What's Happening in November

Wonder Baby!

I hope everyone had a safe and happy Halloween. November is here and this month is about to fly by. Here's what you need to know so that we can make the most out of this busy time of year.

The next group class is Tuesday November 7th and this is our PARENT ED EVENT. Join me as we chat about the Suzuki Method, ideas for the new year and check in with how practice is going at home for everyone.

The repertoire and groups have been released for the Holiday Recital on December 3rd. Check in with me at lesson to find out what you/your child is playing and who they are playing with! Everyone is responsible for a combination of at least 2 pieces or more that are either a challenge, review, harmony or holiday piece.

Our ensemble piece this year is a mash up of the Star Wars Theme & Sleigh Ride. I look forward to working on these fun tunes with everyone over the next few weeks.

Although rehearsal for this recital will start on Tuesday November 14th, the MANDATORY REHEARSAL is Tuesday November 28th. Don't miss it!

Keep working on your Strong Bent Thumbs and bow control so we can show off our skills in a months time!

Fall Recital

There was a lot of talk about nerves at the October 22nd Recital (despite confident performances from everyone!). From the shakes to stomach butterflies to wobbly knees. All of which I am far too familiar with. The knots began to tighten in my stomach as the start of the recital came around, but as I looked out in the audience at all the families, some who I have known for 7 years now, I felt at ease.

Every student showed on Sunday that they could WORK HARD. Practice spots were fixed, focus was seen and the dynamics were just beautiful. Solid performances by everyone and a great first recital of the school year!

If I had a switch I could flick so that you all wouldn't have to experience nerves... I'd definitely want to switch it off because I know the feeling all to well and don't wish any of you to feel it. However, it's also an important feeling to be able to conquer and unless we are put in these situations, it becomes harder and harder to face. Dealing with nerves is part of being human and it's something we can all work on. I work on it everyday when I put my teaching shoes on and perform. The nice thing about these Suzuki recitals is that it is a safe environment to practice these tricky skills. Nothing bad can happen at a Suzuki recital, no matter how nervous we feel since we are all supported by parents, siblings, teachers and friends.

See you all for Group Class THIS October 24th, 

but NO Group Class on October 31st (Halloween!)

October 22nd Recital

It's just a week until the first recital of the school year! Everyone has been polishing their pieces and working on tone through renewing our Strong Bent Thumb habits.

This recital features a focus on review, graduating students, and a reception where everyone can congratulate each other on their hard work.

Please consider something that you would like to contribute to the RECEPTION on Sunday.

Arrival time is 1:45 for a 2:00 start.

The busyness of this time of year has begun and as a result we have a few more absences than normal at this recital. Although the recital may be a tad shorter than previous years, it will definitely not be lacking in readiness. I am looking forward to seeing everyone's hard work pay off!

GROUP CLASS REMINDERS:
This Tuesday October 17th is the MANDATORY REHEARSAL for the recital.

The following Tuesday October 24th will be a Halloween Themed Group Class (costumes optional).

Tuesday October 31st there is NO GROUP - Enjoy your Halloween!

This fall is the first in 4 years that I will no be running Fiddle Class. Although I am disappointed by this, I am welcoming some time off on my Saturday afternoons to regroup and put together some great ideas for the winter. Stay tuned for winter Fiddle Class dates and other performing opportunities available as part of the December 3rd Holiday Recital!

Changes

I have so many half finish posts and projects on the go right now. So many ideas I want to share with you all but my mind seems to be in chaos since the move this summer. I live for organization and although I have accomplished all the major projects from moving, my list of little projects seems to be growing by the day. So while I work on reorganizing my life and my work, posts may continue to be minimal on the blog. I will still post reminders and important dates on here, but other works will be on hold. I hope to get back into the swing of writing soon.

I have seen some great strides in practice over these past couple weeks and students working diligently to get in daily practice. Don't forget about your STRONG BENT THUMBS! Keep working on your schedules and trying to prioritize everything that you want to accomplish in a day and I will continue to do the same as I work through all these changes.

We wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving and a wonderful long weekend! 

Group Class This Week & Fiddle Registration

GROUP CLASS starts this Tuesday September 19th! Although my plans for this terms recitals are still in the works, I am so excited to start working on group projects with everyone over the next few weeks. Coming up on Tuesday will be a chance for us all to get reacquainted and to brush up on our review pieces from a possible rusty summer (although many of you had very productive summers!).

Also coming up in a few weeks is the return of the FALL FIDDLE CLASS. Fiddle Class will start after Thanksgiving weekend on Saturday October 14th. Be aware that if you have been to fiddle class before, class will now run from 1:00-2:00 at my place (as opposed to 1:30-2:30).
You may register ONLINE HERE! 

FIDDLE CLASS is a great opportunity for those playing Book 1 Etude and higher to learn more about sight reading and music theory as well as playing a different style of music that involve lots of movement and creativity. The Winter 2017 Class put on a beautiful show at Chartwell Residence and I look forward to going back there in December!

PARKING UPDATE: The driveway has still not been paved but is currently accessible. Will send out an e-mail if the driveway will be unavailable to use again. Thanks for your cooperation!

2017-2018 Lessons Begin!

All major renovations are done and I am so excited for everyone to see the new lesson space! Here are a few reminders as you make your way to the new house this week:

• There is construction currently on Glengarry Ave and driveway parking in temporarily unavailable. There is still parking available on the road but it will be congested in the evenings as school lets out. Once construction is done, you are welcome to park on the driveway and you may pull in behind my Dodge Caravan (except for MONDAY students, DO NOT block the van). Please do not pull in an block any other vehicle. Also try to leave room for a car to pull in on either side of your own car. 

• When you arrive, please come in through the side door located directly off the driveway. You will see a welcome sign so you know you are at the correct door. The entry way is very tiny, so please take your shoes off and carry them downstairs where you will find a shoe and coat rack. The washroom is also located downstairs.

• As always, plan on arriving to lesson a few minutes early so you can find a place to park, enter without rushing and take your time unpacking and getting ready for lesson. This is not only important for the little ones to feel this calm right before learning takes place, but for the parent as well. If we are calm and ready, children are more likely to be as well.

• Been thinking about Graduating? Our October 22nd recital is a great time to graduate a Suzuki Book but NOW is the time to start preparing. If you are interested in graduating, please speak to me this week so we can come up with a plan to be prepared!

• I am currently running a FREE drop in class on Thursday September 14th at 10:30 for my Small Steps Baby & Toddler Music Class. Please come by and check this class out! You can find all registration details HERE.

Registration for Small Steps Music Class Available Online

I'm reaching out to all my Suzuki families and asking for your help once again to spread the word about my Small Steps Music Class for Babies, Toddlers and Parents.

Music is such a powerful way to teach not only children, but babies. Aside from the musical skills a young child can develop from coming to a music class, more importantly is the bond that develops between parent and child and the social, physical, cognitive and emotional experiences that can blossom through class. Plus, it's a great way to get new parents and baby out of the house and doing something educational for the baby/toddler and supportive for the parent.

I am currently running a FREE drop in class on Thursday September 14th at 10:30. Please come by and check out this class. You can find all registration details HERE.

Please tell your friends and any new parents about this class!

As always, thank you so much for your time in reading these posts and for continuing to support Amy's Violin School!