NCHS Orchestras

...creating lifelong purveyors of music

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

NCHS ORCHESTRA NEWS – CRASHING INTO HAUNTCERT TECH WEEK!


HAUNTCERT WEEK – REHEARSAL & PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

The following schedule applies to Sinfonia, Intermezzo, and Chamber Orchestras ONLY. Concert Orchestra students are not involved in these rehearsals or performances.

Monday, October 26 – Combined Rehearsal, 3:30–6:00 PM
All three orchestras will rehearse together with our percussionist. Students should arrive with their instruments, music, and all necessary materials. Rides must be waiting promptly at 6:00 PM in the BUS LANE, not at the front of the building. Cellists who do not ride the bus should bring their instruments from home. Students will not be permitted to return to their lockers after rehearsal.

Tuesday, October 27 – Dress Rehearsal, 6:00–9:00 PM
This is our final full rehearsal before the performances. Students do NOT need to wear their concert uniforms! "Dress rehearsal" is simply the industry term for this type of rehearsal. Please arrive prepared with instruments, music, and everything needed for the evening.

Thursday, October 29 – 32nd ANNUAL HAUNTCERT!
  • Student call time: 5:00 PM
  • First performance: 6:00 PM
  • Second performance: 7:30 PM
  • Uniform: Full concert uniform

HAUNTCERT VOLUNTEERS – YES, WE ARE STILL BEGGING!


We are now down to the final days before Hauntcert, and we still have several essential volunteer positions unfilled. These are not optional extras. They are jobs that directly affect whether we can successfully produce the show.
Some of our most pressing needs include:

Usher Coordinator: Without someone coordinating our ushers, we cannot effectively collect the donations that help support our orchestra program. This is a critical position!

Videographer: Without someone to record the performances, we will have no video record of this year's Hauntcert. This is quite possibly one of the easiest volunteer jobs we have! You simply push the record button at the beginning of the show, let the camera run, and turn it off at the end. No editing, no fancy camera work, and no previous experience necessary.

Assistant Stage Manager: This is an especially important position for the future of Hauntcert. We would love to have a parent of an underclassman step into this role, learn the ropes, and help ensure a smooth transition for next year's production. There is a tremendous amount of institutional knowledge involved in putting on this show, and having someone learn the process now would be invaluable.

Tech Work Day – Saturday, October 24: We need additional hands to help finish set pieces, decorations, and special effects. There are plenty of tasks that do not require technical expertise. If you're willing to help build, assemble, decorate, or simply follow directions, we can put you to work!

I know I sound like a broken record, but we cannot produce this show without volunteers. We have students who have worked incredibly hard to prepare an entertaining evening, and we need the adults to help us get the production across the finish line.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER


HAUNTCERT PHOBIA DECORATIONS


This year's theme, Fiddling with Fear, explores phobias of all kinds, and we would love to extend that theme into the walkways and areas surrounding the auditorium.

The idea is to borrow larger, visually interesting objects that can be labeled with their corresponding phobia. Think of it as a walk-through collection of things people are afraid of, ranging from the genuinely creepy to the completely ridiculous. If you have it in your house, chances are there is an officially Google searchable phobia attached to it... Here are some examples to get your imagination going:

Arachnophobia: Fear of spiders – giant spiders, webs, etc.
Ophidiophobia: Fear of snakes – large stuffed or rubber snakes
Coulrophobia: Fear of clowns – clown dolls, figures, or decorations
Pediophobia: Fear of dolls – large dolls or creepy doll displays
Automatonophobia: Fear of human-like figures – mannequins or human-shaped figures
Megalophobia: Fear of large objects – oversized versions of ordinary items
Entomophobia: Fear of insects – oversized bugs or insect decorations
Scoleciphobia: Fear of worms – giant worms or worm-like props
Globophobia: Fear of balloons – large balloon displays
Pogonophobia: Fear of beards – a particularly impressive fake beard or bearded figure
Ailurophobia: Fear of cats – large stuffed cats or cat figures
Cynophobia: Fear of dogs – large stuffed dogs
Arctophobia: Fear of bears – large stuffed bears
Plutophobia: Fear of wealth or money – an oversized pile of fake money

And those are just a few possibilities! There are phobias associated with an astonishing variety of objects, animals, situations, and experiences. If you have something large, unusual, or downright ridiculous sitting around your house, there's a good chance we can find a phobia to go with it.

Larger objects create a bigger visual impact - A small jar of pickles probably won't make much of an impression along a busy hallway. A six-foot stuffed pickle, on the other hand? Now we're talking! A large stuffed animal, an oversized household object, a creepy mannequin, or an enormous inflatable could all become part of the display with a cleverly worded phobia sign.

If you have something we might be able to borrow, please send me a picture! We can figure out whether it fits the theme and how we might use it. Please clearly label anything you would like returned with your name. We want to make sure borrowed items find their way back to their rightful owners after Hauntcert.


OTHER DECORATIONS & AAA BATTERIES


We are also still collecting other decorations and supplies for Hauntcert.

AAA Batteries: We need batteries for our orchestra stand lights. Donations can be sent directly to school with your student.

Castle/Medieval Decorations: Shields, banners, faux torches, armor, prop swords, crowns, stone-wall decorations, and anything else that fits our medieval quest theme.

General Halloween Decorations: Skeletons, spiders, bats, cobwebs, and other school-appropriate spooky decorations.
Smaller items can be sent to the orchestra room. For larger or bulkier items, please send a picture first so we can coordinate getting them to school.


ONE FINAL REMINDER – PLAN AHEAD!

Please be especially mindful of the rigorous schedule this week. Students will have some long days, and we want them to arrive rested, prepared, and ready to perform. Help them plan ahead for meals, homework, transportation, and everything else that needs to happen around rehearsals and performances. This is not the week to discover at 4:00 pm that your uniform has an issue!


EXTRAVAGANZA FOOD ORDERS – DEADLINE FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30!

Thursday, October 15, 2026

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!

Tuesday, September 29, 2026

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!

Friday, September 11, 2026

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.

Monday, August 31, 2026

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. 


Friday, May 15, 2026

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.