MUSIC NOTES

MUSIC DEPARTMENT UPDATES

 There have been some changes to the performance schedule for this spring.  Please note changes and additions as follows:

 Band and Orchestra Spring Concert has been CHANGED from March 25 to May 6. 

 Kindergarten and First Grade Performance has been CHANGED from April 15 to April 22

 New Dates to note:

 The Fourth and Fifth Grade Choir will be performing at the Barnes and Noble on Thursday, March 11 at 5:30 pm.  They will be performing their play THE DRUM.

 The All-City Orchestra will be held at Hinkley High School on Tuesday, April 11.  They will perform at 7:00 pm.  

 Selected band students will be attending the APS Middle School Honor Band on Thursday, April 15 at North Middle School.  There will be an evening performance at 6:30.    

 The Third and Fourth Grade classes will be attending a school field trip to the Colorado Symphony Orchestra on Thursday, April 29.

 ***After school piano classes will resume on Thursday, April 8***

Performance Dates for 2009-2010
Thursday, October 22, 6:30 pm Fourth and Fifth Grade, Beginning Choir Program
Thursday, November 19, 6:30 pm Second and Third Grade Program
Wednesday, December 16, 6:30 pm Band and Orchestra (beginning and advanced)
Thursday, May 6, 6:30 pm Band and Orchestra (beginning and advanced)
Thursday, April 22, 6:30 pm Kindergarten and First Grade Program

Additional programs TBA to include after school program participants in various groups.

After School Music Classes

We are very fortunate at Quest to have access to many resources in music. I will be structuring the after-school program to allow for better flexibility so that students may choose to participate in a variety of music topics that will hopefully minimize the conflict with participation in sports in the middle years.

All after school classes will begin the week of August 24. Students will need to bring a permission form back for each of the sessions they are interested in attending. When a student chooses to participate in a session, they will be expected to attend every week for the duration of that session. Performances may also be scheduled and that information will be given out at the beginning of each session.

Tuesdays: Beginning Choir (4th and 5th grade students)

Wednesdays: Beginning Guitar ((6th,7th, 8th grade)

Thursdays: Exploring Music -- Topics include:

  • 8/24-10/2 Advanced Choir
  • 10/5-11/24 World Drumming
  • 11/30-1/22 Recorder Ensemble (soprano, alto, tenor, bass)
  • 02/11-3/25 Drama -- grades 4-8 Room #32
  • 04/08-05/06 Piano -- grades 4-8 Room #121

All sessions except for choirs will be limited by the number of instruments we have and space available.

Recorder Purchase

Students in 4th and 5th grade will be playing recorders this year. We now have alto, tenor, and bass recorders that we will be using in 5th grade. Fourth graders will be learning to play the soprano recorder. I will be taking orders for soprano recorders now. Purchasing a recorder is never required, as we have plenty for students to use during class. Most students enjoy owning their own instrument, so we offer what I consider to be the best quality for the cost. If you would like to order a recorder for your child, please send $5 cash or check (payable to Aurora Quest K-8). Recorders will arrive in a few weeks. I always have plenty of school instruments to loan during class. I sterilize them using Sterisol, which is the industry standard for cleaning and sterilizing. I also put the mouthpieces in the dishwasher occasionally. If you or your child are ever uncomfortable about using a school wind instrument, please let me know.

Alto recorders are also available this year for $15 each. We will be using school instruments in 5th grade. The purchase of an alto is optional.

Band and Orchestra Information

Supplies Account

Students in band and orchestra classes will have the opportunity to establish a Supplies Account. This is a convenient and economical way for you to prepay for items like strings and reeds that need to be replaced. I will take checks or cash in any amount, keep track of your account and supply receipts as requested. The price that we charge for these items is lower than you would typically pay in a music store, saves you the trip, and allows your child to continue playing if they need an item. I will have strings, reeds, valve oil, cork grease, and rosin.

I will be offering a couple of useful items that I would like students to consider purchasing:

Violin and Viola Players Shoulder Rest ($12-$20)
Cello Players Rock Stop (approx. $6)
All String and Wind Players An Electronic Tuner ($20)

Neither the school nor I profit by selling these items. This is for your convenience and the expediency of your child getting what they need to succeed in music.

Dress requirements for performances

Students in band and orchestra will wear white shirts/blouses, black pants/skirts and black shoes. Skirts and dresses are optional for girls.

Rental of school-owned instruments

A limited number of instruments are available for student rental. The cost is $15/semester. Students will be allowed to use instruments during class for the first two weeks of class. After a signed rental contract and payment is received, students will be allowed to take those instruments home. I will do my best, but can not guarantee that your first choice of instrument will be available.

You may want to rent an instrument from a music store, borrow from a friend or family member, or buy your own. One advantage to renting from a music store is that they usually apply some of your rental to the eventual purchase of an instrument. They can also provide an insurance policy for repairs during your rental agreement.

TRI-M Music Honor Society

Students in band and orchestra have an opportunity to participate in the Tri-M National Music Honor Society. Students must have a 3.0 overall GPA for the previous semester and a 3.5 GPA in music. Show evidence of volunteer service in the community, and 3 references from school staff members. Students are eligible to apply for Tri-M after playing in band or orchestra for one semester.

Tri-M members are recognized for their excellence, integrity, and responsibility. This is also a service organization that will help with performances and music events that are held at Quest, such as the annual chamber music festival in March.

Chamber Music Ensembles

Students will have an opportunity to play in small ensembles (quartets, trios, duets, solos). More information will be forthcoming during the school year about this exciting opportunity. Students will become more proficient on their instruments as they play more independent parts and learn how to communicate about their rehearsal practices.

Birthday Club

Students in advanced band and orchestra have the opportunity to play “Happy Birthday” for students in grades K-2 on their special day. Small groups of players visit the classrooms on designated days. Students will need to memorize the song and play it for me to ensure their success. This has been a fun time for both the players and birthday boys and girls!