Grades, Playing Quizzes, and Allstate

Hello all,

Progress reports for Quarter 1 are coming soon. As you review yours student's grade, please go over each individual assignment if their grade seems low to see if anything is missing. Many students may have forgotten to turn in a syllabus, a worksheet, or show required materials. With it being so early in the year, each grade counts!

This week we are preparing for our playing quiz on September 10th. If your student is in need of extra practice, "PURRfect Practice" (aka morning practice) takes place every Mon-Thurs from 8:00am to 8:45am. The side doors to the orchestra room will open from 8:00am-8:15am and will not reopen.

Students have been given a message on THEIR CTLS similar to this for their quizzes:

• Students will be given 4-10 measures from a piece taught in class. They will be graded in categories of tone, tempo/rhythm, note accuracy, posture, and style. Each of these categories adds up to 4 points, and the total adds up to 20 points. A rubric is attached.

• Students may choose one person during their class period within their instrument section to perform with them. They will still be graded individually.

 Allstate (optional)

• If you are interested in auditioning for All-State orchestra, the deadline to register is on Friday, September 5th. The form is here: https://forms.gle/GEU9dPyZcZ3PPXR3A. This is an opportunity to challenge yourself and compete with students from across the state of Georgia, as well as work with amazing conductors across the United States! The first round of auditions are at Pope High School on Saturday, October 25th. Audition information can be found here: https://www.gmea.org/aso-audition-information

 Fundraiser, Allstate, and grades

Congrats to our 2025-2026 Rehearsal Managers: Leon Estrella, Ronan Owens, Ch'nai Eggleston, Ashna Shrestha

 Fundraiser

• ECMS Orchestra is extremely excited to announce their collaboration with DoubleGood for their 2025-2026 fundraiser! This company has recently worked with other Cobb County schools. Fifty percent of every bag of popcorn will go to our programs and toward students' field trip costs! Our goal is to raise $5,000 for each program and to let students participate in trips of their choosing.

• Staring on Tuesday, Students will be selling popcorn through their "stores". Students have been instructed not to pull out devices without permission. Contributing and supporting our programs through our fundraiser is greatly appreciated! You can purchase popcorn through a student shop. 

 Allstate (optional)

• If you are interested in auditioning for All-State orchestra, the deadline to register is on Friday, September 5th. The form is here: https://forms.gle/GEU9dPyZcZ3PPXR3A. This is an opportunity to challenge yourself and compete with students from across the state of Georgia, as well as work with amazing conductors across the United States! The first round of auditions are at Pope High School on Saturday, October 25th. Audition information can be found here: https://www.gmea.org/aso-audition-information

 Grades

• Please double check you student's grades and ensure they are not missing any syllabus, forms, or assignments this early Into the school year. All grades are up to date as of today (8/25)

 Allstate, Parent Meeting, and Due dates!

 Allstate (optional)

• If you are interested in auditioning for All-State orchestra, the deadline to register is on Friday, September 5th. The form is here: https://forms.gle/GEU9dPyZcZ3PPXR3A. This is an opportunity to challenge yourself and compete with students from across the state of Georgia, as well as work with amazing conductors across the United States! The first round of auditions are at Pope High School on Saturday, October 25th. Audition information can be found here: https://www.gmea.org/aso-audition-information

Parent meeting (August 14th)

• The parents meeting Is tomorrow at the ECMS cafe! 6ht grade starts at 6pm. 7th and 8th grade starts at 7pm. Students are welcome. We will discuss Instrument rentals/purchases, fundraising, upcoming fieldtrips, and classroom expectations. 

Syllabus (and pink forms)

• Forms are due tomorrow! please have them done so I can grade them BEFORE the meeting!

 Rehearsal managers

 We are looking for our next manager!

• The "Rehearsal Manager" role includes: speaking at concerts, tuning class, managing the music library, tracking points for your class, and attendance. There will be two rehearsal managers per grade (one in each class for 7th and 6th grade). The roles will be decided on by a vote of the students from a public speech (approximately 1 minute long). The speech must be sent to Ms. Lege via email FIRST to review by Wednesday, August 21st. The speeches will be on Thursday, August 22nd. These are the dates to choose 7th and 8th grade managers only (6th grade managers will be decided at a later date).

Incoming 6th graders, Upcoming Chamber Auditions, and prep for the new year!

Welcome back! For our Interested 6th graders, we have put together a video for you on our ECMSOrch YouTube channel.

• To prepare for another school year, refresh by looking through the required materials and looking at the syllabus. If you still need to purchase/rent an instrument, please view the new Instrument Purchase Guide.

• If you are interested, consider auditioning for ECMS Chamber orchestra! Chamber will meet Most Friday mornings with a concert at the end of the year. Rehearsals will be posted on the ECMS calendar.

 Upcoming Chamber and 8th grade grade orchestra concert on May 12th

Monday, May 12th is the Chamber and 8th grade orchestra concert. Please support these students who have worked very hard on a wonderful concern program! A flyer is attached below. Here is the following schedule for the students in the concert: 

-6:00pm: Chamber will be entering stage with their binders and instrument. Enter the school though the orchestra room side door- a sign will be placed on the right side of the school. Leave all cases and personal items in the orchestra room. STUDENTS DO NOT ENTER THROUGH THE FRONT OF THE SCHOOL. 8th grade will enter through the orchestra side-room door as well, and file into the audience-assigned seating with their binders and instruments. They will watch Chamber’s performance and wait until their time on-stage.

*NOTICE: No students may stay after school. All students must go home to change into concert black, eat dinner, and come back at 6:00pm.*

-6:15pm: Audience members will begin heading into the auditorium. The doors at the front of the school will be unlocked. The programs will be accessible via QR code. ECMS Orchestra T-Shirts and Magnets will be sold via cash/check only at a side table before the concert begins! 6th grade will remain on stage during this time.

-6:30pm: Concerts begins, with 6th grade first. After their performance is complete, they will file off stage and switch places with 8th grade in the audience. 8th grade will file on stage and perform their program. Afterwards, 8th grade will head to the orchestra room first to put their instruments away, and then chamber will follow. Concert end time is approximately 7:15pm.

Students will need to have Concert black attire as stated on the syllabus and orchestra website. This includes:

o   Solid black shirt (no words or graphics) with short or long sleeves

o   Solid black pants (no rips or holes)

o   Dresses or skirts can be worn if they are at least mid-calf length

o   Shoes and socks must be 100% black. No white soles, no white laces, etc. NO white socks. Shoes must be CLOSED TOE dress shoes. No sandals, crocs, flip flops, Uggs, etc. Black boots are ok. 

Upcoming 6th grade and 7th grade orchestra concert on May 1st

Next Thursday is the 6th and 7th grade orchestra concert. Please support these students who have worked very hard on a wonderful concern program! A flyer is attached below. Here is the following schedule for the students in the concert next Thursday, May 1st: 

-6:00pm: 6th grade will be entering stage with their binders and instrument. Enter the school though the orchestra room side door- a sign will be placed on the right side of the school. Leave all cases and personal items in the orchestra room. STUDENTS DO NOT ENTER THROUGH THE FRONT OF THE SCHOOL. 7th grade will enter through the orchestra side-room door as well, and file into the audience-assigned seating with their binders and instruments. They will watch 6th grade’s performance and wait until their time on-stage.

*NOTICE: No students may stay after school. All students must go home to change into concert black, eat dinner, and come back at 6:00pm.*

-6:15pm: Audience members will begin heading into the auditorium. The doors at the front of the school will be unlocked. The programs will be accessible via QR code. ECMS Orchestra T-Shirts and Magnets will be sold via cash/check only at a side table before the concert begins! 6th grade will remain on stage during this time.

-6:30pm: Concerts begins, with 6th grade first. After their performance is complete, they will file off stage and switch places with 7th grade in the audience. 7th grade will file on stage and perform their program. Afterwards, 7th grade will head to the orchestra room first to put their instruments away, and then 6th grade will follow. Concert end time is approximately 7:15pm.

Students will need to have Concert black attire as stated on the syllabus and orchestra website. This includes:

o   Solid black shirt (no words or graphics) with short or long sleeves

o   Solid black pants (no rips or holes)

o   Dresses or skirts can be worn if they are at least mid-calf length

o   Shoes and socks must be 100% black. No white soles, no white laces, etc. NO white socks. Shoes must be CLOSED TOE dress shoes. No sandals, crocs, flip flops, Uggs, etc. Black boots are ok. 

Upcoming Dates

As we keep our eyes on the last weeks of the year, please keep these dates in mind:

-7th and 6th grade have their Spring concert on May 1st at 6:30pm in the ECMS theater. They will be wearing our concert black attire.

-8th grade and chamber orchestra will have their farewell concert on May 12th at 6:30pm in the ECMS theater. They will also be wearing concert black attire. 

-Speaking of 8th grade, our 8th grade Spring overnight trip with Chorus is on April 17-19th. We sent out a memo on the packing list and expectations- read it carefully to prepare as it's less than a month away!

Lastly, if you are looking toward the summer and for camps and activities, I have some wonderful options! On the ECMS Orchestra Website, I have listed four summer camps ranging in dates, prices, and experiences. There are more you can choose from out there, but these I have experience with from knowing the faculty or other student's positive experiences. 

If you have any questions, please let me know. Only 41 days of school left!

Ms. Lege

Upbeat! 

String Camp (Day camp):

July 7-10

Georgia ASTA Camp(overnight):

Session 1: May 28-31

OR

Session 2: June 1-4

Florida State University (overnight, 7th + 8th grade):

Session 1: June 15-21

OR

Session 2: June 22-28

University of Georgia (overnight):

June 1-5

DOLLYWOOD INFO FOR 8TH GRADE OVERNIGHT SPRING TRIP:

Dollywood Packing List and Final Reminders:

LAST PAYMENT DUE TODAY!!!

What to Bring

·      Spending money

o   Because we will be visiting more than one location, the options of cash only and cashless may vary. Dollywood is cashless. Kiosks will be available for students to transfer cash to a card if needed. Students may want money for games and souvenirs. Each student must remember that it is his/her responsibility to keep up with and budget their money!

o   All meals are included in the trip package except for Friday’s lunch. Students will need to pay for their own lunch at The Island theme park. 

·      Music (and instrument) for performance on Thursday

o   Music will be collected and stored before loading the bus.

o   Large Instruments will be stored under the bus. Smaller instruments will be on the bus under seats or stored in overhead compartments. They will be locked onto the busses overnight.

·      Concert attire

o   Students will wear jeans and “ECMS spiritwear” shirt on Thursday for their performance. This can be anything that represents East Cobb Middle School, such as a Chorus/Orchestra shirt or a PTSA purchased shirt.

·      2 casual outfits 

o   Students need to be comfortable to walk around various theme parks in Pidgeon Forge, but must adhere to school drees code. Students should refrain from wearing attire deemed vulgar or offensive. 

·      Underwear/socks

·      Casual shoes/sneakers- Tennessee is on a mountain!!!

·      Sleepwear

·      Light jacket/rain gear

·      Toiletries

·      Medication 

o   Important: All medication MUST be clearly labeled with the child’s name and dosage instructions and given to the student’s chaperone before departure from ECMS. 

·      Snacks for bus ride and hotel room

·      Blanket or pillow for the bus ride

·      Entertainment for the bus ride

o   This could include homework (you are responsible for making up any missing assignments!), books, magazines, headphones, small gaming systems, card games, etc. 

·      Phone charger/power bank 

o   This is strongly recommended for communication with chaperones and parents, to take pictures, and for emergency use. Students will be asked to use GroupMe to communicate with their chaperones and teachers as we arrive and depart from locations. 

IN CONCLUSION:

Students are required to stay with their group and follow our itinerary for the duration of the trip. Chaperones will be assigned so that the students can be with their friends at Dollywood. While in the park, groups will be shadowed by chaperones as they travel. Students will be wearing Super Holiday Tour lanyards to identify their travel group. They will be wearing these at all times. Lanyards will also contain their daily itinerary and will have reminders of departure times.

Chaperone hotel rooms will be evenly spread out among the student rooms. Once students enter the hotel rooms for the night they will not be allowed to exit until the following morning for breakfast.

Participating students should be mindful that we are representatives of our school, our school district, and our state. They are always expected to on their absolute best behavior. This includes keeping the noise level to a minimum in hotel rooms, following directions, cooperating with chaperones, and abiding by all Cobb County Schools and East Cobb Middle School rules. Students who do not adhere to rules will remain with a chaperone both on the bus and during planned activities, and will be subject to administrative consequences upon our return to school. Severe infractions will result in immediate dismissal from the trip.

Itinerary Reminder:

Thursday, April 17, 2025

• Arrive to school as normal in ECMS attire (NO BACKPACK NEEDED- blocked rehearsal with chorus/orchestra)

• Eat lunch in cafeteria before departure

• 11:30 AM – Load Bus

• 12:00 PM – Depart from School

• 5:30 PM – Arrive to Dollywood, unload bus, and setup for performance

• 8:00 PM – Attend HatQield and McCoy Dinner Show

• 10:00 PM – Arrive at Hotel

• 10:30 PM – Lights Out

Friday, April 18, 2025

• 8:00 AM – Breakfast at Hotel

• 9:30 AM – Depart from Hotel

• 10:00 AM – Smoky Mountain Tour

• 1:30 PM – Lunch (not provided in cost) at The Island at Pigeon Forge

• 3:00 PM – Beyond the Lens Virtual Theme Park

• 5:00 PM – Load Bus and travel to Pirates Voyage Show

• 6:00 PM – Pirates Voyage Dinner Show

• 8:00 PM - Depart for Hotel

• 10:30 PM – Lights Out

Saturday, April 19, 2025

• 8:00 AM – Breakfast at Hotel

• 9:00 AM – Room check/Load Bus

• 9:30 AM – Depart for Dollywood Theme Park

• 10:00 AM - Enter Dollywood Theme Park

o Lunch and dinner vouchers provided

o Students must be in groups of at least 4 students and have

frequent check-ins with chaperones.

• 6:30 PM – Park Closes/Load Bus/Depart for Home

• 11:30 PM – Arrive at ECMS

Welcome Back and Chamber Orchestra

CHAMBER AND MORNING ORCHESTRA:

Chamber orchestra is BACK! We held auditions for the last week for students who signed up. All students who auditioned will be placed in the orchestra. All students in chamber are added onto the chamber CTLS page. More information about chamber will be on the Chamber, Camps, and Extra-Curriculars page. 

DOLLYWOOD:

Out 8th grade overnight trip is in one month! please ensure you are up to date for payments and permissions. Room assignments are due today.

REQUIRED MATERIALS CHECK AND PLAYING QUIZZES FOR ALL GRADES

You have an upcoming Required Material Check on March 10/11. The required materials are listed in your syllabus, on the ECMS orchestra website, and below. Additionally, all grades will have a playing quiz on March 19/20 on Dragonhunter (6th grade), British Grenadiers (7th grade), and Avengers (8th grade)

• Students will be given 4-10 measures from a piece taught in class. They will be graded in categories of tone, tempo/rhythm, note accuracy, posture, and style. Each of these categories adds up to 4 points, and the total adds up to 20 points. A rubric is attached.

• Students may choose one person during their class period within their instrument section to perform with them. They will still be graded individually.

• The measures for the 6th grade playing quiz are as follows:

First Violin/Violin I: m8-15

Second Violin/Violin II: m8-15

Viola: m8-15

Cello: m20-28

Bass: m20-28

• The measures for the 7th grade playing quiz are as follows:

First Violin/Violin I: m41-50

Second Violin/Violin II: m41-50

Viola: m41-50

Cello:Coda-end

Bass:Coda-end

• The measures for the 8th grade playing quiz are as follows:

First Violin/Violin I: m35-43

Second Violin/Violin II: m35-43

Viola: m43-49

Cello: m5-13

Bass: m5-13

Welcome Back and Chamber Orchestra

CHAMBER AND MORNING ORCHESTRA:

Chamber orchestra is BACK! We will hold auditions for the next two weeks if you are interested in joining. These auditions are so students have the opportunity to prepare for an audition. All students who show up for their audition will be placed in the orchestra. More information about these auditions will be on the Chamber, Camps, and Extra-Curriculars page. 

7TH AND 8TH GRADE: 

We have handing out our new music for our May concerts. 8th grade has also received their music for their Dollywood trip!

6TH GRADE: 

We finished our Quarter 3 playing quizzes before break! Please make sure you are always on top of the dates and ready for any upcoming assignment. If you are feeling unsteady, there is always Morning Practice brefore school every Mon-Thurs at 8:15-8:45am. Dates for these assignments are on the orchestra board and on our calendar website. 

Chamber orchestra and LGPE debrief

CHAMBER AND MORNING ORCHESTRA:

Chamber orchestra is BACK! We will hold auditions for the next two weeks if you are interested in joining. These auditions are so students have the opportunity to prepare for an audition. All students who show up for their audition will be placed in the orchestra. More information about these auditions will be on the Chamber, Camps, and Extra-Curriculars page. 

7TH AND 8TH GRADE: 

Congrats to all! I am extremely proud of all you and how much you have grown since last year. Thank you for representing ECMS well at Walton High School and giving them a wonderful performance! Lots of intonation to work on after our judge review :)

6TH GRADE: 

We just finished our Quarter 3 playing quizzes! Please make sure you are always on top of the dates and ready for any upcoming assignment. If you are feeling unsteady, there is always Morning Practice brefore school every Mon-Thurs at 8:15-8:45am. Dates for these assignments are on the orchestra board and on our calendar website. 

A busy yet short week- Playing Quizzes, LGPE, and Field trips

CHAMBER AND MORNING ORCHESTRA:

Morning orchestra is still from 8:15am-8:45am Mon-Thurs. Chamber is on hold until honor orchestra auditions are completed. 

HONOR ORCHESTRA STUDENTS:

You have been added to a CTLS classroom where you audition times were posted. Soon video examples of the excerpts will be posted as well! Your audition is soon so please prepare and dress nice!

6TH GRADE: Today we worked on playing quiz measures for March of the Metro Gnome. The 6th grade playing quiz has been pushed back to February 12th and 13th due to inclement weather days (which means more time for you to practice!).

• Students will be given 4-10 measures from a piece taught in class. They will be graded in categories of tone, tempo/rhythm, note accuracy, posture, and style. Each of these categories adds up to 4 points, and the total adds up to 20 points. A rubric is attached.

• Students may choose one person during their class period within their instrument section to perform with them. They will still be graded individually.

• The measures for the playing quiz are as follows:

First Violin/Violin I: Rehearsal B-Rehearsal C

Second Violin/Violin II: Rehearsal B-Rehearsal C

Viola: Rehearsal B-Rehearsal C

Cello: Rehearsal B-Rehearsal C

Bass: Rehearsal D-Rehearsal E

7TH GRADE: Students had their first on-stage rehearsal with their LGPE music to prepare for their Fieldtrip to Wheeler (January 27th). If students have not been given permission to go, please check ParentVue to give permission. Here is the itinerary for that trip:

10:30am

Orchestra students eat early lunch in cafeteria (busses arrive at ECMS)

11:00am

Busses Depart ECMS

11:15am

Busses arrive at Wheeler PAC, students take instruments and fill audience

11:30am

Wheeler Orchestra Performance

11:50am

ECMS On stage w/ Wheeler

12:00pm

Wheeler and ECMS side-by-side

12:30pm

ECMS students depart PAC and head towards busses

12:45pm

Arrival at ECMS

Students were also preparing for their playing quiz. The playing quiz measures are as follows from Burst!:

VLN1: m17-25

VLN2: m17-25

VLA: m17-25

CELLO: m33-41

BASS: m17-25

8TH GRADE: Students had their first on-stage rehearsal with their LGPE music to prepare for their Fieldtrip to Wheeler (February 3rd). If students have not been given permission to go, please check ParentVue to give permission. Here is the itinerary: 

10:30am

Orchestra students eat early lunch in cafeteria (busses arrive at ECMS)

11:00am

Busses Depart ECMS

11:15am

Busses arrive at Wheeler PAC, students take instruments and fill audience

11:30am

Wheeler Orchestra Performance

11:50am

ECMS On stage w/ Wheeler

12:00pm

Wheeler and ECMS side-by-side

12:30pm

ECMS students depart PAC and head towards busses

12:45pm

Arrival at ECMS

Students were also preparing for their playing quiz. The playing quiz measures are as follows:

VLN1: Dramatic Essay m19-27

VLN2: Dramatic Essay m1-9

VLA: El Toro m37-47

CELLO: El Toro m37-47

BASS: El Toro m37-47

Welcome back from your snow day!

CHAMBER AND MORNING ORCHESTRA:

Due to changes from the snow day, chamber will NOT resume this Friday. There will also be no morning orchestra on Thursday, January 16th. 

HONOR ORCHESTRA STUDENTS:

Here are the following dates for instrument-specific "clinics" on the honor orchestra music. We will go over the excerpt, sightreading, and audition prep!

Violin: 12/16, 1/13, 2/5

Viola: 12/17, 1/14, 2/5

Cello: 12/18, 1/15, 2/6

Bass: 12/19, 1/17, 2/6

ECMS 6th Grade Music Students

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Performance

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Woodruff Arts Center

1280 Peachtree St NE

Atlanta, GA 30309

ITINERARY (Travel times are approximate)

10:45am          Students report to the theater to prepare for departure

11:00am          Departure for Woodruff Arts Center

11:45am          Arrive at Woodruff Arts Center 

                        1280 Peachtree St NE

                        Atlanta, GA 30309                  

12:00pm         Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Performance

1:00pm           Load buses/departure for lunch

1:45pm           Arrive at Cumberland Mall Food Court for lunch

                        (students will need to bring $15-20)

                        2860 Cumberland Mall SE

                        Atlanta, GA 30339

2:45pm           Load buses – departure for ECMS                                          

3:15pm           Arrive at ECMS

Additional Information 

• Tickets - $10, due Friday, December 20th

  • Can be paid with cash (exact amount, we cannot make change) or check/money order made payable to ECMS or through MyPaymentsPlus.

  • Students in two music classes should submit payment to their 5th period music class/teacher.

• Parents will be required to submit a permission form in ParentVue for their child to participate (the form will be available in January).

  • If you are having trouble logging into ParentVue or completing permission forms, please contact Ms. Barahona (Karla.Barahona@cobbk12.org) or Ms. Kelemencky (Shirlei.Kelemencky@cobbk12.org) for assistance. You can also reach them by calling ECMS. 

Thank-You and Upcoming ASO fieldtrip

We made it to Friday!

Thank you all for your consistent and continuous support of the ECMS orchestra. These students are driven to grow and continue to be excellent- and that is thanks to your support at home in allowing these students to select music classes! 

At the concert, I made a mistake and forgot to invite our 6th grade rehearsal managers Charlotte and Mia speak out our 6th grade field trip. They would've reminded you that if you want to participate in the trip to the Atlanta Symphony orchestra, $10 dollars is due by Friday, December 20th. If you are interested in chaperoning, a sign-up will be released soon. Here is the Itinerary for the trip:

ECMS 6th Grade Music Students

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Performance

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Woodruff Arts Center

1280 Peachtree St NE

Atlanta, GA 30309

ITINERARY (Travel times are approximate)

10:45am          Students report to the theater to prepare for departure

11:00am          Departure for Woodruff Arts Center

11:45am          Arrive at Woodruff Arts Center 

                        1280 Peachtree St NE

                        Atlanta, GA 30309                  

12:00pm         Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Performance

1:00pm           Load buses/departure for lunch

1:45pm           Arrive at Cumberland Mall Food Court for lunch

                        (students will need to bring $15-20)

                        2860 Cumberland Mall SE

                        Atlanta, GA 30339

2:45pm           Load buses – departure for ECMS                                          

3:15pm           Arrive at ECMS

Additional Information 

• Tickets - $10, due Friday, December 20th

  • Can be paid with cash (exact amount, we cannot make change) or check/money order made payable to ECMS or through MyPaymentsPlus.

  • Students in two music classes should submit payment to their 5th period music class/teacher.

• Parents will be required to submit a permission form in ParentVue for their child to participate (the form will be available in January).

  • If you are having trouble logging into ParentVue or completing permission forms, please contact Ms. Barahona (Karla.Barahona@cobbk12.org) or Ms. Kelemencky (Shirlei.Kelemencky@cobbk12.org) for assistance. You can also reach them by calling ECMS. 

Upcoming ASO fieldtrip, 6th grade and Chamber Orchestra Concert, and Honor Orchestra days!

Your concert is Thursday! Please follow the schedule listed.

6:00pm: Chamber will be entering stage with their binders and instrument. Enter the school though the orchestra room side door- a sign will be placed on the right side of the school. Leave all cases and personal items in the orchestra room. STUDENTS DO NOT ENTER THROUGH THE FRONT OF THE SCHOOL. 6th grade  Will enter through the orchestra side-room door as well, and file into the audience-assigned seating with their binders and instruments. They will watch chamber's performance and wait until their time on-stage.

*NOTICE: No students may stay after school. All students must go home to change into concert black, eat dinner, and come back at 6:00pm.*

6:15pm: Audience members will begin heading into the auditorium. The doors at the front of the school will be unlocked. The programs will be accessible via QR code. ECMS Orchestra T-Shirts and Magnets will be sold via cash/check only at a side table before the concert begins! Chamber will remain on stage during this time.

6:30pm: Concerts begins, with Chamber first. After their performance is complete, they will file off stage and switch places with 6th grade in the audience. 6th grade will file on stage and perform their program. Afterwards, Chamber grade will head to the orchestra room first to put their instruments away, and then 6th grade will follow. Concert end time is approximately 7:15pm.

Students will need to have Concert black attire as stated on the syllabus and orchestra website. This includes:

o   Solid black shirt (no words or graphics) with short or long sleeves

o   Solid black pants (no rips or holes)

o   Dresses or skirts can be worn if they are at least mid-calf length

o   Shoes and socks must be 100% black. No white soles, no white laces, etc. NO white socks. Shoes must be CLOSED TOE dress shoes. No sandals, crocs, flip flops, Uggs, etc. Black boots are ok. 

6th Grade and Chamber Concert

HONOR ORCHESTRA STUDENTS:

Here are the following dates for instrument-specific "clinics" on the honor orchestra music. We will go over the excerpt, sightreading, and audition prep!

Violin: 12/16, 1/13, 2/5

Viola: 12/17, 1/14, 2/5

Cello: 12/18, 1/15, 2/6

Bass: 12/19, 1/16, 2/6

A new announcement is that you also have your fieldtrip on February 5th to the Atlanta Symphony orhestra. If you would like to participate, please follow the instructions listed after the itinerary by December 20th:

ECMS 6th Grade Music Students

Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Performance

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Woodruff Arts Center

1280 Peachtree St NE

Atlanta, GA 30309

ITINERARY (Travel times are approximate)

10:45am          Students report to the theater to prepare for departure

11:00am          Departure for Woodruff Arts Center

11:45am          Arrive at Woodruff Arts Center 

                        1280 Peachtree St NE

                        Atlanta, GA 30309                  

12:00pm         Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Performance

1:00pm           Load buses/departure for lunch

1:45pm           Arrive at Cumberland Mall Food Court for lunch

                        (students will need to bring $15-20)

                        2860 Cumberland Mall SE

                        Atlanta, GA 30339

2:45pm           Load buses – departure for ECMS                                          

3:15pm           Arrive at ECMS

Additional Information 

• Tickets - $10, due Friday, December 20th

  • Can be paid with cash (exact amount, we cannot make change) or check/money order made payable to ECMS or through MyPaymentsPlus.

  • Students in two music classes should submit payment to their 5th period music class/teacher.

• Parents will be required to submit a permission form in ParentVue for their child to participate (the form will be available in January).

  • If you are having trouble logging into ParentVue or completing permission forms, please contact Ms. Barahona (Karla.Barahona@cobbk12.org) or Ms. Kelemencky (Shirlei.Kelemencky@cobbk12.org) for assistance. You can also reach them by calling ECMS. 

Upcoming 6th grade and Chamber Orchestra Concert

Welcome Back!

We are hitting the ground running as we are preparing for a concert next week, LGPE, and participating students are practicing for honor orchestra. Next Thursday is the 6th Grade and chamber orchestra concert. Please support this students who have worked very hard on a wonderful concern program! a flayer is attached below.

Chamber orchestra students have been practicing Friday mornings and their last rehearsal is this Friday. 6th Grade will be combining classes and performing on stage. Here is the following schedule for the students in the concert next Thursday, December 12th: 

6:00pm: Chamber will be entering stage with their binders and instrument. Enter the school though the orchestra room side door- a sign will be placed on the right side of the school. Leave all cases and personal items in the orchestra room. STUDENTS DO NOT ENTER THROUGH THE FRONT OF THE SCHOOL. 6th grade  Will enter through the orchestra side-room door as well, and file into the audience-assigned seating with their binders and instruments. They will watch chamber's performance and wait until their time on-stage.

*NOTICE: No students may stay after school. All students must go home to change into concert black, eat dinner, and come back at 6:00pm.*

6:15pm: Audience members will begin heading into the auditorium. The doors at the front of the school will be unlocked. The programs will be accessible via QR code. ECMS Orchestra T-Shirts and Magnets will be sold via cash/check only at a side table before the concert begins! Chamber will remain on stage during this time.

6:30pm: Concerts begins, with Chamber first. After their performance is complete, they will file off stage and switch places with 6th grade in the audience. 6th grade will file on stage and perform their program. Afterwards, Chamber grade will head to the orchestra room first to put their instruments away, and then 6th grade will follow. Concert end time is approximately 7:15pm.

Students will need to have Concert black attire as stated on the syllabus and orchestra website. This includes:

o   Solid black shirt (no words or graphics) with short or long sleeves

o   Solid black pants (no rips or holes)

o   Dresses or skirts can be worn if they are at least mid-calf length

o   Shoes and socks must be 100% black. No white soles, no white laces, etc. NO white socks. Shoes must be CLOSED TOE dress shoes. No sandals, crocs, flip flops, Uggs, etc. Black boots are ok. 

6th Grade and Chamber Concert

HONOR ORCHESTRA STUDENTS:

Here are the following dates for instrument-specific "clinics" on the honor orchestra music. We will go over the excerpt, sightreading, and audition prep!

Violin: 12/16, 1/13, 2/5

Viola: 12/17, 1/14, 2/5

Cello: 12/18, 1/15, 2/6

Bass: 12/19, 1/16, 2/6

Fall Concert Done!!!

Thank you for an amazing concert last night! Concert performance footage is available on the ECMS Orchestra website. We had some technical issues with 8th grade, so if you have better performance footage please send it to grace.lege@cobbk12.org. Thanks!

8th and 7th grade got a visit from the Georgia Symphony Orchestra (GSO) and Georgia Symphony Youth Orchestra (GYSO) for their upcoming concert!

• Thank you to Tim Verville and Madison Willtis for visiting and setting us up for success! We are feeling much more prepared for our concert on November 14th.

Your 8th and 7th grade concert is THIS THURSDAY. Here is the schedule for that day:

4:30pm (directly after school): 7th grade reports to orchestra room after dismissal. 8th grade will go home as normal and come back to school for their rehearsal at 5:45

4:45pm: 7th grade will grab instruments and tune in the orchestra room. They will then move to ECMS the stage and rehearse.

5:40pm: 7th grade will exit the stage and file into reserved front seats in the audience until showtime. They may eat a snack if they brought one.

5:45pm: 8th grade will be entering stage to rehearse their program. Enter the school though the orchestra room side door- a sign will be placed on the right side of the school. STUDENTS DO NOT ENTER THROUGH THE FRONT OF THE SCHOOL. 8th grade will grab their instruments and head directly to the stage.

6:15pm: Audience members will begin heading into the auditorium. The doors at the front of the school will be unlocked. The programs will be accessible via QR code. ECMS Orchestra T-Shirts and Magnets will be sold on MyPaymentsPlus.com (No cash!) at a side table before the concert begins! 8th grade will remain on stage during this time.

6:30pm: Concerts begins, with 8th grade first. After their performance is complete, they will file off stage and switch places with 7th grade in the audience. 7th grade will file on stage and perform their program. Afterwards, 8th grade will head to the orchestra room first to put their instruments away, and then 7th grade will follow. Concert end time is approximately 7:15pm.

Today one of our 8th grade classes got a visit from the composer of their piece!

• Perry Holbrook composed Never Summer Mountain, a piece for the upcoming November 14th concert. He worked with our 8th graders on stage and talked to them about the inspirations behind his composition! Thank you Dr. Holbrook for visiting and educating us!

Asking for chaperones for the 7th grade Fieldtrip and 8th grade field trip to Wheeler!

• This FREE fieldtrip will let students experience a high school orchestra concert, and will have them perform "side-by-side" with a high schooler! The 7th grade trip is planned for January 27th and the 8th grade trip is planned for February 3rd. We cannot move forward with this trip until we have our chaperones secured, so please consider supervising this quick day trip to support our program! The time commitment for chaperones on these days is from 10:15am to 1:00pm. An earlier lunch time at ECMS will be provided for these students. An official itinerary will be released once chaperones are secured. Sign-up below:

• https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EABAD2BABFDCF8-51310798-ecmswheeler 

Your 8th and 7th grade concert is on November 14th. Here is the schedule for that day:

4:30pm (directly after school): 7th grade reports to orchestra room after dismissal. 8th grade will go home as normal and come back to school for their rehearsal at 5:45

4:45pm: 7th grade will grab instruments and tune in the orchestra room. They will then move to ECMS the stage and rehearse.

5:40pm: 7th grade will exit the stage and file into reserved front seats in the audience until showtime. They may eat a snack if they brought one.

5:45pm: 8th grade will be entering stage to rehearse their program. Enter the school though the orchestra room side door- a sign will be placed on the right side of the school. STUDENTS DO NOT ENTER THROUGH THE FRONT OF THE SCHOOL. 8th grade will grab their instruments and head directly to the stage.

6:15pm: Audience members will begin heading into the auditorium. The doors at the front of the school will be unlocked. The programs will be accessible via QR code. ECMS Orchestra T-Shirts and Magnets will be sold on MyPaymentsPlus.com (No cash!) at a side table before the concert begins! 8th grade will remain on stage during this time.

6:30pm: Concerts begins, with 8th grade first. After their performance is complete, they will file off stage and switch places with 7th grade in the audience. 7th grade will file on stage and perform their program. Afterwards, 8th grade will head to the orchestra room first to put their instruments away, and then 7th grade will follow. Concert end time is approximately 7:15pm.

Asking for chaperones for the 7th grade Fieldtrip and 8th grade field trip to Wheeler!

• This FREE fieldtrip will let students experience a high school orchestra concert, and will have them perform "side-by-side" with a high schooler! The 7th grade trip is planned for January 27th and the 8th grade trip is planned for February 3rd. We cannot move forward with this trip until we have our chaperones secured, so please consider supervising this quick day trip to support our program! The time commitment for chaperones on these days is from 10:15am to 1:00pm. An earlier lunch time at ECMS will be provided for these students. An official itinerary will be released once chaperones are secured. Sign-up below:

• https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EABAD2BABFDCF8-51310798-ecmswheeler 

Asking for chaperones for the 7th grade Fieldtrip and 8th grade field trip to Wheeler!

• This FREE fieldtrip will let students experience a high school orchestra concert, and will have them perform "side-by-side" with a high schooler! The 7th grade trip is planned for January 27th and the 8th grade trip is planned for February 3rd. We cannot move forward with this trip until we have our chaperones secured, so please consider supervising this quick day trip to support our program! The time commitment for chaperones on these days is from 10:15am to 1:00pm. An earlier lunch time at ECMS will be provided for these students. An official itinerary will be released once chaperones are secured. Sign-up below:

• https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EABAD2BABFDCF8-51310798-ecmswheeler 

On October 21-22 (Monday/Tuesday), we will have our playing quiz for Quarter 2. 

• Students will be given 4-10 measures from a piece taught in class. They will be graded in categories of tone, tempo/rhythm, note accuracy, posture, and style. Each of these categories adds up to 4 points, and the total adds up to 20 points. A rubric is attached.

• Students may choose one person during their class period within their instrument section to perform with them. They will still be graded individually. 

• 6TH GRADE: A steady beat at 60bpm will be given before the quiz begins. 6th graders must play D major with 2 bows/quarter notes per note. A youtube video (of me!) is linked to help you practice at home. You may play it as many times as needed to prepare: https://youtu.be/q9ddRf2P1yE

• 7TH GRADE: A steady beat at 95bpm will be given before the quiz begins. 7th Grade Playing Quiz measures from Dragon Slayer:

Violin 1 section (Diamonds): m23-32

Violin 2 section (Emeralds): m45-53

Viola section: m23-32

Cello section: m19-26

Bass section: m19-26

• 8TH GRADE: A steady beat at 200bpm will be given before the quiz begins. 8th Grade Playing Quiz measures from Storm:

Violin 1 section (Diamonds): m71-80

Violin 2 section (Emeralds): m71-80

Viola section: m105-115

Cello section: m63-71

Bass section: m63-71

CONCERT REMINDER:

• Your concert is on November 14th and 6:30pm. You will have an after-school rehearsal that day, and will need concert black attire, required materials, and an instrument that follows the expectations set on the syllabus and orchestra website. Failure to have these items by then will result in a deducted concert grade. Please consult the syllabus' grading categories for further inquiry.

• If you received your progress report and your grade is low, please review your syllabus grade, your part labeling worksheet, your required materials grade, and (for 6th grade) your CTLS quiz. Many students have not turned in all of their assignments and it is impacting their grade.

On October 21-22 (Monday/Tuesday), we will have our playing quiz for Quarter 2. 

• Students will be given 4-10 measures from a piece taught in class. They will be graded in categories of tone, tempo/rhythm, note accuracy, posture, and style. Each of these categories adds up to 4 points, and the total adds up to 20 points. A rubric is attached.

• Students may choose one person during their class period within their instrument section to perform with them. They will still be graded individually. 

• 6TH GRADE: A steady beat at 60bpm will be given before the quiz begins. 6th graders must play D major with 2 bows/quarter notes per note. A youtube video (of me!) is linked to help you practice at home. You may play it as many times as needed to prepare: https://youtu.be/q9ddRf2P1yE

• 7TH GRADE: A steady beat at 95bpm will be given before the quiz begins. 7th Grade Playing Quiz measures from Dragon Slayer:

Violin 1 section (Diamonds): m23-32

Violin 2 section (Emeralds): m45-53

Viola section: m23-32

Cello section: m19-26

Bass section: m19-26

• 8TH GRADE: A steady beat at 200bpm will be given before the quiz begins. 8th Grade Playing Quiz measures from Storm:

Violin 1 section (Diamonds): m71-80

Violin 2 section (Emeralds): m71-80

Viola section: m105-115

Cello section: m63-71

Bass section: m63-71

CONCERT REMINDER:

• Your concert is on November 14th and 6:30pm. You will have an after-school rehearsal that day, and will need concert black attire, required materials, and an instrument that follows the expectations set on the syllabus and orchestra website. Failure to have these items by then will result in a deducted concert grade. Please consult the syllabus' grading categories for further inquiry.

• If you received your progress report and your grade is low, please review your syllabus grade, your part labeling worksheet, your required materials grade, and (for 6th grade) your CTLS quiz. Many students have not turned in all of their assignments and it is impacting their grade.

• Welcome back! I hope you had a safe (and hurricane-free) break!

• Congrats to our newly appointed Rehearsal Managers (as seen in the graphic on the left)! These students worked very hard to rally the classes together and I look forward to working with them on improving their leadership skills. 

• This week we are getting back in our routines. Please remember that you will need your instrument and required materials for class.

• If you received your progress report and your grade is low, please review your syllabus grade, your part labeling worksheet, your required materials grade, and (for 6th grade) your CTLS quiz. Many students have not turned in all of their assignments and it is impacting their grade.

• In class I discussed orchestra leadership roles. This is a new role that will affect all classes, and gives each class an opportunity to run. The leadership role is "Rehearsal Manager", and the role includes: Speaking at concerts, tuning class, managing the music library, tracking points for your class, and attendance. There will be two rehearsal managers per grade (one in each class for 8th and 6th grade). The roles will be decided on by vote of the students from a public speech (approximately 1 minute long). The speech must be sent to Ms. Lege via email FIRST to review by Wednesday, September 18th. The speeches will be on Friday, September 20th. If you have any questions, please email Ms. Lege.

• If you are making up a playing quiz, please email Ms. Lege what time you plan to do so using morning practice hours (8:15-8:45am on Mon-Thurs).

• Allstate sign-ups are due TODAY. Please fill out this google form if you are interested- it is free to audition unless you are accepted! All-state is an opportunity for avdanced and commited orchestra studens to play alongside the top selected middle school musicians in the state of Georgia. It's like a varsity team but goes way bigger! For those interested in All-State Orchestra, here is the form: https://forms.gle/j8ymjCBNB7KeXkcs7 

• If you recieved your progress report and your grade is low, please review your syllabus grade, your part labeling worksheet, and your required materials grade. Many students do not have all of their required materials. 

• 8th and 7th grade has their first playing quiz on September 9th and 10th

  • Details are on StudentVue, CTLS, and below

• 6th grade has their quiz on CTLS due September 9th, but they can start it now

  • Details are on StudentVue, CTLS, and below

• New 6th grade students need to get instruments and required materials! Everyone should have recieved black folders with syllabus and rental/purchase information

• If you recieved your progress report and your grade is low, please review your syllabus grade, your part labeling worksheet, and your required materials grade. Many students do not have all of their required materials. 

Your first playing quiz of the year is on September 9th

• Students will be given 4-10 measures from a piece taught in class. They will be graded in categories of tone, tempo/rhythm, note accuracy, posture, and style. Each of these categories adds up to 4 points, and the total adds up to 20 points. A rubric is attached.

• Students may choose one person during their class period within their instrument section to perform with them. They will still be graded individually. 

• A steady beat at 110bpm will be given before the quiz begins. 8th Grade Playing Quiz measures from Gargoyles:

Violin 1 section: m37-45

Violin 2 section: m21-29

Viola section: m21-29

Cello section: m37-45

Bass section: m5-13

• A steady beat at 90bpm will be given before the quiz begins. 7th Grade Playing Quiz measures from Dragonhunter:

Violin 1 section: m38-46

Violin 2 section: m4-12

Viola section: m4-12

Cello section: m20-27

Bass section: m20-27

• 6th Grade: Your first quiz is due September 9th. There are four questions with short responses, all with at least three sentences to answer. The quiz reviews concepts discussed and used in class, and your answers must be instructive enough that a new student can use them! The instructions and questions are under your CTLS assignments, and can be turned in anytime between now and September 9th.

Quarter 1 progress report ends soon!

• • Please turn in all work like the syllabus, pink forms, part labeling worksheet, and required materials to get your credit. 

• Required materials were due this week. If you need to change your grade, please present your materials to Ms. Lege quickly before or after class. 

• All-State Orchestra sign-ups end on September 13th. All-state is an opportunity for avdanced and commited orchestra studens to play alongside the top selected middle school musicians in the state of Georgia. It's like a varsity team but goes way bigger! For those interested in All-State Orchestra, here is the form: https://forms.gle/j8ymjCBNB7KeXkcs7 

• As a fun mention, a FREE Atlanta Symphony Orchestra concert is available at Piedmont Park on Tuesday, September 10th at 7:30pm. No tickets are necessary, just bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket! Arrive early for a good seat and food trucks. 

Part Labeling Worksheet due today!

• • Worksheet available on CTLS. If you cannot annotate/edit, use the numbers in the text boxes to create your own answer key. For example: 1. Endpin/Button

• 6th grade- we will start playing with instruments on Tuesday, August 20th. Please have your materials and instrument by then.

• The information from parent night is available under the Links and Forms tab.

Parent Orchestra Meeting on August 15th in the ECMS Cafe!

• • 7th and 8th Grade: time 7:00pm

  • 6th grade: time 6:00pm

• To kick off the year we have an orchestra fundraiser for T-Shirts and Magnets. Please browse the Orchestra Shop to view pricing!

• 6th grade- we will start playing with instruments on Tuesday, August 20th. Please have your materials and instrument by then.

• The information from parent night is available under the Links and Forms tab.

• Bring your instruments (and signed forms) on Monday! We will start playing now that you have all of your assigned lockers and instruments. 

• Parent Orchestra Meeting on August 15th in the ECMS Cafe!

  • 7th and 8th Grade: time 7:00pm

  • 6th grade: time 6:00pm

• To kick off the year we have an orchestra fundraiser for T-Shirts and Magnets. Please browse the Orchestra Shop to view pricing!

• Hello Orchestra! To prepare for another school year, refresh by looking through the required materials and looking at the revised syllabus. If you still need to purchase/rent an instrument, please view the new Instrument Purchase Guide.

• If you are interested, consider auditioning for ECMS Chamber orchestra! Chamber will meet every Friday morning with a concert at the end of the year. The rehearsal schedule is already posted.

• To kick off the year we have an orchestra fundraiser for T-Shirts and Magnets. The design will be similar to the Wildcat Orchestra icon on the left. Please browse the Orchestra Shop to view pricing!

• WE MADE IT, HAPPY LAST DAY OF SCHOOL! I wish you all safe and relaxing summer!

• If you are interested in any orchestra summer camps, please check out the Camps and Extra Curriculars page.

• If you are interested in ECMS Chamber Orchestra starting next year, please look at the Camps and Extra Curriculars Page for audition information.

• Congrats to 8th grade on placing 1st in their division, and 1st place overall for strings during the Carowinds Music in the Parks Festival!

• 7th and 6th grade: your small ensemble performances will happen this Friday. 

• All personal instruments must be taken home this Friday. No school instruments will be taken home after Friday.

Here is the schedule for the 8th grade concert on Thursday, May 16th:

5:50pm: 8th grade will be dropped off at ECMS. Enter the school though the orchestra room side door- a sign will be placed on the right side of the school. STUDENTS DO NOT ENTER THROUGH THE FRONT OF THE SCHOOL. 8th grade will grab their instruments, leaving cases in the orchestra room and head directly to the stage. Volunteers will be present to help tune and guide them to the stage.

6:00pm: A 15-minute rehearsal with the How to Train Your Dragon visual will take place, in order to sync up the orchestra with the sounds of the auditorium.

6:15pm: Audience members will begin heading into the auditorium. The doors at the front of the school will be unlocked. The programs will be accessible via QR code. 8th grade will remain on stage during this time.

6:30pm: Concerts begins. After their performance is complete, 8th grade will head to the orchestra room first to put their instruments away. Concert end time is approximately 7:00pm. If parents or students would like to volunteer to stack chairs, please hop on stage and begin putting them on the racks!

All grades have their final exam on May 8-9th. This has been changed from May 13-14th because of a field day activity. Study guides are being passed out at the end of this week, but the content are items we have reviewed all year!

• Here is the schedule for the 8th grade concert on Thursday, May 16th:

5:50pm: 8th grade will be dropped off at ECMS. Enter the school though the orchestra room side door- a sign will be placed on the right side of the school. STUDENTS DO NOT ENTER THROUGH THE FRONT OF THE SCHOOL. 8th grade will grab their instruments, leaving cases in the orchestra room and head directly to the stage. Volunteers will be present to help tune and guide them to the stage.

6:00pm: A 15-minute rehearsal with the How to Train Your Dragon visual will take place, in order to sync up the orchestra with the sounds of the auditorium.

6:15pm: Audience members will begin heading into the auditorium. The doors at the front of the school will be unlocked. The programs will be accessible via QR code. 8th grade will remain on stage during this time.

6:30pm: Concerts begins. After their performance is complete, 8th grade will head to the orchestra room first to put their instruments away. Concert end time is approximately 7:00pm. If parents or students would like to volunteer to stack chairs, please hop on stage and begin putting them on the racks!

All grades have a required materials check on April 26th and April 30th

• If you are s student or parent/guardian of a student using a school instrument during the May 1st concert, please look through the list carefully. If you are a 6th grader and see your name next to another 7th grader sharing your instrument, that means you will need to leave your instrument on stage after your performance so that student may use it for their performance. After 7th grade finishes their performance, the instrument will need to be returned to its original case with the correct number by the 7th grader who opened it during the 4:30pm practice after school. 

• As a reminder, here is the schedule for the 7th and 6th grade concert on Wednesday, May 1st:

4:30pm (directly after school): 7th grade reports to orchestra room after dismissal

4:45pm: 7th grade will grab instruments and tune in the orchestra room. They will then move to ECMS the stage and rehearse with the drum set (Ventesca) for King’s Court and Dragonhunter.

5:40pm: 7th grade will exit the stage and file into reserved front seats in the audience until showtime. They may eat a snack if they brought one. Students who are performing shadow dance will remain on stage and rehearse.

5:50pm: 6th grade will be entering stage to rehearse their program. Enter the school though the orchestra room side door- a sign will be placed on the right side of the school. STUDENTS DO NOT ENTER THROUGH THE FRONT OF THE SCHOOL. 6th grade will grab their instruments and head directly to the stage.

6:15pm: Audience members will begin heading into the auditorium. The doors at the front of the school will be unlocked. The programs will be accessible via QR code. 6th grade will remain on stage during this time.

6:30pm: Concerts begins, with 6th grade first. After their performance is complete, they will file off stage and switch places with 7th grade in the audience. Cellos and basses will leave their instruments on stage. 7th grade will file on stage and perform their program. Afterwards, 6th grade will head to the orchestra room first to put their instruments away, and then 7th grade will follow. Concert end time is approximately 7:15pm.

• Congrats to our Remember Me soloists:

  • Violin 1: Kira Hosein

  • Violin 2: Jonalisa Ledoux

  • Viola: Nicholas Chan

  • Cello: Mackenzie Robinson

  • Bass: Nariyah Antoine

• All grades have a required materials check on April 26th.

• As a reminder, here is the schedule for the 7th and 6th grade concert on Wednesday, May 1st:

4:30pm (directly after school): 7th grade reports to orchestra room after dismissal

4:45pm: 7th grade will grab instruments and tune in the orchestra room. They will then move to ECMS the stage and rehearse with the drum set (Ventresca) for King’s Court and Dragonhunter.

5:40pm: 7th grade will exit the stage and file into reserved front seats in the audience until showtime. They may eat a snack if they brought one. Students who are performing shadow dance will remain on stage and rehearse.

5:50pm: 6th grade will be entering stage to rehearse their program. Enter the school though the orchestra room side door- a sign will be placed on the right side of the school. STUDENTS DO NOT ENTER THROUGH THE FRONT OF THE SCHOOL. 6th grade will grab their instruments and head directly to the stage.

6:15pm: Audience members will begin heading into the auditorium. The doors at the front of the school will be unlocked. The programs will be accessible via QR code. 6th grade will remain on stage during this time.

6:30pm: Concerts begins, with 6th grade first. After their performance is complete, they will file off stage and switch places with 7th grade in the audience. Cellos and basses will leave their instruments on stage. 7th grade will file on stage and perform their program. Afterwards, 6th grade will head to the orchestra room first to put their instruments away, and then 7th grade will follow. Concert end time is approximately 7:15pm.

• 8th grade solo audition link: https://forms.gle/GsthgcRvpZLRB9ZA9 

• Concert Day for 6th and 7th grade has been altered to accommodate the ECMS Musical Willy Wonka (please support them!). Here is the schedule for our concert on Wednesday, May 1st:

4:30pm (directly after school): 7th grade reports to orchestra room after dismissal

4:45pm: 7th grade will grab instruments and tune in the orchestra room. They will then move to ECMS the stage and rehearse with the drum set (Ventresca) for King’s Court and Dragonhunter.

5:40pm: 7th grade will exit the stage and file into reserved front seats in the audience until showtime. They may eat a snack if they brought one. Students who are performing shadow dance will remain on stage and rehearse.

5:50pm: 6th grade will be entering stage to rehearse their program. Enter the school though the orchestra room side door- a sign will be placed on the right side of the school. STUDENTS DO NOT ENTER THROUGH THE FRONT OF THE SCHOOL. 6th grade will grab their instruments and head directly to the stage.

6:15pm: Audience members will begin heading into the auditorium. The doors at the front of the school will be unlocked. The programs will be accessible via QR code. 6th grade will remain on stage during this time.

6:30pm: Concerts begins, with 6th grade first. After their performance is complete, they will file off stage and switch places with 7th grade in the audience. Cellos and basses will leave their instruments on stage. 7th grade will file on stage and perform their program. Afterwards, 6th grade will head to the orchestra room first to put their instruments away, and then 7th grade will follow. Concert end time is approximately 7:15pm.

• Spring break is approaching! I hope you all have a safe and fun time away from school.

• 7th and 6th grade: Students are still missing their theory worksheets (lesson 5 and 6) that were handed out during the playing test. Students that were absent for the playing test still need to complete them, or else that grade will become a zero.

  • Retakes for Playing Test 2 are optional and will be held on Friday (3/29). Criteria for a retake means a student originally scored an 80 or below.

• 8th grade: All three concert pieces have been distributed. An optional Acro (bowed) solo will be available for audition after Spring Break. Happy practicing!

• 8th Grade: INCREDIBLE JOB AT LGPE! The audio recordings from your performance are uploaded for you to share and review. 

• 7th and 6th grade: Playing tests next week on Mon and Tues (3/18 and 3/19).  They will be graded in categories of tone, tempo/rhythm, note accuracy, posture, and style. Each of these categories adds up to 4 points, and the total adds up to 20 points. A rubric is attached. Students may not ask for a zero. Instead, they will asked to indivudually play each note, as we have reviewed these materials and expectations in class. 7th grade class periods have been split into different asssignments, so please read carefully:

• 3rd period: Shadow Dance, m20-30 for each instrument

  • Students may choose one person during their class period and instrument section to perform with them. They will still be graded individually. A steady beat at 132bpm will be given before the quiz begins.

  • If you want to retake your previous playing test, you may do so at the end of the exam day. It will be the same measures and procedures. Retake criteria means you have scored an 80 or below.

• 4th period: Essential Elements #31, Down the D scale, arco (with bow)

  • Students may choose one person during their class period and instrument section to perform with them. They will still be graded individually. A steady beat at 70 bpm will be given before the quiz begins. 

  • If you want to retake your previous playing test, you may do so at the end of the exam day. It will be the same measures and procedures. Retake criteria means you have scored an 80 or below.

• 5th and 6th period: Essential Elements #92, Can-Can, Parts A and B

  • A metronome will be put on continuously while students are selected in pairs to take their test. Once they hit the repeat sign, they will switch to the B part if they were on part A, and to the A part if they were on part B. Everyone will play each part. 

  • If you want to retake your previous playing test, you may do so at the end of the exam day. It will be the same measures and procedures. Retake criteria means you have scored an 80 or below.

• 8th Grade: As a reminder, LGPE is this Wednesday! Please ensure you come to school in concert black attire, have transportation home from East Cobb MS at 5:30pm, and are prepare to NOT have a backpack on the busses. Details of this are outlined in the LGPE itinerary. An updated roster/bus list is available. 

• All grades: Please review your grades to ensure you have turned in all assignments (Syllabus, required materials, theory worksheet). Many zeros are bringing grades down.

Welcome back!

• 8th and 7th grade: If you still need to make up a playing test, you need to schedule a test time with me by this Wednesday (2/28), otherwise it will become zero.

• 6th grade: Playing tests this week! Please refer to previous announcement for the rubric and playing test information. Good luck!

• All grades: All grades online are accurate. If you need to revise your required materials grade, please show me your materials and it will be changed. Until then, it is your responsibility to show me your required materials.

• 8th grade: LGPE is NEXT WEEK! The itinerary was sent via email, but it is also available in the links and forms section. Please note that students must arrive to school wearing their concert black attire and must be picked up by 5:30pm at East Cobb Middle School. If parents/guardians wish to attend the concert at Harrison High School, our performance schedule is on the itinerary.