05/19/13

****    Chicago! Chicago! ...........(see lyrics below)  **** 

Dear Camerata Parents and Students,

 Welcome to the world of Austin High School Orchestra Travel. My name is Linda Baldwin and I am the trip coordinator for you or your child's odyssey into the world of Chicago and the Midwest Clinic. This is the first of many e-mails you will receive regarding the trip. The more info I can give you, the better, so please don't hesitate to call or e-mail with questions, suggestions, comments. I am available. It is very important that I get lots of your info so I can be in close contact with you all. If you are a wind family or new freshman, please go to the Chicago page of the AHSO web site and download the contact form. Current AHSO Camerata members, If you know you will not be able to travel with us, reply to this email and I will remove you from the distribution list.

 Here is my info:
 Linda Baldwin
RLNZ@sbcglobal.net
281-381-7783 cell
281-220-6452 fax

The first order of business is the trip agreement. It is attached to this e-mail and is required of every student (and adult – parents welcome) who will travel with us. This document shows that you are serious about traveling with us and understand what is required. Please print, fill out, sign and return this form to me ASAP. You can scan and email or fax to the above number. (No cover sheet required). Along with this form we need a $250.00 non-refundable deposit (all checks made out to AOBA). Thank you to those of you who have already made this deposit. For the rest, please get that in as soon as you can.

That brings us to cost:

We are scheduling a cost of $1800.00 per student but are working hard to keep that amount less. There are variables at this point but we are locking things down as fast as possible. We need to do fundraising so any ideas or help there would be much appreciated. Any funds we collect will go directly to reduce costs of each participant.

We need you to pay on the following schedule:

Trip Payment Schedule Per Person (all checks payable to AOBA):

05/31/13         Non-refundable deposit     $  250.00 per person
06/30/13         Trip Payment                        $  250.00 per person
07/31/13         Trip Payment                        $  250.00 per person
08/31/13         Trip Payment                        $  250.00 per person
09/30/13         Trip Payment                        $  250.00 per person
10/31/13         Trip Payment                        $  250.00 per person
11/15/13         Trip Payment                        $  300.00 per person
                                                 Total               $1800.00

 We have reserved and plan to leave IAH in Houston on Monday morning, 12/16/13 and  return late evening on Friday 12/20/13. I will publish flight info on the next email.  There are many exciting things to do in Chicago. We have already reserved several ‘don’t miss;’ events. As always, we will all travel via charter bus from place to place.   

Thanks!
Linda Baldwin

I leave you with the immortal word sung by Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett from solo albums in the late 50's (I know you are too young to know who they are) -

Chicago, Chicago, That toddlin' town
Chicago, Chicago, I'll show you around, I love it
Bet your bottom dollar you'll lose the blues in Chicago

Chicago, The town that Billy Sunday couldn't shut down
On State Street that great street I just wanna say
They do things they don't do on Broadway
They have a time, the time of their life
I saw a man, he danced with his wife In Chicago

05/19/13

Dear Parents and Students,

Are you still basking in the warm glow of the Spring Concert? Did you think that once again you sounded amazing? The audience sure did and thanks to Mr. Long Pham (father of our own Patrick), you can relive the moments... 

Here is your opportunity to re-listen to that wonderful performance -

Beginner/Sinfonia/Chamber Orchestras

01 Lean On Me -http://youtu.be/NwhZDnKZkWc

02 Music of the Night - http://youtu.be/L7nMinHjYME

03 Baby Elephant Walk - http://youtu.be/hZcVN6iQ6-Q

04 Rock 'N Classics - http://youtu.be/W7TY_SZGhF8

05 Viva La Vida - http://youtu.be/MNYqx4AWYKY

Philharmonic/Symphony/Camerata Orchestras

06 Led Zeppelin Meddley - http://youtu.be/U7hzKNeDsY4

07 Clocks - http://youtu.be/vNAPzkX_ErI

08 Gangnam Style - http://youtu.be/xejYM7vCyS8

09 I Got Rhythm - http://youtu.be/nxQMnEk_R9g

10 Themes From the Musical Chicago - http://youtu.be/oNIGP1TOTEw

11 Five By the Beatles - http://youtu.be/yxJmVTUvyqI

05/18/13
Dear Seniors and Parents,
Get your uniforms cleaned and bring them to school in separate bags with your name clearly marked on the bag. Everyone should be handing in two uniforms except those enrolled in orchestra next year and playing graduation. You will be placed on the fines list on Friday if they are not returned. Thanks so much!

05/17/13
Dear Parents and Students,
As you may know, the AHS Full Orchestra traveled to the University of Houston on May 16th to perform in the Space City Showcase of Music. They produced an amazing rendition of the pieces and a recording was made that will surely bring further reward and opportunity to AHSO. Congratulations to all who participated, we are proud of you. What was the result? Their performance garnered the highest awards that could be received.

Superior Performance
Outstanding in Class
Outstanding Ensemble Overall

05/17/13
You are invited  to Senior Leap! 

 Parents and Students,

This is the last AHSO milestone for the Class of 2013 before graduation, and you are invited! No rehearsals required, no formal clothes, just come for a fun time and a chance to watch the seniors leap into their after-high-school adventures! The Wood's have opened their yard and pool for this great event. A huge thanks goes out to Paula Connell, Juanita Carda, and Bob and Beth Ruzika for coordinating this event.

 We will be grilling burgers, dogs, and veggie burgers.  Sign up in the orchestra room to bring drinks, chips, paper products, etc.

 WHO: All AHSO

WHAT: Senior Leap

WHERE: Sanders Ridge in New Territory
5638 Whisper Ridge Dr 

Sugar Land, TX 77479

WHEN: Friday, May 31, 5:00-8:00

 RSVP to Mrs. Wood by May 29 at elizdwood@gmail.com so we can get a head count for the burgers.  Thanks!

05/07/13

Dear Parents and Students,

AHS auditions begin tomorrow!  Camerata and Symphony should play the scale and arpeggio that accompanies the key of the Region/State etude.  It is better to play a portion of the etudes well instead of all of the etude without refinement. Best wishes to all, do your best. 

Please use a metronome to practice.

05/03/13

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The senior recital has moved from Friday, May 24 to Thursday May 23rd. Please make note.

Also, graduation will start at 1PM, not 1:30 PM so mark that or you will be late!

HERE is the revised pdf.

Thanks!

04/28/13

Dear Parents and Students,

May is upon us and all the year-end activities that go with it. You have been a wonderful bunch in all the orchestras, now it is time to reflect and to honor those who will graduate and not be with us next year.

Seniors, we need you to dry clean your uniforms and return them WITH YOUR NAME on the bag. If you are performing with the full orchestra at UofH on the 16th, wait until after then.

Key Things to remember:

Auditions Begin May 6th. Cam and Sym MUST audition on All-State material. See Ms. Vandiver's facebook post on the correct approach to make it successful. Others may be auditioning on these or on the FBISD etude selection. Check with Ms. Vandiver or Mr. Law if you are not sure. Audition packet and FBISD etudes are posted at Charms and at AHSOrch.org.

Whew! Lots to do!  

04/23/13

Dear Parents and Students,

Time once again for the annual auditions to determine your placement in the AHS Orchestras. Attached is the audition packet. This packet is full of information for you all but most importantly, you must bring the fully filled out Audition Form along with the blank judging sheet to your audition.

Auditions will be during each class during the week of May 6 - 10. Ms. Vandiver and Mr. Law will give you specifics on what is required for each class. This packet is posted to the Charms website and also at ahsorch.org. Your directors will tell you exactly what is required to prepare. If they are using the FBISD etudes, these are also posted at both places.    Violin    Viola    Cello     Bass    Harp

Best of luck!

04/23/13

Dear Parents and Students,

Rehearsal Schedule for U of H Concert:

All tickets are $26 .00 and must be paid in advance, checks payable to AOBA

Please RSVP with total number of guests by Friday, April 26th
Reservation Form HERE

04/15/13
UIL Concert and Sightreading

Dear Students and Parents,

2013 UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contests are scheduled on April 18^th, 2013. This is the one of the most important performances of the year, and it is equivalent to STAAR/TAKS testing on core subjects, though a lot more fun....  

It is important that Austin High School is represented professionally and that each student does his/her best to portray themselves as dedicated and hard working individuals. In order to better prepare ourselves mentally and physically for the contest, we suggest that students to implement the follow instructions the night before his/her contest:

1)      Inspect concert uniform

Boys: Tuxedo shirt, black Slacks (not jeans or kakis), black socks and black dress shoes, bow-ties & vest

Girls: Formal black orchestra dress, black hose and black dress shoes (no sandals, or open toed shoes)      

2)      Inspect instrument and bow (cellos and bassists may use school instruments, but he/she should use the instrument that sounds the best, and which is most comfortable to perform successfully), clean instrument and make sure no heavy rosin built-up on the strings.

           3)      Inspect music in BLACK three ring binder. Even if you use your stand partner's
                  music, bring your own....you never know who will be absent or absent-minded.

Night before contest  Gather uniform, music, and instrument, and make sack lunch (if needed)

 TUESDAY

Schedule (Beg/Sinfonia & Chamber)

 (6:30am Beg/Sinfonia Rehearsal)

 Attend class 1-4 period

5^th Period (Eat A lunch and dress in uniform)

12:30                           Load buses for Hightower HS

2:00                             Warm up (Beg/Sinfonia)

2:30                             Stage Performance

3:00                             Sight-reading (Beg/Sinfonia)

3:30                             Warm up (Chamber)

4:00                             Stage Performance

4:30                             Sight-reading (Chamber)

5:00                             Load buses for AHS (both orchestras)

5:40                             Arrive at AHS for parents to pick up

WEDNESDAY

Schedule (Philharmonic/Symphony)

 (6:30am Symphony Rehearsal)

 Attend class 1-4 period

5^th Period (Eat A lunch and dress in uniform)

6^th Period (Short rehearsal for Philharmonic in the orchestra room)

1:00                             Load buses for Hightower HS

2:30                             Warm up (Philharmonic)

3:00                             Stage Performance

3:30                             Sight-reading (Philharmonic)

Listen to KHS & DHS

4:45                             Warm up (Symphony)

5:15                             Stage Performance

5:45                             Sight-reading (Symphony)

6:15                             Load buses for AHS (both orchestras)

6:50                             Arrive at AHS for parents to pick up

THURSDAY

Schedule (Camerata)    

(6:30am Camerata Rehearsal)

 2:45                             Load bus for Hightower HS

4:45                             Warm up

5:15                             Stage Performance

5:45                             Sight-reading

6:15                             Load bus for AHS

6:50                             Arrive at AHS for parents to pick up

Please do not hesitate to contact me at carolyn.vandiver@fortbendisd.com or 281-634-2076 if you have any questions.

04/15/13

Dear parents of the students performing for the UH Showcase of Music --

AHSO has been fortunate to be selected to participate in the UH Showcase of Music this year. This is an honor for us and a unique experience for our student musicians. We will be performing on Thursday May 16 2013, at 7:10 pm, in the Moores Opera House on the University of Houston campus. This is a state of the art, professional performance venue associated with the Moores School of Music at UH. UH offers degree programs at the bachelors, masters, and doctors level, and this facility supports that program as well as the nationally known opera program. It is used for non-university events as well.

This event is a once in a lifetime opportunity for your student to be able to participate in a performance at a professional venue. I am sure they will appreciate having been there. In addition to the performance, the musical selections will be taped for our entries into state orchestra competition. The acoustics and professional level equipment and surroundings at Moores will ensure a high quality recording unlike anything we can produce at AHS or the surrounding area.

The total cost of this trip is $48 per student. That includes entry fee, box lunch, and FBISD bus transportation. Due to our successful efforts this year in fundraising, the AOBA board has decided to help with this expense at $23 per student. We are asking for only $25 per student. Please send funds to the school at your earliest convenience. I appreciate your support of your students and this experience. If  paying by check, please make it out to AOBA. Please fill out the simple form HERE and return with your payment. Thank you very much.

Due to the timing of the event, and expected rehearsals before, students will be at school all day. That is why we are providing the meal. We expect to depart from AHS for UH at approximately 4:30 -- 4:45 pm. to allow for traffic conditions. We are required to be at UH by 6 pm.

I know that Carolyn Vandiver has already discussed this in class, and some of you have already paid. Thank you for stepping up so quickly. We look forward to an encouraging, challenging, and pleasant experience for all.

Thank you very much.

Sincerely,
Bob Ruzicka
AOBA President

04/15/13

Dear Parents and Students,

We haven't even closed this academic year, but as you know, next years is already in the works. TMEA has posted the books from which they will select the etudes for Region thru State for the 2013-2014 season. Check the list, if you have these books already in your music collection and you are familiar with the style and content of the pieces, you are a whole step ahead of the orchestra masses!

Enjoy the practice! It has only just begun...

Harp:

         Hasselmans -  Las Source Etude Op. 44 - Salvi Publications

         Y. Kondonassis - The Yolanda Kondonassis Collection - Carl Fischer

Piano:

         Heinmann-Henle Urtext - Well-Tempered Clavier, Part. 1 -- Kalmus - BWV 846-869

         Dover - Mendelssohn: Complete Works for Pianoforte Solo, Vol 2 -- Dover

Violin:

         Rode/Galamian - Rode 24 Caprices for the Violin -- IMC -- 2066

         Galamian - Fiorillo 36 Etudes or Caprices for Violin Solo (Ivan Galamian) -- IMC - No. 2178

Viola:

         Mazas (Mogill Edition) - Etudes Speciales, Op. 36, Bk. 1, Vol. 1885 -- Schirmer - 5026 2570

         Fuchs - 16 Fantasy Etudes for Viola -- IMC - No. 2786

Cello:

         Duport - Twenty-One Etudes Book 1 for Cello -- Schirmer -- 50255840

         Popper - 40 Studies High School of Cello Playing, Op. 73 (Nathan Stuch) -- IMC - No. 811

Bass:

         Storch-Hrabe - 57 Studies, Vol I (Fred Zimmermann) -- IMC - No. 1034

               Simandl - 30 Etudes -- IMC -- No. 1296

04/08/13

Dear Parents and Students,

Please join us for the concert tomorrow. Orchestra's will be performing the pieces selected for the UIL Concert and Sightreading Competition. Come see the result of all those rehearsals!

Here is the schedule for tomorrow:

6:00-6:30 Sinfonia/Beginner rehearsal on stage

6:40 All students in uniform seated by orchestra in the auditorium

7:00 Concert begins

See you there!

04/04/13
Dear Seniors,

I am very pleased to hear that you are already starting on your Senior Wills - the all-important missives to the less-than-seniors that will guide their lives when they must go on without your leadership... and your kind words to your fellow seniors!

When you have completed them, please email to Ms. Baldwin at RLNZ@sbcglobal.net. It would be most helpful to me if you would please put all text in Arial size 10 font. All material will be reviewed prior to publication and will only be edited for objectionable content or extreme excessive length.

Please find links to rosters of just this year's seniors and of all AHSO students. You can address each and every one of them or send messages to those you have enjoyed the most.

http://ahsorch.org/images/Seniors/Senior List 2013.pdf

http://ahsorch.org/images/Seniors/Roster040413.pdf

Also, here are links to wills of the past 3 years. Don't read them all, just get the idea.

http://ahsorch.org/images/PDF/Senior_Wills_2012.pdf

http://ahsorch.org/images/Senior_Wills_2011.pdf

http://ahsorch.org/images/Senior_Wills_2010.pdf

It would be most helpful to me if you would please put all text in Arial size 10 font. All material will be reviewed prior to publication and will only be edited for objectionable content or extreme excessive length.

Finally, I have set up the Senior '13 page on the AHSOrch.org web page. I need a single senior picture from each of you to place there.

http://ahsorch.org/Senior.htm

The end is near but much is still required. Don't procrastinate, your friends are waiting for your important input to the rest of their lives. So.... Do it this weekend please!

Thanks,
Ms. B

04/04/13

Dear Seniors and Senior Parents,

As all of you who have spent years at AHSO know, a beautiful and moving slide show is created by the junior class. This slide show is composed of pictures from the lives of the seniors. The juniors will do the work and you will be amazed at the result but we need your help to collect the pictures.

Each senior should collect up to 12 pictures from their lives that reflects important moments in their lives from birth to their senior year. It is preferred that you scan these and burn them to disc or email them to Alex Luong at Aluon07050@gmail.com. If you need to send in originals we will do our best to take care of them and get them returned to you. Make sure they are in an envelope with your name. There will be a folder in the orchestra room for these.

It seems like there is a lot of time, but the slide show is extensive so please send these in as soon as possible. The junior committee has set a deadline of April 19, so please don't wait, collect your photos today.

ALSO, seniors, I need to know your future plans. Please send me the name of the college you plan to attend and your major. These will be listed in the concert program.

Thanks so much!

Ms. B
RLNZ@sbcglobal.net

04/04/13

Dear Parents and Students,

Those who will be attending the U of H performance need to bring their $25 participation fee. If you have already paid, thank you very much! All checks payable to AOBA.

Chocolate sales should be final and we need you to bring your collected money NOW!

Thanks!

04/04/13

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It has been a long week of testing and confused schedules which means you have not been to orchestra class regularly for a bit. As a result, some of the performers are missing mandatory rehearsals. With UIL so close, this is something we must improve. Attached to this email is the April calendar with rehearsal times.

An AHSO calendar is published every month. At that same time, the calendar link is placed in two places on the AHSorch.org website (the main page and the calendar page) and it is also uploaded to the Charms calendar folder. If you delete your email, please know that the calendar is ALWAYS available in these locations. You can always get a copy. Last resort, email RLNZ@sbcglobal.net. I will send it to you again.

PS. Did you know you can get the Charms calendar on your iPhone? Ask me, I'll tell you how.

04/02/13

Dear Parents and Students,

The AHS Full Orchestra has received an invitation to perform at the Midwest Clinic in December 2013! This prestigious honor was based on the submission of a recording of our performance and we were selected from all the entries nationwide.

What is Midwest Clinic? This is an annual conference of music educators from all over the United States and beyond. They flock to this conference to hear all the latest compositions and arrangements from the most important composers. Music history is made here. A select few groups (meaning us!) are invited to perform in order to give the full experience to these decision makers. The premier list of vendors are also present to offer the latest in equipment, music, recordings, college opportunities - anything you could possibly want musically.  See HERE for more conference info.

What does this mean for AHSO musicians? A chance to travel to Chicago and experience one of the most exciting cities in the Midwest and to perform for a very appreciative audience that can bring even more opportunity our way. AHS was there 5 years ago and we had a wonderful time! Too early to tell what events we will do but know that the performance is only one of the highlights.

For now, just know that once again AHS has won an honor that only a few receive. Congratulations to all the hardworking performers and their wonderful, supportive families.

03/27/13

Dear Parents and Students,

April is almost here and attached is the calendar grid.

April is the month for

-  STAAR Exams
-  Bandera Trip
-  String UIL
-  TAKS Testing

Whew! Use this grid to remember it all!

03/22/13

Dear Parents and Students,

UIL is fast approaching and here is the rehearsal schedule for next week. These are also posted in Charms.

Watch for the month of April calendar to come soon.

03/25/13
Monday AM:   Phil Viola
Monday PM:   Phil Violin    

03/26/13
Tuesday AM:  Chamber Viola
Tuesday PM:  Chamber Violin

03/27/13
Wednesday AM:  Sinf/Beg  Viola
Wednesday PM:  Sinf/Beg Violin

03/28/13
Thursday AM:  Chamber: Cello/Boas
Thursday PM:  Sin/Beg: Cello/Bass

3/10/13

 Keep practicing those pieces and sign-up for rehearsal with your pianist of you are using one of the three.

 Thanks!

01/30/13

Austin High School Orchestra

Spirit Night!

Tuesday, February 5

3:30pm -- 7:30pm

20% of net sales on menu priced items

 will go directly to Austin HS Orchestra Boosters

11609 S Highway 6

Woodbridge Shopping Center behind Taco Bell

281-494-0747

01/30/13

Dear Parents and Students,

The judges for the Tommy Tune Awards will be at the performance Friday night. They will determine our chances for winning awards in many categories including orchestra.

So... we need an extra rehearsal to make sure we are completely ready for this opportunity.

WHO: All students involved with the musical Annie Get Your Gun

WHAT: Extra Rehearsal

WHERE: Auditorium

WHEN: Thu, 01/31, 3:00PM to end of show

01/26/13

Thanks to all who came to perform at HEB for the Souper Bowl of Caring.

A whole lot of food was donated to those who are in need and the crowds enjoyed a wonderful concert.

01/09/13

Dear Parents and Students,

Camerata members, please add the Souper Bowl of Caring at HEB to your calendar. We will play from 1-1:30 on January 26. Wear your red t-shirt and jeans. Let's help feed the hungry!!!

Ms. Vandiver

01/09/13

Dear Parents,

Hello from Beth Ruzicka, fundraising chair for AOBA and AHS Orchestra. Thank you so much for all your support of AHSO during this current school year! We have an opportunity that is simple and low pressure AND based on suggestions from you.

Several of you have expressed an interest in selling chocolate bars and we have gotten approval from the district. This is not a typical fundraiser where we take orders for merchandise. It does require an advance commitment.. We need to know who is willing to participate and to what degree. If we have enough interest, I will ask for payment in advance.

This is how it works... The candy is purchased from World's Finest Chocolate at a cost of $30 per box of 60. It's then sold to you at a cost of $60 per box of 60. You in turn sell it for $1 per bar and completely recoup your money. Because of delivery costs and profit margins, we need to sell at least 42 boxes of 60 to make it worth our while.

 This is totally in your hands. Please reply to me if you are interested and I will contact you individually.

 Thank you in advance,

Beth Ruzicka
beth@brinsure.com

01/07/13

Here is the calendar grid for January! Please note your important activities and don't miss a thing! As always, CharmsOffice.com is where you will find the very latest of calendar information.

Thanks!

01/07/13

Dear Parents and Students,

12/24/12

        Wishing the Whole AHSO Family a

 Very Merry Christmas!

                                          From Ms. Vandiver, Mr. Law and AOBA

12/08/12

A HUGE thanks to Mr. Long Pham for recording then uploading the holiday concert. Now your cheer can extend throughout the holiday season.

 Great job to all orchestras. Ms. Edge tweeted some very nice thoughts. It was wonderful!

 Beginning Orchestra:

Jingle Bells: http://youtu.be/5Sj8_Vz-NGA

Ding Dong Merrily On High:  http://youtu.be/FU2Wan4FEWQ

Christmas Symphony: http://youtu.be/B0ifk97h0vs

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer: http://youtu.be/QBr8u3Pu_7o

Christmas Fiddlers on the Housetop: http://youtu.be/ovLsFH9UKaU

Sinfonia, Chamber, & Philharmonic Orchestras:

Yuletide Carols: http://youtu.be/yoNSDedJmJo

Christmas Time Is Here: http://youtu.be/RS7nhts9JQ4

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus: http://youtu.be/hwFS3daaGzM

Of Comfort and Joy: http://youtu.be/-SXrYsi_gP4

Gleeful Christmas: http://youtu.be/pWC8osH4TBk

Symphony & Camerata Orchestras:

Overture to Messiah: http://youtu.be/5ESlq3w25Kw

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year: http://youtu.be/68wPDz3PNSk

Shabbat Shalom: http://youtu.be/-1Cpmzw6zXE

Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy: http://youtu.be/xtMKx9mBLL0

Sleigh Ride: http://youtu.be/xPPfDeJPkjg

Mad Russian's Christmas: http://youtu.be/Kq3EiMJAVSw

12/05/12

Dear Parents and Students,

The much awaited holiday concert is tomorrow night! Thursday, Dec 6, 7PM.

Admission is free and the spirit will be festive. Bring friends and family and just see if you can contain your Christmas Joy!

All AHSO Students should wear their red t-shirts to school tomorrow in support of the concert. There will be concessions available for sale, so bring some change and join in.

Rehearsal times prior to the concert are as follows:

3:00-3:45 Symphony/Camerata

3:45-4:45 Chamber/Philharmonic/Sinfonia

5:00-6:00 Beginners

7:00 PM Concert

11/30/12

Dear Parents and Students,

December is here and we are racing to the holidays but along the way we have:

Thu, Dec 06 - Holiday Concert, AHS Auditorium, 7:00PM

Fri, Dec 07 - Progressive Dinner, 6:00PM

Dec 18-Dec 21 - Semester Exams

HERE is the December calendar grid. Enjoy the concert and may each of you have a wonderful month and a wonderful holiday season.

11/26/12

Dear Parents and Students,

Please join Austin HS Orchestra for an evening of skating fun and food at Jambone's Grill and Sugar Land Ice & Sports Center this Friday, November 30 (flier attached).

Enjoy dinner at Jambone's (menu attached). Identify yourself as being with the Austin HS Orchestra and Jambone's will donate 10% of your meal.

Skating session is from 8:00pm to 11:00 pm.

We will also be hosting a concession stand in the lobby.

11/19/12

Dear Parents and Students,

Join us for a night of fun at the Sugar Land Ice and Sports Center

Families are welcome!

November 30, 2012

8:00 PM until 11:00 PM

Tickets may be purchased in advance using the flier HERE and will be picked in the lobby of the rink. Additional tickets may be purchased from Mrs Ruzicka at 'will call' in the lobby of the rink from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM on Jan 20. If you plan to arrive later, please make arrangements for ticket pick up by calling 281-703-0243.

Skate rental is included in the price. We will have a concessions table selling baked goods and lemonade.

11/19/12
Dear Parents and Students,

Please join the Fort Bend HIgh School Combined Choir accompanied by the AHS Camerata Orchestra in the performance of selections from Handel's Messiah.

CD's of this magnificent performance may be purchased using the order form HERE.

11/17/12

Dear Parents,

Time to consider a holiday tradition at AHSO - Our annual progressive dinner. It may seem early here before Thanksgiving but the event occurs on December 7th starting at 6PM and we're looking for three homes (need to all be in the same area) for our stops. 

Home 1: Hors d'oeuvres
Home 2: Main Course
Home 3: Dessert and White Elephant Gift Exchange

This is a wonderful potluck and soooo much fun!

If you are able to volunteer your home, please email RLNZ@sbcglobal.net and let us know you are interested.

11/17/12

Dear Parents and Students,

Here is an opportunity for performers in AHSO to show all of Houston their amazing talent. HERE is a poster and an application. Below is the invitation e-mail sent to Ms. Vandiver. Please consider participating!

From: Jones, Muriel O [mailto:MJONES15@houstonisd.org]
Sent: Thursday, November 15, 2012 9:52 AM
Subject: Talent Showcase Invitation

Dowling Middle School of Fine Arts will be hosting their 1^st Annual Kidz Got Talent Showcase on December 7, 2012.  We would like to invite your Singers, Dancers, Actors and Instrumentalists to participate in this fantastic event which will give them an opportunity to showcase their talent.  There will be a 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd Place winner along with additional Judge's Choice awards for Elementary, Middle and High School students.  For more information, please contact Ms. Muriel Jones at mjones15@houstonisd.org or via phone at 713-434-5600.

Thanks,
Ms. Muriel Jones, M.A.Ed/AS
Magnet Coordinator
Dowling Middle School of Fine Arts

11/15/12

Camerata/Messiah Rehearsal Schedule

 Nov. 15^th Clements HS 3:30-5:30   Sectionals

Nov. 26^th Austin HS 3:30-6:00 Soloists with orchestra

Nov. 27^th Austin HS 3:30-6:00 Combined

Nov. 28^th Austin HS 3:30-6:00 Dress Rehearsal

Nov. 29^th Austin HS 6:00 Arrive dressed for the performance

                                    7:00 Performance Begins

11/13/12

Congratulations to the nine AHSO Performers who made All-State Orchestra! You have worked very hard to earn this achievement and you exemplify all that AHSO aspires to be. These students will perform at the Texas Music Educators Association annual conference in San Antonio Texas in February of 2013.  You make us proud!

11/11/12
See our notice in Sugar Land Magazine! http://www.sugarlandmagazine.com/blog/holiday-concert-by-ahs-orchestra

11/06/12

Dear Parents and Students,

Time is running out for your chance to participate in our spring trip to the Bandera Flying L Ranch in conjunction with an adjudicated performance in San Antonio. A competitive performance, a long weekend with your friends, a great 'Dude Ranch' good time. It doesn't get any better!

HERE is an itinerary so you can see how the trip lays out. There are still some decisions to be made, but you will get the idea. The ranch has a whole list of activities to choose from, so watch for even more detail on those. At the bottom right is a link. Check out our destination for yourself. You will certainly want to go to the Flying L once you see their web site.

Remember, the trip includes ALL expenses except souvenirs, charter buses the entire time and an experience that AHSO has not done before.

Reserve your spot with a $100 deposit (checks written to AOBA).

Thanks!

11/01/12

Dear Parents and Students,

November is another very busy month and attached you will find the calendar grid. 

Don't miss a single event!

10/30/12

Dear Parents and Students,

 Where, oh where will we go for our spring trip in 2013? You may think it is too early to think about that but it is not! Plans are already in action to make this school year's trip an event to remember and we urge every AHSO performer to come along. Our trip is in-state this year and Texas has soooo much to offer!

 Let's all put on our cowboy hats and think about Bandera, Texas and a Texas-Sized Dude Ranch! Trails, campfires, two-steppin', chuck wagon grub, western shows for entertainment -- it is all good!

 Lots of details to come but the biggies to help you decide:

-          Chartered busses ( not the yellow ones)

-          EVERYTHING included in the cost (except souvenirs)

-          Leave on Thursday, back on Saturday

-          Competition performance in San Antonio

 We need you to sign the  Trip Agreement found HERE and send in your $100 deposit now (checks payable to AOBA). This will hold your spot. The trip agreement shows the payment schedule and the total cost per student is $500.00.

Saddle up pardner, it's gonna be a quite a ride!

Thanks!

10/27/12

Dear Parents and Students,

24 AHSO Students placed in the Area Orchestra and were allowed to tape for All-State competition. Congratulations to all! Here is how our performers placed.

Violin

Russell Kan

Rohan Kondetimmanahalli

            Claire Wood

            Brittany Xiao

            Travis Yeh

            Jonathan Yeung             

            Viola

            Mai Ito

Krishna Patel

Patrick Pham

Eric Yeung

Cello

Henry Chou

Elaine Wood

Lawrence Wu

John Yu

Kevin Zhang

Bass
Blake Awodu

Marshal Connell

Roshan Kulungara

Mohammad Marwan Madi

Toby Tso

Federico Venturi

Amy Williams

Stephen Wilson

Piano

            Kruti Mehta

10/26/12

Dear Parents and Students,

Info on Area Eliminations and Taping 

Friday Night:  Violin Elimination round.

At Fort Settlement Middle School

Arrive 5:00.  Begin Audition at 5:30

Saturday:

Harp and Piano

You will record at First United Methodist Church

3900 Lexington Boulevard, Missouri City, TX 77459

 Chapel--not the sanctuary

Report time to tune/warm up--8 am.

The Piano will start.  We have between 8-10 am.

All others at FSMS

Viola & Cello Elimination Round

--Times--same as region--8:15 check-in.   Judges start at 8:45.

Report directly to the room.

Taping Violins and Basses. 

Arrive at 8:30--warm up.  You will be handed cds and will be taping as close to 9 as we can go.

2 rooms--violins, 1 room--bass.

The order will be randomly generated by the computer.  Volunteers can go first.  Once volunteers run out, we will default to cd order.

TAPING PROCEDURE

         TMEA releases recording cuts Friday afternoon.  You may have to log in to dl these.

o   Audition material is taken from TMEA area recording tracks only

         The students must record in order as stated on the TMEA printout.

o   There will be a binder in each room for reference

o   We will not re-order tracks on any cds.

         Each student will get 30-45 sec. in each room for a warm up before they tape. 

o   After this period, they will play the cuts in order--stopping between tracks

o   Advise your students to practice in this manner. 

         Record in tape order after volunteers for all rooms. 

10/23/12
Dear Parents and Students,

Here is a great opportunity to meet and perform with other amazing musicians in the Houston area.

The Houston Young Artists' Concert is hosting auditions for their inaugural concert at Rice University.

Audition Prelims - 12/01/2012-12/02/12

Audition Finals - 12/09/12

Concert - 01/19/2013 Houston Baptist University

All info and application at HYAC.org

10/16/12

For Immediate Release

Sugar Land, Texas (October 16, 2012): A delegation from the Ning Bo, a city close to Shanghai, China, visited Austin High School on October 16, 2012, as part of an educational tour of area schools. The group was comprised of mostly teachers who were selected by the Chinese government as outstanding in their craft, having received many accolades as master teachers in their Math, Science, Social Studies, English as a Second Language, and Chinese Language and Literature classes.  The teachers were accompanied from some administrators from their schools.  The group was sponsored by the University of Houston Hobby Center for Public Policy, facilitated by Mr. David Guo.

Members of the delegation asked a variety of questions about the school’s educational policies and procedures, student achievement, testing and school operations.   The Mission of AHS is to provide an atmosphere of high expectations for all students in their pursuit of academic achievement as well as to assist each student in the development of a positive self image, responsible citizenship, and cultural awareness in an effort to become productive, lifelong learners in evolving global society.   This visit lends aligns with the school’s mission. Through several classroom observations in Math, Science, Social Studies, and World Languages, this is exactly what the delegation saw. The principals were on hand to answer their questions.

After the classroom observations and tours, delegates were given lunch and given time to meet AHS teachers.   The guests also attended a special presentation in the Auditorium from AHS Fine Orchestra and Angels.  Mrs. Mary Ellen Edge, the principal of Austin High School stated “we had so much fun preparing for our visitors and enjoyed getting to know more about them and the school operations in Ning Bo.”  Mrs. Edge stated that this visit reminded her of the Maya Angelou quote “perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all people cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may become friends.” 

10/13/12

Dear Parents and Students,

37 AHSO Students placed in the Region Orchestra. Here are how our performers placed.

Congratulations!

10/07/12

Dear Region  Parents and Students,

Below are the errata for each instrument. Errata are changes or corrections to the printed etudes which help in clarity or correct errors. This MUST be followed for auditions. Please mark your music with these changes and be sure to practice your etudes with these changes included.

ETUDE ERRATA

Harp

Salzedo - Carlos Salzedo - Suite of Eight Dances Lyon and Healy

Page(s): 22-25, Rumba
Tempo: Play tempo as indicated: Quarter note = 92
Play: Beginning to end

Lawrence - Solos for the Harp Player Schirmer/Hal Leonard

Page(s): 25-27, Siciliano
Tempo: Play tempo as indicated: Eighth note = 112
Play: Beginning to end

Piano

Maurice Hinson - Brahms - Two Rhapsodies, Opus 79 for the Piano Alfred

Page(s): 13-20, Op. 79, No. 2: Rhapsody in G Minor
Tempo: Play Tempo as indicated: Quarter note = 104
Play: Beginning to end

Wilford A. Palmer - Chopin - Preludes for the Piano Alfred Masterworks

Page(s): 15-17, #3 - Prelude in G Major, Op. 28. No. 3
Tempo: (Revised 8/3/2012) Half note = 96 - 104
Play: Beginning to end

Violin

Etude 1:

Rode/Galamian - Rode 24 Caprices for the Violin 2066 IMC

#9
Page(s): 18, Adagio
Tempo: Eighth note = 66 - 72
Play: Play "Adagio" only

Etude 2:

Rode/Galamian - Rode 24 Caprices for the Violin 2066 IMC

#22
Page(s): 46-47, Presto
Tempo: Dotted quarter note = 60 - 66
Play: Beginning to end 

Viola

Etude 1:

Palaschko - 20 Studies, Op. 36 No. 905 IMC

#13
Page(s): 24-25, XIII. Allegro giusto e cantabile
Tempo: Dotted quarter note = 88 - 100
Play: Beginning to end
Errata: m. 39 - the 10th note should be played F flat (revised 5/14)
Tempo changed to Dotted quarter note = 88-100 (posted 7/16)

Etude 2:

Mazas (Mogill Edition) - Etudes Speciales, Op. 36, Bk. 1, Vol. 1885 5026 2570 Schirmer

#8
Page(s): 12, Andante
Tempo: Quarter note = 76 - 84
Play: Beginning to end (with D.S. al Fine)
Errata: m. 10 - The eighth rest should be a sixteenth rest. (posted 5/14)
m. 14 - The eighth rest should be a sixteenth rest. (posted 5/14)

Cello

Etude 1:

Alwin Schroeder - 170 Foundation Studies for Violoncello, Vol. 3 Carl Fischer

#140
Page(s): 8, Adagio
Tempo: Quarter note= 48 - 52 (changed 5/31)
Play: Play "Adagio" only (changed 5/1)
Errata: m. 10 - This measure may be played ad libitum, suggested bowing slur from beginning of measure through first note of second beat, A, followed by slurring couplets within second beat in separate bows, last three notes of second beat within one bow, beat three down bow, including the term, beat 4, up bow. (posted 8/7)
m. 13 - C sharp should be a half note, NOT a dotted half note as printed. (posted 5/8)
Tempo change (posted 5/31)
m. 29 - Mark 32nd notes "ad libitum" (revised 8/15)

Etude 2:

Alwin Schroeder - 170 Foundation Studies for Violoncello, Vol. 3 Carl Fischer

#158
Page(s): 60-61, Allegro
Tempo: Quarter note = 104 - 112
Play: Beginning to end (with NO REPEATS)
Errata: There should be no use of 4th finger in thumb position (posted 5/31)
Play entire etude "with springing bow", between middle and nut, rather than U.H. as indicated at beginning of etude. (posted 5/31)

String Bass

Etude 1:

Storch-Hrabe - 57 Studies, Vol I (Fred Zimmermann) No. 1034 IMC

#7
Page(s): 8-9, Allegro
Tempo: Quarter note = 92 - 100
Play: Beginning to end

Etude 2:

Storch-Hrabe - 57 Studies, Vol I (Fred Zimmermann) No. 1034 IMC

#29
Page(s): 30-31, Adagio
Tempo: Quarter note = 60 - 66
Play: Play "Adagio" only (updated 5/1/2012)

10/07/12

Dear Parents and Students,

Receiving this email means you are one of the 91 students from AHSO that will be auditioning for Region Orchestra. Thank you for all your hard work, it is about to pay off! Please read the ENTIRE email carefully. There is a lot you need to know in order for auditions to run smoothly. A second email will come next with the latest version of the errata.

Auditions are Saturday, October 13^th at Sartartia Middle School.

Here is what you need to know:

o   Harps will be first

o   Piano arrive at 9 am

o   Violin A is in Room 205 Large Band Hall

o   Violin B is in Room 202- 2^nd Orchestra Room

 You must remember:

AHS/AOBA will run a snack bar, Please support this.

10/07/12

Dear Parents and Student,

A note from the principal - Ms. Edge

Our Homecoming Game is this week against Bush High School could be the Click 2 Houston Football Frenzy game of the week.

We need you to vote so that our team wins this opportunity to be the game of the week.
Tell everyone you know to vote!!!!
Right now we are in the lead, but not by much so Austin Bulldogs need your help!!!!!

Keep voting until they announce the winner!!!!!
http://www.click2houston.com/sports/friday-football-frenzy

10/01/12

Dear Parents and Students,

The first concert of the year is soon – Tuesday, October 9^th – and you will be amazed at what the performers have accomplished in such a short time.

This is our ticketed concert for the semester so please tell friends and family who plan to attend. Tickets are $5 each for adults. Students with ID’s and preschoolers are admitted without charge. These concert tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door.

AOBA is also offering a Berryhill meal for purchase before the concert. Let AOBA relieve you of the pre-concert hassles of dinner for the family. Come join us and for $8.50 you can purchase a delicious fajita wrap dinner served with chips, guacamole, salsa, cookie and a drink. Because these meals are made-to-order, we MUST have your order and payment in to Ms. Vandiver/Mr. Law by Friday, October 5^th.

HERE is an order form so you can select your meals – a vegetarian option is available. Please fill this out and send in with payment made out to AOBA.  

Have dinner with your performer then enjoy a great evening of beautiful music. 

09/29/12

Dear Parents and Students,

Attached is the October Calendar Grid. As always, the month is packed with activities and events and rehearsals.

Key things to note:

·                     Beginning performers will start before and after school rehearsals this month.

·                     Friday, October 5^th, Fish Camp will be held!

·                     Tuesday, October 9^th is the Fall Concert.

o   Join us for dinner before the concert catered by Berryhill.

o   Tickets are $5 with preschool and students with school ID free.

o   Carefully check the rehearsal schedule on that day, the schedule is tight!

·                     Thursday, October 11^th is a concert with Camerata and SMS Symphony to be performed and recorded at Sugar Land Auditorium.

·                     Saturday, October 13^th are the Region Auditions, all that practice will pay off!

·                     Friday and Saturday, October 26^th and 27^th are Area Auditions and individual recordings.

 Best of luck to all competitors and performers!

09/29/12

Dear Parents and Students,

Fall is here and we have a great opportunity for those of you who like to put a little fall color in your yards – flowers!

AHSO has an agreement with a local grower to provide flats of a several varieties of flowers at a very low price. If you go to the box stores or Wal-Mart to buy plants, please give these flowers a look. You cannot beat the freshness, size and quality of a local grower. These plants have not set out on store shelves with only occasional watering. They are straight from the grower to you!

Each flat contains 18-4” vigorous plants for $20. Four varieties that are proven winners in this area – Alyssum, Dianthus, Pansies and Snapdragons. Sales begin NOW and will extend for the next two weeks. Plants will be delivered on Oct 27^th and students will bring them to your doorstep! Doesn’t get any easier than that.

This is also a fundraiser for the orchestra so please invite your friends and neighbors to participate in this great value. HERE is a flyer to use to take orders.

Thank you for all you do to support AHSO!

09/26/12

Dear Parents and Students,

This weekend is a great opportunity for more instruction on the etudes and excerpts. Don't miss out on this chance. An application form is HERE. You can bring this with you on Saturday but they do need to know in advance if you are coming so they can have the correct facilities and lunch arrangements made. PLEASE TELL MS VANDIVER IF YOU WILL GO - even if you have already gotten your info to UH. She needs a headcount tomorrow- Thursday.

Here is the invite from Dennis Whittaker and the schedule for the day.

Thanks!

Hello all,

Please let your students and colleagues know about the 2012 All-State Strings Festival at the University of Houston Moores School of Music, on Saturday, September 29 from 8:00am until 3:00pm. The string faculty of the Moores School of Music will lead sectionals and mock auditions at this All-State preparation workshop.

Faculty includes:

Violin - Andrzej Grabiec, Frank Huang and Kirsten Yon

Viola - Wayne Brooks and Suzanne LeFevre

Cello - Vagram Saradjian

Double Bass - Dennis Whittaker

Rregistration is open to all High School string players who are auditioning for the 2013 TMEA All-State Orchestra. The schedule and information is listed below.

Students can print out the registration information and bring it with them on the 29th. The registration fee is $20 per person.

 HOWEVER, please RSVP me if you know of any students who will be attending. Lunch will be provided, and we need to plan on the numbers. Please call or email if you have any questions. We're looking forward to an amazing day!

Dennis Whittaker


713-743-3379
dwhittaker@uh.edu

Schedule:

Saturday, September 29

8:00am: Register and warm-up.

Registration is in the student lounge of the School of Music

Violins: Room 185 (Andrzej Grabiec,, Frank Huang, Kirsten Yon)

Violas: Room 131 (Wayne Brooks, Suzanne LeFevre,)

Cellos: Room 175 (Vagram Saradjian)

Double Basses - room 160
 (Dennis Whittaker)

8:30: Morning group technique class, Etudes


10:15: Break

10:30: Etudes and Excerpts


12:00: Lunch (provided by Jason’s Deli)

12:45: Excerpts and mock auditions

2:15: Break

2:30: Faculty recital, room 160 (parents encouraged to attend!)

3:00: Dismissed - parent pickup

09/24/12

15810 SW Freeway

(Whole Foods Shopping Center)

Sugar Land, Tx 77478

281-325-0033

Please join us for dinner at Mission Burrito Sugar Land

Tuesday September 25, 2012

From 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Place your receipt in the designated box and Mission Burrito will donate 25% of your dinner price to AHS Orchestra.

Take out is also available

09/17/12
Dear Parents and Students,  

HERE is the pdf version of the September Calendar. Please note rehearsal schedules for your times. 

Thanks!

09/11/12

Dear Parents and Students,

All paperwork and Entertainment Books were due last Friday and we are still waiting for some of you to get that in.

A grade will be given tomorrow depending on whether your packet paperwork is in and completely filled in and if you have turned in Entertainment Books or $$.

Scour your back packs, your desk your whole house and get that stuff in!

Thanks!

09/11/12

Dear Parents and Students,

AHSO Is no longer allowed to receive payments through Charms for anything except for the FBISD Instrument Use Fee. Please do not use Charms for any of the collections we are making for our activities.

FBISD is controlling our one allowed account so any payment you may make through Charms for other items will go straight to the district and not to AHSO. For those who have already made payments through Charms, we thank you and we will arrange to get those funds back to our account. I have requested with Charms that they consider broadening the capabilities but that is not in their plan at this time.

For now, we return to the old fashioned way - cash or check for any of our other activities.

Thanks!

08/22/12

Dear Parents and Students,

Region Auditions are fast approaching. Students have been practicing on the etudes all summer in preparation. The etudes are far too long for the audition so the Region posts cuts which are the portions of the etudes that will be required on the day of audition. Symphony and Camerata are required to continue to Area and State after Region and so must continue to practice the entire etudes. Philharmonic is urged but not required to audition for Region, so you may learn only the cuts. Chamber students, it is totally optional for you.

The cuts for your instrument are here:  VIOLIN    VIOLA    CELLO    BASS.

Thanks!

08/19/12

Errata for the 2012 All-State Etudes have been posted. Please see below for your instrument.

Thanks!

Excerpt Errata:

Violin

TMEA director/sponsors should download the new post of the Violin excerpts. The new posting includes Gary Lewis' bowings for the Mahler - Symphony No. 1 excerpts. (posted 7/31)

Viola

TMEA director/sponsors should download the new post of the Viola excerpts. The new posting includes Gary Lewis' bowings for the Mahler - Symphony No. 1 excerpts. (posted 7/31)

Cello

TMEA director/sponsors should download the new post of the Cello excerpts. The new posting includes Gary Lewis' bowings for the Mahler - Symphony No. 1 excerpts. (posted 7/31)

Excerpt #1 - Newman - The marking in ms. 48 is a lift.

Excerpt #2 - Divertimento (Mvt. 1) - The tempo of Dotted eighth note = 69-86 has been changed to Dotted quarter note = 69-86. (posted 8/2)

Excerpt #3 - Mahler - (Mvt. 1) - Change tempo marking to half note = 96 from the beginning of the excerpt to rehearsal marking 9; from 9 an accelerando arriving at half note = 126-130 by the 5th measure after rehearsal marking 10. (posted 8/13)
Clarification: from rehearsal marking 9, when divisi, play top notes only. (posted 8/13)

Excerpt #4 - Mahler (Mvt. 4) - Pause after the one measure trill at rehearsal marking 25; then proceed to the next staff system. (posted 8/13)

String Bass

TMEA director/sponsors should download a new post of the String Bass excerpts. The new posting includes Gary Lewis' bowings for the Mahler - Symphony No. 1 excerpt. (posted 7/31)

Harp

None

Piano

Etude #2 - Chopin Prelude Opus 28 #3 in G Major - The tempo of Quarter note = 96-104 has been changed to Half note = 96-104. (posted 8/3)

08/03/12

Dear AOBA members --

As the new school year approaches, Austin Orchestra Booster Association is preparing for a new board. To that end, we need to recognize the nominees and vote them into office. Normally this would have been done at the end of the school year preceding, but since we had vacancies, we decided to hold off. We still have one, but we will move on for now and fill the remaining shortly. Please review the list of candidates below and respond to this email with your vote of yea or nay. This will be a composite ballot, not individual candidates.

AOBA 2012-2013 Ballot for Board

President -- Bob Ruzicka

Vice President -- Open

Secretary -- Paula Key-Connell

Treasurer -- Darlene Bess

These are the only elected positions. Please reply to this email promptly. We will tally the vote after 9 am on Tuesday, August 7^th. Thank you very much for your support and cooperation.

Additionally, we have several Executive Committee position openings. These include Cookie Mom Leader, Membership, Public Relations, Student Activity/Social , and Banquet Chairperson. These positions are part of the Executive Committee. They meet with the board at monthly meetings and as needed. If you are interested in helping out AOBA in any of these roles, please reply to this email to Linda Baldwin at RLNZ@sbcglobal.net, or Bob Ruzicka at bob@brinsure.com.

Thank you,
Bob Ruzicka
2011-2012 AOBA President

07/19/12

Piano and Harp - no excerpts for you. You will use etudes for all auditions.

05/16/12
AOBA Minutes for meeting Apr 10, 2012 are available HERE.

05/09/12

Dear Parents and Students,

Already we can tell that great things are going to happen for AHSO next year. It was announced on Tuesday that we will have a full-time assistant director next year. A huge thank you goes out to Dr. Jenny, Mr. McKie, Mr. Drew, Ms. Edge and anyone else that was a part of this decision. This person will be hired through the usual FBISD interview process and will be available at AHSO full time to support the programs and instruction. What an amazing gift. This will be huge in helping AHSO reach an even higher level.

Also, there will be 6 orchestras next year with the addition of the Camerata Orchestra. This group will be the top level group and will be filled by audition as with all the other orchestras. This expansion from 5 orchestras this year will allow an even greater repertoire of amazing music to be performed.

2012-2013 Orchestras

    Camerata

    Symphony

    Philharmonic

    Chamber

    Sinfonia

    Beginner

05/01/12

Dear Parents and Students,

Available at Charms are the pdf etudes for violin, viola, cello and bass. Harp and piano will be sent as soon as they are available. A  zipfile was also emailed. They are posted at Charms in the 'Region - State' Folder.

NOW you have something to do over summer!

Thanks

05/01/12

Dear Parents and Students,

TMEA has published the list of etudes for the 2012 Region-to-State competitions.

Harp

Carlos Salzedo - Suite of Eight Dances Lyon and Healy

Page(s): 22-25, Rumba
Tempo: Play tempo as indicated: Quarter note = 92
Play: Beginning to end

Solos for the Harp Player Schirmer/Hal Leonard

Page(s): 25-27, Siciliano
Tempo: Play tempo as indicated: Eighth note = 112
Play: Beginning to end 

Piano

Brahms - Two Rhapsodies, Opus 79 for the Piano Alfred

Page(s): 13-20, Op. 79, No. 2: Rhapsody in G Minor
Tempo: Play Tempo as indicated: Quarter note = 104
Play: Beginning to end

Chopin - Preludes for the Piano Alfred Masterworks

Page(s): 15-17, #3 - Prelude in G Major, Op. 28. No. 3
Tempo: Quarter note = 96 - 104
Play: Beginning to end 

Violin

Etude 1:

Rode 24 Caprices for the Violin 2066 IMC

#9
Page(s): 18, Adagio
Tempo: Eighth note = 66 - 72
Play: Play "Adagio" only

Etude 2:

Rode 24 Caprices for the Violin 2066 IMC

#22
Page(s): 46-47, Presto
Tempo: Dotted quarter note = 60 - 66
Play: Beginning to end 

Viola

Etude 1:

20 Studies, Op. 36 No. 905 IMC

#13
Page(s): 24-25, XIII. Allegro giusto e cantabile
Tempo: Dotted quarter note = 108 - 116
Play: Beginning to end

Etude 2:

Etudes Speciales, Op. 36, Bk. 1, Vol. 1885 5026 2570 Schirmer

#8
Page(s): 12, Andante
Tempo: Quarter note = 76 - 84
Play: Beginning to end (with D.S. al Fine) 

Cello

Etude 1:

170 Foundation Studies for Violincello, Vol. 3 Carl Fischer

#140
Page(s): 8-9, Adagio
Tempo: Eighth note = 66 - 72
Play: Beginning to end

Etude 2:

170 Foundation Studies for Violincello, Vol. 3 Carl Fischer

#158
Page(s): 60-61, Allegro
Tempo: Quarter note = 104 - 112
Play: Beginning to end (with NO REPEATS) 

String Bass

Etude 1:

57 Studies, Vol I (Fred Zimmermann) No. 1034 IMC

#7
Page(s): 8-9, Allegro
Tempo: Quarter note = 92 - 100
Play: Beginning to end

Etude 2:

57 Studies, Vol I (Fred Zimmermann) No. 1034 IMC

#29
Page(s): 30-31, Adagio
Tempo: Quarter note = 60 - 66
Play: Beginning to end