COVID-19 - Mrs. Corvino's Online Learning Information and Link

Dear Parents and Fountain Woods Music Students

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, remote learning has been activated.  Your child will be responsible for all work assigned, including work from "special area" classes such as music.  This school closure will take crucial rehearsal time from us so it is important that the students continue to practice their string instruments, chorus songs and recorder materials.  Grading and reporting will still take place.  If you are an orchestra parent, you may reach Mrs. Corvino either via email or using the Remind service.  General Music students and parents can reach Mrs. Corvino via email.  Please, reach out with any questions.

Please follow the link below to Mrs. Corvino's district web page where you can find assignments, play along tracks, links to recordings of our concert pieces, links to Mrs. Corvino's YouTube page and various worksheets

Fountain Woods Music Room

Please encourage your child to practice their instruments.  As of 3/16, our concerts will still be taking place.

Middle School Music

Dear Parents,

I know you share my pride in your child's progress in orchestra this year.  The personal discipline and commitment have paid off many times over.  We've had a GREAT year so far!

It is not the time of year when students must schedule classes for the coming year.  Make certain that orchestra is part of that schedule.  If there is ANY indecision or scheduling problems concerning your child's future participation in the orchestra program, please let me know so that I can help in any way.  Sometimes it may seem that required courses allow no room for electives, but there are many ways to include orchestra in your child's schedule.

I want your child to enjoy continued positive growth during his/her educational career.  Group participation enhances self esteem, and there is nothing that brings out a sense of personal contribution quite like being in the orchestra.  You have made a great investment in your child's future, and there are many benefits still ahead.


Recently, guidance counselors from Burlington Township Middle School at Springside met with our 5th grade students about the curriculum and registration procedures for next year.  I feel it is important to communicate with you at this time to encourage you to include orchestra in your child's schedule.

The string program at Fountain Woods has given your child a strong foundation in playing a string instrument.  He/she is now ready to proceed to mastering more complex skills.  The opportunities provided at BTMS will include more advanced technique, a more challenging level of orchestra music as well as various ensemble experiences.

It is not uncommon for a child to be a bit apprehensive about going to a new school.  This is normal and I will do all I can to make it a smooth transition.  It is important to me that your child continues his/her musical development.  I have provided him/her with a good foundation, but now he/she needs to move on and develop skills that will allow them to use music as a vocation or avocation.

Although time spent at BTMS may be quite busy, there is always room in the schedule for orchestra.  Orchestra will help your child maintain continuity in the new school setting.  In addition, the lifelong benefits of music study can continue during this formative time in their life.

As I have observed your children's progress this year, I have seen the enjoyment and pride music has brought to their lives.  It is important that this continue.  Please feel free to contact me if I can assist in any way as you are discussion your child's future.

Many students want to branch out to try other musical opportunities at BTMS.  This is possible.  Mrs. Gross, Mrs. Ferguson and Mr. Huebner are accustomed to having students in multiple ensembles.  If you have specific questions about programming at BTMS, please contact any of us.

Mr. Huebner (Band Director) - rhuebner@burltwpsch.org
Mrs. Gross  (Orchestra Director) - dgross@burltwpsch.org

Mrs. Ferguson (Choir and Show Choir Director) - rferguson@burltwpsch.org

Practice Makes Perfect?

As parents I know that one of your primary objectives in life to see your child succeed.  I am often asked how parents with little or no musical training can help their child become a good musician.  Fortunately, there are several ways you can assist.

Consistent practice is essential.  Since this takes discipline and effort, it also requires continuous encouragement from you.  Help your child establish a regular time and place for practicing and try to keep this time free from distraction from other sources, especially siblings.  Monitor his/her practice on a regular basis to ensure that it is being accomplished.  Talk with your child about the need for practice and set up mutually agreed upon goals and rewards.  The goals should be clear and attainable.  The rewards should be something valuable and enjoyable.

You can also provide a great audience for many unofficial performances.  Ask your child to demonstrate various skills and knowledge of music for you while practicing at home.  Praise these efforts regularly in the presence of family members and peers.  This will make him/her feel good about these accomplishments and increase motivation for further progress.

If your child is having trouble mastering a particular skill, please contact me.  There are many ways you can help him/her accomplish a task.  Watching for correct posture, proper hand position and straight bows are just a few examples.  Always try to obtain any needed materials and/or repairs in a timely fashion.  A students becomes easily discouraged when an instrument does not function correctly or a book is missing.  Additionally, try not to force them to practice.  This could cause resentment and may make the child want to quit.

Practicing takes effort.  Encouraging children to practice regularly takes effort.  However, it is essential for learning and it helps develop a work ethic that can benefit a person throughout life.  I hope you find some of these suggestions helpful.  Please do not hesitate to contact me via email or phone for additional ideas.

Spring Rehearsal Schedule

The Spring rehearsal schedule is finally here!

Congratulations on very successful Winter Concerts a little while back!  Hopefully, our children are even more excited about the second half of the school year and their continued participation in our program.  After a brief break, we will be resuming our full group morning rehearsals.  Please review the schedule below.  In order to make sure the young musicians are fully prepared for their performances at the PAC this spring, please be reminded that these rehearsals together as a full ensemble are required.  Here are a few reminders:

• Parents will need to provide transportation to the school on rehearsal mornings.
• You are asked to drop off the children in the front loop of the school and come into the building to sign them in.  Sheets will be set up just inside the front doors for this purpose.
• You can drop off your child starting at 7:00 a.m.  Please do not drop off any earlier than this as we will not have any supervision for the children until 7:00 a.m.
• From 7:00 to 7:15, the young musician swill assemble their instruments, tune, and warm-up.  Rehearsal will begin promptly at 7:15 a.m.  Please make sure they are here by that time so they do not miss the beginning of these important rehearsals.
• Beginning Orchestra will always rehearse on Tuesdays.  Vocal Chords will always rehearse on Wednesdays,  Likewise, Advanced Orchestra will always be on Thursdays.
• If, for some reason, school is closed on rehearsal day, the rehearsal will be cancelled.
• If we have a delayed opening, the rehearsal for that day will be cancelled.

IMPORTANT:  All student's attendance records from the winter have been cleared.  Each student now has three absences allowed. After the third absence a attendance warning will be issued. Any absence after that may result in the child not being able to perform in the spring concert.

Beginning Orchestra               Vocal Chords                    Advanced Orchestra.

Tuesdays                                    Wednesdays                        Thursdays

March 7                                      March 1                              March 2

March 14                                    March 8                              March 9

March 21                                    March 15                            March 16

March 28 (5th Gr. Excused)      March 22                             March 23

April 11                                      April 5                                 April 6

April 25 (5th Gr. Excused)        April 12                               April 13

May 9                                         May 3                                 May 4

May 16                                       May 10                               May 11

May 23                                       May 17                               May 18

Concerts at the PAC

Vocal Chords (with FWS Chorus):  Thursday, May 18th at 6:30 p.m.

(Musicians report to HS cafeteria at 6:00)

Beginning and Advanced Orchestra---Fiddle Fest (with BTHS and BTMS); Thursday, May 25th at 6:30 p.m.

(Musicians report to the HS cafeteria at 5:45)

Course selection info for 5th Grade Parents

Dear Parents,

I know you share my pride in your child's progress in orchestra this year.  The personal discipline and commitment have paid off many times over.  We've had a GREAT year so far!

It is not the time of year when students must schedule classes for the coming year.  Make certain that orchestra is part of that schedule.  If there is ANY indecision or scheduling problems concerning your child's future participation in the orchestra program, please let me know so that I can help in any way.  Sometimes it may seem that required courses allow no room for electives, but there are many ways to include orchestra in your child's schedule.

I want your child to enjoy continued positive growth during his/her educational career.  Group participation enhances self esteem, and there is nothing that brings out a sense of personal contribution quite like being in the orchestra.  You have made a great investment in your child's future, and there are many benefits still ahead.


Last week guidance counselors from Burlington Township Middle School at Springside met with our 5th grade students about the curriculum and registration procedures for next year.  I feel it is important to communicate with you at this time to encourage you to include orchestra in your child's schedule.

The string program at Fountain Woods has given your child a strong foundation in playing a string instrument.  He/she is now ready to proceed to mastering more complex skills.  The opportunities provided at BTMS will include more advanced technique, a more challenging level of orchestra music as well as various ensemble experiences.

It is not uncommon for a child to be a bit apprehensive about going to a new school.  This is normal and I will do all I can to make it a smooth transition.  It is important to me that your child continues his/her musical development.  I have provided him/her with a good foundation, but now he/she needs to move on and develop skills that will allow them to use music as a vocation or avocation.

Although time spent at BTMS may be quite busy, there is always room in the schedule for orchestra.  Orchestra will help your child maintain continuity in the new school setting.  In addition, the lifelong benefits of music study can continue during this formative time in their life.

As I have observed your children's progress this year, I have seen the enjoyment and pride music has brought to their lives.  It is important that this continue.  Please feel free to contact me if I can assist in any way as you are discussion your child's future.

Many students want to branch out to try other musical opportunities at BTMS.  This is possible.  Mrs. Gross, Mrs. Ferguson and Mr. Huebner are accustomed to having students in multiple ensembles.  If you have specific questions about programming at BTMS, please contact any of us.

Mr. Huebner (Band Director) - rhuebner@burltwpsch.org
Mrs. Gross  (Orchestra Director) - dgross@burltwpsch.org
Mrs. Ferguson (Choir and Show Choir Director) - rferguson@burltwpsch.org

Fall/Winter Rehearsal Schedule

Band, Orchestra, & Vocal Chords Rehearsal Schedule

September 2016

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We hope you will join us in our excitement as we begin our elective music programs for the 2016-17 school year!  We are preparing to begin our early morning large group Orchestra, Band, and Vocal Chords rehearsals.  These rehearsals are required for participation in the concerts.  However, we realize that things happen.  Transporting children before our school day starts offers some challenges for some of you.  Children may miss a rehearsal for a variety of reasons.  We understand this.  However, in order to prepare the students for a successful performance, they do need to practice together.  To be fair to all, we have decided that each child will be allowed to miss 3 rehearsals and still perform in the Winter Concert at the PAC in January.  More absences could lead to that child not being able to perform.  This decision will be made by the FW Administrative Team along with the musical director, and will be based on the individual circumstances.  Hopefully, it will not get to that point.

Parents will need to provide transportation to the school on rehearsal mornings.  We do not have busses available for this purpose.  You are asked to drop off the children in the front loop of the school and come into the building to sign them in.  A sheet will be set up just inside the front doors for this purpose.  You can drop off your child starting at 7:00 a.m.  Please do not drop off any earlier than this as we will not have any supervision for the children until 7:00 a.m.  For safety and security reasons, our front doors will not be unlocked until 7:00.  From 7:00 - 7:15, the young musicians will assemble their instruments, tune, and warm-up.  An administrator will open up the building promptly at 7:00 a.m. to let the children and parents in.  Rehearsals will begin promptly at 7:15 a.m.  Please make sure the children are here by 7:15 so they do not miss the beginning of these important rehearsals.

We understand how difficult it is to get the children up and moving at that time (sometimes equally difficult for us!)  However, their participation in the morning ensemble rehearsals is vital in preparing them for the upcoming concerts.  Participation in our morning, large-group morning sessions helps them to know the music better.  They become more familiar with the sound of their classmates while playing together.  Students that practice together should be more comfortable on “the big stage” at the PAC when they perform in the concerts.

Please refer to the back of this page for the full Fall / Winter schedule in preparation for the January performances.  Beginning Band & Orchestra will always rehearse on Tuesdays, Vocal Chords will always rehearse on Wednesdays, and Advanced Band & Orchestra will always be on Thursdays.  Please note:  If we have a delayed opening, the rehearsal for that day will be cancelled.  If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs. Corvino, Mr. Mastin, or my office.

We look forward to a great season with your talented musicians!

Sincerely,

Mr. Johnson

Principal

Rehearsal Schedules

Beginning Band Vocal Chords Advanced Band

& Orchestra & Orchestra

Tue., Oct. 11th   Wed., Oct. 12th   Thu., Oct. 13th  

Tue., Oct. 18th   Wed., Oct. 19th   Thu., Oct. 20th

Tue., Oct. 25th Wed., Oct. 26th Thu., Oct. 27th

Wed., Nov. 2nd    Thu., Nov. 3rd

Tue., Nov. 15th Wed., Nov. 16th Thu., Nov. 17th

Tue., Nov. 22nd

Tue., Nov. 29th   Wed., Nov. 30th Thu., Dec. 1st   

Tue., Dec. 6th Wed., Dec. 7th Thu., Dec. 8th

Tue., Dec. 13th Wed., Dec. 14th Thu., Dec. 15th

Tue., Dec. 20th Wed., Dec. 21st

Wed., Jan. 4th    Thu., Jan. 5th  

Tue., Jan. 10th Wed., Jan. 11th    Thu., Jan. 12th  

Tue., Jan. 17th (Band ONLY)  

Dress Rehearsals and Concerts (at the PAC)

School day dress rehearsals:

FW Orchestras & Vocal Chords – Tues., Jan. 17, 2017

FWS Bands – Wed., Jan. 18, 2017

Evening Concerts:  

FW Orchestras & Vocal Chords – Tue., Jan. 17, 2017 @ 6:30pm    (report - 5:45)

FW Bands – Thu., Jan. 19, 2017 @ 6:30pm    (report – 5:45)

(The Spring Schedule will come out after the Winter Concert.)

Welcome Back!

I am so thrilled that the 2016-2017 school year is now underway! I'm settling into my first week back after my year long maternity leave last year.  I'm very excited to see so many familiar faces and I can't wait to work with all of the orchestra students at Fountain Woods.  This week, string lessons begin and the students will be learning their first three songs!

Practice is essential in these early days.  For beginners, 10 minutes a day is perfect.  I'd much rather see each child practice a few minutes each day than an hour the night before their lesson.  Short periods over several days is crucial for correct muscle development.  Don't forget, if it is painful...STOP!

Here is a video highlighting the points we cover in our first lesson!

First Lesson Review

Our early morning rehearsal schedule will be handed out shortly.  We are expected to begin these rehearsals the second week of October.

Beginning Orchestra will rehearse on TUESDAYS
Advanced Orchestra will rehearse on THURSDAYS

If you have any questions at any time, please let me know!  The easiest way to reach me is via email at kcorvino@burltwpsch.org