New Orchestra program starting in DSISD this year

Dripping Springs ISD is forming an orchestra program beginning this school year comprised of students from Dripping Springs High School, Dripping Springs Middle School, and Sycamore Middle School.

In its first year, 2018-19, DSHS will offer two courses/ levels: Concert Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra. The Concert Orchestra will be comprised of students with six months prior experience on violin, viola, cello or bass; while the Chamber Orchestra will be for more experienced players. Membership in Chamber Orchestra will be determined through an audition. Students interested in registering are being asked complete an application.

Dr. Jackie Wogick has been selected as the new Orchestra Director. Prior to this, she had been teaching the Orchestra Club at DSHS as a preschool, non-credit activity, as a volunteer. Dr. Wogick has been directing orchestral ensembles for the last 12 years. As a cellist, she played in Syracuse Symphony for 10 years, and also has performed with several other orchestras and as a free-lance musician. She has been on faculty at Salisbury University, Marshall University, LeMoyne College, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Finger Lakes, and Onondaga Community Colleges.

Calls for a DSISD Orchestra program had been mounting for the past two years by students and parents, some of which included letters to the editor to the Century News by DSISD students Skye Chapman and Sophia Fisher. On July 12, DSISD School Superintendent Bruce Gearing met with parents in attempt to find a solution to schedule, man, and pay for the program in the 2018-19 year. Based on that meeting, the architecture for the beginning program was hammered out. Also present at that meeting were representatives from surrounding area ISD orchestra programs who explained how their programs worked, and DSHS Principal Joe Burns who discussed the existing Orchestra club, and the logistics he foresaw in scheduling.

“Music education has always been important in Dripping Springs ISD. I am excited about expanding our offerings to include a strings program starting at Dripping Springs High school as early as this coming fall… I am extremely appreciative of the strong community support of fine arts in Dripping Springs,” Dr. Gearing said after the July 12 meeting.

The current plan calls for expanding the orchestra course to both DSISD middle schools beginning in the fall of 2019.

Community comments about the proposed program by Dr. Gearing have been positive. “I was pleased that the superintendent, after announcing previously that the district would not be able to implement a full string program this coming year, came back to the supporters of this issue to ask what could be done on a smaller scale to get something started this fall. I think the plan which was discussed would be a good beginning, something which could be build upon in the next several years until we have a fully implemented string education program in our DSISD schools,” David Winkler, a long-time string program proponent, said.

Larry Chapman, father of Skye Chapman who wrote the initial Century News letter to the editor advocating an orchestra program, was likewise complementary of the efforts by Dr. Gearing and Principal Burns. “We have been trying to start an orchestra program for many years, and we’re all elated—my daughter Skye is elated—that we finally got a start. A lot has happened over the past year. Our efforts got publicity through the paper and social media, and I think we finally got the attention of Bruce [Gearing], the school board, and Joe [Burns]. The meeting on the 12th of July was the straw that made it happen, and it happened because of the efforts of many people in the community, including my wife Jennifer,” Chapman said.

Students interested in registering for the new Orchestra classes are asked to complete a Google form at: https://tinyurl.com/y7zvhrkj.

The requirements for the two classes are:

Concert Orchestra –

· 6 months prior string experience on violin, viola, cello or bass

· Must own or rent an instrument in good working order including instrument with four fine tuners (one for each string). bow and case along with accessories appropriate to the chosen instrument:

· Violin/Viola - shoulder rest, extra set of strings (Red Label or similar is fine) violin or viola rosin, soft cloth for cleaning, mute.

· Cello/Bass - rock stop for the endpin (The small black rubber piece that comes with the cello is NOT adequate), extra set of strings (Red Label or similar is acceptable), cello or bass rosin, soft cloth for cleaning, mute.

· Students should have a dedicated place at home for practice and dedicated time for practice - 30+ minutes of practice a day is their homework.

· Black binder for music and a pencil are to be brought to every class

· All concerts and performances are required attendance.

· Students will need black pants, socks, and shoes for concerts. Chamber Orchestra – will be for more experienced players and an audition is required.

· Students must provide their own instrument

· Dedicated place and time for practice necessary to master orchestra music

· Black binder for music and a pencil are to be brought to every class

· Attendance is required at all concerts and performances

· Students will need black pants, socks, and shoes for concerts.