PICTURES NEEDED
I want to put together a power point of pictures taken during the year of our orchestra students. If you have some you'd like to share please send to me no later than Wednesday morning 5/14. Thanks so much!
May 13, 2008
May 02, 2008
Summer Instrument Check-Out
If you currently have a school instrument that you have checked out for this school year and would like to have it to use over the summer for practicing (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!) you must fill out an instrument check-out form specifically for the summer months. This is only available to students who will be returning to Lovinggood next school year.
Important Note: You must bring in the instrument you currently have for end-of-year inspection and then it will be checked back out to you for the summer. It will also need to be brought in at the beginning of next school year and a new check-out form will be required at that time. Sorry, for the extra effort, but that is the only way the school will allow summer instrument check-outs.
Attached is the check-out form. Please fill out and return to me no later than Tuesday May 20th.
Spring Orchestra Concert Information
By now, you are probably aware that our students are preparing for the spring concerts. Just in case that information has not made it home to you, here are the details:
8th Grade Orchestra concert: Thursday May 8, 7:00 pm at Hillgrove HS in the theatre; students remain after school that day; pizza provided free of charge; BRING CONCERT UNIFORM TO SCHOOL. We'll have a rehearsal at the high school from 6:00 - 6:45. Concert begins at 7:00. We perform on the first four pieces then the high school groups will be performing.
6th & 7th Grade Orchestras, Chamber Orchestra and Cello Choir concert: Thursday May 15, 7:00 pm in our LMS theatre. Full concert uniform required. 6th graders should arrive at school NO LATER THAN 6:15 pm and 7th/Chamber Orchestra members should report to the orchestra room NO LATER THAN 6:30pm.
VOLUNTEER REQUEST: I need about 4-5 parent volunteers to help out in the classroom and on stage from about 6:15 to 7:00 pm, before the concert. Please let me know if you can join us. THANKS!
Information for New LMS Orchestra Students
Dear Rising 6th Grade Orchestra Students and Parents,
I am delighted that you have decided to join orchestra next school year! I have attached the 2008-09 Orchestra Handbook. Please read and keep a copy of the handbook in your files for future reference. FYI, the best way to reach me is by email. I check it often throughout the school day and will respond as soon as possible.
6th grade students do NOT need to rent or purchase their instrument prior to the first day of school. The exception to that would be if you plan to take private lessons this summer to get a head start. In that case, ask your private lesson teacher for assistance in determining the appropriate instrument size. Included in the handbook is a supply list of items required for orchestra. You CAN go ahead and purchase some of those items before school begins and beat the rush at the music stores.
And finally, as I looked through the orchestra sign-up sheets, I discovered that we have a LOT of people who have signed up for violin and viola and not very many for cello and bass. If there are any of you who might want to consider cello or bass instead, please let me know. I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have about those instruments. And remember, you dont' have to rent a cello or bass. We have a good supply of those instruments and can provide, free of charge, a cello or bass for your home practice time and then you will use a classroom instrument during class. No need to carry it back and forth! The other cool thing for bass players: a lot of my bass players also play electric bass guitar (the fingerings are the same!) and I allow bass players to bring their electric basses to school often during the year to use in class.
Please contact me with any questions you have. I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you next year!
Best wishes for a wonderful summer,
Mrs. Secrist
Director of Orchestras
Lovinggood Middle School
3825 Luther Ward Rd. Powder Springs, GA 30127
678-331-3015 ext. 270
April 23, 2008
Youth Orchestra Opportunities
There are three youth symphony orchestra in the metro Atlanta area. All provide a wonderful opportunity for you to perform orchestral music with a talented group of musicians from around the Atlanta and north Georgia region.
Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra http://www.atlantasymphony.org/communityandeducation/youthorchestra/default.aspx
Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra http://www.georgiayouthsymphony.org/estra
Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra http://www.mysoatlanta.com/
SUMMER CAMP INFORMATION
I want to encourage every student to attend a summer music camp. Camp is a unique experience that allows students to meet new friends, work intently on their music skills and have A LOT OF FUN! Some camps are over night, some are day camps. The cost will vary accordingly. Most camps offer some type of scholarship or tuition assistance.
Click on this document to download a list of camps and information. Email me if you have questions.
April 04, 2008
Cello Choir Starts Friday 4/18
I am delighted to announce the start-up of the Lovinggood Cello Choir. This small ensemble is open to ALL cello players and will be coached by a professional cello player, Jessica Kornhoff. Music will be selected that offers a range of ability levels so cello students of all grades are welcome.
Rehearsals begin on Friday, April 18 at 4:30 - 5:15 pm. Many of our cello students have already signed up, but it's not too late to join. If you want to be a part of this group, please let Mrs. Secrist know by 4/15/08.
Orchestra Sign-up Information for Rising 6th Grade
BE COOL!
Join the
Lovinggood MS Orchestra
Orchestra Selection Forms Due 4/16/08
Be A Part Of The Fun
· 8th Grade Orchestra Trip to Disney World
· Chamber Orchestra Trip to Rock City, TN
· 6th Grade String Jamboree
· Field Trip to Spivey Hall
· 7th & 8th Grade Orchestra Festival
Learn to play an ELECTRIC STRING instrument
Please email or call me if you have questions or would like to discuss the best instrument choice for you.
Lovinggood Middle School Orchestra
Barbera Secrist, Director
678-331-3015 ext. 270
barbera.secrist@cobbk12.org
6th Grade Orientation Night
Wednesday, April 16, 6:30 pm
Come see me in the orchestra room!
March 31, 2008
Orchestra Practice Sheets Due Tuesday 4/1
Practice sheets due on Tuesday for full credit. Only half credit given for sheets turned in Wednesday through Friday. No credit aftter that.
General Music - Composer Test Retake Study Guide
If you made below 90 on the Composer Quiz and would like to retake the test, you need to come in before school one day this week. If you have a transportation problem that won't allow you to be here before school, please let me know and I'll give you the opportunity to take the test in class. Below is the study guide.
