<p> A.M. Kulp / Hatfield / Oak Park Elementary School Strings</p><p>September, 2013</p><p>Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s):</p><p>Welcome back to the 2013-2014 school year! String students in grades 4, 5 and 6 from A.M. Kulp, Hatfield and Oak Park will perform together as a String Orchestra. Participation in the orchestra provides vital experiences such as: teamwork, listening, playing in tune, playing the same tempo, exposure to different styles of music, and learning new notes. Highlights of participating in orchestra are performing in many concerts and assemblies throughout the year. </p><p>We will begin orchestra rehearsals on Thursday, October 3, 2013. Rehearsals will be held every Thursday morning from 7:55-9:00 am at A.M. Kulp Elementary School, located on 801 Cowpath Road. The String Orchestra will perform on the following dates:  Winter Concert on December 11, 2013, 7:00 pm @ A.M. Kulp.  NPSD Orchestra Festival (grades 5/6) on Tuesday, February 11, 2014, 7:00 pm @ NPHS  Spring Concert on Wednesday, May 21, 2014, 7:00 pm @ A.M. Kulp</p><p>A.M. Kulp, Hatfield and Oak Park will also combine to form a Chamber Orchestra. The purpose of the chamber orchestra is to honor and further challenge students who play at an advanced level. Chamber Orchestra will perform at our Spring Concert as well as some special events to be announced. I anticipate rehearsing the chamber orchestra music 7:30 – 7:55; however, if a special rehearsal is needed, I will notify you. Most of the music preparation and practice should be completed at home or during lessons. Chamber Orchestra rehearsals will begin on Thursday, October 17th. </p><p>Transportation to each rehearsal must be provided by the parents; however, arrangements have been made with the school district to transport Hatfield and Oak Park students back to school after rehearsal. They return to school by 9:10, just in time for the opening announcements.</p><p>Students should enter A.M. Kulp through the “Gym Staircase labeled Door #4.” I will open the door for the students and I would gladly appreciate parent volunteers to help so I can tune instruments. </p><p>If school is closed or delayed due to the weather, rehearsal will be cancelled. </p><p>If your student goes to before-school care, you should be able to arrange a ‘transfer’ to A.M. Kulp on Thursdays if you need to drop your child off earlier than 7:30. Please speak with your before-school care coordinator. If your child eats breakfast at school, they will need to wait until rehearsal has ended or eat upon arrival at their “Home School.”</p><p>Adequate preparation of all assigned orchestra pieces is expected as well as weekly attendance at scheduled rehearsals and lessons during the school day. It is of the utmost importance that students be present at every rehearsal (unless illness or an unavoidable circumstance occurs). If your child attends school on an orchestra day, we expect that he/she will attend rehearsal that morning, unless you notify us in writing. If your child cannot attend an orchestra rehearsal, please send in, email, or leave a voice mail with an excuse by his/her next school day. Thank you in advance for your support and cooperation.</p><p>Sincerely, Mrs. Michelle Cohen Please sign and return the following page to Mrs. Cohen. Orchestra Director</p><p>Please complete and return this page at your child’s next lesson.</p><p>Orchestra Permission Slip 2013-2014</p><p>I give _____ permission to participate in the Orchestra and (First and Last Name) assume responsibility for his/her transportation to every rehearsal (Thursday mornings; arrival at 7:50; A. M. Kulp Elementary School or 7:30 for Chamber Orchestra).</p><p>______Parent Signature</p><p>Parent e-mail address: ______</p><p>Home phone: ______</p><p>Work/Cell phone (or number where I can contact you Thursday mornings during rehearsal)</p><p>______</p><p>I will do my best to prepare assigned orchestra pieces and to attend scheduled rehearsals, assemblies, and concert(s) (unless I am absent from school that day). I will attend lessons regularly and practice my instrument at least 5 nights per week.</p><p>______Student Signature</p><p>Please sign and return this page to Mrs. Cohen. A.M. Kulp / Hatfield / Oak Park Elementary School Strings</p><p>Please sign and return the following page to Mrs. Cohen.</p>