Class Updates

Hello Parents,

Here are just a few updates about what we are doing in Orchestra and some reminders for each grade level.

8th Grade: All students are now playing two octave scales during their warm ups. The pieces we are currently working on are "Night Shift" by Richard Meyer and "Themes from Edward Scissorhands" by Danny Elfman. Students should be practicing both pieces. Reminder: Forms and the deposit for the Disney field trip are due on Friday, September 13. 

7th Grade: Students are playing out of their Essential Elements books up to page 15, working on high 3rd fingers (violin and viola), extensions (cello), and half position (bass). We are also learning the theme from "Jurassic Park" by John Williams. Students should be practicing their piece and the exercises in the book. The students had their first playing test for the year this week and they did very well overall!

6th Grade: 6th Grade is off to a great start! Here are the following things students should be practicing at home:

1. Left hand shape and position, pizzicato (plucking)
2. Right hand shape and position (bow grips)
3. Shoulder position (violins and violas)
4. Proper bow movement

6th Grade students have learned the D Major Scale. Violins and violas have learned shoulder position and all students will be playing open strings with the bow by the end of this week. Left hand shape, posture, and position are all explained with picture diagrams in the beginning of their books on page Students should also be practicing correct bow grips, which is explained in page 11 of their book. Correct posture, position, and bow grips are being emphasized and should be reinforced when they practice.

The year is off to a great start and we are excited to see how the students continue to musically develop throughout the school year! If you have any questions, please contact us at durhamorchestra@gmail.com.

Mr. Schroter and Ms. Parker

Parents, please fill out this parent information form so that we can keep our records updated.

If you have more than one child in the orchestra, please complete the form for each child.  

Thank you so much!!!

Also, we handed out a sheet that includes our materials list and our most important calendar dates.

Your child should give that sheet to you.

Welcome to Durham Orchestra!!!

Welcome to the 2013-2014 school year!  This is going to be an AWESOME year.  We are expecting some great classes, activities, field trips, and performances.  We also have a new assistant director, Jennifer Parker, who is looking forward to meeting the Durham Orchestra community.

Best wishes for a wonderful year!
~Mr. Schroter and Ms. Parker

Spring Concert Information

7th & 8th Grade Spring Concert
Date: Tuesday, May 7th
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Durham Theater
Uniform: Formal Gowns and Tuxedos
Arrival: Students arrive between 7:00 and 7:15 in order to tune and be seated

6th Grade, Fiddlers, Viola choir, Cello choir Spring Concert
Date: Thursday, May 9th
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Durham Theater
Uniform: Orchestra Polo, black pants, black dress shoes
Arrival: Students arrive between 6:00 and 6:15 in order to tune and be seated

6th Grade Jamboree

LGPE is on 3/6 for 7th Grade.  
LGPE is on 3/7 for 8th Grade.

2013 LGPE Itinerary for the day of your evaluation

Homeroom:     Bring instrument and Formal Uniform to school. (Remember to label)

4:00     Report to Orchestra Room, change in PE locker room, eat a snack.

4:30     Warm-up Room

5:00     Performance Evaluation

5:30     Sight Reading Evaluation

6:00     Watch 2 orchestras

7:00     Go home with parents           

Volunteers and Donations Needed

It's the time of year that every director just LOVES.... evaluations!

We will be hosting LGPE next week on 3/6 & 3/7.

If you are able to volunteer time, please click here

If you are able to donate items, please click here

 In addition to Durham, orchestra groups from Lost Mountain, Lovinggood, Palmer, Pine Mountain, Awtrey, Barber, and McClure will be evaluated in our school.

Our beta students and parent volunteers did an outstanding job last year, and we were complimented by the judges as well as county officials.  I know we can do a great job this year too!  Something like this takes community effort, and Durham sure knows how to pitch in!
Thanks everyone :)