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Campo Verde High School Orchestra Handbook

2019-2020

“Music enhances the education of our children by helping them to make

connections and broadening the depth with which they think and feel. If

we are to hope for a society of culturally literate people, music must be a

vital part of our children's education.”

Yo-Yo Ma

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Dear CVHS Orchestra Members, Parents, and Guardians:

I would like to welcome you to the orchestra program as we begin the 2019-2020 school year! The Orchestra

program here at CVHS offers unique experiences which will remain with students for the rest of their lives.

To ensure the success of the orchestra program, certain rules, expectations, and areas of responsibility must

be set. Please visit campoverdeorchestras.org and read the “Handbook”, which can be found under

“Resources”. Reading and understanding the handbook will aid in the student’s personal rewards and

satisfaction in participating in the orchestra program here at CVHS. On our website, you can find links to

our social media accounts and much more. You can also access our calendar on the website and you can

download important dates directly into your electronic calendars.

Please read the ENTIRE handbook thoroughly. Once you have read the handbook, please take the time to

use the QR codes (found on the back of the handout that your child received in class) to fill out an agreement

form and to sign up for the Orchestra Remind Classroom (text message program), which will enable you to

receive text message reminders about concerts, important dates, and booster meetings. Please do complete

these tasks by Monday, August 5th.

Communication is one of the keys to our success. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

The best and easiest way is by e-mail. I read my e-mail every day and will respond as soon as possible on

weekdays. My email address is crystal.payne@gilbertschools.net and my phone number is 480-987-5973,

extension 2324. When contacting me, please include your child’s first and last name.

Lastly, please make sure that your email is up to date on infinite campus, as I frequently send out

important reminders and emails throughout the school year. I am looking forward to another great school

year with our fantastic Orchestra students here at CVHS!

Sincerely,

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Crystal L. Payne

Orchestra Director

“Music training is a more potent instrument than any other, because rhythm and harmony find their way

into the inward places of the soul.” Plato

CVHS PERFORMING ARTS VISION

The performing arts faculty came together to build a vision of our department. This vision

contains certain virtues that we strive to instill in our students. We looked for common themes

that keep coming up in our classrooms and decided on our vision. Our vision is also what we use

as a guideline for decision-making in our classrooms and as a faculty.

C – Character R – Responsibility E – Excellence A – Artistry T – Teamwork E – Empowerment

Course Objectives and Goals: (Based upon Arizona Music Educators Standards)

To provide an enjoyable experience of music while playing, performing, and/or

auditioning using music from a wide variety of genres, cultures, and styles.

To perform alone and in small and large ensembles with good posture, good playing

position, good bow control and appropriate articulation.

To exhibit proper bow control and technique using accented détaché, legato détaché,

martelé, spiccato, string crossings at varying tempi, and bow articulation using

variations of slurred and détaché groupings of notes.

To play two/three octave major and minor scales and corresponding arpeggios in keys

up to four sharps and four flats.

To learn how to sight read music comparable to one level below performance level.

To identify and apply musical terms and symbols appropriate to the repertoire

encountered while using appropriate terminology to describe and explain music.

To learn to play expressively on pitch and in rhythm, using dynamics, proper

phrasings, and tempo markings.

These goals will be achieved through daily rehearsal of music.

Course Description:

Welcome to the CVHS Orchestra Program! Here at CVHS we strive for excellence, which

means that as your teacher, I will be guiding and encouraging you to do nothing less than your

best each and every day during rehearsal and performances. Musical, historical, and theoretical

concepts are discussed and applied appropriately to every piece of music.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) As members of the Coyote family, we pride ourselves on our dedication to Community, Values, Honor and Scholarship. Students are expected to meet specific positive behavioral standards both in and out of the classroom. These behaviors, such as being respectful and practicing

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academic honesty, are what make Campo Verde such an amazing place to learn. During this school year, students will participate in a school-wide initiative focused on the promotion and reinforcement of the expected standards of behavior.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Every student who is registered in the CVHS Orchestra Program will need to have an Orchestra

instrument by Monday, August 5th. Instruments can be either rented or purchased. It is VERY

important that you rent or purchase a QUALITY instrument from a reputable instrument

dealer. Purchasing instruments from warehouse stores or on the internet is a gamble. If

you need help with renting/purchasing an instrument, please feel free to contact me. Also,

students will be required to purchase all associated equipment and materials necessary to keep

their instruments in correct working condition.

When registering for the Orchestra class, each student was asked to pay a TOTAL fee of $75.

This fee covers all of the music your child will need for the school year. This will be broken up

into two payments. $25 cash or check payable to CVHS OPO to be turned into me and $50

payable to the bookstore/or paid via infinite campus. I know that this can be rather confusing,

so if you have any questions about fees or how to pay them, please email me at

crystal.payne@gilbertschools.net

We provide the use of cello and bass instruments at the school for an additional yearly rental fee

of $50. This fee helps us keep up with repairs and routine maintenance to ensure that the

instruments are kept in excellent condition. If you would like to use a school instrument-your

child will be given a rental form that should be filled out by Friday, August 2nd. I do have a

limited number of violins and violas to rent out which will be rented on a first come, first serve

basis and financial need will be taken into consideration. Every student will also be responsible

for proper concert attire. Orchestra is a full-participation, team effort, so instruments and basic

concert attire are essential to be in the Orchestra class. If you know that you will not be able to

meet this financial responsibility, please contact me as soon as possible so that together, we can

come up with a solution. It is never my intention for someone to miss out on orchestra due to

financial hardships, so please contact me. Thank you.

All fees are due by Monday, August 12th. If you need financial assistance or an extension,

please contact me at crystal.payne@gilbertschools.net

INSTRUMENT REPAIRS

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To avoid loss of points during instrument repair, the student must bring in a signed note form

their parent/guardian explaining the circumstances of the repair. If the repair is expected to take

longer than 2 school days, the student is expected to obtain a “loaner” instrument from the repair

shop.

CONCERT ATTIRE

The uniform for Symphonic Strings/Symphony Orchestra members will be as follows:

Women: A black dress-sparkle sleeve, provided by the Orchestra, black close-toed

dress shoes, black stockings

Men: Black tuxedo provided by the Orchestra, black socks and black dress

shoes.

The uniform for Chamber Orchestra members will be as follows:

Women: A black dress-short sleeve, provided by the Orchestra, black close-toed

dress shoes, black stockings.

Men: Black dress pants and black bow ties, black cummerbunds, provided by

the Orchestra, a white dress shirt to be purchased by the student. Black

socks and black dress shoes.

The uniform for Concert Orchestra members will be as follows:

Women: White dress top & black skirt, provided by the Orchestra, black stockings,

and black close-toed dress shoes.

Men: Black dress pants, black bow tie, and cummerbund, provided by the

Orchestra, a white dress shirt to be purchased by the student. Black socks

and black dress shoes.

The uniform for Campo Verde Strolling String members will be in a separate handout to be

given during class. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mrs. Payne.

*Failure to provide appropriate concert attire will result in a reduction of participation points and

parent notification. If you need help finding appropriate orchestra attire or are having financial

difficulty, please contact me.

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REHEARSAL PROCEDURES

GATSBI – Participation 30% of your grade G-Gum or food = 2 points per day

No food or gum is permitted in the classroom in order to preserve the cleanliness and order of the classroom

A-Absent = No points (used for hard-copy attendance) If a student has an unexcused absence, they will not receive their ten points

for the day. You have to be at rehearsal/class to receive the information. T-Tardy = 3 points per day (unexcused) S-Setup = 1 point per day

In their seat with music, instrument, and pencil. B-Behavior = 2 points per day

Students receive points for remaining respectful and polite to their classmates, teachers, and visitors to the classroom.

I-Involved/Engaged = 2 points per day Students receive points for staying locked in, keeping their cell phone in their

pocket, staying awake, and remaining engaged in rehearsal. Total of 10 possible points per day.

GRADING

Orchestra is a co-curricular class, which means students are graded on in-class and out-of class

requirements.

There are FIVE parts to your grade:

1. Attendance/Positive Participation during daily rehearsals (GATSBI)-30%

2. Concert/Performance/Festival Participation and Concert Evaluations-35%

3. Playing Quizzes-15%

4. CVHS Performance Attendance-10%

5. Final Exam-10%

Any student, regardless of ability, can receive an “A” if they are dedicated and work hard.

1. Playing Quizzes-15%

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Playing exams are taken from:

1. Music we are learning in class

2. Scales -our “musical alphabet”

Playing exams are graded on:

* Intonation and accurate notes

* Rhythm and continuity of performance

* Technique (playing positions, shifting, vibrato, bow control, strings crossings, tone etc.)

* Musicality (dynamics, tempo, phrasing, style, articulation)

**PLEASE SEE ATTACHED PLAYING TEST EVALUATION SHEET

PRACTICING IS ORCHESTRA “HOMEWORK”

Every student should have a designated time in his/her schedule to practice at home. All

practice time should include warm-ups, technical exercises and musical passages.

2. Attendance/Positive Participation (GATSBI)-30% The orchestra is a performing organization. Your attendance is required for every class

rehearsal. When any person is absent from a rehearsal, whether excused or unexcused, it

affects the entire group. We learn and perform as a TEAM. Make-up work is possible,

but class activities and experiences cannot be duplicated. Please make sure that you

call your child out in the front office if they will be absent from orchestra so that

they receive an EXCUSED absence, otherwise, the students will receive a zero for

daily participation on that day.

3. Final Exam-10%

4. Performance Attendance & Participation/Concert Evaluation-35% To receive full credit for your Concert Attendance grade, you must:

-Arrive on time for the dress rehearsal-10%

-Wear the proper concert attire as described in this handbook and bring all music

and instrument materials-15%

-Exhibit Outstanding concert etiquette-(Being a good audience member-not

talking in the audience/back stage or being distracting-no gum, food, drink, or cell

phones when and/if sitting in the audience)-10%

5. CVHS Performance Attendance-10% Students are required to attend one CVHS Performing Arts Performance that they are

NOT a part of (performing in) per semester. For credit, they must get their program

stamped or signed at the concert by the director or student volunteer in the lobby and turn

it into Mrs. Payne. They can choose from any of these Theatre, Band, and Choir

Performances:

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CVHS Band Concerts:

October 1st, 7 PM

December 16th, 7 PM

December 10th, 7 PM, Band and Full Symphony Concert

March 3rd 7 PM

May 11th, 7 PM Jazz and Chamber Concert

May 12th, 7 PM Band and Full Symphony Concert

CVHS Theatre Performances:

Fall Production 9/12-9/14 $$, purchase tickets at the door

Winter Showcase 1/23-1/24 $$ One Acts-2/25-2/26 $$

Spring Production 4/2-4/4 $$

CVHS Choir Concerts:

September 26th, 7 PM,

December 12th, 7 PM

February 27th, 7 PM

May 5th, 7 PM

Quarter and semester grades are earned through an accumulation of points throughout the

grading period. Missed points can be made up through alternate assignments depending on the

nature of how they were missed in the first place.

A=90-100%, B-80-89%, C=70-79%, D=60-69%, F-0-59%

If you need to make up points for approved excused absences, you can discuss other

opportunities to make up points with Mrs. Payne

ORCHESTRA LOCKERS

Students will be assigned an Orchestra locker. These lockers are designed for instrument

security/storage only and should be locked at ALL times. Each student will need to purchase

their own combination lock from the bookstore or from another store, and the director must have

the combination on file. The only exception to this are the cello and bass students, as those locks

are provided. Gilbert Public Schools cannot guarantee the security of anything left in these

lockers or the Orchestra room. Orchestra lockers are to be used ONLY for Orchestra instruments

and music. Students will need a lock for their lockers by Friday, August 2nd. I do have a

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few locks to loan out, but not enough for everyone. Locks will be loaned out on a first come, first

serve basis.

TAX CREDIT

The state of Arizona offers a wonderful way to get funds to the school’s extra-curricular

activities through its tax credit program. This program allows Arizona households filing jointly

to donate up to $400 to the Orchestra program. You are able to write off the entire expenditure

from the bottom line of your taxes. In many cases, households can even benefit by qualifying for

a lower tax bracket, which results in even more $$ back to you! There is no catch, and you get

every dime back. All you need to do is fill out the form and write a check out for up to $400.

You can even make copies of the form and ask your friends and relatives to help out too. Tax

credit donations (up to $400 per family) are an excellent way to help raise money for the things

we need in the Orchestra program. For more information, please call or email Mrs. Payne. You

can also submit a tax credit donation online at

www.gilbertschools.net/parent_zone/tax_credit_donation

COYOTE ORCHESTRA “C.A.R.E” PROGRAM

C=COMMUNICATE *Let me know well in advance about any schedule conflicts with rehearsals or

performances.

*If you would like extra help, just ask. If I can’t help you, I’ll find someone who can.

A=ATTEND REHEARSALS AND PERFORMANCES

*Be at rehearsals and performances on time.

*When even one member of a performing ensemble is gone, the total musical experience

is diminished for all.

R=RESPECT PROPERTY AND EACH OTHER

*Do not touch what is not yours. (ie: instruments)

*Take care of your instruments by keeping them locked in their lockers and cleaned.

*Respect the right of others to learn, and the teacher to teach by not causing an

interruption to the rehearsal.

*If you can’t say something positive, do not say anything at all.

*Clean up after yourselves in the classroom and on stage.

E=EXECUTE REHEARSAL PROCEDURES

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*Be in your seat, ready to make music at the appropriate time.

*Stop immediately when the conductor stops.

*Listen attentively while the director is giving instruction.

*Raise your hand if you have a comment/question/answer.

*Stay in your seat unless you have permission to do otherwise.

*NO CELL PHONES OR ELECTRONIC DEVICES-THEY WILL BE

CONFISCATED.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Social networking (Facebook, Instagram, SnapChat, Twitter, etc.) is a personal

choice, but is not an appropriate place to post negativity. It is NOT acceptable to post negative comments about the orchestra, other members, or our section coaches on any social network. Instead, please come voice your opinions and

concerns with Mrs. Payne so that together, we can both come up with a solution.

PRIVATE LESSONS

Private lessons are highly encouraged at every level of musicianship. Private lessons give the student the opportunity to study once a week with a professional musician one on one. Lessons range from approximately $15-30 per half hour lesson and are worth far more than that to your child’s musical growth! Ask Mrs. Payne for a list of teachers.

United Sound

United Sound is a program provides musical performance experiences for students with special needs through peer mentorship. All students, grades 9-12 who are interested in working with special needs students are encouraged to apply to be a mentor. The mentor application will be sent out via email during the second full week of school. United Sound rehearsals are after school each Thursday from 2:30-3:30. You can find out more information about this amazing program here at unitedsound.org

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ABOUT YOUR DIRECTOR Crystal Payne has been the director of Campo Verde High School Orchestras since fall of 2016. Mrs. Payne has taught private lessons on violin, viola, and piano for 15 years. Prior to joining the CVHS Orchestras, Mrs. Payne taught orchestra, guitar, and piano at Queen Creek High School and Newell Barney Junior High School for five years. Under her direction, the junior high orchestra program grew from 14 members to 90 members. Mrs. Payne’s students and ensembles have received ratings of Excellent, Superior, and Superior with Distinction in various festivals in Arizona. Her students were invited to perform with composer and concert pianist, William Joseph, two years in a row. As an educator, she has also been invited as a guest clinician for honor festivals in Northern Arizona and has previously served as the chairman for the AMEA All-State Junior High Festival. Under her direction, in 2018, the CVHS Symphony was invited to perform at the World Strides Festival held at Carnegie Hall in New York City. As a violinist, Mrs. Payne studied with Dr. Jonathan Swartz at Arizona State University where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. While attending ASU, Mrs. Payne was a member in the ASU Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, and ASU Chamber Quartet Program. While she played in the ASU Symphony, she accompanied such artists as Regina Carter, Daniel Bernard Romain and Phillip Glass. Additionally, she has played violin and viola in the ASU Chamber Quartet program where she worked with members from the Julliard String Quartet and The St. Lawrence String Quartet. Mrs. Payne is an active member of Symphony of the Southwest.

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When she is not playing her instruments or teaching, she loves spending time with her husband, Craig, and her three children, Cadence, Charlotte, and Carter.

SECTION COACHES

DR. DAN STOTZ-BASS PAMELA RICHARDSON-CELLO

CAMILLE PHILLIPS-VIOLA TAYLOR MORRIS-VIOLIN

Here at CVHS, students have the opportunity to work with local musicians in sectionals about twice a

month. Each of our sectional coaches hold degrees in Music and have professional performance experience.

PERFORMANCES

Attendance at performances is MANDATORY! If a conflict should arise with another school activity, an acceptable compromise may be made with Mrs. Payne on an individual basis. Please let Mrs. Payne know of such conflicts as soon as possible. To receive full credit for performances, students are expected to: *arrive on time and remain for the ENTIRE concert, not just their part of it *wear the proper concert attire as described in this handbook *exhibit outstanding concert etiquette

Charms

The boosters and myself will be using a program called Charms. You will receive information in the next month about how to sign up. This program will ensure that you can always see your tax credit balances and fundraising profits at all times in preparation for trip payments. More information will be sent home and emailed.

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Letters/Pins

Every students has a year to letter or pin in orchestra and be recognized at our end of the year concert for their hard work. It is rather difficult for a freshman to letter, but if they stick with orchestra, they can letter by their senior year. Your child can ask for a

letter/pin application to be considered.

CVHS ORCHESTRA CALENDAR 2019-2020 CONCERTS Please take the time to mark these dates in your calendar, as these dates will not change. ***Signifies all orchestras ***August 30th, 2019-Orchestra Beginning of the Year Lock In-ALL Orchestras.*** ***October 3rd, 2019-Fall Orchestra Concert, Auditorium, 7 PM, FREE, ALL Orchestras*** October 17th-ABODA Fall Orchestra Festival @ various times throughout the day, please keep date open. Time TBD by ABODA. Symphonic Strings ONLY @ McClintock HS October 18th-ABODA Fall Orchestra Festival @ various times throughout the day, please keep date open. Time TBD by ABODA. Concert and Chamber Orchestras ONLY @ Dobson HS

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October 24th, Musical Instrument Museum Field Trip with Tetra String Quartet Concert-Concert Orchestra Only ***December 3rd during regularly scheduled classes-Large Ensemble Pictures @ CVHS-full uniforms ***December 17th, 2019, CVHS Holiday Orchestra Concert, Auditorium, 7 PM, $5 Admission, Children 5 and under FREE, immediate family 5 members or more, flat rate of $25. ALL Orchestras *** January 14th, 2019-Solo and Ensemble Concert for those who wish to prepare and perform. More information to follow. January 18th-AMEA Solo and Ensemble Festival for students who prepare and sign up. January 24th-25th,-AMEA Regional auditions for students who wish to audition February 3rd, 2020-6th Grade Elementary Strings Festival-ONLY STROLLING STRINGS February 14th and 15th-AMEA Regional Festival for those who audition and are chosen. March 3rd, ABODA Area Festival @ Desert Ridge HS, times TBD per ABODA, Symphonic Strings and Chamber Orchestras Only ***March 5th, Spring Concert @ 7 PM, FREE-ALL Orchestras*** March 13th-14th, ALL State auditions for those who qualify

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March 25th-28th, Symphonic Strings Trip to Washington D.C., More information to be sent out via email during the month of August April 16th-18th, AMEA All State Festival for those who qualify @ ASU April 21st, or 22nd, ABODA State Concert Festival @ Chandler Center for the Performing Arts, Symphonic Strings ONLY May 8th-CONCERT Orchestra Only Festival-Location TBD ***May 14th, End of the Year Pops and Movie Concert, 7 PM, $5 Admission, Children 5 and under FREE, immediate family 5 members or more, flat rate of $25. ALL Orchestras*** ***May 15th-Orchestra Awards Banquet-Time TBD, Location-CVHS Cafeteria and Courtyard*** May 17th-Baccalaureate Ceremony @ 3 PM, Symphonic Strings Only There may be other dates or field trips planned, but I will email those out as soon as I have the dates and information for you. Please check your email for future reminders and dates. Thank you.

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CVHS Orchestra Parent Booster Organization

It takes many helping hands to maintain our superior orchestras. In having a student in the CVHS Orchestras, you are automatically a member of the CVHSOPO (Campo Verde High School Orchestra Parent Organization). You are vital to our organization and our success. Parents are required to fill out this form and return it to the director. Many ands make light work and your involvement can be as little as 1 hour a year or as much as you want. Join us, make some friends, have some fun, and keep CVHS Orchestras at our best!

CVHS Parent Booster Meeting Dates

(All parents are invited to attend our monthly meetings)

August 20th, 2019, 7 PM-8 PM, Orchestra Room

September 17th, 2019, 7 PM-8 PM, Orchestra Room

October 15th, 2019 7 PM-8 PM, Orchestra Room

November 19th, 2019 7 PM-8 PM, Orchestra Room

December 3rd, 2019 7 PM-8 PM, Orchestra Room

January 21st, 2020 7 PM-8 PM, Orchestra Room

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February 18th,2020 7 PM-8 PM, Orchestra Room

March 17th, 2020 7 PM-8 PM, Orchestra Room

April 21st, 2020, 7 PM-8 PM, Orchestra Room

May 5th, 2020 7 PM-8 PM, Orchestra Room

Orchestra Membership Agreement 2019-2020

I, the student, understand and accept the responsibilities outlined in the Campo Verde High School

Orchestra Handbook that can be found on the Campo Verde HS Orchestra website at

campoverdeorchestras.org Please make sure that you view the calendar and add dates to your calendar.

We, the parents/guardians and student, acknowledge having read this handbook and assure that the

students will abide by all rules and expectations contained herein.

__________________________ ____________________________

Student Name (please print) Student Signature

_______________________________________ ___________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Name (please print) Parent/Guardian Signature

Y Yes, I give permission for photos for photos that showcase my child to be used on CVHS Orchestra’s social media accounts.

No, I do not give my permission for photos that showcase my child to be used on CVHS Orchestra’s social media accounts.

NOTE: All group pictures (that do not showcase a child’s face) will be used on social media. For example, a group picture of the orchestra at a

concert.

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

We need volunteers! Please check below if you can volunteer at one of these events. Check the box if you are available to volunteer at any

of these events!

August 30th, 5-10 PM, Orchestra Beginning of the Year Lock In Chaperones Needed here at CVHS

October 17th , ABODA Fall Orchestra Festival @ McClintock HS Symphony Only-Chaperones Needed

October 18th, ABODA Fall Orchestra Festival @ Dobson HS-Concert and Chamber Only-Chaperones Needed

October 24th, Musical Instrument Museum Field Trip Chaperones Needed-Concert Orchestra Parents Only

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February 3rd, 6th Grade Orchestra Festival hosted here at CVHS, need volunteers from 4 PM-6 PM to handout pizza/drinks

March 3rd, ABODA Festival Field Trip chaperones needed-Desert Ridge HS-Chamber and Symphonic Strings’ Parents Only

May 8th, Gilbert Public Schools Concert Orchestra Festival -Location and Time TBD, Chaperones Needed

I can’t volunteer at any of these events, but I’d love to help out at one of the fundraisers or from home!

Student Name: ___________________________

Parent Name: ____________________________

Phone Number: __________________________

Parent email address: _____________________

Check this box if you are okay with the parent booster contacting you via email or phone to volunteer.

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