Monday, March 8, 2010

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.

Friday, March 5, 2010

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!

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

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

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(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 __________

Monday, December 7, 2009

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!

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

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

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

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!

Monday, October 12, 2009

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.