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LGPE updated details and concert congratulations

2/9/2024 6:38 pm

First, congratulations to everyone again on an excellent LGPE Preview Concert last night.  We jumped right back into rehearsing today to improve for next week.  I really appreciate the students' hard work and parent/community support!  

 

In case you didn't take a picture of the permission slip before returning and because there were some last-minute changes from the host school, here are the essential details:

 

LGPE 2024 at Westlake HS, Atlanta

 

2/15 Thursday

Concert Orchestra (7th period)- 1 hour earlier than previously scheduled 

1:15 pm departure (students will need to report to the orchestra room at least 30 minutes prior to this having already eaten lunch- I'll post details and notify teachers)

4:15 performance followed by sight reading

7:50 pm return to Milton HS (Chick-fil-a stop for dinner on the way back- bring money)

 

2/16 Friday

Sinfonia (2nd period)- times are the same as before

9:15 am departure (students will need to report to the orchestra room at least 30 minutes prior to this- I'll post details and notify teachers)

11:40 performance followed by sight reading

Eat lunch at event (pre-orders closed; bring lunch if you did not pre-order)

4:30 pm return to Milton HS 

 

2/16 Friday

Chamber Orchestra (4th period)- 40 minutes earlier than previously scheduled 

12:50 pm departure (students will need to report to the orchestra room at least 30 minutes prior to this having already eaten lunch- I'll post details and notify teachers)

4:00 performance followed by sight reading

7:50 pm return to Milton HS (Chick-fil-a stop for dinner on the way back- bring money)

 

Let me know if you have any questions, and have a great weekend! 

 

Regards,

 

Andrew Cummings, Director

Milton HS Orchestras

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Concert and LGPE Essential Details

1/29/2024 8:28 am

We have two major events this month- please see details below.  You should have also received a Milton Orchestra Booster newsletter Friday- just a reminder in case you need to get on that list (join by creating a free account at our website, miltonorchestra.org).

 

PRE-EVALUATION CONCERT:

  • Thursday 2/8/24 at 6:30 pm
  • This is our Pre-LGPE (Large Group Performance Evaluation) Concert.  We will begin at 6:30 pm and offer a more streamlined event than usual due to the preparatory nature of this concert. 
  • Students will still need to bring their instruments the following day for rehearsal as well.  
  • All concerts are a Major Grade
  • No pre-concert rehearsal, concessions, intermission or other extras.  So that we don't waste food, pizza will only be provided for those students who request it (you can still stay after school between 3:30 and 6:30 if you want to).  Please complete this form by 11:59 pm Sunday, 2/4 if you would like to be on the list for pizza slices prior to our 2/8 concert.  https://forms.gle/XiRYCNTHX1Ym4ZPY8

 

LARGE GROUP PERFORMANCE EVALUATION (LGPE): 

For those not familiar, this is an event where we will perform/sight read for a panel of judges in order to receive feedback and ratings.  This is viewed academically as the music equivalent of an End of Course Exam.  

 

As a reminder, the 3-day window for these dates has been on the orchestra calendar since the beginning of the year.  We received our exact dates and posted them in the orchestra room at miltonorchestra.org, and to Canvas earlier this month.  

 

Here are specifics now that timing has been finalized: 

  • We still need a few chaperones- visit miltonorchestra.org (you'll need to be logged in to visit the volunteer page)
  • We will travel by charter bus
  • LGPE is at Westlake HS in Atlanta this year
  • Concert attire is our usual concert black
  • Concert and Chamber students will need money for a Chik-Fil-A dinner stop on the return trip
  • Sinfonia will complete a Chik-Fil-A lunch order form as part of the permission slip (we will eat at the event)
  • Permission slips coming home soon
  • Timing:

Concert Orchestra 2/15

2:00 pm departure from MHS

5:15 pm performance at Westlake HS, Atlanta

Chik-Fil-A dinner stop on return trip

8:55 pm back at MHS

 

Sinfonia 2/16

9:15 am departure from MHS

11:40 am performance at Westlake HS, Atlanta

Catered lunch- probably Chik-Fil-A- at WHS (order form coming soon)

4:30 pm back at MHS

 

Chamber 2/16

1:30 pm departure from MHS

4:40 pm performance at Westlake HS, Atlanta

Chik-Fil-A dinner stop on return trip

8:30 pm back at MHS

 

 

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Concert recordings posted, upcoming events, have a great break!

12/15/2023 2:32 pm

Good afternoon,

 

I wish everyone Happy Holidays and a wonderful break!  I have enjoyed teaching and making music this semester, and I'm looking forward to more to come.  Thank you for all of your support and hard work!  I am so thankful for this amazing community- this is a special place thanks to all of you.  

 

Just a few end-of-semester updates...

 

1. I've got concert videos posted to YouTube just in time for you to share with family during the break... https://www.youtube.com/@MiltonOrchestra 

 

2. We have a lot coming up in the first couple of months of 2024!  Special guest clinician Georgia Ekonomou will be visiting January 30th, and we're in the process of lining up several other clinicians to give feedback.  The window for Large Group Performance Evaluation is 2/14-2/16, and we could be scheduled for any day/time in that range.  Please keep these dates open until we receive our final schedule.  

 

3. All classes will receive a daily rehearsal focus schedule on January 3rd or sooner- as discussed in class, you'll be individually responsible for those daily sections as outlined in the schedule.  We will work through the pieces from back to front mostly, so prioritize the endings of each piece (passed out before break) as you play and listen to recordings of them- then work your way backwards.  

 

4. Our Pre-LGPE concert is February 8th.  We're looking at changing to a less formal format but including potential guest adjudicators to give us feedback.  Due to this change, we will likely start earlier than usual at 6:30 pm.  There will not be a combined rehearsal prior, but Chamber Orchestra may be required before and/or after the performance for some additional recording.  

 

5. If you haven't done so, make sure you are up to date on trip payments for DC!  There was one due earlier this month and the final payment coming up in January: https://www.miltonorchestra.org/trip .  Chaperones, contact me if you have any questions regarding the FCS badging process- please make sure yours is definitely good through March! 

 

Thanks again!  

 

Regards, 

 

Andrew Cummings, Director

Milton HS Orchestras

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Concert, reception, and guest clinician next week

12/1/2023 3:51 pm

Good afternoon, Milton Orchestra Families,
 
  • We're looking forward to a festive concert next week: Thursday, December 7th at 7 pm in the Milton HS auditorium.  Remember to reserve seats in advance (https://www.miltonorchestra.org/concerts).  We'll have additional guest performers and their families from NMS and EPMS 8th grade.  
 
  • This concert will be followed by a reception!  We still need several items.  Please follow this link to volunteer/contribute:
 
  • Sinfonia and Chamber (2nd/4th periods) will welcome special guest conductor/clinician Sheldon Fisher on Monday.   All students need to be present and on time!  
 
  • Schedule for the concert will look like this: 

      5 pm Rehearsal with 8th grade (MANDATORY FOR ALL- BE ON TIME!)

      6 pm Pizza available (provided for all performers)
      6:50  Dressed in concert black and in places
      7 pm Concert begins
 
Thanks!  Have a great weekend.  
 
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Sponsorships and Donation Participation Contest/Rewards!

11/17/2023 2:15 pm

Good afternoon,
 
 
It's the giving season! Among other things, your support has enabled us to purchase an electric cello this year (already a big hit with the cellists!) and line up some great guest clinicians for the next couple of months.  
 
 
Are you visiting family or any favorite business establishments over the break?  Please ask for their support!  Read all the way to the end for details on the participation contest organized by our MHS Orchestra Booster Club!  It's easy!  See the attached business sponsor form and talking points.  
 
 
Students and Families, Help Us Grow the MHS Orchestra Program!
 
Fundraising for the Orchestra Booster Club contributes to enhancing public outreach, bringing in expert clinicians and guest conductors to accelerate learning, creating social and team-building opportunities, subsidizing musically and socially valuable trips and experiences, providing new and upgraded equipment, and assisting with general orchestra operations and needs.
 
 
You can help in two ways:
  1. Encourage local businesses to become a Business Sponsor – It could be a favorite family restaurant, a store you frequent, your doctor or dentist's office, the place where you take music lessons, or any type of service such as a hair salon.
  • Business sponsors get to promote their business throughout the Orchestra community and broader Milton High School community.
  • See the attached document for talking points, business sponsor levels, and the business sponsorship form.

 

  1. Ask friends, family members, neighbors and coworkers to make a donation to the Orchestra Booster Club.  Donations of any amount are gratefully accepted.  Visit www.miltonorchestra.org/packet/49904954 or scan the QR code to make a tax-deductible donation:
    Inline image

 

Participation Contest!

 

Now through Sunday, December 10, for every $25 in fundraising you do through Business Sponsorships, Memberships and/or Donations, you will be entered into a drawing for a $100 Amazon gift card!

  • Example: you get $300 in Business Sponsorships and $100 in Donations.  This comes out to 16 entries!  ($400 ÷ $25 = 16)
  • Memberships, Business Sponsorships and Donations that occurred earlier this semester will also be included in the drawing.
  • The drawing will take place on Monday, December 11 for one $100 Amazon gift card.  The winner will be notified by Tuesday, December 12.
  • Make sure any Business Sponsors or Donors you get include your (student's) name as a referral so you can get credit towards the drawing – there is a place on the online/paper form where they can put your (student's) name.
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Concert 12/7 and 2nd trip payment

11/17/2023 10:31 am

Good morning- I am grateful for all of our orchestra students and their supportive families!  I hope everyone has a wonderful break and Thanksgiving holiday!  Two reminders before we go...

 

CONCERT 12/7

We look forward to seeing everyone on December 7th at 7 pm for our Winter Concert!  Ticket links will go out after the break to booster members first and then the general public.  See membership emails sent by our boosters- it's not too late to join!  Seating may fill up more quickly than usual due to our 8th grade guests.

 

Schedule for 12/7

5 pm: Essential (required) combined rehearsal with all orchestras + 8th graders

6:00: Pizza available for all performers

6:50: Performers dressed and in places (Sinfonia on stage, all others in audience)

7:00:  Concert begins

 

Instead of concessions at intermission, we are currently planning on food/drink donations to go towards a post-concert reception.  Details coming from the boosters.  

 

2ND TRIP PAYMENT  DUE 12/2

I'm looking forward to an outstanding spring trip to Washington, DC!  Remember that 2nd payments ($300) are due December 2nd unless you've already paid in full.  If you have any questions regarding your status, please let me know.  A link to the payment portal can be found here: https://www.miltonorchestra.org/trip

 

Thanks again for all of your support and a great year so far! 

 

Regards,

 

Andrew Cummings, Director

Milton HS Orchestras

Guitar/Tri-M

cummingsas@fultonschools.org

www.miltonorchestra.org

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Concert Thursday, Orchestra Breakfast tomorrow, and more

10/3/2023 4:05 pm

Sent via Infinite Campus and Remind

 

Good afternoon, Orchestra Families,

 

A few reminders for a very orchestral October, kicking off with Orchestra Breakfast Wednesday and our Fall Concert Thursday! 

 

  • We had a great fall Movie Night Saturday!  Check out @miltonorchestra (official) and @miltonsinfonia (student-run) on Instagram for pictures.  Beginning with our concert Thursday, students and parents registered through Membership Toolkit will be able to upload event photos directly to our Milton Orchestra SmugMug account to share with others. 
  • Visit https://www.miltonorchestra.org/calendar for a full schedule of events
  • ORCHESTRA BREAKFAST: Orchestra leadership has organized a breakfast pot-luck for tomorrow (Wednesday).  Make or pick up something (muffins, bagels, pop tarts, coffee, orange juice, etc.) to share and come hang out for a few minutes in the orchestra room around 7:45 am.  
  • Spring Trip payments were due 10/2.  Some accounts might have shown different dates or sent out different notices, so please go by the original schedule to complete your first $300 payment today if you haven't already.  Info at: https://www.miltonorchestra.org/trip
  • Mark your calendars for our 8th Grade Picnic with NMS on 10/20- all students should plan to attend after school to help welcome our future Milton Orchestra students.  We will also need some PARENT VOLUNTEERS: https://www.miltonorchestra.org/volunteer/114538 
  • Some of our students have started an extracurricular ensemble club. Students- If interested, regardless of potential schedule conflicts, please complete this form. Rehearsal schedule ultimately to be determined by everyone's availability: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfOZYmVYNaehIo85p3jlnqxvM_iM_gkx-bQ4kLCXSyOzsBZig/viewform . The Remind code is: orchens24
  • Reserve your concert seats at: https://www.miltonorchestra.org/concerts 
  •  UPDATED CONCERT SCHEDULE Thursday: 

 

During the day: Students rehearse on stage during their regular orchestra class period

 

5 pm: Required rehearsal on stage for combined ensembles (in plain clothes or concert attire)

5:45-6:45: Pizza served for students (eat when not changing or being photographed- see below)

 

5:45: Concert Orchestra change into concert attire for photo

6:00: Concert Orchestra on stage for photo

6:00: Sinfonia change for photo

6:15: Sinfonia on stage for photo

6:15: Chamber Orchestra change for photo

6:30: Chamber Orchestra on stage for photo

 

6:55 pm: All students in places

(Concert Orchestra on stage, Sinfonia and Chamber in the designated audience section)

7 pm: Concert begins- all students are required to stay through the end. The final two pieces are with all three orchestras combined.

 

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Movie night, concert day schedule, trip, and more

9/27/2023 8:25 am

Sent via Infinite Campus and Remind

 

Good morning, Milton Orchestra families,

 

With movie night, our concert, and deadlines coming up quickly, we have several important announcements: 

 

MOVIE NIGHT chaperones needed this Saturday, 9/30: 

https://www.miltonorchestra.org/volunteer/118632

 

Pizza will be provided by the Orchestra Boosters for those who RSVP! There is a sign up for bringing other snacks/drinks in the orchestra room. 

 

Students should RSVP here (or with the QR code in the orchestra room):

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=mLHcDGmBcEu6n9p-O6cAwscFuO_t9UNBqWKlv8KDsOZUNTRRMERSWlczRFNFWkhQV0tGQ1MzVTBURS4u&wdLOR=c0C93C02A-F9BA-4840-9162-D2C3BC4747AE

 

SPRING TRIP 1st payment deadline is coming up October 2nd.  Please register in the portal as soon as possible even if you're waiting to pay closer to the deadline, so that we can get an accurate count.  See out trip page for more info and links:

https://www.miltonorchestra.org/trip

 

BOOSTER registration: Make sure you've registered at miltonorchestra.org with Membership Toolkit.  Basic registration (to make sure you're on the mailing list and can access the full site) is free, but there are also several membership levels to support the program and get added benefits.  While there is some overlap between my communications and the boosters', some info will only come from their newsletters, so you're missing things if you haven't registered!

 

CONCERT 10/5: Next Thursday! Rehearsal timing subject to adjustments.  Concerts and concert-day rehearsals are counted as a Major Grade.  Students can go home and return or stay through to the rehearsal.  Not every concert will require a same-day rehearsal.  

Info about seating reservations will be in the booster newsletter to follow. 

Here is the schedule for the day:

 

During the day: Students rehearse on stage during their regular orchestra class period

5 pm: Required rehearsal on stage for combined ensembles

6 pm: Pizza served for students*

6:45 pm: All students should be full dressed in concert attire (https://www.miltonorchestra.org/attire)

6:55 pm: All students in places

(Concert Orchestra on stage, Sinfonia and Chamber in the designated audience section)

7 pm: Concert begins- all students are required to stay through the end.  The final two pieces are with all three orchestras combined.  

*we may also be taking group photos by class on stage during the 6-6:45 window 

 

Thanks!  Please let me know if you have any questions.  

 

Regards, 

 

Andrew Cummings, Director

Milton HS Orchestras

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