Scroll to see specific information for each grade level! Please reach out if you have any questions or need clarification. 

Carley Gerdes - carley.gerdes@nhcs.net

Calendar of Events ● MMS Orchestra Handbook ● Boletín en español

Contract Reminder✍️

This is a reminder to everyone that I need the handbook and orchestra contract filled out and returned. The getting that sheet signed is a completion grade for your student, so until those get returned, your student will have a 0 for that assignment. 

The green instrument check-out form will need to be signed and returned for all cello and bass students, and any violin or viola students who are using a school instrument.

Orchestra advocacy

You may have received an emial from me recently about an advocacy effort that the NHCS Orchestra teachers are organizing. That message was sent by all of the orchestra directors and was to raise awareness to the state of the orchestra programs in the county. To be transparent with everyone, the orchestra programs county-wide have been getting smaller and smaller due to many factors. Over the last few years, when an orchestra teacher leaves to retire, move, etc, the county has chosen to spread the teachers over multiple schools or multiple subjects, rather than hiring a new teacher to fill the role. However, if there isn't a teacher willing or able to do that... a program may be at risk of being cut completely. We want the county to understand that orchestra is important to our community, and that it is worth the time, money, and effort it will take to grow our programs! 

I have received an overwhelming amount of support from many students and their families. Thank you to everyone who wrote a testimony for me to share, the voices of NHCS students and families are extremely important in this effort.

If you would like more specific information about how to support us, let me know!

Instrument care 💸

The students seem extremely excited to play their instrument and take it home, which is great! However, be very mindful of how the instrument is handled, since we have only just started playing. 

Here are some important instructions for how to care for the instrument:

Things to think about...

This year, the music will start to ramp up in difficulty! This is not to discourage anyone, rather to encourage the students! With a whole year of experience, I want to remind everyone that practice time outside of school is extremely important. 

Additionally, I want to remind students of our rehearsal etiquette expectations. Every day in class is a rehearsal. In order to make sure every student is getting the most out of that time, they are held to these expectations: 

1. Be prepared for class every day with your music, a pencil, and your instrument unpacked when class begins. 

2. Stop playing and talking when directed. 

3. No food, gum, or drinks (besides water) are allowed in the orchestra room or in the Minnie Evans auditorium. 

4. Be respectful and kind to your peers, your classroom, and to your teacher.  

5. Try your best always, no matter what that looks like on a given day.  

Students will receive a rehearsal etiquette grade based on their upholding of these expectations. This is to ensure that our class remains a productive and safe environment. 

Rockestra

Many students are curious about this...

Since I have started my new position at Ashley, Rockestra will not be offered as a typical Mastery class. Rockestra will become an after school group that will start meeting after our first concert. I will be surveying the students to try and find a day afterschool that works for most people (probably Monday or Wednesday). We will rehearse weekly starting the week of 11/3.

I know this is disapointing to many students that it will no longer happen during Mastery, but I appreciate your understanding as I navigate my high school responsibilities.

All County Orchestra!

All County permissionslips have gone home! I will need these signed and brought back to school Monday in order for your student to participate. I cannot accept them late.

The dates for All County are as follows:

• • Monday, October 19th 6:00PM-7:15PM - Rehearsal at Hoggard High School

  • Friday, October 23rd during the school day - clinic at Minnie Evans Arts Center

  • Saturday, October 24th 8:30AM - clinic at Minnie Evans, concert at 2:00PM

In order to participate in All County:

• • Students are required to attend all three dates above.

  • No ISS/OSS/Detention between now and the event.

  • Students will submit a virtual "audition" to determine preparation for the event. This will be turned in on Google Classroom (like a playing test) on Friday, Oct. 2.

Rockestra

Many students are curious about this...

Since I have started my new position at Ashley, Rockestra will not be offered as a typical Mastery class. Rockestra will become an after school group that will start meeting after our first concert. I will be surveying the students to try and find a day afterschool that works for most people (probably Monday or Wednesday). We will rehearse weekly starting the week of 11/3.

I know this is disapointing to many students that it will no longer happen during Mastery, but I appreciate your understanding as I navigate my high school responsibilities.

September  

• Monday, Sept 14 - All County Permission Slips Due

October  

• Monday, Oct 12 - Fall Fundraiser Begins 

• Monday, Oct 19 – Q1 Test 

• Monday, Oct 19 - All County Orchestra Rehearsal 

• Friday, Oct 23 - Saturday, Oct 24 - All County Orchestra Clinic 

• Wednesday, Oct 28 - Fall Orchestra Concert 

• Friday, Oct 30 - Fall Fundraiser Ends 

December  

• Friday, Dec 4 – Q2 Test 

• Wednesday, Dec 16 - Winter Orchestra Concert 

February  

• Friday, Feb 12 - Murray Arts Valentine’s Day Dance 

• Thursday, Feb 25 – Q3 Test 

March  

• Monday, Mar 1 - NHCS Orchestra Festival (6th & 7th Grade only) 

• Saturday, Mar 6 - JERO Auditions 

• Wednesday, Mar 10 - Pre-MPA Orchestra Concert (8th Grade only) 

• Monday, Mar 15 or Tuesday, Mar 16 (TBA) - Eastern Regional Orchestra MPA (8th Grade only) 

April  

• Saturday, Apr 24 - Busch Gardens Trip (8th Grade only, date tentative) 

May  

• Saturday, May 1 - JERO Clinic 

• Monday, May 3 – Q4 Test 

• Tuesday, May 18 - Spring Orchestra Concert 

June 

• Wednesday, Jun 2 - Murray Arts Awards Night 

For descriptions of the events, click here.