Tag: SPF

Newsletter 3-27-2022

Dear orchestra families,

I hope you are all doing well and gearing up for spring break. I want to apologize for a break in my usual communication. It has been quite busy with the orchestra program, personally, and professionally. In addition to the events below, I was afforded the opportunity to present two educational sessions and represent AHS and FCS at the national conference of the American String Teachers Association March 17-18.  I have also been very active in managing/ coaching both of my son’s (10 and 12) little league baseball teams for Sandy Plains baseball.  March has been quite a whirlwind, but it’s been incredible!

I’m hoping this email will serve as a way to catch up and celebrate all the things we have accomplished in the last several weeks!

LGPE Wrap Up

Our LGPE that took place last month with Concert Orchestra, Philharmonia, Sinfonia, and Chamber Orchestra was a huge success! The concert Orchestra came away with an overall rating of excellent (II) and a superior (I) in sight-reading. The Philharmonia and symphony orchestras both came away with an overall rating of superior and the Philharmonia also scored a superior in sight-reading and Sinfonia received an excellent rating in sight-reading. The Chamber Orchestra came away with straight superior ratings and a superior in sight-reading. I am very proud of each of these orchestras and the amount of progress they have made this year. I am also proud that each of the orchestras entered LGPE with the same requirements prior to COVID. Some orchestras across the state opted to only prepare two musical selections and/or skip the sigjt-reading portion of the event. I think it was important for us to uphold the usual standard  (three pieces and sight-reading) and continue to make headway in returning to our “normal.”  Congratulations, everyone!! 

Symphony LGPE – THIS TUESDAY!!

Symphony’s LGPE will be taking place this Tuesday, March 29 in our own AHS auditorium. Due to some issues with transportation we are able to perform our LGPE selections on our home turf and for a larger audience. This event has been sanctioned by GMEA and we will have three outstanding adjudicators present.

Our program will include:

  • Toccata by Girlamo Frescobaldi, arr. Hans Kindler
  • Prelude in F Minor by Gerald Finzi
  • Bacchanale from “Samson and Delilah” by Camille Saint Saens

You are all invited to attend this Tuesday we will start around 11:30 AM (during fourth period), and should conclude around noon.  The orchestra will sightread on stage after our performance.  I have invited students who have 4th period lunch to attend as well!

DC Trip Wrap-Up

The orchestra’s trip to Washington DC was a success and a ton of fun. While this is not the largest group of our students, we had a wonderful time and made some memories that will last forever. We performed and Union Station for a large audience and met a concert band from Tennessee who also was performing that day. We got to see so many sites, made the best of the snow and cold, including being forced to dry our shoes out with hairdryers.  We also had a wonderful learning clinic at Howard University.  I am so proud of our students for their great performance and their impeccable behavior on the trip.  I would like to publicly thank Ms. Firman and Ms. Harris for serving as the world’s best chaperones on our trip.  We could not have done it without their support and dedication to our students!

Small-Group Performances – this Thursday and Friday

Over the last several weeks students have been preparing music in small groups, mostly duets and trios. Students will be performing a recital in their small group ensembles this Thursday and Friday during class time. Chamber music is a great way for students to play with their friends, and learn new music. Learning chamber music also helps students become more aware of their part and the role that they play in the music making. This recital counts as a major grade.  I’m looking forward to hearing all of the groups this week! 

Auditions for 2022-2023

Auditions for the 2022–2023 school year were originally due by next Friday April 1. I am going to extend the deadline until the end of spring break for those who wish to spend some time during the break preparing their audition. The new audition deadline is Sunday, April 10 at 11:59 PM.

I understand that the audition materials are demanding, but I am trying to hold students to a standard that was in place prior to COVID.  All I am asking is for students to do their best and submit an audition that shows their best work at this point. I always remind students that the work they put in day today and the demeanor, preparation, and attitude they show every day in the classroom Waze much more highly in their placement than a single audition.

Auditions 2022-2023

SPF – Student Participation Fee

Reminder – if you haven’t paid your child’s SPF for this year ($120), please do so ASAP. You can send in a check with your child, payable to AHSOA, or use our online payment system at http://www.alpharettaorchestra.org/pay

Thank your for your support of our orchestra program!

Spring Pops Concert – May 3

We have begun preparation’s for our spring “pops” concert!  Right now we have music by Green Day, Lady Gaga, Music from La La Land and the Lion King and more to come.  Please reserver Tuesday, May 3 at 7:00 PM for our last concert of the school year. 

Senior Showcase – May 10

The Senior Showcase is a concert that features our seniors and a farewell to the AHS auditorium stage.  Seniors will prepare solos and small ensembles for this event.  All non-senior orchestra members are REQUIRED to attend the showcase to get inspired, to earn a grade, and to show support the senior orchestra class of 2022.  The showcase concert will begin at 7:00 PM and usually lasts about an hour.

Awards Banquet – May 12

Our annual awards banquet will be held on Thursday, May 12 at the Crooked Creek Country Club starting at 6:00 PM.  Tickets will be $30/person and I will have ticket information to you after Spring Break.  Please mark this date on your calendar as we will have a wonderful evening of a delicious dinner, paying tribute to our seniors, and celebrating our students’ accomplishments.

Graduation – May 26

All non-senior students in Philharmonia, Sinfonia, Symphony, and Chamber should plan on performing at graduation this year on Thursday, May 26 for a major grade.  The ceremony begins at 7 PM.  Details will be forthcoming.

Calendar of Events

  • March 29 – Symphony LGPE during 4th/5the period, 11:30 AM
  • March 31 and April 1 – Small-Group Recital during class
  • April 4-8 – Spring Break
  • Sunday, April 10 – Audition videos/submissions due
  • Tuesday, May 3 – Spring Pops Concert, 7 PM
  • Tuesday, May 10 – Senior Showcase Concert, 7 PM
  • Thursday, May 12 – AHSO Awards Banquet, Crooked Creek Country Club, 6 PM
  • Friday, May 13 – Last Day for Seniors
  • Thursday, May 26 – Graduation ceremony (Orchestra will perform), 7 PM

Newsletter, 11-29-21

I hope you all had a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving holiday break and have had a chance to relax and refresh.  I ran the Atlanta Thanksgiving Half Marathon and whipped up a great Thanksgiving meal to celebrate with my family and some friends.  I want to express my gratitude to all of our orchestra students and parents, our AHS faculty and administration for their love and support.  I’m so thankful for all of you!

Hot Chocolate Social

Our first Hot Chocolate Social will be this Friday, December 3  before school from about 7:40 to 8:15 AM in the orchestra room.  Come warm up with some yummy hot cocoa and socialize with your orchestra friends from all of our classes!

Students should RSVP for the Hot Chocolate Social using this link: https://bit.ly/alpharettahc

Winter Concert

Our winter concert is just around the corner.  Be sure to mark your calendars for Thursday, December 9 at 6:30 PM in the AHS auditorium. Each orchestra will perform including the AHS Symphony Orchestra, our first time putting this ensemble together since February 2020. In addition, we will be joined by the 8th grade orchestras from Webb Bridge and Hopewell Middle Schools. It will be an evening of great music and will help bring out your inner holiday spirit!

For students, a dinner provided by AHSOA will be served around 5:00 PM.  There will be an RSVP form that will go out this week, so stay tuned. 

Holiday Gift Exchange

This week students will be signing up for and drawing names for our annual “Secret Santa” gift exchange. The spending limit is $10.  We will hold our gift exchange on Tuesday, December 14.

SPF – Student Participation Fee

It is expected that each orchestra student pay their fair share toward the orchestra program.  Like any other activity that has activities outside of the school day and provides services and opportunities for students, we must charge a fee in order to make everything happen.  

This year the fee is $120 per student.  If you have not paid your SPF, please do so as soon as possible.  You may pay online at https://www.alpharettaorchestra/pay or via check made payable to AHSOA.

Compared with other orchestra programs across the county, state, and country, our fees are nominal.  Some examples of things that SPF funds are the KSU Orchestra Invitational, LGPE Entry Fees, our pre-concert dinners, orchestra socials, the orchestra t-shirts, orchestra room supplies and accessories, sheet music, and more.  To date, less than half of students have paid this fee.  Our annual budget is constructed with the anticipation that we will receive these funds from every student and we may be unable to continue to provide the goods, services, and experiences to students for the remainder of this year if we do not receive the remaining funds.

Please let me know if you have any questions and do feel free to reach out if you have extenuating circumstances or would like to divide the SPF into smaller payment increments. We are happy to work with you on this.

Thank you for your help and understanding.

Washington D.C. Trip

There are still openings for our trip to Washington D.C. on March 11-14, 2022!  We would love to have you travel with us! We will explore D.C., experience an orchestra clinic with a nationally-known clinician, and perform a public concert.  These experiences don’t come around often and I know many of the students have not traveled since before the pandemic. An orchestra trip like this can be the highlight of a student’s high school experience!

Our Itinerary and trip details: https://www.alpharettaorchestra.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Alpharetta-HS-Washington-DC-March-11-14-2022-LOW-1.pdf

How to register: https://www.alpharettaorchestra.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/How-To-Register.pdf

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns!!

AHSO on Social Media

Don’t forget to check out the AHSO on social media!

The AHSO Podcast

Newsletter, 8-28-2021

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

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]

AHSO Newsletter, 9-10-2016

It is hard to believe that the fifth week of school has already passed!  Time is flying by however orchestra is going very well.  I am continuously amazed by our students and how much they continue to grow!  See below for the latest news…

Curriculum Night

I would like to invite each of you to the AHS curriculum night this Tuesday, September 13 at 7:00 PM. Parents will follow their child’s schedule to meet teachers and get a glimpse of a day at school.  When you arrive to orchestra class, we will discuss classroom activities, grading, concerts, and more.  Don’t worry – you won’t have to play an instrument! I look forward to seeing you there!

Solo & Ensemble Performance Evaluation

Solo & Ensemble is an opportunity for students to perform as a small group or soloist.  The event is on November 12, 2016 at Inman Middle School.

This is an optional event and sponsored by GMEA. IMPORTANT: Students must notify Dr. Laux by Monday, September 12 if they wish to be included in the event.  No additional entries may be added after this day.

The entry fee for each ensemble or solo is $12.00 and should be paid via cash or check to AHSOA.

Family Portrait Fundraiser by Tanner Photography

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!

To sign up and reserve your sitting time, use this link: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090f48aaad22a7f85-tanner

Performance Assessment (PA) / Playing Tests

This year students will perform regularly for formative feedback and as part of their orchestra grade. To save class time and allow students ample time to prepare their very best work, students will utilize their own technology (Surface Pro, cell phone, or other tablet) to record their performance video and will upload it to the cloud where Dr. Laux can view the video and assess each student.

While maintaining an accurate record of practice is a poThis method of assessment provides many benefits to the students and the orchestra program as a whole:

  • Encourages student practice outside of class and provides a musical goal.
  • Encourages individual student accountability in learning their part.
  • Encourages students to practice until they can submit their very best work.
  • Allows Dr. Laux to better assess students.
  • Provides each student with a digital portfolio of their work over time.

Performance Assessment Video #1

Philharmonia:  Korean Folk Song Variants

  • Violin I: 17-30
  • Violin II: 38-55
  • Viola: 9-24
  • Cello & Double Bass: 30-38 & 50-58

Chamber: English Fugue

  • Violin I & II: 38-54
  • Viola: 92-end
  • Cello: 75-93
  • Double Bass: 83-93

Sinfonia: Lullaby

  • Violin I: 73-83 (top)
  • Violin II: p.u. 67-83
  • Viola: 32-51
  • Cello: 19-35
  • Double Bass: 67-83

Symphony:  Mendelssohn Mvt. 1  (Half Note ~ 105 BPM)

  • Violin I: p.u. 103-120
  • Violin II: 100-120
  • Viola: 81-100
  • Cello & Double Bass: 134-155

Due to your OneDrive Folder: Sunday, September 11  (before you go to sleep.)  

Please contact Dr. Laux with questions or concerns.

Submitting Performance Assessment Videos

To upload your PA video, please follow these directions:

  1. Record your video.
    • Using your surface pro, open the Camera app.  Be sure that the video recording mode is enabled.  You may need to turn on the front facing camera.
    • IMPORTANT: Be sure that your shot captures your entire bow arm and left hand. See examples here.
    • Your video will be saved in the “Camera Roll” in your Pictures folder.
  2. Upload your video to OneDrive
    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_YourLastName_YourFirstName.” (This is your personal orchestra folder that Dr. Laux has shared with only you.)
      • Open your personal orchestra folder.  It should be empty.
      • At the top of the folder, click Upload, and select Files.
      • At this point you will then select the video file you recorded, then click open.  The file will then begin uploading.

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.

Uniforms!

Thank you to all of the students that purchased new orchestra dresses.  They are on their way!  Depending on the woman’s height, the dress may need to be hemmed prior to the concert date. Gentlemen who purchased tuxedos, the Tuxedo Wearhouse has said that they are about ready to be delivered.

If you are a returning student, please double check that your entire uniform is in order.  Gentlemen that includes the cummerbund, bow tie, and BLACK dress socks.

All-State Auditions

Applications have been finalized and sent into GMEA.  If you are one of the 39 students to sign up, please be sure that you have submitted your $20 entry fee, cash or check payable to AHSOA.  Auditions are coming  on October 15, 2016!

Fall Concert!

Please invite your friends and families to our first performance of the year on Thursday, September 29, 2016 at 7 PM.  Each orchestra will perform and I think you will be impressed with what they have been able to do in a short time! Students should plan on arriving between 5:45 PM and 6:00 PM.  Note: There will be no after school rehearsals on concert day. Students are encouraged to go home after school to complete home work and eat a good dinner.

Student Participation Fee

Thank you to the many parents who have already paid the Student Participation Fee (SPF) of $120. While the SPF is technically overdue, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Laux if you have special circumstances or if you need to make special payment arrangements.

KSU Violin Day

KSU offers wonderful outreach programs to the area string students.  Coming up soon is their inaugural Violin Day on Saturday, September 17.  For just $30 students get a t-shirt, lunch, and all-day instruction from two incredible violin teachers: Helen Kim and Kenn Wagner.  You can read more about them by clicking on their name above.

To register for Violin Day, simply use this link. The registration deadline is Thursday, September 15.

Upcoming String Days at KSU include:

  • Viola Day on Saturday, October 8
  • Cellobration & BassFest on Saturday, October 22

Take advantage of these GREAT opportunities!!

Alpharetta High School Orchestra