Strings for Shirk

Here are a few tips to help maintain the condition of a string instrument during the summer. Following these suggestions will help prevent any permanent damage.

• Never leave the instrument in the trunk of your car. Summer heat can actually cause varnish to bubble or melt off. Glue also dissolves in heat, leaving the instrument vulnerable to open seams. It goes without saying that you should never (ever!) expose an instrument to extended (even 20 minutes) sunlight/heat.

• Never use scotch tape, masking tape, or lick-on stickers on your instrument or bow.

• Always loosen the bow after playing.

• Use a natural fiber or other lint-free cloth to wipe rosin off the instrument. Too much leftover rosin is bad for the sound, as well as for the varnish.

• Be careful not to tap the tip of your bow against anything solid. This very delicate part of the bow breaks easily and is very difficult to repair.

• In crowd situations, put your instrument in an out-of-the-way place so that no one will sit on it, step on it, or trip over it.

• Always maintain a clearly marked label with your name, address and phone number, just in case.

—-Any middle school students that attend any concert other than theirs, with a signed program (from any director) will receive extra credit.—-

5/6 Concert: April 28 @ 7pm. ARRIVE by 6:30pm. School Assembly on April 29 @ 9am. Music students report to director at 8:30am.

7/8 Concert: May 12 @ 7pm. ARRIVE by 6:30pm. School Assembly on May 13 @ 9am. Music students report to director at 8:30am.

>>>>Middle School Dress: Same as winter concert (black/white) however a HINT of color is allowed. Gentlemen are allowed to wear colorful ties.

HS Concert: May 19 @ 7:30pm. ARRIVE by 7:00pm to the orchestra room.

>>>>HS Dress: Same as winter concert (all black) however SENIORS are able to wear a colorful top/color with black dress.

Any questions: See Mrs. Shirk!

Attention High School Students: Please visit the following link for information regarding the Summer Music Festival happening at our nearby Kutztown University! This is a wonderful opportunity being offered and I highly recommend considering it! There are some scholarships available as well.

Check it out!!!!!  http://www.kutztown.edu/acad/music/SMF/

Parents, below are links that give information about Regional Orchestra.

Welcome Letter

Student Schedule per Day

Code of Conduct/Rules

Guest Conductor Bio

Ticket Information

Directions/Map

Visit www.halleonard.com

Type in the appropriate number in the search engine and click GO.

After the piece appears, double check it is the correct Title and click on the speaker icon.

5/6 Orchestra:

Crosscurrent: 04490828

Stepping Stones: 04490920

Theme from New World Symphony: 00864003

Lucky Charm: Unavailable

7/8 Orchestra:

Forrest Gump: 00864001

Send in the Clowns: 04490872

Stringin’ the Blues: 48011540

Any questions – email Mrs. Shirk!    Happy Listening!

Congratulations to Courtney Crowell and Adam Lowe for advancing toward Regional Orchestra! This festival will be held at Manheim Township High School during March 10-12, 2011. It is such a wonderful opportunity to have two students representing Manheim Central for such a competitive event!

This concert is approaching at the speed of light! Be sure you are polishing all of your pieces. This is the first time in a very long time that the high school orchestra is participating in this particular concert. In addition to this the 7/8 grade orchestra will be joining the high school for one of the selections.

The concert begins at 7:30pm at the High school on Jan 13th.  Orchestra students are expected to be there by 6:45. Concert dress is the same as the Holiday Concert. The orchestra will perform first in the program and students are expected to stay and watch the other performing groups.

Any questions – email Mrs. Shirk!    shirks@manheimcentral.org

5/6 Orchestra : Please report to the orchestra classroom NO LATER than 6:30pm on December 9th! If you are in chorus, you are to report to Mrs. Brubaker and come right to the orchestra room.

HS Orchestra : Please report to the orchestra classroom NO LATER than 1:45. Please be sure to check in with Mr. Brackbill and/or Mrs. Anderson before coming to the orchestra room.

7/8 Orchestra : Please report to the orchestra classroom NO LATER than 6:30pm on December 14th! If you are in chorus, you are to report to Mrs. Brubaker and come right to the orchestra room.

What to wear:

Middle School is to be in black and white, or all black. Gentlemen are to be in dress pants, white button up shirt with tie. Bow tie or traditional tie is fine. Your tie may also be festive! Ladies are to be in either dress pants or length appropriate dress/skirt. Remember , NO FLIP FLOPS and NO SNEAKERS. See me with any questions.

High School : Same as above – all Black.

Any questions or concerns : Email Mrs. Shirk!      shirks@manheimcentral.org

MCHS is pleased to announce that the three orchestra members who auditioned for district orchestra on Saturday, Dec. 4th were accepted! Congratulations Lauren, Adam and Courtney! Next is Regionals!!! You can do it!

Please arrive at the school no later than 6am. The bus will be leaving as soon as all students have arrived. Remember you need an ORIGINAL piece of the audition music!! We hope to return to MCHS around 4:30pm.

Good Luck: Lauren, Quinton, Adam and Courtney!