The Countdown Begins...

So time is flying by and we are down to the last few weeks before the holidays. Stay safe as you drive the snowy roads and brave the busy malls. As we prepare for the upcoming holiday season I have a few events to remind everyone about...

#1 - Recital this weekend! 
Everyone playing the Tango must be at the church no later than 1:45. 
Everyone else, please arrive no later then 15 minutes before the recital you signed up for (2:15 OR 3:30). 

Yes, our Christmas tree is up, It has been for a while.
Our cat Cordelia has been loving it a little too much.
Whenever it is you decide to put up your decorations, be
sure to make it a family event. Turn on some good tunes, and
enjoy decorating your home together for the holiday season.
Start some new traditions this year that get the whole
family involved!

#2 - Our Christmas Ceilidh is still on Monday December 16th from 5:00-6:00. 
I will have prizes for everyone's participation and for the winners in the Play Challenge and there will be the chance to play any Christmas and fiddle tunes. 

#3 - Pull out your Christmas tunes! 
Looking for some new ones this year? Bring in your requests to lessons. I have some great duets if you have a family member or friend you'd like to play with!

See everyone on Sunday!

Parent Ed Night Recap

Thank you to the parents who braved the snow to get to Parent Ed night! Your commitment is recognized and appreciated. Even though it was not a nice night for driving, please make every effort to attend these sessions. It's a great opportunity to hear Sharon speak from her first hand experience with Shinichi Suzuki and for all the parents to interact, get ideas and support each other.

We had guest speakers Frances and Ruth who talked about their experiences with the Suzuki method and how it has impacted both of their child's lives who are now adults. Here are just a few points as to what was discussed:

Listening is learning.

Take advantage of the time in the car to really talk. 

Yes, your lives are busy, but one day this busyness will be gone. Take the time now, whenever the opportunity arises, to just talk, not nag about things that need to be done once you get home, but talk. These are the moments you will remember.

Join events in the summer to keep the motivation of playing alive. 

Any musical camp, institute, orchestra, ensemble, anything is a great way to meet new people and keep the desire and motivation to play throughout the summer.

The Suzuki method builds confidence that will support children in any career path they choose.

Set the expectation that daily practice is expected and there will be no questioning this later on.

The parents attitude and awareness is key. 

Enjoy the one hour a week in group class where you get to relax and watch your child just be. Your attention and smile is the security your child needs to grow and succeed.

Parents, you are the model, and your attitude reflects strongly on your child.

If you show interest in only your own child, your child may think that they are the only ones that matter. Enjoy and support the process of watching everyone grow together.

Punctuality, flexibility, work ethic, determination, confidence, responsibility, community, commitment... character first, and ability second. 

Parent Ed, Parking Update, and the chance to de-clutter your life!

Parent Education Night on Monday November 11th at 7:00 at Sharon's House - 958 Crestview Cres. Hope to see you all there! (No group class that night.)

Quick parking update:
I just a received a message from the condo board about cars idling in parking spaces. If you are dropping off/picking up your child from a lesson, please turn your car off while you wait. There is a 2 minute law against cars idling. Thank you for your understanding in all matters concerning parking.

In high school, I considered going
into interior design! I love to clean &
organize, its kind of weird. A clutter free
home is definitely a stress reliever for me.
Start now by choosing one small area of your
home to purge and organize every week. You could
be living differently by the New Year!

So, even though we are a few months away from the Silent Auction at our February Recital, I want you all to start thinking about it now. Take advantage of the opportunity before and after this holiday season to reduce the clutter in your homes and the stress it carries in your life.
Anything you could donate would be greatly appreciated. I will have a bin in lessons for you to start dropping off any items you'd like to donate. We had great success last year with the auction and the kids had a wonderful time bidding on items. At this recital, students play in duets which is a great learning experience different from solo performing! I look forward to another exciting February recital.