Where did May go?
There was so much to celebrate this month, but it's also been a reminder of time gone by.
My sister, brother and niece all turned a year older, my husband and I have been married for 5 years, my daughter is nearing a year and a half and another year of teaching comes to a close in just a few weeks.
Although there are no major life changes this year, I've been dealing a lot of small inner changes over the past few months. Some days are great and some days I don't handle things very well.
When these days hit I can either drown myself in self doubt or I can get out of the house and do something. This can take a lot more effort than I'd like some days but having people in my life that inspire me and planning for the things that are important to me make all the difference.
As you start or continue to plan your summer for your kids and yourself, make a point to schedule in all the important things you want to do, as individuals and as a family. The summer goes by too quickly (and is really just a warm-up for how fast the remaining months of the year go by!)
Whatever it is you put on your list, make sure it includes getting outside, for the parents especially! No matter what we might be dealing with in our lives or what stresses we are trying to handle, getting outside is an instant release and refresh, and gives us new perspective to face our everyday challenges.
Here's what the Barten's have planned this summer:
As a Family Personal Goals
Festivals (Home County, Goderich, Stratford) Half Marathon
Gymworld Classes (for my tumbler!) June 16th Celtic Shift at London Music Club
Swimming & Splash Pads Newfoundland
Storybook Gardens Tough Mudder
Clovermead Rugged Maniac
Kusterman's Farm
Beach
St. Jacob's Market
Runs & Bike Rides
Rock Climbing!
Mustang Drive in
GARDENING!
As I've been telling my students, the summer is a chance to relax a bit with violin practice as they are not necessarily expected to be doing a lot of WORK. Progress on new pieces will be minimal and this is an acceptable break. What is not acceptable is to stop playing all together. So pull out those review charts or get creative and create your own review stations. Play what you know, maintain your skills, try something new and get inspired by going to festivals and shows. I'll let you know as the summer goes a long what shows you'll find me at!
Happy Summer!
Sunday, June 03, 2018
Sunday, May 27, 2018
Celtic Shift at London Music Club - June 16th
It's been quite awhile since we've put on a show so I am really looking forward to this evening to play some favourites from our album On One Beautiful Day as well as some new sets. The Winter Fiddle Class 2018 will also be featured during the evening showcasing some of the amazing (foot) work they did this session. Hope to see you there!
Friday, May 11, 2018
Registration Information
Here is everything you need to register for Summer Lessons, 2018-2019 Lessons and the Small Steps Summer Session:
Click HERE to register for SUMMER LESSONS
Click HERE to register for 2018-2019 VIOLIN LESSONS
Click HERE to register for SMALL STEPS SUMMER SESSION
Please check your email for FEE SCHEDULES (no changes to fees)
Access all lesson dates, group classes and recital dates HERE
There is FINALLY no change to registration or the calendar this year (no babies on the way and no moving!) I'm looking forward to a relaxing summer and hope you all can do the same!
Oh, and HAPPY MOTHER's DAY to all the incredible mom's out there! Enjoy the weekend with your family.
Click HERE to register for SUMMER LESSONS
Click HERE to register for 2018-2019 VIOLIN LESSONS
Click HERE to register for SMALL STEPS SUMMER SESSION
Please check your email for FEE SCHEDULES (no changes to fees)
Access all lesson dates, group classes and recital dates HERE
There is FINALLY no change to registration or the calendar this year (no babies on the way and no moving!) I'm looking forward to a relaxing summer and hope you all can do the same!
Oh, and HAPPY MOTHER's DAY to all the incredible mom's out there! Enjoy the weekend with your family.
Thursday, May 10, 2018
Congrats on a Recital Well Done!
As I watched everyone perform, I remembered last year's recital like it was yesterday. It dawned on me how different so many of the players are and how many faces were missing from past years.
The past 8 years of teaching have been incredible, but incredibly fast. Especially these last two years. It seems to be the side effect of having kids; time starts to fast forward no matter how much we try to stop and enjoy the small moments. Everything just flies by.
This weekend flew by way to quickly, so I want to take note of the incredible moments and music that I heard from two different groups of performers.
On Saturday, the Fiddle Class put on an amazing show at Chartwell Residence. I didn't feel like I was leading a group of students or that it was something we just threw together. It feel real and polished, heartfelt and powerful. We just played. Everyone knew what to do, and we all did it together. These students continue to surprise me in taking my crazy ideas and turning them into something real and amazing. I am so proud of these performers.
On Sunday, the Group Class performed advanced repertoire confidently and younger students demonstrated respect, patience and immense self control to be able to wait for the pieces they know how to play. These students put together ensembles with minimal rehearsal time and played them all beautifully and coherently. They all made my job way too easy and I am so proud of the individuals they are growing up to be.
Although I only saw a moment of it, my heart stopped as I watched my daughter on stage during Row Your Boat. I can't believe the little person she is turning into. She knows more than I will ever know.
None is these experiences would be possible without the continued support of all my students and Suzuki families. Thank you for supporting Amy's Violin School and allowing me to continue to do what I love.
Happy Spring!
The past 8 years of teaching have been incredible, but incredibly fast. Especially these last two years. It seems to be the side effect of having kids; time starts to fast forward no matter how much we try to stop and enjoy the small moments. Everything just flies by.
This weekend flew by way to quickly, so I want to take note of the incredible moments and music that I heard from two different groups of performers.
On Saturday, the Fiddle Class put on an amazing show at Chartwell Residence. I didn't feel like I was leading a group of students or that it was something we just threw together. It feel real and polished, heartfelt and powerful. We just played. Everyone knew what to do, and we all did it together. These students continue to surprise me in taking my crazy ideas and turning them into something real and amazing. I am so proud of these performers.
On Sunday, the Group Class performed advanced repertoire confidently and younger students demonstrated respect, patience and immense self control to be able to wait for the pieces they know how to play. These students put together ensembles with minimal rehearsal time and played them all beautifully and coherently. They all made my job way too easy and I am so proud of the individuals they are growing up to be.
Although I only saw a moment of it, my heart stopped as I watched my daughter on stage during Row Your Boat. I can't believe the little person she is turning into. She knows more than I will ever know.
None is these experiences would be possible without the continued support of all my students and Suzuki families. Thank you for supporting Amy's Violin School and allowing me to continue to do what I love.
Happy Spring!
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
Year End Recital Repertoire (Sunday May 6th!)
Year End already?
May 6th is fast approaching as we head into spring and I've got a list of repertoire for you all to look at and get practicing. I have some fun twists to put on these pieces so please take note of the ones you know how to play and even some that you don't (you may have a part in them anyway!) Happy Practicing!
May 6th is fast approaching as we head into spring and I've got a list of repertoire for you all to look at and get practicing. I have some fun twists to put on these pieces so please take note of the ones you know how to play and even some that you don't (you may have a part in them anyway!) Happy Practicing!
Advanced
Introduction & Polonaise
Prelude & Berceuse
Prelude & Berceuse
Book 4
Vivaldi #1 (in the book)
Book 3
Gavotte in G Minor
Book 2
Gavotte from Mignon
Two Grenadiers
Long Long Ago
Musette
Book 1
Happy Farmer
Etude
Andantino
Allegro
O Come Little Children
Twinkle Variation
Twinkle Theme
Other
Fiddle Class & Row Your Boat Ensemble
Small Steps Class
Wishing
Wishing
Saturday, March 10, 2018
Celtic Shift Plays St. Patrick's Day
St. Patrick’s Day @Church of the Epiphanyin the Manor Park Memorial Hall11 Briscoe Street W.Fully AccessibleSaturday March 17Doors Open at 7:00 p.m.Veg or Meat Irish Stew, Buns.Cake, Table Snacks all includedCash Bar- beer, Guinness, wineMusic by Celtic Shift (Dave Nuttall, Amy Barten, Steve Holowitz)with special guests.$20.For ticket call Judy or Bob at home: 226-378-1250The Church Website
Friday, March 09, 2018
March 4th Recital Update
Wow...
As I said at the recital, everyone was prepared and everyone was ready. Even knowing this, I was still blown away by all the solid performances!
I saw everyone demonstrate all the details we had been working on in lesson these past few weeks. The graduating students played Gossec Gavotte with confidence and ease. Seitz Concerto's were played with impeccable tone and clarity. The many Gavotte's shone in their unique ways and everyone landed form, intonation, big bows, tone and dynamics. Young Book 1 students set up their posture and played like professionals.
Were there mistakes here and there? Of course, but NO ONE let these little things get in the way of all the hard work that was put into preparing for the recital and all the incredible musical moments that were displayed. Everyone had a smile as they left the stage - this is success!
Thank you also for a successful fundraising event. Even though there were fewer of us at this recital, we ended up making more than at last years recital. I am so grateful for your continued support and hope the winners enjoy the prizes!
Also, be on the look out over March Break for the release of repertoire for the Year End Recital. Once this is released, please print or save the list and start working on these pieces!
As I said at the recital, everyone was prepared and everyone was ready. Even knowing this, I was still blown away by all the solid performances!
I saw everyone demonstrate all the details we had been working on in lesson these past few weeks. The graduating students played Gossec Gavotte with confidence and ease. Seitz Concerto's were played with impeccable tone and clarity. The many Gavotte's shone in their unique ways and everyone landed form, intonation, big bows, tone and dynamics. Young Book 1 students set up their posture and played like professionals.
Were there mistakes here and there? Of course, but NO ONE let these little things get in the way of all the hard work that was put into preparing for the recital and all the incredible musical moments that were displayed. Everyone had a smile as they left the stage - this is success!
Thank you also for a successful fundraising event. Even though there were fewer of us at this recital, we ended up making more than at last years recital. I am so grateful for your continued support and hope the winners enjoy the prizes!
One last reminder that I am taking two weeks off for March Break and lessons will resume on Monday March 26th.
Group Class will resume on Tuesday March 27th.
If you have any practice questions or need a violin tune up, I will be around home so please feel free to send me an email.
Also, be on the look out over March Break for the release of repertoire for the Year End Recital. Once this is released, please print or save the list and start working on these pieces!
Have a safe and happy March Break!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)