2010-11 Welcome Letter

Dear String Ensemble Students and Parents,

As the new school year is approaching I would like to warmly greet you with the hope that your summer was all you wanted it to be.  The purpose of this letter is to help you prepare for a successful start of the new 2010-2011 school year.

For orchestra class this year you will need:

1. One subject notebook with pockets
2. Your instrument in operable condition:
   1. strings no older than 1 year
   2. bow hair no older than 1 year
   3. shoulder rest (optional)
   4. your own rosin
   5. chin rest most supportive of proper playing position (Ms. Ihas can help with this decision during the first week of school)
   6. tuner with metronome (optional but highly recommended)
3. Pencil and eraser
4. Cleaning cloth for instrument cleaning
5. Access to computer with internet connection (for checking assignments on our orchestra website www.spragueorchestra.org )

To bring to the first day of school:

1. Instrument to be checked by Ms. Ihas
2. One subject notebook with pockets
3. Pencil and eraser

An important date to look forward to:

Orchestra boosters meeting will be either on September 9^th, September 14^th, or September 21^st at 7:00pm in Sprague’s library.  Please check the Events Calendar for the correct schedule.

The music we’ll be preparing for our first concert is:

1. A. Vivaldi - Chorale and Fanfare
2. P. I. Tschaikowsky - Six Pieces
3. B. Bartok – Four Small Dances (?)

While I wish you a relaxing and safe last two weeks of vacation, I’m also suggesting that you start practicing your instrument at least 15 minutes a day. You can start with some scales and old music. If you wish you may come and pick up the music for your class on September 2^nd in between 1-3pm in the orchestra room (or in the business office if Ms. Ihas happens to be not available due to meetings.)

If you have any questions please contact Ms. Ihas by choosing "Director" on the contact page or on her mobile phone at (541) 514-3569.