Open Rehearsals Announced for South Hills Junior Orchestra

The South Hills Junior Orchestra (SHJO) will open its 30th anniversary season with no-obligation, free-trial rehearsals.

Interested students ages 8 through high school from Baldwin-Whitehall, Bethel Park, Brentwood Borough, Canon-McMillan, Carlynton, Chartiers Valley, Keystone Oaks, Mt. Lebanon, Peters Township, Ringgold, Trinity, Upper St. Clair Township and Washington school districts, as well as local charter, cyber and homeschooled students, are invited to bring their instruments and "try out" the orchestra.

The open rehearsals are Aug. 10, 17, 24 and 31 and Sept. 7, 14, and 21, 2013, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Upper St. Clair High School band room.

The orchestra directors' pre-requisite recommendation for participation is a minimum of one year private or two years school instruction.

SHJO members pay a nominal fee that covers the purchase of music and other organizational expenses. Regardless of finances or playing ability, no child has ever been turned away from SHJO.

"SHJO is a place to have fun, play music, and 'hang out,'" said member Caroline Nolf. "We learn a lot of responsibility and musical concepts. Our conductor makes everything fun. I cannot imagine a better way to spend my Saturday mornings."

Added member Jenelle Wu, "SHJO, to me, is like a place where you make a bunch of new 'buds.' You can also experience a variety of new music."

Directed by an all-volunteer music staff led by the recently retired public school teachers Paul and Donna Fox, the orchestra is nonprofit and non-competitive, and supports school band and string programs throughout the western Pennsylvania area.

For more information, contact Managing Director Janet Vukotich at shjorchestra-mdirector@yahoo.com, visit the website at www.shjo.org or call founding Directors Paul and Donna Fox at 412-854-3459.