Hi All,
Welcome to our spring semester! Our new spring schedule starts up this week (Monday, Jan 17th-23). Be sure you know when your new lesson time is if your lesson time has changed this semester.
Also, I sent out all invoices via email this week. If you did not yet receive your invoice, or have any questions about it, please contact Laura Yeh.
This Saturday, January 24 will be the first of our group classes. Here's the schedule:
2-2:45pm: Suzuki Group classes 1 and 2 at Ivy Chapel
3-3:45pm: Fiddle rehearsal at Ivy Chapel
4:10-5:30pm Tour group rehearsal/coaching at school location
See you all soon!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Saturday classes and some videos
Hi all and welcome back.
We hope you had a wonderful, relaxing Thanksgiving break and we're looking forward to seeing you again at lessons this week.
We've got our last set of group classes of the semester this Saturday:
1:45pm Theory class in Laura's studio
3pm Studio class 2 downstairs at Ivy Chapel
Here's a couple of fun videos to check out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmrzVVu4FUM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MX8btewj_tE&feature=related
The first video is David Oistrakh (famous Soviet violinist) and his son Igor (also a successful concert violinist) playing a fun piece by the 19th century virtuoso violinst, Pablo de Sarasate. The second video is the gorgeous second movement of the Bach Double violin concerto (some of you have learned or are learning the first movement. This movement is worth learning too.)
If you're looking for good violinists to add to your budding musician's music library this Christmas, (hint, hint) you cannot go wrong with David Oistrakh. He's considered one of the greatest violinists ever and has that beautiful rich tone that we all try to get when we play. Check out his recording of the Tchaikovsky concerto too (I believe it can be found on youtube). You'll hear what a great tone he had.
Violists, cellists, and pianists, I haven't forgotten you! I'll have videos/listening suggestions for you shortly.
Listening to good quality music written for your child's instrument, in addition to listening to the pieces currently being studied is a vital part of the development of a good ear and musical expression. By hearing really fantastic musicians, students get a good musical tone in their ear which makes a big difference in their progress, not to be replaced by daily practice though of course! Feel free to talk with us if you would like suggestions for listening.
Happy listening!
We hope you had a wonderful, relaxing Thanksgiving break and we're looking forward to seeing you again at lessons this week.
We've got our last set of group classes of the semester this Saturday:
1:45pm Theory class in Laura's studio
3pm Studio class 2 downstairs at Ivy Chapel
Here's a couple of fun videos to check out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pmrzVVu4FUM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MX8btewj_tE&feature=related
The first video is David Oistrakh (famous Soviet violinist) and his son Igor (also a successful concert violinist) playing a fun piece by the 19th century virtuoso violinst, Pablo de Sarasate. The second video is the gorgeous second movement of the Bach Double violin concerto (some of you have learned or are learning the first movement. This movement is worth learning too.)
If you're looking for good violinists to add to your budding musician's music library this Christmas, (hint, hint) you cannot go wrong with David Oistrakh. He's considered one of the greatest violinists ever and has that beautiful rich tone that we all try to get when we play. Check out his recording of the Tchaikovsky concerto too (I believe it can be found on youtube). You'll hear what a great tone he had.
Violists, cellists, and pianists, I haven't forgotten you! I'll have videos/listening suggestions for you shortly.
Listening to good quality music written for your child's instrument, in addition to listening to the pieces currently being studied is a vital part of the development of a good ear and musical expression. By hearing really fantastic musicians, students get a good musical tone in their ear which makes a big difference in their progress, not to be replaced by daily practice though of course! Feel free to talk with us if you would like suggestions for listening.
Happy listening!
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Upcoming Events
Hi all,
Here's what's on the schedule in November:
Saturday, November 6 (This Saturday) at IVY CHAPEL
2pm: Suzuki group classes 3 and 4
3pm: Fiddle Class
Saturday, November 13 at SCHOOL AND IVY CHAPEL
1pm: Piano studio class (Ivy Chapel)
1:45pm: Theory class (in Laura's studio)
3pm: Studio class 1 (downstairs in Ivy Chapel)
Sunday, November 14 at IVY CHAPEL
3pm: Faculty Recital. Faculty members of St. Louis School of Music performing works by Vivaldi, Saint-Saens, Dvorak, Ligeti, and Andrew Loyd Weber.
Saturday, November 20 at IVY CHAPEL
2pm: Laura's Student Recital
4pm: Adam, Anita, and Lan Sin's Joint Student Recital
Monday, November 22-Sunday November 28. No lessons for Thanksgiving Break. Happy Thanksgiving!
Here's what's on the schedule in November:
Saturday, November 6 (This Saturday) at IVY CHAPEL
2pm: Suzuki group classes 3 and 4
3pm: Fiddle Class
Saturday, November 13 at SCHOOL AND IVY CHAPEL
1pm: Piano studio class (Ivy Chapel)
1:45pm: Theory class (in Laura's studio)
3pm: Studio class 1 (downstairs in Ivy Chapel)
Sunday, November 14 at IVY CHAPEL
3pm: Faculty Recital. Faculty members of St. Louis School of Music performing works by Vivaldi, Saint-Saens, Dvorak, Ligeti, and Andrew Loyd Weber.
Saturday, November 20 at IVY CHAPEL
2pm: Laura's Student Recital
4pm: Adam, Anita, and Lan Sin's Joint Student Recital
Monday, November 22-Sunday November 28. No lessons for Thanksgiving Break. Happy Thanksgiving!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Upcoming classes plus assignments
Hi All,
Quick reminder of our upcoming Saturday Classes:
1:45 Theory class in Laura's studio
3pm Studio class 2 at Ivy Chapel (downstairs)
Also, I'd like to post a couple of assignments from the classes over this past weekend.
Suzuki Group 3:
Start reviewing Gossec Gavotte now if you've already learned it. It will be on the spring festival and it takes a lot of work to get it sounding good as a group.
Keep working on using more bow!!!!!! You sound so fantastic when you do!!!
Also, start practicing identifying your note names for G Major on the violin. You should know the note names (G, A, B, rather than open, G1, G2, etc.) going up and down the scale.
Suzuki Group 4: Start your review for festival NOW! A lot of the pieces are ones you learned a long time ago and consequently harder to remember. Start learning the fiddle tunes now as well.
Fiddle: I know you all are working hard to play super in tune which is pretty grueling, so thank you for your efforts. Be sure to do lots of SLOOOOOOOWWWW practice and be sure to bring Bonaparte's retreat to your teacher. We've improved but we're still pretty out of tune on that one. Listen for the ringing tone on the 3rd fingers. We also need to tune up the 1st and 2nd fingers - so basically, all the fingers can be more in tune!
Experiment with slides and double stops in Fiddler's Dream. Don't forget to do slow boring practice on this one too. We're not really in tune yet on this one either....
Mariachi: be sure to take all shifts on page 2 to your teacher if you have trouble with them. We're trying to avoid crossing over to the E string (ick!) as much as possible. Be sure to practice all shifts individually for good intonation and relaxed, smooth shifts.
Good job guys and thanks for your hard work!
Quick reminder of our upcoming Saturday Classes:
1:45 Theory class in Laura's studio
3pm Studio class 2 at Ivy Chapel (downstairs)
Also, I'd like to post a couple of assignments from the classes over this past weekend.
Suzuki Group 3:
Start reviewing Gossec Gavotte now if you've already learned it. It will be on the spring festival and it takes a lot of work to get it sounding good as a group.
Keep working on using more bow!!!!!! You sound so fantastic when you do!!!
Also, start practicing identifying your note names for G Major on the violin. You should know the note names (G, A, B, rather than open, G1, G2, etc.) going up and down the scale.
Suzuki Group 4: Start your review for festival NOW! A lot of the pieces are ones you learned a long time ago and consequently harder to remember. Start learning the fiddle tunes now as well.
Fiddle: I know you all are working hard to play super in tune which is pretty grueling, so thank you for your efforts. Be sure to do lots of SLOOOOOOOWWWW practice and be sure to bring Bonaparte's retreat to your teacher. We've improved but we're still pretty out of tune on that one. Listen for the ringing tone on the 3rd fingers. We also need to tune up the 1st and 2nd fingers - so basically, all the fingers can be more in tune!
Experiment with slides and double stops in Fiddler's Dream. Don't forget to do slow boring practice on this one too. We're not really in tune yet on this one either....
Mariachi: be sure to take all shifts on page 2 to your teacher if you have trouble with them. We're trying to avoid crossing over to the E string (ick!) as much as possible. Be sure to practice all shifts individually for good intonation and relaxed, smooth shifts.
Good job guys and thanks for your hard work!
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Stars of Tomorrow Concert
I just got this message about an upcoming music concert featuring kids. It looks interesting although it's a bit of a trek from us here in St. Louis since it's out in Belleville. The little girl on the TV promo also plays quite nicely (note the beautiful intonation, good bow distribution, and nice vibrato!) and is worth watching.
"The Belleville Philharmonic "Stars of Tomorrow" concert will be on Sat Oct. 16th at 7:30 in Union United Methodist Church in Belleville. 3 soloists will be featured including Henry Meyers on cello, a pianist, and 9 yr-old Julia Harris on violin. The concert may be of special interest to violin, cello, and piano students. A promo for the performance was on Fox News this past Tuesday.
Here is a link to that TV broadcast:
http://www.fox2now.com/videobeta/b06af07c-c19f-4290-a632-01e8579ad8eb/News/Belleville-Philharmonic-Orchestra
If you find yourself in Illinois this weekend, check it out!
"The Belleville Philharmonic "Stars of Tomorrow" concert will be on Sat Oct. 16th at 7:30 in Union United Methodist Church in Belleville. 3 soloists will be featured including Henry Meyers on cello, a pianist, and 9 yr-old Julia Harris on violin. The concert may be of special interest to violin, cello, and piano students. A promo for the performance was on Fox News this past Tuesday.
Here is a link to that TV broadcast:
http://www.fox2now.com/videobeta/b06af07c-c19f-4290-a632-01e8579ad8eb/News/Belleville-Philharmonic-Orchestra
If you find yourself in Illinois this weekend, check it out!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Calendar Changes and upcoming recitals
Hi All,
We hope you are having a good fall so far. This weekend we have theory and studio classes:
1:45pm Theory in Laura's studio (note that we have moved the class 15 minutes earlier)
3pm Studio 2 - 3 octave scales and masterclass at Ivy Chapel (note the changed location)
There are a couple of changes in our calendar and location. First of all, all theory B classes will now be at 1:45 instead of 2pm to give Kirby time to get to the next class. Theory will still be held in Laura's studio at the school. The studio classes at 3pm have been moved to Ivy Chapel since attendance is higher than expected (great!) and the space in Laura's studio is a bit too tight for comfort.
Also, Suzuki group classes 1 and 4 have been moved to a larger classroom downstairs in the Sunday School at Ivy Chapel rather than in the multipurpose room as attendance at Suzuki classes has been very high (yay!) and we need some more space for everyone to feel comfortable. Hopefully with these changes everyone will feel a bit more comfortable and less cramped at classes now.
Halloween Recitals!
They are coming up!! Our Halloween recitals are for students up through 5th grade. (Sorry older students! You're getting too big now!) It's really snuck up on us as the recitals will be happening in just a few weeks on Saturday, October 30th at 2pm and 4pm. Students need to have their pieces ready no less than 3-4 weeks before the recital to be adequately prepared and perform their best, so be sure to get your piece picked out and be doing lots of practice! We don't like for kids to feel stressed at the last minute getting ready (it's hard to play well in those circumstances) so being ready well in advanced will make for a relaxed recital for everyone, including us teachers!
Dress: Students are invited to wear their Halloween costume as long as they can comfortably play in it so be sure to check ahead of time that the costume is comfortable for playing whatever instrument your child plays. Parents are welcome to come in costume too if they'd like!
Volunteers: We'll need parent volunteers to help us with set up, providing spooky treats and punch for the reception, clean up, etc. We'll have a sign up sheet at the school in a few days for the specific jobs. If you can help out, please do sign up as we really appreciate all parent support we receive.
Recital Times: There are two Halloween Recitals, one at 2pm and one at 4pm. Because we only have a limited amount of time booked at the church (they charge hourly instead of the flat fee we paid at our other church) and since we like to keep recitals for the little ones to an hour or less, we need to make sure that we have two fairly equal length recitals. For this reason, we'll have a sign up sheet at the school in a couple of days. These sign ups will have a number of spots available on each recital. Please be sure to sign up for a time!
Happy Practicing!
We hope you are having a good fall so far. This weekend we have theory and studio classes:
1:45pm Theory in Laura's studio (note that we have moved the class 15 minutes earlier)
3pm Studio 2 - 3 octave scales and masterclass at Ivy Chapel (note the changed location)
There are a couple of changes in our calendar and location. First of all, all theory B classes will now be at 1:45 instead of 2pm to give Kirby time to get to the next class. Theory will still be held in Laura's studio at the school. The studio classes at 3pm have been moved to Ivy Chapel since attendance is higher than expected (great!) and the space in Laura's studio is a bit too tight for comfort.
Also, Suzuki group classes 1 and 4 have been moved to a larger classroom downstairs in the Sunday School at Ivy Chapel rather than in the multipurpose room as attendance at Suzuki classes has been very high (yay!) and we need some more space for everyone to feel comfortable. Hopefully with these changes everyone will feel a bit more comfortable and less cramped at classes now.
Halloween Recitals!
They are coming up!! Our Halloween recitals are for students up through 5th grade. (Sorry older students! You're getting too big now!) It's really snuck up on us as the recitals will be happening in just a few weeks on Saturday, October 30th at 2pm and 4pm. Students need to have their pieces ready no less than 3-4 weeks before the recital to be adequately prepared and perform their best, so be sure to get your piece picked out and be doing lots of practice! We don't like for kids to feel stressed at the last minute getting ready (it's hard to play well in those circumstances) so being ready well in advanced will make for a relaxed recital for everyone, including us teachers!
Dress: Students are invited to wear their Halloween costume as long as they can comfortably play in it so be sure to check ahead of time that the costume is comfortable for playing whatever instrument your child plays. Parents are welcome to come in costume too if they'd like!
Volunteers: We'll need parent volunteers to help us with set up, providing spooky treats and punch for the reception, clean up, etc. We'll have a sign up sheet at the school in a few days for the specific jobs. If you can help out, please do sign up as we really appreciate all parent support we receive.
Recital Times: There are two Halloween Recitals, one at 2pm and one at 4pm. Because we only have a limited amount of time booked at the church (they charge hourly instead of the flat fee we paid at our other church) and since we like to keep recitals for the little ones to an hour or less, we need to make sure that we have two fairly equal length recitals. For this reason, we'll have a sign up sheet at the school in a couple of days. These sign ups will have a number of spots available on each recital. Please be sure to sign up for a time!
Happy Practicing!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Labor Day weekend
Hi All!
In honor of Labor Day weekend we have no group classes scheduled this Saturday. However, all private lessons for this weekend and on Labor Day are scheduled as usual unless you have already worked out an alternative time with your teacher. Have a great weekend!
In honor of Labor Day weekend we have no group classes scheduled this Saturday. However, all private lessons for this weekend and on Labor Day are scheduled as usual unless you have already worked out an alternative time with your teacher. Have a great weekend!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Group classes this Saturday
Hi all,
Welcome back! We hope you had a good summer!
This Saturday we'll start our group classes. The schedule is as follows:
1pm Theory class A (students up through 3rd grade enrolled in theory class)
2pm Theory class B (students 4-6th grade enrolled in theory class)
3pm Intermediate violin/viola studio class.
We'll be meeting in Laura's studio at the school. If we have plenty of space, theory and studio classes will continue at the school. If it's a bit cramped, we'll book space at Ivy Chapel just down the street from the school for all future classes.
Theory students should plan to bring any theory materials they own as well as their instrument. We may or may not use instruments in each class, but it's good to have in case you need it.
Studio class students need their music, any scale books they use, and their instruments. Some of you will play a solo for the class, so come prepared to play at least a portion of something you've polished.
Fiddle students are invited to Laura and Dennis' house for a fiddle jam session party this Saturday from 4:30-6pm. Students should come knowing at least a couple of fiddle tunes we've played in past semesters and should bring their instruments. If you are planning to come and have not yet RSVPed, please email Laura by Thursday so she knows how much food to order. We'll be ordering pizza and good stuff. Parents are welcome to stay but are not required to attend. If anyone attending has any special food needs, please let Laura know. Vegetarian food will be available.
Looking forward to seeing you Saturday!
Welcome back! We hope you had a good summer!
This Saturday we'll start our group classes. The schedule is as follows:
1pm Theory class A (students up through 3rd grade enrolled in theory class)
2pm Theory class B (students 4-6th grade enrolled in theory class)
3pm Intermediate violin/viola studio class.
We'll be meeting in Laura's studio at the school. If we have plenty of space, theory and studio classes will continue at the school. If it's a bit cramped, we'll book space at Ivy Chapel just down the street from the school for all future classes.
Theory students should plan to bring any theory materials they own as well as their instrument. We may or may not use instruments in each class, but it's good to have in case you need it.
Studio class students need their music, any scale books they use, and their instruments. Some of you will play a solo for the class, so come prepared to play at least a portion of something you've polished.
Fiddle students are invited to Laura and Dennis' house for a fiddle jam session party this Saturday from 4:30-6pm. Students should come knowing at least a couple of fiddle tunes we've played in past semesters and should bring their instruments. If you are planning to come and have not yet RSVPed, please email Laura by Thursday so she knows how much food to order. We'll be ordering pizza and good stuff. Parents are welcome to stay but are not required to attend. If anyone attending has any special food needs, please let Laura know. Vegetarian food will be available.
Looking forward to seeing you Saturday!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Fall calendar and TV stuff
Hi all,
We hope you've been having a good summer! Our fall semester is starting up in just 3 weeks, so I just posed the calendar for the fall on this blog and will post a copy at the school next Tuesday. Please be sure to look it over and get the dates into you calendar. Please note that some group classes this semester are at our school location and some are at Ivy Chapel, at 620 N. Woods Mill Road just down the street from the school. Also take note that if you are enrolled in group classes and theory, or Suzuki classes and studio classes, then you will have some kind of group class almost every Saturday and should plan accordingly so you can attend regularly. (This may seem like a lot of time, but is necessary for quicker progress.) This year, the fall will be a full 20 weeks, starting on Monday, August 9th. Unfortunately we cannot afford to accomodate requests to start late and cancel those first few lessons, so please let your teacher know now if you'll be on vacation during the first part of the semester so those lessons can be rescheduled.
Here's what I was doing this morning. This was on Fox 2 St. Louis. Enjoy!
We're looking forward to seeing you all soon and hearing about your summer!
We hope you've been having a good summer! Our fall semester is starting up in just 3 weeks, so I just posed the calendar for the fall on this blog and will post a copy at the school next Tuesday. Please be sure to look it over and get the dates into you calendar. Please note that some group classes this semester are at our school location and some are at Ivy Chapel, at 620 N. Woods Mill Road just down the street from the school. Also take note that if you are enrolled in group classes and theory, or Suzuki classes and studio classes, then you will have some kind of group class almost every Saturday and should plan accordingly so you can attend regularly. (This may seem like a lot of time, but is necessary for quicker progress.) This year, the fall will be a full 20 weeks, starting on Monday, August 9th. Unfortunately we cannot afford to accomodate requests to start late and cancel those first few lessons, so please let your teacher know now if you'll be on vacation during the first part of the semester so those lessons can be rescheduled.
Here's what I was doing this morning. This was on Fox 2 St. Louis. Enjoy!
We're looking forward to seeing you all soon and hearing about your summer!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Recitals this Saturday and end of semester stuff
Hi All,
Congratulations on another set of successful recitals! We've got our last two recitals this Saturday (May 22) at 11am and 2pm at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church. We're looking forward to seeing all the performances!
We're coming to the end of our semester. The last day of the spring semester is Saturday, June 5th and the summer semester will begin Monday, June 7th. Those of you who have lessons on Fridays through Mondays, you are scheduled for a lesson on Memorial Day weekend unless you already made other plans with your teacher. Because of the large number of make up lessons we all have to give before the end of the semester, we really cannot accomodate any more changes in lesson schedule over the next couple of weeks, so please aim to make your own plans accordingly.
The practice challenge is coming to an end next Saturday, May 29th. Be sure you've reported all your practice days to your teacher since we cannot count any unreported days. Be sure to get lots of practice in this week too so you have as many days as possible. We'll be tallying up the winners as well as comparing studio numbers to find out which teacher's "team" won. We'll have that information for you soon.
Have a good week!
Congratulations on another set of successful recitals! We've got our last two recitals this Saturday (May 22) at 11am and 2pm at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church. We're looking forward to seeing all the performances!
We're coming to the end of our semester. The last day of the spring semester is Saturday, June 5th and the summer semester will begin Monday, June 7th. Those of you who have lessons on Fridays through Mondays, you are scheduled for a lesson on Memorial Day weekend unless you already made other plans with your teacher. Because of the large number of make up lessons we all have to give before the end of the semester, we really cannot accomodate any more changes in lesson schedule over the next couple of weeks, so please aim to make your own plans accordingly.
The practice challenge is coming to an end next Saturday, May 29th. Be sure you've reported all your practice days to your teacher since we cannot count any unreported days. Be sure to get lots of practice in this week too so you have as many days as possible. We'll be tallying up the winners as well as comparing studio numbers to find out which teacher's "team" won. We'll have that information for you soon.
Have a good week!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Congratulations and this Saturday
Hi all,
Congratulations to everyone for your hard work on the festival this past weekend! Thanks for sharing Mother's Day with us!
This Saturday, May 15 we have another set of recitals at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church:
11am - piano recital in the chapel
2pm - violin recital in the sanctuary
Students performing in these recitals should plan to arrive AT LEAST 15 minutes before their assigned recital to tune and warm up. Advanced students in particular need to warm up before playing so they can play their best. Students should plan to dress nicely, (Sunday clothes - no sneakers, jeans, etc.) but in clothes that can performed in comfortably.
Everyone else is welcome to come and support our students. They've worked hard this semester! Then join us for goodies afterwards.
Congratulations to everyone for your hard work on the festival this past weekend! Thanks for sharing Mother's Day with us!
This Saturday, May 15 we have another set of recitals at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church:
11am - piano recital in the chapel
2pm - violin recital in the sanctuary
Students performing in these recitals should plan to arrive AT LEAST 15 minutes before their assigned recital to tune and warm up. Advanced students in particular need to warm up before playing so they can play their best. Students should plan to dress nicely, (Sunday clothes - no sneakers, jeans, etc.) but in clothes that can performed in comfortably.
Everyone else is welcome to come and support our students. They've worked hard this semester! Then join us for goodies afterwards.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Festival
Hi everyone,
Congratulations to those of you who performed in the recitals today. Fantastic job!
Next week we have our spring festival. Here's a reminder of the schedule:
Saturday, May 8 Dress rehearsal (Required)
2pm Suzuki rehearsal
3pm Fiddle rehearsal
Viola students, be sure to be at the Suzuki rehearsal to rehearse the Bach Gavotte with us!
Sunday, May 9 - 2pm concert. (Should be about an hour)
For the Suzuki rehearsal we will start with the pretwinklers for the first 5 or so minutes and then work our way from the twinkles up to the Bach Gavotte. That way, as the pieces get more advanced, the younger students do not have to stay for the entire rehearsal.
Here is the Festival performance order:
Fiddle Group
Congratulations to those of you who performed in the recitals today. Fantastic job!
Next week we have our spring festival. Here's a reminder of the schedule:
Saturday, May 8 Dress rehearsal (Required)
2pm Suzuki rehearsal
3pm Fiddle rehearsal
Viola students, be sure to be at the Suzuki rehearsal to rehearse the Bach Gavotte with us!
Sunday, May 9 - 2pm concert. (Should be about an hour)
For the Suzuki rehearsal we will start with the pretwinklers for the first 5 or so minutes and then work our way from the twinkles up to the Bach Gavotte. That way, as the pieces get more advanced, the younger students do not have to stay for the entire rehearsal.
Here is the Festival performance order:
Fiddle Group
- La Cumparsita (Tango)
- Redwing
- Bill Cheatem
- Mason's Apron
- Finnish Polka
Pretwinklers: Chicken's on a Fencepost (i.e. Peanut Butter Sandwich)
Violists: Judas Maccabaeus and Minuet 3 (please check these pieces with Maggie as I may have the it wrong!)
Suzuki
- Bach Gavotte in G minor
- The Two Grenadiers
- Waltz
- Musette
- The Happy Farmer
- Minuet 2
- Etude
- Allegro
- May Song
- Go, Tell Aunt Rhody
- Lightly Row
- Twinkle Theme and Variations
We will announce the order as we go. Please be sure to be practicing your festival pieces this week! We want to play really in tune and really together so it's a really enjoyable concert for our audience. Thanks and see you all soon!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Fiddle Assignment and recital clarification
Hello Fiddlers!
This week please be sure to practice the following with your teacher, even if you are sure you are doing it perfectly:
Mason's Apron - intonation at the start of the B section. The F# and G# are both sounding really out of tune in the group. When you place your first finger on the the B and the F# (non-simplified version only) make sure you use the inside corner of the finger or the F# will sound really flat. Be sure to check with your teacher that you are doing this properly and do some slow practice to really listen! This may sound confusing, so ask your teacher to help.
Redwing - Practice the ending note with the repeat back to the beginning. The long note should be three beats. Count "1-2-stop" to get a clean sound. If you don't stop your bow we will not all sound together. Be sure to check this with your teacher.
Bill Cheatem - Practice intonation on the first two notes. Practice with your teacher for good rhythm to make sure you are not coming in early after half notes.
Tango - Continue to practice articulation and musical stuff Kirby mentioned. Remember the spot where you have 3 beats of rest!
Recitals
I also just wanted to clarify in case there was any confusion: although we have student recitals this weekend, not everyone is assigned to play. We have a total of 6 student recitals for violin or piano this semester, so don't worry, you're child is still performing on the day discussed with your teacher. However, everyone is welcome to come and attend the recitals this weekend, regardless of if they are performing or not.
This week please be sure to practice the following with your teacher, even if you are sure you are doing it perfectly:
Mason's Apron - intonation at the start of the B section. The F# and G# are both sounding really out of tune in the group. When you place your first finger on the the B and the F# (non-simplified version only) make sure you use the inside corner of the finger or the F# will sound really flat. Be sure to check with your teacher that you are doing this properly and do some slow practice to really listen! This may sound confusing, so ask your teacher to help.
Redwing - Practice the ending note with the repeat back to the beginning. The long note should be three beats. Count "1-2-stop" to get a clean sound. If you don't stop your bow we will not all sound together. Be sure to check this with your teacher.
Bill Cheatem - Practice intonation on the first two notes. Practice with your teacher for good rhythm to make sure you are not coming in early after half notes.
Tango - Continue to practice articulation and musical stuff Kirby mentioned. Remember the spot where you have 3 beats of rest!
Recitals
I also just wanted to clarify in case there was any confusion: although we have student recitals this weekend, not everyone is assigned to play. We have a total of 6 student recitals for violin or piano this semester, so don't worry, you're child is still performing on the day discussed with your teacher. However, everyone is welcome to come and attend the recitals this weekend, regardless of if they are performing or not.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Weekend recitals and Faculty member's orchestra premire
Hello everyone,
Student recitals!
We have some recitals coming up this weekend at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in the Sanctuary. The recitals will be at 11am and 2pm Saturday, May 1 and will be approximately an hour (or less). We'll have goodies available afterwards. Everyone is welcome to attend and support our students who are performing. Feel free to invite family and friends too. The more the merrier!
Students who are performing should plan to arrive no later than 15 minutes before the recital to tune and warm up so we can start right on time. Performers, please wear dressy clothes. Boys should wear nice pants and a collared shirt. Girls should wear nice pants or skirt and a blouse, or a dress. No jeans, t-shirts, tank tops, tennis shoes, crocs, or shorts. Please also be sure the clothing is comfortable for playing.
Ocarina Concerto Premire!
Our flute/ocarina faculty member, Heather Scott, will be premiring the first concerto ever written for ocarina this Sunday, May 2 at 2:30pm with the Town and Country Symphony Orchestra.
The details can be found that the Symphony's website at http://www.tcsomo.org/
The concert will take place at The Principia 13201 Clayton Road, Town & Country, 63131 and admission is free.
We will be having a free reception after the concert at:
Longview Farm House
13525 Clayton Road
Town & Country, MO 63141
You are invited to come and meet the composer and the performer! We hope to see you at our performances this weekend!
Student recitals!
We have some recitals coming up this weekend at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in the Sanctuary. The recitals will be at 11am and 2pm Saturday, May 1 and will be approximately an hour (or less). We'll have goodies available afterwards. Everyone is welcome to attend and support our students who are performing. Feel free to invite family and friends too. The more the merrier!
Students who are performing should plan to arrive no later than 15 minutes before the recital to tune and warm up so we can start right on time. Performers, please wear dressy clothes. Boys should wear nice pants and a collared shirt. Girls should wear nice pants or skirt and a blouse, or a dress. No jeans, t-shirts, tank tops, tennis shoes, crocs, or shorts. Please also be sure the clothing is comfortable for playing.
Ocarina Concerto Premire!
Our flute/ocarina faculty member, Heather Scott, will be premiring the first concerto ever written for ocarina this Sunday, May 2 at 2:30pm with the Town and Country Symphony Orchestra.
The details can be found that the Symphony's website at http://www.tcsomo.org/
The concert will take place at The Principia 13201 Clayton Road, Town & Country, 63131 and admission is free.
We will be having a free reception after the concert at:
Longview Farm House
13525 Clayton Road
Town & Country, MO 63141
You are invited to come and meet the composer and the performer! We hope to see you at our performances this weekend!
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Summer and Fall Semesters
I am starting to get questions about when the summer and fall semesters are. Here's the upcoming schedule:
The spring semester goes through Saturday, June 5.
The summer semester is from Monday, June 7 through Saturday, August 7. At least one violin teacher will be available for that entire time. Piano lessons will be available starting in late June/early July.
The fall semester is from Monday, August 9 through Saturday, January 15 (2011). There will be a one week break at Thanksgiving and a two week winter break from Sunday, December 19 through Sunday, January 2. The following spring semester will begin immediately after the fall semester.
I'd also like to remind you all that any make ups you need to fit in need to happen before the end of this semester since your tuition covers the full 20 weeks of the semester. If you plan to be away at the end of the semester (especially Memorial Day weekend) now would be the time to let your teacher know so a make up can be scheduled since we do not allow cancelations. Otherwise you won't be able to receive that lesson. Please also keep in mind that all of our schedules are extremely busy for the next month with all the recitals and performances coming up, so please avoid giving us last minute notice in scheduling make ups or letting us know about schedule conflicts.
We appreciate your help. Many thanks!
The spring semester goes through Saturday, June 5.
The summer semester is from Monday, June 7 through Saturday, August 7. At least one violin teacher will be available for that entire time. Piano lessons will be available starting in late June/early July.
The fall semester is from Monday, August 9 through Saturday, January 15 (2011). There will be a one week break at Thanksgiving and a two week winter break from Sunday, December 19 through Sunday, January 2. The following spring semester will begin immediately after the fall semester.
I'd also like to remind you all that any make ups you need to fit in need to happen before the end of this semester since your tuition covers the full 20 weeks of the semester. If you plan to be away at the end of the semester (especially Memorial Day weekend) now would be the time to let your teacher know so a make up can be scheduled since we do not allow cancelations. Otherwise you won't be able to receive that lesson. Please also keep in mind that all of our schedules are extremely busy for the next month with all the recitals and performances coming up, so please avoid giving us last minute notice in scheduling make ups or letting us know about schedule conflicts.
We appreciate your help. Many thanks!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Group and Fiddle classes this Saturday
Hi All,
We have our last set of group and fiddle classes this Saturday, April 24.
2pm: Suzuki Groups 3 and 5
3pm: Fiddle group
This is the last time we'll meet before the Spring Festival dress rehearsal on May 8th. We'll be at St. Timothy's as usual. See you then!
We have our last set of group and fiddle classes this Saturday, April 24.
2pm: Suzuki Groups 3 and 5
3pm: Fiddle group
This is the last time we'll meet before the Spring Festival dress rehearsal on May 8th. We'll be at St. Timothy's as usual. See you then!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Pianofest and the St. Louis Symphony
Hello All,
The Artist Presentation Society is presenting "Pianofest" with Andrew Sheffield next Sunday, April 25 at 3pm. It will take place at the Ethical Society of St. Louis
9001 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 63117. Mr. Sheffield will be performing works by Chopin, Beethoven, Belcom (some piano ragtime music), and Schumann.
Tickets can be purchased at the door for $15 ($12 seniors and $5 for students).
Next weekend is the weekend that that world famous violinist Pincas Zuckerman is coming to play with the St. Louis Symphony. He'll be performing the Bach A minor concerto which is a really awesome piece. It's not to be missed, especially those of you learning this piece!!!
The Artist Presentation Society is presenting "Pianofest" with Andrew Sheffield next Sunday, April 25 at 3pm. It will take place at the Ethical Society of St. Louis
9001 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 63117. Mr. Sheffield will be performing works by Chopin, Beethoven, Belcom (some piano ragtime music), and Schumann.
Tickets can be purchased at the door for $15 ($12 seniors and $5 for students).
Next weekend is the weekend that that world famous violinist Pincas Zuckerman is coming to play with the St. Louis Symphony. He'll be performing the Bach A minor concerto which is a really awesome piece. It's not to be missed, especially those of you learning this piece!!!
Monday, April 12, 2010
Faculty Recital
Come see our faculty recital this Saturday, April 17th at 7:15pm. We'll be at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church. Hope to see you there!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Studio, Group, and Fiddle Classes Saturday, April 10
Hi All,
We've got classes coming up this Saturday at St. Timothy's:
1pm: Beginning/intermediate studio class
2pm: Suzuki groups 1,2 and 4
3pm: Fiddle class
If you're a Suzuki student planning to play in the festival and have not made it to a group class yet, please be sure to come. The festival is coming up soon and the more we all practice playing together, the better we'll sound!
We'll get the juice and cookies out in a timely fashion this time! Sorry about that last week!
We've got classes coming up this Saturday at St. Timothy's:
1pm: Beginning/intermediate studio class
2pm: Suzuki groups 1,2 and 4
3pm: Fiddle class
If you're a Suzuki student planning to play in the festival and have not made it to a group class yet, please be sure to come. The festival is coming up soon and the more we all practice playing together, the better we'll sound!
We'll get the juice and cookies out in a timely fashion this time! Sorry about that last week!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Theory Assignment
Hi All,
Here's the theory assignment from the classes earlier today. Both classes have fairly similar assignments this week.
1. Try to identify major and minor key music you hear on the radio. Have fun doing a "car music quiz" with mom or dad. It can be a fun game. Also listen for major and minor keys in the upcoming recitals. (Hint: all the book 1 pieces are major!)
2. Practice open string melodic dictation. After finding all the open strings on the staff to create a "cheat sheet", parents can pluck strings slowly and let your child find them on the staff. Don't be too eager to jump in and help too quickly. Feel free to let them make mistakes and learn to correct them since that can be a good part of learning and internalizing the knowledge. Also, you can switch roles and have your child pluck strings and you put the notes on the staff. Be sure to make lots of mistakes so they can help you and show off what they know! With melodic dication it's good to start slow and just do a small number of notes like 3 or 4, or maybe even just one or two notes if he/she is finding it really challenging without parental help. You can always increase the number if it's too easy. Each little melody should be repeated a few times so your child has time to check his/her work. If dictation is quite a challenge, try just doing two strings only and spend lots of time reviewing how to put the open strings on the staff.
3. Blue jello dynamics! Try doing different dynamics on the blue jello cards: pp (pianissimo), p (piano), mp (mezzo piano), mf (mezzo forte), f (forte), ff (fortissimo!), cresc (crescendo = get louder), decresc (decrescendo = get softer), dim (diminuendo = get softer). If it gets pretty easy, kids can try playing the rhythms on their the arm or on open strings. Remember that big bows are loud and small bows are soft.
Since I got questions about this from some parents, for the difference between minor and major check out:
Major key - any piece on the book 1 CD
Minor then Major key- The first half of this piece is minor and the second half switches to major around 0:50. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1fLJcnFAWc (on electric violin)
Major then Minor key - This piece is in major at first. It switches to minor at about 1:40 and swtiches back to major a bit before 2:30. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xaIH7lTiK4 (it's Yo-Yo Ma and Itzak Perlman, so it's worth checking out just for the sake of beauty, as well as for listening for major and minor!)
Feel free to ask me or your teacher if you would like more listening ideas to learn to identify the difference. Remember major keys are associated with positive emotions and bright colors and minor is associated with negative emotions and dark colors, so try listening for how the music makes you feel to help identify the key.
Happy Easter!
Here's the theory assignment from the classes earlier today. Both classes have fairly similar assignments this week.
1. Try to identify major and minor key music you hear on the radio. Have fun doing a "car music quiz" with mom or dad. It can be a fun game. Also listen for major and minor keys in the upcoming recitals. (Hint: all the book 1 pieces are major!)
2. Practice open string melodic dictation. After finding all the open strings on the staff to create a "cheat sheet", parents can pluck strings slowly and let your child find them on the staff. Don't be too eager to jump in and help too quickly. Feel free to let them make mistakes and learn to correct them since that can be a good part of learning and internalizing the knowledge. Also, you can switch roles and have your child pluck strings and you put the notes on the staff. Be sure to make lots of mistakes so they can help you and show off what they know! With melodic dication it's good to start slow and just do a small number of notes like 3 or 4, or maybe even just one or two notes if he/she is finding it really challenging without parental help. You can always increase the number if it's too easy. Each little melody should be repeated a few times so your child has time to check his/her work. If dictation is quite a challenge, try just doing two strings only and spend lots of time reviewing how to put the open strings on the staff.
3. Blue jello dynamics! Try doing different dynamics on the blue jello cards: pp (pianissimo), p (piano), mp (mezzo piano), mf (mezzo forte), f (forte), ff (fortissimo!), cresc (crescendo = get louder), decresc (decrescendo = get softer), dim (diminuendo = get softer). If it gets pretty easy, kids can try playing the rhythms on their the arm or on open strings. Remember that big bows are loud and small bows are soft.
Since I got questions about this from some parents, for the difference between minor and major check out:
Major key - any piece on the book 1 CD
Minor then Major key- The first half of this piece is minor and the second half switches to major around 0:50. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1fLJcnFAWc (on electric violin)
Major then Minor key - This piece is in major at first. It switches to minor at about 1:40 and swtiches back to major a bit before 2:30. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xaIH7lTiK4 (it's Yo-Yo Ma and Itzak Perlman, so it's worth checking out just for the sake of beauty, as well as for listening for major and minor!)
Feel free to ask me or your teacher if you would like more listening ideas to learn to identify the difference. Remember major keys are associated with positive emotions and bright colors and minor is associated with negative emotions and dark colors, so try listening for how the music makes you feel to help identify the key.
Happy Easter!
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