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For the Parents and Boosters of the Fort Atkinson Orchestras        March 9, 2006

Being thoughtful . . .
     Beginning with the new fourth graders, Orchestra students are taught proper concert etiquette.  Good manners are not just a fad, they are a way of showing consideration and respect for others around you, and those on the stage performing.
     The Elementary students learn that you don't clap until the conductor puts his/her hands down at their side - that signals that the piece of music has ended.  Sometimes one piece of music has several parts (movements).  When the orchestra comes to the end of a movement, there is a pause before they start the next one - the conductor's hands will stay up during that pause - so the students shouldn't  clap yet. 
     There are also basic auditorium rules such as no gum or food allowed (who likes to sit on a sticky seat or feel someone's old germy gum under the arm rest!). There should be no talking while the musicians are playing - it makes it hard for others to enjoy the music.   Another auditorium tradition is hats off in the auditorium.

What to do if your string breaks
(http://www.fortschools.org/hswebs/OrchestraBoosters/
Links.htm )
      Occasionally a string will break - often with no warning. Strings do wear out and get old. If a student's string does break, they are responsible for getting a replacement string. 
       Unfortunately in these days of tight school budgets, there is not the money to stock enough strings to supply all seven orchestras, or even one of them.  The easiest thing to do is to call your local music store, or e-mail them, and request the string you need.  The store's representative, who generally visits the Fort Schools at least once a week, can deliver it to  Mrs. Nielsen or Mrs. Jewer.  They will give you the cost of the string so you can write them a check  to be delivered to their store representative . Strings can also be ordered from mail order suppliers such as Shar.  Or a road trip to the music store is always interesting.  Mrs. Nielsen or Mrs. Jewer is always glad to put the new string on for a student.  

Who are Orchestra Boosters?
(www.fortschools.org/hswebs/OrchestraBoosters
/OrchestraBoostersMeetings.htm)
      We all are!  Students who are a part of the Fort School Orchestra work hard.  They are learning to play challenging instruments and work even harder to get ready for performances to entertain their parents and the community of Fort Atkinson.
     Parents and special people who support the Orchestra program are needed to keep the program growing. If we all put forth just a bit of effort, time and support, events such as the Dessert concert, various competitions and fund raisers, will flourish and no one person will be overburdened.
     Please volunteer to help out the Orchestra Boosters.  Don't wait to be asked!

     The next meeting is Monday, March 13 at 6:30 p.m. in the Middle School Orchestra Room.

AGENDA:   Calendar dates for next year,
                   Dessert Concert, Geranium Sale,                    Newsletter Items, Clinic Concert,
                   String Festival,  and Staffing
                   Changes & Program cuts for next     
                   year.

MIDDLE SCHOOL PARENTS
Please check your child's 9-week evaluation sheet regarding lesson attendance and practice records.

Web Site
(http://www.fortschools.org/hswebs/OrchestraBoosters)
     As you may have noticed this newsletter is riddled with web links.  The Orchestra web site was the first of the music booster sites to be created.  This was done "In self defense".  As parents we try to keep on top of our children's activities - to get them where they need to be at the correct time with the correct materials and dress.
     To do this we need to keep informed.  Many times notes/forms from teachers do not make it out of the back pack or desk into the hands of parents.  To help over come this, the web site was developed to contain all of the information and forms a parent would need to keep on top of Orchestra happenings.  Please visit it regularly.
www.fortschools.org  Click on the link (lower left menu):  Music Boosters;  then click on Orchestra Boosters.
     Remember to add it to your computer bookmarks for easy reference.

Help Support A Strong Music Program Here in Fort Atkinson
 
National Top 100 Music Education Communities Application

      Fort School District has the opportunity to be nominated for one of the top 100 music communities in the nation.  Dr. Fitzpatrick has already filled out the survey for the school district but further parental and community supporter input is needed.
     Below is a link to the survey provided by
Christine C. Hayes, WMEA President and Parent.  Christine's daughter, Lauren attends Fort Schools
because of its reputation for having a quality music program in this area.

Please take a moment this week yet to look at and fill out this survey.  Being known for our fine music programs brings in more students and keeps our program strong - especially since we are one of the few districts with an orchestra program.

http://www.amc-music.com/musicmaking/
schools/survey.htm

Thanks for your continued support of the Fort Atkinson Music Programs

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.

High School & 8th Grade Orchestras'
Field Trip to the Madison Symphony
(http://www.fortschools.org/hswebs/OrchestraBoosters
/FieldTrip.htm)
Tuesday, April 4, 2006 - at the Overture Hall in the Madison Civic Center.
      Conductor, John DeMain, and the Madison Symphony Orchestra will perform.. Two high School students, as part of the High School Concerto Competition, will guest-solo with the symphony. The performance is at 10:00 am. Students will need to bring money to eat lunch on State Street. Contact Mrs. Nielsen if you would be interested in chaperoning:   563-7811 ext. 1122  or nielsenp@mail.fortschools.org   Field Trip permission slips will be handed out after the Dessert Concert.