Orchestra Parents and Students:
I can’t believe it is already October, and we are a week out from our first concert of the year on October 17th at 7:00. More information about that below.
The last month we have done some great things in orchestra. There have been several opportunities to get to know classmates both in and out of class including a fantastic picnic, decorating for homecoming, and we are also looking forward to a great trip to the CSO on October 19th with the band.
I would also like to thank Dr. Chetel for joining us from Augustana College to work with Symphony Orchestra on the Respighi Ancient Aires and Dances Suite III.
On the night of the concert Culvers will be hosting a LZHS Orchestra Night. I encourage
all of you to grab your pre-concert dinner, or post-concert custard from Culvers on the 17th. 15% of the sale will go directly back to support LZHS Orchestras and HOPE. You can present or mention this flyer: https://drive.google.com/file/d/13IwMz-_uXc55tbKjHPGC4D_vMAmYnuUh/view?usp=sharing
News:
Concert Information: The concert will start promptly at 7:00-
Performance order:
Concert Orchestra
Bear Strings
Symphony Orchestra
Concert Orchestra:
Call time is 5:00 for rehearsal. Please come dressed and we will also take a picture for the yearbook at that time. Call times are the time that the rehearsal will start. Students not in their seats and ready to perform will be marked down on the summative concert attendance grade.
Symphony Orchestra:
Call time is 6:15. Please be dressed by 6:15 so that we can take the yearbook picture.
Dress:
Please follow dress code as outlined in the handbook. Boys must show up in black pants, tux shirt, black shoes, and socks. We will distribute tux jackets and bow ties before the concert
Girls wear solid black: Girls have the freedom to choose their apparel as long as sleeves extend below the elbow and skirts or slacks to the ankle, and the midriff must not show while standing or sitting. This may be a long-sleeve all black dress or black blouse or sweater and ankle-length skirt. Full black slacks are also appropriate, and encouraged for cello players. Girls must also wear black closed-toe dress shoes (not more than 2” heel) and black stockings or hose.
Sinfonietta Auditions: Auditions for the after school orchestra here at LZHS called Sinfonietta will be the week of October 16th. The rehearsals will be every Tuesday from 3:15-4:30. Students should audition on an excerpt from a prepared piece and the ILMEA scale sheet (I will pick one major and one minor scale). Students will be performing advanced music composed for small chamber orchestras. This year students will perform at Symphony Center in December with the Choir, and at the NIU string day in February. Any student interested in auditioning should sign up for a time here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ZHwpohIblDCjfvcb9Qe23r4SzupjEird5GNKAVCThKM/edit?usp=sharing (Links to an external site.)
You must have the following contract signed at the time of your audition along with reviewing the calendar:
Contract:
Calendar:
Rehearsals will begin Tuesday, October 23
News from HOPE:
Please become a member of HOPE. In order to get your name in the program you must register by 10/12. You can register here: https://squareup.com/store/hope-orchestra-boosters
We need your help:
The mission of the Orchestra Boosters is to give LZHS orchestra students opportunities for enhancing their musical experience. We sponsor fundraisers throughout the year and work directly with Mr. Sackschewsky to collect resources for underwriting professionally coached sectionals and visits by guest clinicians. Last year over $5000 was raised and spent on orchestra students. Booster members assist the orchestra program in funding GUEST CLINICIANS, INSTRUMENT SECTIONALS, FIELD TRIPS TO CSO, JUDGES FOR CONCERTO COMPETITION, SOCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR ORCHESTRA STUDENTS and MORE.
The Board is looking for new parents to serve in leadership roles (Secretary, Fundraising, co-Treasurer, co-President) for the school year. Without a new officers, we fear we will not continue beyond the current school year. Please consider working alongside current officers so we can continue our mission. If you are interested, please contact Marie.Gilbert@comcast.net.
Concert Refreshments:
This year we are going to try something a little different for the reception after the concert. We are going to divide treats up by section instead of grades. For this concert:
All Violins and Basses: will bring a treat/snack for after the concert
All Violas and Celli: Will bring individual water bottles or pre-packaged juice
HOPE Fundraiser: We are currently in the middle of a Yankee Candle Sale. You can sell all products online, and the credit you receive can be used toward trips, concerts, or any other orchestra related expense. You can download the login information here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WT4KUx4_WzUU2gPh9TcmMK66jVdxLRX_/view?usp=sharing
Thank you for supporting our Patron Booster Program.
HOPE board.
Thank you as always for your support of the orchestra program. Please feel free to let me know if you have any questions. I look forward to seeing everybody at the concert on the 17th.
Nathan Sackschewsky
LZHS Orchestra Director