Hello!
Thank you for all who performed for us as part of the Spring Open House and Art Walk!  As our Spring musical performances are quickly approaching, I wanted to give you an update on events and extra performing opportunities at Northside, and also remind you of several opportunities outside of school that are available to your child.
4th and 5th grade students performed at the  All-Unit concert on Monday May 1st.  Congratulations for a fine concert!
5th grade students will be performing at the Recorder/Band concert the following Monday, May 8th.  This concert will also take place at 7:00, and we ask that you arrive by 6:45.  During this same week, following the concert your child will have the opportunity to “test drive” several instruments.   Next week, many of these instruments will be demonstrated to 5th grade students.
3rd-5th grade students will have the opportunity to sing the “Star Spangled Banner” to begin the PTA Superhero Fun Run 5K on May 7th.  The 5K will begin at 3:00 p.m. and we will meet by the starting line at about 2:50.  Students are encouraged to participate in the race after singing!
All students have begun working on songs for our Spring Programs.  Our theme this year is “All About Learning.”  The concerts will take place on Wednesday, May 17th.  4th and 5th grades will perform at 9:00 a.m., 2nd and 3rd grades at 10:15, and Kindergarten and 1st grades at 2:15 (note change). Practice tracks are available here on my blog.  Please click on the appropriate grade level at the top of the page.
2nd-5th grade students have the opportunity to join one or two extra performing groups for our spring program.  Please encourage your child to participate!  A more detailed schedule of remaining rehearsals will be posted next week.   Your child will be expected to attend all rehearsals for the part he or she is playing or singing.   Please see the above post for the upcoming rehearsal schedule.
Here are several extra opportunities available to your child outside of school:
- Current 1st-8th grade students-The Quad City Symphony Youth Choir is looking for new young voices for next year! You will have the opportunity to audition on one of several days in May.  I would be happy to assist your child in preparing for this audition. Please see this link for more information: https://qcso.org/meet-the-qcsyes/auditions.  You may also contact  Mary Tallitsch directly at mtallitsch@gmail.com.
- Students entering 4th-7th grade are invited to participate in a Children’s Choir workshop directed by Geneseo music teachers and future music educators. Students will rehearse for two hours on July 6th, 7th, 10th, 11th, and 12th. Instruction will include vocal technique, theory, ear training, and preparation of concert music. The workshop will conclude with students performing with the adult community choir on Wednesday, July 12th. Registration forms are available outside the music room and on my district blog.  Registrations are due to Mrs. Gierhart by Monday May 8th.
- Current 1st-5th grade students-Also at First Lutheran this summer from August 7th-11th, and 13th students are invited to a week-long music camp. Lunch and an afternoon activity each day are also included in this experience.
As always, please let me know if you have questions at meckwall@geneseoschools.org or (309) 945-0625.   Thank you for your support of the arts in Geneseo!
Sincerely,
Mike Eckwall
General Music Teacher
Remaining Northside Fine Arts Dates 2016-17
All-Unit Concert (4th and 5th grades)- Monday, May 1, 2017, 7:00 p.m., HS Gym
Superhero Fun Run (3rd-5th Grades)Рsinging “Star Spangled Banner”, Sunday, May 7, 2017, 2:00 p.m., Millikin Elementary
 
5th grade Recorder Concert Monday, May 8, 2017
Practice– 1:00 p.m., Millikin Elementary
Concert-  7:00 p.m., HS Gym
Northside Spring Programs– Wednesday, May 17th, 2017, Northside Gym
- Grades 4-5 9:00 a.m.
- Grades 2-3 10:15 a.m.
- Grades K-1 2:15 p.m. (note change)