Dear Parents,
High Honors will be starting next week. Selection for this upper level group from those taking Honors is very tough this year. Please understand I am a very fair person and once your child has made a commitment, they need to honor their commitment. I will turn away at least 20 children who will want to be in this group. Taking a spot and not keeping it will cause many hurt feelings.
If your child wishes to be in this group check the Web site and the following criteria listed below: you realize that no notes come home regarding this group, your child is the type to be able to carry all information home promptly, and you have a way to see the Web site on a regular basis. Regular practicing is required. This group has music that is fun and challenging. This is a fabulous, exciting and very committed, hard working group.
Students who were in High Honors as participants last year are automatically in. I do have a wonderful situation this year, but one that causes a major dilemma. I have so many who did High Honors last year and are wonderful, wonderful players. This leaves me with no spots for 4 th graders. As you know, I have to have equal numbers of 5 th and 4 th graders. Please sign this form only if your child is committed to practicing every night for this serious group. I give preference to those who are committed to signing up for Orchestra in the Middle School next year.
I will take 2-3 -4 th grade viola players. I will take any of the 4 th or 5 th grade cellists that wish to work this hard. I will take any of the 4 th grade basses who wish to work this hard.
I will take 6-8- 4 th grade violins. I have such fine and serious violin students that a selection is just not possible without hurting feelings. I will accept the signed forms Monday morning only, September 14, by 9 a.m. I will be up at my door at 8:40 a.m. The form has to be put into my hand. This is a first come first serve situation. No prior emails or phone calls are accepted.
I will then have a personal chat with each child who signed up to be sure they understand the challenge of this group. Usually the chat clears up all questions and those who really want to work this hard will be very evident. However, if it is an issue, I will then send home a practice song. I will accept no phone calls or emails to be fair. I will do my best to work this out. This group cannot be large or over 27 people. It is supposed to actually be only 13.
Most Sincerely,
Gayla Rothermich, Orchestra Director and Suzuki Specialist
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Classes start THURSDAY, September 17, 2009
7:40 a.m. , Orchestra Room
I can always be reached BY EMAIL grothermich@pkwy.k12.mo.us
THIS GROUP IS FOR THOSE WHO ARE EXTRA RESPONSIBLE AND PRACTICE SERIOUSLY. This Class is by invite only.
THESE STUDENTS ARE FINDING HONORS EASY AND WANT THE EXTRA CHALLENGE OF HARDER MUSIC. THESE STUDENTS ARE ALSO OUTSTANDING MEMBERS OF THE DAY TIME ORCHESTRA PROGRAM.
WE ARE USUALLY A VERY SMALL GROUP BUT THIS YEAR THE PROGRAM HAS SO MANY SERIOUS, HARD WORKING STUDENTS THAT I WILL ALLOW MORE STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE.
THIS IS A PROGRAM THAT CHILDREN DO NOT WANT TO MISS. WE ASK THAT DOCTORS APPOINTMENTS NOT BE SCHEDULED ON HIGH HONORS ORCHESTRA DAYS.
NO ABSENCES ARE ALLOWED EXCEPT FOR SERIOUS ILLINESS AND/OR THE CHILD IS NOT IN SCHOOL AND/OR ANOTHER TYPE OF SERIOUS SITUATION THAT MAKES ATTENDANCE IMPOSSIBLE.
AS USUAL, IT IS MY DELIGHT TO HAVE SO MANY EAGER STUDENTS WILLING TO GET UP EARLY IN THE MORNING TO MAKE BEAUTIFUL MUSIC.
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My child__________________________________________ can participate in High Honor's Orchestra.
Parent name and phone number. _____________________________________________________