Back to School 2012

It's time to think about coming back to school... I know, way too early this year! However, we have lots of fun activities and concerts planned for you. First of all, 6th graders who do not have instruments yet should contact Paige's Music as soon as possible. Please click on the link. They will help you find the right size and quality of instrument and sell you the appropriate starter pack to get you started properly. If you acquire your instrument elsewhere, you will need Essential Elements 2000 Book 1 for your chosen instrument. 7th and 8th graders should check if you have all of your accessories and replace what you need before school begins. All students should have rosin and a soft cloth. Violins and violas need a shoulder rest or sponge. Cellos and basses need a rock stop. An extra set of strings is optional for all instruments, but a good idea if one breaks. Finally, 7th graders need Essential Elements 2000 Book 2 and 8th graders need the Essential Techniques book for home practice. There are several books for sale at Northview from me if you don't have time to purchase them.

Now for the fun news: Shady Grove Alpacas welcomes a new member to the farm. Meet Cassidy, born on 7/15/12. Her mom is the brown alpaca named Bella Oak. She is doing really well, likes to roll in the dirt, and sprint around her pen. Here's to a great start to the school year next week! Happy Practicing!

Week of October 24, 2011

CONCERT WEEK!!!
ORCHESTRA CONCERT is on Tuesday, October 25, at 7:00PM
Students should arrive for tuning and warm-up at 6:30PM
6th graders report to Orchestra room; 7th & 8th graders report to Band room
Cello & Bass students: Please bring home instruments for tuning.
Concert Dress: White dress shirt or white polo shirt
Black or navy dress pants or skirts, Dark dress shoes
NO JEANS, T-SHIRTS, or SNEAKERS!

Turn in Practice Cards on Monday or Tuesday. No late cards accepted.

6th Grade Assignment
D Scale warm-up
Continue working in book from pgs 14-17

7th Grade Assignment
Purple Book pgs 10-15 review
New pieces will be passed out on Wednesday - start looking them over.

8th Grade Assignment
Green Book pgs 18-19
New pieces will be passed out on Wednesday - start looking them over.

Audience Opportunities! There are several wonderful concerts happening this week in Indianapolis. With Fall Break and free time in our future I hope you will look into some of these opportunities.

Monday, October 24 at 7:30 - Music at Shaarey Tefilla - see link on right

Tuesday, October 25 - NVMS ORCHESTRA!!!!

Wednesday, October 26 - Casals Quartet at the History Center - click on "Ensemble Music" link on the right

Friday, October 28 - Munich Symphony at the Palladium in Carmel - click on Palladium link on right

Friday and Saturday October 28 and 29 - Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra plays Tchaikovsky's 5th Symphony - click on link on the right

Saturday, October 29 - Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra plays at History Center - http://www.icomusic.org/

Week of September 26

PLEASE TURN IN YOUR PRACTICE CARD MONDAY OR TUESDAY! You should have the following items on your card for full credit:
* Four days (minimum) - minimum 15 minutes practicing daily
* Two hours (minimum) - 30 minutes/day on the four day plan
* Parent signature

FUND DRIVE
Our fund drive continues through this week and weekend. Parents, please sign the Permit to Sell form. Forms should be turned in no later than Tuesday, October 4. DONATIONS ARE WELCOME! Every $5 in cash or check = 1 item sold from the catalog. Thank you for your help and support.

6th Grade
BOOKS! Pg 4-5 Review
Quiz on bottom of pg 5 - Monday-Wednesday
New pages 6-7 this week
Review Twinkle and Boile em Cabbages with all variations
Review Hot Cross Buns, Monkey Song, D scale

7th Grade
Purple book - pgs 9-12
Quiz on pg 9 - Wednesday
Campfire - keep starting your practice slowly, then speeding it up
Wild and Sonata - keep tuning....
Composing!

8th Grade
Green book - pgs 5-6
Toccatina - tune tune tune and run-through
Jericho - energy in ff section
Stew - keep looking ahead to learn
Composing!

Finally, Dark Star hit 30 pounds this weekend! He is going to be a big boy. His fiber is also starting to come in and it looks like he will be a "true black" color once all his adult fiber grows in. He will look brown until that first fiber starts growing out. His fiber has lots of luster and is starting to get curly. What is luster when used to refer to an animals fiber? Write your answer on a piece of paper and turn it into the practice card box. Don't forget your name!


Happy Practicing ...and don't forget to turn in that practice card!!!

Week of Sept. 19, 2011

GET ANY TICKET FOR THE INDIANAPOLIS SYMPHONY FOR $28 - until Friday only at the website: www.indianapolissymphony.org

Video of the Week - Yay Cellos!
Click here.

6th Grade
Book Practice pg. 2-3
Twinkle & Boil em Cabbages (notes in post below)
Review Hot Cross Buns on all strings

In your words: How to Learn New Music
Clap the rhythm
Pluck the notes
Say the note names and finger numbers
Practice slowly then faster
Airbow

7th Grade
Purple Book pg 8-12
Speed up Campfire
Tune and polish bowings for Wild Western and Sonata

8th Grade
Green book pg 4-6
Toccatina - ending, watch Bflats!
Jericho - 44-end
Fiddlers Stew

Alpaca Pictures: No coat this weekend! It was toasty enough to have Dark Star show his beautiful dark brown color.


Peek-a-boo! Happy Practicing students!

Week of Sept. 12

6th grade:
You need your Essential Elements Book 1 for next week! Please purchase from JW Pepper or me. It costs $9.
Note names for songs:
Twinkle:
D D A A B B A -
G G F#F# E E D -
A A G G F#F# E-
A A G G F#F# E-
D D A A B B A -
G G F#F# E E D -

Boil them Cabbages
F#F#F#F# G - G -
F#F#F#F# E - E -
F#F#F#F# G G G G
F#F# E E D- D -
(Also play with double stops and "Down Kitty Up Kitty" rhythm)

7th grade:
Refine old pieces - TUNE! TUNE! TUNE!
Begin "Campfire"
*Pizzicato
*Play slowly at the balance point
*Practice spiccato on open strings
*Practice song up to tempo with spiccato at the balance point

8th grade:
Finish learning Toccatina - the key signature STILL has one flat on page 2!
Refine Jericho - TUNE! TUNE! TUNE!
New piece - Fiddler's Stew - learn notes and rhythms. How much can YOU figure out?

Alpaca picture of the week:
To make sure a cria is thriving, you have to weigh it every day. It should gain between .3-.7 pounds in a day. Dark Star has been alive for 8 days. He started at 20.3 pounds and now weighs 24.8 pounds. Is he doing OK? (Write your answer on a piece of paper and put it in the practice card box! Don't forget your name!)

Dark Star has to hang in the scale. Neither he nor his mom like that too much. Lots of humming during this time of night!

Here's mom getting some grass. Dark Star looks lost...

(Did mom sign my practice card this week?? I did practice humming a lot!!)

Don't forget to turn in practice cards on Monday! 6th Graders, we will get our practice card this coming week!

Short Week 9/6/11 - and a surprise!

Hope everyone's Labor Day was wonderful! 7th & 8th graders - please turn in practice cards Tuesday and Wednesday this week!

6th grade:
Click on your "Beginning Instrument" link on the right to get a list of posture tips and notes for beginning songs.
Bow exercises on OPEN STRINGS only.
Plucking songs that require fingers.
Assignments given on paper throughout week.

7th grade:
Click on "Metronome" on the right and then on "A440." You will hear an "A" that you can tune to. You can use the metronome to check if you are practicing your pieces with a steady beat.
TUNE!
C, G, and D Scales for warmup - also pgs. 2-6 in Purple book.
Fine tune Wild Western Frontier
Work out the middle and end of Sonata Vivant. 37-end.

8th grade:
Click on "Metronome" on the right and then on "A440." You will hear an "A" that you can tune to. You can use the metronome to check if you are practicing your pieces with a steady beat.
TUNE!
Green book pgs. 2-5 for shifting
Scales and exercises for Toccatina
Toccatina - tuning
Jericho - tuning

And... as many of you know, my husband and I have a small alpaca farm. Yesterday, we had our first birth on the farm - a little boy cria named Dark Star. Cria is the word for "baby alpaca." As promised, here is the picture. He has to wear the little coat to keep warm. Alpaca crias cannot regulate their body temperature for the first few days of life. More pictures next week... Stay tuned (Get it? Tuned?) for more pictures and updates next week!

Welcome back!

It's time to play in Orchestra again - HOORAY! I am reviving this blog to help keep you abreast of what is going on in our classroom and what your student should be PRACTICING!

Also this week - Back to School Night is Tuesday, August 30 from 7-9. Come meet all of your student's teachers!

Just a little reminder:
7th and 8th grade practice cards are due TODAY or TOMORROW. (And every Monday or Tuesday.)
They should show 4 days of practicing for 30 minutes each day.
Please have a parent or guardian sign before turning in!
Let's start the semester out with an A+!

Practice assignments: 6th Grade
An assignment will be given daily in the form of a hand out.
Students should take their instruments home 2-3 times this week INCLUDING Friday.
Students who still don't have instruments and accessories: please take care of this detail this week.

6th grade Orchestra IB students and families communicate: please call Mrs. Ohly-Davis with any questions or concerns.

7th Grade
"Purple Books" (Essential Elements 2000, book 2) are available at JW Pepper or from me. Bring $8 to class.
Your practice routine should look like this:
TUNE!!! That's right, with your fine tuners.
Scales - D, G, and C
Purple Book Review pgs. 2-7
Sonata Vivant
Wild Western Frontier
Record your practicing on your practice card.

7th grade Orchestra IB students inquire: What is a FRONTIER? How will we perform the piece based on our knowledge of what a frontier is?

8th Grade
"Green Books" (Essential Techniques) are available at JW Pepper or from me. Bring $5.50 to class.
Your practice routine should look like this:
TUNE!!! With fine tuners, double stops, and harmonics
Green Book, pg 2-5
Toccatina Learning Concepts, especially the D melodic minor scale
Toccatina
G melodic minor scale
Jericho

8th grade Orchestra IB students are KNOWLEDGABLE: What is a key signature? What is the order of the sharps and flats?

SOLO & ENSEMBLE, Part 2

Solo and Ensemble is still happening at Westfield on Saturday. Students who left instruments at school may pick them up today. Mrs. Levenhagen is working today and can open Door 1 for you and summon a custodian to open the Orchestra room door. I will be at school between 2-3:15 as well. My apologies for unanswered emails. My school account only sends blank emails from home...

On Saturday: Make sure to arrive 30 minutes prior to your performance time. Meet me, Ms. Bell and your group in the warm-up room. You will report to the performance room 5-10 minutes before you play to check in with the door monitor. Soloists, I have your judge's copies of your scores. You cannot play for the judge without them. Please make sure to see me or Ms. Bell before you play, otherwise you will receive a lower rating. Can't wait to see all of you tomorrow!

SOLO & ENSEMBLE UPDATE!!

As of the time of this posting, Solo & Ensemble is still going to happen on Saturday at Westfield Middle School. I will post updates here as I receive them. I will post further information about when students who forgot their instruments can pick them up tomorrow, Friday, February 4. At the latest, the next post will be up at 9:00 AM Friday morning. Hope everyone had a restful week!

Thank you for a great year!

Thank you for a great year this year. A big thanks to the 8th graders for your thoughtful bouquet (see picture) and your "dropped instrument payment" of many more candy bars than I could ever eat! Come back and visit; surely there will be some left over!

I will checking my school email weekly over the summer if you have any questions or need your instrument tuned.

And don't forget: SUMMER ORCHESTRA AT NCHS is right around the corner.

New 9-12th graders: July 12-16, 1-4PM
New 7th and 8th graders: July 19-23, 8-4PM

Let me know via email if you forgot to sign up and would like to join us. We are accepting campers until the first day of camp. See you then!

HAPPY MUSICAL SUMMER TO ALL!

CONCERT HANDOUTS & KINGS ISLAND INFO

7th & 8th Grade End of Year Info

Dear 7th & 8th Grade Orchestra Parents and Students:

The last full week of school is extremely busy with events, especially for 8th Graders and students who play sports. It is imperative that we all work together to make these events happen as painlessly as possible for the students.

I have given students in sports a letter for coaches, so that it will be easier for them to explain their absence from practice on Monday, May 17, and their need to be excused in a timely manner on Tuesday, May 18.

Unfortunately, our Convocation Concert was moved to Friday, May 21, after the conclusion of mandatory math tests and 8th Grade Celebrations and trip. Please help your student remember to dress in concert dress on that day. ONLY 7th & 8th Graders PLAY IN THE CONVO!!!

Finally, we need some snack and Capri Sun / bottled water donations for both the Kings Island trip and the Mandatory Rehearsal. Please send these items to school with students by Friday, May 14.

As always, thanks for your support.
Mrs. Ohly-Davis: 259-5421 x806; eohly-davis@msdwt.k12.in.us

SATURDAY, MAY 15 – KINGS ISLAND TRIP, see attached timeline and info sheet

MONDAY, MAY 17 – MANDATORY CONCERT ORCHESTRA REHEARSAL
4:00-5:30PM
Snacks provided
Event has grade points attached

TUESDAY, MAY 18 – CONCERT at 8:00PM, NORTHVIEW AUDITORIUM
Arrive by 7:30PM – 7th & 8th grade meets in Band Room, get music & instrument.
Event has grade points attached
Students in sports may stash dress clothes and packed dinner in Orchestra Library.
Students in sports should arrange a RIDE from their meet/game to arrive on time!
Concert Dress
Black or navy dress pants
Dark dress shoes
White dress shirt (strings)
Band shirt (winds, brass, percussion)
NO JEANS, T-SHIRTS, SNEAKERS

FRIDAY, MAY 21 – CONVOCATION CONCERT at 9:30AM, NORTHVIEW AUD.
7th & 8th Grade Concert Orchestra ONLY!
Check in with first teacher, then come down to Stage by 9:00.
CONCERT DRESS – SEE GUIDELINES ABOVE!

Letter to Spring Sports Coach

May 5, 2010

Dear Spring Sports Coach:

I would like to make you aware of some Orchestra events that may conflict with your sport and ask your understanding in getting the students to participate in both of our events. Both of the events have a grade attached to them.

First, I am having a Mandatory Rehearsal on Monday, May 17 from 4:00-5:30PM. This is the only time I can get 96 students on the stage all at once before the concert. Would you kindly excuse all students who DO NOT HAVE A GAME that day from practice? I have in my notes that only 8th Grade Girls Softball has a game that day.

Second, the Orchestra concert is Tuesday, May 18 at 8:00PM. I expect students to be in concert dress with their instrument ready by 7:30. Please excuse them so that they can make this deadline on time. They should have carpools and dinner arranged ahead of time. My notes suggest that this affects students involved in the District Track Meet and 7th Grade Girls Softball.

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Thanks for your support!
Elisabeth Ohly-Davis
Northview Orchestra
259-5421 ext. 806
eohly-davis@msdwt.k12.in.us



Kings Island 2010
Northview Orchestra
Saturday, MAY 15

DRESS: JEANS, KHAKIS, SHORTS, casual shoes, yellow NV concert polo OR black music T-shirt – for all of our safety!!


TIMELINE

7:45 AM - Chaperone Check-in at Door 5
Students report for T-shirt pick-up at Door 5
8:00 AM - load buses, take attendance
8:15 AM - leave NV for Kings Island
9:15 AM - or thereabouts - reach Batesville rest stop - CHOWTIME!!!
(CLEAN UP YOUR MESS – NO LITTERING!!)
10:30 AM - Arrive at main gate of Kings Island; tickets will be passed out as you leave bus; (NO ONE MAY RE-ENTER THE BUS UNTIL TIME TO LEAVE THE PARK)
2:00 PM - CHECK IN AT THE EIFFEL TOWER (for your safety)
You MUST report in at the chaperone station between 2:00 and
3:00PM. No exceptions; NO TARDIES! Green sheet is consequence.
4:45 PM – Optional – Support choir friends at the Award Ceremony in TimberwolfAmphitheater.
6:45 PM- FINAL CHECK-IN at front of park by FOUNTAINS; stay with the group after check-in, and return to the buses in small groups.
> Know your bus number
>Use restroom and get dinner BEFORE checking in!
7:00 PM - Final attendance taken on buses. BE THERE!!!!

10:00 PM - ARRIVE AT NORTHVIEW
➢ Turn in T-shirt
➢ Clean up your trash on bus
➢ Have your ride ready to pick you up!

(OVER)

Northview am drop-off: Door #5
Evening pick-up: Door #5 -auditorium


FINAL NOTES:

1. Dress appropriately for the weather predictions; bring an extra shirt or jacket for the bus. NV Orchestra or Band polo shirts must be worn the whole day in park.

2. WEAR A WATCH - You must be on time!! Cell phones are permitted.

3. If you need any kind of help at any time, come to the chaperone station at the Eiffel Tower. We will have an adult on duty there all day.

4. If you are going home with your own parent, he or she must sign you out at the chaperone station, (Eiffel Tower). Bottom line: if you won’t be coming home on the bus, you have to be properly signed out before 6:30PM. You may not go home with someone who is not your parent!

>TURN IN YOUR NV T-SHIRT WHEN YOU ARE SIGNED OUT<

5. Each NV student must be with at least one other NV student at all times. If you get separated, go IMMEDIATELY to Eiffel Tower, (the chaperone station) and wait for a group that you can join.

6. Students are to wear either the yellow concert shirt or black Northview Music shirt all day. This is for your safety and quick identification in case of emergency. NO EXCEPTIONS!

7. Bring some money for a snack or meal. Refreshments will be served on the bus in the morning, but it won’t be enough to last all day!

8. Behavior at all times is to be according to acceptable standards as stated in the NV handbook. Any problems will be handled by the principals on Monday, and could result in serious consequences.

9. Do not bring anything that you would hate to lose. The buses are not totally secure, and there are no guarantees about lost personal items. There are lockers in the park.

10. Behavior on the bus includes the “NO SHRIEK” Rule. Loud stereos, screaming, singing will not be part of this trip. Throwing objects on the bus will be treated the same as throwing objects in the classroom. (green sheet, etc.)
HAVE A GREAT TIME - BUT NOT AT SOMEONE ELSE’S EXPENSE. As a representative of Northview Middle School, you are to act responsibly at all times.
CARRY THIS SHEET WITH YOU AT ALL TIMES



SPRING POPS CONCERT INFO for SIXTH GRADE

Tuesday, May 18
8:00 PM – Arrive in Orchestra room by 7:30 PM
Concert Dress
White dress shirt
Black or dark blue dress pants
Dark dress shoes
Music:
Walking Basses
Kings Court
Habanera
Extra Rehearsals:
Monday, May 17 – everyone meets Period 7
Tuesday, May 18 – everyone meets Period 8

Students will stay to hear the 7th and 8th grade Concert Orchestra.

Students involved in sports on the concert night: PLAN AHEAD!
Pack a dinner.
Bring concert clothes to school and store in Orchestra room, if you wish.
Have parent or a carpool get you from your game to school so you are not late!
Tell your coach you have a conflict.

End of Year Events!

ORCHESTRA NEWS

As we wind down the school year, we still have a lot of Orchestra Events. Please mark the dates on your calendar and let Mrs. Ohly-Davis know of any conflicts as soon as possible.

Friday, May 14 - All-Star Middle School Jazz Band plays at NCHS Jazz Cafe - 7PM NCHS gym
Saturday, May 15 - Kings Island trip for Concert Orchestra 8AM-9:30PM
Monday, May 17 - Concert Orchestra Mandatory Rehearsal 4:00-5:30PM
Tuesday, May 18 - POPS CONCERT for all 6th, 7th, 8th and Concert Orchestra students - 8:00PM, NV auditorium
Friday, May 21 - 7th & 8th Grade Concert Orchestra performs in All-School Convocation 9:30 AM
Congratulations to the Orchestra students who were selected for the All-Star Middle School Jazz Band! Nyrae Mayes, piano, Aaron Brown, bass and Sydney Stutsman, bass will perform with the group as part of the Jazz Cafe on at 7PM on May 14 at North Central.

KINGS ISLAND - Saturday May 15 - Leave time 8AM. A detailed timeline will be sent home the week of the field trip. All students on the trip are required to wear a Northview Orchestra shirt (or Band shirt) as a safety precaution. Students will check out the shirt the morning of the trip. Comfortable shoes and pants are students' choice.

All school instruments that are currently out on loan need to be returned by Friday, May 21. Students with loan instruments participating in summer orchestra will get their instrument back at the beginning of camp.

SUMMER ORCHESTRA -
Applications are now being accepted for summer Orchestra at North Central High School. The deadline is Monday, May 24. Financial aid is available.
Incoming 7th & 8th Graders: July 19-23 from 8AM-4PM Daily - $90
Incoming 9th-12th Graders: July 12-16 from 1PM-4PM Daily (after summer school) - $75
Mrs. Ohly-Davis has lots of application waiting to be filled out! 259-5421 ext 806 or eohly-davis@msdwt.k12.in.us

Brooklyn Rider Quartet Inspires!

On Thursday, February 25, Northview 7th and 8th grader Orchestra students got a musical treat. Brooklyn Rider, a professional string quartet from Brooklyn, New York, performed an outreach concert on our stage. The concert was made possible by the Ensemble Music Society, . The Ensemble Music Society brings various chamber music groups to Indianapolis to perform concerts in various venues. Brooklyn Rider Played at the Indiana History Center the evening before.

Just to review, two violins, a viola, and a cello make up a traditional string quartet. Johnny Gandelsman and Colin Jacobsen are Brooklyn Rider's violinists; Nicholas Cords plays the viola, and Eric Jacobsen is the cellist.

The group shared some original compositions written by violinist Colin Jacobsen, including one with an accessory: a bouncy ball! One lucky student got to keep it after asking a question. Other musical selections included an arrangement of an Iranian folk tune that was originally performed on an instrument made of bird bones. Brooklyn Rider also played a movement of the Debussy quartet.

How about that bow grip? Johnny Gandelsman explained that he tried many different ways of holding his bow after his education was complete before settling on holding his bow closer to the middle instead of at the frog.

March Madness for Concert Orchestra

FOR 6th GRADERS
CONCERT, Tuesday, March 9 at 7:45 in Northview' Auditorium
Be here at 7:15
While dress shirt, Black dress pants, dark dress shoes

FOR 7th & 8th GRADERS
MARCH CONCERT ORCHESTRA EVENTS 2010

This year, the Northview Concert Orchestra is doing the March Concerts a bit differently. We will NOT be performing at the ISSMA Large Group Contest on Friday, March 19, as previously advertised in the Orchestra Calendar. We will still have a Mandatory Rehearsal after school on Friday, March 12, from 4:00-7:30PM that will include a Mini-Contest Concert and Clinic with a local judge. On Monday, March 15, we will perform at the MSDWT Instrumental Festival at 7:00PM. Below is a fully detailed schedule.

If you are feeling charitable, we welcome donations of Capri Sun boxes or pre-packaged cookies for our pizza dinner on March 12th. Students may bring these items to school any time between now and March 11. Thank you.

Mandatory rehearsal: Friday, March 12, 2010
(for a grade + Kings Island credit!!)
Pizza served 4:00-4:30 in cafeteria
Rehearsal begins- 4:30-5:30 PM Sectionals
Break 5:30-5:45
Full Group Rehearsal 5:45-6:30
Break 6:30-6:45
Perform Mini-contest for judges and clinic 6:45
Parents welcome at mini-contest performance at 6:45
Dismissal at 7:30

Precontest Concert: Monday, March 15
->Orchestra reports to D104 at 6:30pm (band
members will join Band after the Orchestra performance)
->All orchestras to auditorium – 6:55pm
Westlane , Eastwood & NV orchestras Perform.
All String players are free to leave about 8pm.
Winds, Brass, and Percussion will report to the Band Concert.

Concert Dress for Monday: Black dress pants/skirts with white dress shirts/blouses, black dress shoes
Band shirts for Winds, Brass, and Percussion

FINAL NOTE: King’s Island order forms, permission
slips and money are due WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24.
NO EXCEPTIONS. NO REFUNDS!

Field Trips & Concert Orchestra - Grade 7 & 8

See below for CONCERT ORCHESTRA information and commitment contract. Below that are two SEPARATE field trip forms for 7th and 8th grade students. Feel free to copy and paste any of this information into a Word document and email it to me or print and send it back to school. Thanks!



PLEASE READ BEFORE SIGNING

December 7, 2009
Attention Northview Orchestra Students and Parents:

For some of you this is brand new, and for others, it’s just “that time of year already!” And so with little or no fanfare, we continue the tradition and begin those full orchestra rehearsals every Tuesday afternoon and Friday morning (students need to attend at least one rehearsal per week). That is the only way to combine the students from two orchestra classes with the top winds and percussion from the7th and 8th grade bands... and that’s how we create the 2010 Northview Concert Orchestra!

All 7th and 8th grade string players are expected to participate in full orchestra, as are those who volunteered from band. We have a very busy, but fun, schedule ahead, which includes ISSMA contest (hosted by Northview) in March, our annual trip to the Kings Island, and another awesome SPRING POPS CONCERT, Tuesday, May 18. (Students who attend sufficient extra-curricular rehearsals, who have a passing grade in orchestra or band during 2nd semester, and who have a conduct grade of 3 or higher will be eligible for the Kings Island field trip.) It will take all of our combined efforts to pull off these performances successfully.

Some students come to all the rehearsals (like I do) just because it’s fun. It may be possible for students to ride the HS bus in for Friday AM rehearsals, but I’ll need to get special permission for this. Please call if this is a necessary option for your student. Students rehearsing Tuesday afternoon may ride the late bus home. There also will be a few mandatory rehearsals. Please check the schedule for these dates and times. Two rehearsals are mandatory: The Friday evening prior to contest in March, the 12th, and Monday before SPRING POPS, May 17, there will be a combined rehearsal to put everything and everyone together. It is absolutely essential that everyone attend these two dress rehearsals. Failure to attend these extra rehearsals may result in the student not being eligible for the Kings Island trip. *We will be serving pizza and snacks!

I understand that it will take a lot of work on everyone’s part to make all of this happen, but it is well worth the effort. Please understand that I am under no obligation to put in all this extra time myself, but I believe that it will provide a really fine experience for the students, and I am willing to do this as long as I have the FULL SUPPORT OF BOTH THE PARENTS AND THE ORCHESTRA MEMBERS.

Please check your family schedules and return the enclosed form to me no later than Friday, December 11, 2009, with appropriate signatures. Keep the other schedule in a prominent place in your home. Look at it often, and compare it with your other family schedules on a regular basis.

I look forward to seeing you at our performances, and hope you and your family can join us for a fun time at Kings Island in May. Parents are always welcome to attend rehearsals, and are most welcome to volunteer to help with our orchestra projects, competitions and SPRING POPS. (Band parents, please return the Parent Volunteer Form enclosed.)

I welcome your input, and hope you will call with any concerns you may have.

Mrs. Elisabeth Ohly-Davis - 259-5421, ext.806





PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN TO MRS. OHLY-DAVIS BY
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2009


We have reviewed the NORTHVIEW CONCERT ORCHESTRA schedule for 2010 and will do our best to support this effort through our student’s attendance at rehearsals and performances. We understand that the commitment to Concert Orchestra involves adherence to all rules and regulations of the performing arts classes in regard to attendance, uniforms, behavior, etc. and that our student is expected to average at least one rehearsal per week, attend the mandatory rehearsals (including two dress rehearsals) and all performances in order to be a member of the orchestra.

(Check one) I will usually be attending rehearsals on
_____Tuesday 4:00-5:30 PM
_____Friday 7:30-8:50 AM

Please circle other extracurricular spring activities that you may also be involved in.

AM Class at North Central Girl’s Basketball Wrestling Track Boy’s Baseball

Academic Pursuit Science Olympiad Dance Team Girl’s Softball Cheeleading

Other(specify)

Print student’s name____________________________________

Student signs____________________________________

Parent signs______________________________________

___ Yes, I plan to go to King’s Island.


FYI: The King’s Island Trip will cost $50.00 per student. The cost covers admission and bus transportation. We will not be performing at the Music Festival this year. Tickets for family members wishing to join us at the park are available for $32.00. You may pay any time before March 12th with a check made out to Northview Middle School. More information will be forthcoming. Students must attend one rehearsal a week and the dress rehearsal to remain eligible to participate in the King’s Island trip.





8th GRADE FIELD TRIP 12/14/09

To: 8th Grade Orchestra Students & Parents
From: Mrs. Ohly-Davis, Orchestra Director
RE: Orchestra Field Trip on Monday, 12/14/09

The 8th grade orchestra was invited to perform at the Clearwater Assisted Living Facility on Monday, December 14, at 10:00am. As this is during school hours, students will be dismissed from class at 9:15 to ride the bus to the facility. We will return to school around 11:15, in time for students to get to lunch. Please fill out the permission slip below to indicate that your student is allowed to participate. If you are available to chaperone, please write your name and number as well. Students who currently have a D or F in Orchestra will not be participating. Please check your student’s grades on Edline.

Besides chaperones, we need a few parents to drive the cellos and basses to the CEC. If you have a large vehicle or a hatchback style car, we would appreciate your help transporting these instruments to and from the performance site. We anticipate 3 basses and 7 cellos needing transportation.

Concert dress is black and white with nice shoes. Holiday accents such as Santa hats, reindeer headbands, bell necklaces, etc. are permitted within reason. Please also bring a folding music stand from home, as the facility has no music stands.

Thanks for all the energy and effort that you put into the Orchestra program. Please give me a call at Northview at 259-5428 ext. 806 if you have any questions. Wishing you Happy Holidays!

Sincerely,
Elisabeth Ohly-Davis

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

(Name of student)_______________________________________has my permission to go on the Northview Orchestra field trip to perform at the Clearwater Assisted Living on December 14.

Parent Signature __________________________________________

_____ I am available to transport instruments to and from the CAL on December 14.
Name ____________________________________________
Phone number __________





7th GRADE FIELD TRIP

To: 7th Grade Orchestra Students & Parents
From: Mrs. Ohly-Davis, Orchestra Director
RE: Orchestra Field Trip on Tuesday, 12/15/09

As in years past, the Northview Orchestra has been invited to play at the Washington Township Schools holiday party. We will be performing at the CEC on Tuesday, December 15, at 3:00pm. As this is during school hours, students will be dismissed from class at 2:15 to ride the bus to the CEC. We will return to school around 3:50, in time to catch the busses home for those who ride the bus. In case our bus is late in returning, please plan on alternate transportation home (i.e. the late bus, picking up your student at school). I will remain at school until all students have a way home. However, we should be back in time for students to take advantage regular transportation. Please fill out the permission slip below to indicate that your student is allowed to participate. If you are available to chaperone, please write your name and number as well. Students who currently have a D or F in Orchestra will not be participating. Please check your student’s grades on Edline.

Besides chaperones, we need a few parents to drive the cellos and basses to the CEC. If you have a large vehicle or a hatchback style car, we would appreciate your help transporting these instruments to and from the performance site. We anticipate 4 basses and 6 cellos needing transportation.

Concert dress is black and white with nice shoes. Holiday accents such as Santa hats, reindeer headbands, bell necklaces, etc. are permitted within reason.

Thanks for all the energy and effort that you put into the Orchestra program. Please give me a call at Northview at 259-5428 ext. 806 if you have any questions. Wishing you Happy Holidays!

Sincerely,
Elisabeth Ohly-Davis

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

(Name of student)_______________________________________has my permission to go on the Northview Orchestra field trip to perform at the CEC on December 15.

Parent Signature __________________________________________

_____ I am available to transport instruments to and from the CEC on December 15.
Name ____________________________________________
Phone number __________

Extra Credit Options this week!

Monday, December 7 at 7:30 PM
Congregation Shaarey Tefilla
3085 W 166th St
Carmel, IN 46032

Music of Mendelssohn featuring ISO members Alex Kerr, Zach DePue, Michael Strauss, Sheldon Person, and William Grubb.
General admission $12, Students $5

Master Class with Zach DePue - ISO Concertmaster
Saturday December 12 at 12PM
Downtown Indy at the Propyleaum on 14th and Delaware
Students will be performing and getting tips from Zach. A must-see learning opportunity!

Week of November 2

FUND RAISER REMINDER:
MONEY IS DUE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10.
STUDENTS MUST HAVE THEIR MONEY IN BY THAT DAY TO REMAIN ELIGIBLE FOR PRIZES!!!

Songs of the Week
8th: Chanukah from B to C
7th: Adirondack from 18-30
6th: #63

6th Grade
Book pages 18-20
Twinkle variations

7th Grade
Solo and Ensemble money due November 24. Ensemble $6, Solo $12
Adirondack - warm-up with an F scale (B flat in the key signature)
Tumblers - Beginning to D
Christmas Canon - beginning to meas 20

8th Grade
Solo and Ensemble money due November 24. Ensemble $6, Solo $12
Perpetual Thanksgiving - beginning to 21
Santa - D major key change to end
Chanukah - Zum Gali to coda

Week of October 26

CONGRATULATIONS to all Orchestra students for doing a TERRIFIC job at the fall concert last Tuesday! It continues being a thrill to work with all of you this year!

Songs of the Week:
6th: Old MacDonald
7th: Tumblers - beginning to A
8th: Santa plays... - meas 1-20

6th Grade:
Book pages 13-17
Review Twinkle rhythms
D Scale

7th Grade:
New music! Carefully look over notes and rhythms in Tumblers and Adirondack. The other pieces are a lot simpler!

8th Grade:
New music! It has a lot of key changes, so make a note when you switch to a different scale. Play the scale before forging ahead into the new section of music.

FUND DRIVE ITEMS ARRIVE TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27!! Please pass them out and collect timely payment. All money is due by November 10 if you wish to remain eligible for prizes. Thanks for your support!

Week of October 12

Song of the Week
8th: Favorite piece for the concert
7th: Favorite piece for the concert
6th: Twinkle Twinkle

All students should be working on polishing the music for the concert next week, Tuesday, October 20. See concert reminder below. Get ready for chills: the 6th grade Scary Story, Creepy Crawl-ies from the 7th grade, and the Waltz of the Wicked brought to you by the 8th graders. A night to remember-see you there!

FALL CONCERT REMINDER

What: 6, 7, 8 Grade Orchestra Concert
When: Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Time: 7:00 PM
Arrival time for students: 6:30 PM
6th Grade to Orchestra room
7th & 8th Grade meet in Band room
Where: Northview Middle School Auditorium
Dress: White dress shirt
Dark dress pants (black, charcoal, navy)
Dark dress shoes
Students not dressed appropriately will not perform and not get a passing grade.
This concert is part of our class requirements and a letter grade will be given.
Students are expected to stay for the whole concert and quietly listen to all groups perform.

Questions, comments, conflicts? Call Mrs. Ohly-Davis at 259-5428 ext. 806, email
eohly-davis@msdwt.k12.in.us or send a note to school.

Week of Sept 28

Songs of the Week:
8th: Viva from 53-end
7th: North Country 24 to end
6th: Twinkle

DON'T FORGET! FUNDRAISER! Brochures are due on Tuesday, October 6. We have one more weekend to get lots of items sold and cash donations. Thanks for your hard work and support!

Assignments:

6th Grade
Finish writing your Scary Stories
Practice scary sounds
Twinkle with all variations
Boil with all variations
Book pgs. 10-12

7th & 8th Grade
Focus on touching up Festival music. Concert is Monday! See complete info below!
FALL FESTIVAL REMINDER

EVERYTHING HAPPENS ON:
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2009

DURING SCHOOL:
REHEARSAL AT NORTH CENTRAL
8th graders will eat during Orchestra class
We will walk over to NCHS at 11:15
Rehearsal from 11:30-1:00
We will walk back to NV by 1:15
Students are responsible for all missed class work!

IN THE EVENING:
CONCERT AT NORTH CENTRAL – SAME DAY
ARRIVE AT NCHS NO LATER THAN 6:30 PM
ENTER DOOR 5 – JEL side of NCHS
Follow signs to Orchestra room to unpack instruments.
TALK TO YOUR COACHES ABOUT GETTING OUT OF PRACTICE EARLY.
PACK A DINNER. BRING YOUR CONCERT CLOTHES!
CELLOS AND BASSES MUST BRING THEIR HOME INSTRUMENT.
CONCERT BEGINS AT 7:00 PM

CONCERT DRESS:
WHITE DRESS SHIRT
BLACK OR BLUE DRESS PANTS
DARK DRESS SHOES
NO JEANS, SNEAKERS, T-SHIRTS!!!

STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO STAY FOR THE WHOLE CONCERT.

TWO (2) FREE TICKETS TO THE CONCERT ARE ATTACHED.
IF THERE ARE NO TICKETS, THE STUDENT LOST THE FIRST SET.
COST OF ADMISSION AT THE DOOR IS $5 EACH.

8TH GRADE PIECES: SINFONIA & IRISH
7TH GRADE PIECES: CREEPY CRAWL & NORTH COUNTRY

FOR QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL MRS. OHLY-DAVIS AT 259-5421 EXT 806
OR EMAIL: eohly-davis@msdwt.k12.in.us

THIS CONCERT IS WORTH A PERFORMANCE GRADE OF 30 POINTS!
PLEASE ARRANGE A POST-CONCERT MEETING PLACE WITH YOUR PARENTS!