Welcome to the official website of the Wauwatosa East Orchestra Program and the Orchestra Parents of Tosa East (OPTE)
Who are the Orchestra Parents of Tosa East?
Orchestra Parents of Tosa East (OPTE) is a volunteer organization of parents and caregivers that support and highlight the happenings of the Wauwatosa East Orchestra. OPTE supports the orchestra through guest artists and clinicians, trip fundraising, organizes volunteers for concerts and receptions, and many, many more activities.
OPTE is currently seeking orchestra supporters to help with tasks! You can SIGN UP HERE, or email the Board of Directors wauwatosaeastorchestraparents@gmail.com. Our next meeting is Wednesday November 18th at 7:00pm in the orchestra room.
Idyll Coffee Fundraiser
This fundraiser runs from October 5th to the 25th to benefit a student’s individual Norway trip fund or the general OPTE fund. Completed order forms are due at Tosa East on Monday, October 26th with one check written to OPTE. Coffee pick-up will take place from 4-6pm on Thursday, November 12th by the soccer field doors at Tosa East. If you would like to purchase coffee you can contact a student or use this form.
Click here to see descriptions of the coffee being sold.
Click here for the sell sheet and here for the order form.
Instrument Storage Donation Campaign
Our big goal this year is to raise money for improved instrument storage. The Tosa East music program continues to grow, but the current instrument cubbies and racks date from the 1970s. The goal is to raise enough money to improve both the band and orchestra storage space next summer (2027). Mr. Hayden will collaborate with Ms. Lato and will apply for a EFW grant. But more is needed!
OPTE has a target of raising $6,000 this year to match the Herb Kohl grant amount Mr. Haden received in the spring of 2026. Can you help? Please consider a tax deductible donation for instrument storage. We have several ways to donate:
- Donate via Zelle* to this email *(preferred method NO FEES!)
- Donate via square online (or visit https://square.link/u/autsmrtn)
- Cash or check, made payable to Orchestra Parents of Tosa East, mailed to Orchestra Parents of Tosa East, 7500 Milwaukee Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI 53213
- Become a Friend of Orchestra ($50-$99 donation) or Platinum Sponsor ($100 +) in the concert program (include your name to be printed in the program with your donation).
Individual Fundraising (to help with orchestra fees or travel)
Fall fundraising starts in October! Each student can help support the mission of Wauwatosa East Orchestra and/or be used to offset the cost of your orchestra fee or travel expenses.
- October: Coffee Sales! We will again be partnering with local coffee roaster, Idyll Coffee. Watch for a dedicated email and info packet next week!!!
- November: Spiritwear!!! Grab an orchestra t-shirt to advertise your enthusiasm! Or a winter hat & socks for Norway!
- December & May: Volunteer at Culvers (ages 16+)
- January: Sell delicious cheese to add to individual accounts!
Officer Recruitment Update:
Board Officers and members at large have been filled at the September meeting! The Fundraising Chairperson remains open. If you are interested, please fill out this google form (OPTE interest form) or email: wauwatosaeastorchestraparents@gmail.com.
Congratulations to Mr. Hayden
Congratulations to Mr. Hayden and Mr. Etter for being awarded a 2026 Herb Kohl Educational Foundation Teacher Fellow. You can read the news release here.
Become a Friend of Wauwatosa East Orchestra
The Orchestra Parents of Wauwatosa East High School was formed to help underwrite workshops, clinics and scholarships for the orchestra and its members. With the support of the Friends, we can continue to improve the students’ musical knowledge, skills and experiences. Family and business memberships are acknowledged in concert programs during the year, and additional benefits are granted for upper levels of support.
For donations, please use the square link here: https://square.link/u/autsmrtn
Friends’ Giving Levels
$50 – $99 — Friend of the Wauwatosa East Orchestra
$100 or more —Platinum Sponsor of the Orchestra.
Private Lessons
For a list of private lesson instructors that are recommended by Mr. Hayden, please click on link: Link
2026-2027 Orchestra Fees
This year’s orchestra fee of $50 has been added directly to Infinite Campus and can be paid online, similar to other school/registration related fees. For those families new to the Tosa East Orchestra, we strive to offer the most comprehensive music education possible. The orchestra fee goes directly towards solo and ensemble registrations, guest performers, composer talks, commissioned pieces of music, transportation to/from special events, and in recent years, a consistent stream of instrument coaches to help our student musicians (including several members of the Milwaukee Symphony). While the orchestra fee does help finance these student opportunities, it is not the intent to create any barriers or financial hardships to participate in orchestra at Wauwatosa East High School. If you have questions, concerns, or need assistance with the orchestra fee, please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Hayden. Finally, students can choose to participate in our annual late fall fundraiser to offset the orchestra fee. Details regarding the fundraiser will be sent home in October.
