Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Orff Ensemble - now forming!


Ford Elementary Orff Ensemble                                          678-594-8092
Dear 4th & 5th Grade Parents,

I am putting together an Orff Ensemble (barred instruments, hand drums, recorders, etc.)  for the Spring semester.  This group will rehearse on Wednesday Mornings from 7:15-7:50 during February, March and April and then perform at “Evening in the Garden” on May 1.
 
Lottery
            Due to limited space (20) Orff ensemble members will be chosen based on a lottery system. Students who return the necessary paperwork will be assigned a number and then 20 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, February 15 – The bottom portion of this form is due to Mr. Hurley.
Wednesday, February 22 – Students will be notified if they have been chosen for Orff Ensemble.
Wednesday, February 29 – Rehearsal #1 from 7:15-7:50
Wednesday, March 7 - Rehearsal #2 from 7:15-7:50
Wednesday, March 14 – Rehearsal #3 from 7:15-7:50
Wednesday, March 21 – Rehearsal #4 from 7:15-7:50
Wednesday, March 28 – Rehearsal #5 from 7:15-7:50
Wednesday, April 4 – NO REHEARSAL DUE TO SPRING BREAK
Wednesday, April 11 – Rehearsal #6 from 7:15 – 7:50
Wednesday, April 18 – Rehearsal #7 from 7:15-7:50
Wednesday, April 25 – Rehearsal #8 from 7:15-7:50
Tuesday, May 1 – “Evening in the Garden” – 5:30 PM
Friday, May 4 – “Pops in the Park” 6-9 PM* at Harrison High School
            *not sure of our exact performance time

Orff Ensemble will only meet during the Spring Semester
           
Orff Ensemble Donation
Students who participate in Orff Ensemble will be requested to pay a $15.00 fee.  This money will be used to purchase pieces of music, pay for a shirt and any other related expenses.  Chorus and/or former Tone-Chime Ensemble members will NOT need to send in a separate Orff Ensemble donation.

I am looking forward to creating some great music!  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, February 15 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 2012 Ford Elementary Orff Ensemble.
 
___________________             ___________________             _______________________
Child’s Name                                     Parent’s signature                             Homeroom Teacher/Grade                     
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Spring Newsletter - 5th Grade


Ford Music News – Fifth Grade  

Dear Fifth Grade Parents,
            We have had a great first semester at Ford Elementary!   I feel so lucky to be the new music teacher! 

Evening in the Garden – Tuesday, May 1
            Every Ford student (including yours) will be performing during our annual “Evening in the Garden”.  This year’s program is called: Children of the World and includes folk songs from around the world.  Please mark your calendar now so that your student can be a part of this wonderful event. 
Tuesday, May 1 from 5:30–7:30 (rain date – Thursday, May 3)

Recorders
            We have started to work on our recorder skills in music class.  If your child is in need of a recorder the PTSA is still selling them for $7.  Please encourage your child to practice at home. J  Playing the recorder is a skill that must be practiced.  Imagine if your child only read once every 6 days during music class – they wouldn’t be a very good reader.  The same is true with recorders – excellent playing requires repetition.

Performing Arts Program
            Thank you so much for your generous donations to the Cobb County Performing Arts Program.  The Fifth Grade students were able to hear the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra in December.  In March, the Capitol City Opera will be at Ford presenting its version of “Hansel & Gretel” and in May the Lisa Chyn Dance Duo will present a program entitled: “China Through Dance”.

Transitioning to Middle School
            Please discuss with your child which area of music they would like to focus on during middle school.  All students will have the option of joining Band, Chorus or Orchestra.  Do not miss out on this amazing opportunity.  There is more information to come - sign-ups will take place in the Fall.

Ford Chorus
            The Ford Chorus had a very successful Fall Semester!  We will travel to GMEA’s Large Group Performance Evaluation on Thursday, February 16 to perform and receive ratings from 3 judges.  The chorus will also participate in “Evening in the Garden”.

Orff Ensemble
            The Ford Orff Ensemble (xylophones, glockenspiels, drums, recorders, etc.) will meet during March and April on Wednesday mornings from 7:15-7:50.  This ensemble is open to all 4th and 5th graders.  Look for information to come home soon 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 observe a music class.

Sincerely,
Mr. Hurley
craig.hurley@cobbk12.org
fordmustangmusic.blogspot.com
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Spring Newsletter - 4th Grade


Ford Music News – Fourth Grade  

Dear Fourth Grade Parents,
            We have had a great first semester at Ford Elementary!   I feel so lucky to be the new music teacher! 

Evening in the Garden – Tuesday, May 1
            Every Ford student (including yours) will be performing during our annual “Evening in the Garden”.  This year’s program is called: Children of the World and includes folk songs from around the world.  Please mark your calendar now so that your student can be a part of this wonderful event. 
Tuesday, May 1 from 5:30–7:30 (rain date – Thursday, May 3)

Recorders
            Please encourage your child to practice at home. J  Playing the recorder is a skill that must be practiced.  Imagine if your child only read once every 6 days during music class – they wouldn’t be a very good reader.  The same is true with recorders – excellent playing requires repetition.

Performing Arts Program
            Thank you so much for your generous donations to the Cobb County Performing Arts Program.  In March, the Capitol City Opera will be at Ford presenting its version of “Hansel & Gretel” and in May the Lisa Chyn Dance Duo will present a program entitled: “China through Dance”.

Ford Chorus
            The Ford Chorus had a very successful Fall Semester!  We will travel to GMEA’s Large Group Performance Evaluation on Thursday, February 16 to perform and receive ratings from 3 judges.  The chorus will also participate in “Evening in the Garden”.

Orff Ensemble
            The Ford Orff Ensemble (xylophones, glockenspiels, drums, recorders, etc.) will meet during March and April on Wednesday mornings from 7:15-7:50.  This ensemble is open to all 4th and 5th graders.  Look for information to come home soon 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 music class.

Sincerely,
Mr. Hurley
craig.hurley@cobbk12.org
fordmustangmusic.blogspot.com
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Spring Newsletter - 3rd Grade


Ford Music News – Third Grade  
Dear Third Grade Parents,
            We have had a great first semester at Ford Elementary!   I feel so lucky to be the new music teacher! 

Evening in the Garden – Tuesday, May 1
            Every Ford student (including yours) will be performing during our annual “Evening in the Garden”.  This year’s program is called: Children of the World and includes folk songs from around the world.  Please mark your calendar now so that your student can be a part of this wonderful event. 
Tuesday, May 1 from 5:30–7:30 (rain date – Thursday, May 3)

Recorders
            We have started to work on our recorder skills in music class.  Students need to bring their recorders and music folder to music class each week. If your child is in need of a recorder the PTSA is still selling them for $7.  Please encourage your child to practice at home. J  Playing the recorder is a skill that must be practiced.  Imagine if your child only read once every 6 days during music class – they wouldn’t be a very good reader.  The same is true with recorders – excellent playing requires repetition.

Performing Arts Program
            Thank you so much for your generous donations to the Cobb County Performing Arts Program.  In March, the Capitol City Opera will be at Ford presenting its version of “Hansel & Gretel” and in May the Lisa Chyn Dance Duo will present a program entitled: “China through Dance”.

Report Cards
            During the 3rd nine weeks third graders will be assessed in the following 2 areas: one, students will need to identify and read melodic patterns within the treble staff and two, students should be able to distinguish simple formal structures (AB, ABA, rondo) of songs.

            Please email me (craig.hurley@cobbk12.org) if you have any questions or if you would like to come and observe a music class.
Sincerely,
Mr. Hurley
craig.hurley@cobbk12.org
fordmustangmusic.blogspot.com
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