Grades 7 and 8 Orchestra

Dear Orchestra Parents and Students,

Welcome to the Washburne School String Orchestra program.

Last year was another wonderful year of music making! Please give special attention to the calendar in the following pages. It is very important that you are aware of all the events that are taking place and mark them in your calendar to avoid conflicts. It goes without saying that every child is vital to the success of our orchestras. So, please let me know as soon as possible if there are any immediate concerns. The orchestra program continues to experience musical growth and is gaining an excellent reputation for itself. My sincere hope is to continue the fine tradition of classical music in Winnetka. Thank you for your generous support!

Sincerely,
Mrs. Sheryl Nussbaum




Communication

Please e-mail me ASAP with your current address. Include your child’s name and ensemble.

I send announcements and changes of schedule via e-mail. It is very helpful to have everyone’s e-mail address within the first few weeks of school.

7th/8th Grade Required Materials
  • Instrument (cellos/basses see below)
  • Rosin
  • Cleaning Cloth
  • Pencil
  • Music Folder


Instrument Rentals

Cellos and basses are available for rent. The fee for the school year is $120.00. Rental forms will be provided at the first rehearsal.

Sectionals

Carleton Washburne School Sectionals Schedule 2011-2012
  • You will receive a Sectionals Schedule to keep at home. Please ask for a copy if your child does not bring one home.
  • Students and classroom teachers will have a copy of the schedule at school.
  • 7th/8th grade string players will continue to receive small group lessons called sectionals. Sectionals take place each Wednesday on a rotating basis (30 minutes in small groups). Consideration is given to accommodate for tests, quizzes and important material covered in class.
  • Sectionals will take place in the band/orchestra rehearsal room (sectional room).


Rehearsals
  • We meet every Mondays 7:30 - 8:10 a.m. and Tuesday/Thursday 2:55 - 3:30 p.m.
  • All rehearsals will take place in the orchestra room.

TO PERFORM AT A HIGH LEVEL WE NEED ALL OF YOU PRESENT - ALL OF THE TIME!

Rehearsal time is very important to the success of the orchestra. We need to make full use of every minute.

No one should be absent from orchestra or a lesson unless he/she is absent from school. If missed rehearsals become a problem we will call home to discuss the situation. Excess absence may result in suspension from future performances.

Concert Dates
Calendar
PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS WITH THESE DATES. OUR SUCCESS DEPENDS ON HAVING EVERYONE AT EVERY PERFORMANCE.
  • Band/Orchestra Parent Info. Night - September - Washburne Little Theater
  • IMEA Honors Orchestra Auditions - October (see below)
  • IMEA Band & Orchestra Festival - November
  • 6th-8th Gr. Holiday Concert - December - Washburne Little Theater
  • All-School Assembly (7th/8th gr. Orch only) - February - Skokie Auditorium
  • IGSMA Solo and Ensemble Contest - Saturday in March - All Day at TBA Location
  • 5th-8th Gr. Orchestra Spring Concert - May - Washburne Little Theater
  • Jazz Ensemble/String Orchestra Tour - May - All Day (during school)
  • Awards Breakfast 6th-8th grade Strings and Their Parents - June
  • Graduation Ceremony for 7th/8th Grade Strings - June - Skokie Auditorium

Concert Dress

The following is considered the uniform for all concerts:
  • White Shirt/Blouse
  • Black Pants/Skirt
  • Black Socks & Black Dress Shoes (NO GYM SHOES OF ANY KIND!!!)
  • Long Necktie (Boys)

When we all look our best, it reflects positively in our performance. When you look good, you sound good!

IMEA District Orchestra

All 6th-8th Grade Orchestra students are eligible to audition for the Illinois Music Educators Association All-District Orchestra. This is an orchestra made up of outstanding middle school musicians from throughout the area.

AUDITIONS: October
FESTIVAL: November

Students who are interested in auditioning should see Mrs. Nussbaum immediately. Don’t miss out on a great opportunity!

Private Lessons and Summer Camps

The district does not require private lessons. However, it is strongly recommended that all students explore the option. They provide a student with invaluable one-to-one instruction time that unfortunately the program does not allow time for. Currently, 90% of our string students do take private lessons. Lessons provide a wonderful opportunity to increase technique, progress, and a love and appreciation for music. In addition, lessons also improve the performance level of the entire ensemble. The district has a number of accomplished instructors available to all string players.

Summer camps also provide an excellent opportunity for young musicians to develop their talents. They get the chance to work with accomplished musicians and teachers from throughout the country. There are many excellent camps right here in the Midwest. Scholarships are often available. Please see me in the spring for more information.