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FORT COLLINS HIGH SCHOOL

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ORCHESTRAS HANDBOOK
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2012-2013
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F C H S O R C H E S T R A S

“Where Excellence Is Expected”
Welcome to the Fort Collins High School Orchestra program! August 16th, 2012
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I am thrilled to have you involved in our orchestra program at Fort Collins High School. Every
year has its own unique set of challenges that I look forward to working on them with you.
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This year’s Symphony Orchestra will have the privilege to perform at Colorado Music Educators
Association’s, (CMEA) conference in January. We were selected based on an audition I
submitted last spring. The competition for this appointment is very difficult and it is a great honor
to be selected. I believe we are the only full orchestra in the state to be selected and one of two or
three high school ensembles to be selected. Congratulations to the Symphony Orchestra and let’s
show the state of Colorado how good we really are.
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Concert Orchestra students will have the opportunity to audition for symphony in January. In the
fall we will be working on those playing skills that will help you to put together a good audition.
Work hard and expect great things from yourself.
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Most Freshman students are involved in the Sinfonietta. I really look forward to getting to know
you and I hope you find our orchestra program at FCHS to be fun and challenging.
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All sophomore through senior students are encouraged to involve themselves in Tri-M. This is a
music honors society designed to give music students an opportunity to be leaders in our school
and community. If you are not already involved then see if you fulfill the requirements and be a
part of it. We should have an exciting service opportunity this year.
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A few years ago FCHS adopted the orchestra’s motto, which is, “Where Excellence is Expected.”
This attitude first starts with us directors. If you want to be a good musician then please know
that I am willing to help you achieve your goals as well as to discuss and help you with any
concerns you may have. The first step is for you to talk to talk to me. You may also call, or write
me and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
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Once again, congratulations and let’s make this year a fantastic one!
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Dr. Spieker’s Contact Info:
School Phone Number 488-8247
School Email Address mspieker@psdschools.org
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Sincerely,
Dr. Matthew H. Spieker
Director of Orchestras
Fort Collins High School
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F C H S O R C H E S T R A S

“Where Excellence Is Expected”
 Music Department Expectations
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x Attendance is a vital part of every musical ensemble. All excused absences/tardies can be made up through
extra work given by the director. Unexcused absences/tardies will affect your grade greatly because
participation points, as well as any other graded work, for that day can be made up but for only 50% of the
original value. Make sure that you do not skip class and that all legitimate absences/tardies are excused
through the school attendance office.
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x Please check your attendance on the internet regularly. Mistakes are easier to fix if they are found quickly.
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x All musicians are to perform in all of their ensemble’s concerts. Excused absences from concerts may be
granted for personal illness, family emergency, or prearranged important occasions. A job is not an
acceptable reason for missing a concert. Performing is a vital part of the curriculum and it should be
considered as such. If any student feels that he/she needs to be excused from a performance, then there
should be advance notice, (at least two weeks) given to the director.
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x Come to class prepared. Make sure you have your music, a pencil, and your instrument. Display a helpful
and eager attitude and always do your best.
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x If you lose a piece of music you will be expected to pay for it.
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x No gum, food or drink, other than water, is allowed in the music rooms, practice rooms, or the stage.
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Concert Etiquette
x Absolutely, positively, NO GUM CHEWING on stage!!! It is very difficult for an audience member to
listen to the music while they are watching an individual perform their best, “Bertha the Dairy Cow”
impression.
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x Make every effort to arrive to performances at least 30 minutes before the concert begins.
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x Please fight the urge to douse yourself with cologne and perfume. The mix of heavy smelling fu-fu juice
and hot lights can be extremely difficult for some to perform in.
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F C H S O R C H E S T R A S

“Where Excellence Is Expected”
 Concert Dress for Orchestras
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Part of the fun of performing in an orchestra, whether you admit it or not, is to dress up. These are the
requirements for concert dress.
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Symphony Orchestra Concert Dress
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Ladies
x Ladies are to wear a standard, music department dress. Information on sizing and ordering these dresses
will be available soon after school starts. Also make sure that you wear black shoes and nude stockings.
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Gentlemen
x Gentlemen are to wear black tuxedos with black dress pants. Bow ties, socks and shoes are to be black as
well. It is also expected that Gentlemen wear a white dress shirt with wing tips.
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Concert Orchestra Concert Dress
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x Both ladies and gentlemen are to wear white tops and black bottoms. Black dress shoes and black socks are
to be worn as well. All students are to wear purple cummerbunds which need to be purchased at the
beginning of the school year.

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Sinfonietta Concert Dress
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x Both ladies and gentlemen are to wear white tops and black bottoms. Black dress shoes and black socks are
to be worn as well. All students are to wear gold cummerbunds which need to be purchased at the
beginning of the school year.

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NOTE: Not to comply with the concert dress code will lead to loss of points for the performance.

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F C H S O R C H E S T R A S

“Where Excellence Is Expected”
! Grading Policy for Orchestras
The final grade for each semester will be determined through four categories, 1) Performance, 2) Participation,
3) Assessments and 4) Assignments. The following categories are weighted as follows, 1) Performances are
40% of the final grade, 2) Participation is 30% of the final grade, 3) Assessments are 20% of the final grade and
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4) Assignments are 10% of the final grade.
PERFORMING, 40% of the Final Grade
The number of scheduled performances will vary with each ensemble. Check the included calendar of
events for your performance schedule.
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All musicians are to perform in all of their ensemble’s concerts. Excused absences from concerts may be
granted for personal illness, family emergency, or prearranged important occasions. Jobs are not an
acceptable reasons for missing a concert.
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Performing is a vital part of the curriculum and it should be considered as such. If any student feels that
he/she needs to be excused from a performance, then there should be advance notice, (at least two
weeks) given to the director.
Grading Policy for Orchestras (continued)
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Attendance is a very important part of every musical ensemble. Make sure that you do not skip class and
that all legitimate absences and tardies are excused through the school attendance office.
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If an absence from a performance is excused then a student can make up all points that were missed
through extra work. If the absence is unexcused a student may still do extra work but may only receive
50% of their earned grade.
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x PARTICIPATION, 30% of the Final Grade
Points, (5 for non block days and 10 for block days) will be earned daily for being on time and fully
prepared. Points will be deducted if the student is tardy, unprepared for class, or does not participate.
Every absence results in 0 points for the day. If the absence is excused then a student can make up all
points that were missed through extra work. If the absence is unexcused a student may still do extra
work but may only receive 50% of their earned grade. Please check your attendance on the internet
regularly. Mistakes are easier to fix if they are found quickly.
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x ASSESSMENTS, 20% of the Final Grade
Assessments are in the form of pass-offs. These are playing exams that can be retaken if the student is
not satisfied with their original grade. Pass-off grades are based on a rubric provided for you on the
following page. If a pass-off receives a failing grade then the student will begin a practice card that will
remain in effect until the student retakes the pass-off and brings the grade up to a passing grade.
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x Assignments, 10% of the Final Grade
Assignments are in the form of music theory worksheets, history presentations, reflective writing,
listening projects etc.
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NOTE: Every quarter/semester is different from another in terms of the number of performances, pass-offs,
assignments, etc. It is the student’s responsibility throughout the semester to keep up with their grades. A great
way to do this is to check their progress and attendance on the Pinnacle Internet Viewer (PIV).

F C H S O R C H E S T R A S

“Where Excellence Is Expected”
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PASS-OFF RUBRIC
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Students are expected to individually “pass-off” their music for the director. Pass-offs are
musical excerpts taken from the literature or the musical exercises being learned. Students
will work on these in class but they are also expected to spend time on them at home in their
personal practice. Each pass-off will be for a grade and that grade will be determined from
the following rubric.

50 – 46 points 25 – 21 points
x Rhythms – Performed accurately with a metronome at the x Rhythms – Performed accurately with a metronome at a slower tempo.
correct tempo. x Notes – Performed accurately with good intonation.
x Notes – Performed accurately with exceptional intonation.
x Musicality – Dynamics, articulations and phrasings are performed well.
x Musicality – Dynamics, articulations and phrasings are x Three or four bobbles are accepted.
!45 – 41 points
performed exceptionally. !
20 – 16 points
x Rhythms – Performed accurately with a metronome at the x Rhythms – Performed inaccurately without a metronome.
correct tempo. x Notes – Performed inaccurately and with bad intonation.
x Notes – Performed accurately with exceptional intonation. x Musicality – Dynamics, articulations and phrasings are performed very
x Musicality – Dynamics, articulations and phrasings are
performed exceptionally.
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little.
15 – 11 points
x One or two bobbles are accepted. x Rhythms – Performed inaccurately without a metronome.
!40 – 36 points x Notes – Performed inaccurately and with bad intonation.
x Rhythms – Performed accurately with a metronome at the x Musicality – Dynamics, articulations and phrasings are performed very
correct tempo. little.
x Notes – Performed accurately with exceptional intonation. x Three or four spots are played well.
x Musicality – Dynamics, articulations and phrasings are
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10 – 6 points
x Rhythms – Performed inaccurately without a metronome.
performed exceptionally.
x Three or four bobbles are accepted.
!35 – 31 points x Notes – Performed inaccurately and with bad intonation.
x Musicality – Dynamics, articulations and phrasings are performed very
x Rhythms – Performed accurately with a metronome at a slower little.
x One or two spots are played well.
tempo.
x Notes – Performed accurately with good intonation.
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5 – 0 points
x Musicality – Dynamics, articulations and phrasings are x Do not play your exam if you think you could get this score.
!30 – 26 points
performed well.
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x Rhythms – Performed accurately with a metronome at a slower
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tempo.
x Notes – Performed accurately with good intonation.
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x Musicality – Dynamics, articulations and phrasings are !
performed well.
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x One or two bobbles are accepted.
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F C H S O R C H E S T R A S

“Where Excellence Is Expected”
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2012-2013 FCHS MUSIC DEPARTMENT CALENDAR OF EVENTS
AUGUST! 27th-29th! Mon-Wed! Concert dress sizing and exchange, 3-4 PM. Monday and Tuesday–Girls/Wednesday–Boys!
! 28th! Tuesday! Tri-M Induction Ceremony, 7:00 PM!
! 31th! Friday! Music Department Ice Cream Social, 6-8 PM!
SEPTEMBER! 5th-7th! Wed-Fri! String Auditions for All-State Orchestra and Western States Honor Orchestra!
! 26th! Wed! Concert Attire Money is Due (Turn in to Ms. Silar)!
OCTOBER! 9th! Tuesday! All Orchestras Concert, 7:00 PM!
! 11th! Thursday! All Choirs Concert, 7:00 PM!
! 16th! Tuesday! All Bands Concert, 7:00 PM!
! 19th-20th! Fri-Sat! All State Choir Auditions at Fort Collins High School!
! 23rd! Tuesday! Jazz Concert, 7:00 PM!
NOVEMBER! 1st! Thursday! Metro State Choral Celebration with A Cap and Canta Bella, All Day at Metro in Denver!
! 1st-3rd! Thurs-Sat! UNC Western States Honor Orchestra, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley!
! 5th-9th! Mon-Fri! CSU Honor Band and Northern Colorado Honor Band Auditions!
! 8th! Thurs! Choral Middle School Invitational with all Choirs, 7:00 PM!
! 12th! Tuesday! All State Orchestra Auditions for Wind and Percussion!
! 15th-16th! Thurs-Fri! Musical Auditions 3:00-5:00 PM!
! 16th! Friday! Rocky Mountain Band Festival with Symphonic Band and Concert Band, Time TBA!
! 26th-30th! Mon-Fri! All-State Band Auditions, Poudre High School, Date and Time TBA!
! 27th! Tuesday! Instrumental Concert with Symphonic Band and Symphony Orchestra, 7 PM!
! 29th! Thursday! Cabaret Auditions, 3-4 PM!
DECEMBER! 4th! Tuesday! Instrumental Concert with Concert Band, Int. Band, Concert Orchestra and Sinfonietta, 7 PM!
! 6th! Thursday! Chamber Concert, 7:00 PM!
! 11th! Tuesday! Holiday Gift Concert , All Choirs, Symphony Orchestra, Concert Orchestra and Jingle ! !
! Winds, Jazz Band, 7:00 PM!
JANUARY! 15th! Tuesday! Pre-CMEA Concert with Symphony Orchestra, 7:00 PM!
! 17th-19th! Thurs-Sat! Northern Colorado Honor Band Festival at FCHS!
! 23rd-26th! Wed-Sat! CMEA Convention!
FEBRUARY! 2nd! Saturday! Cabaret, Dinner at 6:00 PM followed by the Concert at 7:00 PM!
! 7th-9th! Thurs-Sat! Colorado All-State Choir at Denver Convention Center!
! 11th! Monday! Pre-CBA concert with Symphonic Band at Rocky Mountain High School, 7:00 PM!
! 14th-16th! Thurs-Sat! Colorado All-State Orchestra at Colorado State University!
! 21st-23rd! Thurs-Sat! CSU Honor Band, University Center for the Arts!
! 25th! Monday! CLHO in the UCA at Colorado State University, 7:00 PM!
! 28th! Thursday! Musical Performance, Little Shop of Horrors, 7:00 PM!
MARCH! 1st-2nd! Fri-Sat! Musical Performance, Little Shop of Horrors, 7:00 PM!
! 5th! Tuesday! Orchestra Middle School Festival with Symphony Orchestra, 7:00 PM!
! 6th! Wednesday! CBA Northern Regional Concert Band Festival, Fossil Ridge High School, Time TBA!
! 9th! Saturday! Chamber Music Festival at FCHS, All Day!
! 12th! Tuesday! Choir concert with A Cappella, Canta Bella and Cansone, Location TBA, 7:00 PM!
APRIL! 1st! Monday! Pre-Contest Concert with Symph Orchestra, Concert Band and Intermediate Band, 7:00 PM!
! 2nd! Tuesday! Pre-Contest Concert with Signori, Anima, 7:00 PM!
! 4th-6th! Thur-Sat! Colorado All State Band at University of Northern Colorado!
! 8th-10th! Mon-Wed! CHSAA Vocal Music Festival, Times and Location TBA!
! 13th! Saturday! Viola Day, All Day With a Concert at 4:00 PM!
! 15th-17th! Mon-Wed! CHSAA Instrumental Music Festival, Times and Location TBA!
! 16th! Tuesday! Jazz Concert with Jazz Choirs and Jazz Band, 7:00 PM!
! 19th-20th! Fri-Sat! Jazz Festival at UNC, Times TBA!
! 25th! Thursday! Auditions for Special Music at Graduation, 3-4 PM!
! 29th! Monday! Academic Awards, Jazz Band and A Cappella Perform, 6:30 PM!
MAY! th
7 ! Tuesday! Chamber Concert, 7:00 PM.!
! 9th! Thursday! Senior Recital, 7:00 PM!
! 16th! Thursday! Graduation Practice at FCHS, 1st Hour!
! 20th! Monday! End of the Year Concert with Concert Band, Intermediate Band, Cansone, Signori, !! !
and Anima, 7:00 PM!
! 21st! Tuesday! Honor’s Concert with Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra, A Cappella and Canta Bella, 7:00 PM!
! 22nd! Wednesday! POPS in the Park Concert with all Orchestras, all Choirs and Jazz Band, 3:00 PM!
! 23rd! Thursday! Baccalaureate with a volunteer Orchestra and Choir, 6:00 PM!
! 24th! Friday! Graduation Practice at Moby Gym, Time TBA!
F C H S O R C H E S T R A S

“Where Excellence Is Expected”
! 24th! Friday! Graduation with Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Concert Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, Signori, !
! Canta Bella, Cansone and A Cappella, 6:30 PM!

Letter Points and Awards

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Orchestra letters are given only to those students who prove themselves to be hardworking and dedicated to their
playing/performing. When a student wears an orchestra letter, he/she has achieved an incredible task.
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Orchestra Letters are awarded through a two-step process.
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STEP ONE - PREREQUISITES:

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This first step needs to be demonstrated every year. If a student wants to be awarded a letter and/or bars, he/she will:
- Play all of the major scales from memory. Only two octaves are needed.
- Demonstrate, from memory, the knowledge of every major key signature.
- Submit a tape for All-State Orchestra and UNC Weekend For Strings.
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STEP TWO - POINT ACQUISITION:
The second step to acquire a letter/bars is to accumulate points throughout the year. With the first 150 points a letter
will be awarded. Then every additional 75 points a bar will be awarded. Points are awarded by doing the following
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items:
- Membership in orchestra and chamber orchestra 10 pts each semester
- All State Orchestra 30 pts
- UNC Weekend for Strings 30 pts
- Submitting an ASO/UNC audition tape but not making either orchestra 10 pts
- State Music Contest superior rating 20 pts
- State Music Contest excellent rating 15 pts
- State Music Contest good rating 10 pts
- Performing at the Colorado Music Educators Convention 20 pts
- Solo and Ensemble superior rating 20 pts
- Solo and Ensemble excellent rating 15 pts
- Solo and Ensemble good rating 10 pts
(add three points with a piano accompaniment) + 3 pts
- Performing concerts 5 pts each concert
- Performing in other public venues 5 pts each concert
- Extra-curricular organizations (Civic orch, etc) 15 pts
- Concerts attended (with a program as proof) 2 pts each concert
- Private lessons 10 pts each semester
- Pep band 10 pts
- Marching band 10 pts
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Students should keep good records throughout the school year. This can be accomplished by keeping up with the letter
tally sheets that are in each students’ portfolio. For example, to receive points for attending a concert, students need to
have a copy of the program in their portfolios It is a good idea for students to keep the portfolio up to date throughout
the year as concerts are performed, attended, etc.
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Awards and letters will be given out at the honors concert each year. This is a grand time for me to brag about the kind
of quality students I have at FCHS. J
F C H S O R C H E S T R A S

“Where Excellence Is Expected”
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Student Information and Commitment Form
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To receive credit for this handbook you need to fill out an online form. By doing so you are
confirming you and your parents are committed to follow these policies, (make sure your parents read
this handbook as well). Follow this link to get to the online form.
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https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dHZvajNNTzhsR1o5bzA4MEU0UWtWaGc6MA
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VOLUNTEERS
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Every year there is a great need for parents to help with various activities in the music department.
This can be accomplished by volunteering in the BOC Ensemble, a parent organization dedicated to
enhancing the musical experience of FCHS students. If you would like to help the orchestra program
through the BOC Ensemble, then please check the volunteer box found on the online form. You will
be added to an email group in which volunteer information will be made available to you. Thanks in
advance for your help!
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Below is a sample list of some of the activities the BOC Ensemble is involved in.
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___ Organizing receptions which are held after some concerts
___ Serving at receptions which are held after some concerts
___ Chaperoning possible field trips
___ Helping girls/boys with concert dress
___ Serving ice cream at our beginning of the year social
___ Being a docent at our concerts

F C H S O R C H E S T R A S

“Where Excellence Is Expected”