HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

Rhythms is WYSO's monthly electronic newsletter, sent on Tuesday before the first rehearsal of each month. Rhythms is an essential communication link containing important news, updates, volunteer opportunities and the monthly schedule. A paper version of this issue is available at rehearsals! You may also view current and archived issues on our website: http://wyso.music.wisc.edu/Rhythms.html.

Please help keep our e-mail list updated! Inform the WYSO office directly of any address changes. wyso@wyso.music.wisc.edu

MUSICAL NOTES FAMILY FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN
One Letter, Email or Conversation is All It Takes

On December 8, WYSO families kicked off the 10^th annual Musical Notes Campaign with A Taste of WYSO. The event was a great success with food prepared by WYSO families representing Asian, European and American cultures. Thank you to all who cooked and volunteered for the event!

The Musical Notes Campaign is now in full swing. After meeting and exceeding our goal of $40,500 in 2007, our new ambitious goal for 2008 is to raise $43,700. This campaign is easy, fun and very satisfying to watch donations come in to support WYSO's outstanding members and programs.

How do you get started? If you haven't already, the best way to start is to open your packet and find your family guide. The family guide gives you everything you need to know to run a successful campaign in a clear, easy-to-read format.

Most people find that writing a letter is the most simple and effective way to reach a wide circle of friends, family and associates. But feel free to think of alternate means of communication; for example, if you would like to be more creative, design a brochure. Your letter should come from the WYSO member, but parents can help write it. In the letter, share your personal WYSO story: talk about your WYSO experience, why it's important, how it inspires you. Sample letters are included in the packet to help you get started writing your own, or to use as a template. Samples and additional materials are available on the Musical Notes web page.

Bonus:  Submit a letter to the Musical Notes "letter box"
(on the table by Room 1336) and receive a candy bar!

DON'T FORGET! This year's Musical Notes Campaign concludes on Saturday, February 2 - JUST A FEW WEEKS AWAY! Check the Member's Area and watch for additional information in the next few weeks about Turn-In Day procedures. Good Luck!

AN AFTERNOON OF BRASS

Ensembles in the Chamber Music Program, directed by Carina Voly, will present an additional Winter Recital at Meriter Retirement Community on Saturday, Jan. 26 at 7:30 p.m. This program will feature:

• LeeAnn Kabler, Elizabeth Fröden, Anusha Ramaswami, Isaac Bershady
• Holly Godar, Marisol Park, Corrina Regnier
• Benjamin Seeger, Ami Yamamoto, Lee Anderson, Sam Cohn
• Madlen Breckbill, Alex Norris, Nate Levy, Elena Streeter
• Kate Gurke, Will Elsas, Morgan Gohdes, Bradley Riss
• Keisuke Yamamoto, Kaity Slotten

All WYSO members, families and guests are warmly invited to attend. Meriter Retirement Community is located at 333 W. Main St. in downtown Madison.

SOLO/ENSEMBLE SCHEDULING

BECOME A PSC

We are seeking parents who would love to spread the word about WYSO and advocate for strong music programs in schools. A Parent-School Coordinator (PSC) acts as a liaison between WYSO and his/her child's school music program promoting events for each, developing membership interest and encouraging growth in school music activities.

WYSO currently has about 30 active PSCs, but we'd like to expand this opportunity to reach out into our communities, especially elementary, middle and home schools. If you have any questions or would like examples of PSC responsibilities, please contact Mark Lundin in the office. The PSC team will meet on Saturday, Jan. 19 at 10 a.m. in the Humanities Building. Come join us!

IN-STATE TOURS ANNOUNCED

WYSO is pleased to announce the locations of the in-state tours for Philharmonia, Concert Orchestra and Sinfonietta. A complete schedule of the tour days will be published in Rhythms February. The current details are as follows:

• Philharmonia: Tuesday, Mar. 4; day and evening 
  • Walworth County, including an evening concert at Delevan-Darien HS
• Concert Orchestra: Thursday, Mar. 6; all day 
  • Visit Oregon and MMSD schools
• Sinfonietta: Wednesday, Mar. 12; all day 
  • Visit Stoughton and Monona Grove school districts
  • Plus - Children's Arts Festival on Sat., April 12 at 10:00 a.m.

We are currently seeking chaperones for each orchestra to join us on these musical adventures! If you would like to be a part of Spring Tour, contact Mark Lundin in the office.

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND CHECK-IN

Announcements for each orchestra are posted every week on the announcement board and on each orchestra's rehearsal room door.  Announcements are also posted in the Member's Area of the WYSO web site. It is expected that members and their parents read these announcements as they are responsible for all information posted.

Many valuable opportunities are available for WYSO members - don't miss out because you forgot to read the announcements!

Also, please remember to check in with the attendance taker at each rehearsal. To ensure safety, WYSO volunteers call the homes of all students who have not reported an absence or did not check in. Please submit an attendance card or contact the office before Saturday morning if you plan to be absent.  You may request a record of your child's attendance at any time.

BAD WEATHER POLICY

January

5 SAT   Regular rehearsals

12 SAT  Regular rehearsals
             Murphy Family Interlochen Scholarship Competition (YO)
             Philharmonia Concerto Competition

19 SAT  Regular rehearsals
             Brass Choirs Recital; 2:00 p.m., Mills Hall

26 SAT  SPECIAL REHEARSAL SCHEDULE (no Brass Choir or Percussion Ens.)
             YO: 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
             Phil: 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
             CO: 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
             Sinf: 8:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

February

2 SAT   Regular rehearsals
            DUE: Musical Notes Turn-In Day! 

February
2 SAT Regular Rehearsal