Beginning of year checklist

8/6/2024 2:25 pm

Good afternoon, Milton Orchestra Families,

It's been great to begin coming together as an orchestra these first couple of days!  To complete your beginning of year check list: 

1. Pay the annual orchestra activity fee here: https://osp.osmsinc.com/p/EN706-885 (paying by 8/16 qualifies you for the included orchestra shirt)
2. Set up/update your Membership Toolkit account at miltonorchestra.org>Login
3. Once logged in to miltonorchestra.org, visit My Account>My Forms/Paperwork and sign the "Orchestra Handbook Acceptance Form."  You can also pay tux rental fees and register for optional booster membership, Solo and Ensemble, All State Orchestra and Fulton County Honor Orchestra from this page.  
4. Join the announcements GroupMe (students and parents).  This is for one-way announcements from Mr. Cummings and is not a group chat.  You can direct message me, however, with questions, etc. if you prefer that to email.  https://groupme.com/join_group/100923734/TWgx7VKQ 

Upcoming dates:

•  8/8: Sprit Night! Visit Playa Bowls (12660 Crabapple Rd #120) this Thursday, August 8th from 4-8 pm to support Milton Orchestra. Say you're with the orchestra when you order!
• 8/14: 6:30 pm Required parent meeting in the MHS band room (7102- next door to orchestra).  
• 8/16: Deadline for annual orchestra activity fee (see above)
• 8/17: 9 am to 5 pm Required Orchestra Fall Mini-Camp (detailed schedule coming soon)
  
  • I recognize that everyone is busy- this is the only event of its kind scheduled for the year, and we've tried to schedule it before too many activities are in full swing.  Attendance is mandatory for all orchestra students.  If you have a pre-existing conflict and have not done so already, email Mr. Cummings (cummingsas@fultonschools.org).  
  • Lunch will be provided- students should not leave campus
  • There will be guest clinicians, rehearsals in sections and various combinations, and activities to get to know each other better! 

Thanks! 

Regards,

Andrew Cummings, Director

Milton HS Orchestras

Welcome back!

8/2/2024 6:05 pm

• Students do not need instruments on day 1.  Please bring them on Tuesday!  If you need tuning/string assistance, however, feel free to stop by with it Monday.  In case you're new and unsure, most students drop off their instruments before school starts (bottom floor, room 7101).  Cellists/bassists typically use the school instruments for rehearsal. 
   
• If you're having any schedule issues involving orchestra, please talk to your counselor AND me.  There's almost always a solution that can keep you involved- the program is full of 4-year orchestra, dual-enrolled, work-based-learning, medical pathway, academic, athlete superstars! 
• Go ahead and check out our calendar at https://www.miltonorchestra.org/calendar
• Mark your calendar for 8/8 spirit night, 8/14 parent meeting, and 8/17 Fall Mini Camp!  You'll receive details about all three.  It's an exciting way to kick off the year! 
• Annual orchestra activity fees will be payable through OSP via the MHS website (click "Payment"), but the link hasn't gone live yet.  I'll send a reminder when it posts.
    
• Most other registrations (All State/GMEA events, booster memberships, volunteering, syllabus signoff sheet, etc.) are through Membership Toolkit.  You'll need this soon.  Login and update or create your (free) account by going to miltonorchestra.org and clicking "log in" or go here: https://www.miltonorchestra.org/login-form?r=%2F
• Never miss a message! Students and parents join the Milton Orchestra Announcements GroupMe: https://groupme.com/join_group/100923734/TWgx7VKQ
• Follow us @miltonorchestra on Instagram and/or Facebook
   
• Like your other classes, academic/curricular things like assignments and grading will run through Canvas/Infinite Campus.  Your Canvas page is already published.  You'll get info on all of that in class.  

Graduation 2024

5/21/2024 2:31 pm

Good afternoon!  Final info for graduation performance...

Orchestra Graduation Performance TOMORROW: Details/Updates...

Who: Required for all students who auditioned into 2024-25 Sinfonia or Chamber Orchestra 

What to Wear: Semi-formal/business casual/Sunday best...Collared shirts and pants, dresses, skirt or pant and blouse, etc.  Light materials and colors recommended to stay cool.  No concert black, no jeans, no athletic shoes, no shorts.  Look nice but stay cool, and make sure everything is appropriate for being up on stage.  

When: Tomorrow, Wednesday, 5/22: Be at the gate for 5:30 pm entry (see map/read below); 5:40 sound check; 6:45 prelude music; estimated ending around 9:30 pm (we play during ceremony and a recessional at the end)

Where: Ameris Bank Amphitheatre- see map attached

1. If driving, students should park in lot C (same as graduate parking) off of Maxwell Rd. 
2. If being dropped off (recommended especially for large instruments), your best bet is to pull into the Faculty/VIP parking off of Encore Pkwy.  If it's being monitored that early, tell them you're dropping off for the orchestra- do not park in this lot, though.  Drop off only.  That will get you to a closer gate or the loading dock for entry with instruments.  
3. Water will be provided backstage.  You cannot bring in food or drink.  
4. Highly recommended to eat before coming.  You will have a short time after soundcheck to visit the concession stands before we have to be back in seats.  
5. The ceremony (including our music) will be live streamed again this year.  Keep an eye out for a link from Principal Jones. 
6. After the ceremony: Students can hang back with me in a central location until they've made contact with their ride and know where they are being picked up.  The traffic flow can get a little hectic afterwards, so this is recommended.  If you can't find your ride or are having any issues, contact Mr. Cummings (see below). 
7. I can be reached via Remind (being phased out for next year, FYI), GroupMe direct message (new- replacing Remind), or my Google Voice # ‪(404) 855-1083‬. 
8. For students and parents: Link to join the GroupMe Milton Orchestra Announcements: https://groupme.com/join_group/100923734/TWgx7VKQ .  This is a general announcements group- replies are not possible except through direct message.  We can create separate student ensemble groups for next year that allow conversation. 

Lettering

4/25/2024 11:20 am

LETTERING- High-achieving orchestra students who go significantly above and beyond the curricular requirements of orchestra can become eligible for a varsity letter in orchestra.  This is meant to represent the highest level of orchestra for any given year; therefore, it is purposefully challenging to acquire the necessary points, which reset each year.  Once a letter is earned, points earned the following year can be applied toward service bars.  Letters are awarded at the annual banquet, but letter jackets are the responsibility of the student/family if they choose to get one.  Some students choose to earn a letter just to keep, frame, etc. Students in the highest point category earn a service star for that year in addition to their letter/bar.  

If you turn in your lettering form today (Thursday, 4/25) by 4 pm, we should be able to announce it at the banquet, but we may still need to order you a letter if you weren't already accounted for.  Since several people could not find the lettering form, I'll extend the deadline to turn this in for the year through May 1st.  Complete and hand in or email to Mr. Cummings.  Late submissions will not be accepted.  

The lettering form is in the last page of your annual orchestra handbook:

2023-24 Orchestra Handbook

Banquet

4/19/2024 12:02 pm

We must have final banquet numbers today!  The banquet is next Thursday, 4/25 at 6:30 pm in the MHS Cafe.  

Putting this link out there one more time: https://www.miltonorchestra.org/packet/591

Please register by the end of today (you'll need to be logged in)!  If it's not working, email your student name and total number of attendees (including student) to miltonorchestra@gmail.com or fill out the sheet on the conductor stand in the orchestra room today.  If in doubt, just email/add your name...we'll make sure we only account for you once.  

Just make sure that you send $15 per attendee Monday if you add your name via email or the paper list.  Thanks!  

Concert Thursday!

4/17/2024 1:27 pm

April Director's Notes

4/8/2024 11:57 am

Milton Orchestra Students and Families,

It's Eclipse Day! There are several updates/notices because it’s been a while.  I'll try to keep the details brief...

UPCOMING EVENTS

4/11 Bass Recital/Masterclass at EPMS (see details below)

4/18 7 pm Spring Concert (required for all!)

4/23 Orchestra Booster Executive Board elections (see below)

4/25 6:30 pm Orchestra End of Year Banquet/Dinner: Details/order forms going out through booster club

5/1  7 am Fine Arts Signing Day (students going into an audition or portfolio-required fine arts major/minor)

5/22 Graduation performance 6:45-9:30 pm (times approximate; required for all 2024-25 Sinfonia and Chamber members!).  Students will need to be available prior to this for setup/soundcheck.  Details TBA.  

LGPE

It’s been a busy semester!  So much so that I don’t think I ever officially sent our LGPE results out to families (you hopefully heard from your student or read it in the Eagle Update).  Milton Orchestra performed very well at the event in February at Westlake HS.  On a scale of 1-5, with 1 being the top, Chamber and Sinfonia earned straight 1s (Superior) and Concert earned an overall 2 (Excellent) with a 1 in Sight Reading.  Thanks again to our great chaperones and for all the hard work from everyone involved!  It was a great learning experience for all as we read and listened to feedback from all 4 judges.  

WASHINGTON, DC

We had a fantastic DC trip!  There’s a recap in our Orchestra Booster Newsletter coming soon (through Membership Toolkit).  

SCHOLARSHIPS

The Milton Orchestra Booster Board and our Platinum Sponsor, Atlanta Violins, will each present a $250 scholarship to a deserving, graduating future music major from Milton Orchestra.  Eligible seniors, please contact miltonorchestra@gmail.com or cummingsas@fultonschools.og for the scholarship application.  

BOOSTER BOARD POSITIONS

Milton HS Orchestra Booster Club is currently seeking parents (including rising 9th grade) to fill upcoming board positions. This is your opportunity to contribute ideas, skills, and expertise to help steer the direction of our organization and support our student musicians! We have three openings available: Vice President of Communications, Vice President of Fundraising, and Co-Treasurer.  We encourage all interested parents to apply and be a part of our wonderful community. With an experienced returning group in place, you will have plenty of support. We look forward to hearing from you! All interested please email: miltonorchestra@gmail.com 

OPPORTUNITIES (not a comprehensive list, just some that have been sent my way):

Bass Recital/Masterclass THIS THURSDAY with the amazing Mikyung Sung. Students of all instruments highly encouraged to watch (and support our two performers, Connor Oneacre and Kaitlin Ros!): https://pretix.eu/epmsorch/sung24/

For a preview: https://mikyungbass.com/videos

Summer music camp in Georgia through the American String Teachers Association:

https://georgiaastacamp.com/

Music by Tritone Youth Orchestras:

https://musicbytritone.com/joinourorchestras

KSU Summer Music Intensives:

KSU Summer Music

Young Composers Forum featuring composer/bassist Xavier Foley on April 20th at Clayton State. Free event in the Carnes Hall for Music at Clayton State from 10:00 - 1:00 on Saturday, April 20th.  

https://claytonstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bNil5WGxwT5NX4a 

Thanks!

Regards,

Andrew Cummings, Director

Milton HS Orchestras

LGPE updated details and concert congratulations

2/9/2024 6:38 pm

First, congratulations to everyone again on an excellent LGPE Preview Concert last night.  We jumped right back into rehearsing today to improve for next week.  I really appreciate the students' hard work and parent/community support!  

In case you didn't take a picture of the permission slip before returning and because there were some last-minute changes from the host school, here are the essential details:

LGPE 2024 at Westlake HS, Atlanta

2/15 Thursday

Concert Orchestra (7^th period)- 1 hour earlier than previously scheduled 

1:15 pm departure (students will need to report to the orchestra room at least 30 minutes prior to this having already eaten lunch- I'll post details and notify teachers)

4:15 performance followed by sight reading

7:50 pm return to Milton HS (Chick-fil-a stop for dinner on the way back- bring money)

2/16 Friday

Sinfonia (2^nd period)- times are the same as before

9:15 am departure (students will need to report to the orchestra room at least 30 minutes prior to this- I'll post details and notify teachers)

11:40 performance followed by sight reading

Eat lunch at event (pre-orders closed; bring lunch if you did not pre-order)

4:30 pm return to Milton HS 

2/16 Friday

Chamber Orchestra (4^th period)- 40 minutes earlier than previously scheduled 

12:50 pm departure (students will need to report to the orchestra room at least 30 minutes prior to this having already eaten lunch- I'll post details and notify teachers)

4:00 performance followed by sight reading

7:50 pm return to Milton HS (Chick-fil-a stop for dinner on the way back- bring money)

Let me know if you have any questions, and have a great weekend! 

Regards,

Andrew Cummings, Director

Milton HS Orchestras

Concert and LGPE Essential Details

1/29/2024 8:28 am

We have two major events this month- please see details below.  You should have also received a Milton Orchestra Booster newsletter Friday- just a reminder in case you need to get on that list (join by creating a free account at our website, miltonorchestra.org).

PRE-EVALUATION CONCERT:

• Thursday 2/8/24 at 6:30 pm
• This is our Pre-LGPE (Large Group Performance Evaluation) Concert.  We will begin at 6:30 pm and offer a more streamlined event than usual due to the preparatory nature of this concert. 
• Students will still need to bring their instruments the following day for rehearsal as well.  
• All concerts are a Major Grade
• No pre-concert rehearsal, concessions, intermission or other extras.  So that we don't waste food, pizza will only be provided for those students who request it (you can still stay after school between 3:30 and 6:30 if you want to).  Please complete this form by 11:59 pm Sunday, 2/4 if you would like to be on the list for pizza slices prior to our 2/8 concert.  https://forms.gle/XiRYCNTHX1Ym4ZPY8

LARGE GROUP PERFORMANCE EVALUATION (LGPE): 

For those not familiar, this is an event where we will perform/sight read for a panel of judges in order to receive feedback and ratings.  This is viewed academically as the music equivalent of an End of Course Exam.  

As a reminder, the 3-day window for these dates has been on the orchestra calendar since the beginning of the year.  We received our exact dates and posted them in the orchestra room at miltonorchestra.org, and to Canvas earlier this month.  

Here are specifics now that timing has been finalized: 

• We still need a few chaperones- visit miltonorchestra.org (you'll need to be logged in to visit the volunteer page)
• We will travel by charter bus
• LGPE is at Westlake HS in Atlanta this year
• Concert attire is our usual concert black
• Concert and Chamber students will need money for a Chik-Fil-A dinner stop on the return trip
• Sinfonia will complete a Chik-Fil-A lunch order form as part of the permission slip (we will eat at the event)
• Permission slips coming home soon
• Timing:

Concert Orchestra 2/15

2:00 pm departure from MHS

5:15 pm performance at Westlake HS, Atlanta

Chik-Fil-A dinner stop on return trip

8:55 pm back at MHS

Sinfonia 2/16

9:15 am departure from MHS

11:40 am performance at Westlake HS, Atlanta

Catered lunch- probably Chik-Fil-A- at WHS (order form coming soon)

4:30 pm back at MHS

Chamber 2/16

1:30 pm departure from MHS

4:40 pm performance at Westlake HS, Atlanta

Chik-Fil-A dinner stop on return trip

8:30 pm back at MHS

Concert recordings posted, upcoming events, have a great break!

12/15/2023 2:32 pm

Good afternoon,

I wish everyone Happy Holidays and a wonderful break!  I have enjoyed teaching and making music this semester, and I'm looking forward to more to come.  Thank you for all of your support and hard work!  I am so thankful for this amazing community- this is a special place thanks to all of you.  

Just a few end-of-semester updates...

1. I've got concert videos posted to YouTube just in time for you to share with family during the break... https://www.youtube.com/@MiltonOrchestra 

2. We have a lot coming up in the first couple of months of 2024!  Special guest clinician Georgia Ekonomou will be visiting January 30th, and we're in the process of lining up several other clinicians to give feedback.  The window for Large Group Performance Evaluation is 2/14-2/16, and we could be scheduled for any day/time in that range.  Please keep these dates open until we receive our final schedule.  

3. All classes will receive a daily rehearsal focus schedule on January 3rd or sooner- as discussed in class, you'll be individually responsible for those daily sections as outlined in the schedule.  We will work through the pieces from back to front mostly, so prioritize the endings of each piece (passed out before break) as you play and listen to recordings of them- then work your way backwards.  

4. Our Pre-LGPE concert is February 8th.  We're looking at changing to a less formal format but including potential guest adjudicators to give us feedback.  Due to this change, we will likely start earlier than usual at 6:30 pm.  There will not be a combined rehearsal prior, but Chamber Orchestra may be required before and/or after the performance for some additional recording.  

5. If you haven't done so, make sure you are up to date on trip payments for DC!  There was one due earlier this month and the final payment coming up in January: https://www.miltonorchestra.org/trip .  Chaperones, contact me if you have any questions regarding the FCS badging process- please make sure yours is definitely good through March! 

Thanks again!  

Regards, 

Andrew Cummings, Director

Milton HS Orchestras