Rumor control...

Rumor Control... (sent via email 3/9/10)

Hi all,

I wanted to address a few rumors that I've heard from both parents and students:

1) Multiple discipline or program policies
2) Trip next year

1) There has been *no* policy change - students in music are welcome to be in multiple disciplines - band and orchestra, orchestra and choir, choir and band, or all three (if they can make that work). We directors work very hard to try to make sure conflicts between the groups are worked out. I personally have never stated anything other than support for students who wish to be in multiple musical or other programs.

By the way, there also is *no* policy change regarding students and sports. I just try very hard to make sure that the adults in a student's life - directors, parents, coaches - cooperate to make sure that students know where they need to be when to be the best musician, student and athlete possible. If there is ever any question regarding expectations or policies, please feel free to email or call me.

2) We *are* planning to go on a trip next year - probably a Heritage Festival Gold orchestra tour... most likely to an East Coast city during Spring Break 2011 (leave the Thursday before Spring Break, come home Sunday or Monday of Spring Break). Decision will be announced the 2nd week of April. Any student in Sinfonietta or Chamber Orchestra for the 2010-2011 year will be welcome to join the tour. Depending on how many students go, we'll either compete one, two or three groups at the competition. There will always be fundraising opportunities that will be offered to all students. There will be scholarship opportunities for those on free or reduced lunch or others in financial hardship. The trip is meant to be inclusive - I welcome as many students who want to go to make it happen - it's a motivational, musical, and educational experience. I welcome all parent input - especially at the next Orchestra Parent Booster meeting the second Tuesday of April.

If there are any questions I can answer about policies or upcoming events, please feel free to email or call me. Additionally, at the next Orchestra Parent Booster meeting in April I will be taking a look at the 2010-2011 concert season... I welcome parent and student input regarding how many concerts we play and where. Stay tuned for announcements regarding that April meeting.

Students should be forecasting for the 2010-2011 year now. Auditions for next year's orchestra will occur right after Spring Break. If there are any questions regarding orchestra commitment requirements or placement auditions, feel free to touch base with me.

I look forward to seeing you at the Spring concert next week - Tuesday March 16, 2010, 7pm at the West Auditorium.
~Daryl Silberman
C: 818-317-8218

**SAVE THE DATE**
March 10, Chamber Orchestra at Walker
March 16, Spring Concert 7pm at West Auditorium
April 1 or 2 (stay tuned), Chamber Orchestra at WOU (Monmouth)
April 16 and 17 Salem-Keizer District Festival - Friday is Band day (Orchestra parents and students run the day), Saturday is Chamber Orchestra and Symphony performance day).