Newsletter #11 (11.29.12)

Titan Orchestra Newsletter #11 (11.29.12)

WREATH AND POINSETTIA PICKUP TIME!

Contained within...
1) Pick up your wreaths and poinsettias!
2) Winter at West info
3) Congrats to one more...
4) Mandatory Big Trip meeting Tuesday
5) Auction thank you and Christmas Trees
6) CONCERT THURSDAY!
7) Busy weeks ahead
8) Gift ideas & West Salem Music tumbler
9) Check out this video... (Escala) 

1) Pick up your wreaths and poinsettias!
If you ordered during our Wreath and Poinsettia fundraiser, please pick up your order tomorrow night, Friday 11/30, from 5-9pm or Saturday morning, 12/1, from 8am - 12noon. Orders not picked up will be left at school over the weekend, unwatered, unloved, with no one to talk to... :(

2) Winter at West info
Winter at West "It's a Wonderful Life" is upon us - December 13-15. Hopefully families with students performing (Symphony and Chamber) made use of the pre-sale reservation system. Tickets are now on sale to the public. In years past these shows have sold out. Here is the website with all the information: http://westsalemband.org/waw.html. We still need parent volunteers - please contact Julie Bryant atbryant_julie@salkeiz.k12.or.us for more information. Parents, if you volunteer, you will get to see the show that evening. Chamber is performing 3 numbers, Symphony is performing 2 numbers, and the whole concert looks to be amazing! Students not performing (Sinfonietta and String Orchestra) will have the opportunity to usher in order to see the show for free.

3) Congrats to one more...
Congrats to Vivian G. for being accepted into All State on violin! 

4) Mandatory Big Trip meeting Tuesday
All students attending the Big Trip and at least one parent are asked to attend a mandatory 30 minute meeting at 6:15pm next Tuesday. It's time to start looking at itinerary, packing lists, roommate possibilities, and more. There will be a sign in sheet at this gathering. See you then!

5) Auction thank you and Christmas Trees
Thank you parents for your donations, time, and attendance at this year's Titan Auction. The Kraemer's Titancade brought in the highest dollar amount of the evening! Very exciting! Christmas Tree fundraiser is happening right now - Xmas tree selection and pickup is on Dec. 8 from 1-5pm at West. For more info: http://titanorchestra.com/?page_id=504

6) CONCERT THURSDAY!
Sinfonietta and String Orchestra have a concert this next Thursday, December 6 at 7pm. This concert is shared with the choirs Men in Black and Cantare. Call time for the concert will be 6:15 for students.

7) Busy weeks ahead
Here's a quick run down of what's all going on these next few weeks: Next Tuesday String Orchestra goes to Portland to play at the Portland Children's Theatre and hear the Pacific Lutheran University orchestra and choirs. Next Wednesday Symphony goes to University of Oregon to be coached by professors at the School of Music and Dance and see a dress rehearsal of the Eugene Symphony. Tuesday the 6th is the String Orchestra and Sinfonietta concert. This Friday and the following 2 Fridays string players will be playing holiday  music at the Capital Manor Sun room. Dec 8 and 9 the Honors String Quartet will be playing at the Salem Saturday Market Holiday Fair at the Pavillion Fairgrounds (5pm Saturday, 3pm Sunday). Winter at West goes into production the week of December 10. December 17 there will be an All City rehearsal after school at South High School. December 18 Symphony has a special long rehearsal (before the break) to learn our new piece - Blow it Up and Start Again. Keep an eye on emails and this newsletter for complete info.

8) Gift ideas & West Salem Music tumbler
For only $8 you can purchase a West Salem Music tumbler - double walled insulated cup with straw. They will be available at the concert Dec. 6, in the classroom, and at Winter at West. For more String Player gift ideas, check Shar Music's Holiday Gift Guide (click) or http://www.sharmusic.com/Pages/Current-Specials/ 

9) Check out this video... (Escala) 
Violinist Kate in Sinfonietta sent me a few links from this cool electric group - Escala. Check them out... see if you like them...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyQwZK8GuBo

Thanks for reading the newsletter all the way to the end - now you're informed and up-to-date!!! Please don't forget to check the website for more information.
~Ms S (Daryl Silberman)

Newsletter #10 (11.15.12)

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Titan Orchestra Newsletter #10 (11.15.12)

Contained within...
1) Adopt a Soldier
2) Pie Pickup (Friday 5-6pm)
3) All State, All NW acceptance!
4) Auction - this Saturday
5) Go see a concert!
6) Conferences
7) Need a few more sweatshirt orders
8) Check out this video... (Stravinsky Concerto in D) 

1) Adopt a Soldier
Orchestra has "adopted" a soldier in Mr. Miller's 115 MPAD, serving in Afghanistan. Students know about this project. Any student wishing to bring something to be included in the package should do so tomorrow or Monday. Thanks.

2) Pie Pickup (Friday 5-6pm)
If you ordered pie or fruit, please plan on picking up your order between 5 and 6pm tomorrow, Friday, in the A wing (either band or orchestra room). If you cannot pick up your order, you must contact the parent organizer to let her know: Melissa Canfield - melissa.canfield@comcast.net

3) All State, All NW acceptance!
Congrats to the following students for being accepted into All State Orchestra: Hayley, Cassidy, Seohyun, Hendrik, and Anny! Congrats to Sinensis for being accepted into All Northwest Orchestra - on viola!!

4) Auction - this Saturday
Titan Auction is this Saturday. Huge thank you to all the families who are planning on attending and to those who contributed! Still want to attend or donate? Please contact Geoff at geoffwinkler@gmail.com

5) Go see a concert!
This is a great time to see a concert. Here are some local concerts you can see:
Salem Chamber Orchestra on Saturday morning (you were sent vouchers to see the dress rehearsal for free) or on Sunday afternoon.
Salem Philharmonia - http://www.salemphil.org/ - concert Saturday night.
Grease, at West, has an upright bass player playing (Whitney) - that counts as a live review!
Dec 8 is Salem Pops (that concert should be really fun!). And, there's much more coming these next few weeks!

6) All State, All NW acceptance!
Parents - I'll be available at conferences. If anyone would like up-to-date info on the musical progress of their student, I would love to chat with you. Also, if you haven't seen the website or have any questions, this is a great time to touch base. But, I realize, too, that you may have academic teachers you need to talk with. If you miss me and would still like a phone call or in person conference, I would be more than happy to connect with you. This year is going really well for the orchestras - students, on the whole, are being productive and playing really well.

7) Need a few more sweatshirt orders
Unfortunately, we don't yet have enough sweatshirt orders for the company to do a run... we just need 5 more orders in order to make the run. Interested in a Titan Orchestra Sweatshirt? Please email me your size and send $ in ASAP. They are $24 each - sizing from Youth Large through Adult 2XL.

8) Check out this video... (Stravinsky Concerto in D) 
The Salem Chamber Orchestra is performing this piece on Saturday and Sunday - it's very difficult... a lot of fun to play! Give it a listen and see if you like it... 
http://youtu.be/KLLIfC8YmXg

Thanks for reading the newsletter all the way to the end - now you're informed and up-to-date!!! Please don't forget to check the website for more information.
~Ms S (Daryl Silberman)

Newsletter #9 (11/8/12)

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Titan Orchestra Newsletter #9 (11.8.12)

Contained within...
1) Student baskets for Titan Auction
2) Titan Auction - parents
3) Lisa
4) Library is being updated (online)
5) Check out these photos!!
6) Check out this video... (New Piano Guys vid) 

1) Student baskets for Titan Auction
Students - you received an email with info about your class basket. Please bring money and/or items on Tuesday! Everyone is expected to participate - even a very little bit will help. Here are the themes once again: String Orchestra - Pasta Night. Sinfonietta - Breakfast. Chamber - Date Night. 

2) Titan Auction - parents
Parents - please see your email for information about Titan Auction. Currently, we will be under budget by $1000-2000 this year (money that goes to coaches, fees, and scholarships) if we don't have a good showing at Titan Auction. Please come to the Auction or consider donating - even a little will help. Thank you.

3) Lisa
I'm guessing that you have heard by now, but our very own Lisa Harder passed away this past week - on Sunday morning, Nov. 4. She was in String Orchestra and Sinfonietta for years as a violinist, and sometime aide. The celebration of her life was beautiful - she will be so missed. Thank you to junior Allie Liable for playing her guitar at the beginning of the celebration. Lisa meant so much to me personally, and to this program. She once said to a fellow students "Always remind people to share their gift of music" which is where we took the phrase "Share your gift of music... ~Lisa Harder" from. I will continue to use that as a motto for our orchestra program for years to come.

4) Library is being updated (online)
Students - you should be watching/listening to your music daily (oh, and practicing too, please). The Library on our website is almost all updated. Those of you going on the Big Trip, pick a Waltz everyday to review. Here's the direct link to our library: http://titanorchestra.com/?page_id=8

5) Check out these photos!!
Evan and Melissa Roth, from Roth Couple Photography, came and did a photo shoot for Chamber, Big Trip and Symphony students. You are invited to view and purchase these pictures (they are SO GREAT!) at the following website: http://rothcouple.smugmug.com/Other/West-High-2012-Photobooth/26305253_wdfd4p#!i=2191419572&k=B4MML7M

6) Check out this video... (New Piano Guys vid) 
The Piano Guys are at it again. Titanium mixed with Pavane... piano and cello. Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fz4MzJTeL0c&feature=share&list=UUmKurapML4BF9Bjtj4RbvXw

Thanks for reading the newsletter all the way to the end - now you're informed and up-to-date!!! Please don't forget to check the website for more information.
~Ms S (Daryl Silberman)