08-09 Calendar Dates: Orchestra Department

Date		Event
Nov. 18         Orchestra Showcase (7:30 p.m.)
Nov. 21-22      Dist. Honor Orchestra @ Jordan H.S.
Dec. 11         Winter Concert  (7:30 p.m.) 
Feb. 26	        Combined RMS Pre-PE Concert @ RMS
March 11	Orchestra Large Group PE @ Kendrick March TBA	Columbus Museum Concert: 7th/8th Grade 
April 6 	6th Grade Spring Jamboree @ Shaw H.S.
May 7		Combined RMS Spring Concert (7:30 p.m.)
May 18	        6th Grade Awards 
May 19	        7th Grade Awards 
May 20	        8th Grade Awards 

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"RMS/KHS ORCHESTRAS EARN $70,000.00 DONATION"

     Students in both the Rothschild Middle and Kendrick High Orchestra programs returned to school in August to find new violins, violas, cellos, music, and a state-of-the art music technology lab. This significant gift was made possbile by a "Tunes for Tots" donation from the Widespread Panic Foundation.     
      Widespread Panic is a rock band that was formed in Athens, GA in 1985. The band is a highly successful touring group with a wide fan base and was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame this past fall. The Widespread Panic Foundation supports an annual "Tunes for Tots" benefit concert, the proceeds of which provide equipment and musical supplies for Georgia school music programs.
     In a letter written to Ellie MacKnight, administrative assistant to Widespread Panic, Dr. Fry wrote, "the new instruments have enabled us to increase our orchestra enrollment, while the Music 
Tech Lab has taken our students into the 21st century with regard to music instruction. Thanks for the support you provide our music students.  You have definitely made an impact with our students here at Rothschild/Kendrick." 
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Student Evaluation Procedures:

Grades are assigned according to the following formula:

	25% (One) Preparation Weekly Grade:
		-Prepared with proper equipment,       folder; fingernails trimmed
		-Promptness to seat;  ready to tune
                -Prepared for the lesson and      attitude focused

         25% (One) Performance Weekly Grade
	        -Engaged in warm-up routine-Actively involved for the entire rehearsal
                -Discipline 
	        -Evidence of regular home practice
		
	50% Performance Tests:
		-Scale Tests
		-Music Tests
		
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Welcome to the Rothschild Orchestra Program!

	I am very excited to have the chance to work with your child this year and look forward to providing rewarding and exciting musical opportunites for the RMS 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Orchestras.

	One element that is vital to your child's musical development is home practice.  At this stage, a minimum of three hours per week is recommended.  The important idea is frequency of practice, not duration.  Supervision and encouragement of home practice is the most important way in which you can help me help your child.