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

Geranium Coupons may be redeemed in May and June for the 4-1/2 inch pot transplants from:  
Blodgett Garden Center  1222 Janesville Ave., 
Fort Atkinson, WI

Order Forms and further information will be sent home at the end of March, and will be available at the Dessert Concert.

Geranium sales can put the pink in your flower beds . . . and green in your account!

      This is one of the easiest fund-raisers your orchestra student can do. Plus, your son or daughter will be credited with $.75 per plant to his or her personal account, which can be used for music camps or for future Fort Atkinson School trips such as the one the music students completed last year to Florida. In total, orchestra students were able to defray almost $2,500 of the cost of the trip to Florida just by selling geraniums.             
     The geraniums will be $4.00 each. Students will turn in their order forms and money April 26 from 3 to 7 p.m. in the High School Commons.
      At that time, they will receive their coupons to deliver to their customers. the customers can then pick up the geraniums at their convenience at Blodgett Garden Center any time before June 30, 2006.
FORMS WILL COME HOME JUST BEFORE SPRING BREAK.

Selling geraniums is easy
The Orchestra Boosters Geranium Sale has been well-received by the community. Please use this opportunity to help your child build his or her account to fund future music trips and camps..

Geranium Selling Tips
1. Tell people who you are and why you are contacting them.
Say, "I'm (your name) and I am a member of the Fort Atkinson School Orchestra. we are holding a geranium sale to raise money for orchestra trips. Plus, some of the funds I raise are set aside especially for me for music trips and camps."

2. Tell what is in it for them.
"We are working with Blodgett Garden Center to offer you these high-quality geraniums. they are ready to transplant and can be picked up between May 7 and June 30. (the coupon expires after June 30)

3. Ask for the order.
"Would you be willing to support the Orchestra Boosters by buying some geraniums? They are only $4.00 each, which is the same price that Blodgett is selling them. How many would you like?

4. Fill out the order form and tell them you will deliver their coupons after April 26. You can collect the money now or when you deliver their coupons. Just keep track of who has paid and who hasn't!

5. Thank your customer. Say again how much you appreciate the order and how happy they will be with their flowers all summer!
6. Turn your order and your money in at the High School Commons April 26  from 3 to 7 p.m.. Money is due at this time, but checks will not be cashed until May 5. (Checks or money orders only made to Orchestra Boosters – NO CASH)
Good luck selling the geraniums!    

7. Camp Scholarships are due when you turn in your geranium money. The application form may be found at:
www.fortschools.org/hswebs/OrchestraBoosters/
scholarships.htm

Friday, April 21
Registration for Summer Music Lessons / Orchestra  Begins

Saturday, April 29
State  Solo & Ensemble
UW-Whitewater Arts & Communication
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Wednesday, April 26
Orchestra Geranium Sale Coupon Pick-up Day
3:30 – 7:00 p.m. @ HS Commons

Monday, May 8
Orchestra Boosters Mtg. 6:30 p.m. @ MS Orchestra Room

Monday, May 15
Orchestra Clinic Day – all day

HS Choir & Orchestra Clinic Concert
7:30 p.m. @  HS Auditorium

Thursday, May 25
Beginning Orchestra Sign-up

Friday, May 26
HS Rock Day -
9:00 a.m. by the Rock in front of the HS
A Day of Remembrance and Memorials

Thursday, June 1
String Festival Rehearsal
7:50 a.m. – 9:35 a.m.
Grade 4 – 12 Orchestras @ HS Auditorium

Orchestra String Festival Concert
Concert 7:30 p.m. @ HS Auditorium

Friday, June1
Jazz di Zert – HS Music Dept. Fund-raiser

Saturday, June 2
Jazz di Pasta  - HS Music Dept. Fund-raiser

Monday, June 7
Orchestra Boosters Board Mtg. 6:30 p.m.
 @ MS Orchestra Room

Monday, June 19
Summer School & Summer Music Lessons / Orchestra Begin

Does my child need private lessons?
    It's more likely a question of, "Does my child WANT private lessons?" If your child shows a genuine enthusiasm for his or her instrument, then private lessons may be a very good idea.
     While students learn quickly in class, the class can only proceed at the pace of the slowest student. Talented students could use the challenge of more difficult music.
     Private lessons give a student the individual attention needed to further develop skill and technique. The music teacher can adapt his or her teaching style to meet the child's needs as well as challenge the student where he or she can make the greatest progress.
     For private lessons to be most successful, the student must be willing to put forth the additional effort of practice to take full advantage of the lessons.
      Lesson times, costs and availability vary by instructor. Talk with Mrs. Nielsen about possible instructors in the area.

Message To Parents
     Your decision to provide your child with a quality musical instrument is an investment in your child's future.  In making it possible for your child to play a musical instrument, you are providing the opportunity for self-expression, creativity, and achievement.
      Numerous studies indicate that parental attitude, support and involvement are important factors in a child's ability to successfully learn to play and to enjoy music.

HOW DO YOU FIT IN?

Schedule Practice Time.
     Music achievement requires effort over a period of
            time. You can help your child by:
     Providing a quiet place in which to practice.
     Remaining nearby during practice times as often   
            as possible.
     Scheduling a consistent, daily time for practice.
     Praising your child's efforts and achievements.
    
Attendance
     Help your child remember their instrument and 
          music on lesson days, and for concerts.
     Come to see your child play at their concerts,
          Solo & ensemble, and stay with them to hear
          the entire concert.
     Chaperone a field trip - come with your child to
          hear the symphony or see their orchestra play    
          on tour.

Keep Updated
      Don't be afraid to contact Mrs. Nielsen or
           Mrs. Jewer if you have a question.
       Use the Website, the school calendar, and
            the Orchestra Newsletter to keep informed
            of upcoming events