1. Welcome to SHS Orchestras! Mr. Gerry MacDougall (Sinfonia) geraldmacdougall@solonboe.org 440 349-7757 x5659 Mr. Ed Kline (Concert Orchestra) edwardkline@solonboe.org 440 349-7316

2. 2015-2016 Concert Dates ( all start at 7pm) Saturday 8/29 – Tag Day! Saturday 9/12 – Band Bash! Tuesday 10/13 – Sinfonia @ Choral Concert Thursday 10/15 – Concert 1: Classics Thursday 12/3 – Concert 2: Holiday Thursday 12/10 – Sinfonia @ Choral Concert Friday 2/20 – State Orchestra Contest (TimesTBA) Thursday 2/26 – Concert 3: Winter 3/16-20/16 – Quadrennial Band/Orch/Choir trip! Thursday 4/28 – Concert 4 : Awards (tentative date) Thursday 5/26 – Sinfonia @ Graduation

3. Concert attire! We are currently in the process of measuring new students and freshmen for their uniforms, as well as resizing those students who have outgrown their uniforms. Thanks to Karen McColl and Donna Thomas who have worked with American Commodore to get this done again this year! We have an excellent administrative team here in Solon – this is a fine example of their continuing support!

4. Testing/Grading Procedures All grades are weighted equally, but Concerts and Quarterly Playing Tests are worth 200 points. Other in class tests are 100 points. Quarterly Playing Tests are my chance to hear each student perform at their best - it’s the optimal tool for student (and teacher) growth. More about these in class to each group.

5. Support Music Parents: Orchestra Rep and Opportunities Football and sports concessions – who to contact www.solonmusicparents.org/ www.solonmusicparents.org/ Mrs. Karen McColl – always in need of help! SolonOrchestraRep@gmail.com SolonOrchestraRep@gmail.com Please update contact info – many initiatives, such as student advantage program http://www.clevelandorchestra.com/tickets/stud ent-tickets.aspx http://www.clevelandorchestra.com/tickets/stud ent-tickets.aspx Field trips to see another orchestra – TBA. Market Day sales (See flyer) and more!

6. How You Can Help… Playing is the most important thing your child can do to improve, so: Have them play their orchestra music for YOU! Any time is a good time… Get private lessons – many ways to do this: from a Cleveland Orchestra pro to a fellow student, occasionally or weekly – some is better than none. Play at church/temple Join an outside group: BW groups, CIM, Solon Philharmonic, MusicForSociety.org, Akron or Cleveland youth orchestras, etc. Friends are always more fun!MusicForSociety.org Tutor a 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 th grader – teaching to others

7. Enjoy the rest of your night! Mr. Gerry MacDougall (Sinfonia) geraldmacdougall@solonboe.org 440 349-7757 x5659 Mr. Ed Kline (Concert Orchestra) edwardkline@solonboe.org 440 349-7316