Int Orchestra - Krijnen - 5(A)-5(A) Assignments

Please record yourself playing the entire piece and upload your video to this assignment. 

*Make sure you are recording in a quiet space
*Make sure the camera can see both of your hands
*Tune your open strings carefully before starting. 
*Warm-up before recording
*Check intonation with a tuner
*Check your rhythm with a metronome
*Slow and careful WINS the race

Ask me if you have any questions or need help with the rhythm

This is our informal and super fun end-of-the-year concert. We also invite our rising 5th graders to join our Honor groups. 

Wear your black music t-shirt and shorts or pants depending on the weather. 

**Food Trucks**



Join us for an evening filled with wonderful music, community spirit, and delicious food trucks!



4:00–4:30 PM – 5th Grade Honor Ensembles
4:45–5:05 PM – Trojan Band & Trojan Strings
5:15–6:05 PM – Trojan Choir, Cambiata Choir, Bel Canto, Concert Band & Intermediate Strings
6:15–6:40 PM – Cambiata Choir, Bel Canto & Advanced Strings
6:50–7:10 PM – Encore Choir & Bel Canto
7:10–7:20 PM – Encore, Bel Canto, Cambiata, Symphonic Band & Chamber Strings
7:25–8:00 PM – Chamber Strings & Symphonic Band

Please record yourself playing the entire piece and upload your video to this assignment. 

*Make sure you are recording in a quiet space
*Make sure the camera can see both of your hands
*Tune your open strings carefully before starting. 
*Warm-up before recording
*Check intonation with a tuner
*Check your rhythm with a metronome
*Slow and careful WINS the race

Ask me if you have any questions or need help with the rhythm

I decided to not do the scale playing quiz and instead, do a playing quiz on our music since our concert is quickly approaching! 

Please record yourself playing the entire piece and upload your video to this assignment. 

*Make sure you are recording in a quiet space
*Make sure the camera can see both of your hands
*Tune your open strings carefully before starting. 
*Warm-up before recording
*Check intonation with a tuner
*Check your rhythm with a metronome
*Slow and careful WINS the race

Ask me if you have any questions or need help with the rhythm

2nd violins - we will cut out the solo section for you to also have the chance to audition. 

1. Tune -  use the tuner ninja link attached below
2. Warm-up by playing G major scale w/ the cello drone attached below
3. Listen to the youtube recording 
4. Practice with the Youtube recording (remember you can slow it down by clicking on the setting buttons that looks like a cog)


Happy Practicing! 

Hello Music Families,
It’s time to return the formal attire borrowed for this year’s music program. If you purchased your attire, there is no need to return it unless you wish to donate it to the program.

All borrowed uniforms must be washed at home before being returned. All items can be cleaned at home—no dry cleaning necessary—as long as the instructions below are followed carefully.

Important: Before washing, please remove any temporary hems or alterations made to fit your student. ​All hemming stitches must be removed before returning the uniform.

Uniforms are due to your child’s music teacher by Friday, April 3 in its assigned garment bag with hangers.

Please let us know if you have any questions!
Band/Orchestra Blouse and Skirt

Wash separately (do not mix with other clothes)
Use gentle cycle with cold water
Do not use bleach
Tumble dry on medium-high heat for 10–15 minutes
Remove while still damp and hang on a plastic hanger to air dry — should dry wrinkle-free
Do not iron
White Shirt (Choir/Band/Orchestra)

Machine wash in warm water
Tumble dry
Hang immediately after drying to reduce wrinkles
Black Pants (Choir/Band/Orchestra)
Wash separately (do not mix with other clothes) 
Use gentle cycle with cold water
Do not use bleach
Hang to air dry on a plastic hanger — do not tumble dry

Hello Orchestra Students,

It is time to prepare for our Advanced Orchestra or Chamber Strings auditions. It is challenging to skip an entire level of orchestra OR make it into chamber strings so know that it will take a lot of time and hard work to make it happen. 
Also, many of you that will attempt the audition will not make it. That is 100% ok. The worst part is that you are going to get a whole lot better on your instrument.

**Practice does not = perfect, but it does = permanent, so make sure to practice carefully and pay close attention to the details in the music. Check the key signature and mark your part just like we do in rehearsal to help you be efficient with your time.

**When practicing, always start slow. Be sure to practice the correct rhythms, fingerings and bowing right away because these small details make a BIG difference. 
**Ask for help and come see me during flex.
**Listen to the videos below and pay close attention to the tone, bowing, rhythm and intonation. 
**Also, try using a metronome at home to help you with keeping a steady beat. Use a tuner for excellent intonation. 
After this, work up small sections until you are happy with your "performance' tempo. 
**If you are interested in taking private lessons, I also added a list below. Just know that every teacher has varying experience, rates and ways of teaching private lessons. (For example, some teachers have students come to their homes and other teachers drive to the students' house.) 

Below I attached a soft copy of the music and YouTube videos for each audition piece. Please use as many resources as possible when preparing auditioning. 

Advanced Audition Music:
  Violin - Gavotte by Martini
  Viola - Minuet No. 3 by Bach
  Cello - Minuet No. 3 by Bach
  Bass - Minuet No. 2 by Bach

Chamber Audition Music:
  Violin - Concerto in A minor (1st mvt) by Vivaldi arr. by Nachez
  Viola - Concerto in D minor by Vivaldi
  Cello - Sonata in C Major by Breval
  Bass - Goblin's Dance by Lyons

1. Tune -  use the tuner ninja link attached below
2. Warm-up by playing d minor scale w/ the cello drone attached below
3. Listen to the youtube recording (not the violin solo part)
4. Practice with the Youtube recording (remember you can slow it down by clicking on the setting buttons that looks like a cog)

**SOLO VIOLIN** If you would like to try out for the solo violin part, please start to prepare it and see me during flex for extra help. It will be due in a couple of weeks.

Hello kids - 

You have worked hard and it is time to celebrate! 

Trojan A, Advanced and Intermediate

Several kids asked for this :)

Mega Orchestra Concert - Wednesday, March 11th

I am super excited to celebrate our growing string community from 6th-12th grade! WAHOO! 

Things to Remember: 
*Remember to pickup your instrument and music before heading home on concert day
*Formal Attire including black dress shoes
*Be sure to leave plenty of time to get the church on time. Feel free to arrive up to 10 minutes early
*Map of Venture Church attached below
*Students will not be allowed to be on their phones during the concert
*Concert is worth 200 points - if you have to miss the concert be sure to fill out the performance conflict form (attached below) as well as create 4 separate videos of each of our performing pieces. I will use the playing quiz rubric to grade the videos. 
*Baked Goods - be sure to bring some cash to celebrate following the concert
NO FOOD IN THE CONCERT HALL

**Rehearsal Schedule**
3:25pm Chamber Strings Arrives
3:40pm Chamber Strings Rehearsal
3:45pm Advanced Orchestra Arrives 
4:05pm Advanced Orchestra Rehearsal (chamber pizza)
4:15pm LGHS Arrive
4:30pm LGHS On-off stage (Advanced pizza)
4:40pm Intermediate Orchestra Arrives
5:00pm Intermediate Rehearsal (LGHS Pizza)
5:00pm Trojan Arrive
5:20pm Trojan Rehearsal 
5:30pm All Students are in performance space w/ instrument
5:40-6:10 Combined Rehearsal
6:20pm Doors Open to audience (Trojan on stage)
6:30pm Concert Begins

**Concert Schedule** 
6:30pm Trojan Strings with LGHS Chamber Leaders
6:45pm Intermediate Orchestra 
7:00pm Advanced Orchestra 
7:15pm Chamber Strings
7:30pm LGHS Orchestra
7:45pm LGHS Philharmonic 
8:00pm LGHS Chamber Strings
8:15pm GRAND FINALE - EVERYONE

Hey Kids - Let me introduce Syncopation :)

Hello Everyone,

Remember that this is an optional performance. 

You must make time to rehearse with your group this week AND I need to hear everyone to make sure you are "performance ready".  If you cannot play through your piece without stopping, you are not ready. The notes, rhythm and intonation should be correct. You also need to know how you are starting and stopping the music together.  Who is going to announce the musicians in your group and the piece that you are playing? Have you practiced bowing together?
 
Here are the available times this coming week:
*Wednesday, Jan21st afterschool for 45 minutes
*Thursday, Jan 22nd  during flex
*Friday, Jan 23rd during flex
(It is also ok to rehearse during ALL three practice times)

Fisher's Cabaret Concert:* January 29th @6pm in the Fisher MPR
* Students can dress up or wear their black music t-shirt
* Students should arrive at least 20 minutes before the performance to tune, warm-up and hopefully play through their piece at least once before heading over.
*No tickets needed

Dear Music Families,

We hope you had a relaxing and rejuvenating break, and we wish you a Happy New Year!

We will have a photographer on campus on  to take formal class photos for each music ensemble. Since some classes are split between two periods,  will take their photos . If your child is in one of these groups, they will need to remain at school until 2:15 PM.

Photo Schedule

8:30–9:10 – Symphonic Band
9:14–9:54 – Trojan Choir
10:08–10:46 – Cambiata Choir, Advanced Orchestra
10:52–11:32 – Bel Canto Choir, Chamber Orchestra
12:08–12:46 – Intermediate Orchestra


1:30–2:15 – Trojan Band, Trojan Strings, Concert Band
What Students Need to Bring on Wednesday
:
Black pants and white button-down shirt or
Black skirt and black blouse or
Black dress
Black dress shoes and black socks
Instrument (band and orchestra)
All clothing items in a (drop off at your music classroom in the morning)
Students should wear pants/shorts and an undershirt to school to allow for quick changingSymphonic Band students should  and bring a change of clothes to wear after photos.

We realize this is short notice and appreciate your support in helping your child prepare for photo day. Photo orders may be placed the following week using the directions on the attached flyer.

Please sign up as soon as possible. 


IF you need a little more time, please email me directly.

Thanks,
Mrs. K

Please bring something to share with your classmates. 

Individually wrapped items are great such as chip bags, juice boxes, cookies, etc. 
Homemade items are also welcome, but please include a full list of ingredients on a notecard. 
Plates and cups are also very helpful!

Intermediate Orchestra

* Winter concert is on December 16th from 7:30-8:30pm
* Arrive at 7pm in the orchestra room to tune and warm-up 
* Wear Formal Attire including black dress shoes and black socks or stockings if needed. 
* Holiday Flare is welcomed. 
* Concert is worth 200 points, please turn in "Performance Conflict Form" attached below if you will be missing the concert. 

Here are of the December music concerts for all ensembles: 
 – Winter Concert: Trojan Band, Trojan Choir, Trojan Strings
 – Winter Concert: Cambiata Choir, Concert Band, Intermediate Strings
 – Winter Concert: Bel Canto, Symphonic Band, Advanced Strings
 – Winter Concert: Encore, Jazz Band, Chamber Strings

Please bring ribbon and bows to decorate your instrument

Hello Intermediate students - 

Attached is a youtube video of a middle school performing Rudolph/Holly Jolly.

1. Just listen
2. Listen and pizzicato
3. Play along with the recording

* Remember that you can slowdown the recording if the tempo is too fast.

Happy Practicing!

Hey kids, 

I wasn't able to find a youtube video of our version of Rockin Around, but attached is a darling video of the singer (and her family) that made this song famous. 

Happy Listening!

Start Practicing!! 


Below is the original singer who made this piece of music famous :)

Hello Intermediate Students -

Each student will be playing their A major Scale 2x each note. 
Be sure to practice slowly and with a tuner to help with your intonation. 

Criteria: 
1. Excellent Posture
2. consistent and Tone
3. Steady pulse
4. AND VERY IMPORTANT intonation!  Practice using a tuner. I have added a free version to this assignment called, tuner Ninja. 

You can also use the tuners at school when we are warming up or have down time.

Start Practicing!! 


Below is the original singer who made this piece of music famous :)

Congratulations to Tara Shamain from our Advanced orchestra class for the winning design!!! 

Please see the link below to make your order. For the first time, students may chose from two styles of t-shirts, a sweatshirt and/or a hoodie. 

All orders are due Wednesday, Nov 19th and will be delivered directly to your home. 

**This is the only time to order this wonderful design**

Parents don't want to cook Dinner?? PERFECT!!!

Invite your parents to join us in our Panda Express Music Fundraiser. 
28% of proceeds go directly back to our music programs! :)

https://www.pandaexpress.com

**Online orders only - Apply code: 9008625

House of Hope Food Drive 11/3/25 - 11/13/25

Hello Fisher Families, 

We’re excited to partner with  for our annual  This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to practice kindness, gratitude, and generosity while helping families in need right here in our community.


Please send in  with your child. Donations can be dropped off  now through . We will collect all food Thursday morning during 1st period, so please have all donations in by then!  

Thank you for supporting this meaningful cause and helping us show that even small acts of giving can have a big impact. Every can and box makes a difference!

Parents don't want to cook Dinner?? PERFECT!!!

Invite your parents to join us in our Panda Express Music Fundraiser. 
28% of proceeds go directly back to our music programs! :)

https://www.pandaexpress.com

**Online orders only - Apply code: 9008625

As requested by a few students :)

Hello Everyone,

Each student will be playing in class their G major Scale 2x each note. 
Be sure to practice slowly and with a tuner to help with your intonation. 

Criteria: 
1. Excellent Posture
2. consistent and Tone
3. Steady pulse
4. AND VERY IMPORTANT intonation!  Practice using a tuner. I have added a free version to this assignment called,

Dear Orchestra Students,

This is what I sent to your parents: 

We are excited to invite you to our Fall Concert on Wednesday, October 15th at Fisher Middle School in the quad. This will be an outdoor, informal performance where students can share what they have learned during the first quarter and celebrate their accomplishments with family and friends.
There will be three back-to-back concerts, and each student is only required to attend their own group’s performance. Of course, you are more than welcome to stay for the entire event (3:30–6:45 pm). Food trucks will be on campus, so feel free to grab dinner and enjoy the music!
Performance Schedule
3:30–4:30 pm – Trojan Strings, Trojan Band, Trojan Choir
4:30–5:30 pm – Intermediate Orchestra, Intermediate Band, ​Cambiata Choir
5:30–6:45 pm – Advanced Orchestra, Chamber Strings, Advanced Band, Bel Canto Choir
What to Bring If you plan to sit and watch, please bring lawn chairs. Hats, sunglasses, and umbrellas are welcome, as we will be in full sun. If you use an umbrella, please be mindful not to block others’ view. Tents will be provided to shade the performing students.
Concert Attire Students should wear their black music t-shirt on top and either shorts or pants on the bottom. Tennis shoes and white socks are perfect for this informal outdoor performance.Attendance Reminder If your student will be unable to attend, please complete the attached Performance Conflict Form. Each concert is worth 200 points. Students who miss the performance will need to record themselves playing each piece individually and will be graded using our playing quiz rubric.

Orchestra students - your Sweatshirt design submissions are due Tuesday, Oct 7th 

*Submission should be on plain white paper
*Landscape version ONLY

*Should include "RJF Orchestra" or "Raymond Fisher Middle School" as well as the year, "2025-26"
*Must be school appropriate
*You can also create your design using a computer
*put your name on the back in pencil

When you finish your design be sure to be sure to use black sharpie to outline and fill in the design for clean edges and contrast.

Let me know if you have any questions. 
Mrs. K

Hello Intermediate,

*Please create a video recording of yourself playing the specific measures of Gargoyles listed for your instrument. 
*Be sure to tune carefully before you start using the Tunerninja link below.
*The video should show both your right and left hands and arms so I can see your posture
*Turn on a metronome in the video so that I can hear that you are playing with the pulse. Set the Metronome for 95 beats per minute.  If you need help, let me know. 
**Use your best posture, tone and intonation**

Gargoyles - Specific Measures Below:
1st violin - 13-19 & 37-45 (do not take the repeat)
2nd violin - 13-19 & 21-29
Viola - 5-13 & 21-29
Cello -  5-13 & 37-45
Bass - 5-25

Hey Everyone,

Below is a video of Gargoyles with each part . 
Practice with the video to see if you can get the correct notes and rhythms. 
The tempo is very fast so click on the Setting button located in the lower right-hand corner to slow the speed down for home practice.

 Let me know if you need any help.

Also, I included an online tuner also for home practice. I will also place this under "Quick Links" on the Google Classroom homepage. 

Happy Practicing! :)

Hello Intermediate Students - 

1.Open the link below and click on the link for your instrument. 

2.Identify the notes to the best of your ability. Use your cheatsheet to help you.

3.Once you complete it and receive a score, try it again and see if you can get a better score!

4.Take a screenshot by hitting the "control" and "show windows" button (key above the 6 on your chrome book) 

5. Attach the screenshot to this assignment by searching for it in your drive under "recent".

6. Submit Assignment

Please fill out the Google Form below. 

Let me know if you have any questions.

Hello orchestra students,

Please remind your busy parents to compete the formal concert attire agreement in Parentsquare by this coming Friday, Sept 3rd. 

All parents must fill out the form so that we know if you are planning to purchase or borrow the formal uniform for our concerts. 

Parents also need to sign up their child for a time slot on one of the following dates to be sized and pick up their concert attire. 

Fitting Times
 – 7th & 8th Grade students only
 – All students
 – All students
**Remind your parents to find both of these notifications in Parentsquare from Corey Miller

For your first playing quiz, you have 2 options: 


1. You record your scales at home and turn in the video Tuesday evening
2. Play in class on Wednesday

Focus on these items: 
1. posture/position of both hands/arms/etc.
2. Intonation! Practice with a tuner at home
3. Steady pulse with good tone

I have attached the rubric that we will be using below and it is worth 25 points. 

Let me know if you have any questions.