Dear Langley Orchestra Students and Parents,
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the Langley High School Orchestra for the 2023-24 school year! This is a very exciting time to be in our program as we continue the momentum from our landmark season & Carnegie Hall performance.
For those who do not know me yet, I have been directing the orchestra program at Langley High School since 2001. Originally from The Great and Powerful Nation of Canada, I came to the U.S to complete my doctoral degree at Indiana University before moving with my wife to Northern Virginia. In addition to my FCPS teaching, I am also an adjunct professor at Patrick Henry College and a core member of the Washington Bach Consort, the area’s premiere baroque orchestra and chorus.
I would like to invite you to our Orchestra Orientation on Thursday August 17th from 12-1 pm in the Orchestra Room (1104). This is the best time for students who are new to the orchestra to take measurements for Formalwear (dresses and tuxedos) which will be necessary for formal performances and assessments. We will also coordinate orders for Spiritwear, including the required t-shirt & polo and other optional items of apparel to display our orchestra pride. We will present information about our Orchestra program (materials and expectations) and also explain how parents can get involved with sponsorship and filling roles to support the students in the Langley Orchestra Society.
I would also like to invite all orchestra Saxons (including family members and even graduates) to the Orchestra Welcome Back Picnic on Sunday August 20st from 5-7 pm at McLean Central Park. This is where you will discover what our orchestra is truly about – friends, family, and food! We will also hold the ceremonial “Flickin’ Chicken” contest to see which grade level emerges as the champion.
Last year is going to be hard to top, especially our landmark concert in Carnegie Hall. But with the talent in our group and season of music I have planned, this year could be every bit as exciting. We will start with a concert exploring the Music of Asia that should provide a fabulous opportunity to celebrate the cultural heritage of many of our students. Then we head back in time for a Medieval theme before ending the season with the rich musical traditions of France.
We will also share a concert with our feeder MS as we prepare for our annual Orchestra Assessment. In addition, we are making plans for a spring trip in April (more information should be ready to share at Orientation). I would like to encourage everyone to bookmark our orchestra website www.langleyorchestra.org which is an extremely valuable tool for information such as the Orchestra calendar, announcements for upcoming events, general orchestra resources, and honors ensemble information. Orchestra families will also be able to sign up to receive emails with our Orchestra Newsletter which will provide helpful reminders and updates. Students’ information will be hosted in Schoology but they will also find opportunities to connect through social media connections on our Instagram account @langleyhsorchestra which is updated and monitored by our capable Tri-M Music Honors Society officers.
I wish you all the best in your summer activities and look forward to seeing you in a few short weeks.
Dr. McCormick (a.k.a. Doc)