Raider Orchestra

New Page, No Blog

2011-10-20T08:17:00.003-04:00

This blog was created due to the fact that the website I had created previously was disabled due to district software restrictions. I have found a new website host, and am very happy to have a real website with pages again, which serves our purposes much better than a blog! This blog will be deleted by the end of the year, so please replace any bookmarks with the following web address:

http://www.raiderorchestra.weebly.com

Thanks, and I'll see you at the website!

Already September!!

2011-09-27T13:05:00.003-04:00

Wow, the beginning of this year has been ridiculously busy! I apologize for not updating this earlier - I've been trying to keep my head above water!

We have had a great start to the year! A few announcements:

-Method books are in, and need to be purchased. 8th grade books are $8, 7th and 6th grade books are $9.
-Polo shirts are in, and can be purchased anytime before the Winter Concert. Polos are $20.
-Checks can be sent in for any payments, and should be made out to RRMS. Be sure there is a physical address (no PO Box) and phone number on each check turned in to the school.
-Beginners are starting to use their bows this week, and should bring rosin.
-There has not been enough solid interest in the Spring Trip this year, so we will not be going to Myrtle Beach. I will, however, be taking a group to Carowinds on Saturday, April 14, 2012. Any student interested in being part of that performance will need to audition for the group. I will have audition material available in a couple of weeks.
-The first Practice Journal is due on Monday. Students can either pick up a journal in the orchestra room or print one from the Documents/Forms page of this blog or from the Edmodo library.

I hope everyone is enjoying the cooler weather, and I extend my apologies to the parents of beginner students for any unpleasant noises you may hear in the next week or so!

Happy New Year!

2011-08-16T08:53:00.003-04:00

I'm excited about the dawn of our new school year; it looks like it will be a good one!

Returning students should start bringing instruments Wednesday 8/17.

As for our beginners, there will be a rental information meeting Tuesday 8/23 @ 4:30 in the Orchestra room. I will hand out information on several companies that offer instrument rentals so you can make the choice of what is best for your family.

I was so glad to see everyone yesterday, and look forward to a wonderful year with you!

The end is near...

2011-05-28T22:46:00.002-04:00

...the end of the school year, that is! I have enjoyed a wonderful year with some wonderful students - thank you to all members of the Raider Orchestra family (including parents, of course!). We have had several successful performances this year, and all performers have grown tremendously. I'll be able to see some of "my kids" for a few extra weeks during ST-Arts at Winthrop. :)

As this year draws to a close, I would like to offer a few reminders:

-If any money is owed (for books, strings, instrument rental, etc.), please be sure to pay it as soon as possible to avoid grades being withheld. I have sent home notices to anyone who owes money.
-Any school-owned instruments need to be returned to RRMS by Wednesday (6/1).
-Students are encouraged to keep playing over the summer. If you need music, I can give you recommendations for books and/or provide copies of sheet music. There are lots of websites to buy or download sheet music, and you can also check out the sheet music section at any local music store for options; they will often have books of music for different instruments in lots of different styles.

I hope everyone has a summer full of fun, family time, late mornings, and great times! I look forward to seeing you again in August (or wish you luck in high school next year, 8th graders)!

Billie Jean recording

2011-04-26T10:32:00.002-04:00

Here is the link to the recording of Billie Jean for the Intermediate classes to practice with.

http://www.alfred-music.com/player/HotPop/29886/player.html?osCsid=52b3351091e69c7213d8f97d60af258a

Boston Pops!

2011-02-28T16:17:00.002-05:00

I just received word that the Boston Pops (directed by Keith Lockhart) will be coming to Knights Stadium in August!!

Follow this link for ticket information:
https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2/Buy.asp?EventID=66734

Follow this link for more information about the tour:
http://www.bso.org/bso/mods/content1.jsp?id=42400129

And if you've never heard of the Boston Pops, Google some videos - they are fantastic, and you need to know who they are!! :)

BBQ Fundraiser

2011-02-18T11:11:00.003-05:00

Our BBQ Fundraiser is underway! Information is listed below. To purchase tickets (by 2/28), see a participating orchestra member, or email me (kle@rock-hill.k12.sc.us).

Ron's BBQ will be @ RRMS on March 4 from 11 am-2 pm. Tickets will be on sale until Feb. 28, and are $8 for a plate (includes BBQ and bun, cole slaw, and baked beans). You may add tea or lemonade for $1. Plates will be available in the auditorium parking lot for pick-up. Orders of 10 or more plates are eligible for delivery to your school.

At the Spring Concert (May 5), I will have a sneak preview of our first fall fundraiser for next year - some of you may be interested in purchasing some of these items!

Festival Orchestra

2011-01-24T13:53:00.003-05:00

Participants in the Myrtle Beach trip are as follows:

Violin - Audrey Reyes, Allana Mutuc, Chamira Wylie
Viola - Chase Adkins, Michael Ogle, Natalie Rodgers (Ethan Barkley)
Cello - LJ McClary, Lexie Payne, Ben Owens
Piano - Ethan Barkley

We will have a meeting Tuesday 1/25 during Raider Time to figure out an after school rehearsal schedule. This group will be referred to as the "Festival Orchestra," so if that group is mentioned, it means you! :)

Winter Weather!

2011-01-11T10:18:00.001-05:00

I hope everyone is enjoying the snow days!

"America" tests/DHO Auditions will still be Thursday 1/13, as long as we're in school that day.

Everyone be careful in the treacherous weather, and I'll see you when we return to school!

Concert next week!

2010-12-07T08:51:00.002-05:00

We're getting close to our Winter Concert!

The performance is next week: Tuesday 12/14 @ 7 pm in the auditorium. Students need to report to the orchestra room by 6 pm in concert attire.

Concert attire = khaki pants, dark green orchestra polo, brown or black shoes (NO TENNIS SHOES), and dark socks. You may wear festive headgear for this concert :)
**If you have not yet purchased your orchestra polo, do so ASAP!! Polos are $16.

We will have an after-school rehearsal on Monday, 12/13. To accommodate the many different groupings of students, the rehearsal schedule will be as follows:
4:00-4:15 - 7th period [Jingle Bells, A Quiet Christmas]
4:15-4:30 - ALL classes [Ukrainian Bell Carol]
4:30-4:50 - 4th period [Jingle Bell Rock, Once Upon a December, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen]
4:50-5:00 - 3rd & 4th period [Nutcracker]
5:00-5:10 - 3rd period [Chipmunk Song]
5:10-5:30 - 2nd period [White Christmas, Let it Snow, Grinch]
Students need to be on stage (and tuned) when it is their time to rehearse. When their rehearsal time is over, they are free to go home. They must not roam the halls, but stay in the orchestra room or auditorium. Please be sure all students are picked up by 5:40.

Parents, I will be sending an email to those of you who are willing to help with the concert. I will need a videographer and a couple of people to run the front table. If anyone is tech savvy, it would be great to have someone running the lights and sound in the booth as well (it's not difficult, I promise!).

Thanks for a great semester, and I can't wait for the showcase of talent next week!

Links - repost

2010-11-07T01:39:00.002-04:00

Shar Music - great online store, and rents instruments

Bernhardt House of Violins - One of our orchestra's rental companies

SmartMusic - SmartMusic's website with all things SmartMusic

Violin Online - Great resource for violin players

Viola Online - Great resource for viola players

Cello Online - Great resource for cello players

Music Ed. String Bass Information Center - Lots of great information for bass players

Metronome Online - a FREE online metronome (will also tune A440) very useful for practice!!

SCMEA Orchestra Division - The homepage for the Orchestra Division of South Carolina's Music Educator's Association

MENC - National Association for Music Education

SCMEA - South Carolina Music Educator's Association

FromTheTop.org - Great musical website sponsored by NPR

Cello Heaven - a message board community for cellists

Sound Junction - a cool website about all kinds of music and musicians

Michael Hopkins: String Pedagogy Notebook - lots of great information, including Quicktime videos demonstrating advanced techniques **Advanced players - go here for vibrato info and videos!

StringSkills.com - this page has some great free downloads of music and exercises

Performance Tonight!

2010-10-29T10:14:00.003-04:00

I hope everyone can make it to this evening's Informance/Space Concert @ 5:30 in the auditorium! The 6th grade Beginners and the 8th grade Advanced students will be playing, and it's free (though donations are ALWAYS accepted)! Orchestra students not involved in the performance will earn extra credit for attending.
See you there, and Happy Halloween!!

Performance next Friday!

2010-10-21T11:15:00.004-04:00

Friday 10/29, @ 5:30 pm (in the RRMS auditorium), the 6th grade beginner class will present an "informance" to show a day in the life of beginning orchestra class, and the 8th grade advanced class will play a selection of "Out of this World" tunes. Everyone is encouraged to attend (orchestra students not participating in this performance will receive extra credit for attending), and see the two ends of the spectrum of the orchestra program. This is the first year that we have had 8th grade 3rd year players that started in 6th grade, and it is amazing to see what is possible in just 3 years! See where we start, and how far we can progress in the RRMS Orchestra! The 6th grade portion will last approximately 20-30 minutes, and then the 8th graders will play 3 pieces: Jupiter from Holst's suite The Planets, Moondance by Van Morrison, and Rosin Eating Zombies from Outer Space as a kick-off to your Halloween weekend! Admission is free, but as always, we will be taking donations!

Can't wait to see you next Friday!

*Students involved in the performance need to be in the orchestra room @ 5 pm.

Fall Fundraiser is now in progress!

2010-10-13T15:56:00.003-04:00

We kicked off our fall fundraiser yesterday, and I am very excited to see how well our orchestra students do with sales! Each class has a goal of 10 items per student, and I have students surpass that individual goal every year. The products we're selling are delicious (the cinnamon rolls and 5 cheese garlic bread are personal favorites of mine), and students will be earning money to help our program. The sale will run through Tuesday, October 26. Students need to turn in all order forms and money on the 26th in class. Please refer to the green sheet for information on taking checks.
In addition to the prize program listed below (from Cobb Fundraising), the class with the highest sales percentage will win a day to play Beatles Rock Band in class!

!!!Prizes!!!
6-14 items: chocolate calculator
15-24 items: chocolate calculator, "Skinit" skin for cell phone/iPod/handheld game (visit the link for more information)
25-34 items: chocolate calculator, "Skinit," jumbo remote control
35-49 items: chocolate calculator, "Skinit," jumbo remote control, giant snake
50-69 items: chocolate calculator, "Skinit," jumbo remote control, giant snake, $25 cash
70+ items: chocolate calculator, "Skinit," jumbo remote control, giant snake, $50 cash
**Top seller out of all orchestra classes wins a $100 bill pillow**

If you have any questions, feel free to email me and ask! Happy selling!! :)

Fall fundraiser is coming up!

2010-10-04T16:28:00.003-04:00

I wanted to give everyone a head's up that our Fall Fundraiser will be kicking off next Tuesday (10/12). Students will be receiving packets of information for our "Best of the Best" sale. The sale will run through 10/26. Students will need to turn in all monies and fundraising materials on Tuesday 10/26. For those of you who are new to the Orchestra family, students who participate in fundraising activities will accrue money in their orchestra "account." What this means is, I will keep track of each students' fundraising efforts, and 50% of the profit is earmarked for them to use for orchestra related expenses (strings, books, shirt, trip, etc.). Some students ended up with $90+ to put toward their trip last year! Other incentives for participation include a prize program with the fundraiser company, and the class who has the highest sales percentage will earn a day to play Beatles Rock Band in class! I encourage everyone to sell as much as they can! I will put up details in another post once the fundraiser has started.

Have a great week, everyone!

Polo shirts are in!

2010-10-01T09:07:00.003-04:00

Orchestra shirts came in yesterday! Polos are $16, and can be paid for anytime. As soon as you pay, you get your shirt. Make sure you purchase your shirt in time for the Winter concert, though (December 14), since the shirt is part of our concert attire.
Happy Friday!

Forms and documents

2010-09-08T13:24:00.004-04:00

I will update this page as needed with links to documents or forms that may be useful for you. I am trying to streamline our online experience with Google Docs, and I hope this is working for everyone!

Handbook

Practice Journal

Spring Trip documents

2010-09-08T13:03:00.003-04:00

Below are links to the information pages for the Spring Trip. I would have just put them directly on this page, but the sizing default didn't allow you to view the whole page. I also have information on family tag-a-long packages; if you are interested in that, feel free to email me.

Flyer

Student Sign-up sheet

Payment Coupons

Calendar of Events

2010-09-07T11:26:00.004-04:00

These concert dates can also be found on p. 7 of the Handbook, which I will try to link up with GoogleDocs. As I get more details for these events, I will update this posting.

September
6 (Monday) - No School
22 (Wednesday) - Late Start

October
2 (Saturday) - Region auditions
8 (Friday) - No School
22 (Friday) - No School
27 (Wednesday) - Late Start
29 (Friday) @ 5:30 - 6th grade "Informance" + "Out of This World"/Space concert

November
2 (Tuesday) - No School
12-13 (Friday-Saturday) - Region Orchestra
17 (Wednesday) - Late Start
24-26 (Wednesday-Friday) - No School

December
13 (Monday) @ 4-6 - after school rehearsal for Winter Concert (students will have a portion of the 2 hour time slot for rehearsal, NOT the whole time!)
14 (Tuesday) @ 7 - Winter Concert (students report to Orchestra room @ 6)
20-31 (Monday-Friday x2) - No School

January
14-17 (Friday-Monday) - No school
26 (Wednesday) - Late Start

February
16 (Wednesday) - Late Start
18-19 (Friday-Saturday) - District Honors Orchestra **TENTATIVE**
21 (Monday) - No School

March
8 (Tuesday) @ 7 - MIOSM Concert
16 (Wednesday) - Late Start
24 (Thursday) - Concert Festival
25 (Friday) - No School

April
15-16 (Friday-Saturday) - Spring Trip to Myrtle Beach!*
18-22 (Monday-Friday) - No School
29-30 (Friday-Saturday) - Solo & Ensemble

May
4 (Wednesday) @ 4-6 - after school rehearsal for Spring Concert (students will have a portion of the 2 hour time slot for rehearsal, NOT the whole time!)
5 (Thursday) @ 7 - Spring Concert (students report to Orchestra room @ 6)
27 (Thursday) @ 5:30 - Sights & Sounds **In front of school, not in auditorium**
30 (Monday) - No School

June
2 (Thursday) - Last Day of School!

*This trip centers around a festival, for which I would like to use my "Festival Orchestra." This group will be open to all orchestra students by audition, and will play at Concert Festival as well as the festival in Myrtle Beach. I will put up a separate post about the trip in the near future.

Welcome (Back)!

2010-09-04T15:32:00.002-04:00

The school year has gotten off to a good start, and I am excited about this year in orchestra. For the first time ever, RRMS has an Advanced group of 3rd year players! Students who are beginners have just started out on instruments, and seem to be very excited (as well as competent)!

I just received sample polo shirt sizes Friday afternoon, so we will check sizes and finalize the shirt order next week. Polos are $16, and in addition to the concert shirt, students have the option to purchase another shirt in a different color if they would like. Crew neck sweatshirts (which may be worn in school) and hoodies (which may not be worn in school) are also available for those who are interested.

The advanced group and the 6th grade beginners will be putting on our first concert, in two parts. The first part will be the beginners, giving an "informance" to give their parents a glimpse of what class is like in orchestra, and the second part will be the 8th grade advanced group showing what is possible at the beginning of year 3. They will present a few tunes that are "out of this world" - we're doing a Space theme. This concert/informance will be Friday, October 29 @ 5:30 in the auditorium.

I am currently posting from home, but sometime next week while I'm at school, I will post a schedule of concert dates so you can access those online.

I recently handed out blue sheets regarding student participation in our Spring Trip. Please return these as soon as you can, so I can get an idea of who will be going with us to Myrtle Beach! We had tons of fun last year, and I'm looking forward to another great trip this year, this time with the entire performing arts department!

I hope everyone has/had a wonderful Labor Day weekend!

Gearing up for a new year!

2010-07-23T00:24:00.002-04:00

Summer is beginning to wind down, and as sad as it will be to have to start waking up early again, it will soon be time for the Raider Orchestra to start making music together again.

No instruments are needed the first day of school. I will be distributing handbooks at the beginning of the year, which are loaded with tons of information.

Students - don't freak out if there are scheduling problems at first, with our new system, we'll probably have to work through some issues before everything is ironed out! Also, if you know of anyone who might want to sign up for orchestra, it's not too late, and they may do so when school starts. There are spots available for former band students who might want to try playing a string instrument this year instead. Direct any interested students to me so we can figure out how to get some more people to join our club! :)

I'm excited about a new year, and am looking forward to fun times and making great music! Enjoy the rest of the summer, and I'll see you in a few weeks!

Thanks for a great year!

2010-06-04T21:19:00.002-04:00

Thank you to all my wonderful students and parents for a fantastic year!

8th graders, I will miss you, please come back and visit, and by all means, keep playing in high school! Have a great time starting the next part of your journey in life, and stay focused on success.

6th and 7th graders, I look forward to seeing you again in August, and another wonderful year of making music! There is lots in store for us, and I'm excited about the year to come.

Parents, thank you for all of your support - for allowing your child to participate in the orchestra and giving them a chance to learn a skill, have a place to belong, to follow a passion. I have really enjoyed being a part of your child's life, and I hope they have enjoyed being a part of mine.

Everyone have a terrific summer, enjoy the break, and sleep in! I know I will!

Winding down...

2010-05-13T14:27:00.004-04:00

The Spring Concert and Spring Trip both went really well, and I am very proud of all the students!

I was pleasantly surprised by how well the intermediate students played at the Myrtle Beach festival. We hadn't performed (or even practiced together) that music in a month, and they played wonderfully!! The judges gave them an Excellent rating (nothing wrong with that at all, but compared to how I thought they played, was a bit low - I thought they'd earned a Superior for sure).

Sights & Sounds is right around the corner, and we're looking at all new music for that in the Intermediate classes. 8th graders going on the Washington trip will have to work extra hard to make sure they're ready on the 27th!

While the Intermediate classes are working on new music, the Beginner classes are finishing up their method book and working on ear training skills. We will be working on an ear training project next week that will help them grow as musicians, and "fine tune" their aural skills as string players, helping them to play with better intonation.

7th period was the highest-selling class in our spring fundraiser, and as a reward, will be playing Beatles Rock Band in class tomorrow!

If any student wants some music to work on over the summer, they should stop by after school to talk with me about getting some stuff to look at. I am more than happy to provide them with music!

6th Grade Parent Night

2010-04-16T15:57:00.003-04:00

RRMS 6th Grade music students are performing for the Rising 6th Grade Parent meeting on Monday 4/19. 6th Grade Orchestra students need to report to the Orchestra room by 5:30 wearing their concert attire (orchestra polo, khaki pants, dark shoes - NO tennis shoes). We will be performing at the beginning of the meeting.

Performances this semester

2010-03-26T16:27:00.004-04:00

MIOSM Concert - Intermediate
3/30 (Tuesday) @ 7:30 pm

Rising 6th Grade Parent Meeting - 6th Graders
4/19 (Monday) @ 6 pm

Solo & Ensemble - those who signed up
5/1 (Saturday) morning @ Dorman HS

Spring Concert - ALL
5/6 (Thursday) @ 7:30 pm

Myrtle Beach Trip/Festival - Intermediate (NOT REQUIRED)
5/7-5/8 (Friday-Saturday)

Sights & Sounds - Intermediate
5/27 (Thursday) @ 5:30

Announcements

2010-03-26T16:21:00.004-04:00

The MIOSM Concert will be Tuesday, March 30 @ 7:30 pm. Intermediate Orchestra students should report to Mrs. Le's room by 7 pm. We will be playing our Concert Festival pieces.

Speaking of Concert Festival, CONGRATULATIONS to the 8th graders (plus Tiana and Katie) for the Excellent rating they earned at festival! Nice work!

Fundraiser products are in, and most have been picked up. If you have not picked up your items, please do so as soon as possible. I will be distributing prizes next week. The drawing for the snake will also be held next week. Any student who sold 6 or more items will be entered in the drawing. Good luck! 7th period had the highest selling percentage, and will have a Beatles Rock Band day later in the semester.

MIOSM Concert canceled

2010-03-02T18:11:00.002-05:00

The MIOSM concert scheduled for tonight at 7:30 has been canceled due to the snow. We will reschedule for later in the month.
Thanks, and enjoy the pretty flakes!

Spring Fundraiser

2010-02-23T16:08:00.008-05:00

We are selling flower bulbs and fudge for our Spring Fundraiser. The sale will run through Friday, March 5. Students will need to turn in all order forms and money during their class time on 3/5. I have included images of the flyer pages below. Students were informed about the prize program offered by the fundraising company, which is posted on the wall by the door. In addition to those prizes, students may also earn extra credit tickets for selling.
2 items = 1 ticket 5 items = 2 tickets 10 items = 3 tickets
15 items = 4 tickets 20 items = 5 tickets 25 items = 6 tickets ETC...

Survey

2010-02-22T15:28:00.001-05:00

As some of you may know, I am doing a survey for the book study I've been working on. It's a survey of technology use in the lives of "NetGeners." If you were born after the year 1980, please click the link below to take the survey.
Thanks!!

Click Here to take survey

News and Upcoming Events!

2010-02-13T17:22:00.005-05:00

For members of the Elite group, Treble Makers - we will be working on music for DHO this week.

Rock Hill's 2nd annual District Honors Orchestra is this weekend! Members of the honor group should report to Dutchman Creek MS after school on Friday for the first night of rehearsal. Rehearsal will continue Saturday morning. Everyone is invited to attend the concert Saturday 2/20 @ 5:00 in the DCMS auditorium. The concert is free, though we will be accepting donations to help offset the cost of providing this opportunity. Extra credit is offered to all students who attend the concert (including those who are performing in it, of course!).

We will be kicking off our spring fundraiser on Monday, Feb. 22 during all class periods. We will be selling flower bulbs and fudge this time around - great options in both the edible and non-edible categories! The fudge is delicious - I tasted some at the SCMEA convention last weekend! The products will be delivered just before Spring Break, making it perfect timing for people to plant their flowers! And of course, anytime is a good time for fudge...

Our next concert is our MIOSM (Music In Our Schools Month) Concert. It will be a combined effort with chorus and band on Tuesday, March 2 @ 7:30 in the RRMS auditorium. The Intermediate classes are performing at this concert, and beginners are encouraged to attend (you get extra credit!).

Spring Trip Approved!

2010-01-29T09:01:00.004-05:00

As you may have heard from your children, our Spring Trip has been approved! We had to alter the itinerary and take out the Freestyle Music Park (the district is turning down anything with an amusement park), so we will not be able to attend the awards ceremony, but will have our results shipped to the school. I have included the new cover page of the information packet below. The rest of the information remains the same. I'm very excited we will still have this opportunity to make music and have a nice time in Myrtle Beach!

Some of you have already made payments, and can keep doing so. Those of you who have not made any payments can start doing so as soon you'd like. If any parents would like to chaperon for this trip, please let me know. You just need to be a district-approved chaperon. If you are not yet district-approved, it's not a difficult process - you just fill out some paperwork (that can be found on the RHSD3 website), and they do a background check, and you're put on the list.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-06T09:05:00.003-05:00

Happy New Year to the RRMS Orchestra family! I really appreciate all the thoughtful things I received before the break - thank you for showing you care!

I am very excited about our Charlotte Symphony Orchestra trip on Friday for 7th and 6th graders! I am just disappointed 8th grade will not be able to go due to the exam schedule. Remember if you are going on the trip, you will need a coat and money for lunch. I will hold all student tickets until we get to the theatre, so we don't lose any! I am really looking forward to this great opportunity!

I hope everyone enjoyed their break, and I look forward to this semester of learning new things and making music.

Concert Details

2009-12-02T12:55:00.004-05:00

We are less than a week away from our first concert of the year!! I have included below the information from the blue sheet I handed out to students 12/1, just in case you didn't see this information from them (imagine that!).

Winter Concert Information

After school rehearsal Monday 12/7 in RRMS Auditorium: 4-4:35 [Beginner Orchestra], 4:20-5:30 [Intermediate Orchestra], 5:30-5:45 [Elite].
Concert is Tuesday 12/8 @ 7:30 pm in the RRMS auditorium.
Students need to report to the RRMS Orchestra room at 6:30 pm on Tuesday evening in concert attire: orchestra polo shirt (tucked in), khaki pants, dark socks and dark shoes (no sneakers or flip flops). **Festive hats optional**
Admission is free, but we are asking a $2 suggested donation to help fund the Orchestra program.

If you are willing to help with the concert, please email me! kle@rock-hill.k12.sc.us
(I will need people to help take money and handout programs in the lobby, and to sit with students during the concert)

Fall Fundraiser Recap

2009-11-20T09:10:00.003-05:00

Thanks for a successful Fall Fundraiser! We did very well, but I hope we'll see even more participation and profit during our Spring Fundraiser! I was glad that almost everyone picked up their fundraiser items within the pick-up times. I'm hoping for 100% on-time pick-up next time!!

Our top selling class, 5th period (7th Grade Intermediate Orchestra), is having their Beatles Rock Band day Friday, December 11. Students who sold at least 5 items in the fundraiser to help their class reach the highest percentage of sales will get to play Beatles Rock Band! Congratulations 5th period!

Also, congratulations to Mikah Jones, who was our top seller in Orchestra, with 26 items!

Thanks to everyone who participated!

Concert Countdown

2009-11-20T09:00:00.004-05:00

Just a reminder that our Winter Concert is Tuesday, December 8 @ 7:30 pm - only 3 weeks away!
Students should be practicing concert music at home (daily is ideal). Any student interested in playing a solo or small ensemble piece on the concert must audition by Tuesday, December 1. All students need to have their polo shirts paid for by the concert so they can wear them, as they are part of our concert attire. I will be sending home details about the concert (rehearsal and report times, etc.) after Thanksgiving.

Orchestra Polos

2009-11-04T08:24:00.002-05:00

I will be placing the order for our polo shirts around Thanksgiving. I will need all shirt money turned in before Thanksgiving Break so I can actually pay for the order! Students may use money in their "accounts" from the fundraiser to pay or help pay for their shirt. I have informed students of how much money they made from the fundraiser, but if parents have questions, feel free to email me, and I can let you know. Polos are $16, and returning students who still have a shirt that fits from last year do not need to purchase a new shirt.

Fundraiser delivery

2009-11-03T08:41:00.006-05:00

I am sending home slips of paper with students, but wanted to post here, as well.

Our fundraiser products will be delivered Thursday, November 12. We will have pick-up from 3-5 pm that day. Please be sure to pick up your items that day, as they need to be frozen/refrigerated, and we have no room to store things here at school. If you personally can't come, please send someone to pick up your things. Pick up will be in the auditorium. All items will be on stage - look for the sign that says Orchestra (band, chorus, and dance will also be on stage).

Prizes will also arrive that day, and will probably be distributed to students that Friday (if everything is squared away by then).

Thanks!!

Spring Trip paperwork

2009-10-20T11:03:00.011-04:00

**Update on Spring Trip**
A hold has been placed on our spring trip, and we are awaiting approval. There have been complaints about school trips to the district office (even though they are NOT mandatory), and it is possible that our trip will be canceled, and our students denied this opportunity. If you have already sent money to Stamm Travel and the trip does NOT get approved, Stamm will (of course) refund your money 100%. For the moment, do not send any money, just in case. Once I get word on whether or not we will be able to take our annual spring trip, I will update again. I am truly sorry for this, and it really concerns me that we may have to break tradition and abandon a spring trip. Please know this is not anything I have control over right now - I am waiting on word from the district office.

The only way I could get the forms on the blog were to scan them into image files. I wish they were still word documents, but this was the best way for me to get them to show up. In case you need them for reference, or if you would like to print from here, feel free.

Fall Fundraiser

2009-10-20T10:56:00.003-04:00

Our Fall Fundraiser is underway! Students are selling from the "Best of the Best" brochure from Cobb Enterprises, and the food is delicious! Order forms and money due Wednesday, October 28. Profits from the fundraiser go into student "accounts" for orchestra expenses (strings, shirt, accessories, spring trip), and also into the orchestra fund to help pay for classroom accessories, new music, transportation for field trips, etc. Please help us raise money for our program! The orchestra student who sells the most items gets $50 cash! The class with the highest selling percentage gets a Beatles Rock Band day in class! Students must sell at least 5 items to participate if their class wins. Products will be delivered to the school before Thanksgiving. I will post the exact date when we get that information from Cobb, and I'll send home a reminder. Students will need to pick up their items the day they come in, and deliver them ASAP, as these are frozen foods, and we don't want them to spoil!!

Polo Shirts

2009-09-16T08:29:00.006-04:00

I am taking orders for polo shirts (part of the concert uniform). The shirts are $16 and need to be paid for by the Winter concert (12/8). I am accepting money now, if you would like to go ahead and pay for it.* Students who were in Orchestra last year do not NEED a new shirt if they still have theirs from last year (and it still fits!). I have included a picture of what the embroidery will look like.

*make checks payable to RRMS

Method books

2009-09-08T11:03:00.002-04:00

I am sending a yellow half-sheet of paper home with students today regarding method books. They are here, and we will start using them soon (probably next week or so). Books do not have to be purchased from the school, but I was able to get them tax free, so they are probably cheaper this way than if you buy them retail.

Students in Intermediate Orchestra (2nd year players) will need Essential Elements 2000 book 2 ($8). If students have money in their orchestra account, they may use this money to purchase their book. If not, money is now being accepted.

Students in Beginner Orchestra will need Essential Elements 2000 book 1 ($9). If you are renting your instrument through Bernhardt, there is no need to purchase the book separately, as it is included in your rental. If you are obtaining an instrument from somewhere else, you will need to get a book.

**Make checks payable to RRMS**

Rental Meeting

2009-09-01T15:58:00.003-04:00

Parents, just a reminder that Thursday (9/3) is our Rental Meeting with Bernhardt House of Violins. They will be here in the Orchestra room at 5 pm to get you all lined up with an instrument and accessories. I look forward to seeing you there!

Open House

2009-08-28T09:16:00.002-04:00

It was great to see all of you at Open House last night! I love working with your kids, and I was glad to see everyone who came last night. Happy Friday, everybody! :)

Pictures

2009-08-20T16:42:00.008-04:00

For those parents who have not had the chance to visit our classroom, here are a few pictures!

Back wall:

New Promethean board:

New (to us) Clavinova piano:

Important Dates

2009-08-16T14:35:00.013-04:00

Here is a list of important dates for this year:
If there are any additions or changes, I'll amend and re-post.

August
19 - First day of school
27 - Open house (7th and 8th Grade) 6:30-8 pm

September
3 - Rental meeting in Orchestra room @ 5 pm
7 - NO SCHOOL (Labor Day)
9 - Late Start

October
7 - Late Start
12 - Teacher Work Day
13 - Fall Fundraiser Kick-off
23 - Teacher Work Day

November
11 - Late Start
25-27 - NO SCHOOL (Thanksgiving Break)

December
7 - Rehearsal for concert 4-6 pm
8 - Winter concert @ 7:30 pm
21-31 - NO SCHOOL (Winter Break)

January
1 - NO SCHOOL (Winter Break)
15 - Teacher Work Day
18 - NO SCHOOL (MLK Jr. Day)
27 - Late Start

February
15 - NO SCHOOL (President's Day)
19-20 - District Honors Orchestra

March
2 - MIOSM Concert @ 7 pm
19 - Teacher Work Day
24 - Late Start
26 - Concert Festival?

April
2-9 - NO SCHOOL (Spring Break)

May
5 - Rehearsal for concert 4-6
6 - Spring concert @ 7:30 pm
7-8 - Myrtle Beach trip?
21-22 - Myrtle Beach trip?
27 - Sights & Sounds @ 5:30
31 - NO SCHOOL (Memorial Day)

June
3 - Last day of school
4 - Teacher Work Day

Links

2009-08-16T14:30:00.003-04:00

Here are some fun and informative links from the old orchestra website. For students who are interested in learning new/advanced techniques, I highly recommend the Michael Hopkins site (near the bottom of the list). Please explore these links - there's a ton of great information there!

Bernhardt House of Violins - Our orchestra's rental company

SmartMusic - SmartMusic's website with all things SmartMusic

Violin Online - Great resource for violin players

Viola Online - Great resource for viola players

Cello Online - Great resource for cello players

Music Ed. String Bass Information Center - Lots of great information for bass players

Metronome Online - a FREE online metronome (will also tune A440).

SCMEA Orchestra Division - The homepage for the Orchestra Division of South Carolina's Music Educator's Association

MENC - National Association for Music Education

SCMEA - South Carolina Music Educator's Association

FromTheTop.org - Great musical website sponsored by NPR

Cello Heaven - a message board community for cellists

Sound Junction - a cool website about all kinds of music and musicians

Michael Hopkins: String Pedagogy Notebook - lots of great information, including Quicktime videos demonstrating advanced techniques

StringSkills.com - this page has some great free downloads of music and exercises

Orchestra Blog!

2009-08-12T15:20:00.004-04:00

Welcome to Mrs. Le's Orchestra Blog! I will be using this site as a means of communication for information regarding the orchestra program at RRMS. Our previous website is now inactive/invalid, so this will be our new home!

I want to welcome any new students to our program, and welcome back my returning students! I hope everyone had a great summer, and I look forward to a great year!

Check back periodically for updates!