Fall Schedule is posted on this web site. If you would like to switch lessons with someone, just email them by clicking on their name. You can also access the Studio Class schedule by way of the lesson schedule.
Studio Classes are scheduled to begin in October (not September). I realize I already had told most of you about a September Studio Class date, but since we have several new students and other more advanced students have just started their pieces, we'll begin in October, instead. To those of you who are ready and have been looking forward to performing, you will be performing for the person who comes before or after you lesson this week.
AIM FEST - Achievement In Music Festival | Sponsored by the Indiana chapter of the Music Teacher National Association (IMTA).
Many of you have been asking about the AIM FEST. I have just received all the information this week. I will be collecting application fees the first and second lesson of September. You may include it with the September remittance. Click here for all the details: AIM FEST.
Time To Tune!
Generally we tune our pian12 twice each year: about 2 weeks after the heat has kicked on for the winter, and about two weeks after the air conditioning has kicked on for the summer. There are several good piano technicians in town. Call either Piano Solutions or Meridian Music to schedule a tuning with one of their staff tuners. It is VITAL your child practice on an in-tune piano.
Catching Up With Former Students
Hey former students! We want to hear from you! Tell us what you are up to these days and about your future plans! There are many requests about you by those who remember you from high school days.
Summer Fun!
Several of you (the most in years!) chose to study privately at our own studio this summer. We had fun exploring new repertoire and playing ensembles.
Two students attend summer music camps this year and highly recommend the experience to others! Sarah L. attend Blue Lake Arts Camp for the 4 consecutive year. She learned, memorized and performed Bach's Two-Part Invention No. 4, as well as studied other repertoire. BRAVO Sarah!
Alex M. attended Interlochen Arts Camp for the first time. He earned 2nd chair in the Junior Strings Orchestra and was awarded solo at the concluding concert. BRAVO ALEX!
INTERLOCHEN
I had the rare privilege to visit Interlochen this summer. What a wonderful and stimulating environment! I HIGHLY recommend attending the Interlochen Arts Camp to any age child in any of the arts (not just music). The dedicated faculty, staff and students inspire and energize each other. I attended a concert, walked through all the stone practice huts as musicians were practicing harp, piano concertos, woodwind ensembles, string orchestras, dance play practice and more. My son showed me the museum which is a large vintage cabin tucked in the woods, overlooking the lake. Some of the acquisitions were Indian artifacts, collected insect species, taxidermy , and live snakes! There were students of many ages exploring different specimens, and one high school-aged artist was creating a print of one of the animals. Hidden in the rafters were state-of-the-art speakers, broadcasting an opera from the public radio station located only yards away down the dirt road. I wouldn't be surprised if one would find classical music playing in the local hardware store. Such fun!
Welcome New Students
Welcome to Alleah, Aya, Emma, Emi, Jack, Kenji, and Zack! Our studio will be vibrant this year with a total of 17 students ranging in age from 4 years through adult and beginning through advanced concert level repertoire. What a great variety! We have a strong representation of boys this year (close to half). We also welcome Suzane, an adult student who is an accomplished violist and pianist. She plays viola with the Carmel, Columbus, and Kokomo symphonies, enjoys playing concert level repertoire on her new grand piano, and is a scientist with Eli Lilly during her day job. Inspiring!
In Memorium: Tony Mazza (1923-2005)
After more than a month of frenetic pace (my son's graduation from high school, fellowship with visiting friends and family, traveling across the country to be by my father's side during his last days, to my niece's wedding in northern Michigan only 5 days later, back to my dad's funeral, up to Interlochen to bring Alex to camp, back home, returning to Interlochen, and then to take our oldest son, Will, to college for the first time) I never quite slowed down enough to respond fully to the extreme emotions felt since last June. It took music to open my heart and slow me down. I've always felt music opens the heart and speaks to the soul without preaching. Here's what happened...
My son, Alex, just purchased his next Suzuki book for cello (Book 5). While I was listening to one of the pieces, Bach's Cantata No. 156, I was moved to tears. I began weeping and found it difficult to stop. When I am moved by music, I wonder what inspired it and the composer's intent. Even more important to the tune's setting is the music's partnering text. Once I read about the words and background of the work, I grew closer to understanding Bach's genius. The descending musical line paints the text references about one's progressing illness leading (literally translated) one foot into the grave. Simultaneously, the solo ascending line and resolution at the end of the work represents one's peace of resurrection in Christ. Bach clearly achieved his communicative goal with this work. When I was moved by the music, I did not know its background.
For more discussion, go to: http://www.bach-cantatas.com/BWV156-D.htm.
Simon Crouch of the Listener's Guide to Cantatas of J.S. Bach summarizes the work, "...acceptance of our fate and happiness in our (holy) destiny."
Click on; IN MEMORY to hear this background music and view a picture of my dear ol' Dad. He is posing in his tuxedo by our fireplace as I was upstairs getting dressed for my wedding 27 years ago. He had just remarried 4 short weeks earlier. He was very happy.
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