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.