Who belongs to the Orchestra Parent Association?

All parents are automatically members if their student participates in ANY orchestra. The OPA is directed by an executive board and meets at the main campus.  Meetings are open to any orchestra parent.  A schedule of meeting dates is posted on the OPA page of the website.

What is the purpose of the Orchestra Parent Association?

The purpose of the OPA is to provide support for the NVHS Orchestra programs, directors and students; to provide financial support for Orchestra Curricular and Co-Curricular activities; to foster closer communications between parents/guardians, orchestra students and orchestra directors; and to promote and enhance local community interest in the Neuqua Valley High School Orchestras.

How can parents get involved?

The Neuqua Valley High School orchestra program could not function without its outstanding parent organization. The orchestra parents assist in many ways throughout the year.  Orchestra parents make our fundraising efforts possible.  Parents also assist with the Fine Arts Festival, Spooktacular, Crystal Concert, Masterworks and help with our travel plans. Read the orchestra handbook  and frequently check the website for information throughout the year.

Fundraisers

Each orchestra student can set up an "individual" student account, which receives funds based on the students' individual fundraising activities. The funds in this account go toward supporting that individual student for orchestra trips that take place during their tenure at Neuqua Valley High School. Orchestra Parents Association holds and tracks these funds for each participating student. E2007 - 2008 Fundraising Activities Ø      Fall- Citrus Sale - profit goes directly to student's individual account. Ø      Winter- Poinsettia Sales- profit goes directly to student's individual account. Ø      Barnes & Noble Book Fair – proceeds go directly to Orchestra Parents Association Ø      Patron of the Arts- Donation given to support the Orchestra program.  Name of donor listed in every program. Donation entitles donor to discount on CD recordings of student concerts.

Performances

Fall Concerts - All Orchestras perform.  Dress rehearsal evening before concert.

Spooktacular-  Benefit concert by Neuqua Valley Symphony Orchestra and Wildcat Fiddlers.

Crystal Concert  - Holiday Concert that includes the Symphonic Orchestra Volunteer Ensemble, Symphonic Strings, Chamber Orchestra, and Chamber Strings.  Tickets are required and distributed to participating students. Students are limited to 4 tickets. There is no charge for tickets.

Masterworks Concert  - Concert includes Gold Campus Orchestra, Bands and Choirs. Also includes honors ensembles from Main Campus, Chamber Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, and Varsity Singers. Tickets are required and distributed to participating students.

Winter Concerts - All Orchestras perform.  Dress rehearsal evening before concert.

Spring Concerts  - All Orchestras perform.  Dress rehearsal evening before concert.

Fine Arts Festival  - A day of performances by all District 204 music groups (5th – 12th grades).

Festivals

IMEA District and All State Festivals: 
Interested students will audition for the District IX Orchestra.  Students who are accepted into the orchestra participate in an all day festival with a guest conductor and fellow students from area high schools.  Students who place highly in the District IX Orchestra may be selected to participate in the All State Festival.  The All State Festival takes place in Peoria during the Illinois Music Educators Convention in January.

District 204 Solo & Ensemble Festival:  
Students will prepare a solo or small ensemble entirely outside of class.  A minimum of four sessions with their director must take place in order to participate.  Students must also meet with their piano accompanist.  During this festival, students will have a 10-minute session with a guest clinician.  There are no ratings or scores from this festival.  All students will be expected to attend the Honors Recital at 7pm on the evening of the festival.  In order to participate, students MUST attend the MANDATORY meeting held in January.

IHSA Solo & Ensemble Contest:  
This contest is similar to the District 204 Solo & Ensemble Festival, however points are tallied and scores are posted.  Also, there is less time available with the judges.  In order for students to be eligible to participate in the contest, they must have participated and performed in the District 204 Festival.

Fox Valley Music Festival:  
One of the oldest music festivals in existence, the Fox Valley Music Festival is a two-day event.  Rehearsals are Sunday from 2-5pm and Monday beginning at 1pm.  The concert takes place on Monday evening at 7pm.  Students will have the opportunity to perform with a guest conductor and fellow students from the surrounding Fox Valley area.  Students must be able to attend both days of the festival.  This is a non-auditioned festival.

Curricular Ensembles (for High School class credits)

Concert Orchestra- Freshmen only. Students are placed in this orchestra by teacher recommendation during the spring of 8th grade.

Concert Strings- Freshmen only. Students are placed in this orchestra by audition during the spring of 8th grade.

Symphonic Orchestra- Sophomore, Junior and Senior. Students are placed in this orchestra by teacher recommendation during the spring of year prior.

Symphonic Strings- Sophomore, Junior and Senior. Students are placed in this orchestra by audition during the spring of year prior.

Chamber Orchestra- Freshmen, Sophomore, Junior and Senior. Students are placed in this orchestra by audition during the spring of year prior.

Chamber Strings- Freshmen, Sophomore, Junior and Senior. Students are placed in this orchestra by audition during the spring of year prior.

Extra-Curricular Activities and Ensembles-
These are activities that rehearse or take place outside the normal school day.

Neuqua Valley Symphonic Orchestra (NVSO)- Directed by Mr. Bauer and Mr. Schwaegler, the Neuqua Valley Symphony Orchestra is a co-curricular full orchestra opportunity.  The NVSO rehearses on Monday evenings from 6pm until 8pm.  All members of Chamber Strings and Chamber Orchestra are admitted without audition. Additional string players may be admitted (as needed) following an audition in early September.

Wildcat Fiddlers-  Mr. Brad Pfeil directs this group, which meets on Tuesday evenings in the orchestra room at the main campus from 7 - 8:30 pm.  The Wildcat Fiddlers is open to any student with an interest in fiddle music.

Jazz Bands- Orchestra students are eligible for membership in the NVHS Jazz bands.  String bass players and pianists are encouraged to try out for these outstanding groups.  Jazz begins in September and meets on Wednesday evenings.

Steel Bands- All students in the music department may participate in the NVHS Steel bands. Students perform on steel drums, electric bass, drum set, and latin percussion. Look for flyers at the start of the school year announcing the first meeting.

Klang Percussion Ensemble- All students in the music department may join this afterschool percussion ensemble, directed by Mr. Jastrow. Students will learn elements of percussion technique and expand their music reading and ensemble skills. The group performs at the annual Klangfarbenmelodie Concert in May. Look for flyers at the start of the school year announcing the first meeting.