Welcome!
Welcome to a new year in Orchestra! The school year has begun and we’re going to have a great time in orchestra! I am excited about the opportunity to experience a wide variety of music with the students through the many activities we have planned. Orchestra at Middle School North is a unique experience in which its members should be proud to participate.
Students are given the opportunity for personal growth and enrichment through the study of orchestral music literature, string performance, and music history. The curriculum will emphasize practice of proper performance technique, study of music literature & history, and the exploration of musical expression through performance, composition, and improvisation. Students explore technology in music through computers, tablets, amplification, effects processing, and recording.
This year in orchestra will be a busy one! Both ensembles have many performances, contests, and will build lasting relationships with friends. Students will also participate in many other performances and contests during the year.
Upcoming Events
Download the Orchestra Master Calendar for all Orchestra events. Please add these dates to your family calendar.
| DATE | EVENT | NOTES |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, Aug 28 | Orchestra Parent Meeting | 5:45 PM – 6:15 PM @ MSN Orchestra Room |
| Wednesday, Sept 11 | Prima Musica Auditions | After School. Students will be able to take the late bus home. Let Mr. Broach know that you want to audition! |
| Friday, Sept 13 | Ork Bjord Elections | Ork Bjord leadership elections during school. |
| Saturday, Sept 21 | ILMEA Audition | Optional Event. Rehearsals after school every day except Wednesdays on Sept 6 – Sept 19. |
| Thursday, Oct 24 | Orchestra Concert | Our first concert of the year! 7 PM @ MSN Cafeteria. Dress up in a Halloween Costume! |
Additional Performance Opportunies
In addition to the Chamber & Intermezzo Orchestras, students have the opportunity to audition for the following ensembles. If you are interested in auditioning, let me know.
- Prima Musica Ensemble | Auditions: Wednesday, September 11 @ After School
- Jazz Band | Auditions: Thursday, September 11 @ After School (for bass, piano, guitar players)
- same day as Prima Auditions, we’ll make it work
- ILMEA Festival | Auditions: Saturday, September 21 @ Northbrook JH
While not affiliated with LZMSN, I strongly encourage all orchestra students to take private lessons with a private teacher. Also, students may choose to participate in an additional outside of school orchestra. Some great youth orchestas include:
iPads
Student’s music using annotation app on iPad.
We continually make strides in technology and (as one who loves technology) students in orchestra will put it to use! All students here at MSN have their own iPad to use for the school year. With that in mind all orchestra students will be reading their orchestra music and much more from their iPads! My hope is to have a completely paperless classroom.
Sectional Classes (aka Lessons)
All orchestra students attend sectional classes once per week to work on instrument / grade level specific curricula. In these lessons students study many facets of music from instrumental performance, composition, improvisation, interpretation, music theory, music history, conducting, and much more. These lessons are an integral part of the orchestra curriculum as much of what is learned in these lessons is not covered during regular rehearsal time.
- Sectional Attendance Schedule
- Read more about sectional classes
Costs
New families to orchestra, there are two things to purchase at the beginning of the year. The Orchestra Polo and the Theory Book.
- Orchestra Polo ($25) – Grade 6 and New Orchestra Students in Grade 7 or 8.
- Theory Book ($7) – Grade 6 only.
Parent Volunteers Needed
We can always use parent volunteers for various events. If it weren’t for the assistance that many parents provide, orchestra would not be what it is today! Some volunteer opportunities available this year include:
- Chaperones for Field Trips
- Organize the Treat Table for Performances
- Maintain Music Library
- Fundraising
Questions?
If you have any questions, please contact me at riley.broach@lz95.org or (847) 719-3668. Email tends to be quicker.
I’m looking forward to working with everyone in the Orchestra Family to make this a great year!
Please Complete this Form
Here is a link to the below form, if you are having trouble viewing it here. https://forms.gle/ivPdyCSrKzWdbKA76