What is the Hornet Chamber Ensemble?

The Hornet Chamber Ensemble is a group of students who enjoy playing for the public in a variety of settings.  This group of students is dedicated to their music and has a good attitude about performing.

How committed do you have to be?

You have to be able to attend rehearsals.  We will be meeting to rehearse for about an hour once or twice a month.  We'll make sure the rehearsals are on late bus days for those of you who need it.

How difficult is the music?

That depends on the day.  We play a lot of simple, well-known pieces (such as Pachelbel's Canon).  We will also be playing more challenging music.  However, if you practice you will be fine!  You will never be asked to perform a piece that you are not comfortable with.

What kinds of situations will we be playing in?

Most of the gigs will be community service opportunities, and all events will be checked out beforehand by Ms. Gawinski or a booster parent.

What are the requirements?

• You must be RELIABLE.  This is the most important thing.  You will be performing for people who have asked you to play for them.  We will be representing Herndon High School, so if you say you will be on time, you will be on time.
• You must have a means of transportation.  You can drive yourself, have a parent drive you, have another student drive you (if you have parental approval) or any other way, as long as you can be (or your ride can be) reliable.
• You are excited to play for people.  You must be happy to play for the public.  These are usually very comfortable settings, and people just want to hear you play.  Remember--you are your hardest critic.  So if you hit a wrong note or skip a beat, your audience will most likely no notice it.
• You must be PROFESSIONAL.  This is also extremely important and it goes along with being reliable.  Again, you are representing Herndon High, the Herndon Orchestra, and yourself.  You must be mature while performing.  This includes being queit while your are not playing and not playing any music other than the music the group is playing.

Why should I join?

This is a really fun group.  We have played all over the community and we have tons of fun together.  Also, this is a really good idea if you are in need of community service hours or need clubs for college.  This club can also help you if you are scared of performing.  You get to play with at least three other people so you become more comfortable performing.  You will also get points on your Point Tracker which gets you closer to lettering in orchestra (which looks really good on your college applications!).

What kind of gigs will I play?

The more people we have in the group, the more gigs we can perform.  In the past, we have played at the "Neediest Kids Gala," the opening of the Herndon Police Station, at Shoppers Food and Drug, weddings, and we have talked to the elementary school students about joining orchestra.  Most of our gigs are for community service.

Questions?

Call Laura Strickland.