Thursday, October 29, 2009

Newsletter #8

Newsletter #8 - Oct. 28, 2009

Contained within:
1) OR Symphony concert on Monday - special ticket offer
2) Concert schedule for December - NEW INFORMATION FOR YOUR CALENDAR!
3) PYP free preview concert Mon. Nov. 9
4) MEAP - scholarships available for elegible students
5) Sectionals start back up again next week
6) Titan Auction - BRING ITEMS MONDAY PLEASE!
7) Music CASSETTES needed for DLC Experience Music

1) OR Symphony comes to Salem this next week on Monday evening, Nov. 2
- 8pm concert. This concert features Mozart Violin concerto #4 and the incredible Beethoven's 5th Symphony. If you call the symphony box office 503-364-0149 you can reserve a student ticket *and* one adult ticket for $10 - that's $15 total for over $50 worth of tickets! Just tell them the secret password "staccato". Thanks OSAS for offering this to our students!! You can meet the violinist before the concert by coming at 7pm to the Meet And Great in Eaton Hall. If you need more info, please contact Ms. S

2) Here's the new performance information for December (the info on the website: - www.titanorchestras.com - has been updated!):

Dec. 9 - String Orchestra Field Trip 8am - 4pm - performance at 12:30 at Lancaster
Dec. 10 - Sinfonietta and Symphony at the Band Concert, 7pm - West Auditorium
Dec. 16 and 17 - Chamber Orchestra with the choirs - Winter at West, 7pm, Auditorium

3) Portland Youth Philharmonic (PYP) will be playing a free preview concert on Monday Nov. 9 up at George Fox. Contact Ms Silberman for more info, contact Ms S.

4) MEAP - Music Education Assistance Project, Inc. - has private study scholarships availble - up to $400 - for students. These are based on need and ability. You must be very dedicated to your music, be able to show a need for private lesson financial assistance, and complete the application, including sending in a CD or mp3 2-5 minutes in length. This scholarship is due Nov. 7 - please contact Ms S for more information.

5) Sectionals start up again next week!!! We have a lot of music to learn for our next concerts!

6) Titan Auction deadline is approaching - it's Monday! Please email Kelly Culver if you would like to sit at the orchestra table - $35 per person: kculver@comcast.net - come support WSHS educational programs, including our orchestra!

Each family is asked to donate an item (or cash/check - I'll go out and purchase items if you wish) for the 3 orchestra baskets. The themes are:

String Orchestra - Beauty and Health Spa
Sinfonietta - Gourmet Goodies (for both consumer and chef!)
Chamber Orchestra - Grownup Night Out

We're also looking for a few 'big ticket' items - do you have a service you can provide or a gift you can bestow? Please contact Kelly Culver for more details and a donation form: kculver@comcast.net

7) One young lady in our DLC music program listens to music on a cassette player - if you have any cassettes you no longer use that have classical, kids, popular, or any other kind of music - please bring them in to Ms S.

Happy Halloween - I was thinking of wearing all black and carrying a violin case to go trick-or-treating as a musician... what do you think, would I get some candy??? :)
~Ms S

Computer links - period 7 and 3/4

Here are some links that we will be working on at the computer center in the library - feel free to peruse them at your leisure:

www.titanorchestras.com
• www.titanorchestras.blogspot.com – look for links in past posts
• Google search Gustavo Dudamel
Gustavo Dudamel - ABC News Story of the week
Gustavo Dudamel Videos
Gustavo Dudamel conducting youth - TED prize
www.8notes.com/games
Music Quizzes
- Beethoven 5th Argument video
- Pictures of Norman Leyden Visit to Sinfonietta on OR Sym blog
- Cool video of a 'clap' thunderstorm

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Statesman Journal article about Mr. Leyden's visit

October 28, 2009


Musician's visit excites young players

Karin Holton

I really don't know who had the bigger thrill when Norman Leyden recently visited West Salem High School as part of the Oregon Symphony Association in Salem's Educational Program. He was there to work with their Sinfonietta on "Serenade for Strings," a piece he composed for a junior group of the Westchester Youth Symphony more than 40 years ago.

West Salem's orchestra director, Daryl Silberman, was excited.

The students were not sure what to expect, but they had the music prepared and were ready to learn.

Leyden was a little tentative but still enthusiastic about working with these young musicians.

Although I am familiar with Leyden's work with the Oregon Symphony, it was the first time I actually met him. He is very quiet and unassuming normally, but put a conductor's baton in his hand, he is quite a commanding presence.

He had just celebrated his 92nd birthday, and I am certain that he has inspired many young musicians, myself included. But I am just as certain that these students have inspired him.

Madi W., a ninth-grade violinist said, "It was a great experience to meet the person who writes our music. Seeing Mr. Leyden inspired me and made me realize that music is something I can enjoy my whole life."

As I walked out with of the school with Leyden, I noticed his smile was a little bigger.

As we got in the car, he said "Now I am invigorated. I got a little exercise. I had a little fun, and I got to play some music. Let's do it again."

Visit www.artsmartsalem.org for a listing of events for the current month and remember, "There's Something to do in Salem."

Karin Holton is executive director of ArtSmart. Contact her through info@artsmartsalem.org.

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Sunday, October 25, 2009

CO Retreat Sunday - we're home

I *think* some kids slept (well, I heard that a few fell asleep on a bed - ended up 3 to the bed on a double...) but they looked a little tired this morning. The smell of nut rolls and cinnamon buns woke everyone up and after a little free time we hit the rehearsal room for a last 2 hours of Vivaldi. At 11:15 we performed for the parents (this piece is so neat! We did a ton of work this weekend!) and then it was time to pack it up and clean it up.

Lunch was yummy - grilled sandwiches and leftovers. A little free time (beach, paddle boat on the lake, a last Snack Attack run) and it was time to clean it all up and head on home. We hit 40 minutes delay because of a turned over truck on the 2 lane highway (apparently regulars out to the coast say this is something you always have to account for regarding travel time) but made it back only about 20 minutes late.

Thanks again to everyone who organized this, drove this, kept it running on time, and to all the kids who really showed me their Titan Orchestra spirit!

See you all Tuesday evening at our concert... hope to impress you there!
Musically yours,
~Ms S

Saturday, October 24, 2009

CO Retreat Saturday

Ok, so, there are days in Oregon you thank goodness you're here - this is one of those days. IT WAS SO BEAUTIFUL HERE TODAY - sunny, calm, not too cold, not hot.

Breakfast was yummy - apparently Mark Lowen is a masterful pancake shaper - after making many rounds of circular pancakes, the bunnies, turtles, peace signs, and dragons starting making their appearances!

Our 3 hour rehearsal in the morning got us through the Vivaldi - the piece we came out here to rehearse. We are cobbling together 2 different editions of the Vivaldi to ensure that all have soloistic parts (you'll see/hear on Tuesday). It's working really well!

Lunch was soup and bread - it was a totally enlightened idea to bring crock pots!

Then the kids, after free time, did a scavenger hunt around town, chauffeured around town by the chaperones. The winning team won a bag of lovelies from the Dollar Store. Fun times!!!

The afternoon rehearsal focused on sections working out their Vivaldi parts. Also, we did a read through of Barber's Adagio - a favorite for the "State Repertoire" list.

Dinner at McMenamins was delightful - Ed John and his wife Carol joined us for dinner. Now we're back at Dunlap Manor - the fire pit is glowing, some kids are at the beach (many are wearing their costumes... we've got some hippies, a bumblebee, and characters from Alice In Wonderland), and others are playing games while we smell the brownies baking.

We'll touch base with you tomorrow before our last rehearsal.
~Ms S

CO Lincoln City Retreat Day 1 - Friday

After a brief delay actually leaving, we blasted out to the beach in record time. The trailer the Tatmans provided for all the instruments and bags is HUGE! We could have transported the entire orchestra with us... wow!

The Dunlap Manor is so great - comfy with 26 teenagers and a few adults. Right on the "D" River (the shortest river in the world - or states or something - it connects Devils Lake to the Pacific Ocean), the lodge is campy and rustic feeling.

Next door is the old yacht club, built in the 50's as a social hall - it'll be perfect for 7 hours of rehearsing on this retreat!

A delicious pizza (Gallucci's) and salad dinner and a trip to the beach (it was clear and beautiful last night) = happy teens! Amazingly, there was a homework table in operation for an hour or two... I *think* a few students actually ended up finishing some homework. Bed and/or sleep happened 'round midnight.

Right now, the pancakes are firing up, grapes are ready, yoga's about to begin on the deck, and kiddos are slowly waking.

If you want to see where we are, go to maps.google.com - enter the address: 1301 SE First St., Lincoln City - click on Satellite and look for this place. From the main street (highway 101) it's the 4th building in from the beach.

Thanks again to all the amazing parents who put all this together! More blogging later... :)
~Ms S

Friday, October 23, 2009

Newsletter #7

Contained within:

1) Chamber Orchestra retreat this weekend
2) Concert information
3) Don't forget to check the blog
4) Student concert review format is online
5) Stay tuned for changes to Dec. performance schedules
6) Fundraisers end next week


1) Chamber Orchestra is off to Lincoln City later today. Parents, you've been given the Dunlap Manor address and emergency phone numbers in the itinerary emails that have been sent to you. If you have any questions, please call me: 818-317-8218. We'll see you Sunday afternoon around 2:30 back at West. Thanks for loaning me your kids for 2 nights - we'll be rehearsing 7 hours over the weekend and havin' some fun.

2) OUR FALL CONCERT IS THIS NEXT TUESDAY - Oct. 27, 7pm. Here's the schedule for Tuesday for students:

No Sectional After School For String Orchestra Members
5pm - Symphony
6:15 - ALL STUDENTS MUST BE DRESSED, INSTRUMENTS READY, IN THE AUDITORIUM
6:50 - Doors open to the auditorium for audience members
7pm - Concert

PARENTS - we still could use a few parents to help out on Tuesday evening - these concerts don't happen without your help! Please contact Kelly Culver - kculver@comcast.net - if you are interested in helping out.

Dress attire has been outlined in previous emails - please look back to Newsletter #4 for more information!

3) Don't forget that I use the blog to post other information of interest to both students and parents. For example, I posted a link to the Serenade Triste that we'll be playing in Chamber Orchestra. Please bookmark the website and/or blog and check often. Thanks

4) All students are required to attend one live concert of professional and/or professional-quality musicians each semester. I suggest attending Salem Chamber Orchestra or Oregon Symphony concerts, but there are many other options. Students can see the review requirements on the Student page of our website - www.titanorchestras.com. I've supplied students with the guidelines and sample reviews. These are due 2 weeks before the end of the semester. Reviews must be typed and/or emailed to me (silberman_daryl@salkeiz.k12.or.us)

5) Performances for December are changing a little. Chamber Orchestra is still performing with the choirs on Dec. 16 and 17 and Symphony is still performing on the Band Concert Dec. 10. But, now Sinfonietta will also perform on the Band concert Dec. 10. String Orchestra will be performing at Lancaster Mall on December 9 at 12:30pm - lunch time. We'll be 'on tour' that day... more information about that in later emails.

Also, members of the orchestras will be required to perform in public in the month December - I will be posting performance opportunities in the orchestra room during the month of November. Parents, I appreciate your help in getting our performers to their various locations - carpooling will most likely be necessary.

6) Entertainment Books and Wreaths/Poinsettias fundraisers end next week - Ebook money and unsold books are due Wednesday Oct. 28. Wreaths/Poinsettias money is due Oct. 30. Late money for Wreaths/Poinsettias will not be accepted.

I look forward to seeing you Tuesday evening!!!
~Daryl Silberman

Monday, October 19, 2009

Link to Serenade Triste by Cohen (Chamber Orchestra)

Here's a link to the piece we're playing in Chamber:

Serenade Triste

Friday, October 16, 2009

Newsletter #6

Newsletter #6 - emailed 10/16/09

Contained within:

1) Concert info for Oct. 27
2) Donut and Hot Apple Cider fundraiser after concert
3) Titan Auction - each student asked to donate to basket
4) Parents - want to win a free CodaBow for your son/daughter?
5) Entertainment Books and Wreaths/Poinsettia sales end in 2 weeks

1) Our Fall Concert is at 7pm on Oct. 27 at the West Auditorium - the auditorium doors will open at 6:50pm. We are looking for 2-4 parent volunteers to help 'man' the doors and set up before and after the concert - any students who owe volunteer hours (whose parents don't mind participating in their place) or anyone interested in support our organization - we welcome your service. Please email Kelly Culver kculver@comcast.net to let her know if you're available.

Concert attire was addressed in a separate email - here it is again on the blog if you need reminding...
http://titanorchestras.blogspot.com/2009/10/concert-attire.html

Here's the schedule for the concert day:
5pm - Symphony rehearsal
6pm - break
6:15pm - DRESSED CALL TIME FOR ALL ORCHESTRA MEMBERS
6:15 - 6:50pm - students in the auditorium for walk through rehearsal
7pm - Concert - over probably by 8:30pm.

ALL STUDENTS WILL SERVE ON A CONCERT HELP CREW - you can sign up for:
Pre-concert - this group helps prepare the rooms and auditorium
Concert crew - this group will move chairs and stands for each group
Post-concert - this group clears chairs and cleans up after the concert

Parents - you will hear some great music this concert set - The National Anthem, Leyden, Vivaldi, Bach, Hovhaness, Cohen, and more.

Audience Members...
If you need babysitting for children under 6, please contact Ms. Silberman for information - we can have babysitters here at West but only with advanced notice. PARENTS WITH CHILDREN WHO CANNOT SIT QUIETLY DURING THE CONCERT WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE THE AUDITORIUM so as not to disturb other audience members or the performers. All concerts at West are recorded and video taped - if you miss anything, please request a recorded copy of your child's performance. Thanks for your help with creating a comfortable and respectful audience environment.

2) Donuts and hot apple cider will be sold after the concert
- please enjoy this booster fundraiser. Funds raised at this event go to pay our wonderful coaches who help the musicians immensely!

3) The Titan Auction is coming up - Nov. 21.
If you are interested in sitting at the "Orchestra Table" please contact Kelly Culver or Ms. Silberman - tickets are $35 each and the orchestra directly benefits from filling tables. ALL FAMILIES ARE ASKED TO DONATE AN ITEM TO YOUR ORCHESTRA'S AUCTION BASKET:

String Orchestra - "Health and Beauty Spa Basket"
Sinfonietta - "Food and Wine Connoisseur"
Chamber Orchestra - "Grownup Date Night"

Your item should be valued at $10 or more. HAVE STUDENTS BRING THESE ITEMS TO CLASS OR DROP THEM OFF AT THE FRONT OFFICE TO BE DELIVERED TO THE ORCHESTRA ROOM. The orchestra whose basket brings in the most money will earn a pizza party... :) so, let's get shopping!

4) Are you over 18?
Want to try to win a fantastic Carbon Fiber bow for you child in the orchestra program? Click here to enter Codabow's Sweepstakes:

www.codabow.com/giveaway.htm

Our local Codabow dealer is Weathers Music.

5) Fundraisers end at the end of the month: Entertainment book fundraiser ends Oct. 28 - ALL CHECKS AND UNSOLD BOOKS ARE DUE THIS DAY!!!! Wreaths and Pointsettia packets are due by Oct. 30 - LATE PACKETS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED - checks will have to be returned if not in by Oct. 30... sorry. Proceeds from these fundraisers go directly to students' individual accounts. They can use these funds for trips - String Orchestra goes on a performing field trip Dec. 9 and other groups have retreats that might happen again later this year. All can fundraise for our 'big' 2011 trip.

I look forward to seeing you at the concert! The students have some great pieces to perform for you!

***SAVE THE DATE***

Tues Oct. 20 - Norman Leyden comes to clinic Sinfonietta (after postponing last week)
Fri Oct. 23 - 25 - Chamber Orchestra Retreat to Lincoln City
Tues Oct. 27 - Fall Concert
Tues Nov. 3 - YMMP "Meet Your Mentor" reception
Tues Nov. 10 - Orchestra Parent Booster Meeting

Thursday, October 15, 2009

String Orchestra... what should you practice???

[Emailed 10/15/09]

Hi String Orchestra students,

Here's your reminder email:

MEMORIZE Dona Nobis Pacem... you can do it!!!!

Violins - 5 lines of A major scale page

Violas, Cello, Bass - 5 lines of D major scale page

Vivaldi - test on Monday.

Bored? Have nothing else to do? Click here:
www.codabow.com/giveaway.html

Enter the raffle for a free bow - if you win it and don't want it, you can donate it to the orchestras and we'll waive fair use fees for the rest of your high school years with us...

Practice logs are due Monday! Happy practicing...
~Ms S

Monday, October 12, 2009

Concert Attire

Sent in an email 10/12/09

Titan Concert Attire Information for Fall Concert
Mon, October 12, 2009 12:35:01 PMFrom: Daryl Silberman

Titan Orchestras Boosters News
This is the concert attire information for our first concert - Tuesday, OCT. 27, 7pm

We are in a transition stage with our concert dress - by our Winter concert, all students will have been issued official concert attire, but for this first concert we will practice our ability to dress appropriately for a professional music 'gig'. Here are the stipulations on dress:

Women - long black pants or long skirt (below the knee). Opaque (not see-through) black hose or socks. Black CLOSED TOE, FLATS - no heels more than 1/2 an inch (this is for your safety!!). All black top - at least 2 inches down the arm (no sleeveless). No jewelry other than posts in ears. Hair must be back off the face!

Men - long black dress slacks (no jeans, no cords). BLACK socks. Black Dress shoes - no vans/converse or sneakers. No cloth shoes - leather or pleather black dress shoes please. Long sleeve black dress shirt.

Black clothing should be 'dress up' quality - no t-shirt material. No grey, white, or printed black on shirts. No sequins, no shiny material... just, concert dress black.

IF STUDENTS WANT TO WEAR TITAN CONCERT CLOTHES (Tux for men, with white tux shirt, cummerbun, bow tie - black concert dress for women) you may wear that if that's easiest. For those who don't have those issued to them - see Ms S after school before the day of the concert.

I frequent resale and consignment stores - if you receive free or reduced lunch, I'm happy to pick up clothing for you. If you would simply like me to look for appropriate clothing for you and you can pay me back, please let me know. I don't wish this attire policy to be a burden - either financially or psychologically. I'm happy to help out!

For the Winter concerts, String Orchestra and Sinfonietta students WILL be issued the current Titan concert attire - Chamber Orchestra is getting new clothing.

If there are *ANY* questions, please let me know - if students are not appropriately attired for the concert, they may not play - and they will not get credit for the performance.
~Ms. S

***SAVE THE DATE
Oct. 13 - 6pm, Orchestra Parent Booster Meeting
Oct. 23 - 25 Chamber Orchestra retreat in Lincoln City
Oct. 27 - 7pm, Fall Concert, West Auditorium

Titan Orchestras

If you have any questions, please feel free to email any of the following:
Kelly Culver, Orchestra Boosters President, kculver@comcast.net
Karen Tatman, Orchestra Boosters Vice-President, music@team-tnt.com
Daryl Silberman, Orchestra Director Extraordinaire, silberman_daryl@salkeiz.k12.or.us
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Checking in on The Dude

Here's an article about how Gustavo Dudamel did at his debut concert:

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/culturemonster/2009/10/dudamels-gala.html

Neat article...

Friday, October 9, 2009

More on the Dude (Conductor-Hero game!!!)

This is fun:

http://www.laphil.com/gustavo/supermaestro.html


It's like guitar hero but for conducting...

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Newsletter #5

In this newsletter (emailed 10/8/09):

1) On Wednesday next week, no Sinfonietta sectionals - do some extra practice!
2) What's due?
3) Missed sectional - what should you do?
4) Practice logs *ARE* due on Monday
5) Composer Norman Leyden coming to West on Tuesday!!
6) CONCESSION STAND OPPORTUNITIES
7) Wreath/Poinsettias and Entertainment Book fundraisers ongoing

1) This next week we have a wild schedule
. School is done on Wednesday at 11:45, so it's rather impractical to have a 2:40 sectional. Sinfonietta - you're off the hook for sectionals... but, we'll have a test on your A Major bowings on Monday, so practice extra over the long weekend!

2) What's due? A surprising number of students have not turned in one or more of the following items that are PAST DUE:

Fair Use Fees
($20 string orch, $30 sinfonietta, $40 chamber)
Blue (or white) Permission slips (available online in the student section if you 'lost' yours)
Pink slips (handbook information)
$5.50 to me for Essential Elements
$$$ for the Chamber Orchestra retreat ($75 per student)

LET'S GET THIS STUFF IN!!! Thanks...

3) If you miss a sectional here's the new policy - EMAIL ME! I'll tell you what you missed. THEN YOU OWE ME A LUNCH - Wednesday or Friday A or B lunch. Come in, do your work, and you're good to go. But, only 'miss' a sectional once a month... otherwise, it could effect your grade... ok??!!! (If you are on contract - you need to come every other week during a lunch to catch up to your colleagues).

4) Just a reminder... practice logs are due on Mondays. PARENTS - I WILL BE SHARING STUDENT PRACTICE LOGS WITH YOU AT CONFERENCES AT THE END OF NOVEMBER! If you're not hearing any practicing, touch base with me and we discuss motivational techniques for getting students to practice... :)

5) Very exciting - this next Tuesday, Sinfonietta students have the honor of meeting and working with the composer of the piece they're working on: Serenade for String Orchestra by Norman Leyden. Mr. Leyden was the conductor of the Oregon Symphony Pops for years - he's a dynamic musician... if you're interested in seeing him work with the students, come to West at 1pm on Tuesday - should be a great workshop!

6) From Kelly Culver (your orchestra parent booster president):

We need student and parent volunteers to work in the Concession Stand on:
#1: Oct. 16, Friday 3:00p – 7:30p Boys & Girls Soccer (need 4 students/2 parents)
#2: Oct. 23, Friday 5:15p – 8:00p Girls Soccer (need 3 students)

For Chamber students, if you work on the 16th, it’ll go toward their retreat/trip fund. For other students it’s a great way to start saving for next year’s trip! Please sign up in the orchestra room or email Kelly Culver: kculver@comcast.net

7) Students were given Wreath and Poinsettia packets in class this week - this is a great fundraiser for all students in music. Students get a lot of the proceeds. This fundraiser runs through Oct. 30 - if you need another packet, please pick one up in the orchestra room!

Entertainment books are still selling... finishing on Oct. 28. Remember, Chamber Orchestra students can earn towards the retreat by selling books and turning in checks by Oct. 14.

***SAVE THE DATE***
Oct. 13 - Orchestra Parent Booster Meeting
(planning for Fall concert and more) 6pm Choir room
Oct. 20 - YMMP Meet Your Mentor reception, 6pm Orchestra room
Oct. 27 - FALL CONCERT, West Auditorium, 7pm

The Dude - Mahler 1

So, in music circles everyone's getting excited about Gustavo Dudamel's premier concert with the Los Angeles Philharmonic - it's tonight and they're doing Mahler's 1st symphony. In class today Chamber and Sinfonietta hear Beethoven 5th (1st movement) conducted by "The Dude". He's a 28 year old conductor who came through the Argentinian system called "La Sistema". He's quite amazing and it's a pretty neat story.

Here's some info about tonight's concert, in case you're interested:

LA Times Blog

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Online theory quizzes and games

Period 8 String Orchestra went to the library today to work some websites... here's where we went:

www.8notes.com

www.musictechteacher.com/musicquizzes.htm

Fun!

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Newsletter #4 - sent through our new email service

If you are reading this post online but didn't receive it via email, please email Ms. s to let her know - silberman_daryl@salkeiz.k12.or.us - this week we sent our newsletter out via a different email delivery system.

Newsletter #4 for the Titan Orchestra program

Contained within:

1) What's due??? (Fair use, sectional/symphony contracts, permission slips)
2) What's going on in classes?
3) Entertainment Book fundraiser is still on...
4) Have you checked out the recordings on our website?

1) $5.50 - There are still students who owe Ms. Silberman $5.50 for Essential Elements - in Chamber Orchestra and Sinfonietta. Please bring that to me directly... thanks!

Fair use fees ($20 for String Orchestra, $30 for Sinfonietta, $40 for Chamber Orchestra - I MISTAKENLY PUT $50 IN THE EMAIL... sorry!) due for this year. Everyone in orchestra benefits from this fee!

"Blue Sheet" (or the Permission forms downloaded off the website) is due from each student!

Practice Journals/logs are due from each student on Mondays. This next week is a strange week - it starts with an "Even" day on Monday Oct. 5, so students in Sinfonietta will actually turn their log in to me on Tuesday - but it should only reflect practice through the 4th.

2) Here's a quick recap of what we're preparing and working on in classes:

Chamber Orchestra - memorizing the National Anthem. Playing the beautiful Serenade Triste by Cohen. Finishing up the Mozart Ave Verum that we'll be playing with Soundscape at our concert on the 27th. Our coaches have been coming in and we've worked etudes, scales, and a few pieces for our personal growth

Sinfonietta - We are getting ready for Mr. Norman Leyden to visit our school on October 13th to conduct us playing his Serenade for String Orchestra. This 4 movement piece has a little something for everyone and the orchestra is sounding really good! Ms. Ward has come in to work the cellos and bass once and will be coming again next week.

String Orchestra - We are working a choral piece called St. Denio - it's in 2 keys which is a bit challenging, but we're doing well! We're also working out of the green books and warmup books in the room - we've worked C Major, G Major and D Major scales. Principal Ed John came in and we played Dona Nobis Pacem for him, quite successfully I might add.

Symphony
- we are playing 3 great pieces in symphony - a Psalm and Fugue by Alan Hovhaness, an arrangement of Grieg's In the Hall of the Mountain King (if you don't know it, you'll recognize it when you hear it!!), and a Bach prelude and fugue. It's fun to work with this concentrated and combined string group. In November we'll welcome the band students and begin the big symphony rehearsals.

3) The Entertainment Book fundraiser is still ongoing. Books are $20 each - the coupons from Safeway and/or the French Press coupon helps to pay for the books right away! ALL TITAN ORCHESTRA MEMBERS ARE WELCOME TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS FUNDRAISER!!!

4)If you go to our newly renovated website: www.titanorchestras.com and go to the library page. On the left there is a link to "recordings" - click there and you can listen to many of the pieces we'll be playing at the next concert... and a few extra pieces for fun.

***SAVE THE DATE
Oct. 13 - 6pm, Orchestra Parent Booster Meeting
Oct. 23 - 25 Chamber Orchestra retreat in Lincoln City
Oct. 27 - 7pm, Fall Concert, West Auditorium