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 (click here).
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 Extra-Curricular activities (as recommended and approved by the board); 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.
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 that will be given to your child at the beginning of the school year (also found in PDF format on this website).
Frequently check the Orchestra page website for information throughout the year
Sign up to volunteer for committees of interest listed on the Orchestra link, or at the end of this article.
Each orchestra student can set up “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. (A form is in the registration packet and on this website. Name of donor listed in every program. Donation entitles donor to discount on CD recordings of student concerts.
Fall Concerts- (October 16) - All Orchestras perform. Dress rehearsal evening before concert.
Spooktacular- (October 27) - Benefit concert by Neuqua Valley Symphony Orchestra and Wildcat Fiddlers.
Crystal Concert (December 6 and 7) - Holiday Concert that includes ensembles from Main Campus only. Tickets are required and distributed to participating students. Students are limited to 4 tickets. There is no charge for tickets.
Masterworks Concert (January 17) - 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 (March 18) - All Orchestras perform. Dress rehearsal evening before concert.
Spring Concerts (May 13) - All Orchestras perform. Dress rehearsal evening before concert.
Fine Arts Festival (May 17) - A day of performances by all District 204 music groups (6th – 12th grades).
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 I & II- Freshmen only, by audition, spring of 8th grade year.
Symphonic Orchestra I & II- Sophomore, Junior and Senior by audition in spring of year prior.
Chamber Strings- Freshmen, Sophomore, Junior and Senior by audition in 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. Staley, the Neuqua Valley Symphony Orchestra is a co-curricular full orchestra opportunity. The NVSO rehearses on Tuesday evenings from 6pm until 8pm. Auditions for the NVSO take place in early September.
Wildcat Fiddlers- Mr. Brad Pfeil and Mrs. Jennifer Gillespie (Crone MS) co-direct this group, which meets on Monday evenings in the orchestra room at the main campus from 6 – 7:30pm. 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.
Performing Arts Awards and Letters
Each year, students will be able to gain points towards letters and patches in the Performing Arts. Students will begin accumulating points anew each year. Below is a list of the minimum number of points needed each year to receive a letter or numeral. If one does not receive one’s numerals as a freshman, they will be awarded the first time a letter is earned.
Year Points Award
09 10 Frosh/Soph Letter, numerals
10 10 JV Letter
11 10 Varsity Letter
12 10 Performing Arts Plaque
Patches will also be awarded for participation in all activities that receive 3 or more points. These patches are in addition to the letter/numeral awards. Patches can be earned even if the total points do not add up to the requirements for numerals and letter.
The following is a listing of activities/events and their corresponding point values:
NVSO - 5 Wildcat Fiddlers – 5 Pit Orchestra/Musical– 5
Jazz Band – 5 IMEA District Festival – 3
Solo & Ensemble – 3 IMEA All State – 3
Tri-M – 2 Fox Valley Festival – 2