our managers, Nathaly and Ashley, along with the rest of our student leaders and volunteers for taking such good care of the directors and other orchestras. I received so much positive feedback from our judges and visiting directors on how amazing our students were. We could not have done it without you!
I am proud to announce that all five of the AHS Orchestras received straight superior ratings on stage and in sight-reading. This is the first time that our orchestras have made this accomplishment! I couldn’t be more proud of each of the orchestras and all they have done this year. The improvement from concert to concert has been truly remarkable. Keep it up, everyone!
Special thanks to our AHSOA board for providing after-LGPE treats last Friday. The bundt cakes were delicious!
Auditions
Audition materials for 2020-2021 have been posted to the website. Students interested in Philharmonia, Sinfonia, Symphony or Chamber should audition. Please read the packet carefully for the directions to record, upload, and submit. The deadline is Friday, April 3 at 11:59 PM.
All students are required to participate in at least one small group ensemble and prepare one solo. In May, students will perform their ensembles during an in-class recital. Solos will be submitted via Google Classroom or performed in class if the student so chooses.
This unit is very important as it helps students become more independent musicians and allows for valuable collaboration.
Instrument/Bow Upgrade?
Are you still renting the same instrument you had in middle school? Or are you ready to upgrade your instrument and/or bow? Emily Dixon of Beau Vinci violins came to visit us last week with an informative presentation about instruments, bows, and how to best select them. As our students become better musicians, it is important that their equipment grows with them. I often see the case of a student “outplaying” their equipment. The bow is often overlooked as equipment to upgrade but plays a critical role in one’s overall sound and control.
Maintenance is also important – strings should be changed and bow hair replaced at least once per year.
Orchestra Awards Banquet
More details about our awards banquet will be coming soon, but please save the date of Friday, May 8. We will be at a new venue this year and the price will be $25 which is $10/per person less than last year. I think you will really like the new setting!
Senior Showcase
The Senior Showcase is a concert put on by the 2020 senior class. They will perform solos and ensembles as their culminating performance of their high school career. Please plan on attending on Tuesday, May 12 at 7:00 PM in the Auditorium. Attendance for all non-senior orchestra members is required at this event.
Upcoming Events
Friday, April 3 – All placement audition videos are due by 11:59 PM
Wednesday, April 29 – Spring Concert, 7:00 PM, AHS Auditorium
Friday, May 8 – Awards Banquet, Crooked Creek County Club, Time TBA
Tuesday, May 12 – Senior Showcase, 7:00 PM, AHS Auditorium
May 13-15 – Small Ensemble Performances during Class
We are working hard to prepare our LGPE performance selections for our upcoming performances. As you may have heard, we’ve had a little drama with LGPE because a few weeks back the dimmer rack that controls all of the auditorium lights went out. A board that controls all of the lights was fried, most likely by a power surge. The motherboard on the fried electrical panel was running on a floppy disk… running Windows 98.. and because of the age, the manufacturer no longer makes those parts. It was unknown if the parts were available and if it could be fixed or replaced in a timely manner. We came up with a plan B to move LGPE to another location. After securing the location and reworking the performance schedule, we were informed that the lights were able to be fixed. We have a VERY talented repairman working for FCS who was able to secure a working motherboard, and find an [old!] computer that could run and install the software and reprogram everything. I’m happy to announce, as of yesterday, that the repair is complete and the lights are once again working properly! The show must go on!! 🙂
Orchestra Guests
Students have had the opportunity to have a few guests visit our classes this semester:
On Tuesday, January 14, we welcomed Elizabeth Fayette, violinist with the Vega Quartet, in residence at Emory University. She performed some Bach and gave a presentation on strings. She discussed how they were manufactured, the different types, and lots of other great information.
On Wednesday, January 15, we welcomed Tyler Hartley, local professional harpist, and harp teacher. She talked about the harp, its history, and various performance practices. She also performed and let students try it out. If your child is interested in possibly pursuing the harp, please let Dr. Laux know.
Yesterday, we had Dr. Emily Wetzel run violin sectionals to help provide some extra detailed work for the second violin sections. We will continue to bring in more guests as time and funding permits.
Donations needed!
The orchestra room is in need of paper towels and facial tissues. We always have things to clean and spills to clean up. Also, with cold season coming around, the tissues are disappearing quickly. If you are able to donate some, it would be greatly appreciated!!
Pre-LGPE Concert
Our Pre-LGPE concert is next Thursday, February 6 at 6:30 PM in the auditorium. I have decided to move up the start time of this concert so that students will be able to go home earlier.
This concert is an opportunity for each of the orchestras to perform their LGPE music in front of an audience.
Parents – please keep in mind that this performance is not a final product, but a formative activity that will help us find problem areas within our music and confirm some of the aspects of our performance that we are doing well.
The concert will be recorded and recordings will be shared with other directors for their constructive feedback. In addition, the students will listen to their recordings and take notes so they can improve before our actual LGPE performances on February 19 and 20.
LGPE (Large Group Performance Evaluation)
Our LGPE performance will take place on either Wednesday or Thursday, February 19 or February 20. These performances are open to the public, so if you are available, we would LOVE to have you as audience members.
Wednesday, Feb 19 at 9:00 AM – Concert Orchestra
Thursday, Feb 20 at 9:00 AM – Philharmonia
Thursday, Feb. 20 at 2:15 PM – Sinfonia
Thursday, Feb 20 at 4:30 PM – Chamber Orchestra
Thursday, Feb 20 at 7:15 PM – Symphony Orchestra (Full)
The times listed are the actual performance times, however there is a 30-minute warm-up prior to performance and a 30-minute session after the performance for our sight-reading and clinic.
Music Mentors
In order to build a better sense of family, the orchestra has developed a music mentors program. This is where upperclassmen or more advanced students can help mentor/tutor younger or less advanced students. It’s a great way for students to work together and build community all while improving musicianship and leadership skills. Students should sign up to be a mentor or mentee at:
So far this semester, students should have completed three Practice Vlogs (one per week). These are formative assignments that help students practice using strategies and a plan. Along with the document, students are to submit a 5-minute practice sample that is to be done Vlog style (talking to the camera to explain what they are doing)
The first summative playing test of the semester was assigned yesterday and is due on Sunday, Feb 2. This is a recorded playing test that will be graded with the performance rubric.
Students will also receive grades for monthly participation and citizenship, and the Pre-LGPE concert, concert self-assessment, and LGPE performances.
Spirit Day
We received our cool AHSO t-shirts and hoodies and had spirit day on Friday, January 17! More spirit days to come!
Upcoming Events
Thursday, February 6 – Pre-LGPE Concert, 6:30 PM
February 19-21 – LGPE at AHS
Wednesday, April 29 – Spring Concert, 7:00 PM
Friday, May 8 – Orchestra Banquet (ticket info coming soon!)
Tuesday, May 12 – Senior Showcase
Please let Dr. Laux know if you have any questions or concerns.
Welcome back, everyone! I hope your break was relaxing and that you had a chance to reflect and recharge!
It is a busy, but exciting time of the year. We have quite a few events coming up this semester so please mark your calendars…
Thursday, February 6 – Pre-LGPE Concertat AHS
February 19-21 – LGPE at AHS (AHS schedule is below)
Wednesday, April 29 – Spring Concert
Friday, May 8 – Orchestra Banquet (details coming soon!)
Tuesday, May 12 – Senior Showcase
Thursday, May 21 – Graduation Orchestra (exact time TBA)
New Assignment Structure
To help every student be more productive and responsible orchestra members, I have made a few changes to our assignments and grades for the second semester.
Weekly Practice Vlog (Formative)
Home Practice Organizer (goals, etc.)
Five-minute VLOG-style video uploaded. Talk through what you are doing for the camera.
Prepared with materials (instrument, music, pencil)
Free of distractions (talking, phones, etc.)
Performance Assessments (Summative)
Major Playing Tests (usually every 3-4 weeks)
Concerts
Small Ensemble Performances
Solo Performances
All-State Results
Congratulations to all of the students who participated in the GMEA All-State Auditions on January 11. Preparation for this audition is a lot of work and I appreciate all of the efforts that were put in.
The following students have been accepted into the 2020 GMEA All-State Orchestra. Many congratulations!
Samuel Lin, Bass, 9th-10th Full Orchestra
JD Yoo, Cello, 9th-10th String Orchestra
Kaci Xie, Viola, 11th-12th Full Orchestra
Joseph Yoo, Viola, 11th-12th Full Orchestra
Austin Huang, Viola, 9th-10th String Orchestra
Eileen Liu, Violin 1, 11th-12th String Orchestra
Erin Cho, Violin 1 , 11th-12th Full Orchestra
Sarang Pujari, Violin 1 , 11th-12th Full Orchestra
Eric Sun, Violin 2, 9th-10th Full Orchestra
Jenny Heo, Violin 2, 11th-12th Full Orchestra
Seoyeon Park, Violin 2, 11th-12th Full Orchestra
William Zhang, Violin 2, 9th-10th String Orchestra
Vivia Lung, Violin 2, 11th-12th String Orchestra
LGPE Schedule
Our Large Group Performance Evaluation will be held at AHS this year. Our times are as follows…
Wednesday, Feb 19 at 9:00 AM – Concert Orchestra
Thursday, Feb 20 at 9:00 AM – Philharmonia
Thursday, Feb. 20 at 2:15 PM – Sinfonia
Thursday, Feb 20 at 4:30 PM – Chamber Orchestra
Thursday, Feb 20 at 7:15 PM – Symphony Orchestra (Full)
Congratulations to our orchestras on a spectacular Winter Concert this week! I am so proud of each of the groups and am excited to see their continued progress!
Special thanks to our amazing AHSOA parents who organized the concert cafe and our very delicious pre-concert dinner. You all make the occasion extra special!!
If you have photos of the orchestra, please share them with me via Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.
Semester 1 Exam
This week is exam week and everyone will take a 100 question multiple-choice test. A hard copy of the study guide was released last Wednesday and it was also put on Google Classroom along with a Quilt that will help students study. We will complete a final exam review on Monday in class where students can ask questions.
Semester Exam Schedule (half days)
Wednesday, December 18 – Period 1 & 2
Thursday, December 19 – Period 3 & 4
Friday, December 20 – Period 5 (&6)
The additional IB exam, for IB music students, will be about 30 questions covering music history, music theory, etc.
Orchestra T-Shirts
Every orchestra student will receive the 2019-2020 Orchestra T-shirt with an instrument-personalized design. 🙂
Orchestra Hoodies
We are currently taking orchestra hoodie orders for $25 each. The absolute final time to submit your order and payment (checks to AHSOA) is this Monday morning BEFORE school. Please come see Dr. Laux! Again, if you haven’t already submitted your payment and would like a hoodie, you must come in before school with your payment, as the order will be placed first thing on Monday.
Students will need to select their size (S-XXL) and their design (Treble Clef, Alto Clef, or Bass Clef).
Holiday Gift Exchange
Our orchestra holiday gift exchange is this Tuesday, December 17! Don’t forget to go out this weekend to buy for your secret person! Remember, gifts should be a maximum of $10. I am looking forward to seeing everyone exchange gifts and spread some holiday cheer!
Orlando Trip Update
It is with great sadness that I must announce that we have been forced to cancel our trip to Orlando this year. Our response was far less than anticipated and we did not make our minimum required ticket count. If you paid a deposit, you will receive a refund check from AHSOA. Again, I am very sorry to have to announce this and we will come up with an alternative plan for this year and will continue to seek out travel plans for the future. Thank you for your understanding.
All-State Auditions, Final Round
Don’t forget that All-State Auditions will be held on January 11, 2019! Times have been posted in the orchestra room. Also, please remember that we are at a new location this year!
Martha Ellen Stilwell School of the Arts 2580 Mt Zion Pkwy, Jonesboro, GA 30236
LGPE – Save the dates!!
Our Large Group Performance Evaluation (LGPE) will be held February 19-21 at AHS. Since we are hosting we will be able to perform on our own stage and do not have to travel. We will also need student assistance with stage set up, serving as group guides, audio recording, and more. Our AHSOA board will be figuring out concessions so that we can also raise some much-needed funds. More details to follow, but please save the dates!
Clinicians & Demos
In January we will host Ms. Tyler Hartley, a professional harpist, who will give a harp demonstration in class and will see if any of our players may be interested in learning the harp! Second, we will have clinics during 2nd, 3rd, and 4th period by Elizabeth Fayette, violinist with the Vega Quartet, the Quartet-in-Residence at Emory University. This clinic is sponsored by D’Addario Strings. Last, we will be hiring sectional coaches to work with each of the orchestra sections before LGPE.
It is hard to believe that December is upon us and the semester will soon be drawing to a close. I hope that you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving and some time to relax and recharge. I was able to spend some time with my family and also be productive around the house and with work. I started my own podcast as a way to share the love of string teaching profession with other teachers. (There is more information at the bottom of this newsletter if you are interested.)
It is hard to believe that we only have three weeks of school before winter break! It is a busy and exciting time!
Seasons of Celebration Performance
A small group of AHSO performers will be playing at the Alpharetta Seasons of Celebration this Friday, December 6 at 7:15 PM in Downtown Alpharetta in the square. Come support them and the other Alpharetta Community Music Groups.
Winter Concert
Our Winter Concert is right around the corner! We will be performing for you next Tuesday, December 10 starting at 7:00 PM. The students have been working diligently to prepare for this concert and I think you will really enjoy each of the orchestras!
If students plan to eat dinner, they must RSVP by this Friday, December 6.
Our incredible pre-concert dinner menu, made possible by the incredible hospitality team of Ms. Yoo and Ms. Day…
Dinner will be served at approximately 5:30 PM. If students are not eating, the report time is 6:15 PM. Symphony Winds report time is 7:45 PM
WinterConcert Program Order
Concert Orchestra
Philharmonia
Chamber
Sinfonia
Symphony (4th Period Only)
Symphony Strings (Combined 4th and 5th period)
Symphony Full Orchestra
Finale (Combined 3rd, 4th 5th Period Full Orchestra)
Concert Grading
Students are expected to be in full uniform for the concert. Also, every student is required to stay for the entire concert and must sign out at the end after all of the equipment has been cleaned up to receive their full grade. When everyone helps, it doesn’t take more than 10 minutes to tear down.
Concert Cafe
Once again our amazing orchestra boosters will be putting on a Concert Cafe with all kinds of food and drink available for purchase before, during and after the concert.
Please use the link below to help volunteer and to donate items for Concert Cafe:
On December 11, the day after the concert, we will listen to the audio recordings and complete a self-evaluation. Each orchestra will be retaining one piece and playing it for our LGPE performance in February.
Grade Makeup/Recovery Deadline
The final day to make up any missing assignments for the first semester is this Friday, December 6th. After this day any assignments that are incomplete will result in a zero grade. This deadline is school-wide. Please contact Dr. Laux if you have questions or concerns.
Giving to the Orchestra
If you are looking for a charitable organization to donate to before the end of the year, look no further than our orchestra program! As you know, the Alpharetta High School Orchestra Association is a non-profit 501c3 organization and all donations are fully tax-deductible. You may donate by check or even with a credit card on our website (http://www.alpharettaorchestra.org/paypal). We greatly appreciate your generosity!
Semester 1 Final Exam
The final exam schedule will be as follows:
December 18 – Concert and Philharmonia
December 19 – Sinfonia and Symphony
December 20 – Chamber
The exam is a 100 question multiple-choice test that contains a variety of critical information that every orchestra student should know. There will be questions about key signatures, intervals, musical terminology about tempo, dynamics, etc. and other technical information. A study guide will be provided beginning December 11.
Holiday Gifts for Your Special String Player
Parents, are you having trouble finding good gifts for your child? Consider something orchestra related! Some ideas include new rosin, a new set of strings, a new bow, new sheet music, or even an instrument upgrade.
Your local string specialty store may have some items and you can also shop online. If shopping online for bows and instruments, I highly recommend using a string specialty store. General items like rosin, shoulder rests, and strings may be purchased from online retailers.
Holiday Gift Exchange
Yesterday students drew names for our annual secret holiday gift exchange. This is a fun way for us to get into the holiday spirit and our sense of Orchestra community. Our gift exchange will take place on Tuesday, December 17 during class. Students are not to spend more than $10 on the gift.
Dr. Laux’s “The Orchestra Teacher” Podcast
If you are interested in listening to my new podcast is available here:
I will be interviewing an orchestra teacher every few weeks to learn more about who they are, what they do, and to discuss various topics within the string teaching profession.
FCS All-County Orchestra Auditions are after school today starting at 4:00 at Centennial HS. It’s first-come, first-served and times are not scheduled. Good luck to those who are auditioning!
KSU Orchestra Invitational
Our KSU performances are tomorrow and we are very excited. A few reminders.
Uniforms – students must be in uniform when they arrive at school
Itinerary – busses are leaving AHS at 9:00 and we will arrive back around 6:30 PM. Students will call parents when we are leaving KSU. Full Intinerary
This performance is for a major concert grade!
Students should be respectful when listening to other orchestras. Phones should be away and silent during performances.
The performances are free and open to the public! Please come support us!
Any special transportation needs (arriving late/leaving early) should be arranged with Dr. Laux immediately, via email.
Orlando Trip Deposits
Please remember that the $125 non-refundable deposit to secure your spot for our upcoming trip to Orlando is due by next Friday, November 15. Checks should be made payable to AHSOA and put in the black dropbox.
Movie Night
Our fall movie night will be next Friday, November 15 at 6:30 PM in the orchestra room. Details coming soon!
Winter Concert
Our annual winter concert is Tuesday, December 10 at 7:00 PM in the AHS Auditorium. Please save the date.
You can download them and begin working. Save the date for Saturday, January 11 at Martha Ellen Stilwell School of the Arts, 2580 Mt Zion Pkwy, Jonesboro, GA 30236.
GHP Auditionees
Congrats to Erin C., William Z., Joseph Y., and Henry H. for auditioning for the Governor’s Honor Program on Monday evening. Thank you for representing our school!
Happy Halloween! I hope you having a great fall and will have an enjoyable Halloween evening. We have a lot going on, so here is our most recent newsletter
Farmer’s Market a Success!
Our first attempt at having a booth at the Alpharetta Farmer’s Market last Saturday was a huge success!! I would like to send a GIANT “thank you” for our board member’s hard work, especially Ms. Nguyen, Ms. Yoo, Ms. Day, Ms. Chhabra, and Ms. Baker for a getting there super early and setting up in the dark. Ms. Day made hundreds of mini pecan pies that were SOLD OUT, served coffee and hot chocolate and put together flower bouquets. Mr. Day saved the day with the fire extinguisher that we didn’t know we needed until the fire marshal made his rounds. 😬 Ms. Yoo decorated the booth beautifully and had hundreds of balloons strung together. Everyone commented on how our set up was so beautiful. Ms. Yin pan-fried hundreds of dumplings and passed out tons of samples. Ms. Baker and Ms. Chhabra worked the booth and encouraged people to buy/ donate etc. Needless to say, we have an amazing team of parents who work hard to give our students the best! All profits will directly benefit those attending the trip to Orlando in March.
Special thanks to leadership members Nathaly, Ashley, Joseph, Ava, and Devyn for waking up extra early to help with set up! Lindsay made the flyer for the event that was posted on several social media outlets and many of you supplied ice, ice chests, canopy, and chairs. Kudos to everyone who performed! You represented AHS very well, and all of your efforts are recognized and appreciated. We know several of you came in as early as 7:00 am to practice with your group and put in many hours over the past 2 weeks to be ready for the performance. All of you helped lower the cost for everyone who will be going on the trip to Florida. Thank you! If you signed up to perform but didn’t get a chance to due to rain, there will another time for you to perform — we have been invited back for the Holiday Market on December 7th. Please save the date!
KSU Orchestra Invitational
Our performances at the Kennesaw State University Orchestra Invitational is next Friday, November 8, 2019. Philharmonia, Sinfonia, Symphony, and Chamber Orchestras have been working very hard preparing programs to perform for this event. Our itinerary is below:
9:00 AM – Leave AHS for Kennesaw State University
10:15 AM – Philharmonia warm-up
11:00 AM – Philharmonia performance
11:45 AM – Sinfonia warm-up
12:30 PM – Sinfonia performance
1:15 PM – Lunch at KSU dining facility, The Commons & Campus Tour
2:15 PM – Watch KSU Symphony Performance
3:30 PM – Symphony warm-up
4:15 PM – Symphony performance
5:15 PM – Leave KSU to AHS
6:30 PM – Arrive back at AHS
Students were issued a permission form and that form is now two weeks overdue. If you have not turned it in, please do so immediately.
The cost of lunch at KSU is $10. Included is a Las Vegas-style buffet with offerings for every appetite and dietary restriction. Students should pay the lunch fee via cash or check made payable to AHSOA and put in the Orchestra dropbox or it can be paid online at http://www.alpharettaorchestra.org/paypal. This payment is overdue, so please remit your payment immediately.
Chaperones Needed for KSU
We need 10 parents to help chaperone next Friday. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the day with our orchestra students, meet other orchestra parents, and listen to local area orchestras perform.
Please use the following link to sign up as a chaperone:
We appreciate the extra help to make this KSU Invitational experience fun and memorable for our musicians! If you have never been to the Bailey Performance Center at KSU, we highly recommend that you attend. You will be amazed with their state of the art performance hall. It is definitely worth the trip to experience the students performing at such a venue. This opportunity is made possible through your Student Participation Fee (SPF) contributions. Thank you for supporting our program!
Phone Holders for Recording Playing Test
Because we record a large number of videos for class, students may wish to invest in a device that holds their phone safely and allows for best positioning for playing tests. Amazon has a huge selection of clamp-style holders, goosenecks, etc. Please read the reviews.
Google Classroom/Grades
Our conversion to Google Classroom has been a huge time saver! Students easily understood how to submit assignments and I have seen a larger number of playing tests turned in on time – congratulations! It is also easier for me to track student work and those who have/have not turned in assignments. I will be updating the grade book in Infinite Campus this weekend.
Student Emails
Students should have an email client for school email, like Microsoft Outlook, installed and set up on their device(s) so they can stay in touch with all that is happening on in their classes. This is helpful for students to receive assignment reminders, notifications when new assignments are posted, and confirm that their assignments have been turned in. In addition, when using the Google Classroom app, a pop-up notification reminder is displayed.
FCS Honor Orchestra Auditions
Auditions are coming up quickly. Those students who have signed up and paid for an audition will do so next Thursday, November 7 at Centennial High School. Audition times are first-come, first-served and students can arrive beginning at 4:00 PM.
Orlando Trip Deposits due November 15
Please do not forget that the first non-refundable deposit of $125 is due by November 15 to lock in your spot for the Orlando trip! Our trip is scheduled for March 12-15. Our students will NOT miss any school days for this trip!
Upcoming Events
Thursday, November 7 – FCS Honor Orchestra Auditions
Friday, November 8 – KSU Orchestra Invitational
Friday, November 15 – Harry Potter Movie Night, 6:30 PM, Orchestra Room
