Dear Colleagues:
Welcome back to the 2007-2008 school year! I hope you had a relaxing and enjoyable summer. I am amazed at how quickly the school year seems to be going so far.
As you may have noticed, WCSMA likes to keep up with new technology. We have been very busy this summer implementing an electronic membership registration. By now you should have received your membership mailing with instructions for your 2007-2008 electronic registration from Alan Lounsbury, our Membership Chairperson. I encourage everyone to register this way. It is quick and easy.
Festivals
Festival season is just around the corner. I absolutely love the festivals that WCSMA sponsors. It is an amazing musical journey for our students filled with excitement and insight. It is great to see the musical growth in these rehearsals and I always come away having learned new techniques and teaching concepts from watching our guest conductors work with our students. As busy as we get with our daily responsibilities in school and home, I respectfully ask that if you are sending a student to participate in a festival (regardless of level) that you or a colleague from your school attend all rehearsals. It is crucial to have 100% teacher representation at both rehearsals and concerts.
All-State/Area All-State
Congratulations to all the students from Westchester who were named to the All-State performing ensembles. It is quite an honor to be named.
In the coming weeks High School teachers will be hearing about the Area-All State acceptances for their students. Teachers will be able to pick up music for their accepted students at the Open House. I look forward to our first rehearsal!
Elementary/Intermediate Festivals
Elementary auditions for All-County will be happening in November and December. Please consider volunteering your time to help out at the auditions and also the festival rehearsals. Many hands make the work light. Intermediate teachers should be hearing about their student acceptances on or about the first of the New Year.
Save the Date!
This year I am pleased to announce that WCSMA will be sponsoring three reading sessions for our membership. Put these dates on your calendar and look for the mailings.
Orchestra Reading: Thursday October 4, 2007 - Yorktown HS
Band Reading: Thursday November 1, 2007 - Byram Hills HS
Choral Reading: Thursday January 14, 2008 - Location TBA
I would like to extend a warm welcome to those music teachers who are new to Westchester County. If you have a new teacher in your district please bring them with you to the WCSMA Open House on October 9th. It is a great way for them to meet new colleagues and get involved.
Looking forward to seeing everyone soon!
All the best!
Sincerely,
Marna
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