The following announcements will be on the program at our concert on June 3rd,.
Summer Orchestra
Don’t get rusty in the summer! Some of our Mather Musicians are going downtown to play in the Summer Music Festival at the Merit School of Music. Classes are from 9:30-12:30 a.m. from July 7th until August 1st. Students play in an orchestra, take a group class in their instrument, and choose music electives which include Fiddling, Rock and Roll Ensemble, Songwriting and Conducting. There is a cost for the program but financial aid is available. See Mr. Smith for details or go to www.meritmusic.org. If you just want to take some lessons, you can try the Old Town School of Folk Music. It is a great school only a couple of blocks from Mather. www.oldtownschool.org. Seek out lessons and you will be a better player next year!
West Side Story
The Mather Orchestra was pleased to collaborate on an adaptation of West Side Story. On Wednesday April 9th, Members of the Advanced Orchestra accompanied Mather Actors under the Direction of Ms. Belmonte, Mather Singers coached by Ms. Harbaugh and Mather Dancers prepared by Ms. Johnson in an exciting artistic collaboration. The students were exited to perform for a standing room only audience in the auditorium.
Chicago Public School Orchestra Contest
On Saturday, April 5th, the Mather Advanced Orchestra traveled to Shurz High School to compete in the 83rd annual CPS Band and Orchestra Contest. The orchestra combined with members of the Mather Band and performed Russian Sailor’s Dance by Gliere and Slavonic Legend by Del Borgo.
Mather Violinists Coached by Sinfionetta Members
The Mather Orchestra was chosen to participate in a program run by the Chicago Sinfionetta. A select group of Mather Violinists has been working with Sinfionetta concertmaster Paul Zafer and violinist Terrance Gray. The professional musicians visited Mather five times for private coachings with our violin octet. Additionally, Mr. Zafer will provided three private lessons to Mather students. This collaboration will culminated on Monday April 28th, in a performance at Symphony Center! Judy Kim, Gabriel Cardenas, Akie Tran, Maha Aziz, Shirley Lambert, Ana Barraza, Jonathan DeFranco, and Michelle Arellano performed Concerto for 4 violins in C major by Antonio Vivaldi.
Mather High School Welcomed Etran Finatawa
Last month, we were visited by some wonderful musicians from Niger. Two of the members of Etran Finatawa came to play for and talk to Mather musicians during their current world tour. The men that came, from the Tuareg and Wodaabe nomadic tribes of Niger, demonstrated their unique brand of African music and instruments. They shared stories with our students and even asked some of our orchestra members to give them an impromptu performance! Check them out at www.etranfinatawa.com.
Orchestra Receives New Instruments
Our principal, Chris Jones, in conjunction with the Mather Local School Council, demonstrated an enormous commitment to the Mather Orchestra program by purchasing 15,000 dollars of new instruments. The orchestra is using dozens of new violins and violas, three new cellos and five new bass bows. Mr. Smith and the orchestra students thank the administration tremendously for their support.
Thank you Mr. Reidy
This spring, the Mather orchestras and guitar classes welcomed Sean Reidy as a student teacher. Mr. Reidy, from Roosevelt University and VanderCook College of Music, shared his extensive knowledge and experience in the string bass, jazz music and the world of being a professional musician with our students. We wish Mr. Reidy luck as he finds a school of his own.
Mather Orchestra on the Web
Keep up do date with Mather orchestra and guitar news! Visit our website, http://mathermusic.blogspot.com, or our Myspace Page myspace.com/mathermusic Look at pictures, watch videos of our performances and more. Feel free to email Mr. Smith at crsmith2@cps.edu with any questions or call 773 534 2350 x 22992. Always know what your grade is by checking Edline- www.edline.net.
Upcoming Performances
The advanced orchestra combined with select beginners will also perform for Mather graduation on Saturday June 7th at De Paul University.
Thinking of Joining the Mather Orchestra?
Next year we will offer two beginning orchestras. No experience necessary. See your counselor to sign up to join us. The Mather Orchestra program is also growing. We will also be offering an intermediate group along with our advanced orchestra. Stay Tuned!
Mather Orchestra Parent Association
We are forming a Mather Orchestra Parent Association (MOPA). If you would like to be involved, let Mr. Smith know. Support the orchestra by accompanying us on field trips, fundraising and concerts.
Support the Mather Orchestra
Want to support the Mather Orchestra? Come to our concerts. Listen to a Mather musician play. Donate a used musical instrument or accessory. We are in need of guitars, acoustic or electric, for our guitar classes. Any donation to the Mather Orchestra is fully tax deductible. Visit DonorsChoose.org. Enter keyword Mather and choose the proposal that says “Recording Studio” we have over 500 dollars raised so far!
