Fordis Young Artists Concerto Competition

Georgia Philharmonic presents…

Samuel A. Fordis Young Artists Concerto Competition
Named in honor of former concertmaster and cherished colleague Sam Fordis, the annual Georgia Philharmonic Young Artists Concerto Competition invites the next generation of great musicians to establish their place in musical history! In January of every year, we feature several outstanding young Atlanta musicians in concert with the orchestra. Concert laureates are selected by audition in the late fall for this opportunity for a premiere performance with the Georgia Philharmonic. Applications are now available for our 2011-2012 Concerto Competition.  Please visit www.georgiaphilharmonic.org/youngartists.html for all the information. 

Application Deadline: October 31, 2011
ELIGIBILITY: String, Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion musicians; must be between 5 and 23
years of age as of October 31, 2011. Contestants will compete within three categories
(determined by applicant age on 10/31):
Apprentice: 13 and younger
Artisan: 14-18
Virtuoso: 19-23

PTA Reflections!!!

What does DIVERSITY mean to you???
That is this year's PTA Reflections theme!
Create a work of art in one of six categories:  VISUAL ART, PHOTOGRAPHY, LITERATURE, FILM PRODUCTION, DANCE CHOREOGRAPHY, or MUSIC COMPOSITION.
Your entry could win 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place for Ford and possible move on to county, state, and national levels!!!  Wouldn't it be wonderful for a Ford Elementary students to to be recognized?
See information about the contest in the packets that went home or go to Ford's PTSA website under " Student Awards" for more details (http://www.fordptsa.com/awards.htm).  ENTRIES ARE DUE OCTOBER 10th to the front office.
Have fun showing your talents!

Tone-Chime Ensemble

Ford Elementary Tone-Chime Ensemble                 678-594-8092

Craig.Hurley@cobbk12.org

Dear 4^th & 5^th Grade Parents,

I am putting together a Tone-Chime (tone-chimes are very similar to handbells) Ensemble for the fall semester.  This group will rehearse on Wednesday Mornings from 7:15-7:50 during October and November and then perform 3 separate times during December.

 

Lottery

            Due to limited space (17) Tone-Chime ensemble members will be chosen based on a lottery system. Students who return the necessary paperwork will be assigned a number and then 17 numbers will be drawn from a hat.  Behavior recommendations from homeroom teachers and parent/student commitment will also be taken into consideration.

Rehearsal/Performance Schedule

Wednesday, September 21 – The bottom portion of this form is due to Mr. Hurley.

Friday, September 23 – Students will be notified if they have been chosen for Tone-Chime Ensemble.

Wednesday, October 5 – Rehearsal #1 from 7:15-7:50

Wednesday, October 12 – Rehearsal #2 from 7:15-7:50

Wednesday, October 19 – Rehearsal #3 from 7:15-7:50

Wednesday, October 26 – Rehearsal #4 from 7:15-7:50

Wednesday, November 2 – Rehearsal #5 from 7:15-7:50

Wednesday, November 9 – Rehearsal #6 from 7:15-7:50

Wednesday, November 16 – Rehearsal #7 from 7:15 – 7:50

Wednesday, November 23 – NO REHEARSAL DUE TO THANKSGIVING HOLIDAYS

Wednesday, November 30 – Rehearsal #8 from 7:15-7:50

Thursday, December 1 – Winter Concert with Ford Chorus - 7 PM

Saturday, December 3 – Jingle Jam 9 AM–12 PM

(Tone-Chimes will play intermittently throughout the morning.)

Wednesday, December 7 – Rehearsal #9 from 7:15-7:50

Tuesday, December 13 – Performance at Chic-Fil-A  - 6:30 PM

*Tone Chime Ensemble will only meet during the Fall Semester

           

Tone-Chimes Donation

Students who participate in Tone-Chimes will be requested to pay a $15.00 fee.  This money will be used to purchase pieces of music, pay for a shirt, any other related expenses.  Chorus members will NOT need to send in a separate Tone-Chimes donation.

I am looking forward to a great musical year at Ford!  If you have any questions please e-mail me at craig.hurley@cobbk12.org.

Sincerely,

Craig Hurley

``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````

This form must be returned to Mr. Hurley by Wednesday, September 21 in order for your child to be eligible for the lottery – NO EXCEPTIONS.

My child has permission to be placed in the lottery for the 2010-2011 Ford Elementary Tone-Chime Ensemble.

 

___________________       ________________   ________________

Child’s Name                                Parent’s signature             Homeroom Teacher/Grade                     

Fall Newsletter - 5th

Dear Fifth Grade Parents,

            School is off to a great start and music classes are going well!   I feel so lucky to be the new music teacher here at Ford.  Allow me to introduce myself, for the past 10 years I have taught elementary music at Kingston Elementary School in Bartow County.  In 2009, I was fortunate to serve as a writer for the Georgia Performance Standards for Elementary General Music.  Besides teaching at Ford I also conduct the Spivey Hall Young Artists, the training choir of the nationally renowned Spivey Hall Children’s Choir www.spiveyhallchildrenschoir.org).  I live in Cartersville with my wife Katie, also a music teacher, and my 3 children. 

National Anthem Day – Wednesday, September 14

            Please encourage your child to wear red, white & blue to school on Wednesday, September 14 as we celebrate the 197<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the penning of our National Anthem: The Star Spangled Banner.  We will be discussing the anthem in class to prepare for the big day.  Do you know all the words?

Fifth Grade Musical – Tuesday November 15

            We will present our musical “I Need a Vacation” on Tuesday, November 15 at 6:30.  All 5th grade students will participate in this play.  Everyone will be singing and there will also be singing & acting solos.  I am looking forward to having every 5th grader participate in this exciting event.  Volunteers are needed to donate and/or create: 125 penants, Hawaian lei’s, a 2 dimensional life-size minivan, as well as other props.  I will also need help setting up the stage, risers and curtain in early November.   Please email Jane Swanson (special area para-pro) if you are available to help: Jane.Swanson@cobbk12.org. 

Here are a few details to place on your calendar:

                        • Students should wear their 5th grade class tee-shirt with nice blue jeans.

                        • Students should arrive at Ford no later than 6:15 on November 15th.

                        • Performance is November 15th at 6:30 in the Ford Gym

Recorders

            Thank you for purchasing your child a recorder along with their school supplies.  During the first semester our main focus during music class will be the Fifth Grade musical therefore students do not need to bring their recorders to music class until January.

Performing Arts Program

            Thank you so much for your generous donations to the Cobb County Performing Arts Program.  Because of your generosity Fifth Grade students will have the opportunity to experience the performing arts first hand at Ford this year as well as travel to the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center in December to hear the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.  Donation envelopes are still available in the front office.

Tone-Chime Ensemble

            The Ford Tone-Chime Ensemble (tone-chimes are very similar to hand-bells) will begin meeting in October on Wednesday mornings from 7:15-7:50.  Look for information to come home next week if your child is interested in joining.  You may also check my blog, fordmustangmusic.blogspot.com, for more information.

Please email me (craig.hurley@cobbk12.org) if you have any questions or if you would like to come and observe a class.

Sincerely,

Mr. Hurley

fordmustangmusic.blogspot.com

Fall Newsletter - 4th

Dear Fourth Grade Parents,

            School is off to a great start and music classes are going well!   I feel so lucky to be the new music teacher here at Ford.  Allow me to introduce myself, for the past 10 years I have taught elementary music at Kingston Elementary School in Bartow County.  In 2009, I was fortunate to serve as a writer for the Georgia Performance Standards for Elementary General Music.  Besides teaching at Ford I also conduct the Spivey Hall Young Artists, the training choir of the nationally renowned Spivey Hall Children’s Choir (www.spiveyhallchildrenschoir.org).  I live in Cartersville with my wife Katie, also a music teacher, and my 3 children. 

Recorders

            Thank you for purchasing your child a recorder along with their school supplies.  Starting Thursday September 8 all fourth graders will need to bring their recorders and music folders to each music class.

National Anthem Day – Wednesday, September 14

            Please encourage your child to wear red, white & blue to school on Wednesday, September 14 as we celebrate the 197<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the penning of our National Anthem: The Star Spangled Banner.  We will be discussing the anthem in class to prepare for the big day.  Do you know all the words?

Performing Arts Program

            Thank you so much for your generous donations to the Cobb County Performing Arts Program.  Because of your generosity Fourth Grade students will have the opportunity to experience the performing arts first hand this year.  Donation envelopes are still available in the front office.

Tone-Chime Ensemble

            The Ford Tone-Chime Ensemble (tone-chimes are very similar to hand-bells) will begin meeting in October on Wednesday mornings from 7:15-7:50.  Look for information to come home next week if your child is interested in joining.  You may also check my blog, fordmustangmusic.blogspot.com, for more information.

Please email me (craig.hurley@cobbk12.org) if you have any questions or if you would like to come and observe a class.

Sincerely,

Mr. Hurley

fordmustangmusic.blogspot.com

Fall Newsletter - 3rd

Dear Third Grade Parents,

            School is off to a great start and music classes are going well!   I feel so lucky to be the new music teacher here at Ford.  Allow me to introduce myself, for the past 10 years I have taught elementary music at Kingston Elementary School in Bartow County.  In 2009, I was fortunate to serve as a writer for the Georgia Performance Standards for Elementary General Music.  Besides teaching at Ford I also conduct the Spivey Hall Young Artists, the training choir of the nationally renowned Spivey Hall Children’s Choir (www.spiveyhallchildrenschoir.org).  I live in Cartersville with my wife Katie, also a music teacher, and my 3 children. 

National Anthem Day – Wednesday, September 14

            Please encourage your child to wear red, white & blue to school on Wednesday, September 14 as we celebrate the 197<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the penning of our National Anthem: The Star Spangled Banner.  We will be discussing the anthem in class to prepare for the big day.  Do you know all the words?

Jingle Jam – Saturday, December 3

            Mark your calendars!  All Third Graders are invited to perform during the annual Jingle Jam PTA Fundraiser on Saturday, December 3 between 9 AM and 12 PM.  (More information to follow)

Recorders

            Thank you so much for purchasing your recorder along with your school supplies.  Starting in January students will need to bring their recorder and music folder with them to each music class.

Performing Arts Program

            Thank you so much for your generous donations to the Cobb County Performing Arts Program.  Because of your generosity Third Grade students will have the opportunity to experience the performing arts first hand this year.  Donation envelopes are still available in the front office.

Please email me (craig.hurley@cobbk12.org) if you have any questions or if you would like to come and observe a class.

Sincerely,

Mr. Hurley

fordmustangmusic.blogspot.com

Fall Newsletter - 2nd

Dear Second Grade Parents,

            School is off to a great start and music classes are going well!   I feel so lucky to be the new music teacher here at Ford.  Allow me to introduce myself, for the past 10 years I have taught elementary music at Kingston Elementary School in Bartow County.  In 2009, I was fortunate to serve as a writer for the Georgia Performance Standards for Elementary General Music.  Besides teaching at Ford I also conduct the Spivey Hall Young Artists, the training choir of the nationally renowned Spivey Hall Children’s Choir (www.spiveyhallchildrenschoir.org).  I live in Cartersville with my wife Katie, also a music teacher, and my 3 children. 

National Anthem Day – Wednesday, September 14

            Please encourage your child to wear red, white & blue to school on Wednesday, September 14 as we celebrate the 197<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the penning of our National Anthem: The Star Spangled Banner.  We will be discussing the anthem in class to prepare for the big day.  Do you know all the lyrics?

Jingle Jam – Saturday, December 3

            Mark your calendars!  All Second Graders are invited to perform during the annual Jingle Jam PTA Fundraiser on Saturday, December 3 between 9 AM and 12 PM.  (More information to follow)

Performing Arts Program

            Thank you so much for your generous donations to the Cobb County Performing Arts Program.  Because of your generosity Second Grade students will have the opportunity to experience the performing arts first hand at Ford this year as well as travel to the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center for a presentation by the Atlanta Ballet.  Donation envelopes are still available in the front office.

Please email me (craig.hurley@cobbk12.org) if you have any questions or if you would like to come and observe a class.

Sincerely,

Mr. Hurley

fordmustangmusic.blogspot.com

Fall Newsletter - 1st

Dear First Grade Parents,

            School is off to a great start and music classes are going well!   I feel so lucky to be the new music teacher here at Ford.  Allow me to introduce myself, for the past 10 years I have taught elementary music at Kingston Elementary School in Bartow County.  In 2009, I was fortunate to serve as a writer for the Georgia Performance Standards for Elementary General Music.  Besides teaching at Ford I also conduct the Spivey Hall Young Artists, the training choir of the nationally renowned Spivey Hall Children’s Choir (www.spiveyhallchildrenschoir.org).  I live in Cartersville with my wife Katie, also a music teacher, and my 3 children. 

National Anthem Day – Wednesday, September 14

            Please encourage your child to wear red, white & blue to school on Wednesday, September 14 as we celebrate the 197<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the penning of our National Anthem: The Star Spangled Banner.  We will be discussing the anthem in class to prepare for the big day.

Jingle Jam – Saturday, December 3

            Mark your calendars!  All First Graders are invited to perform during the annual Jingle Jam PTA Fundraiser on Saturday, December 3 between 9 AM and 12 PM.  (More information to follow)

Performing Arts Program

            Thank you so much for your generous donations to the Cobb County Performing Arts Program.  Because of your generosity First Grade students will have the opportunity to experience the performing arts first hand this year.  Donation envelopes are still available in the front office.

Please email me (craig.hurley@cobbk12.org) if you have any questions or if you would like to come and observe a class.

Sincerely,

Mr. Hurley

fordmustangmusic.blogspot.com

Fall Newsletter - KND

Dear Kindergarten Parents,

            School is off to a great start and music classes are going well!   I feel so lucky to be the new music teacher here at Ford.  Allow me to introduce myself, for the past 10 years I have taught elementary music at Kingston Elementary School in Bartow County.  In 2009, I was fortunate to serve as a writer for the Georgia Performance Standards for Elementary General Music.  Besides teaching at Ford I also conduct the Spivey Hall Young Artists, the training choir of the nationally renowned Spivey Hall Children’s Choir (www.spiveyhallchildrenschoir.org).  I live in Cartersville with my wife Katie, also a music teacher, and my 3 children. 

National Anthem Day – Wednesday, September 14

            Please encourage your child to wear red, white & blue to school on Wednesday, September 14 as we celebrate the 197<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the penning of our National Anthem: The Star Spangled Banner.  We will be discussing the anthem in class to prepare for the big day.

Jingle Jam – Saturday, December 3

            Mark your calendars!  All Kindergarteners are invited to perform during the annual Jingle Jam PTA Fundraiser on Saturday, December 3 between 9 AM and 12 PM.  (More information to follow)

Performing Arts Program

            Thank you so much for your generous donations to the Cobb County Performing Arts Program.  Because of your generosity Kindergarten students will have the opportunity to experience the performing arts first hand this year.  Donation envelopes are still available in the front office.

Please email me (craig.hurley@cobbk12.org) if you have any questions or if you would like to come and observe a class.

Sincerely,

Mr. Hurley

fordmustangmusic.blogspot.com

Ford Chorus Fall Dates

Ford Chorus Fall Semester Schedule

PLEASE MARK THESE DATES ON YOUR CALENDER TODAY!!!!!

August 22, 23, 24 – Auditions 7:20 – 7:45 AM

Monday, August 29 – Rehearsal #1 until 3:30 PM

Monday, September 5 – NO REHEARSAL – Labor Day Holiday

Monday, September 12 – Rehearsal #2 until 3:30

Monday, September 19 – Rehearsal #3 until 3:30

Monday, September 26 – Rehearsal #4 until 3:30

Monday, October 3 – Rehearsal #5 until 3:30

Monday, October 10 – Rehearsal #6 until 3:30

Monday, October 17 – Rehearsal #7 until 3:30

Monday, October 24 – NO REHEARSAL – Mr. Hurley will be out

Monday, October 31 – Rehearsal #8 until 3:30

Monday, November 7 – Rehearsal #9 until 3:30

Monday, November 14 – Rehearsal #10 until 3:30

Monday, November 21 – NO REHEARSAL DUE TO THANKSGIVING HOLIDAYS

Monday, November 28 – Rehearsal #11 until 3:30

Thursday, December 1 – Winter Concert at 7 PM at the Durham Middle School Theater

(Students need to arrive by 6:00; doors will open to parents & guests at 6:45 PM.)

Saturday, December 3 – Jingle Jam 9 AM – 12 PM

Monday, December 5 – Rehearsal #12 until 3:30

Friday, December – Chorus Tour during school hours

Monday, December 12 – Rehearsal #13 until 3:30

Monday, December 19 - - NO REHEARSAL

NATIONAL ANTHEM DAY - WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14!

O Say Can You Sing the National Anthem?

According to a Harris Interactive® survey of more than 2,200 adults:

·         Nearly two in three Americans (61%) don’t know all of the words to the Star Spangled Banner

·         Of those who do know the lyrics more than 70 percent of them learned the National Anthem in a school music class.

Please encourage your child to wear red, white & blue to school on Wednesday, September 14 as we celebrate the 197<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the penning of our National Anthem: The Star Spangled Banner.  We will be discussing the anthem in music class to prepare for the big day.  Do you know all the words?

Visit: http://americanhistory.si.edu/starspangledbanner/ for more information about the history of the Star Spangled Banner.