Hello orchestra parents! I hope you had a great summer! My name is Charles Laux, and I am the orchestra director at Lassiter High School. I am really excited to start my 2nd year at Lassiter and my 28th year in education. It was an extremely busy pre-planning time for me as I spent quite a bit of time unpacking boxes, dusting, dusting some more, and getting everything ready. The great thing is that the orchestra room looks fantastic with the new floors and fresh paint in my office.
This year we have four separate performing orchestras – Concert, Philharmonia, Sinfonia, and Chamber. We will have a blast learning and performing together! The first few days have been spent tuning instruments, removing the cobwebs from the instruments (haha), and getting into the swing of things with some scales, rhythms, and such. I know the students are anxious to get started with music and we will do that soon!
I wanted to let you know about a few things that will be coming up rather quickly…
Parent Meeting
First, we will have a parent meeting for all orchestra parents in the orchestra room on Tuesday, August 8 at 7:30 PM. This meeting will last about 30 to 45 minutes and will inform parents about the Lassiter HS Orchestra Association (boosters group), upcoming events, grades, uniforms, program expectations, and more.
Fall Camp
Second, our annual Fall Orchestra Camp will be held on Saturday, August 12 from 9 AM until 4 PM. The day will consist of sectionals, rehearsals, and other team building activities. In addition we have optional, but very fun activities scheduled until 8:00 PM. These activities include some Olympic style games and a social time with pizza, snacks, desserts, and drinks. You won’t want to miss it!
The fall camp is required for all orchestra students, however the after 4 PM activities are optional, but encouraged. So that we can get the right amount of food and drinks, we are asking students to RSVP for the evening activities. There is no cost associated with this, and we would like as many students participating as possible. I will release the RSVP to the students very soon.
Orchestra Handbook
Our orchestra student/parent handbook is now available on our website and using this link. The handbook should be read thoroughly so that all expectations are understood by both the parent and the students. Together, students and parents should complete the handbook acceptance form, which lets me know that you have read and understood the policies in the handbook.
Student Fee
As with any activity, there are costs associated, and we are asking for a $150 fee to be paid by September 1. This fee can be paid on our website at www.lassiterorchestra.org. The fee covers all classroom supplies, equipment, technology, sheet music, outside clinicians/conductors, sectional coaches, classroom rewards, and social events that are held throughout the year. If you have any additional questions or concerns about this fee, please let me know.
Communication
I will do my best to send emails about once per week, usually on Sunday, so as not to overwhelm you. Ms. Cora, our communication chair will also post the information on our Facebook page and website for archival purposes.
Thanks for your support and I’m looking forward to an awesome year of teaching your child in the Lassiter Orchestra program. We look forward to performing for you!
Sincerely,
Dr. Laux
All of the LHSO links: https://linktr.ee/lassiterorchestra
UPCOMING DATES:
- Tuesday, August 8 – Parent Meeting, Orchestra Room, 7:30 PM
- Saturday, August 12 – Fall Orchestra Camp, 9 AM-4 PM, with more fun 5PM-8PM
- Wednesday, September 13 – All-State Applications & Fees due to Dr. Laux
- Thursday, September 21 – Fall Orchestra Concert, 7:00 PM, Concert Hall
- Friday, October 20 – Homecoming Parade & Football Game
- View the full calendar