Orchestra E-News

April 6, 2020 - Orchestra Updates

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Hi, Orchestra Families!

I hope you are all staying safe and healthy. So far, so good in the Kurr Household.

All orchestra students are successfully in Buzz/Genius now--well done! Glad to have you all there.
The next step is to make sure that you stay on top of all assignments. There will be few, really, so please make sure to complete them. If there are troubles/issues, let me know. I cannot help you if I do not know there is a problem.
1. There will be a Weekly Check-In video each week. Students will be given excerpts to prepare and record for Buzz submission.
2. Some weeks (including this week) we will meet for quick Zoom sectionals.
  1. 15 minutes each
  2. Will usually cover the material for the Weekly Check-In recording
  3. I will provide a Zoom link for each group
  4. If there is some sort of conflict, it is not a big deal: simply let me know ahead of time.
  5. HERE are the general guidelines for Zoom Sectionals
  6. Schedule for this week
    CO:
    Vln 1 = R 4/9 1:00pm
    Vln 2 = R 4/9 1:30pm
    Vla/Vcl = R 4/9 2:00pm
    Sinf:
    Vln 1 = W 4/8 1:00pm
    Vln 2 = W 4/8 1:30pm
    Vla = W 4/8 2:00pm
    Vcl/DB = W 4/8 2:30pm
    SO:
    Vln 1 = T 4/7 1:00pm
    Vln 2 = T 4/7 1:30pm
    Vla = T 4/7 2:00pm
    Vcl/DB = T 4/7 2:30pm
3. There will be listening and musicianship assignments, and they will be due at the end of the month.
THIS FOLDER contains the recordings from the 3/12 Concerto Showcase concert (which just might be the last concert in the PAC until next March…).
The school district is waiting until about May 1 to make a decision about the remainder of the school year and whether or not we will return to the building. This timeline could be altered if the Governor or President makes overriding proclamations, of course. This timeline also will be for decisions about prom and the graduation ceremony. And this will all have ramifications on our final orchestra concerts. Just stay tuned!
Fine Arts Week 2020 is going online! INFO here and SUBMISSIONS here. FAW2020nline is open to students, staff, and families!
Ward Brodt is shipping items to homes for free. Send our representative Rob Smith an email at rsmith@ward-brodt.com if you have needs. Snark tuner? Music stand?
State Solo Not Ensemble is happening online! THIS DOCUMENT FROM WSMA describes the festival and how it works. All MHS string students (except for the one person who was slated to perform her solo at McFarland) is set for the STATE stage. Our school code is 10508. And this is only for solos. Ensembles, done through Zoom or Google Meet or the like, are eligible for Fine Arts Week but not for a WSMA event.

Keep in touch!

March 13, 2020 - Info about MN Trip Cancellation

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Dear Music Families of MHS,

We are receiving information and inquiries about the message sent by the music department to cancel the upcoming Minneapolis Music Field trip as it pertains to refunds. It will take us some time to determine information from the vendors regarding refunds or how we might be able to utilize credit in the future. Right now, the District's priority is creating plans for continuing instruction due to potential closure as well as creating procedures to handle staff or student exposure to COVID-19. Trip organizers are going to need time to contact vendors, and the district needs to determine the best way to handle the significant number of refunds that could potentially result. What our nation and community are experiencing is unprecedented. The situation is rapidly evolving. Either myself or the District Office will reach back out to you and other families in the district whose events have been canceled to share more information on refunds at a later date.

Respectfully,

Peg Shoemaker

Principal

Ms Peg ShoemakerPrincipal

Middleton High School

(608) 829-9923
pshoemaker@mcpasd.k12.wi.us

March 12, 2020 - Concert is ON ON ON ON!

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The restrictions for gatherings at our schools begin Friday 3/13, so the concert tonight for Sinfonia and Symphony Orchestra is STILL A GO!! The district administrators have officially given the green light for tonight. However, in light of the concerns, we will not do the post-concert reception.

March 12, 2020 - Minnesota Trip Canceled

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Dear music parents and families,

We have just learned that the district has decided to cancel our tour to Minneapolis tomorrow due to concerns about COVID-19. Unfortunately, they will not be able to offer any refunds or waive fees.

We do not have any additional information to share at this time. Please direct any questions to district administration.

We are sorry to break the bad news, and we appreciate your patience and understanding as the school continues to navigate this evolving situation.

Doug Brown, Steve Kurr, Jamie Pitt, Eric Rothacker, and Mike Ver Voort

February 26, 2020 - Spring Supper Important Info

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Dear Parents of Band and Orchestra students,

The next “big thing” is soon upon the program and the parents. Yup, you guessed it,

Spring Supper Concert and Auction.

Date: Saturday, April 4.

Location: Middleton High School.

Concert: that is the kids

Supper: tickets and volunteer opportunities... information to follow, soon.

Auction: WE NEED YOUR PARTICIPATION

This year we are soliciting donations and contributions from PARENTS/FAMILIES as well as from businesses in the community.

We are asking you to contribute.

Donate items to specific baskets, as listed here, and found at the SignUpGenius. www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0948afab22a75-donations
Donate money, so we can purchase items to fill each of these baskets. www.middletonbandorchestra.org/auction-baskets-2020

List of Baskets to build, for the Auction

SEEKING donations from parents of Band and Orchestra students.

Cash contributions should be of similar value.

The success of this final fundraiser depends upon ALL OF US working together, and giving.

Please donate an item, or group of items, NEW, with a value between $10 and $45.

SignUpGenius link, for donations.

If you prefer, contribute cash, so we can purchase items to fill these baskets.

BOPA website link for CASH contributions.

Dog Lovers
Cat Lovers
Father’s Day
Mother’s Day
Off to College
Bartender
Cook
Gardener
Sewing, knitting, crocheting
Yoga
Running
Golf
Beer Lover
Wine Lover
MiniBar Basket
Movie Night at home
Backyard fun
Going to the Pool
Summer fun/ Outdoor Games
Day on the boat
UW Madison swag

Please: DEADLINE is Sunday, March 22, 2020.

Items will be gathered at The Mackey, 1551 Parmenter Street.

THANK YOU, in advance, for your participation in the 2020 Spring Concert Supper and Auction.

Sincerely,

The Auction Committee of the Spring Supper Committee of Middleton Band and Orchestra.

Please direct questions to Kim Mackey, Chair. MHSBOPAspringsupper@gmail.com

February 5, 2020 - MN Trip Info

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Hi all,

This message is for MN Trip participants only.

THIS FOLDER contains 2 forms for your student:

The first is permission and emergency contact information. Also at the bottom is a YES or NO on your student taking meds on the trip.
If you checked NO, you are done after the first form and your student cannot take or be given any type of prescription or OTC medication on the trip. If you checked YES, then you need to fill out the second form as well, completing the appropriate sections and getting any necessary signatures.

We need to have all forms signed and returned by FRIDAY 2/14. You can sign a paper copy and return it or send it back electronically.

Thanks!

skurr@mcpasd.k12.wi.us

January 3, 2020 - Solo & Ensemble Registration and a few other details

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Hello, and welcome to 2020!

Solo & Ensemble will take place at MHS on Saturday, February 22. Registration has already started and will end next week on TUESDAY 1/7. We are doing all registration online this year, having students fill out a Google Form and charging all fees through FeePay.

ORCHESTRA: EVENT LINK

PIANO: EVENT LINK

These links are also available on the BOPA web page, along with other S&E info.

FeePay will be charged before the end of the semester and payment is due by the end of January.
Changes can be made to registrations up until January 24, when all entries have to be entered into the state's computer system. Once we upload to the state, there can be no refunds.
Each event for a student needs its own Google Form entry. For some students, this will be 2: a solo and an ensemble. FOr others, it might be more.
Check your calendars: if 2/22 does not work for your family, there are several other nearby festivals on alternate dates. Talk to me and to a student's chamber group members before going this route.
Special time requests are possible, but only in extreme cases. "We are going out of town and leaving at 11am" is an extreme case, while "I want to sleep late on Saturday" is not.
BOPA covers the cost of most accompanists. If you have an accompanists you like to work with or that the private teacher uses, then you need to make those arrangements and payments on your own. If you are feeling generous, you can choose to help support BOPA by covering the cost of the accompanist yourself--thank you in advance for this!
Volunteers will be needed for the date and more information about that will be come at the every end of January.

2 last notes:

The Concert-Aria Competition is next Tuesday 1/7 from 6-9:30pm in the MHS PAC. We do not advertise far and wide, but all auditions are open to the public. Stop by and listen while you read a book or newspaper, catch up on email, or relax.
Reminder: the final concert of the year for Cardinal & Sinfonia is on THURSDAY 5/7, not the next week. This is a change from the original event calendar.

Email or call with questions!

December 16, 2019 - Twin Cities, Nuts & More

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Hi Orchestra Families!

Wrapping up for the calendar year--concerts are done and Winter Teas are complete. What is coming up?

Did not yet get your nuts from the Fruit Sale? We have them here--come and get them this week. Email me to make arrangements.
Philimusica has just 2 more rehearsals until its Winter Festival on Monday 1/13/20.
The Symphony Orchestra will appear on NBC15 on 12/24 at 10pm and 12/25 at 6am. Tune in!
The MHS Concerto-Aria competition is on Tuesday 1/7/20 6-10ish in the PAC. Applications are due by the end of this week.
Jazz Cabaret comes up on Friday 1/11/20 at the Marriott. More info and tickets at the MHS BOPA web page. They are searching for 2-3 orchestra students to serve as coat check people. Dinner, 5 service hours, and tips. Let me know!
The Music Dept is joining up to take a weekend cultural tour to the Twin Cities in March. All bands, choirs, and orchestras are going together on this non-performance tour. More information can be found HERE and registration is online HERE. Sign up deadline is this coming Friday 12/20!

Enough for now--I hope everyone's break is restful and all of us come back ready to complete the semester!

November 25, 2019 - Fruit Delivery Day Reminder

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Hello Students and Parents.

This is a friendly reminder that the fruit will be delivered on Saturday 12/7 to MHS. We had a very successful Fruit Sale this year--Congratulations and thank you for all your hard work!

Volunteers Needed:

We are looking for more adult volunteers to help out with Delivery Day. Even if you can’t stay the entire shift, please consider helping out and just note in the comments on the Sign Up Genius when you can be there. Keep in mind that we will take turns with supervising loading orders outside so people can warm up so do let signing up for that position discourage you. Please visit the BOPA FRUIT SALE WEB PAGE and click on the "Delivery Day Volunteer Sign-Up" button.
Students should look for a sign up outside the band and orchestra rooms to sign up--coming very beginning of next week. Students over the years have really enjoyed this teamwork experience so please sign up as we will need as many people as possible.

Fruit Pickup:

Please arrive between 8:30 am - 11:30 am unless your order is over $800, then please come no earlier than 10:00 am
Bring ONE check for the grand total of all your orders made out to ‘MHS BOPA’.
Park on the street (NOT in the bus lane!!).
Come through Door 4 (front of MHS) to pay for your order and get your original order form(s).
After your order is filled, get your card & park in the bus lane
We’ll help you load your car!
Important: Products need to be refrigerated if you are not delivering right away. Products cannot be stored in vehicles or garages during cold weather!
Deliver your orders and remember to tell them thank you!

If you are truly unavailable to pick up your fruit on 12/7, please try to arrange for a friend to pick it up for you (we have limited space to store unclaimed orders at MHS and the temperature control is less than desirable for fruit). Please remember to send along a check with them as well. If you are unable to make other arrangements, please let a member of the fruit committee or one of the MHS music teachers know ahead of time.

Thank you for your support.

The 2019 Fruit Sale Committee, BOPA & MHS Teachers

November 17, 2019 - Orchestra Updates

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Hello, Orchestra families!

It is concert week for all of us, so here are some details.

Sun 11/17: Some Cardinal and Sinfonia members are performing at Attic Angels today.
- Arrive for 2:45 rehearsal
- Bring music and music stand
- Wear all black or white top/black bottom
- Concert starts at 3:30 (lasts about 45 minutes)

Mon 11/18, Tues 11/19, and Thurs 11/21: Some orchestra musicians are assisting with the MS concerts.
- They have signed up to help and should know when to arrive.
- Wear red orchestra shirts!

WED 11/20: FALL ORCHESTRA CONCERT FOR ALL MHS ORCHESTRA MUSICIANS
- Dress per THESE guidelines.
- Arrive no later than 6:50 pm for tuning and warm-up.
- Concert starts 7:30 pm
  - Cardinals start on stage
  - Sinfonia and Symphony start in the audience
- All students stay for the full concert to support their colleagues
  - Leave the cell phone off and away, please
- Parents: please sign up HERE to help with the reception and bring food

One last note: Winter Teas are coming up in December. Details and permission slips coming soon:

Philomusica at West Middleton on Thurs 12/12
Symphony Orchestra on Fri 12/13

See you all later this week!

November 11, 2019 - Concerto - Aria - Dance Forms

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Hi all,

Attached is the application form for the Concerto-Aria-Dance competition here at MHS. Apps are due before winter break and the auditions are on Tuesday 1/7 starting at 6pm in the PAC.

Thanks!
SK

November 8, 2019 - Fruit Orders Due Monday

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Hi folks,

Thank you for supporting MHS musicians through the BOPA fruit sale. The funds raised will go toward S&E accompanists, an electric cello, guest jazz violinist Randy Sabien, and so much more.

Orders are due on Monday 11/11. Please have students bring them to school that day. If there is an emergency and you forget, drop me a note.

A few quick reminders:

Students keep the pink copy and turn in the white/yellow.
No money should be turned in at this point. You collect money from customers and pay BOPA in 1 lump sum on delivery day.
Tally Night is Wed 11/13 and we could use a few more people to help out. Volunteer HERE.
Delivery Day is Saturday 12/7--volunteer sign up is HERE.

Thanks!
SK

October 27, 2019 - Another Important Correction on Fruit Order Form

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Hello Orchestra Families,

I messed this one up. Here are the actual correct prices, as listed in the students' pricing sheet and on the website:

Full Case of Orange = $60

Full Case of Grapefruit = $50

I am sorry about the confusion--was a long week!

October 24, 2019 - Important Correction on Fruit Order Form

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Hello Orchestra Families,

It has come to the attention that there is a mistake on our fruit order forms. Please sell the full case of grapefruit for $50 and not the price posted on the order form. If you have already sold cases at the lower price, do not worry about going back to the customer to change it.

Thank you for your assistance and your support of BOPA!

October 21, 2019 - Several Short Reminders for the End of October

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1) The VERY LAST day to purchase orchestra spirit wear is Friday 11/1 (sale ends at 11:59 pm). Go to www.middletonbandorchestra.org to get your stuff! Philo Pholks: order a bucket hat!

2) Cardinals: The last day to get in on the field trip to MADISON OPERA is this week WED 10/23. Available as an activity on FeePay.

3) MHS BOPA Fruit Sale is starting this week! Sale goes 10/23-11/10. Remember that the fruit sale helps to fund many of the great activities, guests, and opportunities your students all have through the orchestra program. Support BOPA!

4) I could use 1-2 more parents to help serve lunch to the WI State Honors Band/Orchestra/Jazz Ensemble from 10 am-1 pm on Thursday 10/24. Easy job and you get to eat any leftovers.

5) Please go in and fill out the contact info through our BOPA Google Form. It helps us as we support your music students!

That is all for now: look for a Soiree Sign-Up Genius soon.

Hope to see some of you at conferences this week!

October 9, 2019 - Several Important Messages

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Hi all,

Contents of this note

St Olaf on Sat (SO)
BOPA newsletter (all)
BOPA contact info collection (all)
Program ad sales/legacy messages (all)
Letter from Principal Shoemaker (all)
Calendar change for CO/Sinfonia
Orch Spiritwear sale (all)
Opera for Cardinal
Attic Angels on 11/17 (CO/Sinf)
Annual Soiree

1) The St Olaf Orchestra performs on Saturday night at 7:30 pm in the PAC. Tickets are $10 general admission and free for students. The Symphony Orchestra will perform one piece with them as well.

Schedule for the day:

3-4 pm Symphony and St Olaf do a side-by-side activity
5:30-6:30 The 2 groups eat supper together
7:30 performance (SO is first on 2nd half)

It was with a bit of dismay that I saw how many students are not able to attend any part of the event. Saturday concerts are difficult at times, and it is appreciated when all students can attend--our group is diminished when people are missing.

2) The BOPA newsletter is now a thing of the past, for the most part. Each year we will create a beginning of the year print copy and mail it out--coming soon! Newsletter content is now found at the BOPA web page at www.middletonbandorchestra.org . The start of year one is also found HERE .

3) BOPA, in order to better serve the music education of your students, would like to collect everyone's contact information. It will not be heavily used--mostly to contact volunteers and to call people who have not yet picked up their fruit :) and nothing will ever be used outside the BOPA realm. PLEASE fill out this quick form with contact info as soon as possible.

4) Program ads are still for sale, and we can still use some help with the collection of business ads. HERE is a letter from Vice President Laura Guse talking more about the program and HERE is the application form to purchase an ad or student shout-out.

5) Principal Shoemaker has composed a letter addressing an incident that happened in Marching Band in the spring. Please read this important message.

6) Due to several factors, we are adjusting the performance calendar for Cardinal Orchestra and Sinfonia for May 2020.

THURSDAY MAY 7 is the new performance date for Cardinal, Sinfonia, and 8th grade
Mon 5/11 is Kromrey area grades 4 + 5 with Philomusica
Tues 5/12 is now only grades 6 and 7
Thurs 5/14 is Glacier Creek area grades 4 + 5 with Philo

Mark your calendars please!

7) Orchestra spiritwear will be on sale soon--check our website in the next several days!

8) On Wed 10/30 the Cardinal Orchestra will be join the sophomore choir and the Advanced Music class down at the Overture Center for the Madison Opera performance of Verdi's La Traviata. Look for more info and a FeePay sign up and payment option in the next week or so.

9) As we have done in past years, we are collaborating with the Pheasant Branch Strings, an orchestra of adult beginners and returners through the UW Division of Continuing Studies. The Cardinal Orchestra and Sinfonia are invited to join PBS on their concert on Sunday 11/17 at 3:30pm at Attic Angel. There is no requirement of attendance and we will not be performing anything ourselves. Our job will simply be support for these brave adult musicians. More details soon.

10) The annual Orchestra Soiree is coming up on Friday 11/1. After a mandatory rehearsal for all orchestra musicians from 4-5pm, there will be fun and games and food and inflatables. More details and a call for assistance coming soon!

Thanks for making it all the way to the end!

September 3, 2019 - Welcome back & several other items

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Hi all!

I hope the summer has treated you all well. Can't believe it is September!

1) Students WILL need instruments for the first full days of classes so please have them bring their own instruments

Sinfonia (Symphony Block 2) on Wed
Symphony (Block 3) on Wed
Cardinal Orchestra Block 6 on Thurs

After a week or so, we will know how many school instruments are available to use at school. Don't own an instrument? No trouble--we will make sure you can use one. The small fee for school instrument use/rental will be run again through FeePay.

2) Attached is a copy of this year's calendar of orchestra events. Please please please enter these events on the family calendar and prioritize them as important for your student's musical education. If there are any adjustments, I will send out that info as soon as I can.

3) Back to School Night is coming up next Wednesday 9/11. Hope to see many of you there!

That is all for now! Please drop me a note if you have any questions.

Steve Kurr

829-9870

skurr@mcpasd.k12.wi.us

May 19, 2019 - Approaching the End of the Year

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Hi Orchestra folks!

We are getting close to the end of the year and orchestra things are coming to a conclusion. Here is a run down of much of the remainder of the year.

1) MONDAY 5/20--sorry for the late communication!

ALL ORCHESTRA STUDENTS

The Music Department hosts its annual Awards Reception in the MHS Courtyard. This event time has been in some flux for the past week, as the band concert originally slated for 5/9 needed to be moved to 5/20 because of the jazz band's participation in the Essentially Ellington Competition in NYC. The Awards Reception will now take place ahead of the concert:

Monday 5/20
MHS Courtyard
Cake Punch at 5:30
Program at 6:00, done by 7:00

Given out will be Orchestra letter recognition, medals and certificates for Solo & Ensemble, summer camps scholarships, State Honors qualifiers, and more. All music students and their families are invited and encouraged to attend, and any awards not able to be collected on that evening will be handed out to students in class over the following class days.

2) WEDNESDAY 5/29

ALL ORCHESTRA STUDENTS

The Symphony Orchestra will present its Almost Summer Concert on 5/29 at 7:30pm in the PAC. Featured will be music by Sibelius, Turina, Walker, Albinoni, Finzi, and the incredible Finale from the Shostakovich Symphony No.5. All orchestra students are asked to attend--Orchestra Awards are conferred and graduation seniors are honored. Sinfonia and Cardinal members do not perform, instead getting a preview of musical worlds to come, receiving some of the awards, and partaking in the post-concert reception.

3) SENIORS: All graduating seniors have to complete all assignments for orchestra by the start of the Almost Summer Concert on 5/29. My grades are due for seniors by noon on 5/30.

4) The Philomusica Picnic will take place on Saturday 6/1. The location is the Kurr House, the exact time is TBA. Watch for details!

5) Students in Cardinal and Sinfonia will indeed need their instruments through their final exam periods. Symphony students will need their instruments through Monday 6/3.

WED 6/5

ASR 8:25-9:55 Orchestra room available for lessons and other orchestra work [FlexiSCHED as usual)

Block 1 10:05-11:35

Lunch

Block 4 12:40-2:10

Make-Up 2:20-3:44 Orchestra room available for lessons and other orchestra work

THURS 6/6

Block 5 8:25-9:55
Block 6 10:05-11:35 CARDINAL ORCHESTRA FINAL--presentation of projects
Lunch
Block 7 12:40-2:10
Make-Up 2:20-3:44 Kurr not available during this time

FRI 6/7
Block 2 8:25-9:55 SINFONIA FINAL--presentation of projects
Block 1 10:05-11:35 SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA FINAL--Seminar and Thor Awards (seniors are invited to return for this time!)

ALL ORCHESTRA ASSIGNMENTS are due by Friday at noon.
Lunch
Make Up 12:40-2:10
Make-Up 2:20-3:44

Thanks--drop me a note if you have any questions!

March 15, 2019 - Spring Supper Information

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Dear Band and Orchestra Families.

It is TIME to SIGN UP for Spring Supper, concert and auction.

Everyone needs a ticket, including the student musicians if they would like dinner.
https://www.middletonbandorchestra.org/events-2/spring-supper-concert-auction

Parents, PLEASE check SignUpGenius for volunteer opportunities.
Work, bring a desert, and more....
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0948afab22a75-parent

Spring Supper home page.
https://www.middletonbandorchestra.org/spring-supper-2019

THANK YOU!!

Kim Mackey

March 13, 2019 - Spring Supper Information

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Dear Band and Orchestra Families.

It is TIME to SIGN UP for Spring Supper, concert and auction.

Everyone needs a ticket, including the student musicians.
https://www.middletonbandorchestra.org/events-2/spring-supper-concert-auction

Parents, PLEASE check SignUpGenius for volunteer opportunities.
Work, bring a desert, and more....
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0948afab22a75-parent

Spring Supper home page.
https://www.middletonbandorchestra.org/spring-supper-2019

THANK YOU!!

Kim Mackey, Spring Supper Chair <mhsbopaspringsupper@gmail.com>

Doug Brown, Mike Ver Voort, Eric Rothacker

February 28, 2019 - February Whole Note & Conferences

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Hi folks,

1) The latest issue of the Whole Note, our BOPA newsletter, up at the BOPA web page. Read through and send a note to Laura Guse to tell how much you appreciate her work on this ongoing project!

2) Arena conferences take place in the MHS Field House next week on Tuesday 3/5 from 6-8pm. If you want to have a private conversation about your student, or if arena conferences are just not your style, or if that time does not work, then you could also set up an appointment with me 4-6pm that same night in the orchestra room. Either way, I would be happy to talk with you!

3) We have a few concerts coming up in the next few weeks. Look for more info soon about:

Eine Kleine Kindermusik: Wed 3/13 during the school day [Symphony Orchestra Only]
Mike Dewey Concerto Showcase: Thurs 3/14 at 7:30pm [Sinfonia and Symphony]
Cardinal & Middle Schools: Tues 3/19 at 7:00pm [Cardinal Only]

4) Tour Families: Check out THESE documents.

Thanks!

February 25, 2019 - Spring Supper Volunteers Needed

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Dear Band and Orchestra Parents,

In preparation for the Spring Supper (concert and auction) on April 6,
we are asking for some help.

The AUCTION COMMITTEE needs:
1) 3 or 4 people to visit businesses and PICK UP auction items.
2) 2-3 people interested in helping devise and create auction baskets.

We have an urgent, short term need.

PLEASE come to an organizational gathering.
We really need 3-4 people who can run a few daytime errands,
and 2-3 people who can meet 2, maybe 3 times in the next 3 weeks.

PLEASE.

MEETINGS (there will be two, please attend one)

Monday, Feb 25
or
Wednesday, Feb 27

LOCATION: 1551 Parmenter Street. (The Mackey’s home)
TIME: 7:00 to 8:15 pm

See you there.

RSVP if possible: MHSBOPAspringsupper@gmail.com

Thanks,

Kim Mackey, Chair.
Spring Supper 2019
(concert and auction)

February 2, 2019 - Solo & Ensemble is Close!

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Hi MHS Orch World,

Our Solo & Ensemble Festival is just 1 week away, taking place on Saturday 2/9 from 8am-4pm at MHS. A few notes about that:

1) A major happening like this (over 1000 musicians in 750+ events!) cannot take place without the marvelous support of the families. We are in need of volunteers as Door Monitors, Clean Up Crew, Info Desk People, and more. We need about 75 volunteers over the course of the day, so please chip in and take a shift.

To volunteer, go the the BOPA WEB PAGE and click on the pop-up or click on the "Volunteer" link. The shifts are not too long and we have floaters that can fill in for you so you will not miss your important performances. Thank you!

2) With all of the weather challenges the past 2 weeks, our accompanist schedules have been tossed around. Please make sure students know when the meet with their ACCOMPANIST and that they bring all of their music along all week. Thanks to BOPA for supporting our students by funding our S&E accompanist program!

3) The S&E schedule for the day is posted on the BOPA Page already, and that is Draft 1.5. There have been some significant changes to that, so please check in to the more permanent Version 2.0 which will be posted on Monday. There will also be downloadable versions available at the web page later in the week and as QR codes at the event itself. On a related note, if anyone is a programmer and could help us develop a S&E app for iPhone and Android for future years, that would be spectacular!

4) For those families who have some events transferred to other S&E festivals (Mount Horeb 2/23, Waunakee 3/2, Stoughton 3/9): I will be contacting you separately when those schedules come out.

5) NOT FOR S&E: We are selling cheesecakes again in the next several weeks. This is mostly for our Iberian Travelers, but all students can join in to boost their travel accounts. Sales go 2/11-2/24 with orders due no later than 2/25. Students will earn $6 per cheesecake sold. Tour folks: any funds you make can either be put into your tour account for later travel or refunded to you right away since you will already have your final payment due.

Ask your student to pay some of their solo for you this week.

829-9870

December 24, 2018 - December Whole Note & Sounds of the Season

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Hi folks,

2 quick notes and then I will return you to your regularly scheduled winter break.

1) HERE is a link to the latest Whole Note, the newsletter of BOPA. While you are on the BOPA web page, check out all of the other great tidbits available there. Thanks to Laura Guse for the fantastic newsletter and to Danielle Boorstien for the web work!

2) Symphony Orchestra & Sinfonia will appear on the NBC15 Sounds of the Season Program

NBC15 Sounds of the Season Program recorded our very own MHS Orchestra! The performance will air on Christmas Eve at 10 pm and Christmas Day at 6 am. It will also be available to view online at HERE within a week after it airs. You can also see many other MHS musicians who are members of the WYSO Youth Orchestra!

Enjoy the time off of school and see all you students on 1/2!

December 12, 2018 - Philo Winter Tea on Friday

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Hi,

On Friday, Philomusica heads off to West Middleton for the annual Winter Tea performance.

I need permission slips from about half--can even be an email from home, a piece of paper with your signature, a scanned copy, etc.

Schedule looks like this:

7:30am AM CREW Meet in Orchestra Room

7:40am Depart for West Middleton

8:20-11:00 Perform (40 minute sets with 20 minute breaks)

8:20-9:00

9:20-10:00

10:20-11:00

11:00 Load bus for lunch at MHS

11:15 Lunch for BOTH CREWS

The school is providing tacos for student lunches at no cost--a $5 or $10 donation would be appreciated

AM CREW = excused until end of SH/Lunch 1st Half

PM CREW = excused starting end of Block 2

12:00 Leave MHS to return to WM

12:30-2:10 Perform

12:30-1:10

1:30-2:10

2:15 Pack and load for return to MHS

Here is a list of the crews:

MORNING

Leave MHS 7:40am

Return MHS 11:15am

Violin I

1) Ashley Biwott

2) Jonah Guse

3) Eric Lee

4) Giselle Peters

5) Jena Peterson

6) Vivian Wagner

7) Jack White

8) Nikki Yu

Violin II

1) Erin Caldwell

2) Anezka Helmers

3) Norah Martin

4) Priya Nandagopal

5) Lexi Spevacek

6) Rachel Yard

7) Melia Zeaman

Viola

1) Iliana Aviles

2) Thomas Kurr

3) Veronica Kurr

4) Arianna Larsen

Cello

1) Abby Evans

2) Kaden Kasel

3) Danny Molina

4) Lindsey Smith

5) Sam Svendsen

Bass

1) Dom Kinney

AFTERNOON

Leave MHS noon

Return MHS 2:30pm

Violin I

1) Katie Frye

2) Henry Gruett

3) Mary Hsu

4) Jena Peterson

5) Vivian Wagner

6) Julian Westerlund

7) Jack White

Violin II

1) Malia Faessler

2) Mena Garber

3) Jonah Guse

4) Clara Landucci

5) Kailani Pardon

6) Akshita Pattnaik

7) Nikki Yu

Viola

1) Iliana Aviles

2) Kallen Erlandson

3) Thomas Kurr

4) Veronica Kurr

Cello

1) Chloe Boehnen

2) Lauren Haltermann

3) Noah Lamson

4) Danny Molina

5) Hayden Van Gilder

Bass

1) Dom Kinney

Copy Of -December 12, 2018 - Philo Winter Tea on Friday

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Hi,

On Friday, Philomusica heads off to West Middleton for the annual Winter Tea performance.

I need permission slips from about half--can even be an email from home, a piece of paper with your signature, a scanned copy, etc.

Schedule looks like this:

7:30am AM CREW Meet in Orchestra Room

7:40am Depart for West Middleton

8:20-11:00 Perform (40 minute sets with 20 minute breaks)

8:20-9:00

9:20-10:00

10:20-11:00

11:00 Load bus for lunch at MHS

11:15 Lunch for BOTH CREWS

The school is providing tacos for student lunches at no cost--a $5 or $10 donation would be appreciated

AM CREW = excused until end of SH/Lunch 1st Half

PM CREW = excused starting end of Block 2

12:00 Leave MHS to return to WM

12:30-2:10 Perform

12:30-1:10

1:30-2:10

2:15 Pack and load for return to MHS

Here is a list of the crews:

MORNING

Leave MHS 7:40am

Return MHS 11:15am

Violin I

1) Ashley Biwott

2) Jonah Guse

3) Eric Lee

4) Giselle Peters

5) Jena Peterson

6) Vivian Wagner

7) Jack White

8) Nikki Yu

Violin II

1) Erin Caldwell

2) Anezka Helmers

3) Norah Martin

4) Priya Nandagopal

5) Lexi Spevacek

6) Rachel Yard

7) Melia Zeaman

Viola

1) Iliana Aviles

2) Thomas Kurr

3) Veronica Kurr

4) Arianna Larsen

Cello

1) Abby Evans

2) Kaden Kasel

3) Danny Molina

4) Lindsey Smith

5) Sam Svendsen

Bass

1) Dom Kinney

AFTERNOON

Leave MHS noon

Return MHS 2:30pm

Violin I

1) Katie Frye

2) Henry Gruett

3) Mary Hsu

4) Jena Peterson

5) Vivian Wagner

6) Julian Westerlund

7) Jack White

Violin II

1) Malia Faessler

2) Mena Garber

3) Jonah Guse

4) Clara Landucci

5) Kailani Pardon

6) Akshita Pattnaik

7) Nikki Yu

Viola

1) Iliana Aviles

2) Kallen Erlandson

3) Thomas Kurr

4) Veronica Kurr

Cello

1) Chloe Boehnen

2) Lauren Haltermann

3) Noah Lamson

4) Danny Molina

5) Hayden Van Gilder

Bass

1) Dom Kinney

December 11, 2018 - Senior Legacy

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Dear Senior Parents,

We think your kids are AWESOME! We are trying something NEW!

Introducing the Senior Legacy Keepsake Package!

The Orchestra and Band Teachers, along with the BOPA Board, think it is about time that we recognize all the graduating Seniors in Orchestra and Band in our MHS Band and Orchestra Concert Program Book, Season 2018-2019. We want to congratulate the Seniors on completing four rigorous years of musical education, and thank them for their dedication, focus, and leadership. In order to do so, BOPA is designing a Senior Legacy Section in the 2018-2019 Program Book that will recognize the seniors.

The Senior Legacy Keepsake Package Includes:

Two specially-marked Senior Legacy Program Books - classically gift wrapped
One Senior Poster - Orchestra
One Deluxe Pen

Price: $25.00
Order Deadline: Monday, December 17, 2018

We hope the Senior Legacy Keepsake Package will be a reminder of all the musical opportunities that came your child's way in 2018-2019, and of all the sweet music played over the past four years.

Here's how to order:

Go to the www.middletonbandorchestra.org website, click on LEGACY, and purchase your keepsake for $25.00
You may also donate additional keepsake booklets for those families who may have a financial need
Any family who donates (or has donated) to the Season 2018-2019 Program Book - Levels 1-8 will receive a complimentary Senior Legacy Keepsake Package
If you would like a Keepsake Package but have a financial need, please contact Mr. Kurr.
Keepsake pick-up will be before school recesses for Winter break. More information forthcoming.

If you have questions, please contact Lisa Downs, mhsbopapresident@gmail.com.

Let's celebrate your Senior's accomplishments!
Lisa Downs, BOPA President

December 7, 2018 - Fruit Sale Delivery Day this Saturday, Dec. 8!

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Hello Students and Parents.

This is a friendly reminder that the fruit will be delivered TOMORROW to MHS. We had a very succssful Fruit Sale this year grossing about $11,000 more than last year! Congratulations and thank you for all your hard work.

Volunteers Needed:
1) We need 20 more parents to sign up!!!! Even if you can’t stay the entire shift, please consider helping out and just note in the comments on the Sign Up Genius when you can be there. Keep in mind that we will take turns with supervising loading orders outside so people can warm up so do let signing up for that position discourage you. Please visit www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0E45A9A822A3F58-20181
2) Students should look for a sign up outside the band and orchestra rooms to sign up. Students over the years have really enjoyed this teamwork experience so please sign up as we will need as many people as possible.

Fruit Pickup:

Please arrive between 8:30am - 11:30am unless your order is over $800, then please come no earlier than 10:00 am

1) Bring ONE check for the grand total of all your orders made out to ‘MHS BOPA’.
2) Park on the street (NOT in the bus lane!!).
3) Come through Door 4 (front of MHS) to pay for your order and get your original order form(s).
4) After your order is filled, get your card & park in the bus lane
5) We’ll help you load your car! Important: Products need to be refrigerated if you are not delivering right away. Products cannot be stored in vehicles or garages during cold weather!
6) Deliver your orders

Thank you for your support.

The 2018 Fruit Sale Committee, BOPA & MHS Directors

December 4, 2018 - Fruit Sale Delivery on 12/8 - Details!

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RE: Fruit Sale Delivery Day this Saturday, Dec. 8!!

Hello Students and Parents.

This is a friendly reminder that the fruit will be delivered this Saturday to MHS. We had a very successful Fruit Sale this year grossing about $11,000 more than last year! Congratulations and thank you for all your hard work.

Volunteers Needed:

We need 20 more parents to sign up!!!! Even if you can’t stay the entire shift, please consider helping out and just note in the comments on the Sign Up Genius when you can be there. Keep in mind that we will take turns with supervising loading orders outside so people can warm up so do let signing up for that position discourage you. Please visit www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0E45A9A822A3F58-20181.
Students should look for a sign up outside the band and orchestra rooms to sign up. Students over the years have really enjoyed this teamwork experience so please sign up as we will need as many people as possible.
Students should sign up for a shift on the clipboard floating around the music dept. All hands on deck--plan on helping out!

Fruit Pickup:

Please arrive between 8:30am - 11:30am unless your order is over $800, then please come no earlier than 10:00 am
Bring ONE check for the grand total of all your orders made out to ‘MHS BOPA’.
Park on the street (NOT in the bus lane!!).
Come through Door 4 (front of MHS) to pay for your order and get your original order form(s).
After your order is filled, get your card & park in the bus lane
We’ll help you load your car!
Important: Products need to be refrigerated if you are not delivering right away. Products cannot be stored in vehicles or garages during cold weather!
Deliver your orders and remember to tell them thank you!

Thank you for your support.

The 2018 Fruit Sale Committee, BOPA & MHS Teachers

Novemer 28, 2018 - Winter Teas, Sounds of the Season, more

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Hi folks,

1) This coming Friday 11/30, members of the Symphony Orchestra and Sinfonia (formerly Symphony Red) will be recording a video of us performing a Winter Tea piece for NBC15 to air in their "Sounds of the Season" program, to be aired on Christmas Eve and posted on their social media. It is quite an honor!

Students should come to school in ALL BLACK for the morning. They can bring along a change of clothes if they wish.
Cellists should bring their instrument from home so we have enough for everyone.
If there is a reason why you wish your student to not appear in this video, please let me know right away.

2) WSMA State Honors Orchestra audition applications are due this Friday at 11:59pm. No late entries will be accepted. The auditions themselves take place at MHS on Saturday 2/2/19. To register, students should go to the WSMA web page and clinck on the honors tabs. Our school code is 10508.

3) Concerto-Aria forms are due before Winter Break. the auditions, for the chance to perform a solo with the orchestra on 3/14, are on Tuesday 1/8 in the evening. Forms are found in the orchestra room.

4) S&E is early this year: 2/9/19. Registration is due early as well, of course. This year we are collecting fees through FeePay. FORMS are due by 12/14 and FeePay will be updated by early January.

5) Winter Teas are coming up for many of our musicians:

Friday 12/7 is the Symphony BLACK Winter Tea at Sauk Trail and Sunset Ridge. Permission form!
Friday 12/14 is the Philomusica Winter Tea ta West Middleton. Some students will perform in the morning, others in the afternoon, and all will be fed by BOPA back at MHS. Permission form!

6) Fruit Pick Up Day is Saturday 12/8. Look for information on how to volunteer for the day, both students and parents. All hands on deck to make the day run smoothly!

That is all!

October 24, 2018 - Soirée Assistance

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The fourth annual MHS Orchestra Soiree will occur on Friday, November 2 from 4-8/9 pm. The fun starts with a semi-required/strongly encouraged rehearsal on stage in the Band Room from 4-5pm. After that, students move on to Giant Trykes and Human Hamster Balls in the courtyard (cafeteria); movies in the Choir Room; Board Games in the Orchestra Room; and the much anticipated Mario Cart Wii Tournament, also in the Orchestra Room! Jet's Pizza has donated pizza for the occasion. We are requesting that parents bring in some additional treats, snacks, and beverages, and are also looking for some parents to help supervise the evening (and yes, adults get to play, too!). Please contribute to the continued success of this fun event in whatever way you can!

To assist, please head to this SIGN UP GENIUS and join us for the great fun evening!

In addition, students should bring along their favorite DVD movies (Rated PG-13 or under, please) and board games they would like to share. Please label anything you bring so it gets back to the rightful owner at the end.

Thanks!

October 22, 2018 -Annual Fruit Sale is here!

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Hi Orchestra families!

Our biggest fundraiser of the year is here: the annual Fruit Sale! The funds gained from this sale help fund the incredible programs the BOPA sponsors to enhance your student's music education: Solo & Ensemble accompanists, trip assistance grants, summer camp scholarships, and more. I know that selling things is not everyone's cup of tea, and yet we need all of us to jump on board and support the great music happening at MHS!

Here a LINKED FOLDER with several document that explain the whole thing:

The sale kicks off during your student's orchestra class on Monday or Tuesday and the completed order forms are due MONDAY 11/12. No scurvy for us this December!

Thank you for supporting MHS Instrumental Music!

September 17, 2018 - BOPA Newsletter & General Meeting

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Orchestra families,

It was great to see so many of you at Back-to-School Night last week. It's going to be a great year! Please find attached the first Whole Note of the year, the BOPA (Band and Orchestra Parents Association) newsletter. You will also receive this by mail, but it includes one important and time-sensitive date:

The BOPA All-Parent Meeting is from 7:00-8:00pm Thursday 9/20 in the Middleton PAC. Please try to have at least one parent or guardian from your household attend - the parents on the BOPA board have a great presentation about the exciting events happening this year and how you can get involved in your student's music education.

The newsletter also contains lots of great articles about upcoming and past events, as well as some human interest features. Thanks to returning BOPA Newsletter Chair Laura Guse for putting it together.

Good reading and hope to see you Thursday!

skurr@mcpasd.k12.wi.us

September 14, 2018 - BOPA Newsletter & Important Dates

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It was great to see so many of you at Back-to-School Night this week. It's going to be a great year! Please find attached the first BOPA (Band and Orchestra Parents Association) newsletter of the year. You will also receive this by mail, but it includes one important and time-sensitive date:

September 1, 2018 - Welcome Back & Several Other Items

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Hi all!

I hope the summer has treated you all well. Can't believe it is September!

You will receive messages via Infinite Campus throughout the year. I try to label them with the [MHS ORCH 2018-19] subject so you know who it is from. Also note that if you reply directly to these, I may or may not get it and it might be delayed several days. Best is to send me an email.

1) We will not need instruments that first day of class on Tuesday 9/4 (only 20 minutes of class) but please bring your own instrument that first full day of class (A for Symphonies Block 2 & 3, B for Cardinal) and the next several after that. After a week or so, we will know how many school instruments are available to use at school. Don't own an instrument? No trouble--we will make sure you can use one. The small fee for school instrument use/rental will be run again through FeePay.

2) As many of you know, the MHS Orchestras are touring to Spain & Portugal over this coming Spring Break 2019. Many of you have signed up, and there is room for more students (and parent chaperones). Another message with more info is coming soon, or you can contact me directly.

3) Our music students are supported in many ways by the MHS Band and Orchestra Parent Association (BOPA). All parents who have students enrolled in a band or orchestra are automatically members of BOPA, and many of you (I hope!) will choose to be active members, assisting our efforts to enhance the music education of your students. Some ways BOPA supports include summer camp scholarships, travel assistance grants, and Solo & Ensemble accompanists for all musicians. BOPA also runs 2 major fundraisers: the Fruit Sale (Oct/Nov) and the Spring Supper (April). Look for the first issue of the BOPA newsletter, The Whole Note, coming to your snail mail boxes in a week or so.

On Thursday 9/20 at 7:00pm in the PAC, BOPA will hold its annual general meeting. Even if you are familiar with the Orchestra program and with BOPA, attending the meeting will be worth your time. We are trying out a revamped format, we will provide information on coming BOPA events, and there will also be a visit from MCPASD's Perry Hibner, who will be telling us about the referendum plans and how music fits into them. The meeting will last 60-75 minutes tops. Please come!

4) During the year, we use the Remind app to send out text reminders to students about upcoming orchestra related items. It is a free opt-in service and nobody sees anyone else's cell phone numbers. There is also a choice to receive the texts via email. Because the information that comes this way is important, we ask that all students join or provide a reason for not joining (no cell phone, etc.). Parents can join as well if receiving the texts would help your student.

Click on the links to enroll:

CARDINAL ORCHESTRA or text @mhs-co to the number 81010 (or to 918-710-3622)

SYMPHONY BLOCK 2 or text @mhs-sym2 to the number 81010 (or to 918-710-3622)

SYMPHONY BLOCK 3 or text @mhs-sym3 to the number 81010 (or to 918-710-3622)

5) Attached is a copy of this year's calendar of orchestra events. Please please please enter these events on the family calendar and prioritize them as important for your student's musical education. If there are any adjustments, I will send out that info as soon as I can.

6) Back to School Night is coming up on Wednesday 9/12. Hope to see many of you there!

That is all for now! Please drop me a note if you have any questions.

Steve Kurr

829-9870

August 2018 - Orchestra News for 2018-2019

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We are set for a groundbreaking year for MHS Orchestra! The most exciting thing is that we have added an orchestra, bringing us up to 3 orchestras with almost 120 musicians enrolled.

We will have some terrific musical guests this year, including some names not yet released.
Nathan Giglierano is returning to perform Vivaldi's "Spring" both here and on the Spring Break tour to Portugal & Spain.
November brings our regular concerts, featuring all 3 orchestras. Philomusica is taking part in a new event in January: the Winter Festival will have Philo performing side-by-side with 5th and 6th-grade musicians from the district.
Solo & Ensemble is early this year, coming on February 9.
Eine Kleine Kindermusik, the Concerto Showcase, and The Orchestra Demonstration of Creativity are all back in March, and our final concerts come in May.
We get a student teacher in the Spring--keep an eye out for more details.

Finally, the repertoire this year includes some incredible works by such composers as Tchaikovsky, Rutter, Bizet, Schubert, Holst, Meyer, Stravinsky, and Shostakovich.

I hope you are your families are looking forward to it all as much as I am!

Mr. Steve Kurr

skurr@mcpasd.k12.wi.us

May 8, 2018 Campus Messenger - Orchestra News

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Howdy, Orchestra Folks!

1) The newest edition of the Whole Note is complete and ready for your reading. Please go to the MHSBOPA web page and read it through for all the good information in there. While you are at the web page, take a look at all the other goodies there. Thanks to Laura Guse for her fine work on the newsletter and Danielle Boorstein for her work on the web page!

2) AP testing season is upon us. It is tempting for students to want to miss the rest of the day when they have a half day exam. Please consider helping them understand that not all classes are done after the AP tests. Orchestra has a ways to go yet!

3) CARDINAL ORCHESTRA families: Our Capitol Field Trip is tomorrow (Wed) 5/9.

All students need to have a permission slip turned in before they can board the bus. Even a signed not from home works.
Dress is Casual Neat or Blue Orchestra t-shirts.
Many students are bringing their folding music stands. Please remember to label both parts!
We are eating lunch at Ian's Pizza--have students bring money for lunch or bring a sack lunch.
Cellos--bring your own (in a hard case if possible--I have 2 here I can loan out).
We leave around 10:30 and return around 2pm.
Families are welcome to come liosten--we perform at 12:15!

4) As you likely know, Lynne Wymore is retiring this year after 27 years teaching orchestra in MCPASD. We are trying to send her off in style in several way:

We are collecting donations to purchase a commemorative brick in her honor at each middle school
We are also hoping to collect enough funds to purchase a commemorative seat in the PAC.
With any extra funds we will provide her with a gift card to some of her favorite businesses.
The combined 8th and 9th graders are premiering a new work called Blossom, composed in her honor, at the May 15 concert. The Symphony will perform it again, with Mrs. Wymore conducting, at the Almost Summer Concert on 5/30.

Please consider contributing to our Lynne Wymore Retirement Fund by sending a check to MHS (Wymore Retirement in the notes field) or click on the Donate for Mrs. Wymore link that will going up on the web site in a day or so. $5, $10, $20, or more is a great way to thank Mrs. Wymore for over a quarter century of string education in our district!

Thanks!

829-9870

April 10, 2018 Campus Messenger - Several Housekeeping Items--please take a look

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Hi all,

A whole bunch of smaller items for your information.

1) May becomes concert season. Please make sure you put the following dates on your calendars and help students navigate the inevitable conflicts with work and sports practices and so forth. These events should take precedence over anything except possibly a state tournament.

PHILOMUSICA: Monday 5/14 (5:30 at MHS) and Thursday 5/17 (6:30 at GCMS)
- These 2 concerts are with the elementary school students and serve as some major recruiting for orchestra.
CARDINAL ORCHESTRA
- Sunday 4/22 there is an optional but encouraged event at KMS at 3:30. We will be joining the Pheasant Branch Strings (an adult ensemble of string learners) much like we did at Attic Angels in the fall. We will only be performing with them on 1 piece and playing 1 of our own.
- Wednesday 5/9 is a CardOrch field trip to perform at the WI State Capitol Building. Students will eat lunch on State St and perform at noon in the Rotunda. Optional but HIGHLY encouraged.
- Tuesday 5/15 in the PAC at 7pm is our final curricular concert for the Cardinals. We finish the evening with a combined piece with the 8th graders in honor of the retirement of Mrs. Wymore.
- Cardinal Orch students are invited to the Symphony Almost Summer Concert on Wed 5/30. We will be handing out some awards, honoring our graduating seniors, and the Cardinals should also see what to expect for next year. Optional but highly encouraged.
SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
- Wednesday 5/30 at 7:30 is the Almost Summer Concert. 1812 Overture. Saying Good Luck to Mrs. Wymore. Senior Roasts. Yep.

ALL ORCHESTRA MUSICIANS

Monday April 16 during Block 1 is our Fine Arts Week performance. Students should come right to the PAC at the beginning of the school day in casual neat dress.
Monday 5/21 is the Music Department Awards Reception. Cake and punch at 6:30pm in the Courtyard with a program at 7pm. Students will receive S&E medals, summer camp scholarships, and more. A great night of student recognition!

2) There are several other events that might be of interest to orchestra members and their families:

Saturday 4/14 is The Duttons, a string playing family from Branson, MO. Brought to you by the Friends of the PAC. Check out the Duttons HERE.
The OJM Jam at Common Ground Middleton takes place on Wed 4/11 and a special State S&E Tune Up session takes place on Wednesday 4/25. Ask me for details if interested.
The Pheasant Branch Conservancy is once again hosting Tunes on Tuesday, which is chamber music along the paths during Tuesday evenings in the summer. Students are encouraged to sign up to perform for 1-hour slots. It is a ton of fun: go HERE to sign up!

3) State S&E fees are now up on FeePay. Go to the site, click on Activities and then the word "Fees" in the upper left hand side. MHS: 2018 State Solo and Ensemble/Strings

4) I want to thank Kim Mackey for all his incredible work on Spring Supper. Over 600 meals were served, more than 120 items were auctioned off, 700+ raffle tickest were sold, and we raised over $20,000 to assist the orchestra and band programs at MHS! Spectacular work!

Kim asked that I send this out to you all:

On behalf of the ScSA Planning Committee:

Thank you to EVERYONE who attended the
Spring Concert Supper and Auction, last Saturday night.

The event was planned, staffed, and worked by a HUGE number of volunteers.
THANKS !!

FEEDBACK::
We, the committee, hope the event was all you wanted it to be, and all it could be.
The reality is that we MUST have under achieved, somewhere.

So, PLEASE COMPLETE the following sentence:

"Next year, you should........................ "
CLICK HERE TO RESPOND

ALSO, if you wish/want or plan to HELP OUT NEXT YEAR, please respond.
The even is easier to plan if we know more about who will be supporting the effort.

Regards,

Planning Committee
2018 Spring Supper & Auction.

Thanks for getting all the way through!

829-9870

March 13, 2018 Campus Messenger - Volunteers for Spring Supper Needed!

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Dinner, Concert and Auction.
April 7, 2018.
4:30 to 8:00 pm.

PLEASE sign up to WORK, ONE SLOT…..
Please !!!

We RELY upon PARENTS to make this a GREAT NIGHT !!

Sign Up HERE to HELP/work.

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0948afab22a75-mhsbopa

More info:
https://www.middletonbandorchestra.org/  (Click on SPRING concert, Supper….)

Questions:
MHSBOPASpringSupper@gmail.com

Also….

Online Tickets.
https://www.middletonbandorchestra.org/events-2/spring-concert-supper-auction

Printable Tickets.
https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/649d91_676f947d44ae4ee8bb416eab017cc267.pdf

Kim Mackey
Chair, 2018 Spring Supper & Auction.

March 12, 2018 Campus Messenger - Get TICKETS for SPRING concert, Supper, Auction. 4/7/2018

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Dinner, Concert and Auction.
April 7, 2018.
4:30 to 8:00 pm.

TIME TO GET YOUR TICKETS !!

Online Ticket.

Printable Ticket.

More info:
https://www.middletonbandorchestra.org/  (Click on SPRING concert, Supper….)

Questions:
MHSBOPASpringSupper@gmail.com Or
608/203.6042.

Kim Mackey
Chair, 2018 Spring Supper & Auction.

March 11, 2018 Campus Messenger - Concert Reception Sign Up & Concert info

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Hi all,

The Mike Dewey Concert is this coming Thursday 3/15. Hope you are planning on attending!

We can use help with the reception. Not a large task--click the link to help out!
Students arrive in concert clotrhes by 6:30 for a 6:45 warm-up.
Concert begins at 7:30.

The Eine Kleine Kindermusik performance is coming up on Tuesday morning. A few notes:

There are 863 MCPASD 2nd and 3rd graders ready to hear us!
Students arrive at school and head right to the PAC at the start of Block 1.
While not officially required, it is quite important for us--each person missing diminishes us. You should have already told me that you will not be able to perform.
We finish around 10:15, so students can make it for almost all of their Block 2 classes.
This will count as 3 hours of service learning for Semester 2.

608-829-9870

March 7, 2018 Campus Messenger - Orchestra Info!

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Hello Orchestra Folks!

The latest issue of The Whole Note, the newsletter for the Band and Orchestra Parent Association, is now available for your reading pleasure on the BOPA web page. Please read it through for information about upcoming events, including ticket forms for the Spring Supper on Saturday, April 7.

Concerts coming up:

Mike Dewey Concerto Showcase [Symphony only]
1. Students arrive in concert clothes for a short warm-up on stage at 6:45pm
2. Concert begins at 7:30pm
3. Reception sign up is coming soon
Orchestra Creation Demonstration [Cardinal Only]
1. Students arrive in concert clothes by 6:30pm
2. Concert begins at 7:00pm (note the early start time)

We have parent/teacher conferences next week Wed 3/14 in the arena style from 6-8pm. If you would rather have a more private conference, I am available 4-6pm that same day to meet with parents. Just contact me for a time or come stop by in the Fieldhouse!

February 28, 2018 Campus Messenger - For Parents - Spring Supper - brief, timely & IMPORTANT

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This email is a REQUEST for DONATIONS to our Silent Auction.

What: Spring Concert, Supper & Auction.
When: April 7, 2018, Saturday. 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm.
Who: Every Band and Orchestra group performs.
Food: Tasty Italian Dinner, from Gino’s. Great desserts!

FUNDRAISING for this event:

Proceeds: used to SUPPORT the GREAT THINGS the MHS Band and Orchestra do for the students.
Like what: instruments, instruction clinics, and more.

YOU CAN HELP!

WE NEED: donations.
Like what: tickets to events, jewelry, gift certificates, sports memorabilia, artwork,
Theme Baskets, and more

HOW to give: through Sign-up Genius: Spring Supper Silent Auction Baskets & Items

Contact Shelly Dusek at shellydusek@bellsouth.net if you have any questions.

Kim Mackey
Chair, 2018 Spring Supper & Auction

February 25, 2018 Campus Messenger - Minnesota Information

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Hello parents and students:

Please find in this email all of the important information for our upcoming band/orchestra tour.

1. Rules for Band/Orchestra Tours

2. Missed Classes - Remember that we are missing school on Friday, March 2nd. Please communicate with your B-day teachers tomorrow to make sure you don't miss any assignments.

We'll see you in the PAC Lobby at 7:15 AM on Friday. It's going to be a great trip!

February 18, 2018 Campus Messenger - Orchestra Updates

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Howdy Families Orchestra!

Solo & Ensemble is 1 week away--hearing beautiful sounds of practice I hope.

1) The schedule has been released, but it is a draft and some things may change. You can find it sometime on Sunday posted on the BOPA WEB SITE. On Thursday, a closer-to-final version comes out and will also be posted. The final version comes out Saturday at the festival.

2) We need your help! We need parent volunteers to help make the day run smoothly. Please sign up for a shift at HERE Many hands make light work.

3) Another responsibility of the host school is to provide a potluck lunch for the instructors, judges, and accompanists. That is 60-70 people. Can you bring something on your way to watch your musicians perform? On your way to helping as a room monitor (hint, hint...)? Sign up HERE.

4) This is a reminder that the final payment for the Minneapolis field trip was due last week. Attached is the original copy of the final balance spreadsheet, and send in your check made out to MHS BOPA as soon as possible. If you have already paid, thanks!

Note that this email is being sent to all band families, not specifically to students who are missing their final payment.

That is enough for now. Ask your student to play their solo for you!

608-829-9870

skurr@mcpasd.k12.wi.us

January 30, 2018 Campus Messenger - Orchestra Updates

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1. Cheesecake Order Forms - Order forms and payment for the cheesecake fundraiser are due tomorrow, January 31st. Please have all checks made out to MHSBOPA, and be ready to pick up cheesecakes after school on February 13th.

2. StringFever is coming up next week TUESDAY 2/6. Students will be attending a clinic during the day with the gents and performing on the concert that evening. Performing students get into the concert for free and all others are $10 general admission. If that would put a strain on family finances, we can create ticket scholarships for families--just let me know. Going to be an exciting night! Hey, students: dress for the night is your BLUE ORCHESTRA SHIRT!

3. Volunteer at Solo/Ensemble - Parents: sign up HERE to volunteer at Solo and Ensemble on February 24th. It's going to be another incredible year with over 550 performances by Middleton High School students alone! We are always in particular need of room monitors. A few students still owe their fees--please get those taken care of as soon as possible or talk to me if there a reason for the delay.

4. We need a couple of parent volunteers to help with the State Honors auditions here at MHS on Saturday 2/10. We need a couple of people to put together a small breakfast for the judges and another couple to put together a lunch. All costs are reimbursed. Please let me know if you can help.

5. Minneapolis Trip Final Payment - Final payments for the Minneapolis Tour are due Friday, February 9th. Most participants owe $174, but many students have funds in their student accounts that will be applied toward that balance. Click here to see your balance due. All parent chaperones owe $174.

December 18, 2017 Campus Messenger - BOPA Newsletter and S&E Forms

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HI all!

Winter Break is almost upon us. Just 2 quick notes for you all.

1) The latest Whole Note, our BOPA newsletter, is ready and on the new BOPA website. Please go in and read the information, see the pictures, and thank Laura Guse for her hard work. While you are at the BOPA page, peruse it and see what is there. Go right to the newsletter by clicking on this link: WHOLE NOTE

2) S&E registration forms are due before break. Please have students fill out the forms, bring a check made out to MHS, and turn it in before they head out for the days off.

Enjoy your Winter Break!

December 8, 2017 Campus Messenger - Looking for a few more fruit sale volunteers!

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Hi. We are still in need of a few more parent volunteers for tomorrow morning for some 8:00am - 12:00 pm shifts. It’s very likely that we would need fewer volunteers around 11:30am so the shift would be shorter. Please consider it, even if you cannot stay the entire time, just make a note of it. Please visit http://goo.gl/v8SdAq to sign up if you are able to help supervise.

Positions still open:
Order Checking Supervisor: The student teams will fill the orders and then escort the parents and cart(s) to the exit door, where you will be waiting to check the load on the cart against the order form. Any discrepancies must be resolved before the cart can proceed to loading.

Vehicle Loading Supervisor: Supervise the loading of the vehicles. The students will do the heavy lifting. You will be asked to provide one last accuracy check. Dress warm. Student volunteers will bring you hot beverages to warm up and, if we have enough volunteers, you will be able to come inside periodically to warm up. You are our last interaction with the parents picking up the fruit!

Thank you!

Sincerely,
Fruit Sale Committee, BOPA & the Band & Orchestra teachers

December 7, 2017 Campus Messenger - Last Fruit Sale Info

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Parents and Students,

Delivery Day is upon us this Saturday. If you are volunteering, please make sure you know what time slot you have signed up for. Meet in the Student Center to check in. Parents MORE volunteer positions were added because we have sold much more this year as we had to add more student volunteers, too. Please visit http://goo.gl/v8SdAq to sign up if you are able to help supervise.

Picking Up Orders
Order payment/pick up takes place from 8:30 am - 11:30 am for orders under $800. Please bring your checks made payable to MHS BOPA but don’t fill out the amount until we can verify the total with you at the registration/payment table where you will start the process. Our committee and volunteers have gone through your order forms SIX times to check for mistakes and there were many.

Those who have orders totaling more than $800, please come to pay for and pick up your order starting at 10:00 am. We will set aside your order before you arrive.

If there are extra boxes of fruit, we will be selling them before and after concerts next week. Please bring either cash or checks if you would like more.

Thank you everyone for your hard work in making this a huge success. We definitely sold more than last year and final results will be shared in early January.

Best wishes,
The Fruit Sale Committee and Band & Orchestra teachers

December 6, 2017 Campus Messenger - Quick Fruit Follow-Up

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Parents and Students,
Delivery Day is upon us this Saturday. If you are volunteering, please make sure you know what time slot you have signed up for. Meet in the Student Center to check in. Parents MORE volunteer positions were added because we have sold much more this year as we had to add more student volunteers, too. Please visit http://goo.gl/v8SdAq to sign up if you are able to help supervise.

Those who have orders totaling more than $800, please come to pay for and pick up your order starting at 10:00 am. We will set aside your order before you arrive.

If there are extra boxes of fruit, we will be selling them before and after concerts next week. Please bring either cash or checks if you would like more.

Thank you everyone for your hard work in making this a huge success. We definitely sold more than last year and final results will be shared in early January.

Best wishes,
The Fruit Sale Committee and Band & Orchestra teachers

December 6, 2017 Campus Messenger - Fruit Day, MN Trip, other updates

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Several updates and such--please take a peek!

1. Any Symphony parents who want to join us for all or part of the day on Friday for the Winter Tea performances at Sauk Trail and Sunset Ridge, please let me know. Punch and cookies galore!

2. Fruit Delivery Day, December 9th - This Saturday before sunrise, a semi trailer full of fruit will pull into the school parking lot, and it will all be distributed before noon! Parents sign up to volunteer by clicking HERE. Students sign up to volunteer on the bulletin board at school. Everyone remember to bring a single check for all of your fruit, and pick up your order between 8:00 and 11:30. Every student should help us out if at all possible.

3. Solo/Ensemble Forms: Our S&E are due much earlier this year because we have moved our event earlier. Fill them out completely with your name, event information, and group members. Remember that class A solos must provide their own judge's copies. A copy of the form is available by clicking HERE.

4. Minneapolis Cultural Tour Forms Due, December 11th - Registration forms and deposits for our Minneapolis 2018 tour are due next Monday! Medical forms are also due at this time, which may require a doctor's signature. Additional forms are available by clicking HERE. All MHS Band and Orchestra students are invited to attend! If your student would like to go but the funds will keep you from joining, please fill out the health forms and attach a little note advocating for one of our dozen full scholarships.

5. BOPA Volunteers always needed - Just a reminder to fill out the volunteer form on the website ( www.middletonbandorchestra.org) by clicking on "Volunteer." This is a great way to get involved supporting your students in our busy music program. On behalf of the students, THANK YOU! None of these experiences would be possible without your help.

6. Remember to check the BOPA Website! www.middletonbandorchestra.org

7. BOPA is still in search of a person to prepare out taxes, either pro bono or a relaxed fee. If you or somebody you know is willing to take on this task, please contact me right away.

Thanks!

November 14, 2017 Campus Messenger - Fruit Corrections, Email Asssistance, and Spiritwear reminder

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The final day to order Orchestra Spirit Wear items will be this coming FRIDAY 11/17. We will put the order into the printers and have it back in a couple of weeks--before Winter Break. Order at the web site at https://www.middletonbandorchestra.org/shop.

Thanks!

829-9870

skurr@mcpasd.k12.wi.us

A couple of things from the fruit committee--please read!

Dear band and orchestra parents and students,

We apologize for sending out multiple emails at the launch of our fruit sale. There was a glitch in the system. We also were alerted to some errors that are corrected below. You may want to change these things on your copies.

Corrections:
The Fruit Sale website: www.middletonbandorchestra.org/fruit-sale

Fruit Sale Flyer: Large Apple Sampler is $35 (not $45)

Email Sales Are Encouraged!

We are providing you with a sample message you can email to family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, etc. Just add your information and/or change it as you see fit.

Attached is a PDF with the products and prices you can share. It will be necessary for your customers to let you know by Nov. 26 what they want to buy and to pay you.

Please write their orders on your order form and turn in the form by Mon., Nov. 27. Follow the directions on the info. sheet (or found on our website https://middletonbandorchestra.org/fruit-sale) regarding bringing payment made to MHS BOPA and pick up of your orders on Dec. 9 in the MHS Student Center. Enter door #4, please.

We wish you luck and our appreciation for all the effort in making this fundraiser a success.

Questions? If you can find answers on the website contact our parent chair Krysia Braun ( mhsfruitsale@gmail.com) or any of the teachers.

Sample Email Message:
===========================
Hi.

The Band & Orchestra program at my school is having a fruit sale fundraiser. Please consider purchasing fruit, which will be delivered on or close to Dec. 9, 2017. Please take a look at the attached document to see the high quality fruit we are selling. This fruit has the reputation for being exceptional and comparable in price to your local grocery store.

Take a look and let me know if you would like anything and I will order it for you. I need to receive your order by Nov. 25. You can send a check made out to _______ and mail it to ______________.

Any donation orders to Middleton Outreach Ministry Food Pantry (M.O.M.) will be delivered for you. Let me know if you would like to do this.

If you order fruit, I will contact you before Dec. 9 to arrange delivery. I appreciate your support. Thank you!

Sincerely,

November 14, 2017 Campus Messenger - Fruit Sale Email Sales + Updates

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Dear band and orchestra parents and students,

Corrections:
- The Fruit Sale website: middletonbandorchestra.org/fruit-sale

- Fruit Sale Flyer: Large Apple Sampler is $35 (not $45)

Email Sales Are Encouraged!

We are providing you with a sample message you can email to family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, etc. Just add your information and/or change it as you see fit.

Attached is a PDF with the products and prices you can share. It will be necessary for your customers to let you know by Nov. 26 what they want to buy and to pay you.

We wish you luck and our appreciation for all the effort in making this fundraiser a success.

Questions? If you can find answers on the website contact our parent chair Krysia Braun (mhsfruitsale@gmail.com) or any of the teachers.

Products and Prices

Concert Schedule

Fruit Sale Instruction Packet

Flyers

Sample Email Message:
===========================
Hi.
The Band & Orchestra program at my school is having a fruit sale fundraiser. Please consider purchasing fruit, which will be delivered on or close to Dec. 9, 2017. Please take a look at the attached document to see the high quality fruit we are selling. This fruit has the reputation for being exceptional and comparable in price to your local grocery store.

This sale will support my school's Band & Orchestra program. Proceeds help to provide: instruments for those without, instruction by specialists, transportation to events, accompanists for competitions, music camp scholarships and much more.
Take a look and let me know if you would like anything and I will order it for you. I need to receive your order by Nov. 25. You can send a check made out to _______ and mail it to ______________.
Any donation orders to Middleton Outreach Ministry Food Pantry (M.O.M.) will be delivered for you. Let me know if you would like to do this.
If you order fruit, I will contact you before Dec. 9 to arrange delivery. I appreciate your support. Thank you!
Sincerely,

November 10, 2017 Campus Messenger - Launching the Fruit Sale!

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Copy, scan or take a photo of your order form before turning it in! We will have a copy for you on Delivery Day.
Order forms are due Monday, Nov. 27 (3 weeks to sell!)
All fruit must be picked up on Delivery Day between 8:30 - 11:30am on Saturday, Dec. 9
Customers should direct payment to you. Each student/family will then write ONE check to MHS BOPA on fruit Delivery Day. No m oney should be turned in with order forms, please!

Helping on Delivery Day: The BOPA fruit sale is really a "by parents, for students" fundraiser. The entirety of Delivery Day is coordinated by parents. On Fruit Delivery Day (Sat. 12/9) parents and students gather at the MHS Student Center to help unload, sort and distribute an entire semi truck full of fruit. The link for parents to sign up is HERE. Students will sign up to volunteer at school. Please consider helping out. It's a lot of fun!

Sales Packet Contents:

Students will be given a packet containing:

If you need more order forms, you can ask the band and orchestra teachers for another one.

Selling Suggestions:

Fruit nearly sells itself since most people buy it every week anyway. Our fruit has the reputation for exceptional quality.
Email friends and family. A PDF is attached to make it easier for you.
Parents can put up a flyer and/or leave an order form at work. Get more from our webpage!
Sell at church or other religious community gatherings after services.
Go door-to-door in your neighborhood with a friend or visit your friends’ neighborhoods with them.
Ask current and former teachers

Thank you to everyone for helping to make this year’s fundraising successful. Information about the Fruit Sale can be found at www.middletonbandandorchestra.org/fruit-sale.

Questions? Contact the parent committee chair Krysia Braun ( mhsfruitsale@gmail.com) or any of the teachers.

November 10, 2017 Campus Messenger - Concert Info and Reception & Two Optional events this coming weekend!

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Hi all,

Concert week is approaching! Here is the scoop for the week:

MHS students may come help tune the GCMS and KMS 5th graders on Monday and/or Tuesday. Helpers should arrive around 5:45-6pm at the PAC (no equipment needed) and they will be done by 6:40. Each day counts as 10 QSA points and 1 hour of service learning.
Thursday arrival in full concert garb around 6:30, group warm-up on stage at 6:45, and the performance begins at 7:30. This is for ALL MHS orchestra musicians.
We can use help with the post-concert reception. Please sign up HERE to assist.

This weekend there are 2 possible events that students can take part in for grade credit and service learning. Both are completely optional, although a number of students did commit to the first one and therefore should see it as required (they should know who they are...).

1) Saturday, some members of Cardinal and Symphony are joining the Pheasant Branch Strings (a group of adult string learners) for a short concert at Attic Angels. Students taking part would have already been to the ASR rehearsal earlier this week. Dress is casual neat, arrival time (come to the parking lot on Attic Angels Cir, off Old Sauk near Junction Rd.--see map attached) is 2:45pm, concert starts at 3:30 and will finish around 4:15. Families are welcome to stay. Students should remember their music stands!

2) Sunday is a performance of the Melharmony Festival at the PAC featuring a world premiere by the Middleton Community Orchestra with guests Kyle Knox and Chitravina N. Ravikiran. Performance starts at 6:30 and lasts about 1 hour. There is a dinner served afterward and a raffle, both are part of the entry ticket. Students may attend the concert for free if they have told me ahead of time that they are coming.

Cost is free for students who tell me ahead of time
Families can attend: $10 for adults, $5 for non-orchestra students.
All tickets get dinner and a raffle ticket. Catered Indian cuisine!
Students can get 10 QSA points for attending.

Questions? Send me an email at skurr@mcpasd.k12.wi.us

Thanks!

November 10, 2017 Campus Messenger - BOPA Fruit Sale 2017!

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Hello, band and orchestra parents and students.

The annual BOPA Fruit Sale is starting! This is one our largest group fundraisers that helps pay for the purchase of new instruments, instrument repair and maintenance, transportation to events, clinicians & guest artists, accompanists during competitions & music camp scholarships.

Students can also individually earn funds to offset cultural tour costs and Solo & Ensemble fees. This account accrues so students can start saving for future events!

This year, our goal is for everyone to sell at least 5 boxes of fruit. Culver’s has donated coupons for a free scoop of vanilla custard and one will be given for every 5 products sold. Donations in lieu of sales are also appreciated and can be written on your order form whether by you or others. Receipts can be provided for tax purposes.

Critical Fruit Sale Info:
-   Copy, scan or take a photo of your order form before turning it in! We will have a copy for you on Delivery Day.
-   Order forms are due Monday, Nov. 27 (3 weeks to sell!)
-   All fruit must be picked up on Delivery Day between 8:30 - 11:30am on Saturday, Dec. 9
-   Customers should direct payment to you. Each student/family will then write ONE check to MHS BOPA on fruit Delivery Day. No money should be turned in with order forms, please!

Helping on Delivery Day: The BOPA fruit sale is really a "by parents, for students" fundraiser. The entirety of Delivery Day is coordinated by parents. On Fruit Delivery Day (Sat. 12/9) parents and students gather at the MHS Student Center to help unload, sort and distribute an entire semi truck full of fruit. The link for parents to sign up is goo.gl/v8SdAq. Students will sign up to volunteer at school. Please consider helping out. It's a lot of fun!

Sales Packet Contents: Students have been given a packet containing:
1. Info. & Instructions

2. Order Form (both sides)
3. Flyers
4. Brochure

5. Concert Invitations for customers

If you need more order forms, they are available in the band or orchestra rooms.

Attached are Instructions, flyers and concert invitations should you need more of these.

Selling Suggestions: Fruit nearly sells itself since most people buy it every week anyway. Our fruit has the reputation for exceptional quality.
-   Email friends and family. A PDF is attached to make it easier for you.
-   Parents can put up a flyer and/or leave an order form at work. Get more from our webpage!
-   Sell at church or other religious community gatherings after services.
-   Go door-to-door in your neighborhood with a friend or visit your friends’ neighborhoods with them.

- Ask current and former teachers

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1-bftEX4aqtHZH3Ig...

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B2tgnidbji18YWQw...

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2tgnidbji18STJEd...

November 1, 2017 Campus Messenger - Soirée Info & Sign-Up Genius

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Hi all,

The Orchestra Soiree III is this coming Friday. Students are asked to come after school for a 4-5pm rehearsal with all orchestra students: Cardinal, Symphony, and full orchestra winds/brass/percussion. We will be preparing for the concert coming up on 11/16.

Afterward, we will be having food and some fun activities. Students can leave when they need to for other commitments, but we will hang around until 8/9 pm.

Food will be served in the Courtyard. Jets Pizza and more: please sign up to bring some food to to help out:
- http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0f48aaa82ba57-or...
Inflatables will also be in the Courtyard: Gladiator Joust, Hoppy Horses, and the Velcro Wall!
Bring movies to share on the screen in the choir room. DVD is fine, BluRay might not work in there.
Games will go in the Orch Room: bring cards or your favorite board games or party games.

A great time to socialize, meet other orchestra members, and have a fun time! Yes, parents who come to help can also try out the inflatables...

October 31, 2017 Campus Messenger - Tour Early Bird Deadline and a few other tidbits

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Hi all,

Today is the final day for the early bird Spain/Portugal tour sign up. You can still enroll after today, but the early enrollment discount of $200 disappears in November and the price may change down the road as well for new enrollments.

One important clarification: The Band and the Orchestra are both touring to Spain in 2019, but these are simultaneous but separate trips to different cities. Our tour will be orchestra only.

Madison Opera tomorrow. Send lunch money with students joining us for the trip. FeePay closed on us, so look for it to open. If you have not yet paid (and therefore not turned in the virtual permission slip) please send a written note from home with signature giving permission for attendance.

The Orchestra Soiree III is coming Friday. Students should attend at least the 4-5 rehearsal if at all possible, and then stay as desired for the food, fun, and 'flatables.

Thanks!

October 19, 2017 Campus Messenger - Important Orchestra Information

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Hi, Orchestra Families!

There are several items in today's note. Please read thoroughly and contact me with any questions you may have.

Items include:

Whole Note Newsletter
Cardinal Orchestra Concert
Tour Update
Soiree on 11/3
Orchestra Spirit Wear
Annual T-shirts!
Taxes

1) Whole Note

The Whole Note, the newsletter of the Band and Orchestra Parent Association, is attached and ready for you to read. There is lots of really great information and some important reminders, so please be in the habit of reading this each issue. Thanks to Laura Guse for putting it together!

2) Cardinal Orchestra Concert

The Cardinal Orchestra will be joining forces with the Cardinal Band and Cardinal Chorale for the Cardinal Showcase this coming Tuesday 10/24. The concert starts at 7:30 pm in the PAC. Students should arrive in concert clothes by 6:45 pm for warming up and tuning. The entire performance will take about 1 hour.

Men: White dress shirt, long tie or bow tie (red is nice, others OK), Black dress pants (no black jeans or cords--Dockers are OK), black socks, black dress shoes (no black tennies or the like)

Women: Black dress pants (no skirts or dresses), appropriate black top (either long or short sleeve) with covered shoulders, optional splash of red, dark hose of some sort is preferred, black closed-toe dress shoes with no more than 1” heel (no flip-flops/sandals)

3) Tour Update

The Spain/Portugal sign up is progressing, and we have extended the sign-up deadline until NOVEMBER 1. You can still sign up after that date, but the $200 early discount will expire after Oct.31. HERE is the folder with information about the trip. Email with questions!

4) On Friday 11/3, the Orchestra will hold its 3rd annual SOIREE. All orchestra students are invited and encouraged to come. The fun starts with a semi-required/strongly encouraged rehearsal on stage in the PAC from 4-5pm. After that, we move on to inflatable fun: hoppy horses, a gladiator joust, and the velcro wall! We are also collecting dishes to pass and donated pizza, so watch for a request for your assistance in this. We are also looking for some parents to help supervise the evening (and yes, adults get to play with the inflatables, too!). We will also have rooms for movies and board gaming. It is fun every year!

5) Spirit Wear

Thanks to graphic artist Sarah Ripp Donovan (Orch CLas of 2006), we now have an official orchestra logo, and we have decided to put it to use on Orchestra Spirit Wear. Shirts, jackets, hats, sweatpants, and even a fleece onesie are available for purchase at the new BOPA WEBSITE STORE. While you are there, browse the rest of the site--and thanks to Danielle Boorstein for her work as the web administrator. Show your Orchestra Pride--orders will be taken until 11/17!

6) Annual T-Shirt

Separate from spirit wear, we have also created a new Annual T-Shirt for all orchestra musicians grades 4-12. Each year, a new design will appear on a shirt that will be used for concert events (Spring Supper, Fine Arts Week, middle school concerts, the Cardinal Creation Demonstration in March, etc.) and can also be worn to advertise orchestra events. Every student has been charged $6 in FeePay for the shirts, which will arrive in early November. Please go in and take care of that in the system. Younger students will eventually have a collection of the shirts, each with a different design, and that can become a reminder of the progress each student makes from beginner to high school musician (can you say "t-shirt quilt?...). Building community!

7) Tax preparation

Thanks for sticking with this rather lengthy note. Last item!

BOPA is looking for a new person to do the tax preparation after a retirement for our last one. Taxes need to be completed by the end of February. If you have the desire and skill to do this pro bono or at a reduced rate, or if you know somebody who would, please pass their contact info on to one of the MHS music teachers right away.

Thanks!

As always, I would love to hear from you!

Steve Kurr

829-9870

www.middletonbandorchestra.org

October 13, 2017 Campus Messenger - Concert Program Opportunities

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Dear Band Parents,
Are you looking for a great way to receive a tax write-off while supporting your student's musical endeavors? Do you want to honor your student for their hard work? Well look no further!

The Middleton High School Band and Orchestra programs are offering space in our 2017-2018 concert programs. This ad space is perfect for a shout-out to your hardworking music student or as a place to highlight your local business. Many parents also purchase space with other families to highlight a group or section (e.g., Freshman Flutes, Sophomore Jazz Combo). All donations are tax-deductible and directly help the music program provide equipment and opportunities like our jazz, marching, and solo/ensemble programs.

Attached is a 2017-2018 program ad sponsorship form. Please consider placing an ad to help us continue to provide great music education to your children.

Print 2-Sided with Short Edge Binding

October 9, 2017 Campus Messenger - Conferences this month

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Hi, Orchestra Families!

Conferences at MHS take place in 2 different formats:
1) Invite-Only Conferences are taking place on Wed 10/18 from 4-7pm and Wed 10/25 4-5pm. While these are often for students who are struggling in one or more courses, it is also a time when there can be targeted discussions about college plans or musical topics.
2) Arena Conferences happen on Wed 10/25 5-8pm in the Fieldhouse. This is where all the teachers sit in the room and parents pop around the room and talk to people they want to see.

Unfortunately I will be limited in my time at each of these days. On 10/18 I will only be around 4-6pm and on 10/25 I am working with the State Honors Orchestra at its rehearsal in the PAC that night.

I would like to invite any of you who would like to come for a chat to send me an email or give me a call and I will find you a time slot 4-6pm on 10.18. You can also call/email if you want to chat and 10/18 does not work for you--we can find some other time to meet.

Thanks!
SK

September 24, 2017 Campus Messenger - Orchestra Tour, Website & Volunteer Info

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Hi folks:

Most of this note will be about the trip to Spain/Portugal in Spring 2019. But first, 3 other quick items:

There were a couple of small changes to made in the Orchestra Calendar. I have linked a new and updated version HERE.

The new BOPA web site is up and running at www.middletonbandorchestra.org. Please go check it out and make a habit of checking in on it from time to time. Our goal is to make that a single stop for most of your informational needs.

One of those information needs housed at the web site is the VOLUNTEER FORM. BOPA provides some incredible experiences for your students, and none of it can happen without the great help of parents. Please go to the VOLUNTEER PAGE and fill out the Google form for us. Please try to do that right away!

SPAIN & PORTUGAL

I have linked a FOLDER that contains several documents regarding the proposed travel to Spain & Portugal during Spring Break 2019. Right now it contains 3 items:

The full brochure giving the itinerary as it stands now. It will be updated as we determine our performance venues.
A slide presentation that gives more information about the tour company, what is included in the trip, and the cost.
An Intent Form that all families can fill out so I know what you are planning for 2019. It helps my record keeping to know who is coming long, who is on the fence, and who is not planning to attend.

A short word about the number of available spots: The tour company has planned for 1 bus, and that will contain just over 40 paying travelers (both students and parents). If we start to get more than 40, we creep into the danger zone where we would need a second bus but it would not be filled enough to keep costs down. When we get into the realm of 60 paying travelers, then we can breathe easier and be assured a second bus (until we get to around 80-90...).

What they will do then is to accept the first 40 or so travelers and then the next several will be added to an official waiting list until the time that we might go above 60 and then everyone is fully enrolled. Anyone who pays the $95 enrollment fee and does not get to travel for space restrictions will certainly be refunded that fee in full. I hope we do not have to worry about a waiting list, so sign up in droves!

Tour questions? Please call or email and I will answer them as best as possible.

If any of the links do not work for you, please let me know so I can find another way to get the information to you.

Thanks!

829-8970

ORCHESTRA CALENDAR FOR FAMILIES

September 20, 2017 Campus Messenger - Spain/ Portugal Info + a few other items

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Hi folks:

Most of this note will be about the trip to Spain/Portugal in Spring 2019. But first, 3 other quick items:

There were a couple of small changes to made in the Orchestra Calendar. I have linked a new and updated version HERE.

SPAIN & PORTUGAL

I have linked a FOLDER that contains several documents regarding the proposed travel to Spain & Portugal during Spring Break 2019. Right now it contains 3 items:

The full brochure giving the itinerary as it stands now. It will be updated as we determine our performance venues.
A slide presentation that gives more information about the tour company, what is included in the trip, and the cost.
An Intent Form that all families can fill out so I know what you are planning for 2019. It helps my record keeping to know who is coming long, who is on the fence, and who is not planning to attend.

Tour questions? Please call or email and I will answer them as best as possible.

If any of the links do not work for you, please let me know so I can find another way to get the information to you.

Thanks!

September 19, 2017 Campus Messenger - BOPA General Meeting and Tour Info

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Hi all,

A reminder that tonight we have the Band And Orchestra Parents Association (BOPA) annual general meeting. Takes place at 7:00pm in the PAC. It will provide an introduction to BOPA, to the band and orchestra programs, a preview of the year, and let you know how you can help your student's music education.

Afterward (around 8pm), we will have a 30-45 minute introduction to the proposed Spain/Portugal Tour for Spring Break 2019.

For those unable to attend, I am sending out all information tomorrow, but it would be great to see you there.

Thanks!
SK

829-9870

skurr@mcpasd.k12.wi.us

September 8, 2017 Campus Messenger - Madison Opera: Carmen

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Hi folks,

On Wed November 1, the MHS Orchestras and Choir will be heading down to the Overture Center to watch the Madison Opera performance of Bizet's famous opera Carmen. That is a B Day, so students will miss Block 6 (Cardinal Orchestra), Advisory/Study Hall, Block 7, and perhaps part of ASR. We will eat lunch on State St. after the show (either bring a lunch along or bring $ to purchase). The cost of the opera is only $5. This trip is available to all orchestra students, Cardinal & Symphony.

We need students to sign up via this Google Form as soon as possible (before the end of the weekend please!). This will save a spot for them and also generate a $5 bill in FeePay.
There is a need for chaperones. The tickets for adults is also only $5, and you can indicate your decision to join us in that same Google form.

There is no requirement for students to attend this field trip, but this is a classic opera with many familiar tunes and it would be a great learning experience to see it performed live here in town.

Call or email with questions or concerns!

skurr@mcpasd.k12.wi.us

829-9870

August 24, 2017 Campus Messenger - August Orchestra News

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It is going to be a great year in the orchestra at MHS!

We welcome Ms. Marissa Bedard as the co-teacher for the Cardinal Orchestra this year. She is also teaching some band at MHS and KMS and will teach 1 section of Garage Band during the second semester.

We will have our normal concerts in November, March, and May, but with a twist for the Cardinals: The Cardinal Showcase, previously held in March, will now happen in late October! The Cardinal Orchestra, Band, and Chorale will all be performing together in a collaborative event only 7 weeks into school, so we will be moving fast. We will be bringing back the Orchestra Soiree at a date TBA.

In February, we welcome Stringfever to the PAC, with an afternoon clinic and an evening concert. Check them out at http://www.stringfeverusa.com/.

In March, the Symphony potentially will be joining the Concert Bands and Wind Ensemble on a cultural weekend tour to the Twin Cities. In March the Cardinal Orchestra, along with the 7th and 8th-grade string musicians, will take part in a new type of event called the Orchestra Creation Demonstration & Presentation where we will show the audience aspects of our learning that include improvisation, composition, and electronic explorations.

The year will be filled with interesting and varied repertoire, new and classic concert events, and guest clinicians!

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