ABOUT MRS. FAWESS
- This is Mrs. Fawess' 18th year teaching in West Islip.
- Mrs. Fawess plays cello in the East Island String Quartet.
- Mrs. Fawess is a member of the Sound Symphony.
- Mrs. Fawess has a daughter, Nya (7) who is entering second grade, a baby boy, Wesley (7 months) and two stepchildren: Gwen (almost 19) who is attending Hofstra University as a freshman this fall and Spencer (16) who is starting his junior year of High School.
- Mrs. Fawess had the privilege to guest conduct the Night of 1,000 Strings Festival for the Northport-East Northport School District and previously guest conducted the Nassau County All-County Division I Orchestra at the Tiles Center.
Now to business...
ALL ABOUT OUR ORCHESTRA
New items for 2023-2024...
- Winter concert scheduled for 5th-grade orchestra only. - Monday, December 18
- Spring concert scheduled for both 4th & 5th-grade orchestra - Wednesday, May 29
- Going digital for all forms/papers when possible (simply request a paper copy if you prefer paper).
- ParentSquare will be used frequently for reminders and updates for before-school rehearsals, etc.
- Lessons start date is still to be determined.
- Before school orchestra will start for 5th-grade orchestra the week of September 18.
- ARRIVAL TIME 7:50-7:55 AM to Oquenock Main Lobby Doors.
- Before school orchestra for 4th-grade orchestra will begin in January.
- Please check out the 2023-2024 Orchestra Handbook to view a detailed overview of our class including the addition of Digital Learning expectations.
- Parent/guardian, please submit the digital Handbook Agreement form as soon as possible (can be found on Orchestra Google Site and was sent out via ParentSquare).
What you need to know...
ORCHESTRA EXPECTATIONS
- Energetic participation with class activities and at all performances
- Attendance at lessons/rehearsals/concerts
- Hard work in class
- Practice outside of class
- Good attitude and respect toward others
Instrument Rental / Purchase
- Always speak to Mrs. Fawess before purchasing an instrument. Mrs. Fawess can preview instruments and help guide you in the right direction.
- School instruments can be provided for use at home with special request.
- Violin/Viola/Cello students are expected to set up a rental from a local music store (school rentals for violin/viola/cello are only provided if school inventory permits due to enrollment size of a given year).
- Violin/Viola/Cello students are expected to bring their instrument on rehearsal and lesson days (a schedule will be provided so you know when it is needed).
- Bass students will be provided a school instrument for use at school that is NOT shared with another student. Bass students will also be supplied with a bass for home.
Group Lessons
- Group lessons meet on a rotating schedule. Students attend a group lesson during a different 30-minute time slot each week, minimizing any disadvantage in missing a particular part of class repeatedly.
- Students, parents, and classroom teachers will be provided with the lesson schedule. It is encouraged that families help read the schedule each week so students know when to come to their lesson. A system will be practiced in school to teach students how to read the lesson calendar. The first few weeks will be spent learning the procedures and expectations.
"Practice Makes Perfect"
- It is encouraged that your child will practice 20 minutes a day, about two or three days a week.
How to Fit in Quality Practice Time
Encourage scheduling in practice time as you would for a dance class or other daily/weekly commitments (same day and time each week...usually the weekends work best with everyone's busy schedules).
Provide a quiet and uninterrupted practice space for your child to use (avoid having a nearby TV on or noisy family room area).
Encouraging the habit of practicing, now at the elementary level, helps to build a foundation and positive "habit" for the future.
Private Instruction Options / Youth Orchestras
- Visit Mrs. Fawess’ orchestra google site (on district website) for Youth Orchestra information and never hesitate to contact Mrs. Fawess for a Private Instructor recommendation.
NYSSMA / LISFA / SCMEA Recommendations
- Recommendations will be made at the discretion of Mrs. Fawess. Nominations are based on performance/attitude in class in combination with previous NYSSMA scores.
- Participation at NYSSMA is NOT required. Traditionally 5th-grade students are taught a NYSSMA-rated piece as well as NYSSMA scales and sight reading skills in our lesson groups and the decision to participate is made between parents and students. There is NO pressure, however, to be considered for any of the All-County festivals the following year, the student MUST have participated at NYSSMA the previous year.
- NYSSMA takes place at West Islip High School on Wednesday, April 26, specifically for 5th-grade students.
- LISFA - Long Island String Festival Association All-County Festival. Students from the 5th-grade orchestra may be nominated for this festival.
- SCMEA - Suffolk County Music Educator's Association All-County Festival. Students from the 5th-grade orchestra may be nominated for this festival.
Concerts / Important Dates
5th Grade Orchestra Winter Concert - Monday, December 18, 2023
4th & 5th Grade Orchestra Spring Concert - Thursday, May 30, 2024
As musical ensembles depend upon the strength of its members, we need 100% attendance at every concert and performance.
Concert Dress
- Black dress pants/skirt/capris (must be an item with the length below the knee), with a white dress shirt/blouse and black dress shoes.