MS/HS Orchestras October Newsletter

Hey everyone!

A couple of noteworthy items:

Concert Date: Moved to January 25, 2023

We are combining the high school and middle school orchestra concerts this year. The reason behind this is that we have quite a few middle school students who are motivated to learn the high school music, and I think it could be good for the students to be able to see the trajectory of the program and what they're working toward. The middle school performing arts groups started a month later than anticipated this year and so we are going to move our concert to Wednesday, January 25, 2023. This is atypical, as we usually have a December concert, but I think will help everyone to feel more confident about their music.

Materials Needed for Each Class

Instrument
Binder (I have extras if needed)
Essential Elements Book (6th grade)

Concert Dress

For our performances, we ask students to dress "professionally" with black dress clothes on the bottom and a white dress top, or in all black (black dress pants/skirt/dress and black top). Black shoes are also preferred if possible.

FREE Workshops at Powers Music School (Belmont)

Workshop week at Powers Music School is coming up from October 25 - October 29. Workshops are free to all who wish to join. There are string-specific workshops as well as workshops for piano, drumming, and general music. Click here to check out what's being offered!

Conferences

WMS Orchestra

10/27 Virtual 1:00 - 3:00 pm
11/1 In Person 1:00 - 3:00 pm
11/1 Virtual 6:00 - 8:00 pm

WHS Orchestra

12/1 In Person 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Please note on Sign Up Genius if you'd prefer a virtual slot on 12/1; I can do both that evening, but will not be at conferences on 12/6.

Sign Up Genius for Conferences

Local Symphony Performances

Being near the city we have lots of amazing orchestras performing all of the time! These groups are made up of community members, all musicians, but not all musicians in a professional setting. For instance, the Longwood Symphony is comprised of many talented musicians who now work in healthcare and research fields. It's always amazing to see the Boston Symphony, but our local groups showcase how we can continue being musicians as a hobby throughout our lives, while still working in our chosen fields.

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Concert Dates

This year, we will be having 6th -12th grade Orchestra Concerts. These concerts will be hosted at the high school.

Our concert dates are as follows:

Winter Concert: Wednesday, January 25th, 2023 @ 7:00PM (arrive 5:50 for 6:00 sound check on stage)
High School only - New York City (Optional): Friday, March 31, 2023 - Sunday, April 2nd, 2023
String Spectacular: Thursday, April 6th, 2023 @ 7:00 PM (dress rehearsal after school 3:00 - 5:30, pizza dinner to follow before concert)
Music In The Parks: Friday, May 19th, 2023 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM - Students in 7/8th Grade and Festival Orchestra will have the option to opt into our spring Music in the Parks Festival at Six Flags.
Spring Concert: Tuesday, May 23, 2023 @ 7:00PM (arrive 5:50 for 6:00 sound check on stage)
High School/interested middle school students - Graduation: Friday, June 2nd, 2023 (time TBD)

All City and Festival Orchestras: Every Tuesday!

Festival Orchestra (6 - 8th grade): Festival Orchestra club will meet right after school on Tuesdays, from 3:05 - 4:15 or so. Open to all string students at WMS who are in at least their fourth year of playing, this group will perform for assemblies, field trips, Six Flags, etc. 7th and 8th-grade students who are not in this group but want to attend the Six Flags trip (likely May 19, 2023) will be given the opportunity to learn the music. This group will start up as a club activity at WMS. Ask Ms. Byham if you're unsure about whether or not this group fits for you!

All-City Orchestra (First, Second, and Third Year Players): We will also continue to have All-City Orchestra, which will primarily be first and second-year players, as well as 6 - 12th-grade mentors. WMS and WHS students interested in earning community service hours can join us on Tuesdays from 4:30 - 5:30 to mentor the younger players, offer sectionals, etc. ACO will begin meeting at the same time as clubs at WMS (likely in October).

MMEA District Festivals

Students in 7th - 9th grade can audition for the MA Music Ed Association's Junior District Festival. I highly recommend that students interested in auditioning for this group look into private lessons, as the audition is quite competitive in this area. That said, this is a really cool ensemble to try out for, is a low, one-time commitment, and is a minimal fee (I think $30-40 total for audition and participation). Auditions and festival both happen in the greater Boston area.

Students in 9th - 12th grade can audition for the MA Music Ed Association's Senior District Festival (9th graders can audition for either group).