Want to help us win an electric string quartet?

Hi,

Go to this website:

http://www.sharmusic.com/schoolquartet.asp

And, if you don't mind getting an email (I clicked on the once a month email newsletter from sharmusic.com) then please fill out the fields and submit. Our school address is:

West Salem High School
1776 Titan Dr.
Salem, OR 97304

Shar Music is one of the 2 largest online string music stores - they sell tons of music, accessories (rosin, shoulder rests, rock stops, cases, etc...) instruments, bows, and anything else related to stringed instruments. I think I've been ordering from them for 25 years, at least. Between our local music dealers and Shar, you have your string needs covered!

The promotion ends Dec. 31 - you can only enter once (though, I'm assuming that means only once per email... maybe you have multiple emails???)

Thanks!
~Ms. S

PDR

Hi everyone,

A "PDR" is due on Jan. 5, once we're back from break, for your December Performance Assignment. Here's a little more about what a PDR is.

P - D - R stands for "Plan - Do - Review". You create the document (typed is preferred, but handwritten is acceptable if need be. You put your name and the date at the top.

For Plan you state the "what" of your assignment: I plan(ned) on playing for the guests before Thanksgiving dinner. I have 10 minutes of holiday carols and a Bach Bouree ready to play.

For Do (or Did) you state the "when" and "how" of your assignment: The date you do/did your assignment, where, who will be in attendance, any other pertinent info.

For Review you state how it went: what happened, what were the results, what would you do differently next time, etc...

The PDR is a helpful organizing tool - hope you appreciate the benefits...
~Ms. S

December Performance Assignment - everyone!!

'Tis the season to play music... fa la la la la, la la la la. Here is the performance assignment that is DUE MONDAY JANUARY 5 - this is for all students in any Titan Orchestra.

You are required to perform music on your instrument in public at least once this next month (the month of December). You need to submit a one page PDR (Plan-Do-Review) to Ms. S (this will be explained in class) once we return from Holiday Break.

Let me define a few terms:

Music - you should perform something you like and feel good about playing. Since this is the winter carol season, you could play traditional (or non-traditional) holiday carols. You may also play anything else your heart desires - if you need music, come see Ms. S (I have a bunch of carols from easy to intermediate, and I have lots of appropriate solo classical music and fiddle tunes) or stop by Weathers and pick up some music (classical, contemporary) that moves you.

Perform - you should prepare some music, dress nicely, announce your music or write up a little program, and play with confidence.

Instrument - though many of you are pianists, I do expect this assignment to be completed on your stringed instrument (if you need to borrow an instrument over the winter break - arrange that with Ms. S).

Public -I consider 'the public' to be at least one other person. For Period 6 orchestra, 'performing' for your parents, neighbors, siblings, friends would be ok. For Periods 7 and 1/2, I consider the public to be at least 2 other people. Here are some 'performing in public' ideas for all:

-Perform at church (talk to your music coordinator about playing before or during a service

-Perform in the commons at school during lunch

-Perform for the secretaries and adminstration in the front office (you arrange it, Ms. Silberman will help with authorizing you the time to do it)

-Perform before Thanksgiving, Hanukah, Christmas or New Years dinner

-Perform at your parent's holiday work party or dinner party

-Go to Roth's or Safeway (or any retail business) and ask if you and some friends can 'carol' with your instruments during the holiday break

-Invite the neighbor kids under age 8 over and impress them with your amazing playing - make it a game - have them guess the tune you're playing (pick ones they know like Jingle Bells and Deck the Halls)

This assignment isn't meant to be a burden - it's meant to help you connect the hard work we do in class to the greater reason to play your instrument... to share music with others! This assignment, along with the 2 reviews due at the end of the semester comprise the bulk of your Test/Assignment grade which currently accounts for 50% of your grade.

Good luck! And, if you need any ideas, have any questions, or need an extension on the due date because of extenuating circumstances, please feel to contact Ms. Silberman.

Now, go Deck the Halls with sounds of music... fa la la la la, la la la la

Newsletter #12

Orchestra Newsletter #12 - 11/20/08
Thank you for reading this newsletter online!!
In this newsletter:

1) Monday parent meeting
2) Suggested Boston payment schedule
3) Dec 12 Portland Zoo Trip commitment forms and payment due
4) Baked Goods sale tomorrow and Tuesday (11/21 and 11/25)
5) Communication about absences - IMPORTANT!!
6) Oregon Symphony in Salem Tuesday night
7) Next week's schedule
8) Save the date - next concert Dec. 16, 7pm

1) There is an orchestra parent booster club meeting in the orchestra room MONDAY NOVEMBER 24 AT 6:30pm - please come. On the agenda: Scholarship and instrument purchase allocation, Waltz night fundraiser, booster revenue. Anything you'd like to put on the agenda? Please contact orch booster president Kelly Culver at kculver@comcast.net

2) Here's the suggested payment schedule for the Boston trip people (those who qualify for free or reduced lunch should contact the Lowens ASAP to discuss scholarship and adapted payment schedule: lowen.4@gmail.com

Trip expense - $1075

$75 Deposit - already received

Dec. 1 - $300 payment
Dec. 18 - $200 payment
Jan. 9 - $200 payment
Balance due January 23

Fundraising opportunities (muffins and Waltz Night) will hopefully render at least a $50 reduction off the top of the whole amount for everyone. Individuals will have money in their student accounts as a result of EBooks, Wreaths and Pointsettias, chamber music, and fruit sales. This amount will be revealed just before the Jan. 26 deadline so that you can know your balance.

Those who have decided to now not go on the trip but who have put in a deposit NEED TO HAVE A PARENT CONTACT THE LOWENS (lowen.4@gmail.com) to have a refund issued. After Dec. 19 you cannot receive the entire amount back.

3) Period 6 Orchestra and ALL THOSE WHO ARE NOT GOING ON THE BOSTON TRIP are eligible to go on the Zoo Lights trip December 12. Ms. Silberman has handed out commitment forms to all in period 6 - STUDENT AND PARENT signatures are needed on this form - return the form ASAP to Ms. Silberman. There are provisions for delayed payment ($60) - see the form. WE NEED CHAPERONES FOR THIS TRIP - interested? Contact Ms. Silberman (or see the commitment form). Those not going on the Boston trip will have the option of letting Ms. Silberman know they're interested in going - they'll receive a commitment form Monday.

4) There's a Baked Goods Sale benefitting those going on the Boston Trip tomorrow (Friday Nov. 21) and Tuesday (No. 25). Those who donate (who are going on the Boston Trip) and those who work will divvy up the proceeds. Those who are not going on the Boston Trip - you're welcome to donate baked items (purchased at a store, NOT HOME BAKED) to help those who are fundraising to go on the trip. Q's? Ask Ms. S (silberman_daryl@salkeiz.k12.or.us)

5) Orchestra is a wonderful and dynamic group to be a part of - this is due in no small part that everyone in the room is valuable and necessary, both because of the team-like nature of being in a section and in an orchestra. When students miss a day of class they miss valuable rehearsal time where they learn how their part works into a section and into the orchestra as a whole, and they miss valuable markings, announcements and often they miss materials that are handed out. It's totally understandable that things come up (sickness, emergency appointments, etc...) but I would deeply appreciate it if students and/or parents got into the habit of touching base with me so I know if students are sick, etc. A simple email will help me know that a students cares enough to want to know what they missed. I would be happy to let them know what they missed - and would even take the time to fill them via email on what they can do to better prepare themselves before returning to class. Please consider communicating with me more so that we start treating orchestra like the team it is. I check email very frequently: silberman_daryl@salkeiz.k12.or.us

6) Oregon Symphony in Salem is this next Tuesday, Nov. 25. Students can get $5 tickets at the door. Here's more info from the Symphony:

Jean-Marie Zeitouni, conductor *Jennifer Koh, violin
Beethoven: Overture to Egmont Stravinsky: Symphony in C *Brahms: Violin Concerto
in D Major
Musicians from the Salem Youth Symphony will be entertaining the audience with music in the gallery prior to the concert and during intermission. Student tickets are available for $5.00 with valid student ID at the box office on the night of the concert.

7) Next week is a 2 day week (even day Monday, odd day Tuesday). Here's the schedule:
Tuesday - Advanced Symphony 2nd violins 3:45pm
Tuesday - Advanced Symphony 4:30 - 6:15pm (Yes, it is a symphony day!!!)

8) The next concert is Tuesday Dec. 16, 7pm... SAVE THE DATE!!

Happy pre-holiday shopping weekend!!
~Ms. S

Evelyn Glenny video... this is amazing!

Check this out, if you have a little time to get to listen and watch her. She's an international soloist - a percussion player - who happens to be deaf. Most interesting:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IU3V6zNER4g

Enjoy,
~Daryl S.

Newsletter #11

Orchestra Newsletter 11.13.08

In this newsletter:

1) Great links for those of you playing Waltzes Jan. 9
2) ORCHESTRA PARENT BOOSTER MEETING Monday Nov. 24, 6:30pm
3) Looking for that perfect little extra gift for holiday time?? (Water bottles!)
4) Good concerts for review this week
5) Dec 12 - Zoo lights for period 6
6) Schedule next week

1) For those of you playing the Waltz Night Fundraiser (all going on the Boston Trip) and all those interested in learning more about the Waltzes you'll hear and dance on Jan. 9th - please check the blog. I put up a bunch of links to videos, recordings and websites that feature waltzes... enjoy!www.titanorchestras.blogspot.com

2) YAY - A MEETING! Please come Monday evening, Nov. 24, 6:30pm to the orchestra room for an orchestra parent booster organization meeting run by president Kelly Culver. ALL ARE WELCOME. Topics of discussion include allocation of scholarship and instrument purchase funds, fundraisers for the booster group, Waltz night organization, and anything else that comes up. Contact Kelly Culver at kculver@comcast.net for more info or to add an agenda item.

3) Looking for that little extra stocking stuffer or gift to enhance another gift? Consider a $5 Titan Music water bottle - we still have 20 or so left. They'd be great with a pair of gloves and hat rolled up inside... :)

4) This weekend there are a few good concerts to consider:
Salem Chamber Orchestra Connie Fritz Memorial Concerto Competition is this Sunday at 3pm - come support band student Matt Hetwer as he competes to win this concerto competition. There are no strings at this concert, but I'll accept a review anyway - these are your peers/colleagues and it'd be great to support them. More info:
www.salemchamberorchestra.org

Oregon Symphony in Portland - Rachmaninoff Symphony #3 and Gershwin piano concerto - at the Schnitzer concert hall. More info:
www.orsymphony.org

Festival Chorale is playing the Mozart Requim (wonderful piece!!) on Sunday at 3pm. More info:
http://ticketswest.rdln.com/Artist.aspx?evt=64684

5) For those in Period 6 Orchestra - we ARE going to Portland on Friday, Dec. 12. You will miss periods 4, 6 and 8 that day, and we will not be making it home until at least 10pm. PARENTS - I CAN TAKE 4 or 5 chaperones with me on tour that day - if you are interested, please email me: silberman_daryl@salkeiz.k12.or.us. More info about the trip, a signature form and itinerary, and payment info will come to you next week. Should be a blast!!

6) Next week:Advanced Symphony Tuesday and Friday - normal time
Advanced Symphony First Violins - 3:45pm Tuesday (before Symphony)
Thursday - String Ensemble
Thursday ALL CITY (all those auditioning for All City) 2:30pm - so that we can start looking at the music!!

Have a great weekend!~Daryl S.

Waltzes... and a 1, 2, 3...

Here are some links to hear/watch some of the waltzes we will be performing on January 9th for our Black and White Waltz Night Fundraiser:

Here are some youtube videos:

Andre Rieu and the Blue Danube Waltz

Andre Rieu and the Merry Widow Waltz

Watch a Vienesse Ball dance rehearsal

Andre Rieu and the Kaiserwaltz (Emperor Waltz)

Wine, Women and Song - just the music

And, some other interesting waltz sites:

Soundjunction - Blue Danube with good waltz info

Blue Danube on imeem.com

A waltz lesson tutorial (no music)

A website with a LOT of info about Viennese Waltz Balls

And, there's more to come...

Awesome...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpcUxwpOQ_A

Gotta love it!!

Newsletter #10 and an update on tickets for Sat

Orchestra Newsletter for 11/05/08

In this newsletter:

1) Discount tickets for Saturday night's Pops concert - respond by Friday!
2) Information about the auction from Kelly Culver
3) NOV 11 reminder (Boston trip students)
4) Schedule next week

1) More info about the Salem Pops concert: All the free tickets went fast. The Pops box office is offering West students and parents a special discount - if you respond to me by Friday around 2pm I can reserve you student tickets for $5 (apparently, there *isn't* student pricing available at the door after all) and parents are only $7.50 each - kids under 12 are still free. Please respond to this email and let me know how many tickets you want, student/adult, and bring a check made out to Music Boosters to school by Friday (or Monday is ok... as long as you realize that you're responsible for paying). Your tickets will then be waiting for you at Will Call on Saturday night. silberman_daryl@salkeiz.k12.or.us

2) From Kelly Culver:

The Titan Auction is November 22, and there are 3 tickets still available at one of the Orchestra tables. Please join other Orchestra parents at this fun event. The cost per ticket is $30, which includes a very nice dinner. For a ticket, please contact Mark or Denise Lowen at lowen.4@gmail.com.

There are lots of great silent and oral auction items being donated, with some of our own noted below. We want to thank the Orchestra parents who have donated these terrific items.

- Florida Beach House (1-week stay, 4Bd, 3.5Ba, right on beach, private pool, and more; west Florida near panhandle); donated by Wendy Nielsen
- Titan Quilt (black and dark green, with subtle musical imagery and Titan logos and stitching), donated by Elizebeth and Max Harmon
- Studio Condo near Sunriver (3-night stay, studio w/ kid beds in loft, kitchen, seasonal pool), donated by Cynthia Byrnes and Jack Svadlenak
- Hand-painted Violin decorated by West art teacher Lucy Hewitt, donated by Orchestra Boosters
- 2 Hours of Music (3-4 students) for an event, donated by Advanced Orchestra Students

This is a great opportunity to get some holiday shopping done, support school groups, get a tax deduction, and have a nice evening out with lots of other Titan parents!

3) Reminder that Nov. 11 is the Boston Trip intensive - 10:30 - 3pm. Bring a drink, and $3 for pizza (or you can bring your own lunch if you don't want pizza).

4) Schedule next week...
Monday (Odd Day) - ***All Cellos in all orchestras 3:00 - 4:00***
No School Tuesday (Bostron Trip folks 10:30am - 3pm)
Wednesday (Even Day) - nothing after school
Thursday (Odd Day) - string ensemble
Friday (Even Day) - Advanced Symphony

Hope to see you Saturday...
~Daryl S.
silberman_daryl@salkeiz.k12.or.us

Concerts this Saturday...

This is a non-newsletter... there are 2 really neat concerts to consider for Saturday night:

1) I am performing with Yvonne Hsueh (violin instructor at WOU), Ron Kilde (jazz violinist) and our very own Gwen Gates (senior at West) with the Salem Pops this Saturday at the Elsinore Theatre - 7:30. Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for students, and free for under 12. The first half of the concert will feature the pops orchestra playing movie favorites, the second half is called "Violins Through the Centuries" where we soloists will perform baroque, classical, romantic, jazz, and rock violin solos with the orchestra - I'll be playing Bach and will bring out my electric violin for a the rock tune. For more info:

http://salempopsorchestra.org/

(I have 3 free tickets... first come first serve)

2) PYP - Portland Youth Philharmonic is performing this Saturday night at 7:30pm at the Arnold Shnitzer Concert Hall in Portland. Our very own Robin Kim (senior at West) is performing in this group. For more info about what they will be playing, concert location and ticket price:

http://www.portlandyouthphil.org/concerts/index.php

Hope you're able to take this opportunity to hear some great music this weekend!
~Daryl S.

If you need to turn in wreath and pointsettia forms...

Call Sheila Muller (Spencer Muller's mom):

503-364-4760

You can arrange to drop them by her house...

Great Online Review - Chicago Symphony broadcasts

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra has taped broadcasts of their concerts online - this is great for a concert review option if you'd already done your live review. Here's the website:

http://www.cso.org/main.taf?p=15,1

~Ms. S