Hello FDHS Orchestra students and families!

We are less than a month away from the first day of school and I am looking forward to seeing all our returning students and meeting our new incoming freshmen. We have a lot of information to share, and I would like to get it out before the school year starts, as I know you will be inundated with a lot of information!

If you have not already, please bookmark our website at www.fdhsorchestra.com for updates and information. You are also encouraged to “like” our Facebook page for up-to-date information and join our Remind https://www.remind.com/join/fdhso. 

Please continue reading below for information about the Concert dates, opportunities, required materials, All-State auditions, and our sponsorship program.

Concert Season: 

Thursday, October 26th: Our annual Area concert will be transformed this year to “Spooky Sounds” and costumes! Featuring the 8^th graders from EJH, LTMS and CMS in addition to our FDHS Orchestras. Students will stay after-school to rehearse and celebrate with the 8^th graders; performance will be at 6pm (location TBA). 

Thursday, November 16th: Chamber Music Concert featuring some of our students’ Solo & Ensemble performances. Report time will be 5:30pm, performance time 6:30pm in the auditorium. 

Thursday, December 14th: Our first annual FDHS Holiday Show! Featuring the FDHS Band, Orchestras and Choirs! We will have a bake sale, hot chocolate, and a Holiday Sing-Along at the end of the performance! Report time will be 5:30pm, performance time 6:30pm in the main gym. 

Tuesday, March 5th: Assessment Preview Concert with guests CMS Orchestras. Report time will be 5:30pm, performance 6:30pm in the auditorium.

March TBA – KMEA Assessment (Dates/Times/Locations TBA)

Thursday, May 9th: Finale Concert and Awards Ceremony. Traditionally, our Seniors choose what music we perform at the final concert, and this year they have chosen the Music of Disney! 5:30pm report time, performance 6:30pm in the auditorium. 

Required Materials:

Students will be required to have the following materials for the upcoming school year:

• Instrument and bow in excellent playing condition
  • Please contact me before making any rentals or purchases for the school year.
  • Please consider upgrading your instrument if still on a “beginner” level instrument.
  • Please avoid instruments purchased on-line, unless from a reputable string-instrument dealer (www.sharmusic.com, www.swstrings.com).
• Rosin and cleaning cloth
• Rock Stop (cellos and basses)
• Shoulder Rest (violins and violas)
• Three-Ringed Binder
• Clip-On Tuner

Attached is an accessories order form if you are interested in purchasing any items for the upcoming school year. 

If you need to rent an instrument from FDHS, please contact me for more information – we can meet at FDHS any time before school starts to get you an instrument!

Concert Attire:

All students will need to purchase FDHS concert attire, which will be used every school year. If you already own these items from previous school years, you do not need to purchase them again. An option to trade for another size is available as needed. Cost is $65.

If you have any financial concerts or are on Fee Waiver, please contact Mrs. Payne.

Class Fee:

There is a $50 class fee for all orchestra students that purchases the student’s method book, music, and other resources used throughout the school year. 

If you have any financial concerns or are on Fee Waiver, please contact Mrs. Payne.

Fall Semester Opportunities:

All students are invited to participate in some of our additional opportunities provided by the FDHS Orchestras. These are volunteer, optional activities. 

Caroling Strings:

A voluntary ensemble that will perform Holiday Music throughout the community. Rehearsals will take place after school every Wednesday from 3:30-5pm starting in November, with community performances on Saturday, December 9th. Sign-up information will be provided at the start of school.

HS Honors Orchestra:

Just like the MS Honors orchestra; auditions will take place December 18^th at FDHS. Rehearsal and performance will take place January 19th-20^th at TCHS. Students will receive sign-up information later in the semester. 

Solo and Ensemble:

All students are encouraged to participate in a solo, duet, trio, quartet or small ensemble for the KMEA Solo & Ensemble Festival. The event will take place at BSHS on November 18th. Students will receive sign-up information in September. 

All-State Information:
Students interested in auditioning for All-State must register to audition by Friday, September 1st.  Students must meet the following requirements to audition:

• Take private lessons and/or meet with Mrs. Payne before/after school to prepare for the audition
• Be comfortable performing 3-octave scales (2-octaves for basses)
• Be comfortable performing in upper positions (5th position and above)

If you meet the above requirements and are interested, please contact me for further information. 

Private Lessons:

Private lessons are highly encouraged for all students. You may sign-up for lessons after-school hours or on weekends by contacting a private teacher from the list available on our website (prices vary based on the teacher). 

Sponsorship Program:

The FDHS orchestra relies on support from the community to purchase new music and materials in addition to paying participation fees and transportation for KMEA Assessment. 

Attached is information about our sponsorship program and students are encouraged to help find donors for our program. Sponsors may be individuals or businesses. Every level of sponsorship comes with an additional “perk.”

Lastly, the FDHS Orchestra would not be possible without the support of our parents. We will need parents throughout the year to help with uniforms, chaperoning, etc. Please keep an eye out for e-mails as we get closer to events to sign up to help as needed. 

I look forward to our year, enjoy the rest of your summer. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at any time!