5/4/2007
Dear Troy High Orchestra Parents -
I just wanted to write you all a quick note about Montreal, and our orchestra trip.
I consider this to have been a highlight of my career here at Troy High, because of the
outstanding job your students did on this trip. All the orchestras played at a very
high level, and all the students carried themselves in an appropriate and respectful manner.
That really made it a delight to travel with them. Not only did we not have any complaints
about the students, but everyone we worked with complimented the students on their fine
behavior and maturity.
I reminded the students that this kind of trip is a privilege, and that if we want to continue
to travel with the orchestras, we can only do that if they represent our school in a positive
way. They certainly accomplished that, and as I told the students afterwards, I would be happy
to take them anywhere when they carry themselves as they did in Montreal.
We are looking forward to our final concert of the year on May 24th, and with this year's seniors
playing their concertos, you won't want to miss it! Also, look for information on the Orchestra
Banquet on May 29th - I would love to see all of you there to see your student get their awards,
and to bid a fond farewell to our seniors.
For those of you with a student in next year's Symphony Orchestra, please join us for a meeting
on May 14th at 7:00 PM in the Troy High Orchestra Room, to discuss the possibility of a trip to
Europe next summer. We will have representatives from New Horizon Travel, as well as some
experienced teacher who have traveled to Europe with student ensembles.
Once again, please congratulate your students again on a great job, and I look forward to seeing
all of you at our Spring events!
Sincerely,
Alan Mac Nair
3/5/2007
To all Symphony Members! -
We will have a dress rehearsal on WEDNESDAY NIGHT, MARCH 7, FORM 7 - 9 PM in the orchestra
room. This is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT because we will miss class on the 7th and 8th because of the
musical and parent conferences. ALL SYMPHONY MEMBERS NEED TO BE THERE!!
Parents - I appreciate that this is last minute, and I apologize for that, but Friday's concert
is our biggest of the year, and I promise you can have your children back after the 9th! Thanks
so much for your understanding and support!
Mr. MacNair
11/8/2006
Orchestra Friends and Students -
As we approach the Holiday season, it may be a good time to take a good look at your instrument,
and think about upgrading! For many of our younger students, this may be an excellent opportunity
to move on from the instrument that got you through middle school to one that will take you through
high school and into college. For those of you that are older, if playing in college is something
you would like to pursue, you may also want to consider a more professional model. If you do move
to a better instrument, consider holding on to the older one to use at school, so you can keep your
"good" instrument at home most of the time. Also keep in mind that I will be happy to look at new
instruments, and let you know what I think about the quality, tone, and price.
This may also be a good time to consider a new case - or even new strings or bow hair! Do a
quick survey, and make sure your "axe" is in the best possible shape for the very busy
Spring season!
Your Mentor in Music,
Mr. Mac Nair
9/12/2006
Orchestra friends and students -
I hope you all enjoyed the String Camp this year as much as
I did! Congratulations to all of you on your mature behavior, outstanding skits,
and a great performance! Now it's time to put away the sleeping bags for another
year, (or matching sheets, in some cases) and start to think about the coming
year.
Something all of you should consider is performing on the Solo
and Ensemble Festival in Feb. Wether you go as a soloist or an ensemble, the
experience of working toward a perfomance with a small group of your friends
is priceless, and lots of fun! You can even make it an evening and have some
snacks after your rehearsals. You have all learned far more than you realize
about the ins and outs of music making by being a part of orchestra rehearsals
for so many years. Many of you already know how to work on a passage for intonation,
ensemble, and musicality. So, take a chance and try to use those skills yourself,
and see how far you can stretch yourselves without me standing over your shoulder.
I'll be glad to hear how you've done,and offer some suggestions, but much of
the real work can be done with you and your friends. The deadline for your registration
forms is not until early November, but you can get an early start any time by
speaking with your friends, and asking me for music. I'm happy to help in that
department, especially if you ask early!
Your friendly neighborhood music director,
Mr. Mac Nair
