Be on time and practice

Mr Samson and I have both been saying it. Here it is again in written form for you visual learners.

It is crucial that you are on time to rehearsal this week! Wednesday we start at 6:50. Friday we start at 6:50. Be in your seat, music and instrument ready, by 6:50.
I am giving you the opportunity to play John Williams Trilogy because I know you like the music and are excited to play it. Be on time so we can put it together. Practice it at home so I'm not spending rehearsal time teaching you notes, rhythms, and dynamics.
I am giving you the opportunity to perform in a full orchestra because that hasn't been done at El Dorado for several years. Be on time so we can make the most of our limited rehearsal time. Practice it at home so we can make music, not just play notes.
I am working hard to bring you these opportunities. Respect that by being on time and practicing at home. And for those of you that aren't motivated by this, I'm also going to do it this way:

On Friday, be in your seat, music and instrument ready in the bandroom, by 6:50.
IF YOU ARE LATE ON FRIDAY, YOU DON'T PLAY IN THE FULL ORCHESTRA FOR THE CONCERT THAT NIGHT.
IF YOU ONLY PLAY IN THE ORCHESTRA/SINFONIA PART OF THE CONCERT, YOU ONLY GET 1/2 CREDIT FOR YOUR GRADE FOR THE CONCERT. YOUR FINAL GRADE FOR THE YEAR WILL TAKE A BIG HIT.

Sorry it has to be this way but sometimes this is the only way to motivate you.

Spring Concert Donations

Our Spring Concert with the Band Program is also a very important fund raiser for our program for next year. We all want to have fun experiences with Orchestra - Disneyland, professional orchestra concerts, etc. This is how you make that happen!
Donation bins will be behind my desk.

More SF pics! And SPAM

I posted some more pictures on the San Fran page, including some of the finest photos of me ever taken (if I say so myself).

Also, SPAM. I think Aaron Copland wrote it first.

Just keep swimming

We are getting to crunch time! With STAR testing, AP tests, prom, etc., it's getting INSANELY busy. Do you know that THIS Wednesday's rehearsal is our LAST full rehearsal before Monday's Area Night? Only Lady Rinaldo has an AP test that day. Otherwise we are losing a lot of people each day.
Everyone is doing a great job focusing so we are having productive rehearsals. But absences have been high! Attendance is still a major part of your grade and I still expect you at every rehearsal (outside of AP tests). So make sure you plan accordingly.

This Saturday, a String Quartet from the LA Philharmonic will be playing a concert in Claremont. I highly encourage you to check it out! Bring a ticket stub or program to me for extra credit!

Saturday, May 11, 2013, 7:30 PM

A Los Angeles Philharmonic Quartet
Robert Gupta, Violin
Jin-Shan Dai, Violin
Ben Ullery, Viola
Jacob Braun, Cello
Benefit Concert for the CYMO Orchestra
Bridges Hall of Music
150 E. Fourth Street, Claremont, CA 91711

Tickets: Adults $15, Students $10

Orchestra Pranks

Between this and the flash mob below, I just want to make it perfectly clear that I am NOT trying to give you any ideas...

May the Fourth Be With You

On the 1st of October the WDR Radio Orchestra mingled with the crowds on Cologne Wallrafplatz and surprised with well-known tones from a galaxy far, far away....

New glasses

This is how I felt this morning using the glasses for the first time