Welcome to the home page for the Darien Elementary All-Town Orchestra!

Miss Hanley's site Elementary Strings Site Miss Minnis' Site Mr. Spielvogel's site

 

FAQ's  
What is it?

The event is called Music in the Parks and is held in Agawam, Massachusetts. The event is connected with Six Flags New England. This is a chance to reward the string students in the Darien Elementary Schools who have shown a high level of musicianship and dedication to his or her elementary orchestra. The position in this ensemble is earned by students who have met the full list of requirements provided.

Who is eligible to participate? All 4th and 5th grade students who are willing to meet all of the requirements. Only 12 students can be accepted from each elementary school.
When/ Where is the event held? Music in the Parks is held at Agawam High School in Agawam, Massachusetts. The event is connected with Six Flags New England. It is held in the middle of May each year.
What are the playing/attendance requirements?

In February, each student will be required to take a scales and arpeggio test set up by his/ or her strings teacher. The scales are: C, G, D, F, and A. The student must also be able to demonstrate a high musical ability and knowledge of the music in his/or her school ensemble. The student must also have a strong attendance record in school orchestra, and must come prepared to lessons. If a student is chosen and he or she does not continue to play and attend school orchestra regularly, the school teacher has the right to take the student out of the All-Town Orchestra.

PDF of ensemble requirements  

Who conducts the ensemble? Miss Hanley and Miss Minnis conduct the ensemble. Mr. Spielvogel and Miss Hammond serves as orchestra assistants.
What music are we playing? We are playing:
Is this a competition? We are performing to not only gain valuable experience, but also to receive a score and a rating. We are not competing against other schools.
How is the trip funded? The trip is funded from the Darien Orchestra activity fund. This fund is fed through events such as the practice-a-thon which is done at the end of March.
How do I become a chaperone? Contact Miss Hanley or Miss Minnis.
Who do I contact for questions? e-mail: Miss Hanley