Newsletter #5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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