Minutes from the parent meeting Sept. 22

(Thanks Denise Lowen!!!)

Here are the minutes for the parent meeting on 9/22/08.

Meeting opened with a short performance by the Advanced Orchestra quintet!

Welcome to parents, students and especially Freshman parents!

Ms. Silberman stated that she wants to communicate with parents and she is available by email, cell phone, or conference. She stated that she is available for any additional meetings parents feel they need to help their student. Please check the titanorchestras.com website for all up-to-date
information. You can also check the Titan blog or Ms. Silbermans' personal blog. She sends out a weekly email to students and parent on Thursdays.

Plan on checking in with Ms. Silberman at conferences in October to see howyour student is doing!

Please check the student handbook for the grading system, concert dress etc. that is used by Ms. Silberman. She stated that it is easy to get an A in Orchestra if you participate!

Please sign and return the orange sheet students brought home last week. There are two parts to this form. It is a trip permission slip and a medical release form. This is required BEFORE your student will be allowed to attend any outing.

PLEASE NOTE: Two performances have been added to the calender.
January 9-Waltz night;
March 19-Boston trip for periods 1,2, and 7.

January 9th is Waltz night at WSHS. Parents, students and the community will be invited.

On Dec. 12 students in period 6 will be going to Portland, ZOOLIGHTS and possibly Lloyd Center for ice skating! There will be a small amount of space for students in others periods that are not going to Boston. Cost will be around $40.00. This money can be earned by fundraising.
The website for Orchestra is up and working. Don't forget to check it at titanorchestras.com

Also, remember the blog has information available too. You can reach the blog by going to titanorchestras.com

GRADES
You may go to Integradepro to check for grades.
To ensure a grade of an A or B you must have good
Attendance
Attitude
and Assignments turned in.
The playing tests in period 6 are worth a small amount. Other periods will
have random playing tests.
Remember that at least one review must be a live concert.

PRACTICE
Students are required to practice.
Period 6 should be practicing a minimum of 1 hour each week.
Period 7 should be practicing a minimum of 100 minutes each week.
Please consider having your instrument checked to see whether it needs new
strings, the bow rehaired or other upgrades. If you have any questions
check with Ms. Silberman.

Remember there are often sales during the holiday season for these types of things.

We are hoping to set up a scholarship program to help students make upgrades to their instruments, buy better instruments or need financial help with lessons.

Kelly Culver, Orchestra Booster President, asked for volunteers to help build the orchestra program and the booster group. She said that there are all sorts of areas that parents can volunteer. She had sign up sheets for: Waltz night, concert help, chaperones for
Boston, and fund raising.

SEEKING: A volunteer or volunteers to coordinate and organize all fundraising activities for the orchestra boosters. This person would oversee and delegate the supervision of each activity to multiple fundraising chairs. This position could be shared with a friend.

Upcoming activities: Titan Auction, Nov. 22. Please plan on attending. For each full table sold the orchestra will receive 100% of the proceeds for one item. Help your orchestra student by purchasing a ticket for yourself and your friends to attend the Auction.

Upcoming fundraisers: Wreath sales, poinsettia sales, violins painted and sold, car washes holiday party quartets, and the ongoing water bottle sales, entertainment books.

Other volunteers needed: Grant Writer-contact Ms. Silberman if interested.

Kelly Culver handed out student account information. Seniors can roll back any monies left in their account to their younger siblings.

Mark and Denise Lowen are the Boston trip organizers. If you need to contact them for any reason their number is 503-399-1912. Mark Lowen presented information regarding the orchestra trip.

The students will be going to the Heritage Music Festival, March 19-22. We will need 1 chaperone per 10-12 students. If you are interested in being a chaperone you must complete a Salem-Keizer Volunteer form. You must be approved before you will be able to go on the
trip.

All chaperones are bound to school rules and its important to remember that you are there to help protect the student. That includes no alcohol anytime during the trip.

Cost for chaperones is the same as students: $1075.00 That includes airfare, bus transportation, entrance to the festival etc.
Students and chaperones must have their $75.00 deposit in by Sept. 30.
Dec. 19 is the final attendance count and then
Jan. 28 final payment is due!

In addition to the $1075.00 cost students and chaperones will need to payfor their meals while traveling to and from Boston. Mark handed out a brochure regarding The Heritage Festival. He indicated that the schedule for the trip is still in flux! If you would like a
brochure contact Ms. Silberman. This festival will be educational. The orchestra will be adjudicated, they will hopefully be able to have a clinic and will be visiting some historic sites, possibly attending the Boston Symphony. For more details contact either Ms. Silberman or Mark and Denise Lowen (503-399-1912).

Cellos and bases will be rented in Boston.

You may use your student account money for the $75.00 deposit. Send an email to Ms. Silberman if you would like to do this. MONEY FROM THE CURRENT E BOOK FUNDRAISER IS NOT YET AVAILABLE AS THE FUNDRAISER, TO DATE, IS NOT OVER.

The possibility of students traveling home separately from the group will be handled on a case by case basis and you will need to book air travel separately through the Heritage travel agent and will be responsible for any additional travel expenses. Students will be accompanied to the airport by a chaperone.

Mozart Symphony #29

Thanks to Kathy Culpovich for this link to the Mozart we're playing in Advanced Symphony:

Click here...

:)
~Ms S.

Newsletter #4

Titan Orchestra Newsletter #4 September 25, 2008

1) Boston trip commitment form due **Tuesday** ALL STUDENTS in PER 1, 2 and 7!!!
2) Advanced Symphony early dismissal tomorrow (Friday)
3) Portland Opera La Traviata opening this weekend
4) Only a few more weeks for Entertainment Books

1) All students in periods 1/2 and 7 (Advanced Orchestra and Symphony Strings) need to complete the bright yellow Boston Trip Commitment form by this next Tuesday - EVEN IF YOU ARE A 'NO' FOR THE TRIP. Forms need to be signed by a parent. The $75 deposit for the "YES" and "MAYBE" people need to be in by Tuesday September 30. That amount can come out of student accounts, if you have it in there. Check with Ms. Silberman for account balances.

If you need another copy of the form, go to the website - www.titanorchestras.com - and click on the Trip Information page - the form will be posted by this evening (Thursday evening).

2) Advanced Symphony is only until 3:30pm this Friday, Sept. 26.

3) The Portland Opera opens it's '08/'09 season with Verdi's La Traviata. For more info about the opera:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_traviata

For more info on tickets:

http://www.portlandopera.org/

4) There are only a few weeks left for the Entertainment book sales - each book is $20 of which $10 goes to the student's account. Email Linda Beasley for more info: beasley_linda@salkeiz.k12.or.us or call 503-399-6443.

The schedule for October that includes before and after school sectionals will be posted in another few days on our website - copies will be given out to students. REMEMBER THAT SECTIONALS ARE CONSIDERED MANDATORY - Grades will be negatively effected if students routinely don't make sectionals (unless otherwise excused). Our first concert is October 23 at 7:30 - SAVE THE DATE!

Thanks to all who attended the parent meeting - we have an exciting group of students this year and I thank all the parents who've offered volunteer help. Special thanks to Jessica, Kayla, Taylor, Zevon, and Jacklyn for playing Mozart at the beginning of the meeting!!!
~Ms. S

Trip and fund-raising info

Hi,

Thanks to all who came to the parent meeting last night. If you weren't there, we'll be compiling information for you - here's a starter: the trip info for Boston and fund-raising info is on the website:

www.freewebs.com/titanorchestras/tripinfoandfundraisers.htm
~Ms. S

Newsletter #3

In this newsletter:

1) Parent Meeting (as mandatory as it can be) Monday Sept. 22, 6:30pm
2) THE ORANGE SHEET IS DUE MONDAY (from the parent/student handbook)
3) Fundraising info coming
4) Salem Chamber Orchestra this weekend!
5) Entertainment book update

1) The (I wish it could be) Mandatory Parent Meeting is this next Monday - September 22, at 6:30pm in the West Auditorium. The agenda is as follows:
6:30pm - quick entertainment and general meeting (overview of objectives and concerts)
Kelly Culver, orch booster president, will go over volunteer opportunities
7:15pm - trip organization for Period 6 trip (in December) and other small trips (Monmouth competition)
7:30pm - trip meeting, run by Mark and Denise Lowen, for all those who might be going on the Boston trip (students in Periods 7 and 1/2)
If you are unable to attend, you should let Ms. Silberman know - the agenda and meeting minutes will be posted on the blog. Anyone who needs trip information (because, for the Boston trip, there will be a deposit payment deadline next week!!!) can let Ms. Silberman know and she'll get the info to the student on Tuesday.

2) All students (except those who were absent Wednesday or Thursday) should have received the green student/parent orchestra handbook. In it is all the information pertaining to the Titan Orchestra program, including performance dates, expectations, grade and attendance policy, concert dress guidelines, and more. Please read through the book with your orchestra student and fill out/sign the orange removeable sheet (front and back) - this assignment is due on Monday!!!

3) There is a fundraising information sheet coming soon - I know that, with the economy being what it is these days, fundraising for a trip seems a daunting task. But, there are many success stories in years past with entrepreneurial students raising all of the money needed to go on their trip. Not only will this trip be a singular and unique experience, both educationally and musically, but teaching students about money acquisition and management is a wonderful side benefit. There are 'need based' financial scholarship guidelines that will be discussed on Monday night, but know that even for need based financial situations, much of the funds need to be raised by the student before any aide kicks in. Please take the opportunity to participate in the fundraisers we run through the school, and scour the article that will be given out on Monday night (and posted to the website Tuesday) on fundraising ideas.

4) The Salem Chamber Orchestra (www..salemchamberorchestra.org) performs this Saturday, Sept. 20, 7:30pm, at the Elsinore Theatre downtown - featuring maestro Hekun Wu (from Willamette University) and pipa master Xiao-Fen Min (www.bluepipa.org). Students can get $5 tickets at the Elsinore. Tickets for those in the educational field (bring ID) can get tickets for $10. General admission tickets are $15-25. The concert features Mozart (Symphony #35, the Haffner), a Suite by Dvorak, and a pipa concerto by Tan Dun (composer of the music for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon). See the attached pdf for more concert information.. Hope to see you there. I will be conducting an interview with Ms. Min after the concert.

5) Entertainment books are cookin'. We've had quite a number of students sell many books. This fundraiser makes $10 per book per student. Please contact Linda Beardsley to arrange to pick up books (or to have books brought to you): beardsley_linda@salkeiz.k12.or.us or call 503-399-6443

Don't forget to check the blog - I may post interesting tidbits (like the free baroque music player I posted earlier this week) during the middle of the week: www.titanorchestras.blogspot.com

I look forward to seeing you, or emailing with you, on Monday night. This year is shaping up to be very exciting, musical year! Please feel free to email me if you have any questions or comments as the weeks progress.
Musically yours,
~Daryl Silberman

Listen to baroque music 24/7

The American Bach Soloists (ABS) has released it's new audio player that plays all their recorded music free 24/7:

www.americanbach.org/player/index.htm

How amazing!!! (Check out the Beethoven 9th!!)
~Ms. S

Orchestra Extra... 9/12/08

Hi all - sorry for the second email but there are 2 important bulletins not included in the last newsletter:

1) Entertainment books
2) Eugene Symphony FREE tonight!!!

1) From Linda Beardsley:

Entertainment book sales continue through October 13th.

Sell entertainment books to your friends, neighbors and relatives to earn money for the upcoming orchestra trip. For every book you sell, between $8 and $10 (depending on how many we sell as a group) will be credited to your Orchestra account. These really are worth the $20 price with coupons for food, entertainment, movies, groceries,and other products.

To get books to sell, please call or e-mail Linda Beardsley at 503-399-6443 or beardsley_linda@salkeiz.k12.or.us. Make sure you include your first and last name and a phone number so you can be contacted about book drop off.

Each book has a payment envelope in the back cover. Write your name on the envelope and drop the $20 payment into the drop box in the orchestra room.

We have lots of books to sell this year so call for as many books as you need!! They make great gifts.

2) Eugene Symphony concert is free again tonight!!! It's totally worth the drive!! Please check their website for more info:

www.eugenesymphony.com

Thanks!~Ms. S

Newsletter #2

Titan Orchestras newsletter #2, Thursday September 11

In this email:
1) Tomato party (orchestra music booster fundraiser) in West Salem
2) Salem Chamber Orchestra concert Saturday Sept. 20, 7:30 at the Elsinore
3) Practice logs for periods 6 and 7 start next week
4) Thank you to the "Walker Quintet" for recruiting!!!
5) Titan Auction donations
6) Schedule next week

1) West Salem resident Claudia Hunsinger of Country Pantry and Nursery is hosting a Tomato Party open to the public Saturday Sept. 13 from 10am - 5pm at 3187 Orchard Heights Drive. Titan Orchestras has a string trio performing from 11am - 2pm at the party and donations will be accepted at this party for the Orchestra Music Boosters. The event features fresh fruits and veggies for sale, arts and crafts (many related to the theme - tomatoes), and a Traeger BBQ display. Please invite friends and neighbors!!

2) The Salem Chamber Orchestra - www.salemchamberorchestra.org - opening weekend is in a week... mark your calendars. Saturday, Sept. 20, 7:30pm at the Elsinore Theatre downtown. Sunday at 3pm at Linn-Benton Community College. The concert features Xiao-Fen Min on the chinese pipa (a flute-like instrument: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pipa - and Mozart Symphony #35, the Haffner. Students can get discounted tickets and Ms. Silberman may be able to get a limited number of free tickets - please inquire directly to her: silberman_daryl@salkeiz.k12.or.us. This is a great opportunity for students to get their first review done!

3) Practice log records need to be kept starting this next week for students in periods 6 (Orchestra) and 7 (Symphony Strings). A minimum of 60 minutes (per 6) and 100 minutes (per 7) per student is expected. In Advanced Orchestra (per 1 and 2) no practice logs are required, but music is to be practiced and thoroughly learned as we are in a chamber music unit and *EVERY* person is responsible for knowing their part.

4) Thank you to Gwen Gates, Jacklyn Steig, Bronte Loewen-Thomas, Jessica Tyree and Tyler King for playing for the West are 4th grade prospective string students and parents. Reports are that the group played well and really helped motivate the crowd!!

5) Titan Auction is November 22 - please contact orch. parent booster president Kelly Culver for donation forms or if you're interested in buying seats at a table ($30 per person): kculver@comcast.net

6) Schedule for the week of Sept. 15
Tuesday Period 6 VIOLAS in PERIOD 6 (orchestra) 2:30 - 3:15pm sectional
Tuesday Advanced Symphony 4:30 - 6:15pm and Friday 2:40 - 4:25pm
Thursday - extra sectional TBA

Handbooks come next week... yay!

SAVE THE DATE - PARENT MEETING SEPT. 22 at 6:30 at West in the Auditorium
~Ms. Silberman silberman_daryl@salkeiz.k12.or.us

News from Strobel Violins

Henry Strobel & Sons Violin Shop News, September 2008

* We are READY for BACK TO SCHOOL.
* Our instruments are CORRECTLY ADJUSTED and MAINTAINED - right here!
* VIOLINS, VIOLAS, CELLOS, BASSES, BOWS, STRINGS, CASES, ACCESSORIES, ETC.

To see or print our new BEGINNERS STRING OUTFIT FORM, with LOW PRICES
& buy-back or trade up, click on www.henrystrobel.com/beginnersale.pdf

CALL 503 749-1742 for questions, appointment, and directions to our
peaceful country place.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
For things to know about violins and our shop, click www.henrystrobel.com/local.htm

To explore our educational/publisher's web site, click http://www.henrystrobel.com/

To see or print "Young Person's Guide to String Instrument Care," click http://www.henrystrobel.com/pref5um.htm

Thanks, Henry, Susan, and Henry Jr
PS: Yes, we also have some professional instruments and bows (including a few original Strobels).

Newsletter #1

Newsletter for Titan Orchestras September 5, 2008

1) MUSIC DAY!!!
2) Eugene Symphony - free (!) tonight
3) Student/handbook coming next week
4) Entertainment Books
5) www.TITANORCHESTRAS.COM
6) Stroebel, Weathers, and David Kerr - local music shops
7) Concession sales opportunity Oct. 2 - 4:30 - 9pm
8) Sectionals and Advanced Symphony this next week
9) SAVE the date - SEPT. 22!!

1) Music Day is this Saturday - no freshman involvement this year. At this point, all students know whether they are participating in Music Day (thank you!!!), working in the room (thanks!), or doing an assignment for me due on Monday. Thanks to the parent driver volunteers!! Here's some informatino:

The students and drivers need to be at the school by 8am. Students will need to get dressed in concert dress, and be SEATED in the auditorium by 8:30am!!!

Drivers will need to fill out their insurance forms, if they haven't already, and proceed to the auditorium. At 8:30 the drivers and students will be matched up and then leave the school at 9am. MUSIC DAY participants must stay until 1pm - no leaving early!! WORK DAY students will be done roughly by 11am.

2) Ms. Silberman is playing with the Eugene Symphony tonight - it's a free concert at 8pm at the Hult Center. The concert is fantastic - it's part of the conductor search series. This conductor is very dynamic and has had a very positive effect on the orchestra. Music of Mozart, Prokofiev (Piano concerto!!), Rimsky-Korsakov, Tchaikovsky (Romeo and Juliet overture) - a nicely paced concert - very pro! For more info: http://www.eugenesymphony.org/

3) Student/Parent handbooks are coming by the end of next week (hopefully). All dates, program information and instrument info will be contained within. There will be a signature page that needs to be signed and returned by all students.

4) This is a "TRIP" year - all students will be fundraising to go on a trip (big trip for periods 1/2 and 7, local trip for period 6). Entertainment Books are a great fundraiser - they are $20 each, $10 goes to student accounts. Please email Linda Beardsley for more information: beardsley_linda@salkeiz.k12.or.us or call 503-399-6443. Students who have money to turn can do so in the grey box in the room.

5) Website!!! http://www.titanorchestras.com/ is active! Please bookmark it. It will have static information like calendars, student lists, schedules, and links. This newsletter will refer to it often.

6) Local music stores have contacted Ms. Silberman - Weathers, Stroebel (in Aumsville), and David Kerr (in Portland) all have instruments, bows, cases, rosin, strings, etc.... available for purchase/rent. See the website (http://www.titanorchestras.com/) for links to these String Shops.

7) Another great way for students to fundraise is to work concession stands at games. The next orchestra day is Oct. 2, from 4:30 - 9pm. A signup list will go up in the next week in the Orchestra room.

8) Advanced Symphony starts at 4:30pm this Tuesday. Next meeting is Friday at 2:40pm. Attendance is mandatory unless excused for sports (talk with Ms. Silberman) or other sanctioned event.

Tues Sept. 9 - All Violins from Orchestra Period 6 have mandatory sectional 2:30 - 3:30
Thur Sept. 11 - "STRING ENSEMBLE" (select students) from 2:30 - 3pm

9) SAVE the date - September 22 at 6:30pm is the Parent Meeting. ALL TRIP PLANS WILL BE ANNOUNCED at this meeting - students are welcome. See you then!!

~Daryl Silberman
silberman_daryl@salkeiz.k12.or.us