Monday, June 1, 2020

Disney Refund Update

Dear 8th Grade Parents,

We have been notified that the travel agency has sent out the refund check to Durham. When we receive the check, it will take a couple of days to process, then we can begin processing refund checks to you. Our school bookkeeper, Robyn Cathey, and Dr. Bristow will have to process, print, and sign over 160 refund checks, so this may take another week or two for everything to be ready. You will be refunded the amount that you paid us. 

Once the refund process has begun, we will notify everyone of a date in which you can pick up the check from Durham. If you are not able to pick up the checks on that designated pickup date, we will mail out your refund check the next day. Again, we will notify everyone once that date has been determined.

We greatly appreciate your patience throughout this process and will give more information as soon as we can. 

Sincerely,

The Durham Music Department
Jennifer Aikey, Orchestra
Susan Campbell, Chorus
Bobby Crosby, Orchestra
Matt Segars, Band
Selena Sanchez, Band

Sunday, May 17, 2020

Learning Opportunities - May 18-20

Hello Students,

To continue your learning the last 3 days of school:

1. Learning new techniques or reinforcing already learned techniques through Violin Masterclass: http://violinmasterclass.com/en/masterclasses

Click on one of the video links and learn a new technique or keep working on a technique you've learned this year. Practice it with your instrument.

2. Compare and Contrast: Video 1 Link versus Video 2 Link

Going purely based off of sound, which performance is better? Why?

(Also based on the first video, it is not true that playing something slowly means you will play it quickly...practicing slowly is a great way to practice but nothing guarantees success except CORRECT slow practice. :) )

3. Go to noteflight.com and write out a 8 measure/bar melody and send me a screenshot of what you write!

It was SO wonderful to see many of you last week! We miss you all and hope you have a good summer.

Sunday, May 10, 2020

May 11 - 15

Hello Students,

This week, your main assignment is to participate in the Durham Virtual Olympics. The Durham Olympics are what we would be doing this week in Connections if we were in normal circumstances!

If you would like an extra practice challenge as a part of your Olympics journey (Vi-Olympics, if you will), feel free to do this assignment daily: Practice Challenge

I will be in the Orchestra room with cleaning materials should you need them, along with the locker list if you forgot your locker combo. I just emailed out the Advanced Orchestra results if you are wondering about those.

Have a wonderful week!

Mrs. Aikey

Sunday, May 3, 2020

May 4 - 7

Hello Durham Orchestra Students,

In celebration of Star Wars Day (May 4th), your assignment for Monday is Star Wars themed! (Don't worry, you can still complete the assignment without a problem if you know nothing about Star Wars.)

For Tuesday - Thursday, we would like you to practice every day. At the end of the week, try to find a piece of music online of a melody, song, or piece you want to try to play and let us know what it was! Only fill out the assignment ONCE on Thursday!

Monday's AssignmentStar Wars Assignment - Monday

Tuesday - Thursday Assignment: Practice daily, then click on the link and fill out the form Thursday! Assignment Due Thursday, May 7

Alternate Assignment for Tuesday - Thursday: Go to musicracer.com and do a different game each day. One day, do Note Names, one day do Music Terms, and one day do Fingerings. At the end of the week. email us and tell us how far you went in each category.

We are taking a week off from Zoom this week.

Have a great week! :)

Sunday, April 26, 2020

April 27-30

Dear Students,

This week, we are changing it up a little bit and giving you all an assignment that will hopefully allow share some of your favorite music with us while also learning tempo vocabulary! Tempo, by definition, means the speed of the beat/pulse used in a piece of music. There are a myriad of tempi used in music. The video link examples in the form link below will help you complete the assignment.

Assignment: Give examples of songs or piece of music (Popular or Classical style) that fits into each tempo category. *No explicit song lyrics, please. Share your songs/pieces in the answer spaces in the form and have this completed by Thursday, April 30. We suggest keeping links in a Microsoft Word/Notes document so you can pace your work and find two per day and only submit the form ONCE. (Thank you, Mr. Crosby, for creating the awesome video content!!)

Tempo Form -Complete April 30

As always, you can also practice your instrument or practice note reading on musicracer.com if you would like additional practice! :)


We will also do the Zoom lessons I emailed your parents about at the end of last week.

6th Grade - Tuesday at 2pm
Please have your instrument, Sound Innovations book, and binder (Jamboree Music)
We will introduce dotted quarter notes in the book

7th Grade - Wednesday at 2pm
Please have your instrument, Essential Elements book, and binder (Jamboree Music, Storm, etc)
We will introduce/review shifting

8th Grade - Thursday at 2pm
Please have your instrument and binder (Night Shift, Jamboree and other older music)
We will introduce 5th position and review vibrato

I will be introducing a new concept with each grade level and will play through some "throwback" pieces for fun! I will also give some time at the end with either a topic of conversation or a game (music related) so that they can be social and end on a fun note. I will email out the Zoom links tomorrow. 

We hope to see you all soon!

Sunday, April 19, 2020

This week - April 20-24

Hello Students!

This week, please complete 4-5 Bingo exercises (one per day) from this link/sheet, due Thursday (or Friday):
Bingo - April 20-24

When you complete the bingo at the end of the week, log in to your Office365, please complete this form. You do NOT need to email us videos of any of the bingo exercises, just complete this form at the end.

Bingo Completion Form


IF YOU DO NOT HAVE AN INSTRUMENT:
Complete the 4-5 of the following activities (one per day) this week and go on the Bingo Completion Form above at the end of the week to tell us what you conpleted:
1. Watch this video: https://youtu.be/ZN41d7Txcq0
2. Make a meme to encourage friends who are not in Orchestra to join. Email us your meme!
3. Visit incredibox.com and create a beat! Send me a recording or a pic of you making a cool beat.
4. https://www.musictheory.net/exercises/note Complete 100 exercises.https://www.music racer.com/ Complete 10 rounds.
5. https://vicfirth.zildjian.com/education/webrhythmslesson-1.htmlVisit the link above and practice rhythm Lesson 1 along with the audio playalong track. Let us know which level you master.
6.Pick a lesson from musictheory.net/lessons to learn about. Tell us in the form what you learned!


If you are auditioning for Advanced Orchestra, that audition is due by the end of this week. Be sure to submit your video(s) on Cut Time.

We will do Zoom sessions this week as well.

6th Grade- Tuesday at 2pm

7th Grade - Wednesday at 2pm

8th Grade - Thursday at 2pm

I will email those links out on the day of the Zoom. Thank you all and have a great week! Let us know if you need any help with the auditions or bingo assignments.



Mrs. Aikey

Thursday, April 16, 2020

Play Along/Practice Videos for Advanced Orchestra Auditions

Dear Students,

I have created videos with practice tempos and performance tempos for each excerpt for each instrument.

Click on the link below for your grade level, then click on the video with your instrument. Happy Practicing! :)

Rising 7th (Current 6th) Practice Videos

Rising 8th (Current 7th Grade) Practice Videos

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Thursday, April 16

Your final assignment for the week is to practice for at least 10-15 minutes. During your practice time, upload a silly practice picture to the form below. Make it different from the last one. We figured out a way to upload it on forms! You will need to log in to your school Office365 account once you click on the link.

Upload Silly Photo


If you do not have an instrument, go to musicracer.com and fill out the form telling us the highest level you accomplished in 10 minutes.

Alternate Assignment .- April 16

Wednesday - April 15

Thank you all for your patience!

Today's assignment is for you to write out the note name, finger number, and what string each note is on for the first 2 pages for your instrument. You do not have to complete pages 3-4 unless you would like to do it as a bonus. You can use the draw function on an iPad, phone, or computer to electronically write in the answers, or, you can print it and rescan. You can either upload it to the OneNote Class Notebook for your class or email it to durhamorchestra@gmail.com. There are also additional music reading resources in the folder titled "Reading Music" that can help you.

Note Reading Assignment - April 15

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

Advanced Audition Scales

Current 6th Grade Orchestra Students,


Please take a look at this if you plan to audition for 7th Grade Advanced Orchestra. This details the practice help for the C Major Scale and Arpeggio. 

Violin: 34593Viola: 34594Cello: 34595
Bass: 34596 

After they type in the product number, they should click ok, then click on "Level 3: Sound Musicianship." They can then click on the practice track for #127, which is the C Major Scale in their book. The exercise for the C Major arpeggio follows that. They can use the video function to review their F and C natural (low 2) on the D and A strings should they need to do so.  

Should any student need individual assistance with learning shifting or their C Major scale, please email me and let me know.
You can go to https://sionline.alfred.com/activate and type in the product number of the book. i have provided the product numbers below:


Current 7th Grade Orchestra Students,


Please take a look at this if you plan to audition for 8th Grade Advanced Orchestra. This details the notes and fingerings for the 2 Octave G Major Scale and Arpeggio.

Sheet music link (skip the thirds, only look at scale and arpeggio): https://shop.theviolincase.com/template/printable/violin/2octGMajor.pdf
Be sure to play LOW 2 on A and E strings, no shifting required. 

You must play low 2 on the A string when you get there, and then shift (put your first finger on the note high D) and play 1 H2 3 4 in 3rd position (more details in the video link)

*note that he does several shifting exercises at the beginning of this before going into the scale. I suggest doing them though he plays more of a D major scale exercise before going into G*

sheet music link (2nd scale on the page) : http://www.gollihurmusic.com/eclectic/scalesbass.pdf

Should any student need individual assistance with learning shifting or their 2 Octave G major scale, please email me and let me know.


Jennifer Aikey

Monday, April 13, 2020

Tuesday - April 14

Hello Students,

Your assignment for Tuesday,  March 14th is to go to the Violin Masterclass website, view one of the videos, and fill out the short video reflection form on what you learned. If you look on the right hand side of the webpage, you can navigate through different topics and techniques that apply to ALL the string instruments, not just violin (especially in the right hand and left hand categories - there are SO many things you can choose from!). 

If you are in 6th Grade, you have the option to attend today's Zoom lesson at 2 (6th Period) or 2:30pm (7th Period) instead of this assignment.

Have a wonderful Tuesday! :)

Mrs. Aikey

Sunday, April 12, 2020

Welcome Back! April 13, 2020

Hello Everyone! We hope you all had a good Spring Break. I know it wasn't the break we all imagined, but for me, it was great spending time with my family.

If you are a rising 7th or rising 8th Grader, please make sure you fill out the form for your grade level below so we know what Orchestra you would like to be in next year! More info is in the email I sent out last week. I also sent a VERY important email with the audition music, so please let me know if you did not get that. 

Rising 8th Enrollment Form

Rising 7th Enrollment Form

Your assignment for Monday, April 13 is to practice your instrument and complete the practice reflection. April 13 Practice Reflection

The blog post below this one has the direct link to the tuning video if you need to reference it.

If you do not have an instrument, please do 50 exercises on musictheory.net/exercises/note

Mr. Crosby and I are going to hold short Orchestra classes (15-20 mins) on Zoom! We would love to see you all and have you work on some of your instrument skills with us. Here is what the class schedule will look like:

Tuesday, April 14
2pm - 6th Period
2:30pm- 7th Period

Wednesday. April 15
2pm - 4th Period
2:30pm - 5th Period

Thursday, April 16
2pm - 1st Period
2:30pm - 2nd Period


Please join in if you can! I miss you all and can't wait to "see" you. :) I will email out the links and passwords at least an hour before the Zoom class starts.

I will be updating playing test grades from Cut Time to Synergy this week and will also upload grades from other assignments for those of you who have submitted work. 

Thank you,

Mrs. Aikey



Saturday, April 4, 2020

Tonal Energy and Tuning video

Here is a link directly to the Tonal Energy and Tuning video that was on the OneNote! :)

Sunday, March 29, 2020

Assignment for the week of March 30-April 3

Hello everyone!

The assignment for ALL Grade Levels this week is Orchestra Bingo! Complete 5 activities (or more if you want!) throughout this week to make BINGO! The "N" line going straight down was designed for students who do not have instruments. 

Please follow directions in the assignment sheet here: Orchestra Bingo

You should have a received an email from us for ZOOM Chat sign ups this week for anyone who would like to participate. Here are the links for those: 



Cut Time is now back up and running, so I should finish those last few playing tests & feedback today! YAY! :) Mr. Crosby and I have enjoyed "seeing" you all in the tests and the photos from last week!  We will upload more teaching videos, so stay tuned for that. Please reach out if you need any additional support.

Thursday, March 26, 2020

3/27 FUN Friday Assignment :)

We've made it through Week 2 of Digital Learning! Thank you all for doing such a great job on your assignments!

Today, our Fun Friday assignment is to watch the video below and practice using the skills you reviewed. Those of you without an instrument, find more videos of the artist you researched last week that plays your instrument and listen to a couple more of them!

Have a great weekend!

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

3/26 Thursday Assignment

Students with instruments should practice for 15 minutes and complete the practice reflection form. Practice Reflection - March 26

ALTERNATE ASSIGNMENT - If you do not have an instrument or prefer to do this assignment instead, please use the link in the form to watch the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Live Stream and complete the form after watching. The Live Stream comes on at noon. ASO Live Stream and Form


Keep the pictures coming!

We are loving the photos!

Here are some fun practice pictures of our own. Of course, my daughter Claire had to be a princess as she works on Twinkle. Happy Practicing!




Stock orchestra position for strings...and drumset!



Tuesday, March 24, 2020

3/25 Wednesday Assignment

Hello Students,

You should practice your instrument for at least 15 minutes. Instead of doing a reflection, I would like you to submit a picture of yourself practicing, and make the picture fun/funny! Play to your stuffed animals, get a family member to do something silly in the background,  wear a crazy outfit, etc...just make it FUN! :)

You were all added to an Orchestra Class Notebook yesterday. I will put links to your class notebook below. You need to use your Office365 account to log in (typically firstname.lastname and computer password). Submit the picture to your Class Notebook (click on your name, then put the picture in Assignments or Homework, depending on what your tabs say). If the Class Notebook doesn't work. email the photo to durhamorchestra@gmail.com.

ALTERNATE ASSIGNMENT: If you do not have your instrument, go to https://tonesavvy.com/music-practice-exercises/ and click on paced note names for your clef and do the exercise. Submit a picture to the Class Notebook link below under Assignments or Homework, or email it to durhamorchestra@gmail.com

Class Notebook Links
1st Period - 1st Period Orchestra Class Notebook

2nd Period - 2nd Period Orchestra Class Notebook

4th Period - 4th Period Orchestra Class Notebook

5th Period - 5th Period Orchestra Class Notebook

6th Period - 6th Period Orchestra Class Notebook

7th Period - 7th Period Orchestra Class Notebook

Monday, March 23, 2020

3/24 Tuesday Assignment

Tuesday's Assignment: (3/24)

Kahoot Elements of Music PreTest 


This is a PreTest on Elements of Music.

  1. Click the link to go to the pretest. 
  2. At Join The Game: Under nickname, type the number of the block you are in 
then your First Name Last Name (example 8 Bobby Crosby) (example 6 Jennifer Aikey) 
  1. Click Ok Go 
  2. Play the game. 
  3. When finished just X out. 

  4. This Pre-Test counts as a completion grade. We want to see where you are in your knowledge of these terms so we can create video teaching content based on what you need to learn! Don't cheat and do your best!

Sunday, March 22, 2020

3/23 Monday Assignment

Hello everyone! All of you should have been sent a link through email on to watch a BrainPop video on how string instruments are made and complete the quiz that goes along with it! It’s a fun little video that will hopefully give you more perspective on exactly how your instrument works.  You may need to access the Cobb Digital Library first.  When accessing the Cobb Digital Library on a device through the MackinVIA app, or at home using https://cobb.mackinvia.com, use your Office 365 login (typically firstname.lastname and computer password). CCSD staff should use email address and computer password.
Attached are the assignment links in case you didn't receive the email.  





Wednesday, March 18, 2020

Spring Trip Canceled

Dear Durham Families,

As you know, the school district has canceled all field trips. Understandably, we have been getting a lot of questions regarding refunds. At this point, we are unable to guarantee anything because the payments were all made to travel companies and they have already paid the vendors.

We have reached out to our travel company and they are doing everything they can to secure refunds from the vendors. This process could take some time (6-8 weeks), and the travel company says that they cannot guarantee anything at this point.

We are sorry for the inconvenience but hope that you will bear with us as we are all dealing with these extraordinary events.

Sincerely,

Andy Bristow, PhD
Principal
Durham Middle School

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

Assignments for the rest of the week are posted!

Hello Orchestra Students and Families,

The assignments for the rest of the week are posted on the OneNote. Here is the link to the OneNote again: Durham Orchestra 2020

Happy Playing! Again, if you need help with anything, whether it's CutTime, tuning, etc, please let me know. i am happy to video chat or electronically troubleshoot anything you need! Mr. Crosby and I look forward to "seeing" you play Friday!

-Mrs. Aikey

Monday, March 16, 2020

Tuesday, March 17 Assignment

Please complete the following music listening quiz. The piece you will listen to is in the quiz description. You can also practice today as well if you'd like. :) Here is the link to the assignment:

March 17 Music Listening Quiz

Monday, March 16 Assignment - Reposted Here

Since there are issues with office365, I have reposted the assignments here:

IF YOU DO NOT HAVE AN INSTRUMENT, please look at the alternate assignment below. If you do have your instrument, please read below. **There is not an assignment due on CutTime yet. i will et you know when that changes.**

8th Graders, your assignment for Monday, March 16 is to for all of you to download the music in the sheet music link tab and follow the directions below. You should see Harry Potter and Havana.

7th graders, your assignment for Monday, March 16 is to for all of you to download the music in the sheet music link tab and follow the directions below. You should see Rock Riffs and Beauty and the Beast.

6th Graders, your assignment for Monday, March 16 is to for all of you to practice your Jamboree music if you have an instrument and follow the directions below.

DIRECTIONS:

If you do have your instrument, your assignment is to practice the parts listed above on your instrument and complete the practice reflection.  
LINK: Practice Reflection - March 16 
You should practice/sight-read for at least 15 minutes.  

ALTERNATE ASSIGNMENT: 
If you do not have an instrument with you, please complete the alternate assignment. 
LINK: Alternate Assignment - March 16 

Disney Refund Update

Dear 8th Grade Parents, We have been notified that the travel agency has sent out the refund check to Durham. When we receive the che...