Oakwood Orchestra News
February 2017-5th Grade Edition
From Ms. Read and Mr. Urban
February is here and we are preparing for our next performance! The orchestras will be performing as part of the "Walk Oakwood" event on Tuesday, February 28th (more details below!). At this point your students know how to play notes on all four of their strings and we are beginning to learn more advanced bowing techniques including slurs and accents. We are also exploring dynamics-how loudly and softly to play.
A group of 6th grade Oakwood orchestra students have entered an app design contest. They have already won the state title and are competing for the title of Fan Favorite on a nationwide level. Please support them by texting "STRINGS" to 22333 by 2/14.
We are working on learning two songs and a lot of new skills so we are asking students to complete at least 2 DPO (Daily Practice Objectives) each week.
What's Happening in Orchestra?
Solo Contest
Oakwood will host the annual 5th and 6th Grade Solo & Ensemble Contest on Tuesday, April 11th. 5th grade students can choose to participate by preparing a solo piece to perform for other string teachers from the B/CS area. This event is optional, but we encourage students to participate because it hones their skills as individual players and builds confidence. If your student has specified interest then we will select appropriate music for them to work on. Music will be distributed in the next few weeks.
Composition Projects
Your students have been hard at work composing their own songs. Their compositions incorporated many of the new skills and elements that we have learned so far. Students went to the computer lab and entered their music into a program called Finale NotePad (get it free here: https://www.finalemusic.com/products/finale-notepad/resources/). We will be going back to lab to make changes and then students will perform for their peers in class on March 2nd and 3rd. Ask your student to perform their piece for you!
This Month:
Feb. 7-10: Orchestra Directors at TMEA Conventions
- NO orchestra club on 2/8
Feb. 17: End of the 4th 6 Weeks
- All make up/missing work is due by 4 pm
Feb. 20: Student Holiday
Feb. 21: AMCHS/AMCMS Concert @ A&M Consol High School Auditorium @ 7 pm (optional)
- Students receive 5 bonus points on a test grade for attending concerts. They need to turn in a program to receive credit for attending.
Feb. 25: Orchestra Club performance @ Empty Bowls Jr Fundraiser (optional)
- 11:20-11:35 am @ Prosperity Bank (3333 University Dr, Bryan)
Feb. 26: TAMU Orchestras Concert @ A&M @ 4:30 pm (optional)
- Students receive 5 bonus points on a test grade for attending concerts. They need to turn in a program to receive credit for attending.
- Complete this form if you would like to receive free tickets: https://goo.gl/forms/8omittcuigPOo9ht1
Feb. 28: Orchestra Performances @ Walk Oakwood Night
- Performance Time: 5:30 pm @ Oakwood Gym (Parents are invited to attend!)
- Uniform: Polos, jeans or black pants, and closed toed shoes
- Students will stay at school, eat a snack, listen to the 6th grade performance, then rehearse before their performance
- Volunteers are need to help supervise students and provide snacks (sign into Charms and click "Volunteer" to sign up)
Mar. 2 & 3: Composition Performances in Class
Other Important Dates:
May 4: Spring Concert @ A&M Consolidated High School
Orchestra Club
Our first performance is at the Empty Bowls Jr Fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 25th. Here are the details:
- Location: Prosperity Bank @ 3333 University Dr, Bryan
- Arrival Time: 10:45 am
- Performance Time: 11:20-11:35 am
- Uniform: Orchestra polo, jeans or black pants, and closed toed shoes (we are playing outside so students can wear a long sleeve shirt and/or jacket with their polo)
- Bring: Instrument, folding stand, and music
- Transportation: We are NOT providing transportation! Parents are encouraged to stay and hear the performance. All students need a ride home by 11:45 am.
Daily Practice Objectives
Students are now expected to submit 2 DPO's each week!
Students are expected to practice on a regular basis. Every time they practice they should complete the Google Form called Daily Practice Objectives. This is a weekly grade for your students. The form can be found:
- Here: https://goo.gl/forms/ff62ooaNFD7sASms1
- On the website (oakwoodorchestra.weebly.com)
- On Charms (charmsoffice.com)
Friendly Reminders
Instrument Sizing
Many of your students have grown! We will be checking their instrument size during the coming weeks. If your student needs a larger instrument we will give them a form with the new size. Please call your instrument rental shop to find out how they handle instrument exchanges.
Instruments that are too small can create technique problems which are hard for the students to correct later. If needed, please swap instruments as soon as possible.
Tuning Cellos & Basses
Please remember to have your student bring their home cello or bass to school for tuning at least every two weeks. Instruments will go out of tune with weather changes. We will begin learning to tune our instruments in the coming weeks but students will still need help and supervision into their 6th grade year.
Ms. Jillian Read
Email: jread@csisd.org
Website: oakwoodorchestra.weebly.com
Phone: 979-731-2671