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Beginning of year Newsletter
Beginning of year Newsletter
September 1st, 2026
Welcome back to school! Let's have a great year.
Throughout the year, I’ll be updating this page with announcements, upcoming events, and other information. I'll be sending an email to families when it is updated. Please reach out if you have any questions or need clarification. Scroll to see specific information for each grade level!
Carley Gerdes - carley.gerdes@nhcs.net
Hello eagles!!!
Hello eagles!!!
This is my first year working at Ashley! I'm thrilled for this new adventure. To the students and families I taught at Murray, I'm excited to be working with you all again! To the students I haven't taught in the past, I really look forward to getting to know you as we get through the year.
While there are a lot of things I'm excited for this year, I want to ask for your patience and understanding as I get settled in this new role. This has been a huge adjustment for me, so thank you for your support!
To the returning AHS students, there are some changes to anticipate this year. If you have any questions or need clarification about anything, do not hesitate to reach out.
Beginning of year Business ✍️
Beginning of year Business ✍️
I have gone through the orchestra handbook with the students. This outlines behavior expectations, grades, concert information, and more you’ll need to know to be successful in my class.
I have sent home a copy of the handbook that needs to be signed and returned. Review it with your student and return the entire handbook, as it will go in the students’ music binders for them to keep. I have also sent home a contract, which is also to get signed and returned.
Students borrowing school instruments will also need to get an instrument check-out form filled out for this school year. This is a green sheet of paper, which I sent home last week to students who need to fill it out.
Concert info & dates 🎶
Concert info & dates 🎶
Our required concert dates are below:
Fall Concert: Wednesday, October 28th
Winter Concert: Wednesday, December 16th
*Pre-MPA Spring Concert: Wednesday, March 10th*
End of Year Concert: Tuesday, May 18th
Call time: 7:00PM, Concert starts: 7:30PM - this is different than in years past!
*Pre-MPA Concert Call time: 6:30PM, Concert starts: 7:00PM. - The MMS 8th grade group will also perform at our concert, so the call time is slightly earlier.*
As per the handbook, attendance at these concerts is required.
Students must arrive in their concert attire (more info below) on time in order to receive full credit. Students are expected to stay until the end of the concert to assist with clean up. Prior to the AHS concert, the MMS Orchestras will give their concert at 6:00PM. AHS students are invited to attend the MMS concert, but are not required! This concert may be used as an extra credit submission.
Concert attire👕
Concert attire👕
Students must wear the proper concert attire for all concerts. There are two options for concert attire: concert dress or tuxedo. Students may choose which option they feel most comfortable with.
If you have trouble getting proper attire for your student, let me know ASAP and I will help get what you need. I am also happy to answer questions or provide approval on concert attire options before purchasing.
Dress
Dress
Solid black floor-length dress:
Sleeves that go to mid-bicep
Flowy style skirt without slits
No open back, simple neckline
Black close-toed shoes with black socks/tights
Tux
Tux
Black dress pants
white dress shirt
black suit jacket
black bowtie
black dress shoes & socks
Here are three websites that offer great dress options and full-package tuxes.
Returning Students: You do not need to buy anything new! Please continue to wear what you purchased in 9th grade.
Varnam strings rental info🎻
Varnam strings rental info🎻
If you are interested in getting a personal instrument for your student, here is some information:
I strongly encourage you to rent an instrument from a reputable business rather than purchasing one outright. Renting an instrument is the best way to get a quality instrument, without fronting the cost outright.
We will have an information meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 2nd at 5:30 in the MMS Orchestra Room with Varnam Strings. Varnam Strings is the local partner with NHCS for instruments and repairs and offer a rent-to-own program for NHCS students.
*This event is mainly intended for MMS beginners, but is open to anyone interested in renting an instrument.
More info to come...
More info to come...
Again, thank you for your support! Expect more information soon about All County, our Fall Fundraiser, Busch Gardens, etc.
📅Calendar of events📅
📅Calendar of events📅
September
Wednesday, Sept 2 - Varnam Strings Rental Night
October
Monday, Oct 12 - Fall Fundraiser Begins
Monday, Oct 19 - All County Orchestra Rehearsal
Friday, Oct 23 - Saturday, Oct 24 - All County Orchestra Clinic
Wednesday, Oct 28 - Fall Orchestra Concert
November
Monday, Nov 1 - Fall Fundraiser Ends
Friday, Nov 13 – Busch Gardens agreement form & deposit due
December
Wednesday, Dec 16 - Winter Orchestra Concert
January
Saturday, Jan 9 - Eastern Regional Orchestra Auditions
February
Friday, Feb 26 & Saturday, Feb 27 – Eastern Regional Orchestra Clinic and Concert
March
Monday, Mar 1 - NHCS Orchestra Festival
Wednesday, Mar 10 - Pre-MPA Orchestra Concert
Monday, Mar 15 or Tuesday, Mar 16 (TBA) - Eastern Regional Orchestra MPA
April
Friday, April 9 – Final Busch Gardens payment & permission slip due
Saturday, April *** – Busch Gardens trip
May
Tuesday, May 18 - Spring Orchestra Concert
June
Friday, Jun 4 - Last Day of School
For event descriptions, click here.
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