A. No. We will be assigning school instruments for use for cellos/basses and a few upper strings on day 1. We will also go over rules/regulations/expectations. In short, we will begin playing on DAY 2! Be ready with your instrument and a pencil.

A. Usually by 7:40 am, the room is unlocked. It is usually locked by 4:00 pm after school. On Wednesday staff meeting days, B116 may be locked during the 7th hour. Please plan accordingly.

A. Yes we do, but only some are of great quality. We ask that you only request access to a school instrument for home use if you simply have no other option. Otherwise, we recommend you visit Shar Music on Industrial Road to pursue a rental or a rent-to-purchase scenario.

A. Short answer, all parties will work with you! Here are the Pioneer Guidelines for Sports and Music.

A. Sure thing! Before I tell you about these folks, please keep in mind that POPS is very mindful not to fill your inbox with multiple emails. Your email lists are not public knowledge beyond the board or chairs leads. If you prefer not to be contacted by them, please let me know, but also be aware that the orchestra cannot function without them! Please volunteer your support to these wonderful people.

A. Email addresses are constantly changing these days. We aim to have the most updated list by the end of the first few weeks of school. Please be ready to provide your most updated email in class for both you and your parent(s).

No problem! There are ways to work around this for your convenience. Contact me privately for how to do this.

A. Yes. There will be a camp lost and found table in the orchestra room on day 1 of school. You can look for it then. At the end of the first week of school, any items that remain will be considered donations either to the orchestra program, to Pioneer, or to a thrift store.

A. This is GREAT NEWS! I think it is wonderful that you want to receive private instruction. Though this is NOT required to be a part of our orchestra program, it is HIGHLY encouraged. Over the past few years, I have carefully crafted a list for you of private teachers that A) have met the volunteer certification process (background check) and B) have come recommended through your colleagues or by the reputation of the studio. I would recommend ANY of these teachers to work with you. HERE IS THE LIST OF PRIVATE TEACHERS. It will be updated as new teachers come through our area.

A. Yes! Details on this application process will come to you in the Back To Orchestra first assignment tasks.

A. According to the latest schedule, Philharmonic is 2nd hour, Concert White is 3rd hour, Symphony is 5th hour, and Concert Purple is 6th hour. We do not anticipate any changes.

A. I kindly ask that whenever you need something from me, tell me your child’s name first and the ensemble they are in, so I have context for the conversation. This will expedite the process of me being able to assist. I really appreciate this!

A. I LOVE the enthusiasm, but I need you to be patient. I should have the music chosen for orchestras by the end of the first week of school. Expect technique review in the meantime.

A. This opportunity is by invitation from Mr. Glawe only. It very rarely happens.

A. Students are NOT required to take private lessons in any ensemble at Pioneer. It is however highly suggested as you approach the higher-level ensembles (specifically, Purple or Symphony). This is simply because the quantity and difficulty of the repertoire being performed is designed to challenge you as any AP class would.

A. As an instrumentalist, the very nature of what we do is to perform. Therefore, I believe this is essential to your development as a performer to get this experience. Keep in mind you often play exams with a stand partner or small group. You can also retake any playing test for me individually for additional feedback if your effort warrants the time. I will always actively try to set the climate up in the room to support you in every note you play. We all want to see you do well! If anxiety about playing tests in front of peers is extreme, see me independently.

A. I will provide you with website updates in class in hard copy as the need arises. Just request this need from me!

A. Orchestra is a full year curricular class. It is expected that students stay in their ensemble for the duration of the school year. The guidance counselors and the music department have an agreement that students MUST get permission in writing from the ensemble director, counselor, parent, and child that it is alright to be removed from an ensemble class. Well thought out schedules years in advance will help alleviate most of these issues.

A. No, not necessarily. My philosophy is simple. I will rotate principal player positions as often as it is justified through individual and ensemble skills. I also try to build strength within a section by creating a strong outer row of musicians when possible. Though I know it is hard for some of you, I encourage you not to worry about seating, as it can interfere with your enjoyment of the music making process.

A. Yes! Always! Send them my way.

A. The Pioneer Orchestras have a value system built upon 3 principles: Musicianship. Citizenship. Friendship. Everything we do in and out of the classroom as a program fits within one of these 3 categories. Today, I would like to talk about one of those pillars, Citizenship.

"A passive citizenry will never create a sustainable world." -- Andrew Gaines

Simply put, as one of the most recognized high school orchestra programs in the country, we all know it is a privilege to be a part of it. One important way to show our gratitude is to give back to the program and the community at large. Here is how the Orchestra Citizenship Expectation works.
We ask that each STUDENT in the Pioneer Orchestra Program complete one citizenship activity per SEMESTER (graded, 5% of your semester grade), and each FAMILY complete one citizenship activity per YEAR.
There will be a running list of opportunities for students and parents to sign up to help with volunteer tasks during the school year.
For FAMILIES, sign ups will generally come from POPS President, Mr Steve Samford during the year. When possible, we put out multiple sign-ups at once. Some of these opportunities include Art Fair Volunteer Sign-Up, uniform committee, pie sale, merchandise sales, receptions- providing items or helping organize/clean, chaperoning events, fundraising team, camp departure loading (August), program help, flower sale, referring a business as a sponsor, taking on a "fix up" project in the orchestra room, etc. There will be PLENTY of opportunities to help, and we are not limited to this list. We are open to ideas! THANK YOU in advance for doing your part!
For STUDENTS, sign ups will likely come from Mr. Smith or myself. Some of these opportunities include Art Fair Volunteer Sign-Up (see end of this message), playing with a group in the community at a nursing home and/or fundraiser, stage crew, helping with Tappan/Slauson practice club, performing music at a fundraiser, helping make fliers for programs, classroom organization/cleaning, taking on a "fix it" problem in the classroom, cleaning instruments, refiling music, volunteering to help with orchestra library for an hour, playing in the pit, band, or accompanying choir as requested, help with pie sale, merchandise sales, flower sale, etc. There will be PLENTY of opportunities to help, and we are not limited to this list. THANK YOU in advance for doing your part!