We are THREE weeks away from our Fall Concert. Students have two selections they should be practicing regularly at home. Orchestra “homework” is NRB – Notes, Rhythms, and Bowings. Students should prepare all of their fundamental musical concepts for our rehearsals. See the attached NRB poster.
Spirit Wear Sale – LAST CALL!
It’s almost over! Get your Orchestra Spirit Wear now before the sales window closes on Friday, September 1!
https://ellenmeade.com/product-category/lassiter-orchestra/
Formal Concert Uniforms — ACTION ITEM!!
Being that our concert is just 3 weeks away, it’s imperative that students order their uniform ASAP. The uniform will require hemming of the gown or pants. Please visit our website for details about uniforms. https://www.lassiterorchestra.org/for-parents-and-students
Music Terminology/Theory Pre-Test
This week every student will take a pre-test to determine their level of competence with music terminology and some essential music theory. It will count as a completion grade and Dr. Laux will analyze the responses for future planning of lessons.
Orlando Trip! Save the Dates!
We are proposing a trip to Orlando/Universal for March 7-10, 2024. If you are interested, please save the dates! This trip requires district approval, so nothing is set in stone. We are looking to participate in a fun clinic including a really neat experience where we provide the soundtrack for a Universal animated movie. We’d also spend a few days in the theme park!
Students selected for the North Georgia Honor Orchestra
Congratulations to Juan O. (Bass), Diana B. (Violin), and Holden C. (Violin) for being accepted to the North Georgia Honor Orchestra at KSU. The event will take place September 15-16. We are proud that you will be representing Lassiter High School.
Assignments List
The following is a list of the assignments we have had so far in orchestra. I will be entering all of grades this week and weekend. Students should make sure the assignments are complete.
#1 – Handbook acceptance form (available at https://www.lassiterorchestra.org/for-parents-and-students)
#2 – Introduce Yourself (Flip)
#3 – Fall Camp & Survey (https://tinyurl.com/2alpnu3q)
#4 – Scale & Arpeggio Baseline (Flip)
$5 – Section Pass-Off #1 (in class on 8/15)
#6 – Practice Vlog #1 (Flip)
#7 – Blanket Field Trip Permission Form (see above)
#8 – Section Pass Off #2 (in class on 8/24)
#9 — Music Terminology Pre-Test (8/31)
#10 – Section Pass Off #3 (in class on 9/1)
#11 – August Rehearsal Skills Grade
Student Fee
Dear Parents: The director and the LHSOA board is asking for a $150 fee to be paid by September 1. This fee can be paid on our website at www.lassiterorchestra.org —> Support Us. 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 or need to make payment arrangements, please reach out to me.
Upcoming Dates
Please note our upcoming orchestra dates and be sure they are marked in your calendar. If you have a conflict, you should immediately let Dr. Laux know.
September 1 — Sprit Wear Order Deadline
September 4 – Program Book Ad Fundraiser begins
September 12 – CCSD Honor Orchestra Applications Due
September 13 – All-State Registration Due to Dr. Laux
September 19 – CCSD Honor Orchestra Auditions due (Virtual)
September 21 – Fall Concert, 7:30 PM, Concert Hall (required for all)
FULL ORCHESTRA CALENDAR:
October 14 – District All-State Auditions (Pope HS)
October 20 – Homecoming Parade (highly encouraged!)
October 23 – Poinsettia Sale Kickoff
October 24 – Mabry Orchestra Concert
October 26 – Chamber Orchestra performs at KSU Orchestra Invitational
November 10/11 – GMEA District 12 Honor Orchestra (Kennesaw Mtn. HS)
November 15 – Simpson Orchestra Concert
December 5 – Winter Concert, 7:00 PM (required for all)
December 7 – Poinsettia Plants Pick up (4-6 PM)
December 13 – Mabry Orchestra Concert
SEMESTER 2
January 13 – All-State Auditions (Final Round)
January 20 – LGPE Camp (required for all)
January 30 – Pre-LGPE Concert (required for all)
February 7/8/9 – LGPE Window (required for all)
March 7/8/9/10 – Proposed Orlando Trip
March 27 – Masterworks Concert (Chamber Orchestra with Chorus and Band)
** NOTE NEW DATE** Thursday, April 25 – Spring Concert – “Night at the Movies and More!” (required for all)
May 1 – Simpson Orchestra Concert
May 7 – Mabry Orchestra Concert
May 11 – Annual Awards Banquet
Full calendar: https://www.lassiterorchestra.org/calendar
Important Links: https://linktr.ee/lassiterorchestra
** EVENTS FOR ADVANCED STUDENTS **
The following information is for advanced students looking for additional performance opportunities.
GMEA All-State Orchestra
This is a very competitive and challenging audition, with the first round consisting of 3-octave major and minor scales, an etude, and sight-reading. If a student passes the first round, they attend the 2nd round in January. This audition consists of orchestral excerpts and more sight-reading. The event takes place the first weekend in March. Audition materials area available at https://www.gmea.org/aso-audition-information
Interested students should complete the form for Dr. Laux by September 13. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeBtvefQTIIOXmtXlPNitOB6mKSXQRXItPZNpfOE3xePDYdtw/viewform
A $25 audition fee is also due to LHSOA. Once you register, you can pay your All-State fee with this link:
https://www.lassiterorchestra.org/product/all-state-audition-fee
Spivy Hall High School Chamber Honor Orchestra Workshop
This opportunity is available to talented string players (violin, viola, cello, bass) in grades 9-12 who have been nominated by Dr. Laux. Participants must be talented instrumentalists, well-behaved students, and available for every rehearsal in its entirety: (Thu Nov 3 – 9am-8:30pm; Fri Nov 4 – 10am-8:30pm).
*Note: This workshop demands a high level of preparation. Choose students who you know want to participate and are willing to prepare. There is a required $65 fee if accepted.
Let Dr. Laux know if you’d like to participate. The deadline is Friday, September 22.
CCSD Honor Orchestra (GMEA District 12)
Auditions will be virtual this year and are due on September 19. Audition Music and information is available in the Student Resources OneDrive folder. You must register by Tuesday, Sept.12 and submit your video audition by Tuesday, Sept. 19.
https://cobbk12org-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/charles_laux_cobbk12_org/ElB_hBPmc25PjV15BpwF8_QBt6AdRppdBKfIjuEsxNz9yQ?e=kZpHbp
(CCSD Student Log-in required)