Pictures

Please email me pictures from the Orlando Trip 09 so that I can finish the video for that wonderful trip.  Currently I have pics from Shelby, Kaci, Nicole, and MC.....I NEED MORE!!!!!

Video Blog

Check our the video blog either using the link below or the link on the side to see what the Awtrey Orkadorks have been up to lately. 

Video Blog 

Farewell 09

As I think about this year and the many hurdles we faced that turned into triumphs, I can truly say that I am blessed to work with so many wonderful students and families. To my 8th grade students, I have loved teaching you these past three years and you will definitely be missed. You have such great dedication, passion, drive, and knowledge about music's greatest purpose; expression. You have provided outstanding leadership and set the bar high for the classes in the future. We have had so many good times and we have also had those times when we were like oil and vinegar. I could not be more proud to send you all to high school knowing that you are mature musicians but also mature people. Please keeep in touch and know that I love you very much.

To my 7th grade students, talk a lot because as 8th grade students the talking in orchestra STOPS!!!! This class is very special to me and I truly feel like we are a family because we yell, scream, laugh, but most importantly we ROCK HARD together. You guys have never let me down and I cannot wait to make great music with you next year. For many of you this has been a hard year because 7th grade Orchestra demands that you learn a lot of new techniques quickly. You guys took the challenge and kept asking for more......THAT MAKES ME HAPPY!!!! I have many things in store for you all next year including an 8th grade trip possibly and more exciting songs. Have a great summer and try to touch your instrument a few times so that you are not too rusty in the fall. Know that I love each one of you and orchestra would not be the same without you.

To my 6th grade students, YOU GUYS ROCK!!! I am so proud of the progress you made this year. We are so far ahead and we will keep going because WE CANNOT BE STOPPED! I cannot wait until 7th grade when we start playing more challenging but "cooler" music. This class has so much potential both in your playing and social abilities. I have so many things that I want to do with this class because you guys are always prepared no matter the task. 7th grade will be different from 6th grade and I will have much higher expectations. We will go to festival, play for the community, and many of you will have the opportunity to perform with the Advanced Ensemble in Orlando. Remember that Orchestra at Awtrey is about developing solid technique and a passion for communicating emotion to the audience. 7th grade will be amazing so enjoy the summer because we have much to do in the fall......ON YOUR MARK GET SET......WE WILL ROCK YOUR BOW OFF

To all of the parents, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!! I love my job and you have made my job easier by not only volunteering but also supporting your child in orchestra. My hope is that all orchestra students will leave with an appreciation for music along with a love of their instrument. I had a lot of goals this year (not all of them were achieved) and we did a lot as an orchestra program this year. Your support is the only way to keep this program alive and it makes my job easier knowing that you are available to assist.

If anyone has any comments or suggestions for next year, please email me. (I am not getting rid of Smart Music but there will be less assignments mandatory for next year.)

FAMILY FUN DAY

WE ARE STILL HAVING FAMILY FUN DAY BUT IT IS INSIDE!  COME TO THE BACK PARKING LOT TO GET IN THE BUILDING!!!!

Vivace Ensemble Party

All Full Symphony members are invited to the Ensemble party this Friday, May 15th in the Band room from 4:30 to 6pm.

All students attending need to bring either food items or drinks!!!
MC will provide the entertainment : )

WE WILL ROCK YOUR BOW OFF!!!!

I am so proud of all the Orchestra students for the OUTSTANDING, AMAZING, GLORIOUS, PROFESSIONAL, EXCELLENT (and a lot of other adjectives) performance that you delivered tonight. I had so much fun making great, interesting, and entertaining music with you this year and especially tonight.

THANK YOU AND YOUR PARENTS FOR ALL OF YOUR HARDWORK AND DEDICATION TO MAKING AWTREY THE BEST!!!!

Family Fun Day

Family FUN Day will be Saturday, May 16th from 1pm until 5pm on the upper field at Awtrey. All students and their families are invited to come play games, watch the awards ceremony, and play some more. Please bring chips, cookies, drinks, or candy so that students have snacks while having fun in the sun. There is no cost for this event and we always have a good time. If you are a former student, you are invited as well because you are still apart of the Awtrey Orchestra.

I hope to see you there and if you would like to volunteer or donate your time, please email me.

Concert Details

ALL 6th Grade Orchestra students need to be in the THEATRE by 6:30pm for the 7:00pm concert on Tuesday, May 12th.

ALL 7th Grade Orchestra students need to be in the ORCHESTRA room no later than 7:15pm, dressed, tuned and ready to be escorted to the theatre.

ALL 8th Grade Orchestra students need to be in the ORCHESTRA room no later than 7:45pm, dressed, tuned, and ready to be escorted to the theatre.

The 6th grade performance will take place from 7:00-7:30
The 7th grade performance will take place from 7:30-8:00
The Ensemble performance will take place from 8:00-8:20
The TBD performance will take place from 8:20-8:30
The 8th grade performance will take place from 8:30-9:00

Students do not have to stay for the entire concert due to it's length but they are encouraged to watch other's performance. The purpose in watching other ensembles perform is so that students have a large audience but also, and most imporantly, they get to see what they will be doing in the future.

ALL GRADES CONCERT

ALL ORCHESTRA STUDENTS WILL HAVE THEIR FINAL PERFORMANCE ON TUESDAY, MAY 12TH AT 7PM in the THEATRE.

ORCHESTRA T-SHIRTS

ALL 6th and 7th grade ORCHESTRA STUDENTS NEED TO PURCHASE THEIR CONCERT T-SHIRT NO LATER THAN THIS THURSDAY, MAY 7TH. The cost of the shirt is $7.80 and students will need to place check/ cash in a school envelope and in a black box. If there is a problem please let me know ASAP so that every student will be allowed to participate in the concert.

The attire for the concert is jeans, tennis shoes, and orchestra t-shirts. The 6th and 7th grade concert is tentatively scheduled for Monday, May 11th however this may change due to rising 6th grade orientation.

Remember to have your money in by Thursday, May 7th

6th Grade Method Book Project

The method book project is due on Thursday, May 7th. NO EXTENSIONS WILL BE GIVEN!

NO MONDAY ENSEMBLE

NO ENSEMBLE MONDAY MORNING!!! Thanks so much for all of your hard and amazing work in Orlando. I had a great time and you guys deserve the break : )

Grades and Stuff

I am working really hard to update all grades and get information about end of the year events to you. I promise you that by next Monday, I will be caught up. Thanks for your patience and understanding!