Last Update
Sunday, May 9, 2010

The Arlington ISD fine arts program was recently named one of the Best Communities for Music Education for 2009. This is the sixth consecutive year the fine arts program has received this designation. To see the complete list of Best communities, click here.

Menger's Musings

September 27

Happy almost October!

It’s late Sunday evening. We just finished an amazing first audition for the TMEA All State Choir. We had 80 students who prepared their music, dressed up and came to Seguin High School for 3 of the most terrifying minutes of their young lives!! Singing in this audition is so nerve-wracking and our kids were solid and professional and stoic and brave. I am so very proud of your kiddos! We had 40 of our 80 advance and they will be busily working on repertoire for the second audition which is Saturday, October 17 at Summit High School in Mansfield.

This afternoon our senior choir members met at the UTA Architecture building at 3:00 PM and Kimberly Grogan took some amazing pictures for our concert program. As I stood and watched this batch of Seniors, I reflected on how precious life is and what a gift each moment of that life is!! These sweet young singers were babies not very long ago and…like it does each year…it clutches at my heart to say goodbye to them. Thank you for letting them spend some of their time…actually many of them spend most of their time…with Mrs. Wade, Mrs. Mitchell, Mrs. Stubbs, Mr. Hall and me. Our lives are so very enriched by the creativity, kindness and insanity that fills the choir room everyday.

If you have not gotten your ad together for your chorister, the deadline fast approaches. Make sure you contact Jennifer Dingler by October 2.  Check our website: ahschoir.org

Saturday, October 3rd we will have our annual Cluster Concert with all 7 of our elementary school, Bailey and Gunn Junior Highs and our own Colt Chorale. The concert begins at 5:00 PM and it is wonderful.

Our first Arlington High Concert is Thursday, October 22 at 7:00 PM. Our theme is “Peace as a Resolution”. The choirs are making great music and this is one you will not want to miss. All choirs will perform and all choir members are expected to stay to support one another. Please review the CHOIR HANDBOOK ETIQUETTE page and let’s have a wonderful, musical experience together!

Freshmen parents-We are so glad to have your child as part of our very large family. Feel free to contact any one of the directors to answer any questions you may have. This is an overwhelming year for your Ninth grader and getting details can be a huge challenge.

By now all or our choir students should have turned in all necessary paperwork which includes: 1) a Notarized Medical Authorization Form 2) a signed Publicity Release Form
3) a signed Permission to Travel From 4) a signed agreement found at the back of the CHOIR HANDBOOK. All choir students should have paid their Choir Activity Fee of $50 or communicated with me about a payment plan for the year. All Choir students who have made financial arrangements should now have a Choir uniform, a choir T Shirt, a black binder and a pencil.
I cannot urge you strongly enough to continue to check several things for your child. Stay on top of your child’s grades on INTOUCH. Stay on top of your child’s choir activities by checking our website at ahschoir.org. Never hesitate to contact your child’s teachers via email or by phone. Ask questions and stay involved in their lives. High school is a confusing time. They need you…even when they act like they don’t!! Hang in there and enjoy the crazy ride. You will be horrified at how very fast these years fly by!! Treasure them.

Menger