From the Director...

The 2005-06 School Year, as many before, has proven to be rewarding, exciting, and extremely productive. The Orchestra Program is moving in the right direction. Students in all grades are taking a serious approach to music. Many are making the decision to join the Orchestra while still in fourth grade. The commitment to continue throughout High school has contributed to the improvement in playing ability and attitude. It is a joy to see students that are proud to be a part of these music ensembles.

After 30 years, I can truly say I love what I do. It is a pleasure and an honor to be given the responsibility of making a positive

difference in the lives of many children who go on to be productive members of the Oberlin community and society in general.
Thank you Oberlin! I look forward to many more years and will continue to:

"Teach, Reach, Meet"....
"then, Raise the Standard"
-Harriett A. Thomas, director-

The Oberlin High School Orchestra never took a break this school year. This group had more performances than any past High School Orchestra. This years' schedule included performances for Oberlin AARP, Kendal at Oberlin, Nineteenth Century Club, Spectrum, Murray Ridge School, NACSCORP, as well as the annual Winter and Spring Concerts.
These concerts prepared the Orchestra for their performance cruise Tour on May 19-22, 2006 on the Royal Caribbean Cruise- lines''"Sovereign of the Seas" Forty-four of the fifty-three member orchestra took a charter bus from Oberlin to Cleveland Hopkins Airport. They flew on a non-stop flight to Orlando, Florida. They were met at the Orlando Airport by a shuttle bus and taken to Port Canaveral where they boarded the cruise ship. The ports of call included Nassau and Cococay, Bahamas. The Orchestra performed while on board. At the conclusion of the cruise, the group visited Kennedy Space Center.

The funds for the trip were raised by Orchestra members through the candy bar sales, winter and spring flower sales, Avon fund raiser's, along with donations and contributions from family, friends, relatives, and the Oberlin community.

All Orchestra members were required to take and pass an "Etiquette Class" before participating in the cruise. Orchestra members in grades 6 thru 8 also took and passed the class given by Ms. Thomas.

The concert performance was outstanding and the Orchestra members received nothing but praise while at the airport, in port, and onboard the ship. It was so nice to see chairs being pulled out for the ladies, pleasant table conversation, and a maturity level that exceeded many expectations. The only question asked by students was: "where do we go next?" ...