Up
Welcome
About Us
Director
Vandiver's Voice
Calendars
Forms & Info
Austria Trip
Region to State 2011
AOBA
Links and Opportunities
Congratulations
All-State Roster
Awards History
Seniors '11
In Memoriam

Welcome and Thanks for visiting!

QUICK LINKS:

Kroger or Randalls
  programs

2011-2012 FBISD Year

Current Month Calendar

2011-2012
AHSO Year 
as of 09/07/11

**TRIP INFO**


Help AOBA reach this goal and see the amazing results in the orchestra program.

We need your help to keep AHSO the best orchestra program in the state!

What are some of the MANY uses for these funds?

bulletMusic purchase/rental
bulletClinicians
bulletMusic stands
bulletInstruments and repair
bulletUniforms
bulletInstrument racks
bulletTrips
bulletOffice Supplies
bulletRosin, Rock Stops, Strings
bulletPrograms, tickets, handouts, copies

01/15/12

Dear Parents and Students,

You have an opportunity to see Josh Bell in concert this Friday! 

Ms Behrens, orchestra director at Travis High School has 25 tickets remaining. Please contact her at Sabrina.Behrens@fortbend.k12.tx.us if you are interested. Tickets are $40 and include round trip bus transportation.    Bus(ses) will leave THS at 6:30pm and return about 10:30pm.  Thank you.

 Thanks!

01/15/12

Dear Parents and Students.

Thanks to students for getting their entries into the UIL database for solo and ensemble. I am sure you are all practicing hard to make this once again the best year ever for AHSO and #1 rankings for performers at UIL Solo and Ensemble!

Each performer must pay $8 for each entry. So if you are signed up for one solo and one ensemble, you need to send in $16 (checks payable to AOBA) to Ms. Vandiver ASAP.

Ensembles must pay $8 per member not just $8 for the entire ensemble.

This is a region wide event and fees go toward hiring judges, renting security, copies, etc. All the many things required to create this event., Thank you for your prompt payment!

01/09/12

Dear Parents and Students,

Our first family night at Mission Burrito was an outstanding success. This AHSO supporting business has generously scheduled a second night for a repeat event. Please join your AHSO friends and family for dinner with proceeds going to AHSO!

WHO:      All of the Extended AHSO Family
WHAT:    Family Dinner Night at Mission Burrito
WHERE: Mission Burrito, Sugar Land, near Whole Foods
WHEN:   Tuesday, January 24th, 4-9PM

01/04/12

Dear Parents and Students,

I hope you had a warm and wonderful holiday and are prepared for an exciting new year! HERE is the January calendar grid that will let you know orchestra activities for this month. All dates are also posted to the Charms calendar.

January is a prep month for AHSO.
Performers will be preparing for :

-  UIL Concert and Sightreading

-  Solo & Ensemble

-  Trip to Austria

Don't forget Sugar Land Ice Center AHSO Night on the 20th.and Mission Burrito on the 24th.

Thanks!

12/08/11

Dear Parents and Students,

Students please bring people and pet food for the needy to school on Thursday and Friday!

Are you ready for Friday's Progressive Dinner?!?! Well the generous families are getting ready for you!

It all starts at the Shah's at 6:30 PM. Bring appetizers to this home and the menu here is all vegetarian so prepare accordingly.

Next is the Well's at 7:45 PM. Here you will feast on the main course. Bon Appetite!

Finally we arrive at the Caro's at 9:00 PM. Here we will enjoy delectable desserts. Also, there will be a White Elephant Gift Exchange.  Be creative, be fun and the evening will wrap up at 11:00 PM.

11/29/11

Dear Parents and Students,

The year is drawing to a close but there is still a lot to do this month and the calendar grid is HERE

First up is the Messiah performance this evening. Choir members from all over FBISD will come to AHS to perform Handel's Messiah. This is an uplifting performance all on its own but even better when it will be accompanied by members of the AHS Orchestras. A wonderful community event. Please try to come.

Next Tuesday, Dec 6th, is the Holiday Concert and Raffle. The calendar outlines the rehearsals. Time for selling tickets is getting short. Invite your friends and neighbors, it will be a exciting and festive evening.

Friday, Dec 9th, will be the progressive dinner. Three AHSO Families will open their homes and all students are invited to bring food, enjoy your AHSO friends and participate in a white elephant gift exchange.

Monday, December 12th, you must bring your Solo and Ensemble entry info so it can be put into the system.

After that it is Final Exams for DAYS!

Then the holidays. The best time of the year!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

11/28/11

Dear All,

The Annual Progressive Dinner has been moved from Friday, December 2nd to Friday December 9th. Watch for more info to come.

Thanks!

11/28/11

Dear Parents and Students,

FIRST
All students performing for the Messiah can purchase a box dinner between rehearsal and performance. Jason's Deli will provide a choice between turkey sandwich or veggie wrap with pickle, chips, water and cookie. Cost is $6. Send in your $6 on Tuesday or bring it to rehearsal.

SECOND
ALL orchestra students should wear their red t-shirts for picture day. Our photo will be taken at 11:00 on Thursday.  Your red orchestra t-shirt is your pass back to class.  When the 5th period bell rings students should report to the auditorium for pics.   If you forget to wear your shirts, you will not be in the picture.

THIRD
Raffle tickets and money will be collected again Tuesday (tomorrow) during class periods. Only a week left to go and they are HOT!

Thanks!

11/18/11

Dear Parents and Students,

The last official day of raffle ticket sales, the raffle drawing and the Holiday Concert are all on December 6.

In order to avoid a last minute rush, I would like to encourage you to sell your 5 books of tickets (or more!) and turn in the stubs and money by next Tuesday.

If you haven't already, please take a moment to review the list of raffle items that was included in your child's ticket envelope. We have worked very hard to on this project and have gathered over $7000 in wonderful items that have all been donated. If everyone sells only the books they were given,
this will be a huge success.

We only have a few more days scheduled to turn in ticket stubs and money!

I thank you all in advance!

Kind regards,
Beth Ruzicka
Fundraising Chair, Austin HS Orchestra

11/13/11

Dear Parents and Students,

Congratulations to the talented performers of AHSO who competed and placed in the All-State orchestra. It is quite an accomplishment and quite an honor. You have made AHS, AHSO and FBISD very proud.

Violin

6 Claire Wood, Symphony

42 Travis Yeh, Philharmonic

44 Jonathan Yeung, Philharmonic

Viola

4 Anne Wells, Symphony

40 Mai Ito, String

Cello

12 Jane Lee, Symphony

17 Kevin Zhang, Philharmonic

Bass

16 Blake Awodu. Philharmonic

37 Ankit Shah, Bands

40 Federico Venturi, Bands

Great Job!!!

11/12/11

Dear Parents and Students,

15 AHSO Students will advance into Round 2 of All-State Judging. They are listed alphabetically below.  Congratulations and Best Wishes for Round 2!

    Violin
          Russell Kan
          Richard Liu
          Claire Wood
          Travis Yeh
          Jonathan Yeung
    Viola
          Mai Ito
          May Sumner
          Anne Wells
    Cello
          Jane Lee
          Lawerence Wu
          Kevin Zhang
    Bass
           Blake Awodu
           Marshal Connell
           Ankit Shah
          Federico Venturi

ROUND 1

Violin

Viola

Cello

Bass

Piano

Harp

Total

AHS

5 3 3 4 TBD 0 15

CHS

6 2 1 0 TBD TBD 9

DHS

5 2 0 1 TBD TBD 8

THS

2 0 0 0 0 0 2

 TOTAL

18 7 4 5 0 0 34

11/11/11
Dear Region Parents and Students,  

Region Rehearsal and Chairing is scheduled for 5:00-8:30 PM on Tuesday, Nov 15, 2011 at Hodges Bend Middle School. HERE is a map. Hodges Bend Middle School is 3.5 miles north of AHS on OLD FM1464. Remember - Region 13 Clinic and Concerts are November 18th and 19th. Watch for more info on that.

 

Here are the guidelines for Tuesday:

 

Students should eat dinner before they arrive. Please have students enter at the west side of the building where the bus loop is.  The other doors will be shut.  The students will need to stay in the music hall (1100 hallway), 1000 hallway and 1300 hallway area.  There will be no access to the cafeteria, vending machines, etc.  There are restrooms locate directly off of each hallway.

 

1. Students are a guest of the Hodges Bend Middle School Fine Arts Division and Fort Bend ISD. Please respect the people who have worked so hard to make this event happen and help care for their building.  Always clean up after yourself by depositing trash in trash cans and by straightening rooms after sectionals and rehearsals.

 

2. Please remember to bring your instrument, music stand, accessories (e.g. shoulder rest, rock stops, bass stools, extra strings, etc.), music (in the folder provided), and pencil to rehearsal!

 

3. Treat all orchestra members, teachers, instructors, and conductors with respect!   

 

Here are the room assignments for rehearsal and chairing:

 

1317 HS violin I audition

1318 HS violin II audition

1321 HS viola audition

1008 HS cello audition

1011 HS bass audition

 

1312 MS violin I audition

1311 MS violin II audition

1308 MS viola audition

1316 MS cello audition

1017 MS bass audition

 

1101 (band hall) HS orchestra rehearsal

1112 (orchestra hall) MS orchestra rehearsal

1104(small ensemble) Judges meeting room

 

Thank you and Good Luck!

11/11/11

Dear Parents and Students,

As we hold our breath in support of our Area candidates vying for All-State this weekend, lets not forget our Holiday Concert which is fast approaching on December 6th. This will be marvelous as always, but this year we are generating excitement for family and new supporters alike with our huge Prize Raffle!

HERE is the list of prizes and students have been selling tickets for over a week now. As you head out this beautiful weekend, take your tickets along and try even harder to sell opportunities for $7000+ in prizes. Tell everyone that we hope they will come to the concert, but they do not have to be present to win.

See you there!

11/07/11

Dear Parents and Students,

As with all months, November is full of orchestra happenings. HERE is the pdf file. Web page and Charms will be updated this evening to reflect all activities.

Thanks!

11/06/11

Dear Parents and Students,

All-State judging is fast approaching. Thanks to all who are donating their time to assist in shuttling judges to and from the airport and for spending time at school next weekend making sure everything runs smoothly while these all important job of selecting this year's All-Staters is taking place.

IMMEDIATE NEED: We need CD players with speakers, about 25 of them. If you have a CD player at home that we can use, please send them to school ASAP.

We still need drivers:

Friday - 1:30 PM
Saturday - 4:30 - 7:00 PM
Sunday - 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM

Also, we need chaperones for Sunday morning early.

If you are available at any of these times, please contact Bob Ruzicka at bobruz519@gmail.com.

We also need desserts for the judges lounge during the weekend. You can send these in on Friday or even bring them to the orchestra room or to the library on Saturday or Sunday. If possible, please send donations in disposable containers. Email Debbie Loreman at djloreman@gmail.com with your food donation so she can plan accordingly.

Thank you for all you do!

11/06/11

Dear Parents and Students,

A week ago Friday, AHSO hosted an appreciation luncheon for faculty and staff at AHS. They came, they ate our delicious spread and they were very thankful that AHSO would do such a thoughtful gesture. It was an amazing success and would not have been possible without the time, effort and donations of all of you.

Thank you to all who came to help set up, serve and clean up the event. Thanks to all who provided the wonderful deserts and the many, many bottles of water.

The AHSO family does such a wonderful job. Please know that it is appreciated!

Sincerely,
Debbie Loreman

11/03/11

Dear Parents and Students,

Raffle Tickets for the upcoming Holiday Concert Event are now on sale. Students were issued tickets yesterday and are urged to sell them as soon as possible. On Tuesdays and Fridays, there will be someone from AOBA at school to receive ticket stubs and the payments. You can also get more tickets at those times.  There are some truly wonderful raffle items so let all your family, friends and neighbors know about this opportunity. 

Thanks

10/29/11

Dear Parents and Students,

AHSO brings home top honors in Area Orchestra Auditions with the highest number of placements in all of FBISD - a total of 32. Here are how our performers placed. These students recorded etudes and excerpts for submission to All-Sate judging. Congratulations!

    Violin
          1  Claire Wood
          2  Travis Yeh
          3  Jonathan Yeung
        12  Richard Liu
        16  Russell Kan
        18  Adelina Leong
        21    Rohan Kondetimmanahalli
        22    William Yang
        23     Jessica Lin
    Viola
          2   May Sumner
          3   Anne Wells
          4   Thomas Brooks
   
       5   Patrick Pham
   
       7   Mai Ito
        10   Christine Yu
        13   Eric Yeung
        15   Abhi Rangarajan
    Cello
          1   Kevin Zhang
          2   Jane Lee
          6   John Yu
          9   Lawerence Wu
        10   Kevin Torrefiel
        11   Alistair Longshaw
        14   Alyssa Suddhi
        15   Janna Tulabot
    Bass (alphabetical, no playoff required)
               Blake Awodu
               Marshal Connell
               Roshan Kulangara
               Ankit Shah
               Federico Venturi
               Amy Williams
     Piano
          2    Amy Chen
      
 Here are how all FBISD Schools fared:

Violin

Viola

Cello

Bass

Piano

Harp

Total

AHS

9 8 8 6 1 0 32

CHS

7 2 4 0 1 2 16

DHS

6 3 3 3 0 1 16

EHS

0 1 0 0 0 0 1

KHS

0 1 0 1 0 0 2

THS

2 1 1 1 0 0 5

 TOTAL

24 16 16 11 2 3 72

10/28/11

Dear Parents and Students,

Now that cooler weather has given us a sneak preview, it is time to think about...........

The Holiday Concert and Raffle!

Yes, I said raffle. The concert committee has been hard at work behind the scenes to make this concert not only a great listening experience but a chance to shop for some very unique items for a friend or your own family loved ones. The evening will be just full of delight as you get in the holiday spirit.

Too early to think about that? No! You need to know the amazing items that will be raffled and how you get your chance to win! See the attached list for the starter list -- items totaling over $7000 so far!

On November 1st, next Tuesday, raffle tickets will go on sale. They will be issued in books of $5 tickets to be sold individually for $2 or $10 for the book.

Ok, now I am sure you are frantic to find out how you get your tickets! Well, ask a AHSO student. Each orchestra member will be issued 10 books of 5 tickets each. Each book worth $10. We want each student to do their best to sell all their tickets. Be sure to focus on friends, neighbors and those in the community who would love to become AHSO fans!

Students are responsible for keeping up with the ticket books they receive. If you are unable to sell all ten books, be sure to return unsold books to the Orchestra.

How will it work at the gala evening of the concert and raffle? In your concert program will be a list of all the items to be raffled off . Most will be in the form of a gift certificate to a business or service, some will be actual items to take home that night. Each ticket is one chance at a prize. Every prize and every ticket have the same odds. Drawings are random and winners will be announced that evening. You do not need to be present to win so go out to the neighborhoods and sell tickets to non-orchestra families. They would love the wonderful items too and we will get new supporters for AHSO!

Thank you

10/23/11
Dear Parents and Students,
Our Holiday Concert on Tuesday, December 6th, is promising to be quite an event. In addition to tuning up that holiday spirit with the best music around, we will also have a fabulous raffle

Thank you so much to our generous donors. Here is just a sampling of what is already promised to make this a wonderful shopping experience for your holidays:

DONOR

PRIZE VALUE

Abigale's Tree House Bed & Breakfast

1-night stay - Century Studio

$120.00

AD Players

One 2-person pass to Mainstage Show and one 2-person pass to childrens show

 

Avalon Diner

Gift Certificate

$20.00

Berry Hill Sugar Land

free margarita tickets

$100.00

Book Nook

Gift Certificate

$15.00

Brook Street BBQ

Dinner for 10 - Rodeo Pack

$100.00

Childrens Museum of Houston

4 passes

$32.00

Christian Brothers Automotive

Oil Change

$30.00

Clean as a Whistle

Carpet Cleaning

$250.00

Corelli's Italian Cafe

Gift Certificate

$25.00

Club at Falcon Point

Golf for 4

$250.00

Cynthia Wood Mitchell Pavilian

Tickets for Symphony

$50.00

Dees Auto

2 Oil Changes

$60.00

Drury Hotels

1 night stay at any Drury

$100.00

Embassy Suites San Marcos

1 night

$185.00

Flowers by Adela

Gift Certificate

$50.00

Fort Bend Country Club

Golf for 4

$180.00

Fort Bend Symphony

4 tickets

$60.00

Gary's Window Tinting

Cash

$100.00

George Ranch Historical Park

6 passes

$60.00

Grand Parkway Animal Hospital

Exam & Shots

$100.00

Hair Zone

Hair Cut & Style

$40.00

Houston Museum of Natural Science

8 passes

$120.00

Houston Symphony

4 passes

28 to 200

Integrity Tire & Auto

his and hers oil, lube and filter with tire rotation and 21 point inspection

$100.00

James Coney Island

Gift Certificate

$20.00

John McGovern Museum of Health and Medical Science

1 year family membership

$60.00

Julie's Cakes

Gift Certificate

$25.00

Lone Star Pet Lodges

Grooming & Lodging

$167.00

Loreman Family

Ipod Shuffle & Ear Buds

$50.00

Lowes

Fire Pit

$150.00

Madden's Casual Gormet

Gift Certificate

$50.00

Nora Anne's Flower Shoppe

Gift Certificate

$50.00

Pepperonies

Gift Certificate

$50.00

Pizza Hut

Pizza Bucks

$30.00

Premier Dental

Opalescence Tooth Whitening Kit

$250.00

Randalls

Gift Certificate

$25.00

The Wine Guys

2 - 3 ltr bottles of wine

$80.00

Ruthies Tex Mex

Gift Certificate

$25.00

Sam Houston Race Park

4 passes, 1 finish line box, 4 programs

$60.00

Kim Rodgers - Scentsy

Burner and wax

$50.00

Steven Leonard Photography

portrait session, consult and 8x10

$250.00

Sugar Land Ice & Sports Center

8 passes

$80.00

Sweetwater Country Club

Golf for 4 and lunch

$400.00

The Taste of Texas

Gift Certificate

$60.00

Texas Renaissance Festival

 

 

The Music Box Theater

2 passes

$50.00

Theater Under the Stars

Tickets for Dec 6 & 7

 

Westin Memorial City

Dinner & Hotel

$439.00

Willie's Grill & Icehouse

Gift Certificate

$20.00

10/10/11

Dear Parents and Students,

Now that the concert is passed - and it was AMAZING - October is all about auditions for All-State. The monthly calendar grid is attached. If you are not auditioning, lend your support to those who are. They represent AHSO in this important event.

Thank you!

10/10/11

Dear Phil Parents and Students,

If you are planning to audition for Area/State, please e-mail Ms. Baldwin at RLNZ@sbcglobal.net to let me know. I will make sure you are entered. The audition fee is $20 (checks made payable to AOBA) so please bring that in to Ms. Vandiver as soon as possible. Deadline is Thursday.

You do not have to have placed at Region to enter but you will need to know the excerpts as well as the etudes for Area/State auditions.

Auditions are Friday October 28th for Piano, Harp and Violin elimination. Saturday October 29th for Violin, Viola, Cello and Bass for Area chairing and State recording.

Thanks,
Ms. B.

10/03/10

 OCTOBER Monday 10/03 Tuesday 10/04 Wednesday
10/05
Thursday 10/06 Friday 10/07 Saturday 10/08
6:30 AM   Chamber Orch Sinfonia Orch 2:45-3:45 Chamber    
      3:45-4:30 Philharmonic    
orch class     Otis Cookie Sale 4:30-5:30 Symphony   University of
      6:15 Sinfonia No extra rehearsals Houston State
PM McCutchan Clinic  Philharmonic Orchestra Symphony Orchestra BBQ Dinner 5:30   Clinic
  2:45 -5:30     Fall Concert 7:00   Cost: $20

10/01/11

Dear Parents and Students,

Once again AHSO brings home top honors in Region Orchestra Auditions with the highest number of placements in all of FBISD - a total of 49 with 5 alternates. Here are how our performers placed. The next e-mail will have all the detail for all of FBISD. Congratulations!

Symphony
    Violin I
        8   Claire Wood
        9   Richard Liu
        10 Russell Kan
        12 Travis Yeh
        14 Jonathan Yeung
    Violin II
        23 Jenny Ren
        24 Jessica Chen
        31 Samuel Lee
    Viola
       
1   Anne Wells
        3   May Sumner
        7   Mai Ito
        8   Eric Yeung
    Cello
        1   Jane Lee
        2   Kevin Zhang
        6   Lawerence Wu
        7   John Yu
        10 Kevin Torrefiel
        12 Henry Chou
    Bass
        1   Blake Awodu
        2   Ankit Shah
        4   Amy Williams
        8   Marshal Connell

Philharmonic
     
Violin I
   
       1        Adelina Leong
          2        Jessica Lin
          4        Rohan Kondetimmanahalli
          5        William Yang
          8        Casey Luong
          9        Aditya Srivatsan
          13    Megan Jiao
      Violin II
          17    Joseph Bess
          20    Alex Luong
          22    Elise Palacios
          25    Leepi Mehta
          28    Kruti Mehta
          32  Alice Ma
          Alt Anmol Gupta
      Viola
          1     Thomas Brooks
          2     Patrick Pham
          3     Christine Yu
          4     Abhi Rangarajan
          12   Alex Pankiewicz
          Alt  Jacob Carda
      Cello
          4    Alyssa Suddhi
          5    Janna Tulabot
      Bass
          1    Federico Venturi
          2    Roshan Kulangara
          5    Stephen Wilson
          6    Toby Tso
          7    Raghav Singh
          Alt Amaar Dawani
          Alt Bobby Nguyen
      Piano
          1    Amy Chen
      Harp
          2    Sydney Zucker
          Alt Micaela May Ortega

 Here are how all FBISD Schools fared:

Symphony

Violin I

Violin II

Viola

Cello

Bass

Piano

Harp

 

Total

AHS

5

3

4

6

4

0

0

 

22

CHS

7

7

3

2

0

1

1

 

21

DHS

3

5

2

4

2

0

2

 

18

EHS

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

 

1

KHS

0

0

0

0

1

0

0

 

1

RPHS

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

 

1

THS

1

1

1

0

1

0

0

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Philharmonic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AHS

7

6

5

2

5

1

1

 

27

CHS

2

6

2

4

1

0

0

 

15

DHS

6

2

4

4

1

0

1

 

18

EHS

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

 

0

KHS

0

2

1

1

1

0

0

 

5

RPHS

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

 

0

THS

1

0

0

1

0

0

1

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AHS

12

9

9

8

9

1

1

 

49

CHS

9

13

5

6

1

1

1

 

36

DHS

9

7

6

8

3

0

3

 

36

EHS

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

 

1

KHS

0

2

1

1

2

0

0

 

6

RPHS

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

 

1

THS

2

1

1

1

1

0

1

 

7

09/27/11

Dear Parents and Students,

Mark your calendars for the evening of Thursday, October 6th. It is time for the AHSO Fall Concert. Come join the AHSO family for an evening of friends, food and great music. Let AOBA help you make this a relaxing and enjoyable evening by serving dinner before the concert. Smokin’ Mike’s Real Bar B Que is offering up your choice of a great plate of Bar B Que or a baked potato and salad meal with all the fixin’s.

In order to know how much food to purchase, we need you to pre-order meals for your family. See HERE for details and an order form. Please make checks payable to AOBA. We will not have extra food on hand, all meals MUST be pre-ordered.

 Tickets are also on sale and may be purchased in advance with this order form or at the door. All students and pre-schoolers are admitted to the concert for free.

 On the day of the concert, each performing group will have their own schedule, but for families please note:

 5:30 – 6:30 PM      Dinner in the Commons

 7:00 PM                       Concert Begins

 Please see HERE for order form for details.

 Look forward to an evening where you can meet Orchestra Families, enjoy a relaxing meal and listen to the best music Sugar Land has to offer.

Thanks!

09/16/11

Vandiver's Voice Update

Dear Orchestra Family,  

I enjoyed the fun and fellowship at Mission Burrito on Wednesday evening.  I can’t thank you enough for all of you help!  We earned $619 from this evening.  They have invited us to do it again in January.  The 50% donation from Mission Burrito is very generous.  He said that we had the best attendance of any previous group on the Spirit Night.  I can only say a heartfelt thank you to every one of you.

Carolyn Vandiver
Director of Orchestras
,
Fine Arts Department Chair

09/13/11
AOBA Minutes for meeting September 01, 2011 are available HERE.

09/13/11

Congratulations to our AHSO 2011 Beau Sweetheart and Banner Carriers!

AHSO Beau: Matthew Cabral
AHSO Sweetheart: Yasmeen Abacan

AHSO Banner Carriers: Alistair Longshaw and Amy Chen

09/11/11

Dear Parents,

As of this update we have filled our first charter bus and are well on the way to filling the second. There are many more getting their ducks in a row and we fully anticipate filling this trip to its capacity.

Thanks to all who were able to come to the parent trip meeting last week. Discussion was lively and lots of good questions were covered.

Key Questions:

Is it too late to sign up? - Absolutely not! We will still accept new travelers but we need to know your commitments as soon as possible.

But I am behind on payments per the Trip Agreement - We understand that. Please let us know how you anticipate making payments and we will work with you. All payments must be complete by end of January.

What if my child needs medical attention - We will be traveling with a physician. Medical history forms will provide required info and your travelers will be in good hands.

What is the first step? - Get your papers in order. Go get a passport. If you already have one, makes sure it does not expire prior to 09/15/2012 or you will need to renew. Local post offices can handle the application process. Sugar Land post offices need an appointment, The post office in Richmond by Walmart will not require an appointment. You can also go to the courthouse. There are required documents so read the attched file about passports.

HERE you will find trip info and documents. Read all and realize what a thrill this trip will be!

Thanks,
Ms. Baldwin

09/11/11

Dear Parents and Students, 

There are several key items for this week besides just the required sectionals. HERE is a revised September grid and HERE is the latest full AHSO calendar for the entire school year. Both are important resources and so you are encouraged to print and post them.

Big Brother/Big Sister – this program is to help new AHSO Members get to know their new friends and the wonderful ‘ins’ and ‘outs’ of AHSO. Each day this week, Big Brothers and Big Sisters are to bring small gifts and words of wisdom to their assigned new friend. Keep the cost small, the thought big and remember all gifts are anonymous until Friday when we have the big reveal!

Mike Willer Viola Clinic – All violas auditioning for Region – Wed, 2:45 – 5:00 PM - Mr. Mike Willer has agreed to clinic violas in the etudes and, if time, the excerpts. Mr. Willer is a widely renown violist and an extraordinary teacher. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to polish audition material. He knows how it is done!

Mission Burrito Night – Wednesday – Come join your AHSO family at Mission Burrito
on Wednesday evening between 4:00 and 9:00 PM. Enjoy dinner and on your way out, deposit your receipt into the box labeled 'Group Raise' The restaurant will donate 50% of the purchase price to the orchestra!
15810 Southwest Fwy (in the Whole Foods parking lot facing Hwy 59)

Fish Camp – Friday, from 3:30 – 9:00 PM, all AHSO members are welcome to come meet and greet with the Fishes. Please bring $5 on Monday to help defray the expense. Give the cash to an officer who will take it from there. At the gathering there will be games, food and an all around good time. Freshman year can be intimidating so come make them welcome and get to know our newest and youngest members.

A great week to be in AHSO!

09/07/11

Dear Parents and Students,

 

Each year SHSU offers a workshop to aid students in learning Region Etudes and All-State Excerpts. There are two levels so if you just want Region help, come in the morning. State help for etudes and excerpts, come in the afternoon.

 

This is always worthwhile, but this year the clinician level is especially strong with the addition of Houston Symphony professionals. Please read the attached flier HERE, check your calendars and start a carpool of your musical friends. Lots to be learned here!

 

 

String Invitational

46th Annual String Invitational
TMEA All-State/All-Region Audition Workshop
Saturday, September 24th, 2011, 9am-4pm

Sam Houston State University is proud to present its 46th Annual String Invitational, a workshop for high school students who are preparing for the Orchestra Division All-State Auditions.

Sessions taught by SHSU Music Faculty and members of the Houston Symphony Orchestra

HSO Members:

bulletAssia Dulgerska, Assistant Concertmaster
bulletWei Jiang, viola
bulletJeffrey Butler, cello
bulletDavid Malone, Acting Principal Bass

SHSU String Faculty:

bulletJavier Pinell, Violin
bulletNaomi Gjevre, Violin
bulletRene Salazar, Viola
bulletDaniel Saenz, Violoncello
bulletDeborah Dunham, Double Bass
bulletDavid Cole, Director of Orchestral Studies
bullet  

General Info

The SHSU string faculty and members of the Houston Symphony will present workshop sessions on the Orchestra Division All-State Audition Materials. There will be two levels of instruction on the All-State etudes. A morning session for less experienced players who wish to focus on the etudes exclusively, and an afternoon session for more advanced players. In addition, there will be morning sessions on the All-State Orchestra Audition Excerpts. These will be led by members of the Houston Symphony. Also during the day, there will be sessions on audition preparation and instrument care. Participants will also have the opportunity to try out instruments and purchase music and other accessories from displays by the Amati Violin Shop, Sam's Strings, and Quantum Bass Center.

What to Bring and Cost

Students need to bring a music stand to be used throughout the day. Since lunch is not provided, participants may either bring a lunch or have the option of dining at facilities close by.

Registration begins now, with a registration fee of $30 per student (fee waived for previous All-State students). PLEASE NOTE: On-site registration will be available at a cost of $40 per student (no All-State fee waiver for on-site registration). On-site registration will be available on September 24th starting at 8 am. If paying by check at on-site registration, checks may be made payable to Sam Houston State University

09/03/11

Dear Parents and Students,

It is time for sectionals to begin. Students meet with other musicians in their section for individual and group tutoring from Ms. Vandiver on current pieces and upcoming auditions, etc. Monthly you will receive a calendar grid that details these rehearsals which occur before and after school. Attendence is mandatory unless a request is made in advance for an approved reason to miss. Click HERE for the calendar grid. 

Please refer to this calendar for all other orchestra activities. As always, the most recent and complete calendar info is found at CharmsOffice.com. Click on the Charms Calendar Link above to take you directly to the calendar without logging in. 

HERE is the link to the printable pdf of current month.

Thanks!

09/01/11

Dear Potential Travelers,

Don't forget the Trip meeting tonight.

You should try to come if.....

You are traveling with us

You are thinking about it

You can't travel but want to know what this is all about!

WHO: All of AHSO and AHSB

WHAT: Austria Trip Meeting

WHERE: Orchestra Hall

WHEN: Tonight! 09/01/11m 7PM

Thanks!

Ms. B

08/29/11

Dear Parents and Students,

Much excitement has been buzzing about our spring trip to Austria and the Czech Republic. Thanks to all of you who have decided to travel with us. It will be unforgettable.

Still trying to decide? Should I send my student? Should we make this a family outing? I can't go but sure would like to know what happens on one of these trips.... you are all welcome.

Ms. Vandiver and I will be at AHS on Thursday evening to give an overview of the trip, handout the tentative itinerary, provide helpful traveler advice and to answer all questions.

All AHSO and AHSB members and parents are welcome and encouraged to come.

WHO:    All who want info on the spring trip

WHAT:  Come get handouts and we will stay until all questions are done

WHERE: AHS Orchestra Room, J-Hall, AHS

WHEN:   Thursday evening, Sep 01, 2011, 7:00PM

If you wish to be removed from trip e-mail distribution, please reply to this e-mail and request that. I will remove you. Thank you.


Linda Baldwin, Trip Coordinator
Austin Orchestra Booster Association
RLNZ@sbcglobal.net
281-381-7783 

08/27/11

If you are a new student at AHS that did not attend GMS, SMS or AHS previously there is a wonderful opportunity for you to meet other new students and make friends.  Monday morning at 7:00AM meet Katie Loreman in Room A 8.  You can also friend Katie Loreman on facebook and she will friend you and help contact with the other students.  She moved into Austin from out of state last year and she knows how you feel.  Katie plays violin in the first violin section of Philharmonic Orchestra.

Meet a friend, be a friend!  Welcome to my favorite high school AHS!

Carolyn Vandiver

08/27/11

*** Entertainment Book Fundraiser ****

Dear Parents and Students,

Each year AHSO sells Entertainment Books as one of the major fundraisers for the year. These book are chock full of wonderful coupons from fast food and fine dining restaurants, shopping venues and attractions. It pays for itself with just one family meal out!

AHSO gets to keep a significant percentage from every book and that helps a lot with music, equipment, instrument repairs, activities..... all things important to AHSO.

Each student has received one book and a sign-up sheet. We are asking each student to try to sell two books. Other groups in the area are selling Entertainment Books also, so work fast!

REMEMBER: All checks made payable to AOBA.

These books are worth $25 cash, so please guard them carefully and don't leave them laying around. If you lose it, you will be responsible for the $25 cost.

If you are  to enter online sales, the flyer has the wrong school code. Use 611311 or we will be supporting another school!

Thanks!

08/25/11
Dear Parents and Students,

AHSO is wrapping up the first week of school and it is time to remind you of the calendar events that are coming up.

08/23        Tue        Entertainment Books went home
08/25,26   Th/Fr     Uniform fitting in class
08/27          Sat       Car Wash, Pecan Grove Valero, 9-1
08/29          Mon     Signing Packets go home
08/30          Tue      5:30 AOBA Meeting
                                 6:00 Open House
09/01         Thu       7:00 Trip Meeting (not yet confirmed)
09/02          Fri        Signing Packets due back in
09/05          Mon     Labor Day
09/14          Wed     4-9 Give Back Meal at Mission Burrito
09/17          Sat       Car Wash, Kroger, Hwy 6 & Airport, 9-1

Entertainment Books -- These coupon and discount books pay for themselves almost immediately and continue to give you bargains all through the year. If you have an online purchase, the account number is wrong -- USE 631311. If you forget, a school in Friendswood will get the profit!

Uniforms -- The push is on for Thurs and Friday, but we'll work until every AHSO marvelous student has the dress or tux to make them one of the nest looking musicians in all of FBISD!

Signing Packets -- We need a lot of info from you! These will go home Monday and must be back Friday, filled in and ready to get us all on the same page. Thanks for being proactive in getting these done. A daily grade may be involved.

Car Wash -- What a great way to get a workout while meeting and greeting your musical friends. Come prepared to make some funds for AHSO!

AOBA -- Austin Orchestra Booster Association will meet before Open house. Meet the board and get your questions answered.

Open House -- The entire school gets a meet-and-greet with teachers and administration. Learn your child's schedule.

Trip Meeting -- Watch for separate e-mails about the exciting trip to Europe. We want to meet on 09/01 to answer all your questions and let you see the itinerary. Just waiting on confirmation from the trip coordinator that this time and date will work.

Labor Day -- A holiday already? You probably could use it after this schedule!

Give Back Meal -- Meet at Mission Burrito (by Whole Foods) to dine with your friends on 09/14. There will be a labeled box by the register for your ticket. Mission Burrito will give 50% of your meal value (less tax) to AOBA to help them with orchestra expenses. Thanks them as you leave!

Ms. Vandiver's info:

281-634-2072
Carolyn.vandiver@fortbend.k12.tx.us

Don't hesitate to ask if you have questions.

Thanks!

08/19/11

Dear Parents and Students,

THIS IS LONG, BUT PLEASE READ TO THE END -- LOT'S OF INFO YOU NEED

Welcome to the 2011-2012 year for AHS Orchestra. Once again we have record enrollment -- from 174 last year to 194 so far this year. It is wonderful to see the program expand and get to work with so many musicians both new and experienced. We are the award-winning AHS Orchestra with talent and Bulldog spirit that cannot be matched!

Several Key Items

                No instruments for Monday, first day, but bring them on Tuesday.

                Region 13 etude cuts are attached. Some of you can now focus on just these   cuts for re-audition or Region.

                Re-Auditions will be done throughout the first week or longer if necessary.
Symphony -- You must know the ENTIRE etudes and the Excerpts
Phil -- If you want to audition for Symphony, you must know the same
Phil, Chamber, Sinfonia -- to stay or move up to Phil you must know the cuts.
Beginner - You can audition for Chamber by preparing the All-State Etudes, but if you are truly a beginner, just come knowing you will be amazed at what music you will learn this school year. Welcome!

                During class on Thursday and Friday, Ms. Zucker and her team will be on hand for uniform fitting. Freshmen -- come ready to try dresses and tuxes. They will be issued to you to keep for the year and you must take good care of them. Sophomores thru Seniors -- if you have a dress or tux part that needs to be exchanged, bring that to school and you can exchange then. Lost bowties are $5. If you are a parent and available from 7:30-12:30 on Thursday or Friday, reply to this e-mail and I will get you in touch with Ms. Zucker.

                Saturday we have a great working and social opportunity for all AHSO students -- a carwash!!!
WHO:       All AHSO Students
WHAT:     Fundraising Carwash
WHERE: Valero at Randall in Pecan Grove
WHEN:     Saturday, August 27, 9:00 AM to 1:00PM
We could use some parent volunteers and all your dirty cars! IT will be hot, bring a little cash to buy drinks from Valero and thank them for letting us come.

It's going to be a wonderful year!

Now, what happens at a car wash?

It really is great fun.

I am sure you have seen organizations doing carwashes, they are fun and easy in spite of being hot and a little dirty.

There will be adult chaperones at all times.

Students should dress in cool clothing, but appropriate. NO SWIMSUITS, NOSHORT SHORTS, GENTLEMEN MUST WEAR SHIRTS

It will be hot, so bring some sunscreen. money for drinks, extra water

There will be plenty of students so jobs can be rotated. It is important that you all work hard, but also you must rest when it is your turn, stay out of the sun as much as possible and keep drinking water.

Helpful hints to those who are washing:

- It is a good idea to change the water every hour or so to keep it clean.
- Wash and rinse and dry from the top to the bottom. Think about it, it makes sense!
- Check out the height of your knee. YES, there is dirt on a car that is lower than that. Bend over and get that too.
- Keep a separate bucket designated for tires with scrub brushes. It gets dirty faster.
Have some fun.

Freshman - introduce yourselves, charm your elders.
Elders - hug a fishie, they are sooo intimidated by you.

Be aware of the heat, drink lots of liquids, slather on the lotion, have fun! 

08/10/11

Hi everyone!

Its time to get ready for the 2011-2012 school year and orchestra auditions. We will be holding re-auditions during the first and second week of school to make a final determination of which orchestra all students will be placed in for the rest of the year. Here are the requirements that will be heard from every orchestra student.

Beginner - You can audition for Chamber by preparing the All-State Etudes, but if you are truly a beginner, just come knowing you will be amazed at what music you will learn this school year. Welcome!

Sinfonia and Chamber - All-State Etudes only

Philharmonic - All-State Etudes required, if you wish to move to Symphony, you must do Excerpts also

Symphony: All-State Etudes and Excerpts required for all. You must do all to stay.

On a side note, don't bring your instruments to school on the first day! Yes, bring them on the second day. Be prepared on 2nd day to audition on the material above. Auditions may extend into the second week - they take time!

We hope everyone's having a great summer!!

Sincerely,

The two coolest Presidents ever -

Ankit Shah and Amy Chen

07/29/11

Dear Potential AHS World Travelers,

As I emailed to you last week, we have an amazing opportunity to travel and explore history and culture in Vienna, Salzburg and Prague. All will take place at Spring Break 2012. I have been on this excursion before and I can assure you it is a life-changing experience: a guided tour of three of Europe's most exciting cities on a charter bus and all stops carefully planned for a group of our interests.

Your first concern will be the cost per traveler and we are setting the cost at $3200.00. Attached is the trip agreement and payment schedule and we do need a $400 deposit per traveler as soon as possible. Since the trip is at Spring Break, grade eligibility will not apply. Normally we don't itemize costs at such an early stage because they will change, but in the current economy, we want all to know exactly what we are facing.

Here is how it breaks out per traveler:

$     17.27       Buses to and from IAH

$2508.99       Air, Charter Bus, 6 nights hotel, daily activities, a guide on each bus, all meals included, one performance venue booked by an Austrian tour company.

$  647.48        Taxes and Fuel Add-On Fee

$    46.94        Instrument Rental/Ship

$3231.47       TOTAL

Yes, this totals more than $3200.00 but we will count on donations and fundraisers to make up that difference. It is to be expected that the trip cost is higher now than in 2007 but we are being hit especially hard by the value of the dollar and the considerably higher fuel costs. Barring the unforeseen, the tour company is committed to keeping this cost unchanged at $3200. Last time they were able to hold the cost without change throughout the entire process.

If any parent works for a company that may consider a donation, please ask them or contact me and I will check with them. Please brainstorm fundraising ideas. These will need to be in addition to the usual fundraisers necessary to support the school activities so think about things that will not cost parents who are already paying for the trip but will get support from the community. A good example is a carwash. For virtually no expense and six hour's time $500 can be raised. The more we raise, the less cost per traveler.

On our last trip we took 40 non-performing family members -- parents, grandparents and siblings. That made the trip a wonderful family experience for many. I hope students and family members will be able to share in this adventure. I have already heard from so many of you and your questions are welcome. Please, come join us!

Thanks,
Ms. Baldwin
Trip Coordinator

07/21/11

Dear Parents and Students,

We have the most exciting news for all of AHSO! Many months ago we received a letter of invitation from Dr. Heinz Shaden, the mayor of Salzburg, Austria (see attached). He would like Austin High School Orchestra to visit this beautiful city and perhaps perform there.

After months of calls, planning, requests and meetings, the FBISD Board of Directors has graciously approved our request to take this trip!

What does this mean to each of you? Your dream of a wonderful European tour - immersed in history, culture and exciting activities -- traveling with orchestra friends -- led by incredibly informed guides -- all rooms, meals, events, transport meticulously planned and included -- this is now about to become reality. Stops already included are Salzburg, Prague and Vienna.

Who is eligible to go? All students, siblings, parents of AHS Orchestra and AHS Band

When will we go? Spring Break -- March 2012 -- leaving Friday before Spring Break for one week

How much will it cost?  That is still to be determined. We have locked down the flights but much has to be decided. Fuel costs are our main concern and are double what we paid in 2006/2007. We should have a trip agreement and payment schedule ready by end of this week.

What do I do first?  Family Meeting! Everyone will have to be involved in this decision, start the conversation and decide who can go. Check your calendar, make your list of questions then email Ms. Baldwin (RLNZ@sbcglobal.net) if you need to ask anything, yes, anything.

Next?  Make a deposit of $400 per traveler. All checks made out to AOBA and mail or drop off at AHS. Make sure Ms. Vandiver's name is on all envelopes. PayPal will be available starting Monday through Charms.

This is the first of lots of information so check your email regularly. It's going to be a wonderful adventure!

Thanks,
Ms. Baldwin
Trip Coordinator

07/02/11

Dear Parents and Students,

Summer is more than half over so I hope your etudes are nearing perfect polish! Today the performance excerpts were posted at TMEA.org and are posted to Charms via your student ID log-on.

For students new to the process....

Last May etudes were posted and distributed. These etudes form the basis of Region through State tryouts and are assigned material for Symphony, Philharmonic and Chamber orchestras who are required to audition for Region.

Today, excerpts were posted. These are selected sections of the pieces that are chosen to be performed at the All-State Orchestra Concert in February 2012. All AHSO Students planning to audition for State as well as Region (Symphony, Phil, and selected Chamber) should learn these excerpts as well.

Best of luck to all and keep practicing!!!

Thanks!

06/03/11

Please join me in Congratulating the new AOBA Board:

 

President: Bob Ruzicka

Vice President: Debbie Loreman

Secretary: Yolanda Palacios

Treasurer: Nitin Mehta

 

Joining the executive committee as Chairs:

Fund-raiser: Beth Ruzicka

Cookies: Lindsey Longshaw

Uniforms: Kelley Zucker

Travel and Webmaster: Linda Baldwin

 

For those new to AHS Orchestra AOBA stands for Austin Orchestra Booster Association and we have many ways for you to help us support the orchestra for the 2011/2012 academic years.

 

Have a wonderful summer.

Redia Anderson

AOBA President 2010/2011


Orchestra Cookie Dates for the 2011-2012 School Year

          August               24                                      February       08

          September        07                                      February      22

          September        21                                     March             07

          October              05                                     March             28

          October              19                                     April                11

          November          02                                      April               25

           December         07                                      May                09

           January             11                                       May               23

           January             25

Home ] [ Welcome ] About Us ] Director ] Vandiver's Voice ] Calendars ] Forms & Info ] Austria Trip ] Region to State 2011 ] AOBA ] Links and Opportunities ] Congratulations ] All-State Roster ] Awards History ] Seniors '11 ] In Memoriam ]

Questions or comments about the web site: RLNZ@sbcglobal.net Linda Baldwin 281-381-7783