Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.

1. Do I have to attend all performances?
2. Why are performances so important?
3. What if I still miss a performance?
4. Will we have chair auditions?
5. Are there any Orchestra trips this year?
6. Do I have to attend after school rehearsals.

Do I have to attend all performances?

YES! All performances are GRADED, CO-CURRICULAR events. The 
performances marked on the Orchestra Calendar with a double ** are 
REQUIRED.  Only an EXTREME illness would result in an excused 
absence.

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Why are performances so important?

Performances are the final "test" of our ablility to PERFORM the music.  
Perfection is our goal.  
We rehearse all year, but only have 5 or 6 performance opportunities.  This 
makes the performance the ultimate, most precious moment of our musical 
lives.

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What if I still miss a performance?

First, don't ever miss a performance! Second, with PRIOR approval 
a paper may be submitted.  A typed, 8 page, double-spaced paper may be 
written on a topic approved by Mrs. Williams.  It must also include a 
cover/title page and a complete bibliography.
All absence requests will be considered on an individual basis.  
Please don't assume an absence will automatically be approved.

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Will we have chair auditions?

Let me begin this answer by stating that I DON'T LIKE CHAIR AUDITIONS!!!  
Well, I feel better now!  Yes, we will have chair auditions as needed. 
Students may also participate in chair challenges.

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Are there any Orchestra trips this year?

     The Orchestra Presidents are planning a trip to SIX FLAGS!!!  We want 
to travel on June 5.  We will need to have at least 30 students commit to 
travel with us in order to make the trip cost effective.  LET'S ALL GO!!!

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Do I have to attend after school rehearsals.

Yes!  The regularly scheduled after school rehearsals are a mandatory 
obligation for membership in the Westwood Symphony or Philharmonic 
Orchestras.  
     The Symphony meets Tuesdays afterschool from 4:20-5:45.  The 
Philharmonic Orchestra meets Wednesdays afterschool from 4:20-5:45.  If a 
student misses more than two afterschool rehearsals in a semester, they will 
lose their eligibility to be members of the Symphony or Philharmonic 
Orchestras.  
     Students who are unable to attend after school rehearsals are welcome 
to become members of the Concert Orchestra.  The Concert Orchestra does not 
have a mandatory after school rehearsal as part of the membership 
requirement for that orchestra.

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