Langley Orchestra
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Oct 05
Preparations for the fall concert
Our first concert of the year – “Gaelic Gala” – will take place at 7 pm on Tuesday, October 18 in the Langley auditorium. The concert is free and will be video recorded. Note that all students are required to wear the black Langley Orchestra polo shirt and black pants or skirts. Doc should have Spiritwear orders to distribute in classes October 13-14.
All students are required to attend concert-day rehearsals. The rehearsal schedule is:
- 3:00 Symphonic Orchestra (Juniors & Seniors)
- 3:45 Concert Orchestra (Freshmen & Sophomores)
- 4:30 Preconcert Dinner (Cafeteria)
- 5:15 Philharmonic (with dancers)
- 6:15 Langley Hall reception w/ The Jam in the Black Box
- 6:45 Students take their places
- 7:00 Concert
Because students must stay for rehearsal, we encourage students to participate in the catered concert-themed dinner in the cafeteria. For this Celtic concert, participating students will enjoy a Baked Potato Bar with choice of Caesar or house salad. Sign up by Wednesday, October 12th and pay the $12 for this dinner (plus a Cheddar Up service charge of approximately $1) at CheddarUp. This dinner can accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions, just be sure to fill out the details on the registration form.
Prior to the start of the concert, we congregate in Langley Hall starting around 6:15 for some entertainment in the Black Box, this time featuring The Jam (who many of you know as Wes’s band). We ask parents to consider sending in a shareable snack for our Hospitality tables or volunteering to assist with dinner or Hospitality in Langley Hall at this SignUpGenius. Thank you for your support!
We will have Krispy Kreme doughnuts for sale in Langley Hall on concert day. This time, we’ll be selling boxes of 10 glazed doughnuts for $10 per box, CASH ONLY. Doughnut sales will start at 3:25 sharp — this is a FCPS rule that we must adhere to – and will end when we run out. Come early to ensure you can get your Krispy Kreme!
Finally, we’ll note that Langley Orchestra Society hires a professional videographer to record each of our concerts, and we will share that link with orchestra families approximately a week after the concert via our e-newsletter. Make sure to sign up for orchestra’s e-news if you haven’t already! (See signup in right sidebar – and note that this is different from the Langley PTSA’s e-News.)
See you on the 18th!
Sep 28
Car Wash RESCHEDULED to Sat, Oct 15
Due to the impending heavy rains this weekend, we have rescheduled our Car Wash Fundraiser to Saturday, October 15th. Students can sign up or revise prior signups in the orchestra room. Parents, please consider signing up to help out by bringing snacks or drinks to fuel our musicians, or volunteer to help out at the car wash at the SignUp Genius.
Sep 23
Senior Spotlights: Ben Tran & Ella Kassis
Ben Tran (violin & piano):
Favorite memory: My favorite memory from Langley Orchestra was the car wash from my freshman year (2019). This was one of the first community activities offered by the orchestra during my time, and I will never forget it because the car wash served as a gateway for freshman just like me to be involved within the community. It was also memorable because we raised a large amount of money from the orchestra, not just through washing cars, but having fun and doing push-ups on the side of the road or spinning signs across the street. It was because of this car wash that I was able to strengthen the bonds I had with my friends in the orchestra and continue with the orchestra for all 4 years.
What I love about LHS orchestra: Orchestra is one of the best ways to create connections and build community spirit at Langley, especially if you’re a freshman who is looking for a new opportunity. Not only is it a great community because of the people, but due to our incredible director Doc. He lights up any room with a big smile and energy that is unlike any other music director I have ever experienced.
Words of wisdom: I highly recommend everyone to take orchestra as many years in high school as they can. It is truthfully an environment where you can relax but also be stimulated by your peers, Doc, and the music around you. Cherish the limited 4 years that you may have with the orchestra, as those years go by quicker than you think.
Ella Kassis (violin):
Favorite memory: My favorite memories from Langley Orchestra are the car washes, and Cox Farms. Doc lets you bring any of your friends to help support the Langley Orchestra. It’s a great way to meet people, and get hours for Tri-M!
What I love about LHS orchestra: I love how Langley Orchestra is welcoming to literally anyone. People can join with no experience at all, and learn how to make music come together as a group. Challenging pieces are a struggle at first, but Langley Orchestra works together to make the piece dynamic and authentic.
Words of wisdom: Stick with Orchestra. Having a class with music, friends, and the coolest teacher ever (Doc) makes school 100x better. It relieves your mind off of school work and stress. Music just lets you relieve tension from school, and feel good when you play.