Brookwood High School Orchestras

D. Philip Reesman, Director
Philip.Reesman@gcpsk12.org
​Philip_Reesman@g.gcpsk12.com
Megan Kendall, Director
​Megan.Kendall@gcpsk12.org
​Megan_Kendall@g.gcpsk12.com
William Bo Ford, Principal
Archie Berry, Fine Arts AP
Brookwood Orchestra consists of over 300 students, performing in six different ensembles: the Maroon Orchestra, Gold Orchestra, Concert Strings, Symphonic Strings, Philharmonic Orchestra, and Chamber Orchestra. Many of these students are also athletes and AP scholars but they all have a love for and commitment to orchestra and music-making.

The Brookwood High School Orchestra Program seeks to provide quality instruction for all students enrolled in the program. It is the directors’ goal to inspire, motivate, and engage students to excel as musicians, to become productive, responsible citizens, and to have a lifelong appreciation and enjoyment of music.
The Brookwood Orchestra Parents' Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  
​All general donations are tax deductible.

STRIVE TO GATHER

STRIVE TOGETHER
(v.) /ˈɡaT͟Hər/
​summon up [a mental or physical attribute such as one's thoughts or strength] for a purpose.
(adv.) /təˈɡeT͟Hər/
in combination;
​collectively.

Changes for Spring 2021

We hope you had a restful and enjoyable winter break. As we kick off second semester of this school year, we wanted to share some changes that we have made. These changes are based off things we learned from last semester and feedback from our students. Teaching hybrid orchestra has been quite a challenge, and I think we all recognize that this is not how orchestra usually functions. Our goal this semester is for students to have fun and play music together as often as possible in an attempt to feel closer to our normal ensemble structure.  

Please review the changes to our grading procedure below: 

45%- Summative 

Rehearsal Skills- Three (3) six-week grades based on classroom participation. Online students earn this grade by being present every synchronous class with their camera on. If there camera is not on, they are expected to turn in a weekly video of them performing the music we covered in class to recover points lost for not participating with their camera on. With no scheduled concerts this semester (LGPE is cancelled this year), we want the grade to reflect students’ daily contribution to the ensemble.  

35%- Classroom 

Students will have a few assignments throughout the semester to show their progress in required AKS. We are planning to work on sight-reading, active listening with a historical context, and discussion posts on various musical topics. All assignments will be posted and turned in on Google Classroom. 

20%- Final Exams 

Performance Exam (10%)- Our students are going to work on two (2) three-octave scales this semester. These scales will be assigned early so they will have all semester to work on them! 

Written Exam (10%)- During scheduled exam week.  

In class discussion on Friday, we told students our goals and asked for their input on how to make the most out of this semester. It was so great to hear their ideas!  In order to have some uniformity, all classes will follow this schedule (any changes will be announced to students during class and will be reflected on our weekly schedule on eClass).  
  • Monday- Synchronous- DL students required for Zoom. Sight-reading, scales, technique- probably a “half day” of class.  
  • Tuesday- Synchronous- DL students required for Zoom- Ensemble rehearsal of new music 
  • Wednesday- Asynchronous- Work Day for all students (DL students may be required to log-in if there is an assignment) 
  • Thursday- Synchronous- DL students required for Zoom- Ensemble rehearsal 
  • Fiddle/Fun Friday- Synchronous- DL students required for Zoom 

There's No Place Like Home

​Important Dates for 2020-2021 Season

--- All Events Tentatively Canceled Until Further Notice ---

July 31 - Orientation, 7:30 am - 12:00 pm
August 14 - Doughnut Day!
August 28 - Tailgate in "Horseshoe" @ 6pm
September 22 - CONCERT (ALL) @ 6pm
October 24 - Paint Recycle Fundraiser
November 12 - CONCERT (CO + chorus) @ 6pm
November 18 - CONCERT (M, G, CS, SS, PO)
December 10 - Side-by-Side CONCERT (CO)
January 25, 26 - After-School/Evening Rehearsals
January 28 - Festival! during lunches
February 2 - CONCERT (CO, PO, SS) @ 6pm
February 4 - CONCERT (M, G, CS) @ 6pm
February 25-27* - LGPE (TBA) at Lanier HS
March 23 - Honors Recital @ 3pm
April 27 - CONCERT (ALL) in Commons @ 6pm
May 1 - Senior / Alumni Concert @ 6pm
May 10 - Awards Banquet @ 6pm
Dates in BOLD​ are required events.
*Please reserve the whole weekend for LGPE.