Welcome to SMS Orchestras!

Gerry MacDougall• geraldmacdougall@solonboe.org• 440 349-7757 x5659• 15th year in Solon• Two children still in district• Master’s degrees in Cello Performance and

Music Theory; PhD Studies at Eastman School

Concerts this year: Always 7pm at SHS Auditorium!

1. Tuesday 12/2/14 – Concert 1With Orchard 6th graders

2. Tuesday 2/3/15 – Concert 2With Orchard 5th graders

3. Tuesday 5/12/15 – Concert 3Only grades 7 & 8!

Please arrive by 6:30; will last about 1 hr; We do not do a dress rehearsal!

Concert attire!

In general, I expect students to look nice: Boys – DO NOT WEAR TENNIS SHOES! Do wear dress shoes with matching socks, khaki or dress pants, and a collared shirt tucked into the pants. Ties are encouraged (as are suits if you so choose).Girls – dress pants or a skirt, dress blouse, dress shoes.

Uniforms become a requirement in HS….

Testing/Grading Procedures• All grades are weighted equally, but Concerts and

Quarterly Playing Tests are worth 200 points. Other in class tests are 100 points.

• Quarterly Playing Tests are new to 7th graders, familiar to 8th graders, and will be from the Suzuki Repertoire. Students are choosing their first assignment (with my help) mostly from Book 2.

• When is QPT1 due? A video recording (we will be learning/reviewing how to do this Friday) must be delivered to me by 10/17/14. Not submitted by this date = ½ credit max; after 10/24 = 0.

How You Can Help…• Playing is the most important thing your child can do to

improve, so:• Have them play their Suzuki and orchestra music for YOU! Any

time is a good time…• First assignment – 8th = Ashokan Farewell/ 7th = Old Joe Clark

for YOU!• Get private lessons – many ways to do this: from a Cleveland

Orchestra pro to a High School student, occasionally or weekly – some is better than none.

• Play @church/temple/retirement home/family event• Join an outside group: BW groups, CIM, Akron or Cleveland

youth orchestras, etc. Having friends join you increases the likelihood of success!

• Tutor a 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8th grader – teaching to others

My instrument needs help…

• It is common to have issues – getting them addressed is very important.

• Concerned? Ask me – nothing does more damage to skill development than a terrible instrument

• Take instrument to your rental company, but ask for a loaner if turnaround time will be more than 1-2 days

• Academy Music here in Solon 440 248-1745• Peter Zaret in Mayfield 440 461-1411• Peter Horn 216 526-2606 Brecksville

Best way to contact me?

Gerry MacDougallgeraldmacdougall@solonboe.org

Volunteer opportunities – Please help!

www.SolonMusicParents.orgI can’t wait to share our hard work

with you on December 2nd!