Ovation Screening Process
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At Gwin Ovation, we welcome any student who has a heart for music and a desire to grow—as a musician, a performer, and a leader. What matters most is your willingness to learn, grow, and commit to the group. From there, we’ll work together on building responsibility, strengthening your skills, and growing your confidence.
The Ovation Screening Process is not an audition to “get in” or “get cut”—it’s simply a way for me to see where you are musically right now. This helps me understand your starting point so I can better support you and guide you toward your goals as a performer. It’s all about helping you grow and making sure you feel set up for success.
Steps of the Process
Step 1: Turn in the Gwin Ovation Participant Fee & Gwin Ovation Agreement Form
Before students can participate in the Gwin Ovation screening, I must have their completed Gwin Ovation Participant Fee & Gwin Ovation Agreement Form on file.
Please be sure to submit the forms by Monday, August 18. I won’t be able to move forward with any screenings unless the form is turned in—thank you for understanding!
Step 2: Choose which screening choice you'd like to do
Students have two options for their Gwin Ovation screening:
the In-Person Experience or the Virtual Classroom Experience.
For the In-Person Experience, students will come to the Music Room, where I will teach them everything they need to know for the screening step by step.
For the Virtual Classroom Experience, families will receive a link to videos that guide students through the same materials taught in person—perfect for those who need a more flexible option.
FILL OUT THE Gwin Ovation 2025-2026 Screening Selection Form TO LET ME KNOW OF YOUR SCREENING CHOICE
Both experiences are designed to support your child and help them feel confident and prepared. Just choose the option that works best for your family!
Step 3: Complete screening process
In-Person Screening
If your child chooses the In-Person Screening Experience, please have them arrive at school on Wednesday, August 20, and Thursday, August 21, by 7:15 AM (no later than 7:20am). After carpool drop-off they should head straight to the cafeteria and take a seat. I’ll come to the cafeteria to greet the group, check everyone in, and walk them together to the Music Room.
Please remind your child to wait in the cafeteria until I arrive; to abide by school policy, no one should walk to the Music Room unsupervised.
Virtual Classroom Screening
If your child prefers the Virtual Classroom Experience, you’ll receive a link to the teaching videos (on Thursday, August 14). I will send them through ParentSquare. After watching and practicing, simply help your child record their performance and email the video to me at erussell@hoover.k12.al.us. I’m here to answer any questions and make the process easy! Please submit videos by Thursday, August 21.
Thank you for choosing the option that fits your family best—I can’t wait to see (and hear!) each student shine.
Step 4: Receive confirmation from Ms. Russell about screening process and 1st rehearsal
Once your child has completed their Ovation screening, you’ll be added to the Gwin Ovation 2025–2026 ParentSquare Group and will receive a message from me (Ms. Russell).
In that message, I’ll share:
The results of screenings
The date and details for our first rehearsal
A link to the Gwin Ovation Calendar of Events
This calendar will help you stay up to date with everything—rehearsals, performances, and special events—so your child (and you!) always feel informed and prepared.
Step 5: Welcome to Gwin Ovation!
Our First Rehearsal
We’ll kick off our year with our first Gwin Ovation rehearsal on Wednesday, August 27 at 7:15 AM (no later than 7:20am) in the Music Room. From that point forward, rehearsals will be held every Wednesday morning—no need to ask or double-check, just plan for Wednesdays each week!
Staying in the Loop
The Gwin Ovation Calendar of Events (available through ParentSquare) will be your go-to place for all rehearsal dates, performances, and special events. I encourage you to check it regularly to stay up to date.
Want Weekly Reminders?
If you'd like to receive weekly email reminders about rehearsals and upcoming events, I’d be happy to add you to the Gwin Ovation Google Calendar!
Just send me a quick email at erussell@hoover.k12.al.us letting me know you’re interested. Once I add your email address, you’ll receive an invitation—simply click “Yes” to accept, and you’re all set!
I can also send reminders for specific events if there’s something you’d like a heads-up about—just let me know!
I’m so excited for all the music, growth, and fun we’ll share this year! 💛
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