Orchestra Off-Beats

Each week you will receive this newsletter with important information, so please scroll through for links, documents, calendars, etc. Please make sure to read through the newsletter and complete all of the tasks by their deadlines. Thank you!

The string faculty from UTA will be leading our All-Region Masterclass on Saturday, September 14th, from 12-1:30pm. Please enter the building in the lobby of the auditorium and look for signs for your instrument. Please take advantage of this great opportunity to learn from amazing teachers!

• September 14 - All-Region Masterclass @ PSHS
• September 23 - Grieg Rehearsal (Chamber only) 6:45-8:45pm PSHS Auditorium
• September 30 - Sinfonia/Philharmonic Combined Rehearsal 4:45-5:45pm PSHS Auditorium
• September 30 - Grieg Rehearsal (Chamber only) 6:45-8:45pm PSHS Auditorium
• October 1 - Fall Concert 7pm @ Robinson FAC
• October 3 - Vertical Raise Fundraiser Kick Off
• October 3 - Mock Audition for Region/Honors Credit Students
• October 5 - All-Region Auditions @ Allen HS

• ASAP - Orchestra Fee
  
• ASAP - Instrument User Agreement and Fee
• September 13 - Region Entry Form and Fee
• September 16 - Tuxedo Shirt Order
• September 25 - Trip Deposit (more info next week!)

Parents,

We were able to get most students fitted for their formal uniforms this week. Students that chose to wear a tuxedo this year will need a tuxedo shirt to complete their uniform. The school does not provide the shirt. If your student needs a new tuxedo shirt this year, you have the option of purchasing the tuxedo shirt through our Orchestra Booster website (under the Store tab) for $20. You can also send cash or check with your student. If you send cash/check, please put in an envelope with your student's name, ID #, and TUXEDO SHIRT written on the envelope. There is a locked money box hanging on the wall in the orchestra room that the students can place the envelope.

If you opt to purchase the shirt through the booster club, please have your online order completed or cash/check sent with your student to school by midnight on Monday, September 16th. I apologize for the short turn-around, but I need to give the supplier time to get the order processed and shipped in time for our Fall Concert which is Tuesday, October 1st. I have already measured the students for their shirts, so you do not have to provide a size when you order. I will send an email confirming receipt of payments.

You are welcome to purchase a tuxedo shirt elsewhere. Just make sure that it has the correct collar (wing tip collar) and that your student has it in time for the Fall Concert (Tuesday, October 1st).

Click on the button below for the Orchestra Booster Club website tuxedo shirt link. Please contact me if you have any questions. Thank you!

Becky Smith

214-457-0465

smith3sons@gmail.com

If you would like to show support for the Plano Performing Arts with this year's spirit shirt, you can purchase it through the choir by clicking the button below. Orchestra spirit wear will be available for purchase very soon!

Having trouble paying the orchestra fee? Please contact our treasurer, Chandrashekhar Kulkari.

Please update your information on our website as we will be using that throughout the year for all things orchestra. If you don’t have an account yet, please create one so that you are able to access everything. The orchestra fee of $150 can be paid on the website.The fee is now $150 to help with fundraising. We will still have fundraising opportunities outside of the fee, but the orchestra program needs more funds to cover basic operating costs. The family contribution includes the casual uniform (polo for juniors, sweatshirt or hoodie for seniors), dry cleaning of uniforms, clinician costs, guest artists, Pre-UIL events, music, equipment, social events, 8th grade day, 10th grade day, and so much more! If you would like to pay the fee in payments that is an option as well. All payments go to the orchestra Booster Club which is the program's financial support system. Thank you so much for your support!

Please read through the student handbook and sign and return the parent signature page. We must have this form on file for every student in the orchestra program. All students received a paper copy that can be signed and returned. Thank you!

If you are using a school instrument for the year you will receive a contract within the first two weeks of school that needs to be signed and returned and there is an $85 fee that can be paid on Rycor. Please email me directly if you need assistance with this.

The fee for private lessons is $25 for a 25 minute lessons. Lessons are are offered during orchestra class in the practice rooms. Ms. Rodriguez will let you know your teacher and schedule at the beginning of the year. Students filled out a signature page with the option to sign up for lessons, so those will begin as early as next week. Please email us with any questions about private lessons at school; we would love for everyone to have a private teacher if possible!

Plan on volunteering for orchestra? Go ahead and fill out the volunteer form for PISD to get your approval for the year. Thank you for your time and service!

All music for region and state will be uploaded onto the PSHS Cluster All-Region & All-State Auditions GC in the fall. The audition is optional for all students in orchestra. It is mandatory for all students enrolled in honors credit orchestra. The form and $20 fee are due September 13th. PSHS Cluster All-Region & All-State Auditions 2024 Google Classroom Code: 7mflazm

Join Evolution in the fall! This student led orchestra specializes in the softer side of classical music and performs throughout the year at various events. Erek Smith and Isabelle Hou will be leading the ensemble for 2024-25. Rehearsals start Monday, 9/9, at 4:45pm.

Join Evolution in the fall! This student led orchestra specializes in pops music and performs throughout the year at various events. Alexandra James and Dillon Moya will be leading the ensemble for 2024-25. Rehearsals start Wednesday, 9/11, at 4:45pm.

Dear Parents,

Many of you indicated that you would be willing to donate supplies to the orchestra program. Below is a list of items we always need and either the booster club purchases them or I purchase them myself. We would LOVE to have a surplus on hand so that we always have supplies. Please consider donating the following items. Thank you!

• Paper Towels
• Kleenex
• Band-aids
• Hand Sanitizer
• Plastic Cutlery
  
• Canned Soda (variety of flavors)
• Capri Sun (variety of flavors)
• Plastic Cups
• Pencils
• Black Binders
• Tab Dividers

Please click below to access videos from the last school year.

Username: Kondrat

Password: fcfg3j

Email: april.kondrat@pisd.edu
Website: https://pshsorchestrabooster.membershiptoolkit.com/
Location: Plano Senior High School, Independence Parkway, Plano, TX, USA
Phone: 4697529396