Orchestra Information

We have a large population of orchestra students in our class, so I thought it would be helpful if I posted the most recent orchestra newsletter.

Orchestra Newsletter #3

April 10, 2012

Mrs. Blaho/Orchestra

Dear Parents of Orchestra students:

The school year is going by very quickly!  I am very proud of how well the Orchestra students are doing!

There is much to report on! 

1.    The week before spring break, the Elgin Symphony Quartet performed for the students at each   

        Elementary school. 

2.     We have started an Orchestra Practice Challenge using the practice record in the beginning of

        the book.  Students have received information on how to earn achievement prizes for their practice.

3.     The upcoming concert dates are listed for your elementary school in this newsletter..

4.         You should also receive information about a Summer Orchestra Camp offered this summer along with this newsletter. 

In addition to the Summer Orchestra Camp, please remember that Orchestra will continue in the 5^th grade! (and yes, into the Middle School the following year, and so on)  I will be teaching 5^th grade and 4^th grade Orchestra next year.  Students that have played in Orchestra this year can continue in the 5^th grade, where they will be in the Intermediate Orchestra.  The 4^th graders that start Orchestra next year (current 3^rd graders) will be the Beginning Orchestra.

I would also like to remind you that students cannot be in both the Band and the Orchestra. (This is a district policy) You will need to decide if you want your student to continue in Orchestra as an Intermediate, or join Beginning Band in the 5^th grade. 

Also, if you are renting from Breber I would like to remind you that the rental you are paying will turn into equity toward a full size instrument with Breber, when your student is ready for that full size.  Therefore, if you are planning on continuing next year, I hope you will strongly consider continuing to rent the instrument over the summer and think about being in the Summer Orchestra Camp.  If you plan on purchasing an instrument at some point, please consider that your student is growing through different sizes and NO ONE is physically ready to play a full size instrument at this point.  PLEASE contact me before making any purchases.  There are some really poor quality instruments on EBAY and other online sites, so refrain from any purchases until you speak to me.  Also, do not make any purchases unless you can make a return if you are not satisfied with the quality.  Thank you!!

Upcoming Concert Date

(only responsible for the date listed by your school!)

Prairiewood, Westwood, Olson:  combined concert on Thursday, May 10 at 6 pm at Olson Elementary.  Students should arrive at Olson at 5:15 for a short rehearsal at 5:30.

Dean, Greenwood, Mary Endres:  combined concert on Tuesday, May 15 at 6 pm at Mary Endres Elementary.  Students should arrive at Mary Endres at 5:15 for a short rehearsal at 5:30.

You will receive a more detailed reminder later in April.  If you have any questions, it is best to email at rblaho@d200.mchenry.k12.il.us or leave a phone message at your elementary school.  Thank you!

Mrs. Blaho/Orchestra