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For the Parents and Boosters of the Fort Atkinson Orchestras     March 2005

Solo/Ensemble Contest Approaches
www.fortschools.org/hswebs/MusicForms/
Solo&Ensemble.htm
     District Solo/Ensemble contest this year is Saturday, March 12 at East Troy High School. Developed by the Wisconsin School Music Association, students in grades 6 through 12 from the Southern Lakes Conference schools will perform selected pieces for an adjudicator who will critique them and award them with a first though fifth rating.
     The Solo/Ensemble contest gives students extra incentive to practice and to learn solo and/or ensemble pieces. It provides a wonderful performing experience for our young musicians.
     Sixth graders may play for critique only. This is a great experience in preparation for next year when they may play for a rating.
     This year's competition starts at 8 a.m. and should be completed by 4 p.m. Family and friends are welcome and encouraged to attend contests events. Participating students will have details regarding performance times. Many students are playing solos as well as performing in one or more ensembles.
     All performances are free and open to the public. Plan to spend part of Saturday supporting our students for all their hard work in preparation for Saturday's competition
     Most solos and some ensembles require piano accompaniment. The total accompanist fee for rehearsals and performance is $10 per piece.
     Students must have a separate copy of their music to submit to the judges, known as the "judge's copy." Photocopies are acceptable for ensembles, but original music must be submitted to the judges for solos.  All measures must be numbered on the music and if editions other than those on the contest list are used, the original copy must be submitted to the judge must contain any changes in bowing or fingering markings.
     Most of the contest music is on file at school and may be used for judge's copies. If you have any questions, contact Trisha Nielsen at 563-7811 ext. 1122 or e-mail her at nielsenp@mail.fortschools.org.

Summer lessons
and camps are a great idea!
     Even though summer vacation is approaching, it is not the time to put the instrument away until Fall. Instead, your child has some wonderful opportunities to continue building his or her performance skills through summer classes and camps.

Summer Music Classes
     Ms. Nielsen will be teaching summer orchestra lessons through the Fort Atkinson Summer School program. Small groups will meet on Wednesdays for 40-minute classes throughout the four-week summer school schedule. The classes will be in small groups of students at similar levels and will be scheduled based on availability.
These classes provide for more individual attention than during the school year and are a great way to build up skills for more difficult pieces. Watch for Summer School sign-up in April.
www.fortschools.org/hswebs/OrchestraBoosters/
SummerLessons.htm

Summer Music Camps
Several summer music camps are also available to middle school and high school students. These music camps concentrate on your child's instrument and provide a stimulating, motivating musical experience. Students can use funds they raise from the Geranium Sale for camp.
www.fortschools.org/hswebs/OrchestraBoosters/
Camps.htm has a listing of many of the camps available. Contact Ms. Nielsen for more information.

Practice, Practice, Practice
     It is most important to play every day, even if only for five minutes, than to skip a day entirely. Set goals.
They help students develop a healthy, daily practice routine. Also, please help them remember to take their instruments and music to school on lesson days.