Thank you all for coming back each week and checking out our Weekly Newsletter. I've found this format is much easier for me to send out reminders compared to a plethora of Infinite Campus emails! This past week, I even learned that if families send emails to me through Smore, they come directly to my Unit 5 Email address -- who knew?
This week, we had our first half day of the school year. I like to use half days as MUSIC THEORY DAYS! Music theory is a critical part of being a musician. From music theory, we better understand the different clefs, key signatures, whole steps vs. half steps, major and minor scales, and so much more. This week, students focused on the clef their instrument uses: violins use treble clef, violas use alto clef, and cellos & basses use the bass clef.
Finally, thank you to everyone who attended our NYC trip kickoff with Derek from Music Travel last night. I'm so excited about our upcoming trip to Carnegie Hall! If you missed the meeting, there is additional info below about itinerary, sign up, etc.
I hope everyone has a great weekend!
WE HAVE ONE WEEK LEFT OF CHEESECAKE SALES!
All order forms and money collected must be submitted by Friday, September 22. Miss Boehm will submit all orders to Gourmet Delights on Monday, September 25. All checks should be make out to Unit 5 Music Parents (U5MP). Cheesecakes will be delivered on Wednesday, October 4.
IMPORTANT INFO: Cheesecake sales directly impact the student that sells them. For each cheesecake sold, students will get $8.50 in their orchestra student account.
Again, thank you to all of the families who were able to attend the meeting last night! Attached below (titled "Normal West Orchestra to NYC Parent Handout") is the handout shared that night. It includes the Proposed Itinerary, Pricing, Installment Plan, Important Deadlines, and Online Registration Instructions.
To secure a spot on this once in a lifetime opportunity, register by September 29, 2023!
If cost is a deterrent, we will be doing fundraisers throughout the year. This presentation includes fundraising information and ideas shared on Thursday evening.
With everything happening this year, I will be in need of some help from our amazing parents/guardians! If you are willing to assist in any capacity, please send me an email at boehmk@unit5.org
1. HOMECOMING PARADE:
- Wednesday, October 4
- We will be walking in the homecoming parade in just a few short weeks! Is there any individual who would be willing to drive their vehicle in the parade while students walk?
2. YARD WORK COORDINATOR
- As a fundraiser for NYC, students can volunteer to do yardwork for members of the community, who will fund a portion of the trip! I'm hoping this can take place in early November as most leaves have fallen. I am in need of some volunteers who could manage a student sign up, a patron sign up, and organize students into groups to complete the work.
3. HOLIDAY WREATH/POINSETTIAS COORDINATOR
- Also a fundraising role! This would happen around our Winter Concert. I would appreciate individuals who would be willing to contacting the garden shop, create an order form, and organize delivery.
4. COMMUNITY MEAL AND SILENT AUCTION
- In January, I envision doing a community meal, silent auction, and performance as an NYC fundraiser. Angie Brown has graciously volunteered to handle the silent auction side of things, but we are in need of others to assist. I would appreciate assistance with reserving a location, planning the mean, decorations, and tickets.
Thank you all for doing so much for your students! We are going to have a great year, and a fantastic trip ahead!
The mission of the Unit 5 Music Parents is to keep music in all Unit 5 children's’ lives by supporting & promoting Unit 5 Music Programs with involvement, financial support, communication and advocacy for students, families and directors. All programs for students from 5th Grade to Seniors in High School.
Meetings
Interested parents can attend monthly meetings on the 4th Monday of each month at 7 PM. These dates include: September 25, October 23, and November 27. This semester meetings are all at Normal West in the IMC.
Need More Info?
Check out the Unit 5 Music Parents website, view this flyer or contact the current president Josh Jenson.
Want to get involved?
Unit 5 Music Parents is looking for a volunteer to shadow the current planner for the Unit 5 Music Extravaganza, and take over the planning role for the 2024 Extravaganza. If you are interested in this role, contact Miss Boehm or Josh Jenson.
This week, we get a video from the blog, "Life from the Viola Section." Watch the video for more information on each of the tips:
- Take the Time to Warm - It’s so important to take the time to warm up both your body and your instrument before diving into your practice session.
- Practice with a Purpose - It’s so helpful to go into every practice session with a goal, especially if you have an audition, performance, or even a lesson coming up soon.
- Break Down Your Music into Chunks - Whether you’re practicing a concerto, a symphony, or just a short song, it’s helpful to break down the piece into small chunks. You’ll stay focused for a longer period of time, and you can analyze your playing better this way.
- Take Breaks - Be sure to take breaks when you start to get tired either mentally or physically. The more often you take breaks, the better stamina you should have overall, and you’ll be able to focus over a longer period of time.
- Record Yourself - The final basic practice tip is to record yourself. It can be so difficult gaining the courage to actually commit to it and watch it back, but it’s such an informative way to track your process and see/hear what’s really going on.
Want more info? Check out the blog at: https://lifefromtheviolasection.com/5-very-basic-practice-tips-for-musicians-of-all-levels/