Reception Supplies Still Needed!

At this point we do not have enough donations for our reception after the concert on Thursday, please consider donating so we can celebrate the students' hard work after the performance: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0D4EACA629AB9-winter2

Save the Date - Solo & Ensemble

Solo & Ensemble will be on Saturday February 22nd @ EJHS.  Only 7th & 8th Grade students can participate but I will be looking for assistance from students/parents at all grade levels.  It is a very large event and Evans is excited to be hosting!

Winter Concert

The Winter Concert is rapidly approaching.  Please make sure you are ready:)  5th graders should dress nicely, 6th graders white tops/black bottoms, 7th/8th graders should wear their EJHS Music Polo on top and black pants on the bottom.  Call time is 6 p.m. for the 6:30 concert.  We are still in need of cookies for the reception as well.

Practice Cards

Just an FYI, we will have a practice card due tomorrow, 11/25 then we will take 1 week off from recording our practice to celebrate Thanksgiving with our families.  There will be a practice card due again on Monday 12/2.

Winter Concert Info

I will be distributing Concert Information Sheets to our orchestra students tomorrow, but thought I would post a link here: 2013 Winter Concert Info
We will have the 5-8 grade orchestras each perform, but still plan on the concert being under 1 hour.  For those of you with students in band at EJHS, their concert will begin at 730 in the gym (right after ours.)  We will have a light reception following our concert in the cafeteria as well, if you could help out with that or donate we would greatly appreciate it, you can sign up by using our sign-up genius here: Reception Donations
Thanks again for all your support! ~ Mrs. Boyd

Spaghetti Supper Volunteers Needed

Next Monday, November 11th, is the Spaghetti Supper at NCHS.  Our 7th and 8th grade orchestras will be performing at 530 p.m.  We still have tickets available ($7 in advance, $8 at the door) for the dinner portion (includes spaghetti, bread, salad and drink,) the concert portion is in auditorium and is free.
We are in desperate need of parent volunteers to work at the event, remember all parents of students enrolled in Unit 5 Music Program are considered "Music Parents".  Email me if you are available, we need volunteers at 3 p.m. (just a few) and more around 7 p.m.

Thanks!

Thanks to the families who were able to come out to Orange Leaf last night to support the EJHS Orchestra Program, I will keep you posted of our huge profit;)  Also a big shout out to the brave students who performed last night, I love your courage and it was great for other students to see you perform.

TONIGHT

Tonight is the Orange Leaf Night to support the EJHS Orchestra program, please bring this FLYER with you and a portion of your purchase will come back to our program!
I am also desperately looking for parent volunteers to work at the Spaghetti Supper next Monday night, please email me: martink@unit5.org if you are able to help out.

Orange Leaf Flyer

If you can attend Orange Leaf night next Monday 11/4 please bring this FLYER in for our orchestra to receive a portion of your purchase!

Quote of the Week

Dear Great Pumpkin, I am looking forward to your arrival on Halloween night. I hope you will bring me lots of presents. You must get discouraged because more people believe in Santa Claus than in you. Well, let's face it; Santa Claus has had more publicity, but being #2, perhaps you try harder. Everyone tells me you are a fake, but I believe in you. Love, Linus
P.S.: If you really are a fake, don't tell me. I don't wanna know.
(from "It's a Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown")

Orange Leaf Night

We will be having an Orange Leaf Fundraiser Night for EJHS Orchestras on Monday November 4th; please save the date and come out between 5-9 p.m.  There will be live music and delicious treats.  If you bring a flyer they will donate a portion of your purchase back to the EJHS Orchestra Program.
Check out their delicious menu on the Orange Leaf Website.  They are located behind Krispy Kreme.

Practice Cards

Just a friendly reminder that practice cards are due EVERY Monday.  Some students still are struggling to turn in their work.  Please help remind each other of this due date.  It is also posted to student Edmodo pages each week.

Spaghetti Supper Tickets

EJHS 7th/8th grade orchestras will be performing at NCHS on Monday 11/11/2013 for the Spaghetti Supper.  They will combine for the performance at 5:30 p.m. in the auditorium.  Students will need to arrive in concert dress (EJHS Polo/Black Pants) by 4:50 p.m.
Since the 7th/8th graders do not rehearse together during the school day I am asking students to attend AT LEAST one of two scheduled combined rehearsals; either Friday 11/1 or Wednesday 11/6 from 305-345 p.m. in the Evans Orchestra room.  If students attend both they will receive extra credit.
Ticket Order forms will be coming home with students today; they are due by Thursday October 31st.  Click HERE for an additional ticket order form.

Hauntcert Tomorrow! 10/24

Please consider attending the Hauntcert tomorrow, Thursday October 24th at 7 p.m. at either NCHS OR WEST.  Both locations will be presenting a family friendly Halloween themed concert; children are encouraged to wear costumes to register for prizes.  EJHS Orchestra students who attend and bring back a program will receive extra credit!

Spaghetti Supper Volunteers Needed

Please click link: Spaghetti Volunteers to view sign up form for the Spaghetti Supper on November 11th.  I am needing about 8-10 volunteers to help that evening.
Thanks.

IMEA Audition Day Information

Please find the IMEA Audition Day information HERE.  It should also be coming home today with any student who is auditioning for IMEA on Monday October 14th.

Unit 5 Music Parents Spirit Wear

Unit 5 Music Parents works hard to support us with funding throughout the year, their main fundraiser is the upcoming Spaghetti Supper but they are also selling spirit wear this year as well.  Check out the fun shirts they have to offer.  Unit 5 Music Spirit Wear

IMEA Updates

We will have IMEA rehearsal tomorrow 10/3 and next Thursday 10/10 from 305-345 p.m. in the orchestra room.  Please make sure you have arranged for rides to/from IMEA auditions on Monday 10/14.  They will be at Bloomington High School.  I will be sending home more information with the students later this week.
I am looking for a parent volunteer who could help hang some locker tags next week, please email me if you are available.
Mrs. Boyd

IMEA Rehearsal

There will NOT be IMEA rehearsal today afterschool. ~ Mrs. Boyd

Polo Orders

7th & 8th Grade Orchestra Students will once again wear the black EJHS Music Polo shirt for performances.  If you do not have one the order form can be found here: EJHS Polo Order Form  Order forms are due (with money) by August 30th.  If you cannot afford a shirt and do not already have one please contact Mrs. Boyd directly.  Thank you.

IMEA Auditions

7th & 8th graders are eligible to audition for the IMEA District Orchestra.  Students were given information about the process this week in class; if they want to participate they will need to learn three pieces, Hopak, Allegro in G and American Reel outside of class.  (You can find recordings of these here on the blog in the recordings tab.)  I will be holding some afterschool sessions to work on the music (Mondays/Thursdays from 305-345 p.m.) and encourage students to work with private teachers on the music as well.  If they decide to audition they will need to return the IMEA PREP ORCHESTRA form with the $5 audition fee (payable to EJHS).  More detailed information about the audition will come closer to the October 14th audition date.

Helpers Needed!

Hope you all had a GREAT summer!  I am back getting things organized for a crazy year.  This will be the first time EVER in my teaching career that I won't travel during the day, and with that comes some major changes in our program.  I am working hard to have everything ready in time for school but could use some help, here are some things I need:
1) Parent Volunteers to Cut/Put together some flashcard sets (copies are made, just need cut and organized)
2) 8th Graders to serve as student leaders at our 5th grade instrument session on Saturday August 17th (would be about 830-1130 a.m. time commitment)
3) Donations: Pencils, Notebook Paper, Colored Printer Paper, Office Depot Gift Cards, EJHS Music Polos that no longer fit or are needed by students.
Let me know if you can help out!
Mrs. Boyd

Summer Strings Week!!!

Hoping to see most of my students this week at Summer Strings, it is a great kick off to the summer:)  I will be doing cello sectionals and also directing the 8th grade orchestra, so see you there!!!

Concert Reception

We will again be having a light reception following our concert on May 20th, please Click Here if you can contribute in any way.

6th Grade Orchestra Rehearsals

We will have 2 combined rehearsals for all of our 6th Grade Orchestra students, students MUST attend one but both are HIGHLY recommended and students will receive extra credit!
Monday May 13th from 7-740 a.m. and/or Thursday May 16th from 305-345 p.m.

Contest Evaluation for 7th & 8th Grade

If you have an Edmodo account log in there and use that link; if not try this!

Contest Evaluation - Google Form

Congratulations!

Congratulations to the 7th & 8th grade orchestras for both receiving division 1 ratings at IESA Contest last Friday night!!!!

Quote of the Week 4/29

"One positive thought in the morning can change your whole day." ~ Unknown

Almost time...

Almost time for end of the year awards, be thinking about who in your orchestra is the "Most Improved!"

Quote of the Week 4/22

"Don't lower your expectations to meet your performance.  Raise your level of performance to meet your expectations.  Expect the best of yourself, and then do what is necessary to make it a reality." ~ Ralph Marston

Summer Strings Information

Unit Five will be offering it's annual Summer Music program June 3-7 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at Kingsley Junior High School.   All band and percussion students currently in grades 5-7 and orchestra students currently in grades 5-8 are encouraged to attend.  The flyer and registration form can be found at https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=sites&srcid=ZGVmYXVsdGRvbWFpbnxraW5nc2xleWJhbmRzfGd4OjJmYzM4NzgxZjUyZTVhZDQ.  Please note the early registration fee discount for all registrations received by May 28.  Also, there is a reduced fee for Unit Five students who receive free or reduced lunch, and there is a limited number of full scholarships for students who receive free or reduced lunch.  Please contact Mrs. Meadows at meadowrr@unit5.org if you have questions or need further information. We hope your child will be able to join us!

String Day

If you are planning to attend String Day at the Music Shoppe on Saturday (4/20) please let Mrs. Boyd know so one of the teachers can meet you there and help you with the search!

How to Choose a Violin

An interesting article we looked at in class about choosing an instrument, things to keep in mind as String Day happens this weekend!

How to Choose a Violin

Quote of the Week 4/15

"Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light." ~Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

7th/8th Grade Contest

Another reminder that students should have already brought home this handout in regards to IESA Organizational Contest which is on Friday April 26th @ PJHS.

String Day @ The Music Shoppe

This coming Saturday, April 20th is String Day @ The Music Shoppe in Normal.  This is the day when EVERYTHING string related is on sale.  Accesories, music, instruments, cases, bows, you name it, it is on sale.  For those students who are on full size instruments this is a good time to go check out the step-up instruments they have available.  If you currently rent from the Music Shoppe they will apply up to 3 years of rental money towards the purchase of an instrument (which is already on sale!) at String Day.  If you aren't ready yet but considering it for the future I would still suggest stopping by to see what the prices are and find out more info on their financing options.  It is a large investment, but in the end if you or your son/daughter are to continue it is the right decision to make, the quality of these instruments is far superior to what you can get with a rental instrument.  Please email me if you have questions. ~ Mrs. Boyd

No Afterschool Rehearsal

No afterschool honors rehearsal, I had to leave early ~ Mrs. Boyd

Quote of the Week 4/8

“By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.”
― Confucius

IESA Organizational Contest

The EJHS 7th & 8th Grade Orchestras will be performing for judges at the IESA Organizational Contest on Friday, April 26th, 2013 at Parkside Jr. High School.  There is no school that Friday (it is teacher's institute) so be aware you will need to provide transportation to and from PJHS that evening.  Please click here to view the handout students will receive regarding this performance.

Quote of the Week 4/1

"The artist is nothing without the gift, but the gift is nothing without work." ~Emile Zola

Practice Card ue Tomorrow!

Just a reminder, you will have one practice card due tomorrow, Monday 4/1/13.  This should be the minutes you recorded the week before break, you do not need to turn in a card from during break.
Hope you all had a nice spring break, looking forward to seeing your smiling faces tomorrow!

Orchestra Spirit Wear

Don't forget we are accepting orders through Friday (3/22) for orchestra spirit wear!
http://www.minervapromotions.com/unitfiveorch/

Great Job!!!!

Great Job at Unit Orchestra last night.  Despite the bad weather there was a great energy and wonderful perfomance by the Unit 5 junior high orchestra students.  I am very proud!

Quote of the Week 3/4

"The conductor doesn't make a sound, he depends on his power, his ability to make other people powerful.  His job is to awaken possibility in other people." ~Benjamin Zander @ TED Talks 2011

Unit Orchestra Rehearsal

Tonight @ NCHS

6th Grade 530-615

7th Grade 615-730

8th Grade 700-815

Orchestra Apparel Orders

It's time again, show your orchestra pride by purchasing some Unit 5 Orchestra apparel.  You may visit the web store on Minerva's website by clicking here:  Unit 5 Orchestra Apparel  This allows you to order online and it will be delivered right to your school.  If you would like a "real" order form you may email Mrs. Boyd or visit your Edmodo account and download a PDF there.  Orders/Payment will be due before Spring Break.

Unit Orchestra Rehearsal Cancelled!

Unit Orchestra Rehearsal for tonight, Tuesday February 26th is CANCELLED due to the weather and road conditions currently and predicted for later tonight.  We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause your families.

Congratulations!

I am happy to announce that EVERY EJHS Orchestra student who participated in IGSMA Solo & Ensemble received at least one Division 1 rating and medal.  I am so proud of their hard work:)  Also 8th grader Ethan received Best of the Day for his violin solo performance.  Way to go Eagles!!!

Solo/Ensemble "Recital"

For 7th/8th grade students participating in solo/ensemble this weekend we will perform a recital in class on Friday.  Please be prepared to play what you will be playing for the contest on Saturday.
Thank you.

Unit Orchestra Information

Unit Orchestra Concert Information has been distributed to students.  You may view this information here: Unit Orchestra 2013

Quote of the Week 1/28

"Striving for success without hard work is like looking for fruit in places you didn't plant seeds!  Useless!" ~Rev Run

Quote of the Week 1/14

"Sometimes you make choices in life and sometimes choices make you." ~ Gayle From If I Stay

Reminders

• First practice card of second semester is due tomorrow (Monday 1/14)
• Solo/Ensemble permission forms/fees are now late:(
• 6th graders had a tech time assignment over the weekend!

Solo & Ensemble

Students wishing to participate need to turn in their permission forms no later than TOMORROW, 1/9.  I will need to register them for the event soon.  There is an $8 fee for students wishing to perform a solo at contest and then if they are in an ensemble they need to pay $4/person.  For example if you are doing a piano solo, violin solo and duet you would need to bring $20.  Checks should be made payable to EJHS.  Email Mrs. Boyd with questions.

2nd Semester Practice Cards

2nd Semester Practice Cards begin now, start recording your practice minutes and the first practice card of the semester will be due on Monday 1/14/2012.