Hermanson's Orchestral Wonders

7th and 8th Graders:

I will hand out a worksheet tomorrow that needs to be filled in over the weekend. I promise you, this will be in your best interest!! In case you lose yours, or need a new copy for whatever reason, here are some downloadable copies:

7th Grade:

Download 7th_grade_vocabulary_and_theory.doc

8th Grade:

Download 8th_grade_vocabulary_and_theory.doc

6th Graders (and 6th grade parents):

Yes, the moment you have all been waiting for is upon us: THE BOW!!!
As promised, it is the (tail)end of September, and we have reached the point that defines us as a real orchestra: we are playing with the bow.

As you do so, please remember:
- Bumpy thumbs
- Curved fingers
- Fingers hanging over the stick (imagine they are feet dipped in a swimming pool – just there to hang out)
- Violins and Violas: Pinkie on top
- Don’t touch the hair – we want it to make sound!
- Last but not least – Only tighten the hair until your pinkie can fit through the gap – no more. It is quite easy to end up having to get the bow rehaired (around $50 a pop!)

So congratulations! You are all sounding wonderful, and I can’t wait for your parents to hear you at the concert (though it’s still so far away).

Happy Practicing!!!

~Ms. Robertson

Hello, orchestrians!

Fundraiser money and order forms are due in the following order:

– 6th Grade: Monday, 10/2

– 7th Grade: Tuesday, 10/3

– 8th Grade: Wedensday, 10/4

Please try to come BEFORE school (say, 8:30, not 9:05, please!) so we can make sure all is in order before turning it in to the bookkeeper.

Parents: PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE write only one check, payable to McClure Middle School, for the total amount owed. Thank you in advance for your time and effort to help this process run smoothly!

Thank you to everyone who has gone out there and gotten orders!!! It will come back to you in so many ways.

One last weekend! Thank you for all that you do!

~ Ms. Robertson

Thank you, everybody, for a successful Open House. I really enjoyed meeting everyone’s parents, and I hope the session was productive for those who attended.

In the up-coming week:

7th and 8th Grades: Practice records are due MONDAY, 9/25
Chamber is back to it’s regularly-scheduled time (Thursdays from 8:15-9:05am). If you would still like to audition, there is time – I will be acccepting new members for the next week. Cut-off is Friday, 9/29. Please see me for audition materials.

6th Grade: Really practice your pencil holds and the Wheels on the Bus. Bow usage depends on an excellently-formed bow hold!

ALL GRADES: Fundraiser money and orders are due Friday, 9/29. Keep selling – remember, there’s a party for everyone who sells over 10 tubs! If you need extra order forms, I have plenty – just ask.

Here’s the place to come when you’ve lost your practice record, handbook, or calendar!

Practice Record (7th and 8th grades)Download mcclure_orchestra_practice_record.doc

How to fill out:
Sections Practiced: List what you plan to practice
Goals for sections: Tell me (and yourself) what you want to accomplish with your practicing – something that would take 5-10 minutes, e.g. “Solidify fingerings”, “Rhythmic precision” or “Increase tempo”

7th and 8th Grade handbook:

Download mcclure_handbook_0607.doc

6th Grade Handbook:

Download mcclure_6th_grade_handbook_0607.doc

2006-2007 Calendar:

Download orchestra_calendar_0607.doc

I hope this helps!

My, how fast the first month of school has flown by! I’m enjoying it, and I hope all of you are, as well.
Just a couple of reminders:

6th Grade Open House is Tuesday, September 19th at 7pm. I hope to see everyone there!

7th and 8th Grade Open House is Thursday, September 21st – and I hope to see everyone there, as well!

6th Grade:
I hope your practice snakes are going well. They are due this (and every!) Friday with a parent’s signature. I will not accept them without a signature, and they will be returned until a signature is in place.

7th and 8th Grades:
Cello Choir and Chamber have begun! If you have made Chamber, you have already been notified. We meet every Thursday at 8:15am.
Cello Choir does not require any audition to join – simply a year’s experience on the cello. We meet every Tuesday at 8:15am.

All Grades:
Progress reports go out on Friday. If I am missing anything from you, it needs to be turned in by Thursday to be included in this report.  Also, if Photo Release and Handbook Forms have not been turned in, please rectify that as soon as possible!

Have a wonderful evening!

I hope everyone’s fourth week of school is going well!

For this week:

7th Graders: Remember your playing test Friday on No. 182, Surprise Symphony Theme. Be sure to play the surprise!

8th Graders: Playing test for Friday is No. 123 – Trumpet Voluntary.

6th Graders: Playing Test Friday on Hot Cross Buns (Melody – with Fingers)

Keep practicing!