Dear Parents/Carers and members I would like to take this opportunity to welcome all new members into BSTWO and to welcome back some of last year’s members. Please find enclosed with this introductory letter a rehearsal schedule for the forthcoming academic year and an acceptance of conditions sheet that should be returned as soon as possible. Please make a note of the dates on the schedule, especially the concert dates and rehearsal times on these days. Further details can be found on the BSTWO website: Information regarding other Music Services activities is available at ATTENDANCE – please read carefully Members are expected to attend ALL rehearsals and concerts, although exceptions may be made at the discretion of the conductor should a member need to be excused due to extenuating circumstances. All correspondence with reference to being excused must be in writing from a parent or carer, with as much notice as possible. The reason written and early notice is required is to assist me in my planning of sectional rehearsals: if players miss this specialized training, they may well fall behind in their playing, which has consequences for the ensemble. If I know that a large number of players in one section are to be away on a certain Saturday, I can reorganize the tutors for another day. My main aim is always to help the players achieve the best sound that they can as a band, and absences make this difficult to accomplish; attendance will be monitored closely throughout the year. Absence requests may be handed to me in rehearsals, or emailed to
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Please do not ask to be excused from rehearsals in the fortnight before a concert, as you may not be permitted to play in that concert. In the event of sudden illness on a Friday evening or Saturday morning, please call me on 07986 330102 PUNCTUALITY Rehearsals are held from 9.30am to 12.00pm at Selly Park Technology College, with a mid morning break around 10.40am. The Friends of the Birmingham Schools’ Orchestras provide refreshments, so members will need to bring some money with them. Please ensure that members arrive by 9.15am each week to assist in the setting up of music stands etc. Please also ensure that you also come equipped with a pencil. PROGRESS Membership in the BSTWO is conditional upon satisfactory progress, which includes attending regular instrumental lessons and regular private practice. It is important that members take their music to their instrumental teacher from time to time. If at any time throughout the year you wish to discuss any matters with me concerning this, please do not hesitate to contact me. CONCERT WEAR It is essential that BSTWO adhere to the following concert wear. Boys: Black trousers, black shoes (no boots), black socks, black long-sleeved shirt (tucked in). Boys will be supplied with a BSTWO tie. Girls: Black trousers or long skirt, black socks or tights, black shoes (no boots), black long-sleeved shirt (tucked in). Girls will be supplied with a BSTWO tie. If your child suffers from a medical condition, which you feel I should be aware of, please let me know. This will of course be treated in the strictest confidence. Yours sincerely, Helen Smith Conductor of BSTWO Schedule 2013/2014 - Birmingham Schools’ Training Wind Orchestra Autumn Term September 7 September 14 September 21 September 28 October 5 Half Term - No rehearsals October 26 and November 2 December 14 Mince Pie Morning - informal concert during morning rehearsal at the normal venue Spring Term January 11 January 18 January 25 January 26 (Sun) CONCERT – rehearsal 10:00 – 11:30 am at Adrian Boult Hall. Return by 6:30 pm for concert at 7:00 pm.
Open rehearsal for potential new members
February 8 Sectional Workshops with informal concert during morning rehearsal Half Term – No rehearsals February 15 and 22
March 8 March 15 March 22 March 29 April 4 (Fri) CONCERT – Rehearsal 5:45 at Ladywood ARC. Concert 7:30 – 8:45 pm
April 5 Summer Term No rehearsal on May 3 due to Bank HolidayHalf Term – No rehearsal May 25th and June 1st
June 7 June 14 June 21 June 28 July 5 July 12 July 15 (Tues) CONCERT - rehearsal 12:30- 1:30 at Adrian Boult Hall. Return by 6.30 pm for Gala Concert at 7.00 pm Acceptance of Conditions of Membership Birmingham Schools’ Training Wind Orchestra 2013/2014 Dear Parents and members, Please sign and return in acknowledgement of having received and understood the attached letter and to confirm your acceptance of its contents. Please pay particular attention to the information regarding attendance and absences. Yours sincerely, Helen Smith (Conductor) Member’s name (please print) ………………………………… Signed (Parent/Guardian) ……………………………. Signed (Member) ………………………………….
Pediatric Skills Checklist Name: ________________________________________ Date: _______________ Indicate your level of experience rating with one of the following: A – No Experience. B – Minimal Experience - need review and supervision, have performed at least once. C – Competent - able to perform independently. D – Expert - able to act as resource to others. A. CARD
Dear Parents/Carers and members