West Salem High School Titan Orchestras.... OSAA 2011 Orchestra Champions!

Newsletter #18 (2.17.12)

2012-02-16T20:06:00.001-08:00

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Newsletter #18 (2.18.12)
Contained within...

1) Fruit Fundraiser money and forms due Tuesday
2) 3 concert review opportunities these next few days...
3) Agate Beach Chamber retreat shaping up
4) Winter at West video available - deadline March 2
5) All City is this next week
6) Check out this video... (Nuttin' But Stringz)

1) Fruit Fundraiser money and forms due Tuesday
We are doing a quick Willamette Valley Fruit Company fundraiser thanks to parent Melissa Canfield. The order forms *and* money is due Tuesday 2/21 - if you cannot make that deadline, please email your order info to Ms. Silberman at titanorchestras@yahoo.com and I'll pass the info along (then you can pay once you're back). Pick up will be on March 9 or 10... stay tuned for more info.

What might I want to be fundraising for:

2013 "Big" trip deposit will be due May or June
Boot Camp fees ($40 - due in August)
Chamber Retreat to Agate Beach next month
State shirts (Symphony and Chamber)
All City/All State/Solo and Ensemble fees

2) 3 concert review opportunities these next few days...
Remember, all students need to turn in a live performance review within 2 weeks of a performance... and, this semester you can actually get 'extra' credit for turning in up to 2 extra reviews. Here's some acceptable concerts for review:

Saturday 2/18, 2pm - Lancaster Santiam movie theatre
See "The Dude" (Gustavo Dudamel) conduct the LA Philharmonic orchestra "LIVE" in Venezuela - only, you're sitting in the movie theatre on Lancaster. I will accept review of this concert. Here's the website with more info:
http://www.fathomevents.com/
performingarts/event/laphil_mahler.aspx

Sunday 2/19, 3pm - OSU Symphony orchestra in Corvallis - student tickets are free with ID
http://cosusymphony.org/

Tuesday 2/21, 8pm - Oregon String Quartet WEBCAST (yes, this is from your home computer, for free!!!). I believe if you click on this link, you'll get to see it live - review the whole concert if you do it this way...
http://media.uoregon.edu/channel/2012/02/08/oregon-string-quartet-faculty-artist-series-live-webcast/

3) Agate Beach Chamber retreat shaping up
Chamber Orchestra is going on retreat March 15-18 to work on 'performance season' repertoire. We're very thankful to Newport First Presbyterian Church for giving us rehearsal space. We will be staying in a retreat facility that was the last home owned by composer Ernest Bloch - we will be playing 2 movements of one of his pieces. Thank you to the parent/student trip committee for putting together a fantastic trip, for relatively little money, and large performance and rehearsal opportunity. CHAMBER STUDENTS AND PARENTS ARE ASKED TO ATTEND A MEETING MARCH 1 at 6pm TO GO OVER TRIP DETAILS.

4) Winter at West video available - deadline March 2
Thanks to one of our parents, we have a beautifully produced DVD of Winter at West 2011 available to students' families for only $10. Students can get order forms from Ms. S - $10 is due with the form - by March 2. The DVD's will be delivered soon after that deadline.

5) All City is this next week
8 of our own string players, 11 choir students, and 24 band students are deep in rehearsals with Salem-Keizer's best musicians for this year's All City concert that will occur at 7pm on February 25 at North High School. All students and parents are welcome to this concert - it highlights the best orchestra, band and choir students.

6) Check out this video...
Just gotta check these guys out... from 2008's America's Got Talent... the violin brothers "Nuttin' But Stringz"... fun stuff...

http://youtu.be/MphdRo5_7Us

Enjoy...

Thanks for reading all the way down to the bottom of the newsletter. This newsletter, along with all others, will be posted on our blog at www.titanorchestras.blogspot.com - accessible off the website at www.titanorchestras.com too.

Musically yours,
~Ms S

Newsletter #17 (emailed 2/10/12)

2012-02-10T14:24:00.000-08:00

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Newsletter #17 (2.10.12)
Contained within...

1) Free SCO dress rehearsal on Sunday @ noon
2) Thank you to Salem Chamber Orchestra
3) Symphony schedule... details
4) Pie fundraiser
5) Added Chamber meeting for parents - March 1
6) Solo and Ensemble forms due Wednesday!
7) Check out this video... (The "Dude" and Elmo)

1) Free SCO dress rehearsal on Sunday @ noon
We are so lucky to get free vouchers to see the Salem Chamber Orchestra dress rehearsals! This weekend's concert is on Sunday, and the dress rehearsal is also on Sunday. I emailed a PDF of the voucher to all students and parents - please print this off, put "West" on the line, and turn it in to see the dress rehearsal for free. If you'd rather see the concert at 3pm, you can pay for tickets at the door. The concert features Beethoven's 3rd symphony and Vivaldi's Winter Violin Concerto all conducted by my old friend and mentor, Maestro Ben Simon from San Francisco - going to be another great SCO concert!

2) Thank you to Salem Chamber Orchestra
Thank you Salem Chamber Orchestra for sending their conductor, and my old friend, Ben Simon to conduct Chamber Orchestra this past Thursday. He worked our Mozart - and, even told a funny joke about why Mozart didn't like chickens (as any of the students for the answer... ).

3) Symphony schedule... details
Symphony is actually only about 12 rehearsals away from a competition, so, students, it's time to start really making sure you're learning the notes and listening to the music. On Tuesday 2/14 at symphony we'll have "stand" test on Festival Prelude. On March 8, each student will have a note test on all the pieces. If you would like more information about what pieces we're rehearsing on any given symphony rehearsal day, check the calendar on our website and click on the rehearsal to see the detailed description.

4) Pie fundraiser
Huge thank you to parent Melissa Canfield for organizing a Willamette Valley Fruit Company fundraiser. Details have gone out in an email and students have already been offered color copies of the order form. Due date is February 21 - pickup will either be March 9 or 10 (stay tuned for more details). This fundraiser is great in that the prices people pay for the fruit and desserts is the same as, and sometimes actually less than, at Roth's. Please consider stocking up, if you have a good storage freezer.

5) Added Chamber meeting for parents - March 1
Details and itinerary for the Agate Beach Chamber Orchestra retreat are being worked out. All parents of Chamber students are asked to attend a meeting, along with all Chamber students, on March 1 at 6pm to go over details of the trip, fill out medical forms, and get packing and trip details. If parents are not available, please contact trip Czar Geoff Winkler - geoffwinkler@gmail.com - some time that day to get the forms and details.

6) Solo and Ensemble forms due Wednsday!
Solo and Ensemble Festival forms are due on Tuesday. The student fee of $15 is also due. Chamber students who did not audition for All City are required to perform a solo at this festival, March 3. Students have had access to forms for the past 3 weeks.

7) Check out this video...
The "Dude" - Los Angeles Philharmonic conductor Gustavo Dudamel - had a moment on Sesame Street... very fun! If you're interested incoming to see The "Dude" conduct 1000 performers in Venezuela "Live at the Movies" on Saturday the 18th, you'll like this little preview...

http://youtu.be/QEZj0yjfzbc

Enjoy...

Thanks for reading all the way down to the bottom of the newsletter. This newsletter, along with all others, will be posted on our blog at www.titanorchestras.blogspot.com - accessible off the website at www.titanorchestras.com too.

Musically yours,
~Ms S

Newsletter #16 (emailed 2.3.12)

2012-02-03T06:06:00.000-08:00

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Here's what's coming up...

Chamber Agate Beach retreat deposit due today (2/3/12)

Week of Feb 6
Mon
Tue 2:30 Symphony
Wed 6:30 All City @ North
Thu 2:30 TO Viola
Sectional
4 Symphony
6 Parent Boosters
Fri 2:30 Sinf Viola
Sectional

SAVE THE DATE

Feb 12 SCO free
dress rehearsal
Feb 18 LA Phil at Movies
Feb 28 Chamber at
Capital Manor
Mar 15-18 Chamber trip
Mar 21 Spring Concert (all)

Newsletter #16 (2.3.12)

Contained within...

1) Library (links) on our website is updated
2) A little something for everyone this semester
3) Homework assignments, again...
4) Time to practice
5) Check out this video... (how it's made - violin)

1) Library (links) on our website is updated
Happy 2nd semester. We're already working in class on our repertoire for our March 21 concert. To hear and/or see your music on the web, find the links in the Library section of our website:

www.titanorchestras.com

Click on the Library tab on the top scroll bar, then click on the piece you want to hear. If you need/want an MP3 version of your piece, bring a thumb drive in and ask Ms. S for a copy.

2) A little something for everyone this semester
It's semester 2, which means you now have about 4 months to go see a live concert and get the review in WITHIN 2 WEEKS OF THE PERFORMANCE. Here are some concerts coming up in the next few months for your planning purposes - maybe pick a concert and put the date into your calendar?

February
2/12 Salem Chamber Orchestra plays another concert in the Four Season series - it will include Vivaldi's Winter, from the Four Seasons, and Beethoven's 3rd Symphony (my very favorite!!!). There will be a free preview dress rehearsal this Sunday, 2/12 at 12noon - students will be given vouchers in class this week.

2/18 Come see the Los Angeles Philharmonic Live on the BIG SCREEN (at the movie theatre on Lancaster Santiam 11!) - these tickets are little more expensive ($16 for students, $20 for adults), but less expensive than flying to Venezuela to see this concert. See "The Dude" (Gustavo Dudamel) up close and person, while eating popcorn!

March
3/11 Salem Chamber Orchestra plays another concert in the Four Season series - it will include Vivaldi's Spring, from the Four Seasons, and another Beethoven Symphony. There will be a free preview dress rehearsal for this concert too...

3/31 Barrage is coming to Salem! Barrage is so cool - young, hip violinists playing amazing violin/fiddle/rock with a rock beat behind them. This concert is at the Elsinore and will be a huge hit. Not cheap tickets (however, I'm looking into whether or not we can get some discount seats)

April
4/13 Oregon Symphony in Salem comes on a Friday night to play a classical concert, featuring classical guitar super star Sharon Isbin! $5 student tickets will be available for this concert.

4/20 Oregon Symphony Pops in Salem comes on a Friday night to Willamette University, featuring 'concert rock violinist' Aaron Meyer. Hopefully $5 student tickets will be available for this concert!

3) Homework assignments, again...
We are putting the 'heavy' on theory and rhythmic counting right now, so we'll be having homework assignments to supplement what we're doing in class. These assignments are time sensitive - please make sure you get your homework on Thursdays and get them in when they're due (usually the following Monday or Tuesday). Grades suffer when students simply don't turn in assignments.

4) Time to practice
Everybody has new music - both in class and in sectionals. Parents should be hearing the beautiful sounds of violin/viola/cello/bass playing in the halls of homes all over Salem. If you have any question about what you might be practicing, how long you should be practicing, or why you should be practicing, please feel free to ask Ms. S. Check the website on the Student Page for more info.

5) Check out this video...
Around our house we love "How It's Made" ... we found the "How It's Made - making a violin" episode on youtube... enjoy!

http://youtu.be/WcJfbjcUDoo

Enjoy...

Thanks for reading all the way down to the bottom of the newsletter. This newsletter, along with all others, will be posted on our blog at www.titanorchestras.blogspot.com - accessible off the website at www.titanorchestras.com too.

Musically yours,
~Ms S

Newsletter #15 (1.27.12)

2012-01-27T18:53:00.000-08:00

http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=1426fa87677f90ab1a2fe9856&id=caf8f2bd6e&e=

Newsletter #15 (1.27.12)
Contained within...

1) Special live concert opportunity (yes, for 1st semester)...
2) Videos are posted!!!
3) What's coming up 2nd semester?
4) Congratulations All City students!!!
5) Sectionals start up again this next week (including Chamber)
6) Check out this video... (rollercoaster)

1) Special live concert opportunity (yes, for 1st semester)...
Didn't turn in a live review? Didn't have an chance to see a live concert these past 5 months? I have a unique opportunity for anyone who reads this message (sorry - I didn't think to announce this in class this week). Come on Sunday (Jan. 29) to the downtown public library Loucks Auditorium for the Salem Baroque 2:30pm concert (The Brilliance of Bach) and you can get half credit for doing your review. If you check in with Ms. Silberman before the concert, attend the concert, and give me a verbal review of the concert afterwards, you will receive 10pts out of the 20pts you might currently have 0 points for. Here's more info:

http://www.cameratamusica.org/series.htm

And, for anyone who just wants to come see a lovely concert (Danny and I will be playing Bach Double violin concerto and Orchestral Suite 3 - all on baroque instruments), please come. Tickets are free but come early to assure a seat.

2) Videos are posted!!!
All students in the orchestra participated in a chamber music ensemble for the past 3 weeks. The results of many hours of rehearsals and coaching sessions is available for you all to see on our youtube channel:

www.youtube.com/titanorchestras

Students can easily find their video by looking for their 1st violinist's name. Parents will need to look through the descriptions - all students are listed by first name.

I'm very proud of all the groups - there were different kinds of challenges - some were musical, some were interpersonal - but all the groups made it all the way through the chamber music unit. And, for most, it was in the end a positive experience.

3) What's coming up 2nd semester?
Chamber Orchestra will be performing at Capital Manor, performing at Walker and Straub, performing at WOU for an orchestra competition, performing at our own district orchestra festival, and hopefully (likely) performing at State this year. There will be no extra concerto concert this year, but this year's seniors will be honored, and some will perform, at the June concert. Chamber will also go on retreat to Agate Beach - there we will practice, perform, and be cliniced.

Sinfonietta and Titan Orchestra will perform on the March and June concerts. Sinfonietta is ready for a challenging piece - look forward to a nice challenge! The June concert will feature some pop and/or rock pieces by all groups.

YMMP (Young Musicians Mentoring Program) will begin in February - students will be asked to sign up to mentor a younger student in West or in their home area.

Symphony string players will coach 4th graders on the grading day in April - the 4th Grade String Festival will be on April 27 from 1-6:45pm.

There will be many great live concerts for you to go to to review - including a great opportunity to see the LA Philharmonic live... at the movie theatre!!! Salem Chamber Orchestra and Oregon Symphony concerts are always great to attend - $5 tickets will continue to be available.

Please make sure you check the calendar frequently - it will be the most updated resource for concerts, student requirements, and meetings.

4) Congratulations All City students!!!
Congratulations to the following students accepted to this year's All City Orchestra:

Anny (concertmaster - a West first!!!)
Sinensis
Hayley
Vivian
Jeffrey
Tori
Elizabeth Th.
CJ

The All City concert will be on February 25 at North High School

5) Sectionals start up again this next week (including Chamber)
Sectionals for all orchestras start up this next week. We will continue to do sectionals as large instrument groups. Emphasis will be on scaled, etudes, and pieces that students can be working on to further their skills and abilities.

Chamber Orchestra will be required to self-schedule sectionals to learn and perfect our new repertoire. These sectionals will not be posted on the calendar, as they are to be student run and student planned.

6) Check out this video...
Enjoy a fun, musical roller coaster ride...

http://vimeo.com/20462506

Enjoy...

Thanks for reading all the way down to the bottom of the newsletter. This newsletter, along with all others, will be posted on our blog at www.titanorchestras.blogspot.com - accessible off the website at www.titanorchestras.com too.

Musically yours,
~Ms S

Newsletter #14 emailed 1.13.12

2012-01-13T06:53:00.001-08:00

Newsletter #14 (1.13.12)
Contained within...

1) University of Puget Sound Symphony
2) Review reminder
3) Enjoy Joshua Bell tonight, if you're going
4) Big trip 2013 update...
5) Check out this video...

1) University of Puget Sound Symphony
We were honored to be included on the UPS Symphony tour this year - they played 6 concerts in 3 days. On Thursday, they performed during period 5 for about 80 students in our auditorium, playing De Falla and Mendelssohn. I want to congratulate our audience on great audience behavior - I think we were pretty good hosts. Hopefully they'll come through every few years.

2) Concert review options
Students - don't forget that you have an assignment to write one live concert review per semester, and that review has to be submitted within 2 weeks of the concert. THE REVIEW DEADLINE FOR THIS SEMESTER IS TUESDAY JANUARY 24. Students who attended the University of Puget Sound Symphony or Joshua Bell OR Symphony concert can use those concerts as their review.

Reviews MUST BE TYPED - submited either printed out or emailed to Ms. S at silberman_daryl@salkeiz.k12.or.us.

Review guidelines and samples are available on our website - click on "Student Members" and click on "Review Information". Ask Ms S to show you in class if you haven't done this before.

3) Enjoy Joshua Bell tonight, if you're going
We have 30 students attending tonight's OR Symphony in Salem concert featuring world famous violinist Joshua Bell. Don't forget, students, to pay your $5 (cash, student account money or checks made out to Music Boosters) by placing it in an envelope (provided next to the grey box) and into the grey box in the orchestra room next to Ms. S's office. Enjoy Brahms violin concerto... one of my favorite!

4) Big trip 2013 update...
Orchestra parent boosters, with student leadership in attendance, met last night and discussed the results of the 2013 trip survey. Thank you to all who answered the survey this past month. We are not yet ready to announce where we're going, but we were able to shorten the list of potential cities (and countries). Over the next month, Ms. S and new trip Czar Geoff will work with tour companies to find out what's possible, and with the help of the trip committee which will meet in the next few weeks (yes, that is an open meeting - all parents interested in helping with planning will be invited to attend) we will be ready some time in March to announce plans.

5) Check out this video...
Bass players extraordinaire Edgar Meyer and Victor Wooten have fun with 4 hands and one bass in this amazing video dubbed the "coolest duet ever"... see if you agree...

http://youtu.be/0wynScdeRaA

Enjoy...

Thanks for reading all the way down to the bottom of the newsletter. This newsletter, along with all others, will be posted on our blog at www.titanorchestras.blogspot.com - accessible off the website at www.titanorchestras.com too.

Musically yours,
~Ms S

Article about Joshua Bell's performance coming up at OR Symphony on Friday

2012-01-08T08:52:00.001-08:00

Click here

Newsletter #13 (emailed 1/6/12)

2012-01-06T13:43:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year (1.6.12)

Contained within...

1) Where are we going in 2013??
2) Concert review options
3) Joshua Bell tickets for students... only $5
4) Chamber Music for all
5) Check out this video...

1) Where are we going in 2013??
The Titan Orchestra program will go on a 'big' trip in 2013 - but in order for us to know where we're going, you have to complete the Travel Survey so we know where you'd like to go, when you'd like to go, and how much you'd like to spend. Parents and students here at West next year, please complete this survey:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2N3CHHW

The results of this survey will be discussed at next week's parent booster meeting - all parents are welcome to attend, as always! We'll have an announcement about the trip in a few weeks... stay tuned.

2) Concert review options
There are a few concerts that students can attend before the semester is over:

Sunday Jan 8, 3pm - Salem Chamber Orchestra Connie Fritz Memorial Concerto Competition finals (there is one violinist performing - reviewing her performance as well as at least 2 other performers counts for concert credit). This is a free concert.
http://salemchamberorchestra.org/?page_id=17

Thursday Jan 12, 5th period - University of Puget Sound Symphony is coming here to West to perform during 5th period. Students in 3rd or 6th period may request to be excused from their 5th period class to see and review this concert.

Friday Jan 13, 8pm - Oregon Symphony in Salem featuring world famous violinist Joshua Bell. More info below (we have to special order student tickets by next Tuesday!)
http://www.orsymphony.org/salem/

3) Joshua Bell tickets for students... only $5
The Oregon Symphony in Salem concert on Friday January 13 will featuring international violin star Joshua Bell in concert at Willamette (Smith Hall) - and, thanks to an amazing donor, will be able to offer $5 student tickets to this concert. Students MUST BRING $5 (or pay out of student account) to school by Tuesday in order to reserve these tickets - no adult tickets available, unfortunately. Please let Ms. S know via email or in class that you want a ticket.

4) Chamber Music for all
All students in the orchestra program are playing chamber music for these next 3 weeks. They have all been put into groups of 4-8 and will be required to meet both during orchestra class time and after school. They will all be coached 3 times by our amazing professional musician coaches. The results of this chamber music unit will be made available to the public via our youtube channel after finals (at the end of January). Happy practicing!

5) Check out this video...
Speaking of Joshua Bell, here is the famous video of him performing in the Washington D.C. metro station - people walk right past him, not even taking a moment to notice him. A few people stop - but they don't even clap when he's finished. He is paid $20,000-$50,000 per concert, and barely anyone noticed him playing in the subway station... crazy!

http://youtu.be/hnOPu0_YWhw

Enjoy...

Thanks for reading all the way down to the bottom of the newsletter. This newsletter, along with all others, will be posted on our blog at www.titanorchestras.blogspot.com - accessible off the website at www.titanorchestras.com too.

Musically yours,
~Ms S

2013 Travel Survey

2011-12-07T06:50:00.001-08:00

Current freshman, sophomore and junior orchestra members and parents - please take a minute to give us your feedback on where you'd like us to go next year for the 2013 orchestra trip.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2N3CHHW

This is the same survey link you were emailed - we thought we'd give you a few different ways to find it. Thanks so much!
~Ms S

Winter at West website!!

2011-11-26T16:27:00.000-08:00

http://westsalemband.org/waw.html

Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday

2011-11-24T08:24:00.001-08:00

I get a lot of emails regarding sales from online sheetmusic and instrument shops. Here's a list of links to these sites - it's a great time to pick up accessories for your instruments, extra fun music, a new set of strings, a new bow or case, or a new instruments. Happy Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping! And, don't forget our local music shops Weathers and Uptown on Small Business Saturday.

Shar Music Black Friday Sale

Electric Violin Shop Black Friday

Southwest Strings Black Friday and Cyber Monday (Sign up for their email list for special Black Friday deals!)

Mark Wood Electric Violins

Holiday Gift Guide from Woodwind and Brasswind (String Centre)

Sheetmusic Plus (check out this direct link to play-along CD's with music!!)

Newsletter #11 (11/18/11)

2011-11-17T21:04:00.000-08:00

http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=1426fa87677f90ab1a2fe9856&id=c47f947937&e=

Newsletter #11 (11/18/11)
Contained within...
1) Go see a concert...
2) Symphony trip recap
3) Email conference requests
4) $$ due
5) Winter at West is coming... Just Believe
6) Check out this video... (the musical turkey baster)

1) Many great concerts coming up locally
There are great concerts this weekend - please see last week's newsletter for more info. I am playing Salem Chamber Orchestra - there are vouchers (free) available for parents and students who want to attend Saturday morning's rehearsal from 10am - 12:30pm. Email me (Ms S) for more info.

2) Symphony trip recap
Thursday Nov. 16 our symphony orchestra - 71 members - went to Eugene and had a great time being coached by Univ. of Oregon professors from the School of Music and Dance. And, students had the honor of watching the Eugene Symphony dress rehearsal. It was an inspirational trip that is sure to help this year's group get off to a great start. Thank you to all who make changes in schedules and took care of homework in advance to make sure this trip was a success!

3) Email conference request
At this time of year, conference season, I spend a lot of time thinking about students' playing - watching positions and postures. We have had 10 weeks together and feel that I know how each student is progressing. If anyone would like a personalized assessment of how they are doing - technique, position, posture, musicality, etc... - I would be happy to chat with you at conferences or via email. I don't have documents pre-made, but would be happy to provide parents and students with assessments of what's working well and where improvements could be made (on posture, tone, practicing habits, etc...) - and it just for the asking. Feel free to email me at silberman_daryl@salkeiz.k12.or.us to request an email update. Any student currently not receiving an "A" in orchestra is likely missing assignments or missed a sectional rehearsal. In Touch Online is up-to date - if there are any questions about grades, feel free to see me at conferences or send me an email.

4) $$ due
Titan Orchestra goes to Portland on December 1 - students are required to pay the $25 fee by Tuesday Nov. 29. Scholarship forms are available in the classroom or via email request.

Christmas Tree money is due!

Sinfonietta's $25 fee for the December 9 trip will be due by Dec. 7.

5) Winter at West is coming... Just Believe
This year's Winter at West theme is Just Believe... inspired by our finale number, The Polar Express Suite. Chamber Orchestra will be performing 3 movements of Vivaldi's Gloria, Borodin's Nocturne, and the full symphony will play the Polar Express Suite as a finale. Tickets will be $10 presale - starting Wednesday Nov. 30. More info to come next week and when students come back after the Turkey Day break.

6) Check out this video!!
Here's something fun for you as you're prepping your Thanksgiving Day Turkey... :)

http://www.safeshare.tv/w/XKjehXKJSe

Wishing you a music-filled holiday weekend! May you hear hours (or at least minutes) of practicing from the Titan Orchestra students over the break (your practice log assignment)...

Enjoy!

Thanks for reading all the way down to the bottom of the newsletter. This newsletter, along with all others, will be posted on our blog at www.titanorchestras.blogspot.com - accessible off the website at www.titanorchestras.com too.

Musically yours,
~Ms S

Sight reading links...

2011-11-10T15:25:00.000-08:00

Here are the links to for the sight reading assignment (I've also attached the work doc in case you misplaced your homework):

Violins - http://www.violinonline.com/etudes.htm
Vivaldi concertos online: http://wiki.ccarh.org/wiki/MuseData:_Antonio_Vivaldi
Violin music http://www.theviolinsite.com/violin_music.html
Irish music online (you need to sign up) http://www.thesession.org/
8notes: http://www.8notes.com/violin_sheet_music.asp
Wohlfahrt etudes: http://imslp.org/wiki/60_Studies_for_the_Violin,_Op.45_(Wohlfahrt,_Franz)

Violas - http://www.violaonline.com/etudes.htm
Etudes by Sitt http://imslp.org/wiki/15_Etudes_for_Viola,_Op.116_(Sitt,_Hans)
8notes: http://www.8notes.com/viola_sheet_music.asp

Cellos - http://www.celloonline.com/etudes.htm
8notes: http://www.8notes.com/cello_sheet_music.asp

Basses - http://www.stringbassonline.com/etudes.htm

And here are some more
resources for finding online music for all instruments:
http://www.jimpix.co.uk/v/sheetmusic/default.asp
http://musiced.about.com/od/freesheetmusic/a/cellodbass.htm

~Ms S

Newsletter #9 - 11.4.11

2011-11-04T11:13:00.000-07:00

See this live: http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=1426fa87677f90ab1a2fe9856&id=5ee80254d9&e=111bd7de1e

Newsletter #9 (11/4/11)

Contained within...
1) Many great concerts coming up locally
2) Christmas Tree fundraiser launched
3) Raffle for the Snoball tickets...
4) No assignment this weekend
5) Titan Auction - Items requested. Want to attend?
6) Check out this video... (Aaron Meyer, Alban Gerhardt)

1) Many great concerts coming up locally
There are 3, and probably more, great concerts coming up locally:

Friday Nov 18 - Oregon Symphony in Salem, 8pm
This one's for cellists and Dvorak fans:
Dvorak's Symphony No. 9
Prokofiev Symphony-Concerto
featuring Alban Gerhardt, cello
Student tickets $5 at the door or in advance
http://orsymphony.org/salem/

Friday Nov 18 - Rock violinist Aaron Meyer in Salem, 7pm
This one's for rock violin fans
Aaron Meyer in concert at the Elsinore Theatre
Tickets are $15, and well worth it!!
http://aaronmeyer.com/schedule.html?m=11&y=2011&d=18&id=198

Saturday Nov 19, 10:30am and Sunday Nov 20, 3pm
Salem Chamber Orchestra, Autumn Vivaldi
Featuring violinist Heather Neitz
[Ms Silberman and husband Danny Seidenberg are also playing in the orchestra]
Beethoven's 4th Symphony
Vivaldi's Autumn from the Four Seasons
Stravinsky's Pulcinella Suite
Saturday's dress rehearsal will be free with vouchers
Sunday's performance will be $8-12 for students
http://salemchamberorchestra.org/?page_id=1929

All these concerts are good for review!!

2) Christmas Tree fundraiser launched
You should have received an email about our very popular (and profitable to students) Christmas tree fundraiser. Last year we only had one kind of tree - this year we have 2 kinds of trees. Thank you to parents Steve Tatman and Tracy Brostrom for all your time and dedication to this great fundraiser!
3) Raffle for the Snoball tickets...
The numbers are in - I have the totals for the Snoball raffle. I will pull the raffle tickets right after Symphony on Tuesday. There are some students who are in the raffle who are not in symphony - I will email and/or call them to let them know if they won the Snoball tickets. Thank you to all who sold - we had a good year for Wreaths and Poinsettias, even though it's not a 'big trip' year.

4) No assignment this weekend
I was out of school Wednesday and Thursday of this week due to whatever stomach bug is going around, so there is no assignment for this weekend. An hour of practice, however, would be a great idea. Everyone should have music - from their class, from Symphony, or from their sectionals or coaches - that they can practice this weekend.

Symphony students were emailed links to their music - you may also find other youtube videos of your music to compare.

5) Titan Auction - items requested! Want to attend?
Parents - Titan Auction is just around the corner and we still would love to hear from you regarding any services, large or small auction items or gift cards, or stays at vacation homes you can donate to the orchestra program to help make this year's auction better than ever! We have still have room at our 4 orchestra tables if you'd like to attend this sit down dinner on Nov. 19 with the Mardi Gras theme. Please email parent Geoff Winkler for more information: geoffwinkler@gmail.com

6) Check out this video!!
Portland-based rock violinist Aaron Meyer has been to our school before - he is a classically trained violinist who performs crossover music with his band. Students have seen him in concert and at the State Fair before. He will be here at the Elsinore Theatre on Nov. 18 - here's video of a classical crossover piece he plays...

http://youtu.be/PstYqiYxlTg

And, for the cellists, here is Alban Gerhardt talking about and playing excerpts from the beautiful Dvorak Cello Concerto. Unfortunately, this is not what he's going to play with the Oregon Symphony, but he's a dynamic performer... whatever he plays will be outstanding!

http://youtu.be/kkjEbF0ulOw

Enjoy!

Newsletter #8 (10/28/11)

2011-10-28T08:51:00.000-07:00

Newsletter #8 sent 10/28/11

(Google Calendar is on our website www.titanorchestras.com)

Contained within...
1) Link to see pictures of the orchestra
2) Thank you, parents...
3) Wreaths 'n Poinsettias
4) Christmas Tree sneek peak
5) Symphony pieces - for symph students
6) Explanation of Listening Assignment
7) Sectional schedule for Nov + Dec
8) Titan Auction - items requested, want to attend?
9) Check out this video... (Prelude from Bach)

1) Link to see pictures of the orchestra
Photographers Evan and Melissa Roth took beautiful pictures of our orchestras and a few students. To view his gallery (and purchase photos if you didn't already) click this link below:

http://smu.gs/uj8ZVi

2) Thank you, parents...
... and friends, neighbors, family, etc... we're so glad you came to the concert! It was great to see so many people in the audience! Video and audio of the concert will be on our website in the next few days.

3) Wreaths 'n Poinsettias
The order form packet for this popular fundraiser is due today (Friday Oct. 28)! My apologies for announcing that there was another week - I was a week behind in my own mind... thinking that the end of October just had to be next week. :)

Students will receive $8 per item sold into their student account (remember, the 2013 trip will be announced in December...) and each student will receive one raffle ticket per item for a pair of Snoball tickets ($50 value).

Packets turned in after 2:30pm today will not be accepted - unfortunately.

4) Christmas Tree sneek peak
Yes! Thanks to some incredible parents, we will have this fundraiser again this year - Douglas Fir AND Nobles!!! Delivery too (for an extra fee). Students will receive information on this fundraiser in the next week.

Pick up (or delivery) with be the first 2 weekends in December - and the fee structure is such that students will benefit greatly from this fundraiser!

5) Symphony pieces - for symph students
We have exciting new pieces for this next round of Symphony. We have 3 performances we'll be working towards: the Nov. 16 Eugene coaching, Winter @ West (though that will likely only be Chamber students with a few Sinfonietta students added, if schedules allow), and a concert January 19. Here are links to the music we sight read on Thursday:

Slavonic Dance #1

Slavonic Dance #8

Glinka Overture to Ruslan and Ludmilla

Frescobaldi Toccata

6) Explanation of Listening Assignment
This weekend all students have been given an assignment of listening to classical music from a live streaming source (radio, digital cable TV, online station, Pandora) for an hour and writing a log of what they heard, when they heard it, what and where they listened to it, and their reaction to what they heard. This assignment optimally happens over the course of 1 hour - maybe while doing other homework? Our local radio station (Portland) is 89.9 www.allclassical.org - please enjoy listening to music often!

6) Sectional schedule for Nov + Dec
Here are the schedules sectionals for Titan Orchestra and Sinfonietta (Chamber sections arrange their own sectionals based on weekly schedules):

Titan Orchestra Violins - November 3 and 30
Titan Orchestra Violas - Nov 9 and Dec 8
Titan Orchestra Cellos - Nov 17 and Dec 15
Titan Orchestra Bass - Nov 18 and Dec 16

Sinfonietta Violins - Nov 4 and Dec 2
Sinfoinetta Violas - Nov 10 and Dec 8
Sinfoinetta Cellos - Nov 18 and Dec 14
Sinfonietta Bass - Nov 18 and Dec 16

8) Titan Auction - items requested! Want to attend?
Parents - Titan Auction is just around the corner and we still would love to hear from you regarding any services, large or small auction items or gift cards, or stays at vacation homes you can donate to the orchestra program to help make this year's auction better than ever! We have still have room at our 4 orchestra tables if you'd like to attend this sit down dinner on Nov. 19 with the Mardi Gras theme. Please email parent Geoff Winkler for more information: geoffwinkler@gmail.com

9) Check out this video!!
Baroque cellist Anner Bylsma has recorded the Bach Cello Suites both on CD and live video. Here's a video of his playing the popular Prelude to Suite #1 (that our cellists and violists have read and played)...

http://youtu.be/wmbIgVSyLQA

Enjoy!

Thanks for reading all the way down to the bottom of the newsletter. This newsletter, along with all others, will be posted on our blog at www.titanorchestras.blogspot.com - accessible off the website at www.titanorchestras.com too.

Musically yours,
~Ms S

Carbon Baby (about a cello)

2011-10-24T11:12:00.000-07:00

From the Toronto Star 10/17/11

VIDEO: Shauna Rolston and her carbon cello

He’s known as Carbon Baby and he’s the sturdy delight of cellist Shauna Rolston.

The sleek, black, modern-looking cello is such an integral part of Rolston’s performances that composer Douglas Schmidt has recently written a special work for the cellist and her instrument titled The Devil’s Sweat (a “carbon concerto” for carbon cello and orchestra).

Commissioned by Esprit Orchestra, it will have its premier at their Oct. 19 performance at Koerner Hall at the Royal Conservatory of Music.

“It sounds like a cello,” says Rolston, “but there is still a difference.”

Lighter and more durable than wooden cellos which are susceptible to moisture and temperatures, it is claimed that Carbon Baby could be dropped from an airplane and suffer no ill effects. (Its inventor Luis Leguia reportedly tied it to the top of his car, took a long drive, and then left it in a field for a week to test it.) However, Rolston’s much too fond of her instrument to try anything like that and she buys it a seat on an airplane when she travels.

A child prodigy in Banff, Rolston got her first pint-sized cello at the age of 2 and was performing at 4. When she was 12, she obtained wooden George, “who was born in Paris in 1824,” she says.

“I grew up with George, he was fantastic,” says Rolston, 44, in her studio at the University of Toronto where she heads the strings department.

He was her favourite for many years but, in 2002, she commissioned David Wiebe to build her a wooden cello which she calls, David.

Five years ago, she became intrigued by the new carbon-fiber cellos being made by Luis and Clark and dedicated herself to “really, understand the instrument, to understand it as I would a regular cello.”

Affordable (by string instrument standards) at around $7,000, the black cello is impervious to the weather which can wreak havoc on wooden instruments, she says. So she retired George and David to climate-controlled closets and took Carbon Baby on the road.

“I travelled many years with George around the world and the humidity really affected him. It was good for him to have a rest.”

While the carbon cello sounds just like a cello should, says Rolston, “it’s like the sound is surrounding you. Pianists who accompany me say they can hear it behind me while, with a wooden cello, the sound is more out front.”

The only wooden parts of Carbon Baby are the sound posts and the bridge, says Rolston, adding this cello is not better than a wooden one, “just different.”

There is a deeper resonance she says, demonstrating with her carbon bow and is slightly smaller than a wooden cello. It is so shiny she can see her reflection on its surface and discovered recently that a light on the cello send a blinding glare in the direction of a member of the audience.

She keeps it clean and shiny with Windex, something that you can’t do with wood.

Bringing in a new instrument has helped “keep every aspect of what I do fresh,” she says, adding she is often playing old favourite pieces by Elgar and Beethoven.

However, Schmidt’s composition is very modern, she says, adding this is the third time he has written a composition specifically for her. As the title implies, “It is certainly edgy, not a melodious work.”

Schmidt, interviewed from his home in Germany, became intrigued with writing a piece for the carbon cello after Rolston let him play Carbon Baby.

“I was amazed at how lively the sound is. I hope I beat everyone to be the first to write a concerto for it.”

He’s planning to be at the performance which will be the first time he will have heard the concerto played by an orchestra

In fact, the piece was originally going to be called Carbon Concerto but was renamed Devil’s Sweat to fit in with the evening’s program theme “Stirred So Much.”

“I feel a lot of edginess on the planet, people are unsettled and feeling unsafe,” says Schmidt. “It’s also about communication. The more devices we have, the more we feel isolated.”

There’s no sense writing a lullaby for Rolston, he pointed out, “Shauna’s got real presence. I wouldn’t like to write a quiet piece for her.”

Or Carbon Baby.

http://www.toronto.com/article/701421--classical-music-gets-carbonated

Newsletter #7 (emailed 10/21/11)

2011-10-21T06:43:00.000-07:00

Newsletter for week 7

Contained within...
1) Concert info for Tuesday
2) What to wear?
3) I'd love to have my picture taken...
4) Student rehearsal videos will be online
5) West's Subway Competition link
6) Need some help for Middle School All City
7) Check out this video!!! (how to move when you play)

Click here to see the rest online:

http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=1426fa87677f90ab1a2fe9856&id=fb6d583eed&e=111bd7de1e

Newsletter #6 - emailed 10/13/11

2011-10-13T12:37:00.000-07:00

Here's the contents of the newsletter this week:

Contained within...
1) Hayloft concert tomorrow night
2) Sectional makeup - this Wednesday!
3) Symphony's going on a field trip... Nov. 16
4) Concert in just over a week... details...
5) Check out this video!!! (Smooth Criminal)

Click through to read...

Newsletter Week 6, sent 10/13/11

1 day sale - Columbus Day only

2011-10-10T11:02:00.001-07:00

Click this link:

Southwest Columbus Day Sale

Newsletter #5 (10/7/11)

2011-10-07T06:51:00.001-07:00

Please follow this link to view our current newsletter in your browser:

Titan Orchestras Newsletter #5

Newsletter #5 sent 10/7/11
Contained within...
1) Wreaths and Poinsettias fundraiser begins!
2) Sinfonietta TOUR Date added - 12/9/11
3) Great music theory website...
4) What are grades based on?
5) Check out this video!!!

Newsletter #4 9.30.11

2011-09-30T11:14:00.001-07:00

Click here for Newsletter #4 sent 9.30.11

Newsletter #3 - emailed 9/23/11

2011-09-23T08:23:00.001-07:00

Contained within...
1) Salem Chamber Orchestra concert this weekend
2) "Work Assignment" due Monday
3) What's due?
4) Where is the review information?
5) Hmm, what should I be practicing this weekend?

Here's the link to view Newsletter #3 in your browser:

http://us1.campaign-archive2.com/?u=1426fa87677f90ab1a2fe9856&id=d892528edc&e=52db497fa6

Titan Orchestra Newsletter #2 (9/16/11) link

2011-09-16T07:18:00.000-07:00

Here's a link to the 2nd newsletter:

Titan Orchestra Newsletter #2

Sale at Sharmusic.com

2011-09-14T17:23:00.001-07:00

Check this link for a great sale at www.sharmusic.com:Last week of Back-to-School Sale at Shar

Great sale on really good strings...

2011-09-13T21:05:00.000-07:00

There's a limited time sale on Dominant strings from Metzler Violin Shop in Los Angeles. Click below for more information... really good deal on Vision strings for violin!!!

Metzler Violin Shop String Sale

Classical Dubstep

2011-09-12T13:41:00.001-07:00

To all of you who like Dubstep (ok, I'd never heard of this before this year... but, it's really cool), a former student forwarded me this link of Classical music mixed with Dubstep:

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/2qd5bc/8tracks.com/docellis/classical-dubstep

Music website for checking your musical symbols

2011-09-12T10:54:00.000-07:00

Here's a link to the wikipedia site that has all the music symbols shown and defined:

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

Newsletter #1 (9/9/11)

2011-09-09T19:06:00.000-07:00

Hi!

New format this year. Please click below to see the WSHS Titan Orchestras Newsletter #1:

Newsletter #1

Thanks!
~Ms S

KAMA (Keizer Academy of Music and Arts) scholarship opportunity

2011-09-09T17:14:00.000-07:00

From Keizer Academy of Music and Arts:

Submit now for our annual

Scholarship Essay Contest!

KAMA is offering a ten-month-long full scholarship for private music or acting lessons to the author of the winning essay:

“Why I Want (Music or Acting) Lessons at KAMA”

The essay contest is open to any child age 8 – 18. Music lesson options are piano, violin, cello, voice, or percussion. If you are applying for a music scholarship, please specify instrument desired in essay. Essays should be no longer than one-page, type-written, single-spaced, in a 12-point font. Contestants’ ages will be taken into consideration. Award will be based on imagination, creativity, and merit, not financial need.

The contest will be judged by a panel of arts teachers unaffiliated with KAMA. Please include contestant’s name, age, grade, email address, and phone number. Submit essays by Oct. 1st, 2011 via email to: kamascholarship@gmail.com

Winners will be announced Oct. 3rd, 2011 via email!

PARENTS - register to win a CodaBow for your orchestra student

2011-08-29T16:40:00.000-07:00

Register here to try to win a free CodaBow. Register by November. Here's the link:

http://www.codabow.com/giveaway_2011.html

I put down "Weathers Music" as the dealer I use, and I put West Salem High School as the school I use.
:)
~Ms S

Boot Camp Day 4 Finale

2011-08-26T13:12:00.000-07:00

After a little technique work, we launched into rehearsing to play for each other today. Titan Orchestra and Sinfonietta delved deeper into their Brandenburg, and Chamber worked their Vivaldi.

Salem Baroque - violins Danny Seidenberg and Daryl Silberman, viola Karen Vincent, cello Georgienne Young - played string quartets from Mozart's classical era. Composers were Cambini, Boccherini, Dittersdorf (Carl Ditters von Dittersdorf), Haydn, and Beethoven.

Then we played for each other, tossed around some water balloons, passed out Entertainment Books, and camp was concluded.

Thanks to all who attended and who helped this year's Boot Camp by planning or playing.
~Ms S.

Boot Camp Day 3!

2011-08-25T16:04:00.000-07:00

What a treat to have Tatiana Hargreaves and Scott Law come to play for us today! Many of us had not heard this kind of old-time folk music, but all of us enjoyed seeing this amazing young lady play and sing! Here's Tati's website in case you're interested in buying her CD's or going to a concert of hers:

http://www.dragonfiddler.com/

Tati goes to Crescent Valley High School in Corvallis, so we might see her at some of the competitions where our orchestras play on stage together.

Also, anyone interested in going to hear Vasen - the amazing instrumental group from Sweden who Tati will be playing with next year - check out this website (many of may be carpooling down to go hear them):

http://cfs.peak.org/concerts/index.php#20110830

Thanks to coach Bekka Scott for leading warmups this morning!

Titan Orchestra and Sinfonietta played a Merle Isaacs arrangement of Bach's Brandenburg Concerto #5 - we'll play that for the parents tomorrow at 11:30. Chamber worked with baroque cellist Joanna Blendulf (from Eugene and Portland Baroque Orchestra) - what a wonderful experience!

Tomorrow, please remember it's our last day of Boot Camp - bring any fees, waivers, or registration forms that are due. We'll have a water balloon toss after we play at 11:30.

Here's to one more day of Boot Camp - hurrah!
~Ms S

Boot Camp Day 2

2011-08-24T21:02:00.000-07:00

Ah, jazz. Improvisation. Playing by ear - I love it!

Today we refined our ABBA (see yesterday's post if you need the link to work on your part). And, we played around a little with the chop (a bow stroke/rhythmic technique) and some light improvisation over 2 keys.

Our performance treat for the day was Whitney Moulton's jazz ensemble. She and her compatriots did a great job showing us the elements of jazz.

At 11, Whitney and Alex Vickery played in with us to play a fun contemporary piece called "Basses Loaded". We just might play that on a concert this year - fun!

And, Chamber read Borodin's Nocturne from his 2nd string quartet - a favorite of mine. Here's a Stokowski arrangement of it done for string orchestra:

Tomorrow, Day 3, promises more music, more improv, more technique, and more great music! Stay tuned.
~Ms S

Boot Camp - Day 1, 2011

2011-08-23T17:00:00.001-07:00

Hi all!

Boot Camp day 1 was a great success. We had over 50 students in attendance! More coming tomorrow!

We worked on ABBA's Mamma Mia - in case you want to work at home, here's a YouTube link:

http://youtu.be/y7Aft6OTrOU

(It's in D major and the first 2 notes a D and A)

After a little yoga (yes!) and group games, we had our first rehearsal. The combined Titan Orchestra and Sinfonietta group played Giant Slimy Squid and some fun Vivaldi. Tomorrow we work on more of the Vivaldi and read a Mambo piece.

Chamber played an Elgar Elegy and their Vivaldi.

Dress cool tomorrow - it's going to be hot again! Wednesday's 10:15 performance is the Whitney Moulton ensemble (bass, piano, drums) featuring South Salem's orchestra director Mr. Correa on violin. Parents are welcome to attend!

Here's to a great Boot Camp! Thanks to everyone who helped make it all happen today!
~Ms S

BOOT CAMP INFO!!!

2011-08-13T05:55:00.000-07:00

Hi Titan Orchestra students and parents! A version of this email was emailed to all students the week of August 5.

Reminder - Boot Camp is Tuesday August 23 - Friday August 26! 9am - 12pm for Sinfonietta and Titan Orchestra - Chamber stays until 1pm.

Just as choir and band have mandatory boot camps, orchestra has a boot camp designed to allow students some time to get back into their music studies. Students in Titan Orchestras are required to be at camp from 9am - 12pm, snack will be provided, but please bring your own water. We will play some fun music all together, and in instrument groups. Boot Camp is an opportunity for students to jump back into music for their year, and for the orchestra program to begin to jell anew. This year's Boot Camp features a great line up of artists performing for us:

Wednesday at 10:15 - Whitney Moulton Jazz Combo, featuring South's orchestra director Mr. Correa on violin

Thursday at 10:15 - Tatiana Hargreaves and Scott Law - Tati is high school student in Corvallis who is a national fiddle champion and Scott Law is her accompanist. This is VERY exciting! I've been trying to get Tati here for the past 4 years!

Friday at 10:15 - Salem Baroque playing on baroque instruments

Friday at 11:30 - the final performance - featuring what we learned at Boot Camp

Parents are welcome at any time, but in particular, are welcome at 9am on Tuesday the 23rd, at any of the special performances, and on Friday at 11:30 for the 'final' performance.

Boot Camp fee is $40, payable in cash or check (to WSHS Orchestra Boosters) - and if that fee is too much financially, students may sign a waiver (available at Boot Camp check-in) which trades the fee for 4 hours of volunteer service to Boosters. SNACK WILL BE PROVIDED!

STUDENTS ON VACATION OR INVOLVED WITH SPORTS: Please email Ms Silberman (titanorchestras@yahoo.com) or send in a form (available on our www.titanorchestras.com home page) with an explanation of why you cannot attend Boot Camp.

We will be ready to register you at Boot Camp by 8:30am on Tuesday the 23rd - Freshman students and parents are encouraged to come then to get acclimated. Boot Camp registration materials can be found on our home page of our website: www.titanorchestras.com

Fees for Orchestra, 2011-2012

2011-08-13T05:54:00.000-07:00

Fair Use Fee
Pay $45 to WSHS during Taking Care of Business Days OR to the Bookkeeper once school starts.
Make check payable to WSHS

Boot Camp Fee
Pay $40 to WSHS Music Boosters on the 1st day of Boot Camp.
Make check payable to WSHS Music Boosters

Get ready for WSHS's 2011-12 Orchestras

Parents and students should be aware that each year, fees are collected from all orchestra students to help support our award winning orchestra program.

1. Fair Use Fee - $45
Pay this fee directly to the school
Make check payable to WSHS

This fee is paid to the school and is due at the start of the school year. It can be paid at Taking Care of Business Days August 17-18. If this fee is not paid by the end of the first 6 weeks of school, the fee will turn into a 'fine' through the school. This fee goes towards the following purchases: Instruments, accessories or upkeep of violins, violas, cellos and basses in the room, school-issue outfits, or fees that go to support the entire orchestra group like bussing.

* Students qualifying for free lunch only need to pay 50% ($22.50). In exchange, they will owe 5 hours of community service (may be done with Ms. Silberman and/or orchestra booster organization).
**Students qualifying for reduced lunch student have the option of paying only 70% ($31.50). In exchange, they will owe 3 hours of community service to Ms. Silberman and/or orchestra boosters.
***Any student may talk to Jolie, the bookkeeper, to set up a payment plan.

2. Boot Camp Fee - $40

Pay this fee to Boosters at Boot Camp
Make check payable to WSHS Music Boosters

This fee is due for all students attending Boot Camp. It will be collected on Tuesday Aug. 23 as students check in. Boot Camp is mandatory for all enrolled students, but students may be excused for sports commitment or other conflicts including being out of town - please notify Ms. Silberman if student cannot attend Boot Camp.
This fee helps pay for artists performing at Boot Camp, snacks and supplies. Any leftover funds go into the Orchestra Booster Scholarship fund.

*Students may request a fee waiver. In exchange, the student or family will owe 4 hours of time to the Orchestra Booster organization. Waiver request forms will be available at Boot Camp check in.

If you have ANY questions about these fees, how to pay them, or about the orchestra program, please contact either:

Daryl Silberman, Director titanorchestras@yahoo.com
or
Karen Tatman, Boosters President boosters@titanorchestras.com

Can't wait to see all those happy faces and hear some awesome music at Boot Camp!!

Free violin giveaway opportunity

2011-08-12T12:32:00.000-07:00

Here's a link, active until September 30, 2011, where you can sign up to enter a sweepstakes for a new violin. Violists and Cellists could enter with a violin friend in mind...

http://www.allthingsstrings.com/potterviolinco

The website is connected to Strings Magazine - the magazine we frequently read articles from in class.

Don't miss this offer - read by July 31!!!

2011-07-20T13:08:00.000-07:00

Great opportunity for musicians and their families...

The Salem Chamber Orchestra is offering a fantastic student price for the series of 4 concerts - only $45 for the season! For that price, you'll see all 4 Vivaldi Four Season concertos, 4 Beethoven symphonies, and more. You will know exactly what seat you'll be in. The concerts are on Sundays at 3pm, so there's little conflict with school schedules. The adult ticket price for the season is only $90. Season tickets are available through July 31st - after that, the individual tickets are available.

Please consider patronizing the local arts... and this will assure you get your concert reviews done this year! Oh, and you'll hear some great music!

Here's a link:

Subscription online: http://salemchamberorchestra.org/?page_id=1976

Orchestra programs (dates and repertoire): http://salemchamberorchestra.org/

Main website: http://salemchamberorchestra.org/

Website with tunes from Warmup Book

2011-06-04T06:53:00.000-07:00

Fun summer playing project - remember the tunes we have in the back of our class Warmup Books? Old favorites (ok, well, maybe favorites of your parents or grandparents... but great tunes, nonetheless) like Bicycle Built for Two, Auld Lang Syne, and Take Me Out to the Ball Game. The website is called String Skills:

http://www.stringskills.com/

Check out the Una Chorda (the tunes we play), Tunes for Shifting, and the 2 Octave Scales.

Enjoy!

Sinfonietta Timeline Assignment

2011-06-02T14:03:00.000-07:00

Each of you has chosen a time period. If you forgot your time frame, check with Ms S. This assignment is due Period 7 on Thursday June 9 and is worth 20 points. You will complete your time line for full credit with the following parameters:

Write in pen, neatly
-Spell all words correctly
-Find at least 5 entries for each timeline
-On the front, just list the date and the event title
-On the back, list more detail about each date and event

You may:
-Add pictures or drawings, as long as it doesn't take away from the timeline
-Use different colors
-Research off the internet and library - you do not need to cite your sources for this assignment
-Work with a friend to complete the assignment (but each of you turns in *your* own time period)
-Complete the back side either chronologically or as a title section with bullet points (see example below)

You may not:
-Do this assignment in pencil
-Leave one of the timeline blank or barely filled out (unless there's an obvious reason why)
-Not give more detail on back

Example of what you'd write on front:

On the time line:

Mozart's Magic Flute
---------------------------------------------------------------
1791

On the back:

Music History
- 1791: September 30, Mozart's Opera the Magic Flute was premiered. Mozart conducted the opera himself

We will have a *little* bit of library time for this next Tuesday, but the computers are *not* available. You'll need to do computer research at home, at the library, or on the computer in the orchestra room. At the library you can use reference materials and history books.

Good luck and have fun lining up music history with other historical events!
~Ms S

Newsletter 23 (emailed 6.1.11)

2011-06-01T14:06:00.001-07:00

***Save the Date***
The calendar is up-to-date on our website: www.titanorchestras.com
Fri Jun 3 - Arts Assembly during school - Chamber performs
Sat Jun 4 - Karl Raschkes Retirement party - Chamber performs
Mon Jun 6 - Concerto concert (all students - attend or play) 7pm concert
Tue Jun 7 - Reviews for CO and Sinf due
Wed Jun 8 - Reviews for TS due
Thu Jun 9 - Sinf Assessment and History timeline project due
Fri Jun 10 - TS Assessment due
Wed Jun 15 - 2011-12 Chamber Orchestra Meeting, 6:30pm - parents and students!!!

Contained within:

1) Concert info audience and players on June 6 - our Concerto Concert
2) Chamber Orchestra info for the next few days
3) WHAT'S DUE WHEN???
4) Next year's Chamber Orchestra - meeting Jun 15 (sorry so late!)
5) Need a concert to go to last minute (review's due Tuesday!)

1) Concert info audience and players on June 6 - our Concerto Concert

On Monday June 6 is our final Concerto Concert. This concert features our talented seniors from band and orchestra. All students in the orchestra program are required to attend this concert, to support the program and their fellow students. Students in Sinfonietta and Titan Strings will be handed out a concert review form at the concert - that will need to be filled out in order to receive credit for attending.

Audience (parents, Sinfonietta, and Titan Strings members) - Concert starts at 7pm and will run roughly 90 minutes

Players (Chamber and a few Symphony students):
Concert dress - Concert black, except Senior Soloists who may wear 'formal' attire
6pm Call Time
7pm Concert start - see the board in the orchestra room for performance order

2) Chamber Orchestra info for the next few days
Chamber Orchestra - you are playing in school at the Arts Assembly between 2nd and 4th period on Friday. We're playing Tchaikovsky with the 'new' ending. Wear something comfortable on bottom - you'll get your State shirt to wear on top. You will be excused at 8am from your period 2 class and will need to get to the orchestra room to warm up and rehearse in the Gym.

Saturday, you are playing for Karl Raschkes' retirement party - quite an honor to have been selected for this performance. Arrival time is 1:30, in your black performance attire. We supposedly perform first at 2pm... as soon as we're done with our selection (Tchaikovsky), you're done. Thank you for giving your weekend time to our program!

3) WHAT'S DUE WHEN???
Here's a comprehensive list of what's due when:

Lollipop money - past due!!!

Tshirt money (for State) - past due!!!!

DVD money - due!

OR Symphony ticket money - past due!!!

Reviews - Tuesday June 7 for Chamber and Sinfonietta, Wednesday June 8 for Titan Strings

Performance Assessments (in class) - Thursday June 9 for Sinfonietta, Friday June 10 for Titan Strings

History Timeline (Sinfonietta) - Thursday June 9

Titan Strings and Sinfonietta - Dresses and Tuxes are due NOW!!!!

Symphony and Chamber Orchestra - Dresses and Tuxes are due Tuesday or Wednesday after next week's concert

Last day to turn in missing assignments (for concerts or assignments missed) - Friday June 10

Borrowing a West instrument for the summer? Forms and $20 payment due by last day of school

4) Next year's Chamber Orchestra - meeting Jun 15 (sorry so late!)
We've run out of time for a meeting for next year's Chamber Orchestra. I can't do it any time next week because of concert schedules. And, I'm loathe to put the concert during finals. So, let's meet the last day of school - Wednesday June 15 at 6:30pm here at school. We'll talk about summer schedules, next year's 'extra credit' regarding after school time, and repertoire. Parents please plan on attending with students! Thanks!

5) Need a concert to go to last minute (review's due Tuesday!)
2 concerts to check out this weekend if you need a live concert to go to:

Aaron Meyer - fantastic electric violinist - playing in Portland on Saturday night ($15 tickets)
http://www.aaronmeyer.com/schedule.html?m=06&y=2011&d=4&id=180

And Salem Chamber Orchestra's first Summer Soirree:
Piano trios (violin, cello, piano) at Ankeny winery - Sunday night ($12 tickets)
http://salemchamberorchestra.org/?page_id=19

Thanks for reading all the way down to the end of the newsletter...
~Ms S.

Newsletter #22 emailed 5.19.11

2011-05-19T14:51:00.000-07:00

***Save the Date***
The calendar is up-to-date on our website: www.titanorchestras.com
Wed May 25 - Awards Concert (all students) 5pm awards, 6pm concert
Mon Jun 6 - Concerto concert (all students - attend or play) 7pm concert

Contained within:

1) Concert info for audience and students for May 25
2) OSAA State Championship wrap up
3) Prep for June 6 concert
4) Lollipop and State tshirt money due!!

1) Concert info for audience and students for May 25
Our Orchestra Awards, movie themed spring concert and Senior Farewell all happens this next Wednesday, May 25. Parents and guests - the awards part of the program is more for the students... you are more than welcome to come, but the music playing portion of the concert won't begin until 6pm! Here's a complete schedule:

4:30pm - This year Chamber and next year's Chamber dress rehearse Ashokan in the orchestra room. Please come dressed.
4:50 - everyone else please report to the auditorium

5pm - Awards show - featuring 2 slide shows and all orchestras. We will also introduce next year's orchestras.

6pm - Concert begins. Here is concert order:
Titan Strings - Phantom of the Opera and Harry Potter
Sinfonietta - Wizard of Oz and Pirates of the Caribbean
Senior recital - solos featuring some of our graduating seniors
Senior farewell - where each senior and their parents are honored and thanked
Ashokan farewell - the piece where we bid farewell musically to our seniors
Post concert hang out at Dairy Queen

Concert dress = black top (not sleeveless, not t-shirt quality, no print), jeans (not ripped or faded), black performance shoes with black socks. Seniors may wear prom formal, as long as you can play in it and not have the 'improperly dressed' police get you!

2) OSAA State Championship wrap up
In the state of Oregon, we honor the incredible music programs by having what ends up being a 'competition' between the orchestras and symphonies each May. Because of the competitive nature of this event, it falls under the OSAA - Oregon School Activities Association - guidelines. This means that we are on par with the sports in the state, and academic endeavors like Mock Trial. As such, our students need to be enrolled in a certain number of classes, making certain GPA's, and must fall under all the rigorous guidelines that our football, baseball, basketball, tennis players do.

West and South were the only 2 schools in the STATE, as far as I can tell, where all 4 top 'varsity' performing groups - choir, band, orchestra, symphony - not only qualified but placed in the top 4 or 5 of their category. Very impressive!

As you probably have read by now, our orchestra tied for 1st place in the orchestra division and our symphony placed 4th. Very proud of these groups! This win definitely puts us on the 'map', as it were.

3) Prep for the June 6 concert
We have one more concert after this next Wednesday's concert - the final senior concerto concert. All students are either attending or playing. Students not playing in Chamber or in the 2 symphony pieces will need to write a quick concert review, during the concert - papers will be handed out before the concert. The concert will start at 7pm and will run about 90 minutes. This is a wonderful concert featuring our talented graduating seniors.

4) Lollipop and State tshirt money due!!
If you checked out some lollipops or got a State shirt or two, the money is past due. Please pay up!

Thanks for reading all the way down to the end of the newsletter...
~Ms S.

Links to videos of June 6 material

2011-05-17T17:30:00.000-07:00

Lauren Z
Vivaldi's Fall (baroque interpretation)
http://youtu.be/G56EaA7ScIg

Jacqueline
Mozart Violin Concerto No. 3 - 1st mvt (partial)
http://youtu.be/bS50iFZgL0o

Lauren C
J. Ch. Bach Viola Concert - 3rd mvt
http://youtu.be/8KrKszW4S9E
(out of tune version, but you can get the idea)

Danny
Haydn Trumpet Concerto - 2nd and 3rd mvt
2nd mvt http://youtu.be/3Ab9ti35ZTI
http://youtu.be/AUIXHW1vEOc

Aida
Beethoven Romance in F
http://youtu.be/eBOUK5CpRao

Holly
Capuzzi Bass Concerto 1st mvt
http://youtu.be/CjYaOES48FU
(this version is with winds and brass, and the orch is out of tune)

Larysa
Strauss Horn Concerto #1
http://youtu.be/KG6w2lkRcjw

Josh
Mozart Clarinet Concerto - 3rd mvt
http://youtu.be/ecvEBZqOKeA

A journey towards excellence

2011-05-15T07:54:00.000-07:00

What a year 2010-2011 has been! This year's Titan Orchestra program has seemed to me to be stronger than ever. From the anthem-playing Titan Violins, to the Sinfonietta students teaching the area's 4th graders, to the 48 Chicagoans who played so beautifully in Chicago's Orchestra Hall, and now to the OSAA Championship winning Chamber Orchestra.

For those who might not have heard, West Salem's Chamber Orchestra tied for 1st place this year at OSAA's Orchestra Championships and our Symphony placed a respectable 4th.

Here's a little bit of detail about Chamber's OSAA award winning performance:
* Chamber Orchestra tied with last year's champion Sprague Camerata
* We actually had the highest score for sight reading of all the groups that read that day
* We played much earlier in the day than the other groups in the top 5
* Our musicians took no less than 30 AP tests in the 2 weeks prior to our performance
* I think we played the best performance of those pieces ever - a real peak performance!
* This is the first time West has even placed in the top 5 in string orchestra
* I very honestly didn't expect that we would win - I knew we did our personal best and had heard rumors that we had aced the very difficult sight reading competition - after they announced the 3rd place winner (South), I truly figured we had done very well but probably placed 6th or 7th. When they announced the 1st place tie, they announced Sprague first and then West - it was so very exciting.

The tie for 1st place is the second time that's happened at OSAA championships - the first time being in 2009 when Sprague tied with Crescent Valley. To check out the past record of championships click here: http://www.osaa.org/band/records/orchestrachampions.pdf.

Symphony has for the past 6 years been 5th, 4th and 3rd, so placing 4th is par for the symphony course. This past week the Symphony started sounding so musical and so mature - a great accomplishment!

Now, for some stats on our chamber champions:

- 5 1st violins, lead by concertmaster Aida Behmard
- 4 2nd violins, lead by CJ Tatman
- Half of our violins played both 1st and 2nd violin on this concert
- 5 violas, lead by Lauren Culver
- 4 cellos, lead by Holly Kim
- 4 basses, lead by Garrett Maltzan
- Bassist Paul Zukowski also played percussion for us at the concert
- We played Tchaikovsky, Whitacre, and Giannini
- 14 seniors, 6 juniors, 1 sophomore, 1 freshman = 22 musicians
- 20 musicians had been in Chamber the previous year
- Deza Byro and Anny Lei were new to the group this year
- Bronte LT has been in the group the longest - she started 2nd semester her freshman year
- Our seniors are going to the following colleges: Yale, Pomona, U of O, OSU, PSU, Chemeketa, George Fox, and St. Olaf's
- Chamber Orchestra rehearses 7.5 hours per week during school hours
- Jamie Yang and Paul Zukowski also performed with the OSAA Band Champions
- Kate Lowen performed with the 3rd place OSAA West Choir
- We were coached by Danny Seidenberg, Andrew Sewell, Andy Dabcynski, and Todd Zimbelman the 2 months before the performance
- Chamber won the Dairy Farmers 6A division GPA 'competition' (we had the highest GPA of all the 6A orchestra students in the state)

Lauren and Holly had solos in our slow piece, October by Eric Whitacre. Aida Behmard lead the entire group by tuning and seating them in a beautifully professional manner. She sets the tone for the performance, and did so with great finess at our OSAA performance. Tchaikovsky was great - strong at the opening and closing (great coordination of second halves of the measures!) and together during the 16th note passages. October was chillingly beautiful. Giannini was the fastest and most spirited we'd ever performed it. I can't wait to see the DVD!

And, consider the successes at West this year:

Choir 3rd place OSAA - highest placement ever
Orchestra tie for 1st place OSAA - 1st and highest placement ever
Band 1st place OSAA - 2nd year in a row, they won by 16 points!
Symphony 4th place OSAA - keeping with the tradition of placing in top 5

And West students were very well represented in State orchestra/choir/band, All City orchestra/choir/band (highest number of students ever), All Northwest band/choir, and State Solo competition (our very own Lauren Culver placing 2nd in state viola).

As a director of the orchestra program, I couldn't be prouder. As a team member of a fine arts department that has incredible successes, I couldn't be prouder. For my 4th year at West, graduating my first class of seniors that started with me as freshman, I couldn't be prouder. As a mom, a community member, and musician in Salem, I couldn't be prouder.

Here's to a great school environment where placing and winning is a result of dedicated, hard working, musical students. These students accomplished these successes not because they were pushed to do so, but because they did the work necessary to get them to these places. Thanks to wonderful parents, supportive teachers, and an amazing administration team headed by principal Ed John!

Now I and we prepare to put together 2 more concerts and wrap up this year. There are very exciting things in store for next year's orchestras - a strong and full Titan Orchestra, an experienced and big Sinfonietta, and a young and talented Chamber Orchestra. We move to a 7 period day which means that all musicians get to work together every day - a real bonus for the orchestras!

Musically yours,
~Daryl Silberman, proud orchestra director of West Salem Titan Orchestras

p.s. I look forward to seeing you all on May 25 at 6pm for our year-end orchestra concert (the 1st of 2)

Newsletter #21 (emailed 4/26/11)

2011-04-26T12:11:00.000-07:00

***Save the Date***
The calendar is up-to-date on our website: www.titanorchestras.com
Fri Apr 29 - 4th grade string festival (Sinfonietta - mandatory), 12:30 - 7pm
Mon May 2 - Pre-State Concert (Chamber, Symphony) - 5pm concert start
Fri May 13 - State Orchestra Championships - 10:50am (Orch), 4:35pm (Sym)
Wed May 25 - Awards Concert (all students) 6pm awards, 7pm concert
Mon Jun 6 - Concerto concert (all students - attend or play) 7pm concert

Contained within:

1) Sinfonietta students run the 4th grade festival this Friday!
2) OSAA State Championship info!!!
3) Sectionals change after this week - keep eye on calendar
4) Sinfonietta and Titan Strings - return dresses/tux
5) Lollipop Fundraiser - to fix cello and bass
6) Good luck to violist Lauren C at OSAA Solo State Saturday!

1) Sinfonietta students run the 4th grade festival this Friday!

Sinfonietta students will be running the third annual 4th grade string festival this Friday - April 29. Students need to arrive by 12:30pm to rehearse in the orchestra room. Area 4th grade string students will arrive starting at 1pm. Each Sinfonietta student will be directly in charge of 2-4 young students. They will teach them a tune and mentor them. West students will be provided with a water, a snack and pizza. We perform at 6pm - parents are welcome! We should be done by about 6:45 or so. West students may leave once everything's been put away.

This is the last year we'll have 4th graders from only 4 schools in the West - next year it will be 5 schools! Exciting!

2) Congrats to Chamber and Symphony for going to State!
All 4 top performing groups at West - Wind Ensemble, Choir, Chamber Orchestra, and Symphony - will have the opportunity to play at OSAA State Championships. We must not undervalue that accomplishment! Many schools in our district did not have all 4 groups qualify and/or be accepted to perform. Our students have done exceptionally well this year!

Concert Monday May 2nd
Come May 2nd to West to hear these amazing groups. Concert order will *most* likely be: Wind Ensemble, Symphony, Orchestra, and then Choir. All students are required to stay for all groups. Parents are encouraged to stay. Each group will play a selection from their State-bound repertoire. The entire concert should be over before 7pm. It's an opportunity for you to hear the very best of the best!

Call Time for Monday
Students in Chamber and Symphony - your call time is 4:30pm to tune up in the orchestra room. 4:55 you are seated in the auditorium to hear the Wind Ensemble.

Schedule for State - May 13
On Friday May 13 Chamber Students will be excused for the day - we will rehearse during period 2. All Symphony Strings are excused to hop on the bus at 9am. We warm up at 10:25, PERFORM AT 10:50am, and sight read at 11:15. Students will eat lunch on campus at OSU (bring $ or a lunch).

Symphony winds and brass will meet up with us later in the day.

Symphony warms up at 4pm, PERFORMS AT 4:35, and sight reads at 5:10. We will then all go to dinner in downtown Corvallis - PARENTS AND ALUMNI ARE INVITED TO JOIN US FOR DINNER IN CORVALLIS AT 6pm ON FRIDAY MAY 13! Awards are at 9pm - 2 buses will take students back to West after awards are concluded - approximate return time of 10:30pm

3) Sectionals change after this week - keep your eye on the calendar
Starting this next week the sectional schedule changes. Students will only be called for sectional if their particular section needs some extra work. There will be some extra Chamber Orchestra and Symphony sectionals called. Please stay in touch with the Titan Orchestra Calendar for precise information. Students will be told their schedule, the schedule will posted on the board at school, students will be emailed, and the sectional will be on the calendar.

Calendar Link [on the right side of the blog page]

4) Sinfonietta and Titan Strings - return dresses/tux
Students in Sinfonietta and Titan Strings can now return their black dresses or tux pants/jackets. Dresses need to be washed and hung in the closet with a name tag on the hangar. Tuxes only need to be cleaned if the student has gotten them dirty.

Students in Symphony need to keep their symphony clothes!

The Awards Concert dress will be blue jeans (clean, not ripped) and black shirt.

5) Lollipop Fundraiser - to fix cello and bass
We need to pay back our ASB account for fixing a cello this year and a bass last year that broke. The quickest, yummiest way to fundraise that money is to complete this fun little Lollipop fundraiser. Students in all the groups will be asked to help. We are selling Chocolate Peace Pops for $1 each and Creme de la Creme Lollipops for $0.50 each. Thank you for your help with this fundraiser. If we sell them all, we will have raised almost $300 to cover the cost of the repairs.

6) Good luck to violist Lauren C at OSAA Solo State Saturday!
Our very own Lauren C is performing as District 4 winner in the viola division. She performs at 1:40 at Lewis and Clark college in Portland in the Albany 14 Smith Hall room. Audience is welcome at her performance! Good Luck Lauren!

Thanks for reading all the way down to the end of the newsletter...
~Ms S.

Newsletter #20 (emailed 4/12/11)

2011-04-12T07:15:00.000-07:00

***Save the Date***
The calendar is up-to-date on our website: www.titanorchestras.com
Sun Apr 17 - Salem Chamber Orchestra concert, 3pm
Fri Apr 29 - 4th grade string festival (Sinfonietta - mandatory), 12 - 7pm
Mon May 2 - Pre-State Concert (Chamber, Symphony)
Fri May 13 - State Orchestra Championships, daytime
Wed May 25 - Awards Concert (all students)

Contained within:

1) Salem Chamber Orchestra concert this Sunday
2) Explanation of Sectional Schedule coming up
3) Congrats to Chamber Orchestra and Symphony!
4) Rumor control about next year - what you can do

1) Salem Chamber Orchestra concert this Sunday
Come to a wonderful concert this next Sunday at Hudson Hall on the Willamette University campus - 3pm. Maestro Andrew Sewell will be coming to conduct Chamber Orchestra this Thursday. For more information, go to the website and call the ticket office: www.salemchamberorchestra.org - here's the program (great orchestra works!):

Debussy – Prelude to Afternoon of a Faun
Donizetti – “so anch’io la virtu magica” from Don Pasquale, with soprano Sydney Gabbard, winner of the Willamette Solo & Aria Competition
Chopin – Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor, with pianist Alexandre Dossin
Mozart – Symphony No. 41, “Jupiter”

2) Explanation of Sectional Schedule coming up
For the rest of this month (April), sectionals will continue as originally called (see the calendar on our website for confirmation of your schedule) but for the month of May sectionals will only be called as needed. I know this may present a problem for students who usually bus home or who need to arrange a ride. I will always advertise the schedule in advance by email, newsletter, online calendar, on the board in class, and verbally in class so students should have plenty of notice to arrange their schedules accordingly. Symphony sectionals, Chamber orchestra sectional, group orchestra sectionals will be called as we 'round the bend' to prepare for the last few concerts. We do not have sectionals during June, so this is just a change for 4 weeks of our program - I'm hopeful that we'll have fully attended sectionals. Thank you for your help in adjusting schedules.

3) Congrats to Chamber Orchestra and Symphony!
Both Chamber Orchestra and Symphony qualified for this year's Oregon State Orchestra Championships. We'll send in our scores and CDs and hope that we're given an opportunity to perform on May 13 at OSU. It's not a guarantee that we get to perform at State - we'll know for sure in a few weeks. We would LOVE to have parents and friends at the performance on May 13 - once we know exact times, we'll work with the parents to see if we can organize an effort to invite parents, alumni and other students to the concert.

Thank you to all the students and parents who helped with this year's Salem-Keizer District Band and Orchestra festival!!! The Wind Ensemble (Band) won the district, Chamber Orchestra pulled in a respectable 3rd place (by a narrow margin), and Symphony placed 2nd in the district. There was some beautiful music performed this past weekend on our stage. The audio from our orchestra groups should be up on the website by the end of this week.

4) Rumor control about next year - what you can do
I've heard different rumors about next year, including a rumor that arts and music is going to be cancelled at West and that instrumental music will be cut in 4th grade. THESE RUMORS AT THIS POINT ARE FALSE. We do know that the budget crisis is more dire than first predicted, but Fine Arts Supervisor Karl Raschkes, our West are admistrators, and the central office for Salem-Keizer have been working tirelessly to preserve programs. The effort is to "reduce" programs, not eliminate. Music at West is currently not in jeopardy. Neither is the 4th grade string program, at this point.

Please consider supporting music in this district by writing letters to the editor, writing letters/emails of support to your principals, and even writing emails to SK district superintendant Sandy Husk directly if you have ideas, questions, concerns, or support - husk_sandy@salkeiz.k12.or.us (she reads all emails and responds to most!). With obvious and vocal student and parent support of music, our music program can be as strong as ever.

Thanks for reading all the way down to the end of the newsletter...
~Ms S.

Spring Assignment - due 4/11at 8am

2011-04-07T12:33:00.002-07:00

Spring Assignment 2011 – fill out adjudication sheets for any 2 of the following groups. Sheets will be available at the auditorium door. If you cannot fulfill this assignment, you will need to complete the alternate assignment - ask Ms. S for details. Adjudications are due after you hear the group (return to envelope at the auditorium or bring to school on Monday).b

Central Valley League Friday April 8

Adv. BAND or WE STAGE TIME

Redmond 2:00 to 2:30 PM*
McKay 2:35 to 3:05
McNary 3:10 to 3:40
North 3:45 to 4:15
Dinner 4:15 – 5:00 4:15 – 5:00
Sprague 5:00 – 5:30
South 5:35 – 6:05
West Salem 6:10 – 6:40
Reynolds 6:45 – 7:15
WOU Band 7:20 – 7:50
Awards Presentation 8:00 – 8:15 PM

Orchestra District Invitational Saturday April 9

ORCHESTRA STAGE TIME
North Salem HS Chamber Orchestra 8:30 – 8:50
Sprague HS Symphony Strings 8:55 – 9:15
McKay Adv. String Orchestra 9:20 – 9:40
West Salem HS Chamber Orchestra 9:45 – 10:05
McNary Adv, String Orchestra 10:10 – 10:30
South Salem HS Chamber Orchestra 10:35 – 10:55
Sprague Camarata Orchestra 11:00 – 11:20
Reynolds HS Adv. String Orchestra 11:25 – 11:45
Lunch 11:45 – 12:45
North HS Symphony Orchestra 12:50 – 1:20
West Salem HS Symphony Orchestra 1:25 – 1:55
Sprague HS Symphony Orchestra 2:00 – 2:30
South HS Symphony Orchestra 2:35 – 3:05
McNary Symphony Orchestra 3:10 – 3:40
Reynolds Symphony Orchestra 3:45 – 4:15

Alternate assignment, for those unable to attend the district festival:

Choose a magazine from the orchestra room and do a magazine review. 3 important review elements:
1) Overall audience and perspective review
a. Who is the intended audience
b. What kind of balance of articles, information, and advertising is there
c. Give some examples of who this is written for and why

2) Advertising review
a. What kind of businesses advertise in this magazine?
b. What services or products are being sold
c. Follow a link to one of the advertisements (website, for example) and review the content of that site

3) Article review
a. Write a one sentence synopsis of the article
b. Then write at least 2 paragraphs about the article – what interested you, what you found out, what you knew, what you didn’t know.

Use complete sentences, proper grammar, capitalization, and punctuation. Spelling counts. Your alternate assignment must be typed. You can either print it out or email it to Ms. S. It is due by 8am Monday morning, April 11.

Call times for Saturday's performers

2011-04-07T12:33:00.001-07:00

Call and performance times for Saturday 4/9/11

Chamber Orchestra
7:45am – pick up instruments from Orchestra room. Meet in choir room. Muffins provided (BYOdrink)
8:30 – listen to North Salem High School
9:20 – Warm up in orchestra room
9:45 – Performance on stage
10:10 – Sight reading in band room
Store instruments in choir room
Listen to South (10:35), Sprague (11) and Reynolds (11:25)

Symphony
12:00 – 12:15 (no later!) – pick up instruments from Orchestra room.
Store instruments in choir room (no playing!).
12:50 – Warm up in orchestra room
1:25 – Performance on stage
2:00 – Sight reading in band room
2:30 – Store instruments in choir room, but come back after 3:45 to return instruments to orchestra room
Listen to South (2:35), McNary (3:10) and Reynolds (3:45)
After 3:45 we can put instruments back in the orchestra room.

REMEMBER – you are responsible for your stuff = your instrument/bow/accessories, backpack, outfits, etc. Last year we lost some stuff and had a lot of things left in the choir room.

Dress – Chamber/Symphony outfits. Hair out of face. Black socks/hose. NO HEELS over ½ inch!!! Really!! No flashy or obvious jewelry.

Please invite friends and family to come hear you play! Chamber performs at 9:45am. Symphony performs at 1:25pm.

Thank you, opinion writer...

2011-04-07T12:19:00.001-07:00

From the Statesman Journal, April 6, 2011

Opinion
What I think of the budget cuts directed to music is that the music industry gives job opportunities that can possibly support a family. Better yet, music feeds the soul (Shakespeare) and this job opportunity gives you the chance to enjoy your job rather than avoiding it.

If this opportunity of being educated in the music world is limited, how can we compete with the music industry out there today? And to those who are born with a love for music, how can we enjoy our job? And to those who enjoy listening to music, how can we feed our soul?

— Brycen Dodds, age 15, Salem

Newsletter #19 (emailed 3/27/11)

2011-03-27T10:31:00.000-07:00

***Save the Date***
The calendar is up-to-date on our website: www.titanorchestras.com
WE STILL NEED PENCILS - if your work offers pencils for marketing, please consider donating!!
Wed March 30 - Symphony Dress Rehearsal 2:30 - 5pm
Thu March 31 - WOU - Chamber 3:30/Symphony 4:30
Fri April 1 - Lowen thank you dinner
Mon April 4 - OR Symphony Pops - Beatles
Fri April 8 - Band festival run by Orchestra
Sat April 9 - Orchestra festival Symphony/Chamber
Mon April 11 - Salem Pops Summer Camp App due

Contained within:

1) Sectional schedule for the next concert cycle
2) OR Symphony Pops - Beatles concert!
3) Chicago congrats
4) Audition and repertoire info for next year's groups

1) Sectional schedule for the next concert cycle
The sectional schedule goes back to what it was before this past concert cycle. This schedule begins April 1 (with viola sectional this Friday):

Mondays - Sinfonietta Violins - starts April 4
Wednesdays - Sinfonietta Cellos, Sinfonietta Bass - starts April 6
Thursdays - Titan Violins, Titan Celli+Bass - starts April 7
Fridays - Sinfonietta Violas - strats April 1

Students involved with spring sports MUST have a signed contract on file and must make at least one sectional per month (once in April, once in May) before the May 25 concert. The contact available online is the wrong contract (it's from last year) - it will be updated and students can get a copy of this year's contract from me (Ms. S) in class Monday.

2) OR Symphony Pops - Beatles concert!
We can get 10 student tickets and one adult ticket for what promises to be the funnest concert of the year - the Oregon Symphony Pops Beatles Classical Mystery Tour concert next Monday evening - April 4 at 8pm. Student ticket price is $5, the one adult ticket we can get is $10. Please either email Ms S (respond to this newsletter email) or reserve your ticket in class. If we have more requests than tickets, I will see what can be done. Once you reserve a ticket, you are responsible for the ticket fee (even if you don't end up attending the concert!). More info:
http://oregonsymphony.com/salem/

3) Chicago congrats
To the 48 students and 8 parents who went to Chicago - congratulations on a great trip! You played beautifully at VanderCook College of Music, Vernon Hills High School, and on stage at Orchestra Hall. We are working on a site where we can share pictures. In class, you will receive your copy of the program for your 'keepsake books'. Students who have West bows or instruments, please make sure you bring the item(s) back on Monday or Tuesday.

4) Audition and repertoire info for next year's groups
Here are audition requirements and scheduled times for next year's orchestra members:

Week of March 28
Chamber Orchestra underclassmen - by appointment (lunch or after school)
Sinfonietta - Tuesday March 29 and Thursday March 31
Titan Violins - Violins March 30, Cellos and Bass April 1

Material
For students interested in being in Chamber next year - 3 octave scale of your choice, excerpt from March 14 solo repertoire, excerpt from other solo repertoire of your choosing, sight reading at the audition
For students interested in being in Sinfonietta next year - 2 or 3 octave scale with a shift of your choice, 1 slow vibrato scale, excerpt from March 14 solo repertoire
For students interested in staying in Orchestra (Titan Strings) next year - 2 octave scale of your choice, excerpt from March 14 solo repertoire

Thanks for reading all the way down to the end of the newsletter...
~Ms S.

Chicago Day 5

2011-03-21T21:34:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe it's Monday evening already!!! I am so proud of this orchestra - let me tell you a little bit about today.

This morning Chamber was down stairs for a very productive rehearsal and warmup, followed by a Combine orchestra rehearsal. We put back a little bit more hair, added some black socks to a few bare ankles, and headed out to the bus.

At Orchestra Hall, Chamber played first. We took our instruments out in a beautiful ballroom on the 2nd floor of the Orchestra Hall. The warmup room - Buntrock Hall - was beautiful too. Chamber took a picture under the huge Chicago Symphony sign. Then we played. Chamber did great in the Tchaikovsky - all the work we've done these past few months paid off! The October piece was slow and moving. Giannini rocked. We played well and felt well!

After lunch, Combined Orchestra got warmed up and played. Capriol Suite went really well - we incorporated some of the tips Dr. Dabcynski had given us yesterday. The piece we were most nervous about - Texians - went so well! We were all happily surprised. The closer - Marche Slav - was great. We felt so proud of ourselves when we were done.

The way this Gold Festival works, at the finale performance we hear the Honor band, Honor Orchestra, and 2 encore groups - one band, one orchestra. We had 10 students in the auditioned Honor group and they sounded great. The Encore groups are chosen from the highest scoring group. Unfortunately, neither of our groups were chosen to be the Encore orchestra group, but I was told that we were only a few points away from being so.

And, speaking of points, check this out - our scores were great! We were given very high scores - so high, that actually both Chamber and Combined had the same total score when added up: 288 out of 300. But, who's counting?! In a Heritage Gold festival there are no 'winners' or 'losers'. We all get the same beautiful take-home trophy (we got 2 because we had 2 groups) and the director's gift was a lovely Mollard baton in a wooden keepsake box. The music-making today, as a result of some very hard work, inspiration, and sweat, was incredible! I don't think there was a musician or parent there who didn't feel proud!

This evening we spent a good 2+ hours celebrating at the Greek Islands restaurant - the food was amazing! Ask the kids what their favorite was - the flaming cheese was pretty cool! I think I'll dream of the desserts for a long time...

The kids are all taped snugly in their rooms - we have a 7:45am packed-bag-down-to-the-lobby call tomorrow. One more day of sight seeing (Field Museum/Art Institute/Bloomingdales) and then we need to be at the airport by 3:30pm tomorrow. See you at PDX around 7:30pm tomorrow night.

What a trip!!!

Chicago Day 4

2011-03-20T19:10:00.000-07:00

Sunday in Chicago brought weather - during our clinic with Dr. Dabcynski we heard lots of thunder. In fact, one of his sentences was perfectly punctuated with a loud clap of thunder. It rained a lot mid day - glad we weren't out sight seeing!

We started the day with rehearsal for Honors and sectionals for everyone else. The motivation being that we wanted to play impressively for our clinician. At 10:30 we had an hour and a half with Dr. Andy Dabcynski. He was great - the parent chaperons were very impressed with what he had to say, as were the students! He's a very dynamic and impressive person. He had many great musical ideas for us and was very complimentary to our group. The favorite thing he said to our Chamber group was how impressed he was with how they had their own unique, and musically successful, sound. Both the combined and chamber greatly benefited from the time with him. Kudos to Heritage Festival for providing us with such a quality clinician!

This afternoon students had some down time after a delicious lunch at the Holy Cow (homage to Harry Caray - famous Chicago ball announcer). Many kids went to the very big mall across the street - Yorktown Mall. Wow - what a mall! Some students went swimming (I hear there was an active poker game pool side). Parent chaperons were busy keeping track of everyone. At 5:15 everyone was on time for Combined Orchestra rehearsal. We had a very productive rehearsal - inspired by the clinic earlier in the day.

Tonight we had a banquet dinner with about 1000 other students in the ballroom at the hotel. Tonight, we look forward to getting some sleep in preparation for our big day tomorrow.

I will say, for the benefit of parents reading this blog, that I am so proud of our West students, both for the fact that they on the whole are so well behaved (believe me, we've seen groups at this hotel not well behaved) and for appreciating the musical and educational components of this trip - thanks to Trip Czar Mark Lowen and his expert chaperon team. We have lost 4 phones and one wallet - but all have been found. We've had 3 sick students, and all seem to have recovered. We have all adhered to dress codes, meeting and rehearsal times. It's been a real pleasure to be on this trip with this group of kids!

Tomorrow - we play on stage at Orchestra Hall... we're so excited!

Quote of the day:
1. These legs were not made for walking!

Chicago Day 3

2011-03-19T20:53:00.000-07:00

I'll start this post by mentioning that we're all tired! But, what a day! Who knew we needed to fly to Chicago in March to have a beautiful, sunny day by the beach (lake front anyway)?!

The morning started with rehearsals - Honors group got to work with Dr. Dabcynski (he's amazing! He is a professor at BYU Provo teaching Music Education - great teacher!) and the rest of the group worked in sectional rehearsals. At 10am we all hopped on the hotel shuttles to go to the train station. The train in Chicago is a double deck commuter train - great ride! By a little after noon we were in downtown Chicago. Different groups went different places - but one thing we all did... WALK and WALK and WALK! One group went to the Navy Pier, one to the Field Museum, and a few went shopping along Michigan Avenue. I think our Oregonians saw more people in one place than they've ever seen - there were masses and masses of people everywhere! After 3-4 hours of walking, we all congregated at Gino's East pizza only to find out that we were actually booked into the 'other' Gino's East and need to walk another 20 minutes. What a yummy treat once we got there though - deep dish Chicago-style pizza... cornbread crust... yum!!!

The next part of our trip wasn't so much fun... we walked a few blocks to the "L" (elevated train), took 2 quick trains to the Train station to catch the big train... only to find out that we were about 2 minutes too late. Ugh! Luckily, the Westin hotel came to our rescue - driving two gleaming white horses (well, shuttles anyway). By 8:30pm we were seated in our rehearsal room back at the hotel... amazing! We rehearsed until 10 (Chamber worked until about 10:30pm) and now we're off to bed.

Quotes of the day (other than "Gina, where's your phone?"):
1. Stop being so straight and go shopping.
(unofficial) 2. What's he's doing? He's being Chris.

Chicago Day 2

2011-03-18T20:46:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it? It was beautiful here today - 55 or 60 degrees. What a day we've had!

8:15am we were on the bus, off to downtown Chicago. It was very exciting to see the building formerly known as the Sears Tower (now Willis) knowing we'd be going up there a few hours later. First stop was William Harris Lee - www.whlee.com - to visit where the instruments were made that we are borrowing (cellos and basses). This violin shop is in a beautiful building on Michigan Ave. - from their 5th floor window we could see Lake Michigan. Our group was split in half - we got to meet the luthiers (instrument builders and restorers) who work in the back of the shop. Johnathan showed us lots about how instruments were made - we saw a beautiful violin from northern Europe, circa 1750, that was being restored. The other half of the group heard from Amy all about the shop, instruments, buying and renting instruments, and more. Then the groups switched. Amazingly informative! Anyone interested in purchasing an instrument should definitely consider contacting the folks at William Harris Lee.

Next stop, 11am, was the Sky Deck at the Willis/Sears tower. Lots of standing in lines to wait for the 60 second elevator ride, but the result was awesome - we could see for miles!!! We were on the 103rd floor - and got to stand OUTSIDE the building in a plexiglass box that protrudes 5 feet outside the building (completely closed in, but totally see through). It was fun to see the students spending time enjoying the Sky Deck.

Lunch, after we came back down, was on the run - hot dogs, Chinese food, Italian food. Then we headed to Orchestra Hall for the 1:30 Chicago Symphony Orchestra concert. Some of us were in the 3rd or 4th row, some of us about 15 rows back. We saw a fascinating multi-media presentation about Elgar's Enigma Variations complete with actors! The famous Charles Dutoit conducted the CSO. After intermission, we heard the complete piece performed. It was fantastic!!!!

The bus whisked us away, after that performance, to Vernon Hills High School where we met students and heard a program amazingly similar to ours. Only, they have a pool INSIDE their school - waterpolo practice was going on when we were eating dinner! The Vernon Hills Symphony, under the baton of Frank Lestina, played the Butterfly Lover's Concerto (Chen - He) and the Finale from Dvorak's New World Symphony. Then our groups played for them. The cultural exchange was great - we met Lacrosse players, robotics students, and many other kids similar to us. The provided us with a great dinner and some great connections were made.

This evening the Honors orchestra group had rehearsal, and the rest of us did some practicing in small groups and then we had a Trivia contest based on the first 2 days of the trip. Time to tape the doors and settle down. Tomorrow starts bright and early with an 8 or 8:30 call (depending on the group). Sightseeing (and some rehearsing) tomorrow...

Quotes of the day (other than "Gina, do you have your violin??"):
1. Do you want a Mountain Dew?
2. I owe you one.
3. I want to drive fast, in a car that was made for that.

Chicago Day 1

2011-03-18T05:58:00.000-07:00

So, we met at 6:15 at the field house at West, and without a hitch we were on the bus - 57 West Salem students and parents off to Chicago for 6 days and 5 nights. The comfy OC&W bus took us up to PDX in record time. Trip Czar clocked the check-in process from bus through security at 40 minutes - smashing!!!

The flight was quick and easy... then, Chicago!!! A balmy 68 degrees when we landed, we soon learned what humitidy feels like. Our bus driver Shirl (sp?) wisked us away to VanderCook College of Music where we were lucky enough to rehearse both groups. At 7:30pm we took part in a big side-by-side concert consisting of Vandercook college students, 2 high schools other than us, and a wonderful performance of Beethoven 5th symphony 1st movement by a YOURS project (inner city youth orchestra) symphony.

Then about 400 of us or so played Stars 'n Stripes forever. We learned that Vandercook College of Music students learn to play all different instruments - for example; if you are a violin major (Education), you take 2 semesters of a brass or wind instrument and play in the orchestra.

At 9pm CST we left for the beautiful Westin hotel. After a quick check in we ran to Target to fill up on breakfast and nibble supplies. The 11pm lights out call came quick. Doors were taped, and 57 Oregonians drifted off to sleep in their Heavenly beds (love the Westin beds!)

Quote of the day #1 - Do you have your banana?
Quote of the day #2 - Hey, how would you like it if I looked at your bottom? (Seen on the bottom of our Jimmy Lunch boxes).

This morning we're up and off to the Sears tower... 52 degrees is the high projected today. Signing off from Illinois
~Ms S

Webquest links for Friday March 18

2011-03-16T12:49:00.001-07:00

Here are the websites you'll need for the webquest for period 6 on Friday March 18.

1) Our blog - www.titanorchestras.blogspot.com

2) Music Theory Lessons - http://www.8notes.com/theory/

3) Music Theory Games Notes Test - www.8notes.com/games/

4) Music Tech Teacher - http://www.musictechteacher.com/musicquizzes.htm

5) Music History at DSO Kids

Composers - http://www.dsokids.com/listen/composerlist.aspx?

Time Machine - http://www.dsokids.com/games/timemachine/default.aspx

Beethoven Baseball - http://www.dsokids.com/games/baseball/default.aspx

6 and 7) Google Search - www.google.com

7) Titan Orchestras Home (click on "Links" at the top)- www.titanorchestras.com

Newsletter #18 (emailed 3/15/11)

2011-03-15T14:51:00.001-07:00

***Save the Date***
The calendar is up-to-date on our website: www.titanorchestras.com
Thu March 17 - 22 Chicago trip
Sat March 26 - Lisa Harder/Frida Talent Contest
Thu March 31 - WOU for Symphony/Chamber
Fri April 8 - Band festival run by Orchestra
Sat April 9 - Orchestra festival Symphony/Chamber

Contained within:

1) Salem Pops Summer Camp Scholarship available
2) More info about the Frida and Lisa Talent Contest
3) Audition and repertoire info for next year's groups
4) We REALLY need pencils
5) Concert Thank You

1) Salem Pops Summer Camp Scholarship available
From parent Kelly Culver (thank you!)

Hi...just wanted to pass along a plug for students (9th, 10th, 11th) who want to attend fee-based orchestra camps this summer to apply for one of these scholarships. The applications are on their website. I believe applications are due April 11.

Lauren benefitted from it 2 times. The group really loves encouraging students, and 7 of 10 senior finalists that applied for the college scholarship were from West!

Thanks! Kelly

Website link: Salem Pops Scholarship Application

Here's a list of summer music camps in the area:

Britt Festival - chamber music, southern OR
Marrowstone - symphonic, WA
Mark O'Connor Fiddle Camp - fiddle, Tenn.
Mark Wood Rock Camp - Rock, Kentucky
Icicle Creek - chamber + symphonic, WA
Young Musicians and Artists - symphonic, Salem
Aaron Meyer - contemporary, Cannon Beach, OR
And, here's a place to search camps: http://www.violinist.com/violin-camps/

2) More info about the Frida and Lisa Talent Contest
From parent Jacque Dodds

They need 50 participants in order to make the 1st - $500, 2nd - $250 & 3rd - $100 place prizes. Last week they only had 16 participants commit but none have paid their fee. So prize amounts will be contingent on number of participants up to 50. I'm assuming extra proceeds from regist fees past 50 applicants will go to the girls. $5 cover charge [for audience members] will all go to Lisa and Frida.

Participants need to attend one out of two prep meetings: Fri March 18th 3-4pm or Sun 20th 6-7pm. [They will set a special date for West Salem students if there are people interested but will be in Chicago during the prep meetings]. They also need to arrive an hour before their stage time which they will be contacted about after all the registration forms are in and a schedule is set. Performance must be minimum of 2 min and no more than 5 min. Performances must be family friendly. Performers need to supply all their own music, props &/or instruments.

For more info, see flyers around school, application form at the office, or click on this link: http://fridasfight.webs.com/apps/blog/entries/show/6238446-talen-competition

3) Audition and repertoire info for next year's groups
Here are audition requirements and scheduled times for next year's orchestra members:

Week of March 28
Chamber Orchestra underclassmen - by appointment (lunch or after school)
Sinfonietta - Tuesday March 29 and Thursday March 31
Titan Violins - Violins March 30, Cellos and Bass April 1

Material
For students interested in being in Chamber next year - 3 octave scale of your choice, excerpt from March 14 solo repertoire, excerpt from other solo repertoire of your choosing, sight reading at the audition
For students interested in being in Sinfonietta next year - 2 or 3 octave scale with a shift of your choice, 1 slow vibrato scale, excerpt from March 14 solo repertoire
For students interested in staying in Orchestra (Titan Strings) next year - 2 octave scale of your choice, excerpt from March 14 solo repertoire

4) We REALLY need pencils
So, we go through tons and tons of pencils in this orchestra room and my last request for pencils rendered only 4 packs of pencils (though there are over 40 of you who never brought 2 packs of pencils in like you were asked to do at the beginning of the year) - which we're almost through. If any parents work somewhere (Universities or 'big companies') where you might be able to get a big batch of pencils, that would be really neat (we had some from WOU, Salem Electric, and Spirit Mountain, for example). Or, if you frequent the dollar store and feel like picking up a few dollars worth, that would be great. The next step is that I will go through my beginning-of-the-year lists and require 2 packs from each person who hasn't brought pencils in yet. Thanks...

5) Concert Thank You
Thank you to students and parents for a attending the very long but very rewarding concert Monday night. I noticed that the level of playing across the program has risen quite steeply this year. I will adapt the format of the Spring Concert next year so it's not so long, but will still keep the element of having students perform solos in groups - I feel that was a very successful experience for the program. Thank you, as always, to the incredible (and tireless) parents who offer time for the Titan Orchestra Boosters group - Kirkpatricks, Tatmans, Lowens, Larsons, Kims, Winklers, and more.

Thanks for reading all the way down to the end of the newsletter...
~Ms S.

Newsletter #17 (emailed 3/9)

2011-03-09T15:19:00.001-08:00

***Save the Date***
The calendar is up-to-date on our website: www.titanorchestras.com
Thu March 10 - Parent Booster Meeting - all welcome
Wed March 9 - Chamber at Walker, evening
Fri March 11 - Chicago rehearsal 12 - 3pm
Mon March 14 - SPRING CONCERT, 7pm
Thu March 17 - 22 Chicago trip
Thu March 31 - WOU for Symphony/Chamber
Fri April 8 - Band festival run by Orchestra
Sat April 9 - Orchestra festival Symphony/Chamber

Contained within:

1) Concert Monday - details for all...
2) Chicago rehearsal schedule
3) Auditions for next year - for all except seniors
4) Congratulations to Solo participants and winners
5) Titan Violins performing anthem at the assembly
6) Report from Capital Manor performance
7) Talent Contest fundraiser for Lisa Harder March 26

1) Concert Monday - details for all...

The Spring concert is Monday at 7pm in our auditorium featuring all the Titan Orchestra students and our special guests Walker Advanced Orchestra. The concert begins at 7pm. Here is the info for students:

Dress - formal school outfits (black performance shoes, black socks or hose, hair out of the face, tux for men, dress for ladies).

Here are call times for students (there are no sectionals on Monday after school):
5:30 - Cellos on stage
5:40 - Basses on stage
5:50 - Violins on stage
6:00 - Violas on stage
6:10 - Sinfonietta
6:20 - Combined Chicago
6:30 - Chamber
6:40 - Auditorium open to parents

There are no sectionals the rest of the week of March 14. Sectionals resume the week after spring break.

2) Chicago rehearsal schedule
There are 2 last rehearsals for Chicago - Friday 3/11 12-3pm and Tuesday 3/15 4-5pm - attendance is considered mandatory. Excuses will only be accepted for illness (doctor/parent mandated), or advanced clearance. Work schedule, other family activities, and other such excuses will not be considered valid - you fundraised and spent a lot of money to go on this trip and we NEED all the rehearsal time we can get.

3) Auditions for next year - for all except seniors
Here are audition requirements and scheduled times for next year's orchestra members:

Week of March 28
Chamber Orchestra underclassmen - by appointment (lunch or after school)
Sinfonietta - Tuesday March 29 and Thursday March 31
Titan Violins - Violins March 30, Cellos and Bass April 1

Material
For students interested in being in Chamber next year - 3 octave scale of your choice, excerpt from March 14 solo repertoire, excerpt from other solo repertoire of your choosing, sight reading at the audition
For students interested in being in Sinfonietta next year - 2 or 3 octave scale with a shift of your choice, 1 slow vibrato scale, excerpt from March 14 solo repertoire
For students interested in staying in Orchestra (Titan Strings) next year - 2 octave scale of your choice, excerpt from March 14 solo repertoire

4) Congratulations to Solo participants and winners
Thank you to all who participated in the District 4 Solo and Ensemble competition this past Saturday. West was well represented! This contest is open and available to all in the program - I hope more students from Titan Strings and Sinfonietta will consider playing in next year's competition - especially if students are taking private lessons.

Congrats goes to Lauren Culver for winning District 4 viola and to Bronte Loewen-Thomas for winning as an alternate. Lauren, and maybe Bronte, will compete at the State Solo Competition on April 30 at Lewis and Clark College in Portland. Best of luck!!!

5) Titan Violins performing anthem at the assembly
Tomorrow, 11 of the Titan Violins (those who were at school today to hear this announcement and re-work the anthem) will have the opportunity to play the National Anthem before the whole school tomorrow at the Prom assembly. Don't forget to wear your Titan Orchestra shirt in support of the music program!

6) Report from Capital Manor performance
Students from Chamber Orchestra performed a beautiful recital concert for over 60 Capital Manor residents this past week. In attendance was a 101-year-old gentleman who was a junior high school music teacher in Salem years ago. The residents and organizers were pleased and delighted with the concert. Here's an excerpt from the very complimentary letter that was sent to us:

"All of you are remarkable young people and so willing to share your considerable talents... It made us more aware of the process and challenges that go into the making of a polished performance. It is so important for us elders to see evidence, through you and your teacher, of your passion, your acceptance of responsibility and disipline learned by the very nature of music." From Verna Duncan on the evening program committee.

7) Talent Contest fundraiser for Lisa Harder March 26
Saturday March 26 there is a Talent Contest for Lisa Harder and Frida Salinas - to register to compete in this contest, please contact Vanessa Caballero at 503-949-3262 or email cavanessa25@hotmail.com Registration is only $20. Admission is $5. Fees are due Tuesday March 15th. Come enjo great local entertainment, food and raffles!

Thanks for reading all the way down to the end of the newsletter...
~Ms S.

Link to photos from All City 2011

2011-03-08T08:50:00.001-08:00

Here's a link with a few pictures from the dress rehearsal of All City this year:

http://www.statesmanjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=J0&Dato=20110225&Kategori=NEWS&Lopenr=102250806&Ref=PH

Newsletter #16 (emailed 2/16/11) *revised

2011-02-17T06:25:00.000-08:00

ave the Date***
The calendar is up-to-date on our website: www.titanorchestras.com
Tue Feb 22 - District Budget Committee meeting@McKay, wear blue, 6pm
Sat Feb 26 - All City at North, 7pm
Wed March 2 - Chamber @ Capital Manor, 7pm
Thu March 3 - YMMP Meet 'n Greet, 6:15pm
Sat March 5 - Solo and Ensemble daytime
Wed March 9 - Chamber at Walker, evening
Mon March 14 - SPRING CONCERT, 7pm

Contained within:

1) Chicago updates
2) Sectional schedule reviewed
3) Planning for next year
4) February 22 District Budget Committee meeting - PARENTS, please attend

1) Chicago updates
Chicago students and chaperons should have their jacket order in today - please email Ms. S with the information if you did not get your paperwork in. Payment is due by the time the jackets are here.

Chicago rehearsal schedule is below:
Wednesday Feb 23 2:30 – 3:30 (no Sinfonietta Viola Sectional)

Monday Feb 28 3:30 – 5pm (after Sinfonietta Violin Sectional)

Either Friday March 4 - 2:40 - 4:30 or Friday March 11 - 2:40 – 5
One of these Fridays will be cancelled due to Ms. S's schedule... but, put both on your calendar for right now.
Sinfonietta Cellos *will* have their sectional on the Friday we don’t have Chicago rehearsal

Monday Mar 14 - Spring Concert (combined group performs March Slav, Sinfonietta performs Capriol and Texians)

Tuesday Mar 15 - 4 - 5pm - final dress rehearsal (this rehearsal might be extended if we need more time)

2) Sectional schedule reviewed
Here is the reminder about sectionals - this schedule is set through the March 14 concert:

Mondays - All Violins (including Chamber 2/28 and 3/7)
Wednesdays - All Violas (including Chamber 2/23 and 3/2)
Wednesdays - Titan Basses
Thursdays - Titan Celli
Fridays - Sinfonietta Cellos

3) Planning for next year
For 9th - 11th graders, all you need to do for your schedule planning next year is to put down "Orchestra" on your sheet - we will do auditions and placements in March and April. When I turn in the sheets for placement, the counselors will put you into the correct class.

At this point in planning, Chamber Orchestra (the advanced orchestra) next year will be double blocked and all Chamber students will be required to enroll in Advanced Symphony. But, the double block will NOT occur during the daytime - students will have one class time period and a second period of credit that will include after school rehearsals and sectionals. More details about that schedule will happen later in the spring once the new Chamber group has been auditioned.

4) February 22 School Board Budget Committee meeting - PARENTS, please attend
ALL PARENTS ARE ASKED TO ATTEND THE SCHOOL BOARD's Budget Committee MEETING at North High School at 6pm on February 22nd. At this meeting Superintendant Sandy Husk will outline her budget for the 2011-2012 year. Parents in support of music in the Salem-Keizer school district are asked to WEAR THE COLOR BLUE to the meeting to show our support for music. This request comes to you from the advocacy group Friends of Music. Thanks for your support.

Thanks for reading all the way down to the end of the newsletter...
~Ms S.

Some interesting articles/links from OR Arts Teacher Listserve

2011-02-09T13:46:00.000-08:00

22. Study Helps Explain Why Music Is So Widely Popular Across Cultures
A study by Robert Zatorre and Valorie Salimpoor of McGill University in Montreal shows that the release of dopamine is involved both in anticipating a particularly thrilling musical moment and in feeling the rush from it. In addition, researchers found that even the anticipation of listening to intensely pleasurable music was enough to trigger the release of dopamine. Dopamine is commonly associated with the reward system of the brain, providing feelings of enjoyment and reinforcement to motivate a person proactively to perform certain activities; it is also connected with the development of sociability. Volunteers in the study chose a wide range of music – from classical and jazz to punk, tango and even bagpipes –implying that the neural response to music is not associated with any particular type of music.

Articles about the research may be found at WebMD (http://www.webmd.com/brain/news/20110109/music-gives-brain-natural-buzz) and MSNBC (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40990339/ns/health-behavior/); the full text of the Nature Neuroscience article, with an abstract, is available at http://www.nature.com/neuro/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nn.2726.html.

23. The Skills Connection between the Arts and 21st Century Learning
In an EdWeek commentary, Bruce Taylor (director of education for the Washington National Opera, in Washington, D.C.) argues that “the necessary skills to function in an increasingly complex, conceptual, and globalized 21st-century society and economy,” as well as the “so-called ‘habits of mind’ that will enable [students] to develop the skills of creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving,” are “in reality, arts skills.” In addition, the arts relate to the unique ways in which human beings think, postulated in Scientific American by Marc Hauser at Harvard University as four “key characteristics of the human mind” that distinguish us from our nearest primate relative, the chimp. To focus on those characteristics – generative computation, promiscuous combination of ideas, mental symbols, and abstract thought – “is to enhance the very qualities that make us ... us. In other words, to be artistic is to be human.”

To read the EdWeek commentary by Bruce Taylor, go to http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2011/02/02/19taylor_ep.h30.html?tkn=RVXFqYjnTgKEXardREpTCBxCEBx7Ci%2Bz6sNH&cmp=clp-edweek; to read the Scientific American article by Marc Hauser, go to http://www.wjh.harvard.edu/~mnkylab/publications/recent/mindSciAm.pdf

24. The Arts as Radical Ideas to Really Save Education
As part of an article in Fast Company Magazine (How to Spend $100 Million to Really Save Education), thirteen education experts were asked for a radical idea that they would spend $100 million on, to save education. Diane Ravitch’s response (Radical Idea #3) was, “I’d focus on the arts – music and visual arts and dance, all the things that make kids joyful. Kids need a reason to come to school, and testing is not a good reason.” To read the article, go to http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/152/how-to-spend-100-million-to-really-save-education.html.

25. Math Concepts and Art
Recent college graduate Vi Hart is making a name for herself as a recreational mathemusician, who is hoping to help students see math as an art. She seems to be attracting more teenage girls to the subject. Hart began posting on YouTube videos of herself doodling math concepts, which have since gone viral. “I want people to feel they can do this. People can. It’s mathematics that anyone can do,” she said.

To read an article about Vi Hart, go to http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/18/science/18prof.html?_r=4&ref=science; to see some of Ms. Harts videos, go to http://www.youtube.com/user/Vihart#p/u/7/e4MSN6IImpI (doodling in math class), http://www.youtube.com/user/Vihart#p/u/6/CfJzrmS9UfY (drawing stars), http://www.youtube.com/user/Vihart#p/u/6/heKK95DAKms (drawing snakes), http://www.youtube.com/user/Vihart#p/u/2/Yhlv5Aeuo_k (prime numbers), http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsE2UKkIKXU&feature=fvsr (hyperbolic planes and computational balloon twisting), and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DK5Z709J2eo (sums of infinite series).

Mini Newsletter (emailed 1.31.11)

2011-01-31T14:58:00.000-08:00

***Save the Date***
Sectionals resume starting Feb. 2
The calendar is working once again on the website...
www.titanorchestras.com - click on Calendar
Feb 4 - Portland Cello Project at downtown library
Feb 4 (typo in email!!) - Willamette Fruit pickup 5pm (Commons)
Feb 8 - Titan Violins play anthem at bball game
Feb 13 - Chocolate Sunday

Contained within this mini newsletter:

1) Coffee
2) Cellos..
3) $ For Shirts - $10
4) All City

(a full newsletter will come out later this week - here's some important info for all... welcome to semester 2 of the 2010-2011 school year)

1) Coffee
The extended coffee fundraiser comes to a close tomorrow (Tuesday). Please bring your orders (hopefully students sold 2-3 bags each!!!) and checks to the grey box. Keep a record of who you need to deliver the coffee to...

2) Cellos
The Portland Cello Project will be the single coolest cello show you'll see. For a preview, check out:

http://www.baeblemusic.com/concertvideo/First-Unitarian-Church/Portland-Cello-Project.html

All Cellos in the Titan Orchestra program are expected to come to the concert at the downtown public library Loucks Auditorium at 7pm. Tickets will be $5 if we can get advanced tickets - $7 at the door (info about tickets in class or the next newsletter). All students are welcome to attend... this is going to be a neat concert!

Titan Bassi Cellists - YOU DO NOT NEED TO COME TO SINFONIETTA SECTIONALS ON WEDNESDAYS AFTER ALL (it posses too much of an issue with instruments). Your sectional time will be on Thursdays from 2:40 - 3:30. More info in class on Wednesday. Titan Bassi Bass players can choose to come on Wednesdays or Thursdays, or both for some extra 'time on task'.

3) Shirts

Many of you ordered the neon shirts that say "Titan Orchestras" on the front and "Share your gift of music..." on the back. T-shirt price will be $10 and is due by the time you pick up your shirt - shirts will be here Friday or Monday. Please see Ms. S to get your name crossed off once you've put your $10 into an envelope into the grey box. On the envelope, write "tshirt". (Titan Violins - you do NOT need to pay for your shirt... yours are paid for as you are performing on Feb. 8 with them).

4) All City

Congrats to all the West string students accepted to All City - the concert will be on February 26 (more info to come):

Hayley H (assistant concertmaster)
Jacqueline T
Anny L (principal 2nd violin)
CJ (assistant principal 2nd violin)
Lauren Z
Sinensis S
Jamie Y
Lauren C (principal viola)
Sarah La
Bronte LT
Holly K (principal bass)
Thanks for reading all the way down to the end of the mini newsletter...
~Ms S.

It's always a great day to be in Titan Orchestra.

Newsletter #15 (emailed 1/21)

2011-01-21T15:27:00.001-08:00

***Save the Date***
Sectionals resume starting Feb. 2 - (Sinf + TS) violins Mondays, cello/bass Tuesday, violas Friday
Jan 25 - Live review due!!!
Feb 4 - Portland Cello Project at downtown library
Feb 8 - Titan Violins play anthem at bball game
Feb 13 - Chocolate Sunday

Contained within:

1) Live review is due Tuesday 1/25... 3 options!
2) Coffee fundraiser is extended for ALL until 2/2
3) Calendar alternate link
4) All Cellos required to attend concert 2/4
5) Change in sectional time for Titan Strings (period 6)
6) Email going out to Sinfonietta

1) Live review is due Tuesday 1/25... 3 options!
All students need to complete 1 live concert review - this review is due on Tuesday January 25. You have 3 more opportunities to see a live concert:

#1 This Sunday at 3pm at Illahe Golf Club there is a Soiree performed by members of the Salem Chamber Orchestra - student ticket price is $17 - this will be a beautiful concert! For more info: www.salemchamberorchestra.org

#2 Tuesday 1/25 there is a fun concert being performed by the OR Symphony Pops - 3 Broadway Divas. This concert is after the review deadline, but if you attend, you may turn your review in on Thursday 1/27. Student tickets can be purchased at the door - 8pm concert at Smith Hall on the Willamette University campus.

#3 On Monday 1/24 after school at 2:30pm I will be showing a DVD about Hilary Hahn - this features her playing the Korngold Violin concerto (one of my all time favorite violin concertos!). The video is 60 minutes long - done by 3:30. Come take notes on this DVD video and it will count as a live review. Chamber Orchestra students - this can count as your second 'other' review if you'd like. For more info: www.orsymphony.org/salem

2) Coffee fundraiser is extended for ALL until 2/2
We have extended the coffee fundraiser until February 2nd!!!! We need to sell 120 more bags of coffee... so, we ask that all students interested pick up an order form and try to sell 2 or 3 bags of coffee! 3 flavors - dark, medium, decaf.

3) Calendar alternate link
At this very moment in time, the calendar link isn't working properly on our website - it's being fixed. But, if you ever need to look directly at the calendar, click here:

http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=pm95agoipvpi3r02dmvoa15o7s%40group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/Los_Angeles

4) All Cellos required to attend concert 2/4
All Cellos in the orchestra program will be required to attend this concert on Friday February 4 - it's an amazing all-cello group called the Portland Cello Project. All others are welcome to attend as well - think of it as an opportunity to write your review for 2nd semester early!!! Tickets are $5 in advance, $7 at the door - if you need a scholarship, let Ms. S know. This is sure to be an exciting concert.

5) Change in sectional time for Titan Strings (period 6)
Starting 2nd semester, the Titan Violins will be joining the Sinfonietta violins in sectional on Mondays from 2:40 - 3:30. The Titan Cellos and Basses will join the Sinfonietta Cellos and Basses in sectional on Wednesdays 2:40 - 3:30. These sectionals are considered part of the participation grade for the class. We will need 4 cellists and some violinists to bring their own instrument to school on these days - we'll work that schedule out in class. Otherwise students will have to share during sectional time, or we will have to split the cello sectional into 2 groups.

6) Email going out to Sinfonietta
There is an email going out after this newsletter to Sinfonietta students and parents... just announcements I would have made in class on Thursday (I was out with a sick kiddo... sounds like after the fire alarm you all had good coaching sessions!)

Thanks for reading all the way down to the end of the newsletter...
~Ms S.

Newsletter #14 (emailed 1/13/11)

2011-01-13T11:23:00.001-08:00

***Save the Date***
Sinfonietta has no instrument sectionals this month - just after school chamber music groups
Titan Violins has sectionals on Thursdays
Jan 13 - Mandatory Trip meeting/potluck for Chicago 6:30pm
Jan 15 - Chamber Orchestra performs at OMEA convention
Jan 20 - All City auditions
Feb 4 - Portland Cello Project at downtown library

Contained within:

1) 2 concert review options this weekend
2) Pie and coffee fundraiser money due today
3) Chicago meeting tonight - Thursday 1/13
4) Stay in touch with Lisa on Facebook
5) Ms S and Titan Violins to play at bball games

1) 2 concert review options this weekend
If you have yet to see a live concert this semester, you have 2 options this weekend - Friday evening in Salem, Sunday in Eugene:

On Friday evening, at 8pm on 1/14 at Willamette University's Smith Hall, the internationally touring classical pianist Emanual Ax will be performing with the Oregon Symphony. The will play the beautiful Brahms piano concerto #2. Student tickets should be available at the door - more info can be found at http://www.orsymphony.org/salem/

On Sunday afternoon, at 3pm on 1/16 at the Hult Performing Center in Eugene, the Oregon All State Orchestra will be performing Brahms, Grieg, and Lizst. Arrive early - tickets are $15 and you need to get in line by 2:30 or so to get a good seat. We have 7 students playing in the concert!

For review information, go to our website - www.titanorchestras.com - click on the student members page, click on Review Information in the left-hand column. You can either write up the survey or an essay.

There is one more OR Symphony in Salem concert - January 24... this one's going to be a blast... it's the Pops symphony playing with 3 Broadway Divas.

2) Pie and coffee fundraiser money due today
Money for the coffee and pie/frozen fruit fundraiser is due today! Please put the 11x14 tally sheet and checks in the school-provided envelopes and into the grey box in the orchestra room. Hope you were able to sell a bunch!

3)
Chicago meeting tonight - Thursday 1/13
If you are going to Chicago, or, parents, if you have an offspring going, you are required to attend tonight's meeting. Bring your potluck item to the orchestra room by 6:30. At the meeting we will go over itinerary, repertoire, rehearsals, packing info and all the legal issues. Students be prepared to fill out your roommate preference card. See you tonight!

4) Stay in touch with Lisa on Facebook
If you would like to stay in touch with Lisa Harder's progress, you can 'like' her Facebook page - Updates on Lisa Harder. There is also a blog for her - http://lisaharder.blogspot.com/. Fight on Lisa!!! Thanks to all who donated for her iTunes cards and pony present.

5) Ms S and Titan Violins to play at bball games
On Jan. 18, Ms S will play the national anthem at the basketball game at West, and on February 8, Titan Violins will play the anthem! Cheer on your Titan bball team - see you at the game!

Thanks for reading all the way down to the end of the newsletter...
~Ms S.

Newsletter #13 (emailed 1/6/11)

2011-01-06T15:45:00.000-08:00

***Save the Date***
No Sectionals the month of January - all students have after school rehearsals with Chamber groups
Jan 11 - Chamber Orchestra extra added rehearsal 6-8:30pm
Jan 13 - Mandatory Trip meeting/potluck for Chicago 6:30pm
Jan 15 - Chamber Orchestra performs at OMEA convention
Jan 20 - All City auditions
Feb 4 - Portland Cello Project at downtown library

Contained within:

1) Sinfonietta assignment due Monday
2) Concert on Sunday at Willamette - for review
3) Chamber Music Concert Feb. 1 cancelled
4) One week Coffee and Frozen Fruit fund-raiser
5) Chamber Orchestra performs on Jan. 15 in Eugene
6) Live Performance Review reminder

1) Sinfonietta assignment due Monday
In class Thursday (today) Sinfonietta students worked on note identification - all students are required to turn in one sheet of music with notes identified, due Monday 1/10. If you lose the sheet of music I gave you or you were missing from class, simply print or copy one piece of music, identify the note names above or below the notes, and turn it in on Monday. Any questions? Feel free to email me (Ms. S)

2) Concert on Sunday at Willamette - for review
On Sunday, our very own senior violist Lauren C. will be playing for the finals of the Salem Chamber Orchestra's Fritz Concerto Competition. The concert starts at 3pm - students are welcome to review this concert for "live concert review". In order for the review to be accepted, students must stay for at least 45 minutes of the concert and must see at least one of the string players perform. The concert is free of charge - 3pm at Hudson Hall, Willamette University, Sunday January 9.

Good Luck Lauren!

Here's links to more info on the concert and the performers:

http://salemchamberorchestra.org/?page_id=17

3) Chamber Music Concert Feb. 1 cancelled
Chamber Orchestra students were to perform at the Loucks Auditorium on February 1, but due to extenuating circumstances, that concert has been canceled. You will notice the change on the Titan Orchestra calendar.

4) One week Coffee and Frozen Fruit fund-raiser
Huge thanks to parents Karen Tatman, Nancy Brostrom, and Melissa Canfield for getting our Coffee and Frozen Fruit fund-raiser off an running. All students have the opportunity to sell for one week - the packets have all the information, and you should be receiving emails with details. Please consider purchasing these items and offering them to friends and colleagues. The frozen fruit prices are the same or less than at Roth's and the coffee not only tastes great, freezes well, but also has Titan Orchestra artwork on the label!!!

5) Chamber Orchestra performs on Jan. 15 in Eugene
Chamber Orchestra will be performing at the Soreng Theatre in Eugene (at the Hult Center for Performing Arts) at 1pm on Saturday Jan. 15. We will be playing right before the PSU symphony orchestra.

For Chamber students - the bus will leave West at 10:15am and will return at 7:30pm. More info next week about what food and/or money to bring.

6) Live Performance Review reminder
Reminder that all students must attend one live concert - collegiate or professional - each semester. This assignment is due January 25. Students who saw concerts in September, October, November or December just need to complete a review for credit. Review information (survey or essay) is up on the website - www.titanorchestras.com - click on Student members and then on Review Information.

If you haven't seen a concert yet, there are a few concerts these next few weeks - check the Art Smart Salem website for January:

http://artsmartsalem.org/january.html

There is a Camerata Music performance and 2 Oregon Symphony performances that students can see - through Art Smart, there are student discounts available for most performances. And, there is the Concerto Competition finals this Sunday (see #1 above). Students who run the risk of not completing this assignment (because they cannot attend a live concert in the next 4 weeks) can come talk to Ms. S for alternative arrangements. I feel very strongly that musicians not only learn to be good audience members, but that students are supportive of local, live music! Students receive inspiration and motivation from seeing professionals play.

Thanks for reading all the way down to the end of the newsletter...
~Ms S.

Newsletter #12 12/30/10

2010-12-30T09:34:00.000-08:00

(see original email for live links)

***Save the Date*** (click here for our calendar)
No Sectionals the month of January - all students have after school rehearsals with Chamber groups
Jan 15 - Chamber Orchestra performs at OMEA convention
Jan 13 - Mandatory Trip meeting for Chicago students and parents
Jan 20 - All City auditions
Feb 1 - Advanced Chamber Music Concert - Loucks (CO)
Feb 4 - Portland Cello Project at downtown library

Contained within:

1) December Performance Assignment reminder
2) History and music for Auld Lang Syne
3) A busy month for Chamber Orchestra members
4) Explanation of Chamber Music unit for January
5) No Sectionals for the month of January
6) Live Performance Review reminder

1) December Performance Assignment reminder
All students have received paperwork and/or been reminded about the December Performance Assignment - PDR (Plan-Do-Review). Students need to perform 'in public' some time during the month of December (or first few days of January). "In public" just means that it's for other people - family and/or friends is fine. One suggestion is to play Auld Lang Syne on New Years Day - see the info below. All students should have Suzuki books and Green and/or Beige books that have music that can be performed. On January 3 or 4 students will write down how their 'performance' went in the composition books at school - once reviewed, points will be given for the assignment. There is no 'make up' points available for this assignment after January 4.

2) History and music for Auld Lang Syne
At the stroke of midnight on New Years Eve, everyone sings a familiar melody - Auld Lang Syne. If you don't think you know, it you probably do. The words are different and I've never fully understood the meaning of them. You could fulfill your December Performance Assignment by playing this for your New Years Eve crowd or on New Years Day... Here's the Wikipedia info on the tune:

Auld Lang Syne Wikipedia

Here's a link to see the music in treble clef (F major):

Auld Lang Syne

And, another resource

Sheet Music and listening link

Or, just google search for Auld Lang Syne Sheet Music and then click on images for results - tons of versions available online.

3) A busy month for Chamber Orchestra members
The month of January is going to be a busy one for Chamber Orchestra members. Here's a list of what we're working on:

Chamber Music Project - students are required to meet weekly with their chamber music group. Concert is February 1 (and during Finals).

OMEA performance - on Saturday Jan 15 students will be performing a 20 minute performance at the Oregon Music Educators Assoc. conference in Eugene. We're playing Giannini, Britten, and maybe Tango.

All State - 7 of our members are playing with the All State orchestra at the OMEA convention the weekend of January 14. They will leave the All State rehearsal to come perform with us when we play as Chamber Orchestra at OMEA on Saturday Jan 15.

All City auditions - all but one of the Chamber students are doing a live audition for All City. I'm hopeful that many will make it into the All City orchestra. We will work on this material some during class, and some after school.

Please be focused during rehearsals and practicing efficiently at home. Keep up your vitamins and minerals too - it's a bad month to get sick.

4) Explanation of Chamber Music unit for January
In the month of January, all students will participate in a Chamber Music unit. The first few days will be dedicated to selecting and sight reading music. The 2nd and 3rd weeks of January students will rehearse on their own and be coached by guest musicians. There are no sectionals the month of January - students will need to practice weekly with their chamber music partners after or before school. This rehearsal can happen at school, but, can also be at student homes. Once the rehearsal is registered with me weekly, students will receive full participation points for the week.

Finals at West happen January 26, 27, and 28. For our final, students will perform their chamber music group in front of the class - this in-class performance will be video taped and put up on our YouTube site. Each student will also assess the performance of their peers. There will also be a short written final in each class - content of this test will be discussed and reviewed over the weeks before the final.

Students in Chamber Orchestra will perform their chamber music at a performance on February 1 at the downtown public library, Loucks Auditorium. There might be a group or two from Sinfonietta and/or Titan Strings invited to perform on this chamber music concert too.

5) No Sectionals for the month of January
The month of January there are no sectionals for Sinfonietta or Titan Violins. All students will be required to find time to work with their chamber music partners once per week. If students need assistance with this after school rehearsal, I am available to work with them.

6) Live Performance Review reminder
Reminder that all students must attend one live concert - collegiate or professional - each semester. This assignment is due January 25. Students who saw concerts in September, October, November or December just need to complete a review for credit. Review information (survey or essay) is up on the website - www.titanorchestras.com - click on Student members and then on Review Information.

If you haven't seen a concert yet, there are a few concerts these next few weeks - check the Art Smart Salem website for January:

http://artsmartsalem.org/january.html

There is a Camerata Music performance and 2 Oregon Symphony performances that students can see - through Art Smart, there are student discounts available for most performances. Students who run the risk of not completing this assignment (because they cannot attend a live concert in the next 4 weeks) can come talk to Ms. S for alternative arrangements. I feel very strongly that musicians not only learn to be good audience members, but that students are supportive of local, live music! Students receive inspiration and motivation from seeing professionals play.

Thanks for reading all the way down to the end of the newsletter...
~Ms S.

Congratulations Lauren C!

2010-12-19T08:34:00.000-08:00

Senior violist Lauren C. has made the finals of the Connie Fritz Memorial Concerto Competition for the Salem Chamber Orchestra. On Jan. 9 in the afternoon Lauren will perform her concerto movement live with accompanist in front of the judges. Good luck Lauren!

David Klinkenberg's coming to Salem this weekend

2010-12-10T09:33:00.001-08:00

Contemporary violinist David Klinkenberg is coming to Salem's People's Church this weekend - some of these shows are sold out. He is a wonderfully inspirational nationally-touring violinist who plays at many churches during the holiday season. Very exciting that he's here in Salem again this year.

Here's a link to his tour website with ticket info:

http://www.davidklinkenberg.com/tour.php

Newsletter #11 (emailed 12/8/10)

2010-12-08T09:01:00.000-08:00

***Save the Date*** (click here for our calendar)
Wed Dec 8 - Winter Concert (Titan Strings and Sinfonietta)
Thu Dec 9 - Capital Manor (Chamber group) 4-6pm
Mon Dec 13 - Winter at West Dress Rehearsal 4:30 - 8:30 (Chamber)
Wed Dec 15 - Winter at West (Chamber)
Thu Dec 16 - Winter at West (Chamber)
Fri Dec 17 - Capital Manor (select students) 5pm
Sat Dec 18 - Prelude at OR Symphony Portland (Chamber group)

Contained within:

1) Chicago Trip deposit #2 is due Friday
2) Titan Strings videos up on the blog
3) Concert Tonight (Dec. 8) for Titan Strings and Sinfonietta
4) Winter at West details for audience and members
5) Stocking stuffer ideas for young musicians...
6) Thank you to parents!!!

1) Chicago Trip deposit #2 is due Friday Dec. 10

Just a reminder that an important deadline comes Friday - all students wanting to attend the Chicago tour must have their next payment turned into the grey box by 2:30 Friday. Please see emails that have been sent to you regarding amounts and contact info if there are any questions. Save the date - Thursday January 13 at 6:30 - for a special Chicago Trip meeting (pizza will be provided). At this meeting we will go over the itinerary, paperwork needed, packing guidelines, rehearsal schedule for January and February, and more. At least one parent per student family are asked to attend this meeting. Students going on the trip will be required to attend this meeting.

2) Titan Strings videos up on the blog
Titan Strings went to Portland Children's Museum on Thursday Dec. 2, 2010 - click on the link below to see the videos embedded into our blog:

Titan Strings PCM video Blog Entry

Of, you can go to www.youtube.com/titanorchestras to see the videos directly on YouTube

3) Concert Dec. 8 for Titan Strings and Sinfonietta
Wednesday December 8 is our Winter Concert for Titan Strings and Sinfonietta. The concert will be at 7pm in the auditorium. Sprague's intermediate orchestra, called "Symphony Strings", is our special guest.

Here's the schedule

5:30 - Titan Strings and Sinfonietta on stage to practice Jingle Bell Hoedown (please arrive 10 minutes earlier than stated)
6:15 dinner break - pre-order pizza, capri sun, ice cream for $5 (or, bring a dinner)
7pm performance
8:30ish - concert conclusion

A few select students Sinfonietta cellists and a bass player have been asked to bring home instruments to this concert. Violinists may want to bring their home instrument to assure they have an instrument for the Hoedown.

4) Winter at West details for audience and members
Winter at West is going to bigger and better than ever. This show is a celebration of the season - Promise of Peace - and information about the show will be written up in the Statesman Journal. Only Chamber Orchestra performs in this show (from the orchestra program) but I certainly hope that students and parents from the rest of the orchestra program will buy advance tickets and come - it's one of the finest productions we put on at West.

Tickets are on sale through the bookkeeper's office at West. Babysitting will be provided this year by Titan Tots.

Here's info for musicians:

Monday Dec. 13 - Mandatory dress rehearsal 4:30 - 8:30pm
Wed. and Thur. Dec. 15 and 16 - 6:30 call time in the orchestra room.

5) Stocking stuffer ideas for young musicians...

Here's a list of great ideas for stocking stuffers for young musicians - I'll provide a link on the items below at Shar Music (see original email for links), but you can ask the following dealers in town for the same items:Weathers Music, Uptown, Henry Strobels, David Kerr Violins

Jade Rosin (for cello/violin/viola)
A metronome
A tuner
A metronome tuner
Manhasset stand (available in many colors)
Violin gift plaque
Musical gifts like pins, earrings, instrument wrapping paper
A new case (not so much a stocking stuffer as a main present)
Gift membership to www.virtualsheetmusic.com - so students can print off all the music they'd like

6) Thank you to parents and students!!!

Huge thanks goes to the parents and students who helped our very successful Wreath, Poinsettia and Christmas Tree fundraiser this year. Tracy Riley and Steve Tatman took hours of their time to go up to the tree farm to fresh cut our beautiful trees. The following students helped with Wreath and Poinsettia set up and pick up:

Itati Guillen
Katerina Krazovskiy - and a friend who had nothing better to do!
Amanda Childers
Elizabeth Kirkpatrick
Riley Brostrom
Ana Ramirez
Stella Kim
Steve Tatman
Mark Lowen
Karen Tatman
Jacque Dodds - two shifts
Makayla McCauley
Kathy McCauley
Kim Dietz
Lori Dietz - two shifts

The following parents helped with tree pick up:
Tatmans
Tracy Brostrom
Gordy Harder
Gail Harder
Kim Dietz
Lori Dietz

And, as always, I thank the parent booster organization for providing such amazing fundraisers for the students!

Thanks for reading all the way down to the end of the newsletter...
~Ms S.

Titan Strings trip to Portland Children's Museum - Videos!

2010-12-06T08:23:00.001-08:00

Titan Strings Introduction and Bourree:

Jingle Bells:

Up on the Housetop and Dreidyl

Deck the Angels

Show n tell

Ms. S playing "BugBach" - from years ago in LA

2010-12-03T13:03:00.000-08:00

Newsletter #10 (emailed 12/1/10)

2010-12-01T15:29:00.000-08:00

***Save the Date*** (click on "calendar" to the right for more info)
Christmas Tree, Wreath and Poinsettia pickup is this weekend!!! See below
Thur Dec 2 - Titan Strings Performance Trip - all day
Wed Dec 8 - Winter Concert (Titan Strings and Sinfonietta)
Mon Dec 13 - Winter at West Dress Rehearsal 4:30 - 8:30 (Chamber)
Wed Dec 15 - Winter at West (Chamber)
Thu Dec 16 - Winter at West (Chamber)
December Capital Manor Fridays

Contained within:

1) Xmas tree, Wreath and Poinsettia pickup...
2) Capitol Manor performance opportunity!!!!
3) Concert Dec. 8 for Titan Strings and Sinfonietta
4) Winter at West details for audience and members
5) We'll be 'caroling' in the halls...
6) Stocking stuffer ideas for young musicians...

1) Xmas tree, Wreath and Poinsettia pickup...
If you placed an order for either our Xmas tree or Wreath/Poinsettia fundraiser *YOU* need to pick up your plants (unless you are having the Xmas tree delivered). Here's the schedule:
Friday evening Dec. 3 8-9pm
Saturday Dec. 4 9-11am
Sunday is Xmas tree only!!!!

If you don't pick up your pre-paid items, they will slowly shrivel up and die (or I might rescue them) in the hallways of West.

2) Capitol Manor performance opportunity!!!!
Students - would you like to fulfill your December Performance assignment while having some fun playing carols? Friday Dec. 10 and 17 Capitol Manor is looking for 6-8 students to carol in the Sun Room. Ms. S will be there to help coordinate music and performance. This is a wonderfully inviting group of folks who come to hear us play - and it's a great way to share music this holiday season. Email Ms. S or come see me in class if you'd like to carol!

3) Concert Dec. 8 for Titan Strings and Sinfonietta
Wednesday December 8 is our Winter Concert for Titan Strings and Sinfonietta. The concert will be at 7pm in the auditorium. Sprague's intermediate orchestra is our special guest.

Here's the schedule

5:30 - Titan Strings and Sinfonietta on stage to practice Jingle Bell Hoedown
6:15 dinner break - pre-order pizza, capri sun, ice cream for $5 (or, bring a dinner)
7pm performance
8:30ish - concert conclusion

4) Winter at West details for audience and members
Winter at West is going to bigger and better than ever. This show is a celebration of the season - Promise of Peace - and information about the show will be written up in the Statesman Journal. Only Chamber Orchestra performs in this show (from the orchestra program) but I certainly hope that students and parents from the rest of the orchestra program will buy advance tickets and come - it's one of the finest productions we put on at West.

Tickets are on sale through the bookkeeper's office at West. Babysitting will be provided this year by Titan Tots.

Here's info for musicians:

Monday Dec. 13 - Mandatory dress rehearsal 4:30 - 8:30pm
Wed. and Thur. Dec. 15 and 16 - 6:30 call time in the orchestra room.

5) We'll be 'caroling' in the halls...
The last week of school before the winter break all periods of orchestra will be caroling in the halls of West - it's one way to share the season with our peers and colleagues. We will set out in both large and small groups and play well loved holiday carols.

6) Stocking stuffer ideas for young musicians...
Here's a list of great ideas for stocking stuffers for young musicians - I'll provide a link on the items below at Shar Music (check your email for the links), but you can ask the following dealers in town for the same items:Weathers Music, Uptown, Henry Strobels, David Kerr Violins

Jade Rosin (for cello/violin/viola)
A metronome
A tuner
A metronome tuner
Manhasset stand (available in many colors)
Violin gift plaque
Musical gifts like pins, earrings, instrument wrapping paper
A new case (not so much a stocking stuffer as a main present)
Gift membership to www.virtualsheetmusic.com - so students can print off all the music they'd like

If you need/want other ideas, and/or if you're interested in purchasing a new instrument or bow and need advice, please feel free to ask me.

Thanks for reading all the way down to the end of the newsletter...
~Ms S.

Newsletter #9 - emailed 11.17.10

2010-11-17T14:12:00.001-08:00

Emailed 11.17.10

***Save the Date***
Fair Use fees are past due - please pay or submit waiver to bookkeeper's office at West
Christmas Tree fundraiser is over Nov. 19 - please submit order sheets and payment!!
Thur Dec 2 - Titan Strings Performance Trip - all day
Wed Dec 8 - Winter Concert (Titan Strings and Sinfonietta)
Sat Dec 11 - Winter at West Mass Rehearsal 9 - 11am (Chamber)
Mon Dec 13 - Winter at West Dress Rehearsal 4:30 - 8:30 (Chamber)
Wed Dec 15 - Winter at West (Chamber)
Thu Dec 16 - Winter at West (Chamber)
December Capital Manor Fridays

Contained within:

1) Conference schedule
2) Salem Chamber Orchestra concert this weekend!
3) See you at the auction?
4) December concerts
5) Symphony resource link
6) Pictures and Videos on our website... check them out!
7) Waltz Night thank yous!
8) Deadlines for students coming up...

1) Conference schedule
This Tuesday, Ms. Silberman will be in the gym at West in the early afternoon and evening for West Salem High School's annual conference. Parents (and students) are welcome to swing by and check on grades, take a look at our portfolio practice log and have a quick chat about anything, including instrument upgrade if that's a holiday gift priority. If parents are unable to attend conferences and would like a quick check-in on student performance and achievement, feel free to send me a quick email to either set up a phone call, in person meeting, or email check-in: silberman_daryl@salkeiz.k12.or.us

2) Salem Chamber Orchestra concert this weekend!
This weekend you have an opportunity to see the Salem Chamber Orchestra, featuring a few of our Chamber Orchestra students, performing at Hudson Hall at Willamette University. The concert is themed "Orchestral String Favorites" and is a fantastic concert for string students to see. One of the pieces being performed is Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusik that Sinfonietta played the first movement of on the Fall concert!
Here's the info:
Saturday Nov. 19 - 10am to 12:30pm dress rehearsal - $5 adults, $3 students
Sunday Nov. 20 - 3pm concert - $15-$25 Adults, $8-$12 Students
http://salemchamberorchestra.org/

3) See you at the auction?
Saturday Nov. 20 is the Titan Auction. Thanks to the Orchestra Parent Booster Association for gathering so many amazing auction items. I personally will be going for the 'year of coffee' that so many of you donated to! We have been asked again to provide students to play music to greet auction participants - if you're attending, hope you enjoy the chamber music that will great you from 5-5:45pm.

4) December concerts
Here's some explanation of all the rehearsals and concerts going on the month of December:

Dec 2 - Titan Strings (period 6) is going on tour - to the Portland Children's Museum (10am) and the Lancaster Mall (12:30pm).

Dec 8 - Winter Concert, 7pm in the Auditorium with Titan Strings and Sinfonietta - with guest visitors, Sprague Intermediate Orchestra
Sinfonietta is called at 4pm for dress rehearsal. Dinner break at 5:30 (pizza and drink for $5). Call time (dressed) for Sinfonietta is at 6:30. Titan Strings call time is at 6:15pm.

Dec 11 - Mass rehearsal for Winter at West (Chamber only) 9 - 11am (mandatory

Dec 13 - Mass dress rehearsal for Winter at West (Chamber only) 4:30 - 8:30pm (mandatory)

Dec 15 and Dec 16 - Winter at West, featuring the entire choir department, chamber orchestra, and wind ensemble. Tickets are $5 for students, $7 for adults - advanced purchase suggested (these concerts sell out!)

Some select students may be asked to play for residents at Capital Manor on Friday afternoons in their Sun Room. More info on that in class.

5) Symphony resource link
Full symphony rehearsals are off and running. Students are expected to print off their own versions of music that's in the public domain, to be learning about the history of our pieces, and to have access to video or audio links. That information can all be found in a spreadsheet on our website:

www.titanorchestras.com
Click on the Student member page
Click on Symphony
Click on Symphony2010 and you'll get a download of the document.

6) Pictures and Videos on our website... check them out!
Thank you Steve Tatman for posting videos of our fall concert, Chamber's performance at OSBA in Portland, and pictures from Chamber's fun day and Waltz Night. Parents and students, please check out the home page of our website!

7) Waltz Night thank yous!
Thank you to all the parents who worked tirelessly to make Waltz Night a success: Staci Larson, The Brostroms, The Mozells, Jeremy Kraemer, The Lowens, The Tatmans, Debbie Benevidez, Kelly Culver, Cynthia Byrnes, and to all the parents who attended, donated, and baked! The event was very successful! Thanks too to Lora LaMon from RJ Dance Studio in downtown Salem - we hope she'll come back and give us all another lesson for our next Waltz Night.

8) Deadlines for students coming up
Chamber deadlines: Wish List assignment (handed out in class Wednesday) due Friday. Xmas tree orders due Friday. All City $7 past due (to bookkeeper). All State registration and payment due Friday.

Sinfonietta deadlines: Xmas tree orders and money due Friday.

Titan Strings deadlines: Xmas tree orders and money due Friday. Permission trip letter and signature page due Friday.

Newsletter #8 (emailed 11/05/10)

2010-11-05T14:17:00.000-07:00

***Save the Date***
Fair Use fees are past due - please pay or submit waiver to bookkeeper's office at West
Christmas Tree fundraiser is coming to a close
Coffee Beans are due by Wednesday Nov. 10
Sat 11/6 - Waltz Night - 6-9pm in the Commons
Sat/Sun 11/20, 21 - Salem Chamber Orchestra - great review concert
Check Calendar for December concerts

Contained within:

1) Coffee beans please...
2) Waltz Night info... Tomorrow (Nov. 6)
3) On the blog...
4) Concerts coming up for concert review

1) Coffee beans please...

No, these beans aren't for Ms. S - they are for our fantastic "Year of Coffee" Titan Auction item. Please bring pre-packaged coffee to the orchestra room (imagine if each family donated one bag - what a great auction item!!!) by November 10. If you have anything else that you'd like to donate to Titan Auction, please bring that to school by Nov. 10 too. Also, if you're interested in purchasing a ticket for the Titan Auction (GREAT place to pick up holiday presents!!!! And, visit with some nice people too... ) you can contact Kelly Culver at kculver@comcast.net - we already have 2 orchestra tables purchased and would love to fill a 3rd. I'll be purchasing my ticket this next week... come sit with me?

2) Waltz Night info... Saturday November 6!

Are your dancing shoes all polished up and ready to go? Please join us in the Commons on Saturday Nov. 6 for our 2nd biennial Waltz night. Tickets can be reserved or purchased by emailing boosters@titanorchestras.com or by contacting a member of the Chicago-bound orchestra (any student can ask Ms. S how to get a ticket). Students are $10, adults are $20 - 2 adults can purchase 2 tickets for $35. There will be a bake sale and a few raffles. Your ticket gets you an hour waltz lesson with RJ Dance Studio's Lora LaMon and an hour of live Waltz Music performed by students bound for Chicago this next March. The evening starts at 6pm and will end at 9pm.

Waltz Orchestra players: You have all signed up to come at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, or to stay after to help with clean up. Also, you are needed in the Commons from 4 - 5:15pm to warm up and sound check. Please bring a sack dinner or make arrangements to eat quickly, change, and be ready to greet guests at 6pm.

Here's a link to see/hear all the waltzes we will be playing (orchestra - don't forget to be listening to these too!): http://titanorchestras.blogspot.com/2010/10/waltz-links.html

3) Article about the OR Symphony coaching session in Chamber, on the blog

This past Tuesday, Chamber Orchestra was visited by Oregon Symphony section violists Jenn Arnold. She coached our entire group, fielded Q&A, and worked with our violists. She was great - animated and helpful! Great player too! Here's a link to the article on our blog that I copied from the Statesman Journal:
http://titanorchestras.blogspot.com/2010/11/jenn-arnolds-visit-to-chamber.html

4) Some great concerts coming up for review
Sunday Nov. 7 - Danny and I are performing with our group Salem Baroque at St. Paul's Evensong concert series in the afternoon: http://stpaulsoregon.org/index.htm
Saturday Nov. 13 - UnBande performs with Salem Pops at the Elsinore Theatre downtown at 7:30pm: http://www.salempopsorchestra.org/
Sunday Nov. 20 - Salem Chamber Orchestra, featuring a few of our Chamber Orchestra students, will be performing at Hudson Hall at Willamette University: http://salemchamberorchestra.org/

Thanks for reading all the way down to the end of the newsletter...
~Ms S.

Jenn Arnold's visit to Chamber

2010-11-03T13:03:00.000-07:00

News
Symphony
Oregon Symphony to continue Salem tour
Matched grant will decrease deficit and allow for shows
BY BARBARA CURTIN • STATESMAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 3, 2010

The Oregon Symphony Association in Salem has succeeded in matching a $10,000 challenge grant from The Collins Foundation.

The local organization raised $10,821.50 from 137 donors, including 88 new ones. The challenge aimed to broaden support for the 55-year-old organization, which brings the Oregon Symphony to Salem for six classical concerts and three pops concerts each season.

"It will give us $20,000 toward decreasing our deficit budget that we have been operating under for the last couple of years, and it shows support of the community to keep the Oregon Symphony active in Salem," said Karin Holton, marketing and educational director for the symphony association.

Before winning the challenge grant, the symphony association expected to finish the 2010-11 fiscal year with a deficit of $55,000, she said. The group still welcomes donations.

The last fiscal year ended June 30 with a deficit of about $50,000 in a yearly budget of slightly less than $500,000. The deficit was resolved with funds from the association's reserve account.

Season ticket sales are down about 5 percent to 10 percent from last year for the classical concerts and about 20 percent for the pops concerts, Holton said.

However, the organization is trying a number of new efforts to fill seats at Smith Auditorium. An online promotion on Halloween sold 138 tickets for $20 apiece, about half the regular price.

Another promotion is planned starting the day before Thanksgiving, Holton said.

Along with the regular season, the association sponsors two performances of a children's concert each spring. It also pays for Oregon Symphony musicians and conductors to visit Salem-Keizer schools for coaching sessions.

Violist Jennifer Arnold visited West Salem High School on Tuesday as part of that program.

bcurtin@StatesmanJournal.com

Newsletter #7 (emailed 10/29/10)

2010-10-29T06:42:00.000-07:00

***Save the Date***
Fair Use fees are past due - please pay or submit waiver to bookkeeper's office at West
Wreaths and Poinsettia fundraiser is over as of 10/28
Christmas Tree fundraise is ongoing
Wed 11/3 - PYP preview concert in Portland, 7:30pm concert
Sat 11/6 - Waltz Night - 6-9pm in the Commons
Sat/Sun 11/20, 21 - Salem Chamber Orchestra - great review concert
Check Calendar for December concerts

Contained within:

1) Concert thank you
2) Waltz Night info... Saturday November 6!
3) What are we preparing for next - class breakdown
4) Coffee beans please...
5) Some great concerts coming up for review

1) Concert thank you
I want to thank all students and parents for your support of the Fall concert this past week. I think we started the year off quite strong! Chamber took on the bulk of the performance time, but this is a unique year for chamber with only 2 new members, we were able to work on a lot of material very quickly - that's not always the case. And, we had some great soloists to play for this fall concert - congrats to seniors Bronte, Lauren C. and Holly for beautiful performances! Thank you's also go to Titan Strings for helping clean up the stage and back stage so quickly.

In December there are 2 major different performances - Titan Strings and Sinfonietta host Sprague's intermediate orchestra at a concert at West on December 8. Chamber joins the entire choir program and Wind Ensemble for the 2nd annual Winter at West performance December 15 and 16. Tickets will go on sale for that concert in a few weeks.

2) Waltz Night info... Saturday November 6!
Are your dancing shoes all polished up and ready to go? Please join us in the Commons on Saturday Nov. 6 for our 2nd biennial Waltz night. Tickets can be reserved or purchased by emailing boosters@titanorchestras.com or by contacting a member of the Chicago-bound orchestra (any student can ask Ms. S how to get a ticket). Students are $10, adults are $20 - 2 adults can purchase 2 tickets for $35. There will be a bake sale and a few raffles. Your ticket gets you an hour waltz lesson with RJ Dance Studio's Lora LaMon and an hour of live Waltz Music performed by students bound for Chicago this next March. The evening starts at 6pm and will end at 9pm.

Waltz Orchestra players: MANDATORY DRESS REHEARSAL TUESDAY Nov. 2 - 2:40 - 4pm.
On Saturday the 6th: Decoration committee checks in at 1pm in the Commons. Orchestra call time (not dressed or dressed) is at 4pm. Bring a sack dinner!! Be prepared to help clean up after the event - all hands on deck.

Here's a link to see/hear all the waltzes we will be playing (orchestra - don't forget to be listening to these too!): http://titanorchestras.blogspot.com/2010/10/waltz-links.html

3) What are we preparing for next - class breakdown

Chamber - We've begun a fantastic new piece called Fugue by Vitorio Giannini. OR Symphony violist Jenn Arnold will be visiting us on Tuesday next week. Bach Double auditions on Wednesday. OSBA performance Nov. 13.

Sinfonietta - In sectionals, we'll be working solo repertoire. In class we're starting our December concert selections - including the 2 pieces we'll be performing with Sprague's intermediate orchestra.

Titan Violins - We're looking at Jingle Bell Hoedown (the mass piece with Sprague for Dec. 8), new scales and Suzuki book 2 pieces!

Titan Bassi - Suzuki book 2 pieces, scales, and Jingle Bell Hoedown.

Symphony - Full symphony rehearsals start Nov. 9 - remember 'on time' is '5 minutes early'. Full details about the music we're playing will be given to you this next week.

4) Coffee Beans please...
No, these beans aren't for Ms. S - they are for our fantastic "Year of Coffee" Titan Auction item. Please bring pre-packaged coffee to the orchestra room (imagine if each family donated one bag - what a great auction item!!!) by November 15. Also, if you're interested in purchasing a ticket for the Titan Auction (GREAT place to pick up holiday presents!!!! And, visit with some nice people too... ) you can contact Kelly Culver at kculver@comcast.net - we already have 2 orchestra tables purchased and would love to fill a 3rd. I'll be purchasing my ticket this next week... come sit with me?

5) Some great concerts coming up for review
Tonight (Oct. 29) - Turtle Island String Quartet performs at the Elsinore Theatre: http://www.elsinoretheatre.com/events/events.html#Turtle_Island
Sunday Nov. 7 - Danny and I are performing with our group Salem Baroque at St. Paul's Evensong concert series in the afternoon: http://stpaulsoregon.org/index.htm
Saturday Nov. 13 - UnBande performs with Salem Pops at the Elsinore Theatre downtown at 7:30pm: http://www.salempopsorchestra.org/
Sunday Nov. 20 - Salem Chamber Orchestra, featuring a few of our Chamber Orchestra students, will be performing at Hudson Hall at Willamette University: http://salemchamberorchestra.org/

Thanks for reading all the way down to the end of the newsletter...
~Ms S.

Newsletter #6 - emailed 10/21/10

2010-10-21T14:29:00.000-07:00

***Save the Date***
Fair Use fees are past due
Wreaths and Poinsettia fundraiser is ongoing - deadline 10/28
New Christmas Tree fundraise is ongoing - deadline 10/28
Fri 10/22 Chicago 1st payment and scholarship app deadline
Tue 10/26 - Fall Gala Concert - All Students, 7pm concert
Wed 11/3 - PYP preview concert in Portland, 7:30pm concert
Sat 11/6 - Waltz Night - 6-9pm in the Commons
Sat/Sun 11/20, 21 - Salem Chamber Orchestra - great review concert

Contained within:

1) Concert this next Tuesday!!!! Details...
2) Huge thank you for the St Olaf's potluck and concert!
3) Portland Youth Philharmonic free preview concert
4) Holiday Sale at Sharmusic - great deals...
5) Chicago ... deadlines...
6) Waltz rehearsal schedule - Nov 2 change

1) Concert this next Tuesday!!!! Details...
Tuesday is our Fall Concert! Concert is at 7pm, doors open to the audience at 6:45pm. This concert features 3 of our seniors (Bronte, Lauren, and Holly) playing concertos with Chamber Orchestra, special guest artists Danny Seidenberg, Noah Seitz, and yours truly also playing concertos with Chamber. All members of the Titan Orchestras will play on this concert. Yes, you may video or audio tape, just be mindful of where you record so that you're not disturbing anyone around you. Please leave the littlest family members (infants/toddlers under 3?) at home - our goal is to present this concert to a welcoming, listening audience. If you need assistance with a referral for a babysitter, please let me know - our Titan Tots class at West has trained babysitters who are available at reduced rates.

Concert Dress - remember that all students will be wearing school outfits - please make sure that pants and dresses are hemmed! BLACK socks (or pantyhose) are required. Black dress shoes - no or very little heel. Closed toe shoes, ladies. Hair out of the eyes! (We have bobby pins to help those who don't comply with this reg).

Concert Call:
Chamber - 5:45 on stage
Sinfonietta - 6:15 on stage
Titan Strings - 6:30 on stage
6:45 - doors open to the audience.

Titan Strings need to help clean up at the end - shouldn't take more than 10 minutes. Thank you!

2) Huge thank you for the St Olaf's potluck and concert!
Thank you parents and students in Titan Strings and Sinfonietta for all your help with the St. Olaf's event. The potluck was a fundraiser for Orchestra Boosters - we made enough money to fund 12 hours of coaching across the orchestras. Melissa Canfield, Debbie Benavidez, Karen Tatman, Veronica Aguilar, and Anne Kirkpatrick organized an amazing potluck for the 100+ Minnesotans who visited us this past Monday. The concert they put on was amazing! Our very own seniors Lauren C., Aida B., and CJ T. played the first movement of Mahler's 1st symphony with them - it was beautiful!

3) Portland Youth Philharmonic free preview concert... senior Holly K. plays with this group:

Portland Youth Philharmonic Presents Free Concert
with Guest Soloist Jun Iwasaki
On November 3, 2010 the Portland Youth Philharmonic, led by Conductor and Music Director David Hattner, will present a free concert at 7:30 p.m. in George Fox University’s Bauman Auditorium inNewberg, OR.
The program for the concert includes: Ives’ Variations on America; Bernstein’s Serenade with,Jun Iwasaki, violin; Hanson’s Fanfare followed by Hanson’s Third Symphony. Mr. Iwasaki is the concertmaster with the Oregon Symphony. He has coached PYP for a number of years and the orchestra is thrilled to have the opportunity to perform with him for the public.
The event is free and open to the public. No tickets required. For more information, call 503-223-5939. It is a free preview of PYP’s Fall Concert to be held in the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall onNovember 6, 2010 at 7:30 pm.

4) Holiday Sale at Sharmusic - great deals...
Shar Music - online music vendor www.sharmusic.com - is a great resource - they have excellent prices and all the accessories, music, and instruments you would want or need. They have just emailed me their Holiday Sale announcement. If you need an idea of the perfect gift for a string student, let me know. Colored bow, better bow, new case, great rosin, fun music, metronome or tuner, or even a new instrument are just a few ideas. Take a look online:

Shar Music Holiday Announcement

And, here's a link to the actual flyer to be viewed online:

Shar Music Holiday Flyer

If you have any questions about what you see at Shar, please ask me. Also, to be fair, I want to mention that a lot of what you can purchase at Shar you can also purchase for a similar price at Weathers, if you wish to 'stay local'. I'm hoping to get the Weathers Holiday Flyer out to you in November.

5) Chicago ... deadlines...
Friday October 22 is the deadline for both the 1st full payment and the scholarship application. You have received emails with detailed information - if you need the info again, please look through emails or contact Ms. S. If we have not received either your full payment to date and/or scholarship application, please be expecting a phone call or email within the next few days. We have already made payments to the Heritage Festival. The deadline for withdrawing from the trip with full reimbursement is Oct. 31.

Also, just a reminder that the fabulous Christmas Tree, Wreath, and Poinsettia fundraiser (open to all students - Chicago or not) comes to a close Oct. 28. Money and order forms must be turned in by or on the 28th - if students bring money later than the 28th, they'll be asked to return the money.

6) Waltz rehearsal schedule:
Thursday Oct 21 - All Waltzers 5 - 6:30pm
Thursday Oct 28 - All Waltzers/Chicagoers 4 - 6:30pm (we will work Chicago rep from 4 - 5, Waltz from 5 - 6:30)
Tuesday Nov 2 - All Watlzers dress rehearsal 2:40 - 4 or 4:30 *THIS IS A CHANGE!!!!*
Waltz Night Nov 6 - Call time is 4pm

Thanks for reading all the way down to the end of the newsletter...
~Ms S.

Violin etudes online - for free!

2010-10-14T15:57:00.000-07:00

Hi Violinists,

We'll put these up on the website soon, but in case this is useful to you, here's a list of etude books that are up online - take a look, print off an etude or two for some extra practice:

Violin extra studies

Wohlfahrt Book 1
http://imslp.info/files/imglnks/usimg/2/24/IMSLP19882-PMLP46562-Wohlfahrt_Op_45_Bk_1.pdf

Wohlfahrt Book 2
1-3rd position – multiple keys - http://imslp.info/files/imglnks/usimg/4/47/IMSLP25402-PMLP46562-W60OP45B2.pdf

Schradieck – finger wigglers in multiple positions:
http://imslp.info/files/imglnks/usimg/3/37/IMSLP26801-PMLP59431-Henry_Schradieck_School_of_Violin_Technics_Bk.1.pdf

Schradieck – double stop exercises (advanced)
http://imslp.info/files/imglnks/usimg/c/c8/IMSLP26802-PMLP59431-Henry_Schradieck_School_of_Violin_Technics_Bk.2.pdf

Schradieck – bowing exercises (advanced)
http://imslp.info/files/imglnks/usimg/1/1e/IMSLP26803-PMLP59431-Henry_Schradieck_School_of_Violin_Technics_Bk.3.pdf

Kreutzer etudes (intermediate to advanced)
http://imslp.info/files/imglnks/usimg/8/89/IMSLP23370-PMLP04613-Kreutzer_-_40_Etudes_or_Caprices_for_Violin__David_.pdf

Alternate edition of Kreutzer
http://imslp.info/files/imglnks/usimg/0/0d/IMSLP01503-Kreutzer_Complete_Etudes.pdf

Newsletter #5 - emailed 10/14/10

2010-10-14T13:44:00.000-07:00

***Save the Date***
Fair Use fees are past due - please pay or submit waiver to bookkeeper's office at West
Wreaths and Poinsettia fundraiser is ongoing
Mon 10/18 - Sinf - Titan Strings bring food/drink for St. Olaf's
Mon 10/18 - 5pm St. Olaf's Potluck (Titan Strings work from 4:00 - 6:30pm)
Mon 10/18 - 7pm St. Olaf's Symphony Performance (all tickets are free)
Tue 10/26 - Fall Gala Concert - All Students, 7pm concert
Sat 11/6 - Waltz Night - 6-9pm in the Commons

Contained within:

1) St. Olaf's here at West on Monday!!!
2) St. Olaf's potluck reminder - Sinfonietta and Titan Strings
3) Parent Booster meeting tonight... all welcome!
4) Videos for instructional use being posted
5) How much should I be practicing?
6) Waltz rehearsal schedule

1) St. Olaf's here at West on Monday!!!
The St. Olaf's Symphony Orchestra is on a West Coast tour and we're lucky enough to have them perform right here in our own auditorium. The concert is at 7pm on this next Monday - October 18. We will have a few students playing in on one of the numbers. This concert is free to the public. This would be a great concerts for students to review - all students need to complete one live concert review each semester of a college-level or professional orchestra. Doors open at 6:30pm.

2) St. Olaf's potluck reminder - Sinfonietta and Titan Strings
Sinfonietta (period 7) and Titan Strings (period 6), you are providing the food for the potluck for the St. Olaf orchestra members. Please see previous emails about what exactly you are asked to bring. Perishables may be dropped off at the orchestra room starting at 7:15am on Monday. All food must arrive by 3:30pm.

Titan Strings - violins, cello and bass - you are expected to show up at the orchestra room at 4pm to help prepare and serve the dinner. You will eat after everyone's been served. You'll be done by 6:30pm, and maybe a touch earlier. I'm hoping you'll stay for the concert - this is an excellent opportunity to hear a really good symphony orchestra!

3) Parent Booster meeting tonight... all welcome!
All parents, and interested students, are welcome to the Orchestra Parent Booster Meeting this evening at 6:30pm in the orchestra room. We will be going over the budget for the year as well as getting ready for the next busy month of activities.

4) Videos for instructional use being posted
I am video taping rehearsals some this week - I will post the videos on our titanorchestras channel on YouTube - but, I'll take them back down a few days after they're up. They're just up for educational purposes. I'm hoping that when you receive an emailing saying that a video of your rehearsal is up, you'll view it so we can discuss in class the next time we're together.

5) How much should I be practicing?
Chamber Orchestra - 180 minutes per week
Sinfonietta - 100 minutes per week
Titan Strings - 60 minutes per week

All students should have resources for finding material if orchestra material isn't enough to practice. In the coming week's, I'll be posting some resources on the student page of the website to help students find materials.

6) Waltz rehearsal schedule:
Thursday Oct 21 - All Waltzers 5 - 6:30pm
Thursday Oct 28 - All Waltzers/Chicagoers 4 - 6:30pm (we will work Chicago rep from 4 - 5, Waltz from 5 - 6:30)
Tuesday Nov 2 - All Watlzers dress rehearsal 4-5:30pm
Waltz Night Nov 6 - Call time is 4pm

Thanks for reading all the way down to the end of the newsletter...
~Ms S.

Waltz links

2010-10-12T16:26:00.000-07:00

Here are the pieces we're playing for Waltz Night and a youtube links to study the pieces:

The Blue Danube - http://www.fjhmusic.com/strings/st6162.htm - click on the "play recording" link (you'll need Real Player - easily downloadable)

Alternate Blue Danube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiwI5k-gFwc

Emperor Waltz (also called Kaiserwaltz) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aG-kLDAj8mc
(You can learn the steps with this video... )

Tales from the Vienna Woods - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVKT7teKNjk&feature=related
(and, for fun - here's a clip from a 1930's movie 'telling' you how Strauss composed this waltz - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1C5-vznVks)

Artist's Life - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCdNx4Goe9M

Wine, Women, and Song - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xV5JBrRZvTE

Wiener Blut (Viennese Blood) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeENyTf1mbc

Tritsch Tratsch Polka - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5yr-r3GkW4

And, lastly, here's a medley of a bunch of the tunes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HM0vsmfnFc

Newsletter #4 (10/6/10)

2010-10-06T20:20:00.000-07:00

This newsletter was emailed 10/6/10

***Save the Date***
Fair Use fees are past due - please pay or submit waiver to bookkeeper's office at West
Entertainment books/money is past due
Wreaths and Poinsettia fundraiser is ongoing
Mon 10/18 - Sinf - Titan Strings bring food/drink for St. Olaf's
Mon 10/18 - 5pm St. Olaf's Potluck (Titan Strings serve from 4:30 - 6pm)
Mon 10/18 - 7pm St. Olaf's Symphony Performance (all tickets are free)
Tue 10/26 - Fall Gala Concert - All Students, 7pm concert
Sat 11/6 - Waltz Night - 6-9pm in the Commons

Contained within:

1) Fundraiser Update
2) UnBande performance this Sunday
3) Great deal on an electric violin at EVS
4) St. Olaf's reminder
5) Metropolitan Opera broadcast at local movie theatre
6) An updated Waltz Night/Chicago orchestra schedule
7) Ms S blogged about the Hilary Hahn concert

1) Fundraiser Update
Good job selling Entertainment Books - books or money was due Tuesday Oct. 5. You will be contacted if you haven't turned in your money or books. The total amounts will be tallied and you'll see money in your student accounts soon.

Wreaths and Poinsettia fundraiser has begun - these are beautiful plants. If you don't understand how to use the packet, please ask Ms S to show you how to register all the info. Make sure you are available to pick up your plants at the designated times - Friday Dec. 3 and Saturday Dec. 4.

2) UnBande performance this Sunday
Ms Silberman's group, Unbande, is performing a recital at the Downtown Public Library - Loucks Auditorium - on Sunday October 10 at 2:30pm. Seats usually fill up fast for this series, so please come early - it's a free concert, part of the Camerata Musica series.

3) Great deal on an electric violin at EVS
The Electric Violin Shop - www.electricviolinshop.com - has an unbelievable deal on an awesome electric violin - only $399 for a WAV violin. Great holiday present idea? I'm not sure about viola or cello, but it's worth it to take a look at the deal: Electric Violin Deal

4) St. Olaf's reminder
Titan Strings and Sinfonietta are providing the food for the St. Olaf's Symphony orchestra dinner on Oct. 18 - please bring your food/drink/dessert by 3:30pm. Titan Strings are serving the food - you need to be here at school by 4:30 to help prep the tables. The concert is at 7pm - all students and parents, and community members, are welcome. It's an exciting concert, including Mahler's Titan Symphony (the 1st - just one movement) and Mozart's Overture to the Magic Flute (one of my favorites!). All students may use this as their concert review... just think, you'd be done with your review months before the semester is over! Cool!

5) Metropolitan Opera broadcast at local movie theatre
Check this out - you can actually SEE a Metropolitan Opera live broadcast without paying $75-200 per ticket! They do live broadcasts at Salem's Regal Santiam Stadium 11. The first broadcast is this weekend - for more info: http://www.statesmanjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/201010061027/UPDATE/101006020

6) An updated Waltz Night/Chicago orchestra schedule
Here's a corrected Waltz Night/Chicago orchestra schedule (all this info can be found on the Google calendar too):

7) Ms S blogged about the Hilary Hahn concert
I blogged a little bit about the OR Symphony Hilary Hahn concert - found some cool links to learn more about Hilary... here's the blog link:
http://titanorchestras.blogspot.com/2010/10/hilary-hahn-concert.html

Tuesday Oct 12 - Only 1st violins and all cellos - 2:40 - 4pm
Thursday Oct 21 - All Waltzers 5 - 6:30pm
Thursday Oct 28 - All Waltzers/Chicagoers 4 - 6:30pm (we will work Chicago rep from 4 - 5, Waltz from 5 - 6:30)
Tuesday Nov 2 - All Watlzers dress rehearsal 4-5:30pm
Waltz Night Nov 6 - Call time is 4pm

Thanks for reading all the way down to the end of the newsletter...
~Ms S.

Hilary Hahn concert

2010-10-06T06:53:00.000-07:00

Wow - what a concert! To those who attended the OR Symphony concert last night, you know what I mean. It started off with a 'band' - the symphony played the national anthem with the audience on their feet. The first full piece they played was I-N-C-R-E-D-I-B-L-E! It's called Phenomenon by a Thai composer Prangcharoen - it was moving! Fast moving in most parts with some cool tricks played by the violins. The ending left us with our mouths wide open - you had to be there!

Hilary Hahn is a beautiful violinist - she wore a lovely blue dress that flowed when she moved (and she moved a lot!). Her bow usage is awesome - so controlled, so focused. Apparently she plays a Vuillaume (one of the most famous violin makers!) - the tone was clear and rich. She played the Tchaikovsky Violin concerto. It's one of my favorite concerts - I have at least 5 recordings of it. She chose some really interesting tempos in the middle of the 1st and 3rd movement. Here's a link to the recording, in case you're interested in purchasing it:

Hilary Hahn Tchaikovsky and Higdon Violin Concertos

Or here's a link to the MP3 downloads she has on Amazon:

Hilary Hahn MP3 downloads

I just purchased a copy of a DVD about her called "A Portrait" - we can watch in class some time and/or you're welcome to borrow it from me.

I hopped on her website this morning - www.hilaryhahn.com - and discovered that she's quite an active blogger. Check out the page called "Favorites". She also has a YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/hilaryhahnvideos - lots of cool stuff on this page.

I only heard a little of the Prokofiev concerto at the end of the concert - wish I could have stayed to the end.

Another amazing concert, OR Symphony!!! Thanks...

Newsletter #3 - emailed 9/30/10

2010-09-30T12:12:00.001-07:00

***Save the Date***
Fair Use fees are past due - please pay or submit waiver to bookkeeper's office at West
Fri 10/1 - Chicago Trip deposit due ($75)
Tue 10/5 - Entertainment Book Sale over
Mon 10/18 - 5pm St. Olaf's Potluck (Titan Strings and Sinf)
Mon 10/18 - 7pm St. Olaf's Symphony Performance (students free)
Tue 10/26 - Fall Gala Concert - All Students, 7pm
Sat 11/6 - Waltz Night - 6-9pm in the Commons

Contained within:

1) Exciting news about the Chicago trip...
2) Wreaths and Poinsettia fundraiser kicks off this week
3) Titan Strings - Dec. 2nd you will be playing at Lancaster Mall
4) Google Calendar has been updated... so has the website
5) Any parents have experience with sound equipment?
6) Hillary Hahn tickets - few have paid for their ticket (concert 10/5)
7) Want to win a Coda Bow???

1) Exciting news about the Chicago trip...
We will be competing *IN* Symphony Hall in Chicago - that's where the Chicago Symphony (one of the best symphonies in the world!) plays. Here's a link: www.cso.org. For those who are planning to go on the Chicago trip this next March, you need to pay your deposit by Oct. 1 (Friday) - you may bring cash, a check (made out to Music Boosters) or use student account money.

2) Wreaths and Poinsettia fundraiser kicks off this week
All students are welcome to our next fundraiser - the ever popular wreaths and poinsettias. These are beautiful plants that you can sell to you friends, family, and neighbors. This fundraise will run until the later part of October - the plants will be delivered to West in early December (you take the plants to the people who purchased them from you). The cost is reasonable and the profit to your student account is really good. Packets will be available in the orchestra room.

3) Titan Strings - December 2nd you will be playing at Lancaster Mall at 12:30pm!!! (Woo Hoo!)
We have added a performance for Titan Strings. At 12:30 and 1pm, Titan Violins and Titan Bassi will perform at the Lancaster Mall on December 2nd. Parents who work nearby are encouraged to come see the performance.

4) Google Calendar has been updated... so has the website (student page)
Many more dates have been put into the Google calendar - including the dates for students playing in the Waltz Orchestra (those going to Chicago). Please make sure you're checking in with the Google calendar to confirm dates. Additionally, if a sectional has been canceled, that will be reflected on the calendar. Also, the student page of our website has been updated with a list of current music that's supposed to be in the practice routine. Symphony will be added to that list in a few weeks.

5) Any parents have experience with sound equipment?
We could use a knowledgeable parent to help run sound at Waltz Night, Saturday November 6. Please contact Ms Silberman if you have some experience working a mixing console. Thanks!!!

6) Hillary Hahn tickets - few have paid for their ticket (concert is on Tuesday)
The Oregon Symphony featuring violinist Hillary Hahn is this next Tuesday, October 5, at 8pm at Smith Hall at Willamette University - if you reserved a ticket, you must pay the fee by the concert. If you do not use the ticket, you still must pay - the tickets have already been purchased.

7) Want to win a Coda Bow?
We have Coda Bows for students to use in the classroom - these are beautiful carbon fiber bows and they are very valuable for giving students the feel of a much more expensive bow for only a couple of hundred dollars. Here's your opportunity to win a bow - register to win (adults need to register, so parents... think about the holidays only being a few months away):
http://www.codabow.com/giveaway/giveaway_registration.html

Thanks for reading all the way down to the end of the newsletter...
~Ms S.

Newsletter #2 - emailed 9/24/10

2010-09-24T14:23:00.001-07:00

***Save the Date***
Fair Use fees are past due - please pay or submit waiver to bookkeeper's office at West
Fri 10/1 - Chicago Trip deposit due ($75)
Thu 10/7 - Entertainment Book Sale over (money or books returned to school)
Mon 10/18 - 5pm Sinfonietta and Titan Strings provide Potluck for St. Olaf's Concert
Mon 10/18 - 7pm St. Olaf's Symphony Performance (free concert for students and parents!)
Tue 10/26 - Fall Gala Concert - All Students (7pm at West Auditorium)

Contained within:

1) If you ordered Hillary Hahn tickets, please pay up...
2) Trip deposit is due by October 1!!!
3) Entertainment Books fundraiser ends October 7
4) Theory Online...
5) In Touch Online - starting next week 'true' grades will be revealed
6) Here's what we're currently working on in class...

1) If you ordered Hillary Hahn tickets, please pay up...
Those of you who ordered tickets for Hillary Hahn with the Oregon Symphony on October 5 at 8pm, please pay the $5 student fee by the concert date. Even if you don't attend, you will owe (maybe find someone else to take your ticket?) - the OR Symphony has *already* been paid for your ticket. More info on that evening in the next newsletter

2) Trip deposit is due by October 1!!!
If you're planning on attending the trip to Chicago this next March, you must pay your $75 fee (check, cash, or student account) by Friday October 1 - we will be reserving plane tickets and buses soon! If this is an extreme financial hardship but you really want to attend, please contact Ms. Silberman. Mid-October we'll have a bunch of info for those going on the trip - in a separate email. Also, Waltz Night orchestra rehearsals will be announced next week.

3) Entertainment Book fundraiser ends October 7
We got an extension on the deadline - yay! Lots of students have books out - please bring money or books back by October 7 (October 8 is a no-school day).

4) Theory Online...
We will be doing theory in class, some, but there are simple ways of playing games or taking lessons online to enhance your musical theory skills. Here are some favorites:

http://www.musictheory.net/ - This website does great tutorials! Even non-musicians would learn some great basics on this site!

http://www.8notes.com/theory/ - Students looked at this website last year - there are lessons, tests, and games on this site.

http://www.emusictheory.com/practice.html - This site was assigned to Sinfonietta and Chamber students last week - they were to pick a test and give it a whirl. There will be future assignments for all students on this site.

5) In Touch Online - starting next week 'true' grades will be revealed
I have been working on getting the grade book up-to-date and will start entering in "zeros" where missing there are assignments or fees. This may skew some grades - until the Fair Use waiver or fee is turned in, or other missing item/assignment/supply, students may have a very lowered grade. If there are ever questions about grades, or if students *have* turned something in and it's not being reflected on InTouch Online, please contact me!

6) Here's what we're currently working on in class... parents, you should be hearing these selections at home during practice time (per week: 60 mins for Titan Strings, 100 for Sinfonietta, 180 for Chamber)

Chamber Orchestra
Bach Double Violin Concerto
Bach Brandenburg #6 Concerto for 2 violas (with all violinists playing the tutti viola part!)
Vivaldi Concerto for 2 cellos in G minor
Anthem and Frolicsome Finale

Sinfonietta
Mozart Eine Kleine Knachtmusik, 1st movement
Tchaikovsky Marche Slav arrangement
Sectionals - Suzuki book 3 pieces started this week

Titan Violins
Rakes of Mallow (fiddle tune)
Bourree from Suzuki book 2
G Major in the Green Book - Dona Nobis Pacem
Star Wars
Somewhere Over the Rainbow

Titan Bassi
G Major in Green Book
Dona Nobis Pacem and Chorale
Bourree (left hand bass part)
Hungarian Dance

Entertainment Book sale extended to October 8

2010-09-21T06:23:00.000-07:00

Emailed 9/20/10

Entertainment Book
Sales Deadline Extended
to Friday October 8th

The deadline for sales has been extended to October 8th. So, get out there and sell, sell, sell.......

AND.... Students will earn a $15 I-tunes gift card for every 10 books they have sold.

Reminder - ALL ORCHESTRA STUDENTS ARE ELIGIBLE TO SELL ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS, WHETHER THEY PLAN TO GO TO CHICAGO IN MARCH 2011 OR NOT

Family and friends outside of Salem can purchase Entertainment Books online for their area and your student can receive the credit. Register at https://sellersection.entertainment.com/sellerSection/ using our account number of 740029 and "West Salem Education Foundation Band".

You can also sell Entertainment Books via Facebook! Here's how to do it.
1. Go to http://www.fundraising.entertainment.com/esale2.cfm?CI=740029&SI=711581&LI=1
2. Write an optional message before the HTML Link
3. Click on the Share button

Other things to be aware of:
There are books for Greater Oregon (statewide) and for Greater Portland (Portland area). You can take some of each.
You MUST sign out for any books taken by indicating which type you are checking out and the numbers of each
You will be held responsible for turning in the money from book sales and any unsold books.
All money from sold books should be placed in the GREY BOX near Ms. Silberman's office using one of the small manila envelopes there. Be sure to put your name and the amount of money in the envelope and write "Entertainment Books" or just "E Books" on the envelope as well. We'll be using that to track how many books you've sold.
Unsold Entertainment Books and money can be turned in anytime, but they MUST be turned in no later than Friday October 8th.

Unsold books MUST BE CHECKED IN using the same list Ms. Silberman used when the books were checked out. If you just bring them to school and leave them somewhere in the Orchestra Room, that WON'T work.

PLEASE CHECK IN ALL UNSOLD BOOKS WITH MS. SILBERMAN!!!

If you have any questions or need additional books, please contact Beth Zukowski at beth@chuchartworks.com or by phone at 503-364-9713. Or you can contact Ms. Silberman at titanorchestras@yahoo.com.

A BIG THANK YOU GOES OUT TO BETH ZUKOWSKI FOR ORGANIZING THIS FUNDRAISER FOR ORCHESTRA.
It's always a great day to be in Titan Orchestra.

Eine Kleine Knachtmusik links

2010-09-20T13:50:00.000-07:00

Hi Sinfonietta students,

Here are links to printing off the music for Eine Kleine Knachtmusik and for listening:

Listen:

Whole piece...
http://www.archive.org/details/MozartEineKleineNachtmusik

1st movement only...
http://www.liquidsandstudio.com/silas/einekleinenachtmusik.mp3

Print off your part (scroll down and find your part, click on the agreement and print away):

http://imslp.org/wiki/Eine_kleine_Nachtmusik_K.525_(Mozart,_Wolfgang_Amadeus)

Read:

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

Enjoy!

St. Olaf's in October

2010-09-15T07:47:00.001-07:00

This was emailed to Sinfonietta and Titan Strings 9/15/10:

Hi,

Apparently I was typing quickly yesterday when I put the newsletter together. Here's some correct info - sorry about the typos yesterday:

Monday October 18 we are hosting the St. Olaf's symphony orchestra here at West. Parents and students from Titan Strings will be providing and serving dinner to the visiting orchestra. Students and parents from Sinfonietta will be providing food/drink but do not need to 'work' the dinner. Then the concert is at 7pm and is free for students (and a great concert for students to review!) - parents are $10.

More info on the potluck (this is a fund-raiser for the general orchestra music booster fund) to come in another few weeks.

Newsletter #1 (9/14/10)

2010-09-14T16:45:00.000-07:00

***Save the Date***
Thur 9/16 - Symphony starts at 4pm
Week of 9/20 - Sectionals Start this week
Mon 9/20 - 7pm Mandatory Parent Meeting, Chicago Trip info, College Night
Sun 9/26 - Entertainment Book Sale over (money or books returned to school Monday 9/27)
Mon 9/18 - 5pm Sinfonietta and Titan Strings provide Potluck for St. Olaf's Concert
Mon 10/18 - 7pm St. Olaf's Symphony Performance (free concert for students and parents!)
Tue 10/26 - Fall Gala Concert - All Students (7pm at West Auditorium)

Contained within:

1) Welcome to newsletter emails, especially new parents and students
2) September 20th is a very important meeting - all parents and students should attend!
3) Entertainment Book sale is in progress - have you sold your books?
4) Music Day thank you!
5) Supplies for orchestra classes are due 9/17 - explanation
6) Reminder - Fair Use Fee ($40) is due this week

1) A warm welcome to returning students and parents, and a hello to those new to the newsletter. This newsletter is intended to help students and parents up-to-date with all things related to the orchestra program at West. There are many deadlines, concert dates, special events, volunteer requests and thank yous, and opportunities (concerts, etc...) that will be shared in this format. The newsletters will come somewhat weekly and will always be posted on the blog. They come as both HTML and as plain text (so please view it in HTML for it to look the cleanest). It is my (Ms. S) expectation that students and parents are reading these messages, though students are usually told all the information in class. I do post the newsletter in the class in case any students are having computer issues - but, then again, there are school-use computers that all students may use and hopefully they will be checking the blog frequently. If anyone ever has any announcements to be made, please email Ms. S or orchestra parent booster president Karen Tatman (music@team-tnt.com). Parent feedback is welcome.

2) September 20 is our annual mandatory parent meeting at 7pm in the Auditorium at West. This meeting is run by both the parent booster organization and Ms. S - we will be going over classroom-related content (like grades, attendance at sectionals and rehearsals) and orchestra booster business. All parents of students in the orchestra program are requested to attend - students may attend as well.

Following the parent meeting, we will have a presentation of the Chicago trip information. Who's eligible to attend, what is the trip agenda, how much does it cost, what is the fund-raising plan, what about scholarships, when are the deadlines for deposits and when is the final withdrawal deadline, what rehearsals do I have to attend to get ready for the trip? These questions and more will be answered Monday the 20th.

Following the trip meeting, we will have a quick college information night. Ms S will have some materials for anyone interested in finding out more about music schools, scholarship possibilities for playing at college, and we will talk about writing 'the letter' to a professor at a college.

Thank you, in advance, for clearing your calendar next Monday evening at 7pm.

3) One of our most popular fund-raisers, Entertainment Books, is ongoing. Students may have 5 books at a time to sell - we have both greater OR and Portland area books. The books are $25 - students will receive $7-10 (depending on how many books are sold all together in the music department) to their student account. These books 'pay for themselves' quickly - you may check out books at the parent meeting, and students may check out books during lunches and after school. The fund-raiser is over September 26 - on the 27th students need to turn in money or books to the orchestra room. Thank you to Beth Zukowski for coordinating the fund-raiser!

4) Thanks again to students, parent drivers, Karen Tatman and the band parents who dedicated hours of time to Music Day. Funds received on Music Day are used throughout the year. This was a successful year - and I'm so appreciative of West Salem's community spirit of giving! Music Day is always the first Saturday after school starts. Our next big booster general fund fund-raiser will be the Titan Auction in November.

5) The first week of school, students were given a list of supplies needed for the orchestra room: A 1" binder (to be kept in the room), page protectors and separators (if interested), a pack of pencils (to be given to Ms S) and a few books for home practice (these books need to come to class and then go home with students for home practice). Students can bring materials in as they are received and will be checked off on a supply list. I understand that some students may have ordered materials that are either on their way or are backordered - that's fine. Once they arrive, bring them in to be checked off. If there is financial difficulty with purchasing these books or supplies, please contact Ms S directly.

6) Please remember to have students bring $40 (cash or check made out to WSHS) to Jolie Gilman, the bookkeeper at West. This is for the Fair Use Fee due annually for the orchestras. Students wishing to 'waiver' out of this fee can ask Ms. Gilman for a waiver request. Notes will be coming home later next week for students who have not yet paid or requested a waiver.

Thanks for reading all the way down to the end of the newsletter... looking forward to seeing you Monday :)
~Ms S.
"It's always a great day to be in Titan Orchestra."

Supply list links

2010-09-14T12:38:00.000-07:00

Here are links and more information about the required music for the orchestras.

Uptown Music and Weathers Music - both local stores in Salem - either have the following items, or will order them for you (so you don't have to pay any shipping). Please consider ordering your materials through our local retailers. Here's links to both of their websites:

www.weathersmusic.com

www.uptownmusiconline.com

You can also search for the books you need at one of the largest online music retailers, Shar Music - www.sharmusic.com - you just put in the title of the book you need and add it to your cart. You can also buy strings, mutes, rosin, accessories, cases, etc... at this site!

Below, I've provided you links for the music at Amazon though a few are not available to be shipped "Prime" - if you don't want to pay for shipping and the books you need aren't available as 'prime' then you can order from Weathers or Uptown.

Advanced Technique - Beige Book (required for both Chamber Orchestra and Sinfonietta students)

Advanced Technique Violin at Amazon

Advanced Technique Viola at Amazon
Advanced Technique Cello at Amazon
Advanced Technique Bass at Amazon

Essential Technique - Green Book (required for Sinfonietta, Titan Violins and Titan Bassi)

Essential Technique Violin at Amazon
Essential Technique Viola at Amazon
Essential Technique Cello at Amazon
Essential Technique Bass at Amazon

Suzuki Book 4 - Required for Sinfonietta students

Suzuki Book 4 Violin
Suzuki Book 4 Viola

Suzuki Book 4 Cello
Suzuki Book 4 Bass

Suzuki Book 3 - Required for Sinfonietta students and Titan Violins

Suzuki Book 3 Violin

Suzuki Book 3 Viola
Suzuki Book 3 Cello

Suzuki Book 3 Bass

Suzuki Book 2 - Required for Titan Violins and Titan Bassi students

Suzuki Book 2 Violin

Suzuki Book 2 Cello

Suzuki Book 2 Bass

Music Day info and Fair Use Fees

2010-09-09T12:27:00.001-07:00

{This was emailed to select students and parents Thursday 9/9/10}

Hi,

This email is going out to all Chamber Orchestra and Sinfonietta members, and 10th grade Titan Strings members.

MUSIC DAY

Music Day is this Saturday, September 11. Students and adults who are driving need to come at 8am to get checked in. Check in is run by parents at the entrance of the A wing - clocking in is how we register when the student arrives - Music Day funds are distributed according to time put in by each group (choir, band, orchestra). Students will all have to clock out at the end of the day too. Here's the schedule

8am - Arrive, check in, get dressed (if not dressed already)
Outfit - Black performance outfit, comfortable yet respectable black flat shoes
8:30 - Meet in the Auditorium for this year's orientation - meet in car grouping
9am - Cars leave West. Drivers may take their car-load to pick up drinks or snacks along the way
12pm (I believe...) - Pizza lunch provided by Boosters
12:30 - 3 - Final rounds
Some groups may end up being done by 3pm

Students who have requested a waiver for Music Day due to extreme conflict will have paperwork filled out by Monday to have their names put on the Volunteer list for Boosters.

Thank you for your participation in Music Day!!!!

FAIR USE FEES

All students this year must pay a Fair Use Fee of $40 (waivers are available for those unable to pay). That is due to the Bookkeeper, Jolie Gilman, at West. Here's what the paperwork students received says (if there are any other questions after reading below, please contact Ms. Silberman):

Orchestra Fair Use Fee Payment

All students in the orchestra program owe $40 Fair Use Fee – this is a once-per-year fee. This fee is payable to the bookkeeper at West – please bring payment (cash or check made out to WSHS) to Jolie Gilman, the bookkeeper. This fee is due by September 17.

If you need to waiver out of this fee because of financial difficulty, ask Ms. Gilman for a “Fair Use Fee Waiver” form. Once the waiver is granted, you or one of your parents will owe 4 hours of volunteer time to the Orchestra – you will be contacted by one of the booster organization parents to set up a time to complete these hours.

Fair Use Fees go towards covering purchase or repair of classroom-use instruments, outfits that are worn by performing orchestra members, or other materials that go directly towards the benefit of all students in the program.

REMINDER – BRING $40 TO THE BOOKKEEPER BY FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 17!
(Or, go to the bookkeeper for a waiver)

Current Students and Parents - you should be receiving emails

2010-08-30T08:04:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

If you are currently enrolled in the orchestra program, students and parents, you should be receiving emails from us. Many of these emails we will post here - some we won't.

If you are not receiving emails and you should be, please email Ms. Silberman: silberman_daryl@salkeiz.k12.or.us

Boot Camp day 4

2010-08-26T19:42:00.000-07:00

Great last day for Boot Camp! We warmed up all together this morning and worked on the Tobias Baaken Kanon in D-Dur (D-Major) - all 60+ of us!

Then Sinfonietta and Titan Strings played Hot Hot Hot and Stars and Stripes Forever - great reading and polishing!

Then we were treated to a performance of Frolicsome Finale (Benjamin Britten) by this year's Chamber Orchestra. After Sinfonietta and Titan Strings left, Chamber worked on the first movement of the Tchaikovsky Serenade... pretty good reading too, if I may say so.

Thanks to all who helped organized and attended Boot Camp. And, to those who weren't able to attend, we'll get you all caught up the first week of school. Stay tuned for emails (and blog postings) about the first week of school - there will be lots of information.

Have a great week off before school starts!
~Ms S

Pianists...

2010-08-25T13:27:00.000-07:00

Want to try to win a prize? Name this tune on Friendship House's "Sight-reading" contest and submit your answer to be entered in for the prize:

http://www.friendshiphouse.com/product/item-4d988efb-fb24-46f1-93d3-7c269ca60537.aspx

Boot Camp day 3

2010-08-25T13:21:00.000-07:00

Great work this morning on scale patterns in C major! Not easy! We also explored the "chop" bow stroke some this morning.

Then, we heard UnBande - Ms. Silberman's group featuring violist Danny Seidenberg, cellist Noah Seitz, and guitarist Chris Woitach. We ended with a rousing rendition of the Canadian national anthem followed by Mercy, Mercy, Mercy - pretty cool!

Sinfonietta and Titan Strings read Acrobats today - and reviewed the Giant Slimy Squid from yesterday.

Tomorrow's the last day of camp - no camp on Friday!
:)

Boot Camp day 2

2010-08-24T20:14:00.000-07:00

Tuesday started on time - amazingly! - with a quicky workshop on finger action on the finger board. We had 2 visitors today - Zevon who graduated last year and Bekka who will be working with the violin section in Chamber this year.

During Group time today we played some Mercy, Mercy, Mercy, and then some Star Wars, and a quick review of Seasons of Love.

Then we did some bonding activities, including some yoga - apparently Joel is quite the "Crow". Then we headed out to the front lawn for a little water ballooning and some "trust" activities. The popsicles were a welcome treat on this 90 degree day!

Then Chamber rehearsed some with Bekka, then on their own, then with Ms. S, on the Britten. Meanwhile, Sinfonietta and Titan Strings worked on Thom Sharp's Giant Slimy Squid - what a fun piece!

See ya Wednesday!

Music Day email sent 8/24

2010-08-24T20:13:00.000-07:00

MUSIC DAY 2010

Howdy Orchestra Students and Parents

Music Day is Saturday September 11th this year

Sinfonietta and Chamber Orchestra students will be signing up for a space in each car (4 students per vehicle) this week during Boot Camp.

We need 10 parent drivers to escort orchestra students around West Salem.
If you can drive, please email Karen Tatman at music@team-tnt.com.

All drivers must complete the Background Check form and submit it to Salem Keizer School District. Here is a link to the Volunteer page on the Salem Keizer Schools website.
www.salkeiz.k12.or.us/content/human-resources/volunteer and choose the link to Criminal History Check Forms.

There is also an insurance form to be filled out and submitted in advance of Music Day. Your student can bring this form home to you. Ms. Silberman has a stack.

On Music Day, parent drivers should plan to arrive at the school for a parent meeting in the auditorium at 8:30 AM. Drivers will leave the school with students by 9 AM and will return to school by 3 PM.

Music Day is a HUGE fundraiser for the entire WSHS Music program and your help and support are greatly appreciated. If you have any questions, please contact Karen Tatman at boosters@titanorchestras.com or by phone at 503-581-6076. Or you can contact Ms. Silberman at titanorchestras@yahoo.com .

It's always a great day to be in Titan Orchestra.

WSHS Orchestra Boosters
Our mailing address is:
1776 Titan Drive
Salem, OR 97304
Copyright (C) 2010 Team-TNT.com All rights reserved.

President: Karen Tatman boosters@titanorchestras.com
Vice President: Anne Kirkpatrick dougannek@comcast.net
Student Accounts: Doug Kirkpatrick studentaccounts@titanorchestras.com
Director: Daryl Silberman titanorchestras@yahoo.com
Sent to silberman_daryl@salkeiz.k12.or.us. Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Forward to a Friend

Boot Camp - day 1

2010-08-24T07:06:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick accounting of Boot Camp, day 1:

Registration went smoothly and quickly, thanks to Parent organization president Karen and vice-president Anne! We had 55 students who checked in yesterday - not bad!!!

After a quick introduction of who was there, we did some playing all together. The musical 'tasty treat' of the day was to challenge everyone to play "Seasons of Love" with the CD recording - we'll work on that more today, day 2.

We were treated to an amazing performance by the Schoenard Trio - Eleanora, Ashley and Chas. Eleanora played violin for the Beethoven and Brahms piano trios, and then picked up viola for the Dohnanyi trio. Ashley played piano and then violin. Chas is the cellist (who played the slow movement of the Beethoven most gorgeously!!). What talented, and nice, performers!

Then the WHOLE GROUP read 3 movements of Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusik - a few too many people to do that for a performance, but great reading!

Chamber Orchestra's rehearsal was great - we read and worked on Benjamin Britten's Frolicsome Finale from Simple Symphony. The group took to it quickly - I think we'll 'perform' it on Thursday at the end of Boot Camp.

Day 2 update coming next... :)
~Ms S

Frolicsome Finale from Simple Symphony by Benjamin Britten

2010-08-23T13:36:00.000-07:00

Canceled Facebook - for now...

2010-08-21T15:27:00.000-07:00

To all students and the few parents who 'friended' Gotscha,

I decided *NOT* to have a facebook page right now. The way I did it was cumbersome. If I do a facebook page, I'll do it differently. What I think we'll do is to have one representative from each orchestra pass messages along to everyone - this way, when I email a newsletter or message out to the orchestras, it can get passed along to everyone on facebook (in case they don't check email).

Thanks!
~Ms S

Boot Camp - lots of info

2010-08-21T15:26:00.001-07:00

This was emailed Saturday August 21 - if you did not receive this email, contact Ms. S!

Hi all! Boot Camp time! There's lots of information for everyone below:

0) Is it required that I attend Boot Camp?
1) How do I register - what if I need another copy of the registration paperwork?
2) What do I owe - how much is Boot Camp and who has to pay?
3) What if I have sports or band camp and can't come to most or all of Boot Camp?
4) What if I already paid?
5) Can I sign up for Music Day at Boot Camp?
6) If I'm a cellist, do I need to bring my cello?
7) Are there instruments for me to borrow for Boot Camp?
8) What's the Boot Camp schedule - who's performing and when/what is happening next week?
9) Will I get my performance outfit at Boot Camp?

0) Is it required that I attend Boot Camp?
Yes - all enrolled students are expected to attend Boot Camp. But, if you contacted Ms. S about a previous conflict (un-moveable family vacation or other conflict) or you have a sports or marching band conflict, you are excused. That said, please read the information below under number 3 - you still should try to make some of Boot Camp. Boot Camp is where we reunite you with your instrument, get your head back into the 'orchestra game', make connections that will last throughout the year, hear and play some great music, and get a chance to get ready for the school year before the craziness of the first week.

1) How do I register - what if I need another copy of the registration paperwork?
Registration is on Monday morning from 8:30 - 9am - please don't come *at* 9am and expect to register quickly. You were sent materials in June, but in case you have misplaced them, go to our website - www.titanorchestras.com - and on the front page you can download the document. YOU NEED A PARENT SIGNATURE ON THE REGISTRATION DOCUMENT IN ORDER TO ATTEND BOOT CAMP. A parent may come with a student at Boot Camp registration and complete the document there (we'll have extras printed out). If you've already filled out your paperwork, just check in on Monday morning and make sure everything's correct.

2) What do I owe - how much is Boot Camp and who has to pay?
There is a $40 fee for Boot Camp. Checks can be made out to WSHS Music Boosters. This fee goes towards snacks, materials, and guest artists. If you are on free/reduced lunch or have other financial hardship, you may ask for a waiver for Boot Camp, but in exchange, your name will be placed on a volunteer list - 4 hours of time will be asked of you over the course of the year.

3) What if I have sports or band camp and can't come to most or all of Boot Camp?
If you have sports camp or tryouts or marching band camp you do not need to pay. But, for some, you may be able to attend some of Boot Camp. It's an important bonding and technique time for our orchestras - without you, both our group and you don't get the full benefit of the early start. Please do what you can to make even an hour of Boot Camp:

Marching Band - You can ask Mr. Zimbelman at the beginning of any rehearsal whether it's a good time to go to some Boot Camp. Consult the schedule below, then consult your marching band schedule and see if you can make even an hour - maybe a performance, or one rehearsal - just to get your head partially back in the orchestra game.

Football - Coach Stanley knows that a few of you are orchestra people. Please come to Boot Camp during your lunch - and if you can get away, ask the coach to release you 15 minutes early, if it's possible.

Cross Country - it sounds like there's not too much conflict - see if you can ask to complete a run early, if you can. Try to make as much of Boot Camp as you can.

Volleyball - Coach Armstrong is a great supporter of orchestra, but tryout week is very important. You can approach the coach, if you feel it's a good time, and ask if there's any way to skip out for an hour to come to the orchestra room.

4) What if I already paid?
When you register, just make sure that we have your payment recorded on the sign-in sheet. Some of you already turned checks in, want to use student accounts (for 10th-12th graders), or paid at Back-to-Business days. We'll make sure you get credit for having paid. If you do not bring payment on Monday, you will bring home a note to remind you to bring the fee Tuesday (but, as long as you have your paperwork in, you may stay for Boot Camp).

5) Can I sign up for Music Day at Boot Camp?
But, of course! Music Day is on September 11 from 8am - 3pm and is our biggest fundraiser for the music department. ALL STUDENTS IN CHAMBER ORCHESTRA AND SINFONIETTA MUST PARTICIPATE IN MUSIC DAY. 10th GRADERS IN TITAN VIOLINS MUST PARTICIPATE TOO. 9th graders in Titan Violins can opt to participate if they wish. At Boot Camp we'll have sign up sheets for cars (for students who will be suiting up and walking door-to-door), drivers (time to coax your parents into helping!!!), and for those wishing to work the day in the room (doing instrument inventory and library work). Don't forget to sign up!

6) If I'm a cellist, do I need to bring my cello?
Not a bad idea. We'll have 10-12 cellos in operation, but maybe not enough for all the cellists. If it's easy enough for you to bring your cello, please do - you can keep it there for the 4 days. But, if you don't have time or wherewithal to do that, then you may use a school instrument (we might have to do a little bit of sharing).

7) Are there instruments for me to borrow for Boot Camp?
Of course - we have school violas, violins, cellos, and basses. But, to be sure you have an instrument, if you *can* bring your own, please do.

8) What's the Boot Camp schedule - who's performing and when/what is happening next week?
MONDAY
8:30 - 9am Registration
9am - group welcome - parents welcome for first 30 mins.
9:30 - Group technique and play along
10am - special performance - Schoenard Trio
10:50 - break (snack provided - bring a drink though).
11am - Group reading session
12pm - Sinfonietta and Titan Strings excused
12:10 - 1pm - Chamber Orchestra rehearsal

TUESDAY - THURSDAY
9am - Group technique and play-along (registration for those who didn't come Monday)
10am - Tuesday Ms. S demo time (electrics and yoga... maybe)
Wednesday UnBande special performance
Thursday Chamber Orchestra performance
10:50 - break (snack provided - bring a drink though).
11am - Chamber to Choir room for student-led rehearsal
11am - Sinfonietta and Titan Strings sight-reading
12pm - Sinfonietta and Titan Strings excused
12:10 - 1pm - Chamber Orchestra rehearsal

9) Will I get my performance outfit at Boot Camp?
Very likely. The goal is to get dresses and tuxes out to Chamber Orchestra and Sinfonietta students. Titan Strings will not be using school-issued outfits this year.

See you Monday!
~Ms S - silberman_daryl@salkeiz.k12.or.us
C:818-317-8218

For those going on the Chicago Trip... deposit in already...

2010-08-05T12:02:00.000-07:00

This was emailed out to all who have paid the deposit for the Chicago trip. Incoming Freshman - you'll be eligible for these fundraisers as soon as you get to West and get the Chicago info.

If you have already paid your deposit but haven't received emails about the garage sale or car washes, email Ms. S (silberman_daryl@salkeiz.k12.or.us) or Karen Tatman (music@team-tnt.com) - here's the message:

Summer Garage Sale Fundraiser

A message from Kathy Mccauley....

Hello all!!

I just wanted to give you a little more information regarding the garage sale I will be hosting at my house. First, I have only received emails from 3 students so I'm assuming those 3 students are the only ones wanting to participate. If you haven't emailed me and want to participate, then please email me soon. I won't have enough tables for you if I don't know you are coming.

The only things I expect are the following:

1. Price your items before bringing them to my house

2. You work at least a two hour shift during the two days.

3. Email me and let me know what two hours you are willing to work.

I'm planning on the garage sale running from 8am-1pm on August 20-21. It could run longer if another adult wants to stay to run it. I also need students to help Makayla make signs during that week and then guarantee that at least 1-2 of you will be at my house the night before to go with us to post signs. I will drive, but putting them up is a big job and we will need your help. I am not going to put an ad in the paper because it is very expensive, I will post it on Facebook and Craigslist. That is why it is very important for us to make several signs so we can advertise well in West Salem.

Thanks and email me at mccauleyclannorth@comcast.net
or call me at 503-269-1265 if you have questions.

Kathy Mccauley

A BIG thank you goes to Kathy for helping those students out who want to start earning money towards the trip.