Newsletter #3 – August 19, 2026
Good afternoon orchestra student and parents! There’s a lot in this newsletter, so please take some time to look it over. We have a lot of activities coming up before fall break!
Class Notes
The orchestras have been hard at work! We are learning Bornoff Finger Patterns, an approach that builds great technique, tone, and intonation. You will hear our warm-ups during the “technique demonstration” portion of our fall concert. We’ve also got concert repertoire chosen and have been making some great music already!
Assignments
The Beginning of the Year assignments have all be put in the gradebook. We will have some performance assessments and other quizzes coming up soon!
Parent Meeting Recap
Thank you to the parents who attended our annual parent meeting last Wednesday, August 12. If you weren’t able to make the meeting, we’ve posted the slides and some other information that may be helpful. https://www.lassiterorchestra.org/parent-meeting. As always, do not hesitate to reach out to me for school-related information or Shelly Wines, our LHSOA president, for parent booster-related questions.
Fall Camp – Saturday, August 29
Our Fall Camp (required for ALL students) is next Saturday, August 29 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Here is some information for next Saturday’s camp…
- Students should report at 8:40 to register and pick up materials in the lobby of the theater. We will begin promptly at 9AM.
- Reminder: No food or drinks in the theater or concert hall!
- Cellular phones should be STOWED or on the charger for the entire time at camp, excerpt during lunch.
- Students will go through two orchestra rehearsals, a sectional, and one special session on building musicianship.
- Our clinicians are incredible professionals from our area and students will get top notch training!
- Lunch is at 11:45 AM. Students should pack a sack lunch and bring a water bottle.
- The required portion of camp will be done at 4:00PM.
- There is an optional (but encouraged!) after party from 4PM to 7PM that will include some fun games and a movie and/or dance party. We will have pizza and drinks too!
- An RSVP is required for the after party so we know how much pizza to order. https://forms.gle/6oHEf5UaaJaSsAuTA
- Our LHSOA is looking for volunteers to help with camp or donate items. Please use this link to volunteer or donate! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084CACAB2BA5F94-65055859-lhsorchestra#/
IMPORTANT: If a student is unable to make all or a part of camp, you must email Dr. Laux at Charles.Laux@cobbk12.org in advance to explain the absence. This is a required event for all orchestra students. A make-up assignment will be given and will be due before Fall break.
Fall Concert – Wednesday, September 16
Students will need their uniform, instrument (cellos & bass from home), accessories, and sheet music. Students should report at 6:15 PM and the concert will begin at 7:00 PM.
Concert Uniform – LassiterOrchestra.org/uniforms
New students — order your concert uniform ASAP. Our first concert is Wednesday, September 16!
Returning students — check to make sure that everything fits! If not, please order a new uniform.
Orchestra Dues – lassiterorchestra.org/donate
Every student must raise (though donations) or pay a minimum of $200. Send the link out to everyone you can so that your friends, family, and other loved ones can help! The deadline for dues payments/fundraising is September 1. Should you need additional time or have special circumstances, please reach out to me.
STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
District Honor Orchestra
- Audition information, materials, and audition registration (student’s responsibility) – lassiterorchestra.org/d12orchestra
- The deadline to register is September 3 and the auditions will be held at Kennesaw Mtn. HS on Thursday, September 17.
- All students auditioning must pay the $10 audition fee here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/honor-orchestra-audition-fee–2026
- All-State Audition registration and information – lassiterorchestra.org/all-state
- The deadline to register for All-State is Thursday, September 17.
The Lassiter Tri-M Music Honor Society is now accepting applications for membership!
Applicants must:
- be a current sophomore, junior, or senior.
- be enrolled in the music department at Lassiter H.S. and be a member of Symphonic Band 1/2 or Sinfonia/Chamber Orchestra, or Varsity Treble Chorus/Choraliers.
- exhibit leadership, service, and character in their activities while at Lassiter H.S
- have maintained for the previous semester at least an A average grade or equivalent in music classes with at least a B average grade or equivalent in other academic subjects for the past school year.
- complete an application and have 3 non-music teachers complete reference forms.
The application form and recommendations are due by Friday, September 18, 2026 (before Fall break).
Chamber Orchestra ONLY – “Gig” Performances
- Monday, August 24 – Academic Letter Ceremony
- Thursday, August 27 – Open House
- Monday, September 14 – NHS Induction Ceremony
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Saturday, August 29 – Fall Camp, 9 AM to 4 PM
- Thursday, September 3 – District Honor Orchestra Registration and Payment Due
- Friday, September 11 – All-State Orchestra Registration Due to Dr. Laux
- Monday, September 14 – Rehearsals in the Concert Hall during class (bring cellos & basses in!)
- Tuesday, September 15 – Rehearsals in the Concert Hall during class (bring cellos & basses in!)
- Wednesday, September 16 – Fall Concert, 7 PM, Concert Hall
- Thursday, September 17 – District Honor Orchestra Auditions, Kennesaw Mtn. HS, Times TBA
- Friday, October 16 – Lassiter Orchestra Festival, 9 AM to 9 PM, Performance times TBA
- Friday, October 23 – Homecoming Parade, 4:30 PM
Questions? Ask Dr. Laux in class or send an email: Charles.Laux@cobbk12.org
Thank you!!
– Dr. Laux