1. Welcome to SMS Orchestras! Gerry MacDougall geraldmacdougall@solonboe.org 440 349-7757 x5659 15 th year in Solon Two children still in district Master’s degrees in Cello Performance and Music Theory; PhD Studies at Eastman School

2. Concerts this year: Always 7pm at SHS Auditorium! 1.Tuesday 12/2/14 – Concert 1 With Orchard 6 th graders 2.Tuesday 2/3/15 – Concert 2 With Orchard 5 th graders 3.Tuesday 5/12/15 – Concert 3 Only grades 7 & 8! Please arrive by 6:30; will last about 1 hr; We do not do a dress rehearsal!

3. Concert attire! In general, I expect students to look nice: Boys – DO NOT WEAR TENNIS SHOES! Do wear dress shoes with matching socks, khaki or dress pants, and a collared shirt tucked into the pants. Ties are encouraged (as are suits if you so choose). Girls – dress pants or a skirt, dress blouse, dress shoes. Uniforms become a requirement in HS….

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 new to 7 th graders, familiar to 8 th graders, and will be from the Suzuki Repertoire. Students are choosing their first assignment (with my help) mostly from Book 2. When is QPT1 due? A video recording (we will be learning/reviewing how to do this Friday) must be delivered to me by 10/17/14. Not submitted by this date = ½ credit max; after 10/24 = 0.

5. How You Can Help… Playing is the most important thing your child can do to improve, so: Have them play their Suzuki and orchestra music for YOU! Any time is a good time… First assignment – 8 th = Ashokan Farewell/ 7 th = Old Joe Clark for YOU! Get private lessons – many ways to do this: from a Cleveland Orchestra pro to a High School student, occasionally or weekly – some is better than none. Play @church/temple/retirement home/family event Join an outside group: BW groups, CIM, Akron or Cleveland youth orchestras, etc. Having friends join you increases the likelihood of success! Tutor a 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 th grader – teaching to others

6. My instrument needs help… It is common to have issues – getting them addressed is very important. Concerned? Ask me – nothing does more damage to skill development than a terrible instrument Take instrument to your rental company, but ask for a loaner if turnaround time will be more than 1-2 days Academy Music here in Solon 440 248-1745 Peter Zaret in Mayfield 440 461-1411 Peter Horn 216 526-2606 Brecksville

7. Best way to contact me? Gerry MacDougall geraldmacdougall@solonboe.org Volunteer opportunities – Please help! www.SolonMusicParents.org I can’t wait to share our hard work with you on December 2 nd !