Chamber Orchestra 2019-20 Assignments

Hello Chamber!

I think Dorian Dance (from beginning to 44) will be a good piece to challenge your ability to read the rhythms in changing meter. You can slow it down to 75, but it loses its groove. I can't wait to see how you do!

Best of luck
Mrs. K

Hi Everyone,
The first video of Ode to Joy is a professional recording and they most likely have external mics. The second video is of adult beginning strings students (which is amazing in itself) and they probably do not have any professional recording equipment. There are many more videos of virtual ensembles in youtube. Please email me if you have any suggestions of a piece of music that would work for our group. Thanks!

Hello Chamber students,

Let me know if you haven't signed up for our chamber music smart music class.
Also, many students have not turned in the assignment of last week. I am not going to add a new assignment until more students have completed the one for last week.
Lastly, if you have explored some of the other pieces available in smart music and see one that looks interesting, let me know so that I can assign it to our class.
Cheers,
Mrs. K

Hello Chamber Strings Students,

Smart Music is now offering its services to any and all students for free. I have heard wonderful things about this website, but never had the funding to explore it. I have created an account for us and we will start exploring together. All of this is trial by fire so if you have feedback or know a way to make it better, please email me your thoughts.

Below is the link to join the Advanced Orchestra class via Smart Music.
Our class code is: QU4WM-PHPD6

Please wear your music t-shirt.
Thank you!

Dear Chamber Strings Families,

I have a few updates regarding our Rotary Performance next Tuesday, March 3rd. Dan Snyder was able to help coordinate a district van to help us haul our equipment to the Los Gatos Lodge. THANK YOU DAN! Since we don't need to worry about our equipment, we can easily drive the students over to the lodge.  A HUGE thank you to Sue Chang and Emi Eto who have volunteered to help bring students over, although we will need to make several trips back and forth since we have 24 students.  We could use one more driver if anyone is available. (All drivers must have their paperwork completed at the district office to volunteer. )
Reminders:  - Students need to wear their black music t-shirts and dark pants - Students should bring a lunch from home since cafeteria food will not be available when we eat lunch - I sent an email to the staff letting them know that the chamber students will be returning to their 5th period classes roughly 20 minutes late.  Students need to remind their teachers next Monday to make sure they make up any missed work.

Concert Order:
1. Molly on the Shore
2. Emerald Falcon
3. Pegasus
4. Warrior Legacy

Hello Chamber students,

On Friday during 2nd period I would like you to run through all of our Rotary pieces. Below is the concert order for next Tuesday. Please take your instruments home and practice the hardest parts of each piece. Email me with questions. I need permission slips from Blane, Zachary, Megan, Amy, Kentaro and David.

Concert Order:
1. Molly on the Shore
2. Emerald Falcon
3. Pegasus
4. Warrior Legacy

Dear Chamber Strings Families,

I have a few updates regarding our Rotary Performance next Tuesday, March 3rd. Dan Snyder was able to help coordinate a district van to help us haul our equipment to the Los Gatos Lodge. THANK YOU DAN! Since we don't need to worry about our equipment, we can easily drive the students over to the lodge.  A HUGE thank you to Sue Chang and Emi Eto who have volunteered to help bring students over, although we will need to make several trips back and forth since we have 29 students.  We could use one more driver if anyone is available. (All drivers must have their paperwork completed at the district office to volunteer. )
Reminders:  - Students need to wear their black music t-shirts and dark pants - Students should bring a lunch from home since cafeteria food will not be available when we eat lunch - I sent an email to the staff letting them know that the chamber students will be returning to their 5th period classes roughly 20 minutes late.  Students need to remind their teachers next Monday to make sure they make up any missed work.
The Permission slip is attached below and are due this Friday, February 28th.  

Performance from 8-8:30am in the Fisher Library (call time 7:30am) Students will wear their black music t-shirt and long dark pants.  Santa or other holiday hats are welcome.

Flex Assembly - Performance @ 12pm in the Fisher gym.  (call time 11:30am) Students will wear their black music t-shirts and long dark pants.  Santa or other holiday hats are welcome
(You will need to leave your 3rd period class early)

Performance @ 6:30pm in the Fisher gym on Wed, Dec. 11th.  (call time 6pm) Students will wear their formal orchestra attire including black socks and black dress shoes.

Performance is from 5-5:25pm with the Fisher choir
(call time 4:45pm) Students are to dress in layers including holiday clothes: santa hats, reindeer antlers, etc. and I highly recommend gloves with the tips cut off for playing outside.  We will meet at Town Plaza Park, located in the heart of downtown Los Gatos.  Students will need to have a way to get to and from the performance, as well as bring their own instruments and music with them.  I will provide the stands and stand lights. 

Performance Pieces:

Good King Wenceslas
Up on the housetop
Deck the halls
We wish you a Merry Christmas
Jolly Old St. Nicholas

Hello Chamber students,

Our performance for the mattress fundraiser will be from 11-11:30am on Sunday, Oct. 13th. Please make arrangements to meet in the orchestra room, B1 at 10:40am. Please wear your black music t-shirt and comfortable clothing (please no sweat pants)
The list of pieces is written on the board and may be adjusted as the date approaches.

Hello everyone,

I am looking for some new music to purchase for our Chamber Strings class and would like your help. Please visit the JW pepper sheet music store link below to listen to selected pieces. We are currently playing at around a 3-3.5 grade level. Also attached below is a list of grade 3, 3.5 and 4 level pieces that are favorites of other orchestra teachers. (Thank you for the comments Arman and Matthew! I see that JWPepper lists the levels as, M = grade 4ish and ME = grade 3ish. I'll show you in class on Wednesday how to look at the score which is where they usually give you the grade level)
Please pick your top 3-5 pieces and make sure they vary in difficulty level meaning, please do not pick all grade level 4 pieces. Please send me your list by this coming Friday, Sept 13th. Thank you for your help!
Mrs. K