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!

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 1^st, 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:

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!

09/27/11

Dear Parents and Students,

Mark your calendars for the evening of Thursday, October 6^th. 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.

SHSU String Faculty:

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. 

*** 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.

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