Student-Parent Meeting Handbook

Student & Parent Orchestra Meeting Orchestra Program Goals Additional Opportunities Pinecrest Orchestra Understanding the Boosters Orchestra Classes Fundraising Orchestra Uniforms Support Volunteering Concert Details Upcoming Events Communication Ms. Birk, Director of Orchestras Tri- M Honor Society Advisor [email protected]

Welcome to Pinecrest High School Orchestra GOALS OF THE ORCHESTRA PROGRAM 1. To participate in the performance of music and learn the technical skills of playing an instrument, which will result in a positive learning experience. 2. To attain a mastery of the instrument and feel the satisfaction of achieving something worthwhile through concentrated effort. 3. To awaken a sense of creativeness and provide an avenue for self-expression. 4. To develop performance skills necessary for independence as a string player. 5. To identify and authentically perform various musical styles which developed throughout history. 6. To develop attitudes enabling students to continue participating in musical experiences throughout their life. Understanding Each Orchestra: Freshman Orchestra 2nd period Beginning level orchestra at Pinecrest. Students learn valuable fundamental skills that will prepare them for the music of the next four years at Pinecrest High School. They perform in three major concerts, participate in MPA Music Performance Adjudication. All incoming freshmen are required to take this course first. Freshman Orchestra plays music that is centered around grades 3 to 4. Concert Orchestra 3rd period Intermediate level orchestra grades 10-12. Students in Concert Orchestra continue developing technical and ensemble skills. They perform in three major concerts, participate in MPA (Music Performance Adjudication.) They play challenging music ranging from grades 4 to 5. Students learn advanced skills such as velocity, alternate clefs, advanced key signatures, and more. Freshman & Concert Orchestra have the option of Fall semester only.

Sinfonietta Orchestra-Full year course 4th period An AUDITION ONLY group that performs grade 5 to masterwork level music. Sinfonietta travels and competes for county, state, and national ratings. All Sinfonietta students are required to audition for All County Orchestra, along with participation in the Pinecrest Symphony Orchestra. Students also participate in Orchestra festivals, perform for local organizations throughout the year and can participate in the spring trip. Students continue developing as individual musicians and as members of a musical group. Emphasis is placed on the development of advanced level technical and ensemble skills necessary for performance. Students in Sinfonietta Orchestra are required to audition each year. Students who do not have a successful audition will not be placed into Sinfonietta Orchestra for the following school year. If a student does not audition for Sinfonietta Orchestra they will not be permitted to be in the ensemble. Students who do not make the Sinfonietta Orchestra will be placed in Concert Orchestra. All students are eligible to audition after at least one semester of concert or freshman orchestra. Auditions are held at the end of the school year. Applicable to ALL Orchestras Students must demonstrate that they can uphold their standing in their respective orchestra class both musically and behaviorally. If the student is not successful, the student may be removed from the orchestra or placed in a different orchestra class at the director’s discretion.

Concert Attire: Each orchestra has adopted a standardized uniform. It is a matter of group pride, which is pertinent and integral towards successful orchestral performances, for musicians to present themselves in a manner of professionalism, unity and dignity. Formal Concert Uniforms (Concert Black) This applies to ALL 3 ORCHESTRAS. Uniforms must be purchased through Pinecrest Orchestra Boosters. Parents are responsible for alterations (guidance provided by Ms. Birk), black dress socks/knee highs/tights and closed toe black dress shoes. Black dress belt suggested. Pants can not be rolled. Shirts must be tucked in. and Long hair must be tied back away from the face. ****All concert attire is expected to be purchased prior to the parent meeting. All late orders will incur a 20% fee. Form of payment will be cash or check only. Concert/Event Days Pinecrest Orchestra has three concerts each year Fall, Winter & Spring. Concert participation is required for all students and is part of the orchestra grade. Admission is charged at each concert. We encourage you to purchase your tickets /programs during pre-sales. Door ticket prices increase. * All students will be required to arrive at Pinecrest at 5:30pm. Students will meet in the band room. Main doors open at 6:30pm. Concerts start at 7:00pm. Sinfonietta students will be required to help assist in breakdown following the concert. Additional Concert Opportunities *concerts are subject to change Sinfonietta Concert-Spring Symphony Concert– Spring Symphony Concert is required by Sinfonietta. Auditions are open to both freshman and concert orchestra students.

Additional Performance Opportunities: Transportation not provided All County Orchestra Festival: November Auditions take place in October. Open to all orchestra students, and highly encouraged. Mandatory auditions for all Sinfonietta students. Solo and Ensemble Festival: November Every year, orchestra members have the option to participate in a Solo and Ensemble Adjudicated Event. These events provide individual assessment and motivation for many students to perform as a soloist or in a small ensemble. They will perform for a judge, be evaluated on their performance, and receive written comments. This event is held at UNC Wilmington Eastern Regional Orchestra (ERO): February Eastern Region Orchestra is the most competitive orchestra ensemble available to high school students in North Carolina. Auditions are held early- to mid-January, and the clinic event is held the weekend of the last Saturday in February. Auditions are open to 9-12th grade students who are members of their school orchestra. Participation in this orchestra is selected from a 3-part audition: Scales: students must learn and memorize 7 scales and arpeggios. Two will be selected during the audition. Solo: the solo repertoire is on a 4-year rotation. The selected solo varies by instrument. A short excerpt will be selected during the audi- tion. Sightreading: students have 30 seconds to silently study the music before playing it for the first time. Sightreading music is newly composed every year and is usually about 8 measures long. Moore Philharmonic Orchestra Community & youth orchestra of Moore County. For more information www.mporchestra.com Any additional opportunities will be posted on TeamApp

Communication: Communication is key in any partnership and extremely important when dealing with the amount of information that your student receives at school. The orchestra has an app that was created to increase teacher/student/ parent communication and interaction. On the app will be important information for parents, students, and visitors. TeamApp is the primary communication method for Pinecrest High School Orchestra. This is required for ALL students and parents. This will be where you can find the most pertinent information about Pinecrest Orchestra. *Parents when signing up please specify the student name with an approval request. All information pushed to the app is straight from the director. The app also has a desktop version. This also works as a website if you prefer that, a request to join is still needed in order to view full parent/student information. Once on TeamApp please complete any/all forms under the documents tab. Social Media Tab- Please subscribe to our YouTube channel, follow/ like us on Facebook and Instagram. Check all of these out! The more support we have over social media, the more presence we have in our community.



Earning Awards Students achievements are recognized through medals. Medals are awarded for various participation in Orchestra events. Medals are presented on the day of concerts. Scholarship Opportunities The Pinecrest High School Orchestra Boosters has established a scholarship to assist its orchestra members who plan to continue or broaden their education in the music field. Pinecrest Orchestra Boosters awards 2 scholarships each spring. Applications are available via TeamApp in the spring. Eligible requirements are : any active Orchestra student 10th grade or higher Must have completed 2 semesters in the Pinecrest Orchestra program *** Maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. ***Transfer students must have one completed semester with Pinecrest Orchestra and one prior completed equivalent semester of orchestra at previous school to be eligible. TRI-M Music Honor Society The Tri-M Music Honor Society is the international music honor society. It is designed to recognize students for their academic and musical achievements, reward them for their accomplishments and service activities, and to inspire other students to excel at music and leadership. Tri-M is a student ran organization with guidance of Pinecrest administration and advisor(s). Eligibility for application is based on grade level, GPA requirements, and participation in music classes. All eligible students are considered on their service, leadership and character.

How Pinecrest Orchestra is SUPPORTED: Pinecrest High School Orchestra is a Self-Sustaining program. This program is supported by parents, families, local businesses and the Pinecrest High School Orchestra Boosters, a 501(c)(3) non profit organization. The boosters need to raise over $15,000 to fund the purchase of music, new instruments/repairs, adjudicators, transportation, festival participation fees, uniforms, scholarships and all other orchestra related expenses. There are over 80 students currently in the Pinecrest Orchestra, we strive each year to increase this number. There are many ways you can support the Orchestra program including sponsorships, ads, & donations. Additionally, participation in all fundraisers also helps to ensure program success. Fundraising: In order for the orchestra to provide high quality education and performance opportunities, it is necessary to fundraise throughout the year. Fundraisers reward every student; therefore, all students are encouraged to participate in at least two different fundraisers throughout the year. As a parent/guardian of an orchestra student(s), you are considered a valuable orchestra supporter. We need the support of many, not just a few, so please get involved! Without the assistance of YOU, the orchestra will not reach the level of success we aim to achieve. The functions of Orchestra Supporters are to: - Support the orchestra director and their vision. - Support the orchestra festivals, concerts, and events. Their hard work deserves our support! - Support & Participate in fundraising activities. The orchestra director’s salary is paid for by Moore County. All other expenses are on us. - Get involved. There are many committees within the booster organization that needs YOU! Please speak to a current board member to see where you can help! .

WAYS TO SUPPORT PINECREST ORCHESTRA: Sponsorships –Great for parents who want to support , but have busy schedules. Donations Program Ads Pinecrest Orchestra Merchandise- Sales open 2 Weeks in fall & spring. Butter Braids-Fall pastry sale Spring Raffle Amazon Smile- Add Pinecrest High School Orchestra Boosters Pinecrest Orchestra Concert Admissions All information above can be found on TeamApp FUNDRAISER PROFIT DISTRIBUTION: Group Profit Fundraiser profit will go to benefit the PHS Orchestra Boosters for capital improvement projects to benefit the majority of the students in the orchestra or for a community service project. All students are expected to participate as these fundraisers go to benefit all students in the orchestra. If a fund raiser is designated for a particular trip, then the proceeds will be distributed evenly among all participants going on the trip. Community Involvement: Pinecrest Orchestra strives to give back to the supportive Moore County Community, by volunteering in a number of community programs. Community volunteering has been a wonderful experience for all students. Wreaths Across America Christmas For Moore Small Ensembles throughout the year

Pinecrest High School Orchestra Booster Sponsorships BECOME A SPONSOR TODAY!!! 2022-2023 SPONSORSHIP Levels Maestro Sponsorship $250.00 or more Recognition in all Concert Programs Social Media Shout Out 4 Free concert tickets to One Pinecrest Orchestra Performance 1 Pinecrest Orchestra Sticker 1 Pinecrest Orchestra Magnet Count me in! Included is my $250 check so you forget my name and face and not ask me for anything else the rest of the school year. Whole Note Sponsorship $100.00 or more Recognition in all Concert Programs Social Media Shout Out 1 Pinecrest Orchestra Sticker 1 Pinecrest Orchestra Magnet Sign me up! We admire Ms. Birk’s exercise in patience everyday spending a copious amount of time with teenagers. Half Note Sponsors $50.00 or more Recognition in all Concert Programs Social Media Shout Out We love the PCHS Orchestra Program and we are happy to help! Concert Program Ad information can also be found in the Pinecrest Orchestra Store. Simply scan the QR code to be directed to the Pinecrest Orchestra online store. pinecrestorchestrastore.square.site

PINECREST ORCHESTRA BOOSTERS are in need of fresh faces, our current officers are parents of seniors and will be leaving after the end of this school year. Now is the time to shadow a current officer to fully understand the position. The orchestra student body changes every year. We need to keep our board of directors populated to ensure our continued program success. There are enough students and parents in this orchestra program that all events can be covered if everyone participates. Parent involvement & volunteering is very important!! If you are interested in becoming an officer or just want to become involved without the officer commitment, a committee volunteer position is for you!! Please see a board member tonight or email [email protected] We look forward to another great year here at Pinecrest Orchestra!!!!! UPCOMING EVENTS: Pinecrest Merchandise Sales 8/30-9/16 Butter Braid Fundraiser 9/13-9/27 Autumn Fest 10/1 Sinfonietta Trip Fundraiser Fall Orchestra Concert 10/12 Presale Tickets & programs on sale 9/21-10/7 All additional events and more information are listed on the TeamApp.