Technology Tuesday!

Happy (almost) Turkey Day, everyone!  I know I am looking forward to a much deserved break, but at the same time am wondering, "How much will my students really practice?"

I'm here to offer some technology tips for practicing at home over the break or anytime!

Problem #1: I can't remember my note names!

Solution: At www.musictheory.net students can access a multitude of music tools, of which my favorite is the note identification game.  I made a short tutorial on how to access and set up this tool.  Print off your best scorecard page after naming 100 notes or more and bring it in on Monday for a prize!


Problem #2: I'm not sure what my music should sound like!

Solution: Try www.jwpepper.com for access to recordings of our concert music.  Search by title and composer, then see if there is an audio icon.  Follow along in your music or pop in an earbud and try to play along!

Problem #3: I'm going too fast...or too slow...ok too fast again!

Solution: Though there are many similar websites, www.metronomeonline.com is free and easy to use.  I usually put an earbud in my right ear and keep the left one open for listening to my instrument.  Practice under tempo and then speed up quick passages gradually.

Problem #4: I want a nicer instrument/new shoulder rest/colorful case!

Solution: I do all of my music equipment shopping online, especially when websites are running specials for free shipping.  My favorite places to shop are www.sharmusic.com and www.swstrings.com.  questions about any items?  Their staffs are super knowledgeable, and I can always answer questions as well.  Plus, they usually run gift specials this time of year.

Problem #5: I'm BOOOOOOOORED!

Solution: Random Video (insert day here)!!!  Check out Mrs. Grant's Orchestral Entertainment YouTube playlist and keep yourself entertained for hours!  Find a video you'd like to suggest for Random Video Friday?  Send it to me via email or leave a comment on this post.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving and I can't wait to see everyone refreshed and ready for our concerts!

Welcome back!

Back to school already? It's hard to believe the summer is gone, but I for one am VERY excited about returning to school. There are so many exciting events planned for this school year in our orchestra program. To stay up to date, make sure you subscribe to our blog. I will be adding  a calendar page to keep everyone in the loop. 

Do you have your instrument already? If not, be sure to make arrangements within the first week of school. Please consult me first if you are looking to purchase an instrument. 

As always, if you ever have any questions, email me, call me, or leave a message on a blogpost. I will make my best effort to answer your questions as soon as possible. 

See you at Meet the Teacher!

Evening Concert Reminder

Berry Shoals Orchestra Spring Concert

Thursday, May 21

D5 Fine Arts Center

Call time: 6:00 pm

Performance begins at 6:30 pm

Dress is concert black and white for performers

Spring Concerts and New Orchestra Students

It is once again concert time, and I am very excited about our upcoming performances.  We have a few things on our program that we have never done before at the Intermediate School level.  The students have been working very hard on their music and are ready to perform.

In order to help the high school out with their concert schedule, we adjusted our evening concert date.  I sent home an announcement flyer with this information a few weeks ago, but wanted to make sure everyone was aware of the change.

Our daytime at school concert is still May 18 at 1:15 pm.  Dress is concert black and white.

Our evening concert at the Fine Arts Center is now May 21 at 6:30 pm.  Please arrive at 6:00 for tuning and set up.  Dress is concert black and white.

As a bonus for my students, extra credit will be given to any student attending the Byrnes Philharmonic performance on Monday, May 18 at 7 pm.  Bring in a program the next day to receive extra credit.

To the newest members of the Berry Shoals Orchestra program, welcome!  We are so excited to have you join our family and we hope you can attend our spring concert to see what is in store for you in the future.  Please take this opportunity to subscribe to my blog to ensure you never miss a post!  Parents, if you have any questions do not hesitate to send me an email at kelsey.grant@spart5.net. 

Orchestra Sign Ups

Welcome future 5th graders!!!

Orchestra sign-ups will be held in the Orchestra room (203) on May 5th and 7th from 3-6 pm.  Bernhardt House of Violins will be here with lots of instruments to play.  Unsure which one you'd like to do?  Come try them all!  I will be here as well to answer any questions parents may have and to reserve your spot in the Berry Shoals Orchestra program.

Also, in case you missed it, here's our orchestra promo video:

Concert Festival Seating 2015

I have finished the seating for Concert Festival and it is posted here:
Concert Festival Seating 2015

A few notes about this round of seating auditions.
-If a student chose not to take the playing test, they received a 0 and will not be going on the Concert Festival field trip.
-If a student took and failed their playing test, they have two chances to improve their grade and be added to the Concert Festival seating list.
-To determine stand partners, the upper odd number sits with the even number below (ex: Chairs 1 and 2, Chairs 3 and 4, etc.)
-The scores this year were some of the highest I have ever recorded.  Nice work!  Very competitive.
-If there is an asterisk* next to your name, you will also be performing in the full orchestra piece (Mahler Symphony No. 1) in the spring concert.  Congratulations!

A note to parents:
We will be holding two after school rehearsals for concert festival in the upcoming weeks.  I will send home a letter on Monday with further details, but mark the dates Wed., March 18 and Tues., March 24 on your calenders.  Rehearsal will be at Berry Shoals from 3:00-4:30.

Any other questions, shoot me a message.  Have a great weekend!