Hello Orchestra Parents,
It’s hard to believe that we are in week 4! Things are going great and students are making excellent progress in class. Here is this week’s news…
Open House
Lassiter Open house is tomorrow Thursday, August 24 at 6:30 PM starting in the Concert Hall. I”m looking forward to seeing all of you there!
LHSO Spirit Wear
Our sprit wear store is now live! Please use this link:
https://ellenmeade.com/product-category/lassiter-orchestra/
Orders are due September 1. Delivery will take place at the end of September.
At checkout, select ‘Pick-up from Lassiter Orchestra’ to avoid shipping costs.
Formal Concert Uniforms
Being that our concert is just 4 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
Blanket Field Trip Permission Form
Students were given hard copies of the Blanket Permission form (IFCB-3) today in class. This form should be completed in its entirety and given to Dr. Laux by next Friday, September 1.
https://lhsoa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/form_ifcb-3-Blanket-Permission-Form.pdf
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)
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 , 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 13 – All-State Registration Due to Dr. Laux
September 15-16- North Georgia Honor Orchestra at KSU (students must be recommended)
September 19 – CCSD Honor Orchestra Auditions due (Virtual)
September 21 – Fall Concert, 7:30 PM, Concert Hall
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 $26 audition fee is also due to LHSOA.
North Georgia Honor Orchestra
The North Georgia Honor Orchestra is a unique event (SEPTEMBER 15-16 at KSU) designed to bring together the most talented pre-college string instrumentalists in and around North Georgia to focus on developing advanced technical and musical skills under the guidance of the exceptional KSU Bailey School of Music faculty. The two-day event includes orchestral rehearsals and sectionals, a faculty recital, and other activities, culminating in a performance by the orchestra in KSU’s renowned Morgan Concert Hall. Students are invited to participate based on nominations submitted by Dr. Laux. There is a nominal fee if accepted.
The orchestra is looking for those who meet the following criteria:
- Advanced technical and musical skill on their instrument;
- Commitment to musical excellence, as individuals and as part of your orchestra program;
- Actively and positively contribute to your orchestra program;
- Ability to appropriately prepare the repertoire being performed by the North Georgia Honor Orchestra (usually grade 5-6 – Chamber Level)
- Schedule availability (SEPT 15-16) to actively participate in the entire North Georgia Honor Orchestra experience.
Students interested in being nominated for the North Georgia Honor Orchestra (held at KSU) should let Dr. Laux know immediately. Dr. Laux must submit your recommendation by Thursday, August 24.
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. Details forthcoming…