NCHS Orchestra News – Hauntcert, Extravaganza & Upcoming Events

Hauntcert is just around the corner, and we have several important reminders, deadlines, and opportunities for families to help. Please take a few minutes to read through everything below!

HAUNTCERT VOLUNTEERS – WE STILL NEED YOUR HELP!

We still have a number of critical volunteer positions that must be filled in order to produce Hauntcert!

Hauntcert is an enormous production, and while our students are working hard to prepare the musical portion of the evening, there is a tremendous amount of work happening behind the scenes. Many of the remaining volunteer positions are not simply extra helpers who would make things a little easier – they are jobs that are essential to making the show happen.

If you have not yet signed up to help, PLEASE take a look at the volunteer list and find a place where you can contribute. There are a variety of jobs available, and you do not need special musical knowledge or previous Hauntcert experience.

We are rapidly approaching the point where unfilled positions become a serious concern. It's better to spend these final two weeks preparing our students and polishing the performance than sending repeated requests for volunteers!

CLICK HERE TO VOLUNTEER FOR HAUNTCERT

Thank you to everyone who has already volunteered. We truly cannot do this without you!

COMBINED HAUNTCERT REHEARSAL – MONDAY, OCTOBER 19

Our next combined Hauntcert rehearsal is Monday, October 19, from 3:30–6:00 PM for Sinfonia, Intermezzo, and Chamber Orchestras only. Concert Orchestra students do not attend.

A few important reminders:

• Cellists who do not ride the bus should bring their instruments from home for rehearsal that morning.

• Students should bring all homework and other materials needed for rehearsal. They will not be permitted to return to their lockers after rehearsal.

• Rides must be waiting promptly at 6:00 PM. Please make transportation arrangements in advance.

• All students must be picked up in the BUS LANE, NOT at the front of the building.
  Thank you for helping us keep rehearsals running smoothly and ensuring everyone can leave promptly at 6:00 PM!

NOPA MEETING – MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 6:30 PM

Our next NCHS Orchestra Parents Association (NOPA) meeting will be Monday, October 19, at 6:30 PM in the orchestra room (Room 50). Doors J around the back of the building will be open. With Hauntcert just around the corner, we'll be working to finalize the remaining details and volunteer needs for the production.

We would really love to see more orchestra parents get involved! NOPA is a great way to support our students, help shape the activities and opportunities available to them, and get to know other orchestra families. You don't need to hold an office or make an enormous time commitment to participate. Sometimes simply having a few more people willing to take responsibility for a project makes all the difference.

HAUNTCERT – BATTERIES & DECORATION DONATIONS

• We are looking for a few additional supplies to help bring this year's Fiddling with Fear theme to life!
  AAA Batteries: We need AAA batteries for our orchestra stand lights. Donations can simply be sent to school with your student and brought to the orchestra room.
  Decorations & Props: This year's Hauntcert explores phobias and fears, with a medieval castle/quest atmosphere woven throughout the show. We would welcome donations or the opportunity to borrow items that might help us create that environment, including:

• Medieval or castle-themed decorations, banners, shields, prop swords, armor, crowns, and similar items

• Stone or castle-wall backdrops, dungeon-themed decorations, and faux torches

• Spooky but school-appropriate decorations, including skeletons, spiders, cobwebs, bats, and other fear-inspired items

• Other unusual props or decorations that might fit our Fiddling with Fear theme

If you have something you would like returned, please clearly label it with your name so we can get it back to you after the concert.

Smaller items can be sent to school with your student. For anything too large or bulky to transport to school easily, please send me a picture first so we can determine whether and how we might use it.

CHAMBER ORCHESTRA – FACULTY PREVIEW CONCERT, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21

Our Chamber Orchestra will perform a special preview concert for NCHS faculty on Wednesday, October 21, which is a half day for students. Chamber Orchestra students will remain at school after the regular student dismissal. We will rehearse, enjoy lunch together, and then perform for the faculty at approximately 12:45–1:00 PM. Students will be free to leave following the performance.
A few important details:

• Who: Chamber Orchestra only

• Lunch: Students should bring a sack lunch from home.

• Uniform: New long-sleeve NCHS Orchestra T-shirt and jeans

• Dismissal: Following the faculty performance, approximately 1:00 PM
  Please make sure your student has lunch and transportation arrangements in place for the afternoon.

EXTRAVAGANZA FOOD ORDERS – DEADLINE FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30

The U5 Music Parents Extravaganza is coming up, and families who would like to purchase food at the event should review the accompanying flyer for ordering information.

The deadline to order food is Friday, October 30.

There are also opportunities for families to volunteer and help support the event. Please see the flyer for food-ordering details and volunteer sign-up information.

You do NOT need to purchase food or pay admission to hear your student perform!

U5 MUSIC PARENTS EXTRAVAGANZA – MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9

All four NCHS orchestras – Concert, Sinfonia, Intermezzo, and Chamber – will perform at the U5 Music Parents Extravaganza on Monday, November 9, beginning at 5:30 PM.

Students will remain at school after dismissal that afternoon for rehearsals prior to the performance. Additional details regarding the rehearsal schedule, performance order, and student logistics will be shared as the event approaches.

The Extravaganza is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy performances by our Unit 5 music students while supporting the efforts of the Unit 5 Music Parents organization.

Again, there is no admission charge to attend the performances!

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES – SIGN-UPS COMING SOON

Parent-teacher conference sign-ups will be available soon.
Please be mindful when scheduling conferences that there are not enough available slots to accommodate every family. If you are happy with your student's progress and have no specific concerns, there is no need to schedule a conference. Leaving those slots available is especially helpful for families who have concerns or questions about private lessons, collegiate music opportunities, or other aspects of their student's musical development. Of course, I am always happy to meet with families who have questions or concerns!

THANK YOU!

The next few weeks are some of the busiest of our orchestra year, and we appreciate the support of our students and families. Between Hauntcert, the faculty preview concert, and Extravaganza, there are a lot of moving pieces!

Please pay particular attention to the Hauntcert volunteer list. Having those positions filled is one of the most important things our families can do to help us put together a successful show.
Thank you for your continued support of NCHS Orchestras!

NCHS Orchestra Updates 9.9.26

Hauntcert Apparel - Order by October 7

Hauntcert apparel is available again this year through JC Screen Printing. The ordering deadline is October 7, so don't wait until Hauntcert week and realize you meant to order something!

Click here to view and order Hauntcert apparel

Hauntcert Volunteers - We REALLY Need You!

Hauntcert is one of the highlights of our orchestra year, but it is also an enormous production. We simply cannot make it happen without a lot of parent help.

There are jobs before the concert, during the concert, behind the scenes, and after the final bow. In past years, we have reached the final weeks still trying to fill critical positions, which leads to repeated emails begging for help. No one wants 17 email versions of “No, seriously, we still need volunteers.” 😂

If your student is participating in Hauntcert, please take a look at the SignUpGenius now and see where you can help. You don't need special musical knowledge or Hauntcert experience - we just need people willing to pitch in. This production truly depends upon our orchestra families, and filling these positions early makes an enormous difference in what the final weeks look like for everyone involved. 

Click here to volunteer for Hauntcert

Please sign up now rather than waiting for another reminder!

Hauntcert Rehearsal Reminder - Monday, October 5

Our next combined Hauntcert rehearsal is Monday, October 5 from 3:30 - 6:00 pm for Chamber, Intermezzo and Sinfonia Orchestras.

A few important reminders:

• Cellists who do not ride the bus need to bring their cellos from home that morning. 
• Students need to have everything they will need for rehearsal with them. They will not be permitted to go back through the building to their lockers after rehearsal.
• Rides should be waiting promptly at 6:00 pm.
• All students must be picked up in the bus lane, NOT at the front of the building.

Please make transportation arrangements ahead of time so we can get everyone out of the building efficiently at 6:00.

NOPA - October 19 at 6:30 PM

Our next NCHS Orchestra Parents Association (NOPA) meeting will be Monday, October 19 at 6:30 pm in the orchestra room (Room 50).

NOPA is open to all orchestra parents and is one of the easiest ways to get involved and help support our students. We would love to have some new faces join us! NCHS Orchestras

We also have two specific needs we are hoping someone will step forward to fill:

Concert Refreshments: We need someone willing to help organize refreshments the night of our Winter and Spring Concerts. This is a limited commitment centered around those concert evenings, but it is one of those jobs that makes the events nicer for everyone and is a tremendous help when someone is willing to take ownership of it.

Fundraiser Coordinator: We are also looking for someone who can work with our choir representatives to help coordinate fundraising opportunities for students planning to participate in our Summer 2028 trip. The destination is still TBD, but we want students to have plenty of time and opportunities to begin building funds toward the cost of the trip rather than waiting until the last minute.

If either of those sounds like something you could take on, please reach out - or come join us at the October 19 meeting!

NCHS Orchestra Updates 9.11.26

We have a busy couple of weeks ahead as Hauntcert preparations get underway! Please take a look at the upcoming dates and information below.

Combined Hauntcert Rehearsal - Monday, September 14

Chamber, Intermezzo and Sinfonia Orchestras will have our first combined Hauntcert rehearsal on Monday, September 14.

Rehearsal: 3:30 - 6:00 p.m.

Students should make arrangements for transportation home following rehearsal. Rides need to be at NCHS promptly at 6:00 p.m.

NCHS Orchestra Parents Meeting - Monday, September 14

The NCHS Orchestra Parents Association (NOPA) will meet Monday evening at 6:30 p.m. NOPA plays an important role in supporting our orchestra students and program throughout the year, and the meetings are a great way for parents to learn more about what is happening in the orchestra program and find ways to get involved. 

There are opportunities to help throughout the year with events, fundraising and other orchestra activities - whether you have a lot of time to give or just an occasional hour or two. All orchestra parents are welcome, and we would love to have you join us! Doors J around the back of the building will be unlocked - hope to see you there!

Football Concessions - Fri, September 25

On Friday, September 25, Orchestra, Choir and Theatre will be running concessions for the varsity football game. This is an important fundraiser for our programs, and we need plenty of volunteers to make the evening run smoothly.

Parents and students who are able to help should sign up using this SignUpGenius link.

NCHS Orchestra Updates 8.31.26

 

Uniforms:

All uniforms should have come home by today. Parents, please make sure your student tries on their uniform and you double check the fit. If something does not fit correctly, I need to know as soon as possible so we can arrange an exchange. Please refer to the orchestra syllabus for hemming instructions.

Syllabus and Info Survey Homework: 

Students have now received the orchestra syllabus homework and an information survey. These assignments were due by Friday, August 28th. Parents, please also check Parent Square and Infinite Campus for a message with “parent homework” related to the syllabus review and acknowledgment. 

NOPA:

Our first NCHS Orchestra Parents Association meeting will be Monday, Sept 14 at 6:30 pm in the orchestra room (rm 50) following the combined Hauntcert rehearsal. NOPA is open to all orchestra parents and we would really love to see you as we work together to support our young musicians. It's a great way to get involved in your student's life without the embarrassment of chaperoning a dance... ;-)  The meetings typically last about an hour and we will start brainstorming Hauntcert ideas!

ParentSquare:

Please make sure that you are receiving ParentSquare updates as today will be the last day that orchestra info is posted both to ParentSquare and Infinite Campus. 

NCHS Orchestra Updates 5.15.26

Post-Concert Reception: 

We are still in need of many more cookie donations for the post-concert reception. Very few families have signed up so far, and without additional help we simply will not be able to provide a reception honoring our seniors after the concert. If you are able to contribute, we would greatly appreciate the support. We need to have the list filled quickly though to determine whether or not to cancel the reception.

Senior Information: 

Seniors should report at 5:30 pm on concert night to run through the senior piece one final time. Seniors are also expected to attend rehearsal during the school day on Monday, even though today is officially their last day. After all of the senior activities, AP testing, and schedule disruptions of the past few weeks, it is critical that we have one final rehearsal together before the concert that evening. They should check in at the greeter's station, and then check out and leave the building immediately following rehearsal. Seniors should also plan to return their uniform during class that day.

Concert Information: 

Call time for Seniors and Chamber Orchestra is 5:30 pm. Call time for Concert, Sinfonia, and Intermezzo orchestras is 6:00 pm. The concert will begin at 7:00 pm, and the house will open to the public at 6:00 pm.

Uniform Return: 

Uniform return is part of the final grade requirement and should happen immediately following the concert, so students should bring clothes to change into afterward. ALL tuxedo parts must be returned. Dresses belonging to students who will not be returning next year must also be turned in. Students returning next year who currently have a dress should simply launder it and keep it until the fall.

NCHS Orchestra Update 5.8.26

Dress Rehearsal: A reminder that next week’s dress rehearsal on Wednesday, May 13 from 3:30–5:00 pm is for Chamber Orchestra and ALL seniors only. We will be working on the senior piece during this rehearsal.

Post-Concert Reception: We are now collecting cookie donations for the post-concert reception. Thank you in advance for helping us celebrate our students and seniors following the performance. Please click here and help us fill the list by the end of the weekend!

Best Communities for Music Education: Unit 5 has once again been recognized as one of the Best Communities for Music Education for its unwavering commitment to creating an environment where each child can learn and grow with music. This recognition reflects the support of our teachers, administrators, parents, and community, and we are proud to be part of such a strong tradition of music education.

Fundraising Coordinator: We are still in need of someone willing to step into the Fundraising Coordinator position for next year. Melissa Miles will be leaving the role as her senior graduates this spring, and we would love to have someone begin transitioning into the position before the end of the year. If you are interested or would like more information, please reach out - this is an incredibly important role in supporting opportunities for our music students and programs.

NCHS Orchestra Updates 2.27.26

 

IHSA Solo and Ensemble Contest: 

For students participating in IHSA Solo and Ensemble, the contest will be held at Normal West High School on Saturday, March 7. Click here for the contest host information folder for details regarding school schedules, maps, apparel orders, and more (apparel orders are due Sunday at midnight for free pickup at the event). Students will receive a separate information document from me later this week with final details, reminders, and preparation tips.

Mid-Winter Concert: 

Personnel required includes Concert Orchestra, Sinfonia, Intermezzo, and Solo & Ensemble String Choir members (Chamber Orchestra will not be performing on this concert). Dress is this year's orchestra t-shirt and jeans. The concert begins at 7:00 pm with a call time of 6:00 pm.

Music Shoppe Round Up: 

The Music Shoppe will be taking round-up donations for U5 Music Parents during the month of March, and they have generously offered to match donations up to $5,000. click on the photo to your left for more details and consider sharing this opportunity to support our music programs.

NCHS Orchestra Update 2.20.26

Pastry Shoppe Fundraiser: 

Pastry Shop fundraiser orders are due Monday, February 23. They must be turned in by that date - we will not be able to accept late orders. Please make checks payable to U5 Music Parents.

New York Trip Update: 

We need to have an accurate list of contact information for everyone traveling on the trip so we don’t have to rely on Infinite Campus messages. Please fill out this form as soon as possible  - one entry for each person in your family traveling with us. The form will also request cell phone numbers and any dietary restrictions. It should only take a few seconds to complete.  Once the Pastry Shoppe fundraiser is complete, any money earned will be sent directly to the tour company and applied to your balance before final payments are due in March. We will assume you would like your fundraised money applied toward your trip unless you contact Mr. Luginbuhl at luginbbr@unit5.org to indicate otherwise. In more exciting news, our tour company was able to secure tickets for all of the Broadway shows students requested, so everyone will be able to see the shows they signed up for. Our Q&A session with the music director from Wicked will also include an actor/singer from the show, which should be a fantastic experience for our group.

Fundraiser Updates

HyVee Bagging for Tips: 

Two HyVee bagging-for-tips events are scheduled this semester—Saturday, March 21 from 11:00 am–3:00 pm and Saturday, April 11 from 11:00 am–3:00 pm. This is a great fundraiser opportunity, and all money earned will be credited to individual student accounts for use toward the New York City trip this summer or future orchestra trips. Click here to sign up.

Fundraising Coordinator: 

Melissa Miles is still looking for someone to take over the Fundraising Coordinator role. She will be “graduating” with her senior at the end of this year and would love to transition someone into the position before then. If you’re interested or would like more details, please reach out—this is a great way to support the program behind the scenes.

Unit 5 Music Parents Bingo: 

U5MP is hosting its first-ever Bingo Night on February 6. Click here for more information.

Orchestra Updates 12.5.25

Poinsettias: 

Poinsettias will be ready for pick up on Wednesday, December 10. Please plan accordingly, as they will not travel well on the bus. We also need a few parent volunteers to help accept the delivery late that morning - please check this SignUpGenius for more information.

Unit 5 Music Parents:

U5MP would like to thank everyone for helping make this year’s Extravaganza such a success. Here is a link to their November newsletter. 

Winter Concert:

Our winter concert for all orchestras will be Monday, December 15 at 7:00 pm, with a call time of 6:00 pm. Dress is full uniform for all students. The dress rehearsal scheduled for Friday, December 12 will be used by any orchestras that still need the extra rehearsal time; those details will be announced by Wednesday of next week.  If families would like to have punch and cookies following our winter concert, we will need this SignUpGenius filled no later than next Thursday.

NCHS Orchestras Update 11.5.25

Hauntcert Thank-Yous: 

A heartfelt thank-you to all the parents who made this year’s Hauntcert possible. Your time, effort, and enthusiasm are what bring this event to life each year. Special thanks to our Concert Orchestra students who volunteered throughout the night and to the NCHS Key Club for supplying so many helpers to pass out candy during trick-or-treating. We couldn’t have done it without you!

Hauntcert Videos & Photos: 

Huge thanks to Gina Bainter and Shuh Schuller for capturing videos and photos from the event. Click here to access the shared folder and relive some of your favorite moments from the night.

Extravaganza Update: 

The Unit 5 Music Parents Extravaganza will be Monday, November 10 in the NCHS Auditorium. The NCHS Orchestra portion of the concert begins at 5:30 pm, and all orchestras will perform. Students will stay after school that day for a rehearsal prior to the concert. Dress is the new grey orchestra t-shirt and jeans.  We could still use a few more adult volunteers to help out at the event - click here to see what's left

ILMEA Update: 

Students selected for District Orchestra should bring $12 in cash for lunch at the festival. Additional details will be available later this week for the event on Saturday, November 15. Please let me know as soon as possible if your student will need a ride home after the concert at Olivet Nazarene.

NCHS Orchestra Updates 10.26.25

U5MP Extravaganza:

The food ordering deadline for the Unit 5 Music Parents Extravaganza is this Friday, October 31. All sales are online this year, and food will be provided by Nelson’s. Don’t wait until the last minute - click here to place your order and support our music programs. Don't forget, no ticket is needed to hear students perform, only to eat.  ALL four orchestras will be performing at this event.

Volunteer Instructions: 

Those who signed up on the SignUpGenius can click here to review volunteer instructions for the evening. Please take a few moments to look over the details before arrival, and don’t hesitate to email if you have any questions.

Candy Donations: 

We need one final candy push to reach our goal of 7000! If you haven’t had a chance to contribute yet, please consider sending in a bag or two as soon as possible—every little bit helps, and we’re almost there. community. 

Monday, Oct 27 Rehearsal: 

Our next combined Hauntcert rehearsal will be Monday, October 27 from 3:30–6:00 pm with our percussionist (Sinfonia, Intermezzo and Chamber Orchestras). Please make sure rides are prompt and ready promptly at 6:00 pm. Cellists who don’t ride the bus should plan to bring their instruments to school that day.

Tuesday, Oct 28 Dress Rehearsal: 

The full dress rehearsal will be Tuesday, October 28 from 6:00–9:00 pm (Sinfonia, Intermezzo and Chamber Orchestras). Students should not wear their uniforms to this rehearsal. Please make sure rides are ready and waiting promptly at 9:00 pm.

Thursday, Oct 30 31st Annual Hauntcert: 

The Hauntcert is this Thursday, October 30, with show times at 6:00 pm and 7:30 pm. Call time for students is 5:00 pm. Students staying after school should make sure to bring their uniform and something to eat for dinner—snacks will be available between shows. We’re looking forward to an incredible night of music and fun!

Orchestra Update 10.23.25

Monday, Oct 27 Rehearsal: 

Our next combined Hauntcert rehearsal will be Monday, October 27 from 3:30–6:00 pm with our percussionist (Sinfonia, Intermezzo and Chamber Orchestras). Please make sure rides are prompt and ready promptly at 6:00 pm. Cellists who don’t ride the bus should plan to bring their instruments to school that day.

Tuesday, Oct 28 Dress Rehearsal: 

The full dress rehearsal will be Tuesday, October 28 from 6:00–9:00 pm (Sinfonia, Intermezzo and Chamber Orchestras). Students should not wear their uniforms to this rehearsal. Please make sure rides are ready and waiting promptly at 9:00 pm.

Volunteers: 

We’re still in need of a few more parents to help decorate on Tuesday night during the dress rehearsal—but we’re especially short on help for teardown and organization after the shows. This is one of our biggest needs, and we’d be incredibly grateful for anyone able to stay and lend a hand.

Candy Donations: 

We’re still about 3000 pieces short of our goal of 7000, and we could really use your help to get there! Every donation, big or small, makes a difference, and your support helps make Hauntcert such a special event for our community. 

U5MP Extravaganza: 

The Unit 5 Music Parents Extravaganza is coming up soon! Click here for food ticket information - all sales are being handled online this year, and food will be provided by Nelson’s.