Belzer Orchestra

   The Belzer Middle School Orchestra program exists to create a positive musical environment for all students.  To help nurture, motivate, and refine the skills of young musicians.  This program also assists students in learning very important life skills, such as:  Respect, Responsibility, Teamwork, Fairness, Honesty, Courage, Initiative, and Perseverance.  In order for the orchestra to be successful, students must learn how to exhibit and implement these life skills into the classroom while creating a positive and supportive atmosphere to facilitate better learning.

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CLICK ON THE LINK TITLED "WHAT DO I NEED FOR 2010-2011" TO GET THE ANSWERS TO THESE AND MORE IMPORTANT QUESTIONS BEFORE THE SCHOOL YEAR BEGINS!!

Hello orchestra families!  I hope you are still enjoying your summer and hopefullly you have been able to spend some family time outdoors!  They beginning of the 2010-2011 school year is fast approaching and will be filled with new beginnings!  As you know our township is going through some major changes regarding structure as well as new construction at BMS!  Although 6th grade students will no longer be a part of the middle school program they WILL still be part of the orchestra program.  It may feel as though we have lost a group but actuallly there are plans to create orchestral opportunities starting as early as 1st grade!!  We are looking forward to this change and excited to see the face of our program evolve over the next five to six years!

Last year we were informed that our middle schools would be 7-8 campuses and that CMS would be closed.  In addition students from CMS and FCV would be transitioned to FCV and BMS.  It was time for change and much planning went into how we would structure our orchestra program with the new environment.  It was decided amongst the middle school directors that we would best benefit from multi-grade level classes.  This means that all of the orchestra classes will now be a combination of 7th and 8th grade students.  Each class will have a different focus.  Students were placed based on their need and by director approval.  These classes consist of the following:

Chamber Orchestra is an advanced class that will require extra time.  Students recommended for this class must also be in another orchestra class in addition to Chamber Orchestra.
Serenata is also an advanced class.  It is for students who wish to have an added challenge but do not necessarily want to take two orchestra classes.
Sonatina will be a class focusing on musicality and preparation for high school orchestra or Serenata.
Concert I and Concert II orchestras will focus primarily on technique.  This class is reserved for students who need extra work in posture, bowing technique and/or musical technique.
Beginning Orchestra is reserved only for students with either no prior playing experience OR current orchestra students wanting to learn a second orchestra instrument.

There are a few other changes for the upcoming year.  Starting in August and going through October 22nd our BMS Orchestra will be joined by Catherine Kling, student teacher from Butler University.  I am confident she will be a great addition to the program and bring a fresh new energy during her time with us.  She will be interacting with the students each day and for a period of time will take over all teaching duties with my supervision.  You may receive phone calls or written information from her so I want to be sure you know who she is.  She will also be co-conducting for our first concert which will be on Wedneday, October 13th.  I look forward to working with her and know she is excited to work with the kids!

Finally, in addition to the above many of you may have heard my husband and I are expecting our first child at the end of November!  Needless to say we are ecstatic!  Many of you have been wondering how this change will effect the orchestra program in the coming year.  At this time the plan is for me to work up to my due date and then I will have a replacement until the week prior to Spring Break.  Your child's' education is VERY important to me and I take my responsibilities very seriously.  I am currently working with the school to find a suitable replacement while I am on maternity leave.  I will be sure to keep you updated along the way!

I look foward to seeing our returning BMS students as well as our new BMS students and welcome you with an open mind.  Though some have expressed concern, I can assure you that all students in our orchestra programs are treated as equals and NO preferential treatment will be given to any student.  It is not just me who is welcoming you, it is the BMS Orchestra and the school!!  Change can be scary but I hope we will all be able to look at this years transition as an opportunity for improvement and collaboaration!

Have a great rest of the summer and if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at your convenience!!
Heather Nieto, Director of Orchestras BMS
964-6255
heathernieto@msdlt.k12.in.us