Hello Everyone,
We have quite a few important Orchestra updates!!
Playing Tests: First of all, our 7th and 8th Graders are completing their playing tests on their Winter Concert music! What I've heard so far is sounding great and you can expect those grades to be posted some time this weekend. I am working on getting a system called Charms started up. Once it's ready, your child will actually be able to record their own playing tests via their phone/tablet from home or on the computer at school. I will let you know when we get started on that!
Concerts: Orchestra Winter Concerts will be here soon! Our 6th Grade, Fiddlers, and Cello Choir Concert is on Monday, December 14th. Our 7th and 8th Grade concert is on Tuesday, December 15th. Please make sure your students are squared away on their formal wear. (7th and 8th graders wear their formal uniforms, 6th Graders wear the Durham Music Department polo (or just a plain white polo shirt if they do not have a DMS polo) with black
dress pants or floor length black dress skirt. All students are expected to wear black/dark socks and black/dark dress shoes as well. Please let me know if you need help with this.
Fundraiser: We are also still working on our fundraiser! We have only met about 15% of our fundraising goal of $8,000...so please donate and encourage others to donate if you can! This will help to bring in sectional coaches so your students can have maximized individual instruction! :) We recently had Atlanta Symphony member So-Chun Su work with our 7th graders this week! I hope to have more special guests and opportunities like this for all grade levels in the future. The Music Department is working on getting 8th Grade Fundraiser for the Disney trip started...more details to come!
6th Grade Field Trip to the ASO: The 6th Grade Music Department will be attending an Atlanta Symphony Orchestra concert on February 10, 2016. The fee for this trip is $26 and includes a Chick-Fil-A Lunch, ticket to the show, buses, etc. We need at least 6 Orchestra chaperones...first come, first serve! I need the forms back by December 15 so we can make a ticket order.
Honor Orchestra Auditions: Any 8th, 7th, or 6th grade student with more than one year of playing experience is eligible to audition for District 12 (Cobb Co.) Middle School Honor Orchestra! I am handing out the information today in class. I need to know who is auditioning and need the $18 registration fee by Wednesday, December 16th. The auditions are on January 21, 2016 at Mabry Middle after school, and the Honor Orchestra event is Friday, February 26 and Saturday, February 27. Please encourage your experienced player to audition! :)
Phew, I think that's it! Let me know if you have any questions or concerns! Thank you everyone for your continued support of the DMS Orchestra program! Here's a holiday picture of 5-month-old Claire Aikey. :) See you all soon at our Winter Concerts!
-Mrs. Aikey
