Welcome Back

by Chapel Hill Music Department Blog

Posted on August 18, 2023

Hello Chapel Hill Music Lovers,

It’s day 3 back at the Hill. My favorite part of teaching is seeing the students come back. It’s so rewarding to me to see students I’ve taught before, to hear their summer adventures, to hear what their interests are and how they have changed. It’s so exciting to meet new students, to learn who they are, and to attempt to instill of love of music in them.

We’ve got healthy classes in both Junior High and High School. I so enjoy the opportunity to get to know all of the brand new 6^th graders and to show them the things that they can sign up for in 7^th grade. We have 12 new students in Junior High Beginner strings, and we managed to divide up into 7 violinist, 2 viola players, 2 cellists, and 1 bassist. It’s a perfect start for the beginner class.

We have 6 students in Junior High advanced strings, with 3 violins, 2 violas and 1 cello. It’s a small class, but it will be a nice influx into high school orchestra next year. It’s nice because we can play a lot of violin/viola/cello trios and it will sound nice and full. With a smaller class, we will be able to explore more things and have a lot of fun

High School orchestra has 22 students, the largest high school orchestra class we have ever had. They are split into the typical string orchestra with first and second violins, violas, cellos, and we have 1 bass player, as well as 1 trombone and 2 percussionists. 

In choir, we have 12 in Junior High choir and 12 in High School choir. The middle of the period is blended, so we can work on sight singing together, and when we do combined choir, we have a built in rehearsal.

We are planning four concerts this year, as well as the usual Veteran’s Day and Dinner on the Diamond performances, and we will take any opportunity that comes up. More information will be sent home with students next week.

For now, we ask your prayers for a successful school year, and a great time in the Fine Arts at Chapel Hill.

As always, reach out if you have any questions or would like to help!

David Mills

Fine Arts Department Chair

Director of CHISD Choirs and Orchestras