It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 2024-25 Langley High School Orchestra! You will be part of one of the largest and most successful organizations in our school.
For those who do not know me yet, I have been directing the orchestra program at Langley High School since 2001. Originally from what I call ‘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.
You are invited to join me at Orchestra Orientation on Thursday August 15th after the freshman class orientation (around 12-1pm) in the Orchestra Room (1104). This is the best time for students who are new to the program 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 the orchestra (materials and expectations) and how parents can get involved with Sponsorship and supporting students through 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 18th from 5-7 pm in the Langley Amphitheater (or Langley Hall if we have unfavorable weather). 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.
Our orchestra is known for our dramatic theme concerts and we are planning an especially appealing line up. We will start with Spookfest, a chance to thrill our audience with spectacular Halloween tracks as well as an opportunity to enhance the impact with creative costumes. We will continue with “Call of the Sea”, a concert based on water and all things nautical. Then we will prepare for our annual Orchestra Assessment and our spring trip (more information should be ready to share at Orientation). Finally, we will conclude with “Music & Color” while we celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2025.
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, and honors ensemble information. Orchestra families will also be able to sign up to receive Constant Contact 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 which is updated and monitored by our capable Tri-M Music Honors Society officers. Speaking of honors opportunities, heads up that SRO Auditions are really early (Oct 1st) be ready for online registration and to pay the $10 fee on MSB.
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)