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!
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
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
.jpg)
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!
