Tompkins High School Orchestras

UPCOMING EVENTS

September
24 Take-out Night - Grand Imperial
25 Student Holiday - Ms. Marts BDAY!

October
2 Region Entries Due
10-14 Region Recording Window
17-21 Pre-Area Recording Window
31-Nov 4 State Recording Window

Region Recording Information

This year the TMEA Region 23 Orchestra Division has moved all audition to online submission windows from the comfort of your own home. While this is more convenient and allows for many more takes before submission you may feel a little overwhelmed with the technology side of recording. We would strongly recommend the use of a USB microphone for recording your performance. There are many options out there for home use. Here are three that I would highly recommend to improve the quality of your audio fidelity in your audition. They all are at a price point that maximizes price per dollar value.

Zoom H4N Pro - most versatile
Blue Yeti X or Nano - most common and easy to use
Rode NT USB - excellent value

Over the next few weeks we will share several tips for setting up your recording space and utilizing technology in a way that benefits your performance the most. Stay tuned.

Making a Difference in our Community

We are excited to be in a position to help our community that has supported the OTHS orchestra program in the past. Please see the linked email regarding our 2020-2021 spirit night that benefit our wonderful community.
SPIRIT NIGHTS 2020-2021

Mandatory Parent Night - Video Premieres 9/3 - 7:00 PM

All current orchestra parents must view this presentation before registering their child. All forms and fees must be submitted by September 4th (Friday). Drive-by payment drop off service will be available for families that choose not to pay online.

KICKING OFF A "NEW" NEW YEAR

If you are new to the OTHS orchestra program we are delighted to have you joining the ranks this year! Over the course of the school year we will keep everyone updated through our weekly newsletter. To receive this weekly update head to our "news" page and subscribe or simply find the message in our archives.

AUDITION RESULTS

After listening to many hours of audition material, reading self evaluations, and sorting through director recommendations we are pleased to announce orchestra placements for the 2020-2021 school year. Before you click the link remember that all of the OTHS orchestra are great orchestras and that next year will be your best year ever. Everyone will have a chance to grow, learn, and enjoy the beauty of music. Tompkins Orchestras 2020-2021

WHY IS POSTURE SO IMPORTANT?

Besides performing at maximum efficiency, body language affects how others see us, but it may also change how we see ourselves. Social psychologist Amy Cuddy argues that "power posing" -- standing in a posture of confidence, even when we don't feel confident -- can boost feelings of confidence, and might have an impact on our chances for success. Body posture shapes who you are.

DONOR CIRCLE PROGRAM

Our 2019-2020 Donor Circle Program has closed however, if you know an business in the Katy area interested in becoming a supporter of the the OTHS Orchestra please share this information about our Donor Circle Program. The following link has all the benefits of membership in the program. The Tompkins Orchestra Friends booster club is a tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization. See more information here.

Science Says Lessons Were the Best Thing Your Parents Ever Did For You

If your parents ever submitted you to regular music lesson as a kid, you probably got in a fight with them once or twice about it. Maybe you didn't want to go; maybe you didn't like practicing. But we have some bad news: They were right. It turns out that all those endless major scale exercises and repetitions of "Chopsticks" had some incredible effects on our minds. (Click through to read more)