Newsletter – 12/10/2023

by | Dec 10, 2023 | News
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December 10, 2023


It is hard to believe we are almost on Winter Break.  This semester has flown by!!  Please see the final newsletter of the semester below.


Poinsettias Delivered!

Special thanks to Ms. Dunphy and  Ms. George for their work in coordinating the poinsettia fundraiser!  You've done incredible work!! Also thank you to the students who volunteered to help with delivery.  


Parents: We appreciate your support for purchasing poinsettias!!

This Week…


Visitor for Concert & Philharmonia Dr. Mark Laycock, orchestra director at Wichita State University will be visiting Concert & Philharmonia classes this Tuesday, December 12.  Dr. Laycock is an internationally known orchestra conductor and clinician and has been a mentor of mine for decades (since my 2nd year teaching in 1997!).  He will work on some fundamentals with the classes and will be an inspiration for our students.




Mabry Concert – Wednesday!
Mabry Orchestras will have their concert this Wednesday at 6:30 PM in the concert hall.  Students – If you are interested in helping, please sign up in the BAND app.
Gift Exchange and Holiday Breakfast  (after exams)
Please sign up to bring items for our holiday breakfast after each semester exam.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0A4AAAAB28A57-46737335-happy?fbclid=IwAR3qzkMRjINZGSR0Ppp4o9TG-xLPiuq_1gp4n-eoNSEPvaSp3THQ9A7SIwQ#/

Orchestra Semester Exam Schedule
Concert Orchestra – Friday, 12/15 from 10:00 – 11:30
Philharmonia – Monday, 12/18 from 8:20 – 9:50
Sinfonia – Monday, 12/18 from 10:00 – 11:30
Chamber – Tuesday, 12/19 from 8:20 – 9:50

Semester Exam Study Guide
To prepare for the semester exam, I’ve created a study guide that will help students better understand what is on the exam.  We will go through it this week and answer questions.  I’m attaching it to this message for reference.

Spring Orlando Trip Update!!

We were able to open a 2nd bus for our Orlando trip, March 7-10.  Anyone who would like to attend can pay the $350 ASAP to secure your spot!  This is a great opportunity for learning and fun!  We will close the payment portal when the 2nd bus is completely full. Details here:
https://www.lassiterorchestra.org/spring-trip


Looking Ahead…
Holiday Gift Ideas for String Players
If you are still looking for holiday gifts, please consider these items!  I’m happy to provide some suggestions.  Just let me know – Charles.Laux@cobbk12.org
  • Private Lessons 
  • Rosin & Rosin Guard by D’Addario
  • Strings — I’m happy to help you pick the right ones
  • Practice Mute – great for allowing kids to practice later at night
  • Bow Upgrade – the bow makes a HUGE difference
  • Upgrade your instrument 
  • Electric Instrument!
  • App Gift Card for Tuner/Metronome apps

Also, if you are still renting your instrument, it may be time to look into purchasing your instrument or moving to a “step up” instrument. Your instrument dealer can help you and I’m happy to assist as well.		 alt_text

No phone policy – Starting 2nd Semester
Due to numerous distractions in class, I will be implementing a strict “no phone” policy during class.  Phones should be stowed at the back of the room during class. I hope this will help students remain focused.  As a courtesy, I will be purchasing a 24-port charging station with cables so that students can charge their phones in the back of the room during class if they wish.

LGPE Dates & Times
Our LGPE dates and times have been confirmed for February at Walton High School.  You should see the permission form available in ParentVue.  Please complete the permission form using a web browser.
February 7 – Concert 10:00 & Philharmonia 12:30
February 8 – Chamber 11:00 & Sinfonia 5:30

LGPE Music Practice Reminder
If students are home during break, it would be really great for them to practice their LGPE music. LGPE will come up very quickly when we return from the break and students will need to be prepared. Visit our   linktree to find practice resources and audio recordings.

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, 12/13 – Dr. Laycock visits Concert & Philharmonia classes


Friday, 12/15 from 10:00 – 11:30 – Concert Orchestra Exam & Celebration


Monday, 12/18 from 8:20-9:50 – Philharmonia Exam & Celebration


Monday, 12/18 from 10:00-11:30 – Sinfonia Exam & Celebration


Tuesday, 12/19 from 8:20 -9:50 – Chamber Exam & Celebration


Saturday, 1/13 – All-State Auditions, final round (Westminster school)


Saturday, 1/20 – LGPE Camp (9 AM – 4 PM), Optional activities afterward


Tuesday, 1/30 – Pre-LGPE concert, 7 PM, Concert Hall


Tuesday, 2/7 – Concert 10:00 AM & Philharmonia 12:30PM,  LGPE performance at Walton HS


Tuesday, 2/8 – Chamber 11:00 AM & Sinfonia 5:30 PM, LGPE performance at Walton HS

Orchestra Calendar online at: https://www.lassiterorchestra.org/calendar