March 27, 2008

Dear New Orchestra Parents and Students,

            It is our pleasure to welcome you to the wonderful world of orchestra at Barbara Bush Middle School!  Your child has chosen an activity that will enhance his or her education and will provide wonderful life-long memories.  Playing a musical instrument is a truly special gift, and you are wise to bestow such a marvelous thing on your student.

            That being said, students need INSTRUMENTS to be a part of the orchestra!  For that reason, we will be having a String Drive on April 10 from 4:30-7:00 pm in the orchestra room at Bush.  This will be an opportunity for your child to choose which string instrument they would like to play next year and to get the correct size chosen for that instrument.  A local music company, Music and Arts, will sponsor the drive and will be available to help set up the instrument rental process.  There is no obligation, however, to commit to the rental that night if you are not ready;  Music and Arts will be there for your convenience.  More details on this process will be available at the instrument night.  We will also have orchestra spirit items for sale, including orchestra t-shirts and sweatshirts that are dress code approved!

            You are welcome to come at any time between 4:30 and 7:00.  The entire process should not take longer than an hour.  Many parents have a lot of questions about the rental process and orchestra membership in general, and this is an excellent opportunity to get answers to those questions.  We are here to help you.  ALL students who wish it will have a place in the orchestra here.  It is best to take care of instrument choice early on, as instruments will be assigned in August to students who have not yet made a selection.

            On the back of this flyer is a map of the school that directs you through the correct door.  The entire event will be in the orchestra room, so it will be a really neat chance to see the room in which all the music will be made!  Also enclosed in this envelope is a reminder flyer that you can hang on the fridge or elsewhere in your house to remind you of this event.

            If you can’t make it on this night, don’t worry!  We’ll make it work!  Feel free to contact the orchestra directors at any time.  We’re happy to answer any and all questions.

            Don’t forget—April 10, 4:30-7:00, at BBMS in the orchestra room.

            See you then!

Sincerely,

Lamar Smith

Bradley Ballard