Dear Stallion Orchestra Parents,

I hope you’re enjoying a beautiful spring! The long days and warmer weather remind us all that summer is just around the corner, but the South County Orchestra Students are still busy preparing for their final performances. Here’s what’s coming in the next few weeks:

· Friday, May 7 Middle School trip to Williamsburg, VA and Busch Gardens

All students should arrive to school by 7 AM. We will meet in the SCSS auditorium with instruments, and we are scheduled to depart at 7:30 AM. Students should bring a bag lunch that they can eat on the bus before the performance; the kids will also need money for dinner in the park. Buses will return to SCSS between 10 and 11 PM Friday night.

· May 7-8 and May 14-15 South County production of “Anything Goes!”

The SCSS performing arts departments will collaborate in this year’s musical “Anything Goes!” by Cole Porter. Directed by Sherry Adams-Johnson, this is a fun show that includes hit songs like “I Get A Kick Out of You,” “De-Lovely,” and of course the title track. Members of the pit orchestra have learned a great deal about the lives of theater musicians! Come out and support our string players as they accompany a terrific cast and crew. Thanks to the following orchestra members who have volunteered their time and talents for the past two months: Meg McMurry, Michael Crespo, Amanda Goodwin, Miao Zheng, Vincent Huynh, Emily Costigan, Lizzie Gomes, Chandler Freelander, Allen-Michael Randolph, and William Leigh Hall.

· Monday, May 10/Tuesday, May 11 Practice charts are due for all South County Orchestra Students. Parents must verify and sign each week of practice for charts to be acceptable. Please encourage your child to treat practice just like homework—find a quiet room, stay focused, and keep working until the goal has been achieved.

· May 17, May 20, May 24, and May 27 SCSS High School Orchestra rehearsals

These rehearsals will all take place after school from 2:30-4:00 PM. Since we are playing full symphonic literature, we will need this time to get used to playing with winds, brass, and percussion. Rehearsals are mandatory unless prearranged and excused with Mrs. Lancaster.

· Tuesday, May 25 Tri-M Music Honor Society meeting, 2:30-? Nominate officers

· Tuesday, June 1 SCSS High School Orchestra dress rehearsal with Maestro Zimmerman

I am pleased to announce that Maestro Christopher Zimmerman, music director of the Fairfax Symphony Orchestra, will be working with our high school students and conducting at our spring concert! His travel schedule and our testing schedule don’t leave us much time to rehearse together before our program. For this reason, we will have a dress rehearsal on Tuesday afternoon. Details coming soon.

· Tuesday, June 1 SCSS Orchestras Spring Concert

From ‘Rondeau’ to rock-and-roll, this concert will offer music to satisfy everyone’s tastes. Our program begins at 7 PM. Bring your family, friends, and any elementary school students you know!

· Wednesday, June 2 Tri-M Music Honor Society meeting, 2:30-? Elect next year’s officers and seniors receive honor cords

· Saturday, June 5 SCSS Orchestra Awards Dinner

Join us at 5:30 in the SCSS Cafeteria as we honor our musicians for all of their accomplishments this year. We’ll laugh together over a delicious barbecue dinner before saying a special goodbye to our seniors. Look for more details soon!

· Tuesday, June 15 Senior Baccalaureate Ceremony

Seniors will receive information about this in class.

· Friday, June 18 Graduation Ceremony (All Chamber+selected symphonic players)

Congratulations to all of our students who performed at this year’s Solo and Ensemble Festival! It was a pleasure to watch everyone work together and play such beautiful music! SCSS students received lots of helpful comments in addition to the valuable experience of performing for the public. I’m proud of everyone who put forth the extra effort.

Thanks again for all of your support this year. I look forward to seeing you at our final concert and the awards dinner.

Sincerely,

Sarah Lancaster

Director of Orchestras

South County Secondary School