Choir Announcements & Performances - November Updates

WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS 11-08-19

STUDENTS OF THE MONTH! October: Congratulations to our students of the month for choir, Kimberly Black and Caden Anderson! Both students were chosen for their continued engagement and initiative in embracing solo opportunities and leadership opportunities during the concert, as well as finding ways to positively impact the multiple ensembles they are a part of in the busy time of the year. September: Congratulations to our students of the month for choir, Kellen Lea and Teni Kaufusi! Both students were chosen for their incredible attention to detail and commitment to planning and preparing for our fall concert, as well as engaging with younger students to become strong mentors of our program.

ALL-STATE ANNOUNCEMENTS! The Following students have officially been asked to join all-state choirs this year! Please congratulate them Kimberly Black, Treble Choir Liz Helena, Treble Choir Hunter Steinke, Mixed Choir Ammon Pluim, Mixed Choir Make sure you check your email from last week with dates moving forward All-State group registration forms and fees due Friday, November 22, 2019 Music mailed December 6, 2019 Check-in, rehearsals & performances January 29 February 1, 2020 Check the website for more information under All-State Groups found here https://www.idahomusiced.org/events/allstate/allstate.php

SOLO/ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL Do you want to participate this year? All solo titles need to be chosen by Friday, November 15th Look here for a list of state-approved solos: https://www.idahomusiced.org/events/statesolo/statesolo.php#vocal Interested in state-approved ensembles? Look here: https://www.uiltexas.org/pml/index.htm and search for the treble small ensemble tenor-bass small ensemble or madrigal ensemble to see the title, composer, and specific arranger allowed Interested in non-state solos or ensembles? Look here: https://www.alfred.com/folk-songs-for-solo-singers-vol-1/p/00-4953/ and find a song that you enjoy to start with. Searching folksongs for solo singers will give you a great idea of what is permissible, easier (if you don t want to do a state- level solo), and approachable if you are doing this for the first time. YOU WILL NEED AN ACCOMPANIST. Students to speak with: Kira VanDam, Brandon Stafford, Hailey Richardson

WINTER CONCERT When:Monday, December 9th, at 7:00 pm Student call time = 5:00 pm Doors open = 6:45 pm. If you need special seating accommodations or extra time, please e-mail me asap so I can convey these arrangements with our booster board and with Mrs. Oldenburg for the concert. Expect the concert to last between 1 1 hours long Where:Meridian Middle School Auditorium Who:ALL MHS CHOIRS (remember, this is one of a few ways you can get a performance grade for quarter two) Why:We will be focusing on a classical holiday sound, with new interpretations of classic texts, carols, and popular holiday pieces Mrs. Oldenburg (long-term sub) will be directing this concert!

HOW GREAT OUR JOY STRING AUDITIONS When:Friday, November 15th, during lunch in the choir room Why:We ve had a lot of interest in the beautiful string parts for the combined piece of How Great Our Joy. To be unbiased and create an incredible sound, we will hold auditions and choose those who are best prepared. How:If Mrs. Godfrey is on maternity leave, Mrs. Cluff will hold the auditions and choose those who will perform. If I m still here, I ll be here and auditioning you!

BUTTERBRAIDSAND SCENTSY Butterbraids packets due November 11thand 12th Scentsy packets due November 15th Students are responsible for delivering all purchased goods to the buyer.Once the product is delivered to the student, they are solely responsible for any damages or missed items, and they will need to be responsible to the patrons who supported them. Students, be careful and prompt with your deliveries! Money earned:Goes to individual student accounts for t-shirts, travel, concert attire, entry fees, food options at festivals, etc. Boosters will be running this (packets, info, questions, finances, etc.) questions? Contact Julie Shepherd via text at 208-724-5870 or Heidi Stolte via text at 208- 559-6356 (fundraising coordinators)

IDAHO CENTER Upcoming events: 12-10-19 Manheim Steamroller Questions? Contact joy salas through meridianhighschoolchoirs@gmail.com, or via phone at 208.968.8025 or personal e-mail at joy.c.salas@Hotmail.com (Idaho Center Coordinator)

CHOIR ACCOUNT QUESTIONS?? If you want an update on your fundraised monies for choir Heidi Stolte @ stoltefamily5@yahoo.com Meridian High Choir Boosters @ meridianhighschoolchoirs@gmail.com This is for anyone who has a request to see what your current fundraised balance is. These monies can go towards choir attire, choir tours, entry fees and accompanist fees for solo/ensemble, all-state registration fees, etc.

MATERNITY LEAVE INFO We are blessed to have barb Oldenburg as our long-term sub for maternity leave! Barb will be in to observe our classes over the next week to see how we normally run things. She is giving her time to prepare well for our adventure! Bill Erickson will be in to observe our jazz ensembles over the next few weeks. He will be offering additional support over maternity leave to the jazz elements for minor details and new dimensions. Bethany cluff will be a continued presence as our accompanist throughout maternity leave every Thursday and Friday. Student leaders it is time to pass the baton! Be ready to lead more warm-ups and help plan lessons so you know how to feel comfortable taking charge and being awesome!

BARB OLDENBURG AN INTRODUCTION Barb Oldenburg is a long-time member of the West Ada School District and well-established in the music realm. I personally met Barb through my high school years at MHS (yay!) where she has been involved in the school s musicals for years. Her daughter, Anna McKinney, is one of my dear beloved colleagues and is our Theatre Teacher and Drama Head. Below is a brief introduction to Barb: Barb Oldenburg taught music for 37 years before retiring in 2016. She is no stranger to MHS she s helped with the annual spring musical for most of the last decade. She is very excited to work with the amazing choirs of MHS!

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND POSTINGS This is week three of adding a second place to see these announcements the school choir website! To access the choir website, follow these steps: https://www.westada.org/mhs > activities > choir > important information Please let me know if on your end there are difficulties finding the website page.