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Week of May 25, 2020 - Last RLP!
Hello Junior High orchestra students!
Ode to Joy Video:
Thanks to all of you who submitted Ode to Joy videos for our virtual orchestra project! Click here to watch the amazing video with a few hundred of Jenison’s coolest students! :)
Turn In of Uniforms and other supplies:
If you haven’t already, please wash your uniform vest (everyone) and pants (ladies) according to these washing instructions. We have been told that you will be getting information from Mr. Cataldo soon about a date/time to pick things up and turn things in at the Jr High. (This looks like it will probably be June 1-3 sometime…) You will need to bring your clean uniform with you to this turn-in day. If you have any white shirts or black concert shoes that no longer fit you, we would happily take those as donations as well. Prelude and Encore students should also bring your orchestra method book to turn in at this time. You do not need to return any orchestra folders or sheet music.
This Week’s Orchestra RLP assignment:
We are finishing our solo project for remote learning this week! The goal is to refine your solo now that you can play through it. While you are practicing be sure to check your rhythm, intonation, dynamics, tone, phrasing, and all musical markings in your piece! Use SmartMusic to listen to it and play along with the track. Then perform it live for a family member or virtually for friends or family! Submit a video or picture of your performance on this google form.
Summer Lessons:
Unfortunately we will not be able to run our popular Summer Lesson Buddy program this summer. However, most of our private lesson teachers are available to teach virtual lessons! Lessons are a terrific way to keep up your skills for orchestra and have fun over the summer. Click here for a list of teachers to contact for details!
Office Hours:
This is our last week for official Office Hours. Feel free to pop in if you have a question, need help with tuning your instrument, or want us to listen to your solo!
Tuesday from 1:00-2:00pm. Meeting ID: 834 586 917 Password: OrchTue
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/834586917?pwd=d1Njck5hN2kwNkwzV3Fpc1c1aGMwQT09
Wednesday from 11:00am-Noon. Meeting ID: 944 052 920 Password: OrchWed
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/944052920?pwd=M2NieWF0eHdPa1A3LzlVejhBNFBRdz09
Check out this recording of Bolero that the New York Philharmonic made as a tribute to healthcare workers!
Have a great week! We miss you all so much!
-Mrs. Bush, Mrs. Johnson, and Mr. Zallar
Ode to Joy Video:
Thanks to all of you who submitted Ode to Joy videos for our virtual orchestra project! Click here to watch the amazing video with a few hundred of Jenison’s coolest students! :)
Turn In of Uniforms and other supplies:
If you haven’t already, please wash your uniform vest (everyone) and pants (ladies) according to these washing instructions. We have been told that you will be getting information from Mr. Cataldo soon about a date/time to pick things up and turn things in at the Jr High. (This looks like it will probably be June 1-3 sometime…) You will need to bring your clean uniform with you to this turn-in day. If you have any white shirts or black concert shoes that no longer fit you, we would happily take those as donations as well. Prelude and Encore students should also bring your orchestra method book to turn in at this time. You do not need to return any orchestra folders or sheet music.
This Week’s Orchestra RLP assignment:
We are finishing our solo project for remote learning this week! The goal is to refine your solo now that you can play through it. While you are practicing be sure to check your rhythm, intonation, dynamics, tone, phrasing, and all musical markings in your piece! Use SmartMusic to listen to it and play along with the track. Then perform it live for a family member or virtually for friends or family! Submit a video or picture of your performance on this google form.
Summer Lessons:
Unfortunately we will not be able to run our popular Summer Lesson Buddy program this summer. However, most of our private lesson teachers are available to teach virtual lessons! Lessons are a terrific way to keep up your skills for orchestra and have fun over the summer. Click here for a list of teachers to contact for details!
Office Hours:
This is our last week for official Office Hours. Feel free to pop in if you have a question, need help with tuning your instrument, or want us to listen to your solo!
Tuesday from 1:00-2:00pm. Meeting ID: 834 586 917 Password: OrchTue
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/834586917?pwd=d1Njck5hN2kwNkwzV3Fpc1c1aGMwQT09
Wednesday from 11:00am-Noon. Meeting ID: 944 052 920 Password: OrchWed
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/944052920?pwd=M2NieWF0eHdPa1A3LzlVejhBNFBRdz09
Check out this recording of Bolero that the New York Philharmonic made as a tribute to healthcare workers!
Have a great week! We miss you all so much!
-Mrs. Bush, Mrs. Johnson, and Mr. Zallar
Week of May 18, 2020
Hello Junior High orchestra students!
Thanks to everyone who sent in Ode to Joy videos! You are amazing! We will send out the link when the final project is ready to view!
This week’s Orchestra RLP assignment:
We are continuing our solo project for remote learning this week. The goal is to play your solo all the way through by the end of the week! See the directions on our website under May 4 if you still need a solo. If you would like feedback on your solo come to our office hours and we can work on it in a breakout room!
Listening Links:
Elgar Cello Concerto, DuPre: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPhkZW_jwc0
Polonaise #1, Heifetz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21dsRBeIy8A
Carnival of Venice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nW34vdnjBO0
Summer Lessons:
Unfortunately we will not be able to run our popular Summer Lesson Buddy program this summer. However, most of our private lesson teachers are available to teach virtual lessons! Lessons are a terrific way to keep up your skills for orchestra and have fun over the summer. Click here for a list of teachers to contact for details!
Remember, you can always pop into our Office Hours if you have a question, or need help with tuning your instrument!
Tuesdays from 1:00-2:00pm. Meeting ID: 834 586 917 Password: OrchTue
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/834586917?pwd=d1Njck5hN2kwNkwzV3Fpc1c1aGMwQT09
Wednesdays from 11:00am-Noon. Meeting ID: 944 052 920 Password: OrchWed
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/944052920?pwd=M2NieWF0eHdPa1A3LzlVejhBNFBRdz09
Have a great week!
-Mrs. Bush, Mrs. Johnson, and Mr. Zallar
Thanks to everyone who sent in Ode to Joy videos! You are amazing! We will send out the link when the final project is ready to view!
This week’s Orchestra RLP assignment:
We are continuing our solo project for remote learning this week. The goal is to play your solo all the way through by the end of the week! See the directions on our website under May 4 if you still need a solo. If you would like feedback on your solo come to our office hours and we can work on it in a breakout room!
Listening Links:
Elgar Cello Concerto, DuPre: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPhkZW_jwc0
Polonaise #1, Heifetz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21dsRBeIy8A
Carnival of Venice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nW34vdnjBO0
Summer Lessons:
Unfortunately we will not be able to run our popular Summer Lesson Buddy program this summer. However, most of our private lesson teachers are available to teach virtual lessons! Lessons are a terrific way to keep up your skills for orchestra and have fun over the summer. Click here for a list of teachers to contact for details!
Remember, you can always pop into our Office Hours if you have a question, or need help with tuning your instrument!
Tuesdays from 1:00-2:00pm. Meeting ID: 834 586 917 Password: OrchTue
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/834586917?pwd=d1Njck5hN2kwNkwzV3Fpc1c1aGMwQT09
Wednesdays from 11:00am-Noon. Meeting ID: 944 052 920 Password: OrchWed
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/944052920?pwd=M2NieWF0eHdPa1A3LzlVejhBNFBRdz09
Have a great week!
-Mrs. Bush, Mrs. Johnson, and Mr. Zallar
Week of May 11, 2020
Hello Junior High Orchestra families!
Please read through this email for details about lots of upcoming projects and opportunities!
As always, let us know if you have any questions or concerns!
Ode to Joy - Virtual Orchestra Project
We have a very cool assignment that we would love for ALL of you to complete this week! As you might remember from 5th Grade, it is a Jenison Orchestra tradition for our spring concert to end with a big grand finale where younger orchestra students combine with older orchestra students to play a cool version of "Ode to Joy." This year, we are inviting ALL Jenison Orchestra students to participate in the virtual version of this tradition. We need you to record yourself playing "Ode to Joy" for our project. Once we receive all of your videos, we will create one "Virtual Orchestra" video with all of you in it!
- Here is a video that explains how to complete this video assignment
- Here is an instruction sheet that you can follow step-by-step
- Here is a link to the sheet music if you need it
- Here is a link to the background track that you will play along with (in your headphones)
- Here is the link to submit your video when you are all finished! (Do this from a Google account...)
We are so excited to "see" all of you in your videos! We miss you all so much, and can't wait until we can make music together (for real) again soon!!!
This week’s Solo Project assignment:
We are continuing our solo project for remote learning this week. The goal is to practice the first 6 lines of the solo you chose last week at least 3 different days. If you selected a challenge level piece try working on the first 8-10 lines. Please turn in this completion form by next Sunday night! See the directions on our website under May 4 if you still need a solo. If you would like help on your solo come to our office hours and we can work on it in a breakout room!
Orchestra Noodles Night
If your family feels comfortable supporting local business with take out during this time, we have an upcoming orchestra night at Noodles and Co this Tuesday May 12 from 4-8pm for you! Order online at noodles.com or via their app and then pick up your order curbside or at their take out station. Noodles is generously donating 50% of your order to the Jenison Orchestras! You will need to make an account and enter GIVING25 in the offer code section during checkout. Orders cannot be placed in person or via delivery.
Listening Links:
Here are some more great listening links! Sarah Chang is performing with the Grand Rapids Symphony in September!
Sarasate "Carmen Fantasy" Sarah Chang: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEdykhqRiFo
Brahms Viola Sonata in F minor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cldKrtDOmKY
Bach Cello Suite 1, Xavier Foley Bass: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCV2ZH5BJxU
Sibelius Violin Concerto, Hilary Hahn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0w0t4Qn6LY
Office Hours:
Remember, you can always pop into our Office Hours if you have a question, or need help with tuning your instrument!
Tuesdays from 1:00-2:00pm. Meeting ID: 834 586 917 Password: OrchTue
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/834586917?pwd=d1Njck5hN2kwNkwzV3Fpc1c1aGMwQT09
Wednesdays from 11:00am-Noon. Meeting ID: 944 052 920 Password: OrchWed
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/944052920?pwd=M2NieWF0eHdPa1A3LzlVejhBNFBRdz09
Have a great week!
-Mrs. Bush, Mrs. Johnson, and Mr. Zallar
Please read through this email for details about lots of upcoming projects and opportunities!
As always, let us know if you have any questions or concerns!
Ode to Joy - Virtual Orchestra Project
We have a very cool assignment that we would love for ALL of you to complete this week! As you might remember from 5th Grade, it is a Jenison Orchestra tradition for our spring concert to end with a big grand finale where younger orchestra students combine with older orchestra students to play a cool version of "Ode to Joy." This year, we are inviting ALL Jenison Orchestra students to participate in the virtual version of this tradition. We need you to record yourself playing "Ode to Joy" for our project. Once we receive all of your videos, we will create one "Virtual Orchestra" video with all of you in it!
- Here is a video that explains how to complete this video assignment
- Here is an instruction sheet that you can follow step-by-step
- Here is a link to the sheet music if you need it
- Here is a link to the background track that you will play along with (in your headphones)
- Here is the link to submit your video when you are all finished! (Do this from a Google account...)
We are so excited to "see" all of you in your videos! We miss you all so much, and can't wait until we can make music together (for real) again soon!!!
This week’s Solo Project assignment:
We are continuing our solo project for remote learning this week. The goal is to practice the first 6 lines of the solo you chose last week at least 3 different days. If you selected a challenge level piece try working on the first 8-10 lines. Please turn in this completion form by next Sunday night! See the directions on our website under May 4 if you still need a solo. If you would like help on your solo come to our office hours and we can work on it in a breakout room!
Orchestra Noodles Night
If your family feels comfortable supporting local business with take out during this time, we have an upcoming orchestra night at Noodles and Co this Tuesday May 12 from 4-8pm for you! Order online at noodles.com or via their app and then pick up your order curbside or at their take out station. Noodles is generously donating 50% of your order to the Jenison Orchestras! You will need to make an account and enter GIVING25 in the offer code section during checkout. Orders cannot be placed in person or via delivery.
Listening Links:
Here are some more great listening links! Sarah Chang is performing with the Grand Rapids Symphony in September!
Sarasate "Carmen Fantasy" Sarah Chang: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEdykhqRiFo
Brahms Viola Sonata in F minor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cldKrtDOmKY
Bach Cello Suite 1, Xavier Foley Bass: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCV2ZH5BJxU
Sibelius Violin Concerto, Hilary Hahn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0w0t4Qn6LY
Office Hours:
Remember, you can always pop into our Office Hours if you have a question, or need help with tuning your instrument!
Tuesdays from 1:00-2:00pm. Meeting ID: 834 586 917 Password: OrchTue
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/834586917?pwd=d1Njck5hN2kwNkwzV3Fpc1c1aGMwQT09
Wednesdays from 11:00am-Noon. Meeting ID: 944 052 920 Password: OrchWed
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/944052920?pwd=M2NieWF0eHdPa1A3LzlVejhBNFBRdz09
Have a great week!
-Mrs. Bush, Mrs. Johnson, and Mr. Zallar
Week of May 4, 2020
Hello Junior High orchestra students!
Zoom Kahoot Tuesday - prize for 1st place!
Drum roll please…...Announcing our first all JH ORCHESTRA CLASS ZOOM this Tuesday (May 5th) at 1:00pm. Join us on zoom and play a fun Kahoot with Prelude, Cadence, and Encore! The Kahoot will include some music knowledge questions based on what you learned during the year, and will also include some facts about all four of your orchestra teachers that you might or might not know! You will need two devices in order to be in our Zoom and play the Kahoot at the same time. (If you don’t have two devices, then one computer with two different browsers open can work too.) The first place winner will be mailed a $10 Amazon gift card!!! We hope to see you all on Tuesday at 1:00
Meeting ID: 834 586 917 Password: OrchTue
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/834586917?pwd=d1Njck5hN2kwNkwzV3Fpc1c1aGMwQT09
This week’s Orchestra RLP assignment:
We are continuing our solo project for remote learning this week. The goal is to practice the first 4 lines of the solo you chose last week at least 3 different days. Please turn in this completion form by next Sunday night! See the directions below if you haven’t picked out a solo yet.
If you need a solo still:
Smart Music has all of these solos recorded so you can hear them and play along with them at any tempo you chose! Go to the Jenison orchestra webpage to access April 13’s RLP for information on accessing Smart Music. Once you are in Smart Music search under Methods. Search for Suzuki Violin (or your instrument), the correct Book Number (see title on google file Book 1, 2, or 3) and you can find your solo! Click here for a video if you need help with these steps.
Orchestra Noodles Night
If your family feels comfortable supporting local business with take-out meals during this time, we have an upcoming orchestra night at Noodles and Co on Tuesday May 12 from 4-8pm for you! Order online at noodles.com or via their app and then pick up your order curbside or at their take out station. Noodles is generously donating 50% of your order to the Jenison Orchestras! You will need to make an account and enter GIVING25 in the offer code section during checkout. Orders cannot be placed in person or via delivery.
Listening Links:
One of the answers we saw in last week's survey was that many of you would like more links for music to listen to and watch. Here are a few classic 'standard' orchestral pieces you can check out that every orchestra student should be familiar with! (Thanks to Mr. Zallar for providing the links for us!) Happy listening!
Hungarian Dance #5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAMxkietiik
Symphony 4, 4th Movement, Tchaikovsky: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLHj-eekdNU
Bolero, Ravel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3UW218_zPo
Ode To Joy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eXT60rbBVk
Office Hours:
Remember, you can always pop into our Office Hours if you have a question, or need help with tuning your instrument!
Wednesdays from 11:00am-Noon. Meeting ID: 944 052 920 Password: OrchWed
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/944052920?pwd=M2NieWF0eHdPa1A3LzlVejhBNFBRdz09
Have a great week!
-Mrs. Bush, Mrs. Johnson, and Mr. Zallar
Zoom Kahoot Tuesday - prize for 1st place!
Drum roll please…...Announcing our first all JH ORCHESTRA CLASS ZOOM this Tuesday (May 5th) at 1:00pm. Join us on zoom and play a fun Kahoot with Prelude, Cadence, and Encore! The Kahoot will include some music knowledge questions based on what you learned during the year, and will also include some facts about all four of your orchestra teachers that you might or might not know! You will need two devices in order to be in our Zoom and play the Kahoot at the same time. (If you don’t have two devices, then one computer with two different browsers open can work too.) The first place winner will be mailed a $10 Amazon gift card!!! We hope to see you all on Tuesday at 1:00
Meeting ID: 834 586 917 Password: OrchTue
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/834586917?pwd=d1Njck5hN2kwNkwzV3Fpc1c1aGMwQT09
This week’s Orchestra RLP assignment:
We are continuing our solo project for remote learning this week. The goal is to practice the first 4 lines of the solo you chose last week at least 3 different days. Please turn in this completion form by next Sunday night! See the directions below if you haven’t picked out a solo yet.
If you need a solo still:
- Click here to pick a solo (easy, medium or challenging level).
- Print the solo or put it on your device if you don’t have a printer.
- Practice the first 2 lines several times until you have it learned!
- Turn in the google completion form from last week!
Smart Music has all of these solos recorded so you can hear them and play along with them at any tempo you chose! Go to the Jenison orchestra webpage to access April 13’s RLP for information on accessing Smart Music. Once you are in Smart Music search under Methods. Search for Suzuki Violin (or your instrument), the correct Book Number (see title on google file Book 1, 2, or 3) and you can find your solo! Click here for a video if you need help with these steps.
Orchestra Noodles Night
If your family feels comfortable supporting local business with take-out meals during this time, we have an upcoming orchestra night at Noodles and Co on Tuesday May 12 from 4-8pm for you! Order online at noodles.com or via their app and then pick up your order curbside or at their take out station. Noodles is generously donating 50% of your order to the Jenison Orchestras! You will need to make an account and enter GIVING25 in the offer code section during checkout. Orders cannot be placed in person or via delivery.
Listening Links:
One of the answers we saw in last week's survey was that many of you would like more links for music to listen to and watch. Here are a few classic 'standard' orchestral pieces you can check out that every orchestra student should be familiar with! (Thanks to Mr. Zallar for providing the links for us!) Happy listening!
Hungarian Dance #5: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAMxkietiik
Symphony 4, 4th Movement, Tchaikovsky: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLHj-eekdNU
Bolero, Ravel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3UW218_zPo
Ode To Joy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eXT60rbBVk
Office Hours:
Remember, you can always pop into our Office Hours if you have a question, or need help with tuning your instrument!
Wednesdays from 11:00am-Noon. Meeting ID: 944 052 920 Password: OrchWed
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/944052920?pwd=M2NieWF0eHdPa1A3LzlVejhBNFBRdz09
Have a great week!
-Mrs. Bush, Mrs. Johnson, and Mr. Zallar
Week of Apr 27, 2020
Hello Junior High orchestra students!
Here is your remote learning plan for this week. We are starting a solo project!
Quick Survey:
Your orchestra directors are wanting your input as we head into the next few weeks of Remote Learning. Please click on this Google Form to take our survey.
Playing Assignment:
The goal is to complete the following by next Sunday night:
Smart Music has all of these solos recorded so you can hear them and play along with them at any tempo you chose! Go to the Jenison orchestra webpage to access April 13’s RLP for information on accessing Smart Music. Once you are in Smart Music search under Methods. Search for Suzuki Violin (or your instrument), the correct Book Number (see title on google file Book 1, 2, or 3) and you can find your solo! Click here for a video if you need help with these steps.
Office Hours:
Remember, you can always pop into our Office Hours if you have a question, or need help with tuning your instrument!
Tuesdays from 1:00-2:00pm. Meeting ID: 834 586 917 Password: OrchTue
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/834586917?pwd=d1Njck5hN2kwNkwzV3Fpc1c1aGMwQT09
Wednesdays from 11:00am-Noon. Meeting ID: 944 052 920 Password: OrchWed
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/944052920?pwd=M2NieWF0eHdPa1A3LzlVejhBNFBRdz09
Have a great week!
-Mrs. Bush and Mrs. Johnson
Here is your remote learning plan for this week. We are starting a solo project!
Quick Survey:
Your orchestra directors are wanting your input as we head into the next few weeks of Remote Learning. Please click on this Google Form to take our survey.
Playing Assignment:
The goal is to complete the following by next Sunday night:
- Click here to pick a solo (easy, medium or challenging level).
- Print the solo or put it on your device if you don’t have a printer.
- Practice the first 2 lines several times until you have it learned!
- Turn in the google completion form!
Smart Music has all of these solos recorded so you can hear them and play along with them at any tempo you chose! Go to the Jenison orchestra webpage to access April 13’s RLP for information on accessing Smart Music. Once you are in Smart Music search under Methods. Search for Suzuki Violin (or your instrument), the correct Book Number (see title on google file Book 1, 2, or 3) and you can find your solo! Click here for a video if you need help with these steps.
Office Hours:
Remember, you can always pop into our Office Hours if you have a question, or need help with tuning your instrument!
Tuesdays from 1:00-2:00pm. Meeting ID: 834 586 917 Password: OrchTue
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/834586917?pwd=d1Njck5hN2kwNkwzV3Fpc1c1aGMwQT09
Wednesdays from 11:00am-Noon. Meeting ID: 944 052 920 Password: OrchWed
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/944052920?pwd=M2NieWF0eHdPa1A3LzlVejhBNFBRdz09
Have a great week!
-Mrs. Bush and Mrs. Johnson
Week of Apr 20, 2020
8th Graders
Just a final reminder that all audition videos are due before midnight tonight (Sunday, April 19). Submission details are listed below in the April 13 section. High School Orchestra class lists should be available on the website in a few weeks.
Smart Music
I hope you have made it into SmartMusic to check out all of the extensive offerings in there! The instructions on how to get started are listed below in the April 13 section. Mrs. Bush has also made a quick video to give you a few more tips. Here's the link to her video.
The section you will probably enjoy the most in SmartMusic is the Solo section. You can access all sorts of styles and difficulty levels.
Create your own music
There are lots of ways you can create your own music! This week, I'd like for you to take a moment to try out a fun little website called Chrome Lab Song Maker. There's no sign-up needed, and it's very easy to figure out how to begin creating immediately! If you really want to get advanced, you can change the settings to have even more options for your composition. If you'd like a little inspiration, here is a link to the tune my 5th Grader made in his first few minutes on the website. :) When you have created a tune that you like, send the link to Mrs. J!
Office Hours
If you have any questions or need help tuning your instrument, please feel free to pop into our optional Zoom office hours. The links were sent to your email.
Tuesdays from 1:00-2:00pm
Wednesdays from 11:00am-Noon
We hope you are all staying happy and healthy! Get outside to enjoy the weather when it's so sunny and beautiful!
Just a final reminder that all audition videos are due before midnight tonight (Sunday, April 19). Submission details are listed below in the April 13 section. High School Orchestra class lists should be available on the website in a few weeks.
Smart Music
I hope you have made it into SmartMusic to check out all of the extensive offerings in there! The instructions on how to get started are listed below in the April 13 section. Mrs. Bush has also made a quick video to give you a few more tips. Here's the link to her video.
The section you will probably enjoy the most in SmartMusic is the Solo section. You can access all sorts of styles and difficulty levels.
Create your own music
There are lots of ways you can create your own music! This week, I'd like for you to take a moment to try out a fun little website called Chrome Lab Song Maker. There's no sign-up needed, and it's very easy to figure out how to begin creating immediately! If you really want to get advanced, you can change the settings to have even more options for your composition. If you'd like a little inspiration, here is a link to the tune my 5th Grader made in his first few minutes on the website. :) When you have created a tune that you like, send the link to Mrs. J!
Office Hours
If you have any questions or need help tuning your instrument, please feel free to pop into our optional Zoom office hours. The links were sent to your email.
Tuesdays from 1:00-2:00pm
Wednesdays from 11:00am-Noon
We hope you are all staying happy and healthy! Get outside to enjoy the weather when it's so sunny and beautiful!
Week of Apr 13, 2020:
Hello Jr High Orchestra student and families,
We hope you all enjoyed your "Spring Break," despite the flurries that made a few appearances! Hopefully the nicer temperatures will return again soon!
Important note to current 8th Graders:
If you would like to audition for High School Sinfonia for next year, you must submit a video audition THIS WEEK. Auditions should be submitted via this Flipgrid link: https://flipgrid.com/jhsorch If you have lost your paper, the audition material is posted at this link.
Audition submissions are due by midnight on the evening of Sunday April 19th. We will assume that any 8th Grader that does not submit an audition video is ok with being placed in Concert Orchestra next year. If you have any questions or concerns please email us sooner rather than later!
Also, please read these guidelines before you record and submit:
- Use a phone or other mobile device to record your audition if possible, as a computer often doesn't record sound as well.
- Record all parts of your audition in one take. Please play the scale first, then pause for a moment before playing the other section.
- Please do not use metronome during the audition recording.
- Make sure that your video shows your face, both hands, and your bow during your audition.
End-of-year Turn-Ins:
We have already received some questions about the return of school instruments and uniforms. At this time we simply cannot create a plan with a timeline attached as we don't know when students or parents will be allowed back in our buildings. We will communicate these plans sometime later this spring (late May as we approach the end of the school year) when we will hopefully have solid information about how the return of these items (along with school textbooks etc.) will be handled. Please just hold on to all instruments, method books, and uniforms at this time.
ALSO: Any students who ordered a Festival Medal will receive their medal in the fall.
Zoom Office Hours:
The orchestra teachers will be offering weekly office hours on Zoom. The current plan is that Mrs. Bush and/or Mrs. Johnson and/or Mr. Zallar will be available twice each week for questions, tuning help, and just checking in. This is not required, but all are welcome to pop in. We are here to help if you need it! Here are the days and times:
Tuesdays from 1:00-2:00pm
Wednesdays from 11:00am-Noon
Links to the Zoom meetings have been emailed to parents and students. If you didn't get that email, please let Mrs. Johnson know!
Playing Activities:
This week's playing activities involve a cool web based program called SmartMusic. SmartMusic allows students to search for a ton of different orchestra and solo music, with background accompaniments to play along with. Our SmartMusic class is just called "JH Orchestra." Here's how you get started:
- Open a Chrome browser and visit: https://admin.smartmusic.com/join
- When prompted to join with a class code, please enter: AJVPW-CFDA2
- When prompted to enter an email, enter your school email address.
- Finish filling in the boxes to create your account.
Once you're in, you can search for whatever music you'd like, including solo and/or orchestra music in a ton of different genres! A good way to get started could be to search for a piece of music that you already know well and play along. (Suggestions: Prelude - Canyon Sunset or Joust, Cadence - Mythos or Sonata Vivant, Encore - Dance of the Tumblers) There are also a lot of cool solo tunes in there too like Star Wars, Harry Potter, Eye of the Tiger, Fiddle Tunes, etc! SmartMusic is cool because you can play along with the accompaniment tracks or the rest of the orchestra parts, it tracks your part for you in real time, it lets you adjust the speed any time, and you can even record yourself playing! Try it out! Search for new music! Have fun! Let us know if we can help you figure any of this out!
Thanks for reading. As always, let us know if you have any questions or want to check in!
-Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Bush, Mr. Zallar, Mr. Scott
We hope you all enjoyed your "Spring Break," despite the flurries that made a few appearances! Hopefully the nicer temperatures will return again soon!
Important note to current 8th Graders:
If you would like to audition for High School Sinfonia for next year, you must submit a video audition THIS WEEK. Auditions should be submitted via this Flipgrid link: https://flipgrid.com/jhsorch If you have lost your paper, the audition material is posted at this link.
Audition submissions are due by midnight on the evening of Sunday April 19th. We will assume that any 8th Grader that does not submit an audition video is ok with being placed in Concert Orchestra next year. If you have any questions or concerns please email us sooner rather than later!
Also, please read these guidelines before you record and submit:
- Use a phone or other mobile device to record your audition if possible, as a computer often doesn't record sound as well.
- Record all parts of your audition in one take. Please play the scale first, then pause for a moment before playing the other section.
- Please do not use metronome during the audition recording.
- Make sure that your video shows your face, both hands, and your bow during your audition.
End-of-year Turn-Ins:
We have already received some questions about the return of school instruments and uniforms. At this time we simply cannot create a plan with a timeline attached as we don't know when students or parents will be allowed back in our buildings. We will communicate these plans sometime later this spring (late May as we approach the end of the school year) when we will hopefully have solid information about how the return of these items (along with school textbooks etc.) will be handled. Please just hold on to all instruments, method books, and uniforms at this time.
ALSO: Any students who ordered a Festival Medal will receive their medal in the fall.
Zoom Office Hours:
The orchestra teachers will be offering weekly office hours on Zoom. The current plan is that Mrs. Bush and/or Mrs. Johnson and/or Mr. Zallar will be available twice each week for questions, tuning help, and just checking in. This is not required, but all are welcome to pop in. We are here to help if you need it! Here are the days and times:
Tuesdays from 1:00-2:00pm
Wednesdays from 11:00am-Noon
Links to the Zoom meetings have been emailed to parents and students. If you didn't get that email, please let Mrs. Johnson know!
Playing Activities:
This week's playing activities involve a cool web based program called SmartMusic. SmartMusic allows students to search for a ton of different orchestra and solo music, with background accompaniments to play along with. Our SmartMusic class is just called "JH Orchestra." Here's how you get started:
- Open a Chrome browser and visit: https://admin.smartmusic.com/join
- When prompted to join with a class code, please enter: AJVPW-CFDA2
- When prompted to enter an email, enter your school email address.
- Finish filling in the boxes to create your account.
Once you're in, you can search for whatever music you'd like, including solo and/or orchestra music in a ton of different genres! A good way to get started could be to search for a piece of music that you already know well and play along. (Suggestions: Prelude - Canyon Sunset or Joust, Cadence - Mythos or Sonata Vivant, Encore - Dance of the Tumblers) There are also a lot of cool solo tunes in there too like Star Wars, Harry Potter, Eye of the Tiger, Fiddle Tunes, etc! SmartMusic is cool because you can play along with the accompaniment tracks or the rest of the orchestra parts, it tracks your part for you in real time, it lets you adjust the speed any time, and you can even record yourself playing! Try it out! Search for new music! Have fun! Let us know if we can help you figure any of this out!
Thanks for reading. As always, let us know if you have any questions or want to check in!
-Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Bush, Mr. Zallar, Mr. Scott
Spring Break Info:
Good Afternoon Jr High Orchestra families!
We hope you are all doing the best you can to enjoy this "Spring Break" with your families. We will be sending out an email later this weekend with next week's practice activities, how to get help with tuning your instrument, as well as details about how 8th Graders can submit their auditions for high school orchestra. Today's email covers a few important announcements that we need to get out to families!
Instruments at School
We know of a few 7th and 8th grade students who have their instruments at school and have been unable to practice. Please reply to this email as soon as possible to let us know if you need your instrument (even if you already let me know). We are working with Mr. Cataldo on a solution to get these instruments to you, and will communicate the plan directly with these families. Please try to reply by Sunday if your child is in need of their instrument!
2020 Best Communities for Music Education
These are certainly difficult and challenging times for all of us, but we wanted to share some good news that was received this week. Jenison Public Schools has been acknowledged as a recipient of the Best Communities for Music Education Award for 2020! It is very exciting to receive this distinction from the NAMM Foundation (National Association of Music Merchants) for another year. This award is a result of a team effort between our teachers, students, administration, and parent support! This award wouldn't be possible without that collaboration! Thank you all for your part in this!
Signing Up for 5th Grade Orchestra
We have had a few families ask how current 4th grade students will try instruments and sign up for orchestra, since we can't do our typical 4th Grade orchestra demonstrations this spring. While we don't have exact answers to these questions quite yet, we are working on a plan that will be communicated to 4th Grade teachers later this spring. It is likely that the chance to try out instruments will occur early in the fall of 5th Grade sometime. Stay tuned!
Funny Link
I know I'm a little late to share an April Fools video, but I'm going to anyway... Here's a little funny example of what string players with creativity and too much time on their hands can create... :)
https://youtu.be/Z4xuF4JhPtc
Stay well!
-Mrs. Johnson
We hope you are all doing the best you can to enjoy this "Spring Break" with your families. We will be sending out an email later this weekend with next week's practice activities, how to get help with tuning your instrument, as well as details about how 8th Graders can submit their auditions for high school orchestra. Today's email covers a few important announcements that we need to get out to families!
Instruments at School
We know of a few 7th and 8th grade students who have their instruments at school and have been unable to practice. Please reply to this email as soon as possible to let us know if you need your instrument (even if you already let me know). We are working with Mr. Cataldo on a solution to get these instruments to you, and will communicate the plan directly with these families. Please try to reply by Sunday if your child is in need of their instrument!
2020 Best Communities for Music Education
These are certainly difficult and challenging times for all of us, but we wanted to share some good news that was received this week. Jenison Public Schools has been acknowledged as a recipient of the Best Communities for Music Education Award for 2020! It is very exciting to receive this distinction from the NAMM Foundation (National Association of Music Merchants) for another year. This award is a result of a team effort between our teachers, students, administration, and parent support! This award wouldn't be possible without that collaboration! Thank you all for your part in this!
Signing Up for 5th Grade Orchestra
We have had a few families ask how current 4th grade students will try instruments and sign up for orchestra, since we can't do our typical 4th Grade orchestra demonstrations this spring. While we don't have exact answers to these questions quite yet, we are working on a plan that will be communicated to 4th Grade teachers later this spring. It is likely that the chance to try out instruments will occur early in the fall of 5th Grade sometime. Stay tuned!
Funny Link
I know I'm a little late to share an April Fools video, but I'm going to anyway... Here's a little funny example of what string players with creativity and too much time on their hands can create... :)
https://youtu.be/Z4xuF4JhPtc
Stay well!
-Mrs. Johnson
Week of Mar 20, 2020:
Hello Jr High Orchestra families,
Wow - it sure is strange not to be heading to school every day, isn't it? I definitely miss seeing all of my students and making music with all of you. I just thought I would check in to share some updates and resources with you.
Fun Night
We were thankfully able to secure refunds for our cancelled Fun Night from On the Border, Grand Rapids Symphony, and Three Mile Project. We are in the process of getting all of the needed info to our central office, so that they can issue refund checks to our families. Those are expected to be mailed (to families who paid with cash or check) in mid-April.
Solo & Ensemble Festival
Unfortunately, the April 18th event has been cancelled by MSBOA. When we know more about when school will resume, there may be a chance to reschedule, but it's not looking likely at this point. If MSBOA doesn't reschedule, I'm hoping that our school schedule will still allow us to provide an "in-house" version of the festival at JJHS. Stay tuned for later details, and keep practicing!
Fun idea: If you want to "practice" your S&E music with an ensemble partner, try playing a portion of your piece using a music collaboration app like SoundTrap. You can record and collaborate online from separate houses! :) You can also try recording multiple parts of an ensemble piece or making up a multi-track song all by yourself in the Acapella app. :)
Spring Concert Music
I'm really hoping that we will still get the chance to perform the Spring Concert music that we started working on together last week. I hope that you are still taking out your instrument at home and working on these pieces! In order to help, here are some recordings of the pieces so that you can hear how your part fits with the others, and maybe you can even play along eventually. :)
Prelude: Lean on Me, Shut Up and Dance, Goin to Boston
Cadence: String Man, Final Countdown, Spirit of the American West
Encore: ChickenFoot Transplant, Dark Catacombs, Mythos
Fun links and videos:
During the break, Mrs. Bush is going to be sharing videos and links that students might enjoy on her Instagram. Go follow mrsbushorchestra to see what she posts!
I continue to hope for the best that we will be back together in class in a few weeks. We know that we will have to adapt and be flexible as we get more information in the coming days and weeks. As I have more updates, I will pass them along. My hope is that our students will continue to enjoy making music on their instruments at home during this time, as well as finding other music to listen to and enjoy!
Take care, stay healthy, and let me know if you have any questions!
-Mrs. Johnson
Wow - it sure is strange not to be heading to school every day, isn't it? I definitely miss seeing all of my students and making music with all of you. I just thought I would check in to share some updates and resources with you.
Fun Night
We were thankfully able to secure refunds for our cancelled Fun Night from On the Border, Grand Rapids Symphony, and Three Mile Project. We are in the process of getting all of the needed info to our central office, so that they can issue refund checks to our families. Those are expected to be mailed (to families who paid with cash or check) in mid-April.
Solo & Ensemble Festival
Unfortunately, the April 18th event has been cancelled by MSBOA. When we know more about when school will resume, there may be a chance to reschedule, but it's not looking likely at this point. If MSBOA doesn't reschedule, I'm hoping that our school schedule will still allow us to provide an "in-house" version of the festival at JJHS. Stay tuned for later details, and keep practicing!
Fun idea: If you want to "practice" your S&E music with an ensemble partner, try playing a portion of your piece using a music collaboration app like SoundTrap. You can record and collaborate online from separate houses! :) You can also try recording multiple parts of an ensemble piece or making up a multi-track song all by yourself in the Acapella app. :)
Spring Concert Music
I'm really hoping that we will still get the chance to perform the Spring Concert music that we started working on together last week. I hope that you are still taking out your instrument at home and working on these pieces! In order to help, here are some recordings of the pieces so that you can hear how your part fits with the others, and maybe you can even play along eventually. :)
Prelude: Lean on Me, Shut Up and Dance, Goin to Boston
Cadence: String Man, Final Countdown, Spirit of the American West
Encore: ChickenFoot Transplant, Dark Catacombs, Mythos
Fun links and videos:
During the break, Mrs. Bush is going to be sharing videos and links that students might enjoy on her Instagram. Go follow mrsbushorchestra to see what she posts!
I continue to hope for the best that we will be back together in class in a few weeks. We know that we will have to adapt and be flexible as we get more information in the coming days and weeks. As I have more updates, I will pass them along. My hope is that our students will continue to enjoy making music on their instruments at home during this time, as well as finding other music to listen to and enjoy!
Take care, stay healthy, and let me know if you have any questions!
-Mrs. Johnson
TUNING YOUR INSTRUMENTS:
I know that you all have experience with tuning your instruments with your fine tuners. However, you might find that you need some peg tuning as well... You can always visit your local music store to get help with tuning, but I know that's not always a great option right now...
When tuning, you always need a piano or tuner to give a reference pitch before you begin tuning.
My website has links to online tuners that will play pitches for each of your strings: http://www.jenisonorchestras.org/orchestra-tuning-notes.html
There are also many tuner apps available for devices. Tonal Energy is regarded as the best, but costs a few dollars. InsTuner is my favorite because it is free and will play the pitch for you and simultaneously tell you what to change, but I've heard that it is only available on Apple devices...
If you are feeling brave and want/need to venture into tuning with pegs... Read and watch first! PLEASE DO NOT JUST START TURNING PEGS!!!
1. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/11Q93y9IOto-tYGtjtNABBT6TfjRnNz8_jIXxuu1O7aY/mobilepresent?slide=id.g719544ff6e_0_262
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsUfq4ZvhpU
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbufOE9Ya0Q&feature=youtu.be](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbufOE9Ya0Q&feature=youtu.be)
When tuning, you always need a piano or tuner to give a reference pitch before you begin tuning.
My website has links to online tuners that will play pitches for each of your strings: http://www.jenisonorchestras.org/orchestra-tuning-notes.html
There are also many tuner apps available for devices. Tonal Energy is regarded as the best, but costs a few dollars. InsTuner is my favorite because it is free and will play the pitch for you and simultaneously tell you what to change, but I've heard that it is only available on Apple devices...
If you are feeling brave and want/need to venture into tuning with pegs... Read and watch first! PLEASE DO NOT JUST START TURNING PEGS!!!
1. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/11Q93y9IOto-tYGtjtNABBT6TfjRnNz8_jIXxuu1O7aY/mobilepresent?slide=id.g719544ff6e_0_262
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsUfq4ZvhpU
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbufOE9Ya0Q&feature=youtu.be](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbufOE9Ya0Q&feature=youtu.be)
Orchestra Accounts
If you are interested in knowing the balance of your child's orchestra account, there is now a new way for you to find it. Go to the website www.charmsoffice.com and click on ENTER/LOGIN in the upper right-hand corner. Your school code is JenisonOrch, and your student's login is their student number (the one they use to check out books and to buy a lunch.) Then, click on Finances to see the current balance and recent history of your child's account. We hope to use Charms for even more things in the future, so stay tuned! :)
