CONCERT January 12th- Special offer for MATT

Most of you have now heard the news!
 Saturday Jan 12, 2013 8pm: Rose Orchestra Concert: "Canada Skates with the Orchestra"
                                         with Rosebud Youth Orchestra

at the beautiful Rose Theatre Brampton-corner of Queen and Main(Hurontario)

A special package rate for families has been put together just for US!

And I sincerely hope that all our students will have a chance to attend.

Prices: Adults:$20 plus any children in your family can all attend for an additional $10.

The experience of live performance is unlike any other form of entertainment- it is an important part of the musical education of your child. That is why we have received this offer- the Rose Orchestra loves what WE are doing!
I will be playing in the concert and look forward to meeting you all there.

We are starting back to class January 8th , not the 15th.
PLEASE bring cash payment for your concert ticket order to class January 8th.  If I don't receive it that night, I will not be able to order your tickets.
You will be receiving the tickets at the Theater the night of the performance

I hope each of you and your families enjoy the very best of the season.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

and Happy New Year to you all!

PARENT MEETINGS NEXT WEEK

Thank you to all students and parents who participated in our Friday night Performance at Canadian Tire last Friday. It was an opportunity for us to try out what we have learned so far and the children did very well! But in doing this, we also offered support for the “Toys for Tots” program shared by Can Tire and Salvation Army –kids helping kids!

I am sure you know how important it is for parents to learn with and support  their children as they grow in musical expertise. Thanks to Mrs. Shannon Dixon for baking some lovely cookies for the children.  AND Thanks again to Mrs. Heather Norman for overseeing and arranging the production of our t-shirts. This effort took her countless hours and even time off work to pick up etc. My musical colleagues mentioned that they looked “very professional”-the photos also show the great effect they have!

There are a few photos posted below-congratulations to all who joined in!

THIS WEEK, PLEASE ENSURE YOU CAN ATTEND OUR PARENTS MEETINGS -at the end of regular class times.
Level  2 - 4:25 to 4:45                          Level  1- 5:20 to 5:40

Our program is a unique one, it offers very low cost lessons, and it requires all of us working together to make it work well in a class setting. Ms Currie will explain some of the important ideas which will help keep us moving forward together.

Please bring your comments, questions, and notebooks!

I am happy to see these playing positions- they are off to a great start:  

Concert/ Next Week: Schedule & Payment / Level 2 planning

 
NEXT WEEK 2 CLASSES ONLY Level 1A and 2 arrive 3:45 start 4pm till 4:45
                                                        Beginning Level- 1B  arrive 4:30 start 4:45 to 5:30
Next week is pay week- Sept 11 start students pay $50. late start students pay $35. all for 12 weeks
Some beginners are still owing for rental fees. Please bring both payments next week.

THIS FRIDAY NIGHT NOV 30 : TOYS for TOTS  CONCERT  6:30 arrival –Concert: 7 to 8pm

·         Please arrive at Canadian Tire Shoppers World Christmas tree area by 6:30 pm

·         Wear black bottoms and MATT  T- shirt -some will receive new shirts that night

                  please bring payment owed for t-shirts

·         If you wish to wear  a long sleeved shirt underneath, please  try to stick with colors on shirt 

·         Bring your instrument, - cellos bring  belts for end pins

·         Those who use music stands please bring them

·         Have music attached in binder or clipped together in program  order see below

·         We start at 7 pm, finish about 8 pm

 BOLD ITEMS ALL STUDENTS PLAY 

                                                                    PROGRAM

ALL students -open string rhythms

ALL-Scale of D in round

ALL -Doh a Deer (slow D scale)

ALL-Twinkle with cello acc.

  all sit down (ADULTS PLAY)

Level 1A & 2: Lightly Row -cello acc.

1A & 2: Jingle Bells 2 parts

all sit down (ADULTS PLAY)

ALL assemble to play

Jolly Old St Nicholas: 1B play open strings

all sit down ( ADULTS PLAY)

1A&2: Joy to the World

1A&2: Pachelbel Canon

ALL ASSEMBLE TO PLAY TWINKLE again

END
 

Program:  Practice everything you know on that list so that you are GOOD  AT  IT,

and then have fun playing the concert!

NB: Parents may have to stand most of the time, but can sit in children’s seats while they are playing.
.

LEVEL 2 PROGRAM ENHANCEMENTS: Private lessons and Theory START JANUARY  10

As planned we will begin Level  2  Additional classes in January. These one hour sessions will take place Thursday evenings in our usual party room space, with solo lessons in the “kitchen area” and theory classes in the large room at tables near the window. For theory class you will be using the All for Strings theory workbook 1, which will cost $10.00 per student, to be paid January 10 Pleasec ontact Ms Currie if you have any questions

Each child will have a ½ hr. private lesson and a theory lesson held one after the other. Scheduling will be arranged in the next few weeks, before Christmas break.

 Cello classes will take place from 5 to 6 pm.

 Violin classes  will take place from 6:00 to 8:00 pm

THURSDAY EVENING ENHANCED CLASSES .

PLEASE NOTE:  Except for the first 2 dates  JANUARY 10 and 17 , these classes take place on alternate Thursdays. We are hiring  teachers for your additional learning benefit. Therefore you are expected to attend all of these classes and must call Ms Currie if there is any urgent need to be absent. Since you are being given more than a month advance notice there should be no need to miss any of them. The teacher will be assigning practice homework, which is very important to your progress and which will enhance your orchestra class lessons . Your effort and progress in theory and private lessons will be tracked by Ms. Currie to support your musical development. 

ENHANCED PROGRAM DATES: please record and reserve these dates:

January 10, 17, 31^st  / Feb 14 , 28/   March 21/  April 4, 18^th/ May 2, 16 , 30/ June 13 ,27

 

COME TO A LIVE ORCHESTRA CONCERT

The Rose Orchestra of Brampton which I play in, and the Rosebud Youth Orchestra are offering   a "KID  SEAT  FREE"  with one adult ticket purchased for our next concert.

               Saturday November 17  at 8 pm

           at the Rose Theatre (Queen at Main)- just a few blocks away from us.
There is nothing so inspiring for young players than to see and hear a live symphony orchestra right in front of their eyes. The Rosebud Orchestra, made up of  children between the ages of 8 and 18, plays a few pieces right after intermission. Your child could play in this group some day-with practice of course!
SO I am hoping that one (or more) adult for each "Music At The Towers" child will purchase a ticket and take your young violinist or cellist to the concert FREE. I will send you via e-mail the poster and bring a copy to class.

This week Homework-  .
LEVEL 2 - Aim for 5 practice days per week!
please see last week's homework - continue to practice all items.
NEW this week:

• All for Strings Book from # 86 to #94- slurs (2 notes in one bow)
• Joy to the World - remember the scale of D notes downwards from the top- and you've got it, violins! up to line 2 bar 2. Bowing for the first bar, practice on open string:  DOWN -UP- UP- DOWN, then add fingers.

LEVEL 1 - Aim for 4 practice days per week!

• Continue checking for correct bow and instrument  hold positions
• Continue     bowing the 3 different rhythms -see last week's blog
• Open string cycle -clear sound, straight bow
• Open-1 String Cycle-  listen for correct tuning (doh- ray sound)   
• Review Twinkle line 1: D D A A/ B B A_  

NEW this week: 1. Jolly Old St Nick

open strings-long bows:

//: G_G_/D_D_/G_G_ /G___/

E_E_/G_G_/D_D_/ (1st time )D___://

                                                                   (2nd time) G___ //

Note: we are learning more terms in the language of MUSIC! 

                                       /  to / is a "bar" or "measure" -4 counts

 //:     ://means repeat this section

// means the end

2. The D SCALE: sounds like : do ray mi fah so lah ti doh

                          Start on the D string: D_E_   F#_  G_

                                                             0_ 1_   2(3)_3(4)_ (brackets)-for cello

                                     then  A string  A_B_  C#_   D_

                                                             0_ 1_  2(3)_3(4)  

                                     Have FUN! Keep up the good work!

November Concert Date and ABSENT CHILDREN!!

REMINDER: PARENTS  all signed an application in which you were asked to do four very important things:

• SUPERVISE DAILY PRACTICE between classes
• CALL AHEAD WHEN YOU ARE GOING TO BE ABSENT
• PLEASE DO NOT MISS CLASSES OR CONCERTS,
•  OR SCHEDULE APPOINTMENTS DURING CLASS TIME unless absolutely urgent

The success of your child depends on these three factors along with your careful attention at class.

November performance:
We have been invited to share in helping other children with the Toys for Tots drive shared between Canadian Tire and Salvation Army.
Canadian Tire 's Manager, Mike Kenopic, loves our program and is now a sponsor of Music at the Towers. SO we can show our gratitude by playing a concert at his Canadian Tire Store- Shopper's World 
DATE: Friday night November 30 - arrive 6:15 pm concert is 7pm-8pm.
All children are asked to attend. Attire will be discussed, but please wear a black skirt or pants.

Home work this week.
Level 1- please review your perfect bow grip, holding postion lots of times each day.
           - do 3 rhythms (eg run pony) using elbow at upper half of bow -see last week blog for details
           - open string cycle across all strings
           - 0-1 string cycle listen for perfect tuning
Twinkle- line 1: D D A A /B   B     A
                          0 0-  0  0  /A1 A1   0

Practise at least 4 times each week!

Level 2
For November Concert:
Twinkle with cello acc.
Long Long Ago with cello acc.
Canon-
Jingle bells -NEW violins: DF#A- /  play 4 x , DGB-/ DF#A-/ DEE/   //1st X A A/  2nd X- DAD//
Concert Song #75
Duet # 84
NEW O Come little children:work on bowing open strings first LH/ WB. short short,etc  
Jolly Old St Nicholas
NEW Joy to the World -line 1
Practise at least 5 times each week- or more!

Moving forward!! Check later this week for photos.

Level 1A and 1B Homework.:    

• PRACTICE at least 4 times per week
• Your daily practice may take 10 to15 minutes .

Use the chart to remind yourself what to work on:
bring Practice chart to class for checking at beginning of class

Continue to check BOW GRIP and instr. HOLD POSITION , standing/sitting position              

Practice 3 rhythms on all strings : Mrs.sippi hot dog,
                                Mrs.sippi, Mrs sippi ELBOW does the work

and RUN PONY, RUN PONY
that is, long-short,short bows
 

Remember: FOR GOOD SOUND:- straight bow- stays parallel to bridge

- solid bow grip

- all of arm weight rests on hand and therefore the string

- pull up and down using wrist to keep bow straight

REVIEW: PLACEMENT OF LEFT HAND FINGERS

fingers are little hammers- stay in curved shape

slide left hand towards end of string (nut) till knuckle and "happy face" are  in place

finger tip presses firmly onto string

should sound like doh- ray-listen for correct sound 

 pluck string 0-1 ie., open (no fingers)-then one finger down

then draw bow for same notes

 

practise on every string-"0-1 string cycle"

YOU ARE MAKING GREAT PROGRESS- KEEP AT IT!

 

LEVEL 2

PRACTICE 5 times per week- BRING CHART TO CLASS

Daily Practice Assignments:

• Listen for perfect tuning ALWAYS
• Scale of D and G -after one time, play in slurs, 2 notes per bow

• Finger exercise -very quick 0-1 on each string
• Duet # 79
• Jolly Old St Nicholas- cellos practice "check-marked" bars especially
• Lightly Row (cello ensemble-3rd part) and Twinkle -review only

NEW- O Come Little Children-#89  watch full and half bows, eg. UH-upper half

                                                                   LH- lower half,and WB whole bow.

Be ready to play this through correctly next week!

 

Looking forward to making music with you TUESDAY

CHECK BACK FOR PICTURES LATER THIS WEEK!

New times and PHOTOS this week!

As mentioned we will be separating older from younger beginners starting this week.
Students 11-17 will come at 4:30 to 5:30
Students 6 to 9 will come  at  5:15 to 6:15
Be ready ALL with your beautiful positions and your smiles!! for pictures. We will post some of them on this blog in the following weeks.

Level 1 Homework.:

• PRACTICE at least 4 times per week
•  bring Practice chart to class for checking at beginning of class.
• Your daily practice may take 10 to15 minutes at this point.

USe the chart to remind yourself what to work on:

       Check BOW GRIP and instr. HOLD POSITION , standing/sitting  position OFTEN                  

     soon it will be absolutely natural and comfortable for you!

3 rhythms: Mrs.sippi hot dog, Mrs.sippi,Mrs sippi
NEW- RUN PONY, RUN PONY
use short-long bows as needed for correct rhythm
on ALL open strings (no fingers)-"string cycle"

FOR GOOD SOUND:- straight bow- stays parallel to bridge

                                                                       - solid bow grip

                                     - all of arm weight rests on hand and therefore the string

                                     - pull up and down using wrist to keep bow straight

 

NEW: PLACEMENT OF LEFT HAND FINGERS

fingers are little hammers- stay in curved shape

slide left hand towards end of string (nut) till knuckle is in place

finger tip presses firmly onto string

should sound like doh- ray-listen for correct sound when you

1.pluck string -open (no fingers)-then one finger down

then draw bow for same notes

practise on every string-"0-1 string cycle"

listen carefully that

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

 

 

LEVEL 2: PRACTICE FIVE TIMES EACH WEEK.

                 Bring practice chart to class-hand in at beginning.

Assignments:

D scale , G scale smoothly and in tune

Finger exercise 0-1 very quickly on all strings-aim for very clear sound

Songs: Cellos: Lightly Row  and Doh a Deer accompaniments

Violins: Lightly Row and all other songs-review

ALL: Book: #64-learn to play quickly, then review 75

#79. Learn both parts of #79- Duets to be played in class.

JOLLY OLD ST NICHOLAS- learn to play perfectly in tune and at singing speed

If all is good, we will start a new Carol -Joy to the World

 

TO BECOME VERY COMFORTABLE AND GOOD AT IT-

PRACTICE OFTEN and PRACTICE CAREFULLY!

 

 

 

 

 

 

RECENT STUDENTS- SPECIAL: CLASS

As we add new students , (which is very important for our program to do!), we can see that the first few are having to wait for others to catch up during class, which is not the best way to go for sure!
Nayan, Joanna, and Cesar, who are the newest students, will be called to set up a special class before Tuesday. If you would like to join into this class for extra help, please call Ms. Currie: 905-459-9606.

SO although the newer students will continue to attend with us, and we may even add a couple more, we will be planning a special catch up class or two for the last entrants in the program.
This week there are 2 more recruitment sessions at the Towers - we will then close enrolment, and work to ensure all are moving forward together.

Meanwhile, here is what we are working on at home for this week:
LEVEL 1 Beginners:
DON"T FORGET TO FILL IN THE PRACTICE CHART every time you review your lesson, at least 4 times per week- dates in left column, check marks across the page.
Level 1:bow hold-: "bunny" -flexing of fingers, bent thumb-firm hold with middle 2 fingers (ears up)
                                  wrist exercise with eraser- elbow and shoulder relaxed
                                 " wind shield wiper" for finger strengthening
              String Cycle - long bows-start on lowest string, weight of arm
                                      (C)GDA(E) cello starts with lowest string- C, violin has highest- E
              bowing - middle of bow- rhythms on each string
                                                        "mississippi hot dog" short short short short long long
                                                        "misissippi mississippi" all short bows

To make a STRONG, clear sound- make sure you have:

• a firm bow grip
•  the bow is staying on one spot on the string
•  the bow is moving parallel to the bridge

VIOLINS: Remember to hold the violin using the weight of the head on the chin rest.

LEVEL 2:
DON"T FORGET TO FILL IN AND BRING PRACTICE CHART TO CLASS
 LOTS of review from last year: suggestion- work on two each day for 5 practice days
Twinkle- cellos  learning the accompaniment
Lightly Row-  cellos learning the accompaniment- pizzicato
Concert Song: #75
Rosa Lee
Doh a Deer- violins- it is a very slow D scale  cellos learn accompaniment line
Pachelbel Canon- don't forget this one- it's a crowd pleaser!
NEW: work on these every practice session- JINGLE BELLS #64
                          homework:  All for Strings book #78 and #79
                                              Jolly Old St. Nicholas- cellos have this music- violins, next week.

 Have a very good week!
                                                  

Happy Thanksgiving!

Everybody gets an extra day off this week-end to appreciate all the good things! Music is one of the best things you can be involved in- it brings lifelong joy, in many different ways. 
SO where are we going with this?
Keep on with your daily review sessions at home- you are giving yourself a magnificent gift, which 90% of children don't have a chance to receive!

Level 1: Your simple beginning exercises are setting you up for very comfortable ease with your instrument, so you can move on and learn more.

Do careful repetitions of :

• bow grip review- all fingers rounded 
• (remember the bunny!) elevator(with coin or eraser for wrist)
• instrument holding, standing position
• rest position
• string naming  C G D A E
• bowing-short bows at middle: mississippi hotdog  (shortshortshortshort long long)

Level 2: This week we review all songs , reverse #75 duet parts and Rosa Lee.
Work on Jingle Bells- learn it from memory!
We will be performing for an audience at Christmas time.

Enjoy some quality family time this week-end! Play your songs for your family- they'll love it!
Happy Thanksgiving!

Class 3.. and growing!

Homework this week:
  Level 2 -arrive 3:45
1. Continue "All for Strings"  #75. Learn both ensemble and solo parts.
We will have a "mini concert" in pairs this week.
2. Review "Rosa Lee" for ensemble playing.
3. Cellos review duet parts for any other songs. Violins review all songs.
4. Review Canon part from concert!

  Level 1 -arrive 4:30
1. Continue getting comfortable with bow grip and instrument holding position.
2. Practice correct sitting posture, feet flat on floor, and rest position for your instrument.
3. Practice lifting bow above any string, placing on the string and drawing short strokes up and down.
4. Learn the names of your strings from lowest to highest and back 

After Level 1 class at 5:30 Tuesday, there will be a short catch-up time for new students, or any who would like extra help. We hope to be adding more children over the next few weeks and will work to keep them caught up this way.

• Parents will receive copies of applications and rental forms once all paperwork and payment arrangements are completed.
• A form giving us to permission to take photos of your children will be handed out this week. Please return it the same day if possible.
• We are considering holding a PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT  Monday October 15 at 7:30 pm for any new families who  interested in knowing about the program. It would be helpful to have some Level 2 children there to play a few tunes. If you are available to bring your child please let us know.

 Please mention this to any interested families you may know.

September 25 Onward Ho!

September 25-Class #2

 

Level 2 Students:  3:45 arrival, 4:00 START

Rental forms will be completed today- all sections muet be filled in.

 

Don't forget to bring : music stands, All for Strings Book, song sheets along with instruments.

 

Practice charts are checked EVERY WEEK, because... the way to success is  review, repetition- that means: PRACTICE! If you didn't receive your new practice chart last week, make sure you ask for one this Tuesday.

 

Lesson Content: The focus this year is ORCHESTRA PLAYING- playing in harmony together. This means playing more than one line of music at together at the same time.

SO

We will ask each student to play a #75  duet , so make sure you have learned both parts. One is the tune, the other is the harmony or duet part.

 

Level 1 Students :  4:30 arrival, 4:45 START

 

Some will receive a different instrument - Rental forms will be completed.

 

Lesson content: Review: parts of instrument

                                          bow grip and bow exercises

                                          sitting position

                                          instrument position

                                          practice chart check

 

                            New: standing position (violin)

                                      string names

                                      placing and drawing bow

                                      bow exercises

 



SEPTEMBER 18 : CLASS ONE INFO

September 18-CLASS TIMES

 

BEGINNERS (LEVEL 1)

arrive 4:30 class starts 4:45-till 5:30

• Today we introduce the instruments, assign for temporary use, till next week, to ensure correct size assignemnt etc.
• Sign rental agreement list only- permanent assignment papers next week
• Students can take the instrument home, providing rental payment has been made.It must be returned next week
• Learn the construction of the intrument and bow.
• How to care for the instrument safely.
• How to hold the bow and instrument correctly
• Practice routine ideas for best progress

PREVIOUS STUDENTS (LEVEL TWO)

arrive 3:45 class starts 4 pm till 4:45

• today we check condition of instruments, correct size
• sign rental agreement papers
• collect rental fees
• review position
• review songs
• begin All for Strings #75
 

Looking forward to seeing you all this afternoon!

Orchestra Class Registration, Information, and Schedule Details

WELCOME to REGISTRATION - New and Returning Students!

 

Registration Information

Tuesday September 11th 4-5pm

85 Charolais Blvd. Party Room behind Rental Office entrance

Initial 12 weeks payment of $50.00 in cash must be submitted with the application form at registration. A receipt will be issued.

 Instrument rental payments ($150 per year) are to be paid in cash before instruments are assigned week 2, September 18th.

Please contact Ms Currie for further info about instrument rental (or possible scholarship application to cover this cost) 

 

PARKING is available in the mall parking lot, through pathway from the rental offfice

Enter the Party Room to the left of the rental office, straight ahead, up steps.

 

CLASS TIMES

Classes are held weekly Tuesdays, except for school holidays, in the above location

Level  1 Class: arrive 3:45, start at 4 pm till 4:45

Level 2 Class (more advanced students) arrive 4:30, start 4:45 till 5:30

 

REQUIREMENTS FOR LEVEL 2 CLASS  ENTRANCE

Level 2 students must be able to read and play comfortably all materials from All for Strings Book 1 up to and including #75, or for new students,play the first several songs from Suzuki Book 1.

Beginning in October, alternate Thursdays after 4pm. Class 2 students will also receive individual instruction and theory as part of their required  program.

 

For further information call Director, Andrea Currie Jefferson 905-459-9606

FALL REGISTRATION

Here we PLAY AGAIN!
New members and continuing players are invited to:

REGISTRATION:  TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 
                            4 to 5pm
PARTY ROOM just behind the red awning and the rental office
85 Charolais Boulevard in the midst of the four towers at the north end of SHoppers WEorld MAll just east of  McMurchy , turn in off Charolais

All children ages 6 to 14 are invited to join our beginning classes this fall. Choose VIOLIN, VIOLA or CELLO and learn how to play in an orchestra.
Call 9Director Andrea Currie Jefferson  905-459-9606 for further information

SHOPPERS WORLD MALL CONCERT AUG 11

Greetings Dear Students!
We've all been having a gloriously warm  summer- hope you have all enjoyed the change of pace, and some fun summer activities.
This Saturday, as you know we have playing opportunity at Shoppers World Mall "Leisure and Activity Day"and need all our students to be ship shape and ready to play again by Saturday. And in order to plan we need to hear from you all ASAP. PLEASE!
All parents are asked to contact Ms Currie 905-459-9606 (OR 1- 613 336 1207 )so that she can inform you of the details and another important item of business required by the MALL Management.
 In the meantime, this week,  please practice everything we played at our May Concert, so you are comfortable with the program again!
We'll warm up, review and tune up at Ms. Currie's home at 9 am, then head over to the Mall at 10 for set up in Staples Court. We play at 10:30 and 11:00, then leave by 11:30 a.m. Those who are reading music, don't forget your instrument AND MUSIC STAND
It would be great to have some friends and family there to hear us so invite your supporters to come and cheer you on!

YEAR END PIZZA PARTY

Tuesday marked the year end for MUSIC at the TOWERS, 2012

Although we missed some of our members, it seems the party was a success. It's great to see the children having fun in a non-musical setting as well- bonding socially helps with the musical bonding too !
Special thanks for the beautiful flowers, fruit and snacks which students brought- it means a lot to Marion and I. And thank you to Marion for all the great desserts.
As you know Shoppers World Mall provided the "Little Caesars" Pizza and I have dropped off our thankyou poster and note. As you know Thank-You's are VERY important!

I will definitely call a one hour rehearsal Saturday August 11, before we play our litttle concert as part of Activity and Leisure Day at the S W mall.  Keep all your songs and scales, as well as the Pachelbel Canon in good shape till then!
\So far, no news about the time, but I am hoping you all will participate in this- everyone's presence is definitely needed.

I hope you enjoy looking at a few of our shots from the party.

HAPPY JULY EVERYONE!!

Love to all- Andrea Currie Jefferson

The End of Year 1 PARENTS: PLEASE SHARE CONCERT PHOTOS!

Congratulations to all students and their families! The Concert May 22 was a great success. WHY ? Because we all know the hard work and dedication it takes to progress and gain confidence playing a violin or cello! We truly made nusic together! .
IF you work diligently, consistently and carefully, it truly pays off.  I think every parent and student now realizes that- although it takes effort, the rewards are great! Your child has the chance to do something truly unique. But, more than that- they gain all kinds of benefits in non-musical ways as well. 
Class and Concert PHOTOS:
Please share your best 2 or 3 photos via e-mail. I'd like to put them on the blog as well as possibly use them for promotion, etc.

.

 This Tuesday's class will be the usual times:

        Group 1 3:45 prep, start 4pm till 4:45.
Group 2 arrive 4:30, start 4:45 5PM till 5:30.

Next week Tuesday June 26, we will have a year-end pizza-pool party for children and  parent/guardian at Ms. Currie's home  We will meet at the Towers Party Room at 4 pm and make our way to 40 Lilly Cr . If you can drive this is fine- we will ensure everyone has a ride before leaving.

If children wish to swim, their parent must supervise them.

HEADS UP!

We may be playing a concert at Shoppers World Mall August 11. This would be much the same as our May 22 concert so keep all your scales and songs in good shape !! If you review them most days, you'll be fine. More info will be sent to your e-mail once we know more.

Also EVERYONE needs to work ahead in the book to # 75 for September.

SUMMER:
Instruments: The instruments are yours till September, but MUST be properly cared for . Never expose them to direct sun , heat or high humidity. They are crafted of wood - therefore require protection .YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE DUE TO CARELESS HANDLING.

 You have have rented them for a full year, so you can continue to play and practise through the summer. If you are interested in catching up or continuing lessons over the summer, good idea. The most important and ESSENTIAL thing is to work in the All for Strings Book up to #75 by September- that is, learn to read the music..
I will be in and out of town in July and August, so if for any reason you wish to contact me please leave a message on the home phone.  OR we can chat in June.

Let's wish Madhav and his family a wonderful new life in Edmonton! Madhav, keep on playing with such joy, and strength- it has been a great pleasure to teach you!

This marks the official end of the first FULL YEAR of operation for Music at the Towers . You are "Charter Members"- no-one else will ever be able to join that club! Thankyou for making the choice to give your child the rich gift of String music playing! .

WHAT'S UP? MAY and JUNE

May 22nd : CONCERT PLANNING
What to wear- black bottoms- colorful top- plain or patterned is FINE!
Arrive 3:30 to 3:45 for individual tuning.
Then go to start  position in the circle and wait quietly.
Concert Starts 4pm

AFTER CONCERT--AT HOME

Group 2 Keep practising ahead with all songs from concert- Long Long Ago

Lightly Row

                                                                 All for Strings Book up to #75

Group 1 Keep moving along with Suzuki songs in Book 1

We play concerts late August!

MAY JUNE CLASS SCHEDULE:

May 29   and  June 5  regular schedule-Group 1 arr. 3:45 to tune-leave 4:30

                                                                                     Group 2 arr. 3:30 to set up- leave 5:30

These will be 2 classes with Susan Naccache- pro cellist .. ALL ATTEND

     This will special for cellists - she will play for you and give you special pointers about your     playing. Ask her lots of questions about how you can  play well.

     She will be moving all students ahead-don't miss these classes!

.

JUNE 12- ALL STUDENTS ARRIVE 5pm- 

START WITH GROUP 2 students. Can  Group 1 join in with more songs?

Long Long Ago. Lightly Row, Song of the Wind

and AFS Book Concert Song #75

Who has learned a new song or two?

                                                  We may be able to view the concert video.

  JUNE 19 LAST REGULAR CLASS 

Group 1 3:45

    Group 2 4:30  .

Arrangements for summer instrument care, plans for July August  AND September

  JUNE 26  END OF TERM PIZZA/POOL PARTY at Ms Currie's home 4-6 pm

 Each parent /guardian must supervise his/her own child while swimming.

CONCERT PREPARATION REHEARSAL

This Tuesday the 14th is our last rehearsal before our concert.
SO I hope you have invited your family members special friends  to join us- it's so much more fun to have a lots of audience!
Please arrive at about 3:50 for tuning and take your spot quietly to start at 4pm
Stands are not needed until #9, but please bring them for our guest group .

So that you can practice everything lots before Tuesday, and next week, here's the Concert order:

1.Open string cycle round in pairs- Mississippi Hotdog 2times on each - ee-aa-dd-gg-cc
2. open-1 string cycle round  ie: on each string string -(Run Pony, Run Pony 1st finger Run Pony Run Pony)
                                                 starting on c-g-d-a-e
3. Scale of D together, then again in a round with three groups.
4. Twinkle with 2 cellos on accompaniment
5. Long Long Ago- starting on d
6. Lightly Row -with cello accompaniment
7. Song of the Wind -with cello accompaniment
8. Duet- Kalpi and Danielle- Long Long Ago on G
9. Concert Song from book   music stands needed
10. Rosa Lee -We may be joined by QE students for this
ALL MOVE QUIETLY AND QUICKLY TO CHAIRS in the front row  instruments on the floor at the side by the window
Queen Elizabeth students play 3 songs (We are silent and attentive while they play)
We pick up our instruments and quietly and quickly move back to the front with violins standing and cellos sitting.
FINALE ALL students and teachers together play Canon

REFRESHMENTS: We will invite our guest players and audience to share refreshments with us.
MANNERS EXPECTED: Our guests  are to go first, then we go next. Please make sure you just take a little so that everyone gsts some. After that there may be enough to have more
HOW PARENTS CAN HELP
Kalpi's Mom is bringing cake -May 22 is Kalpi's birthday!
Mrs Manalang is bringing cups. Could someone bring some drinks (perhaps  4 parents can  bring about 8 each. for all audience and players about 40 approx. I will look after the tablecloth .
Let us know if you can help- this week at rehearsal.

SURVEY RESULTS LOOK GREAT!

Our Parent survey results are in and we are looking at 7 of 8 children returning next year into year 2!
This will be strictly orchestral studies, all music being read from our All for Strings method book, and then sheet music. Additional songs etc. will be taught at the individual classes, so each student will be able to move ahead at his or her own level.
 Unfortunately for us, but fortunately for them, Madhav's family will be moving to Edmonton so our spirited and delightful little Madhav will not be in the class next year. We will be helping to put them in touch with a violin program in Edmonton- there's lots going on in the Arts there!

We learned the following additional information in the survey - all parents are interested in the enhanced program next year as a second day of instruction on alternate weeks - both theory and individual lessons would be included in this.
All but one family are willing to pay a little more for this if necessary. I think people mostly recognize that our fees and costs are lower than anywhere else already! Thankyou so much, for this clear support of the program.
Great news re: volunteers as well! We have Shelly Langtree, Robyn's  music-teacher Mom, offering to help with the theory program, and Madison''s sister willing as well. And I have found an optional additional young person, maybe two in fact,  from the Rosebud  program who can help if needed .Theory is so important in order to understand how tuning on our instruments works, and how music is constructed.

We are about to meet with Brampton Towers Manager Monday morning, to discuss how we can manage the needed space, hoping to be able to offer the additional classes there as well.
Within the next two weeks, we will be working on submissions for funds to help pay ofor this additional program offering.
May 22nd Concert :
We  ask each family to invite guests- a concert needs an audience! You will be given 4 invitations to give out per family. Please start inviting NOW! Although concert admission is not free, we simply are asking for " pay what you can" instead. I am sure people realize that this program costs money to run, and will cost more in the future!
Practice D scale, Twinkle, Long, Long Ago, Canon, Lightly Row, Song of the Wind, Rosa Lee and Concert Song. You'll have Great Concert if you really know your "stuff" well!
Practice every day at the same time each day- you'll be so glad you did!

SEE YOU TONIGHT!

Here's hoping everyone that can will take advantage of this unique chance to see a live Orchestra play, AND a children's orchestra too!
You can see the Rose Orchestra and the Rosebud orchestra tonight at the Rose Theatre 7pm Buy an adult ticket and a KIDSEAT FREE!   Buy at the door, or phone ahead 905-874-2800
                                             I WILL LOOK FOR YOU AT INTERMISSION!

The music is light and entertaining and FAMOUS!

 ENJOY!

Parent meeting this week!

Tuesday  4:30 to 4:45 we'll discuss options we are working on for next year, hoping to enhance the year 2 program for our current students. We will need both feed-back from parents, and funds from the community to be able to do this. But it will really help our students' progress if we can manage it! 
We hope you willl come and participate in the discussion.


IMPORTANT NOTICE Re: Concert (Poster to be sent to you via  e-mail) Please plan to attend!!
 Sunday Evening April 29, 7 pm: "Spring Fling" at the ROSE Theatre, Brampton
Your teacher is Associate Concertmaster of the Rose Orchestra which, at this performance, will also present a short performance by the Rosebud Orchestra (children's orchestra) as part of the program.
The great thing about this event is that a parent who buys a ticket can bring a child FREE!  They get to see the full symphony performance of light musical pieces by the Rose Orchestra, hear our conductor's fun comments about the music, plus hear the children's selections too! We anticipate that the concert will be over by 9 pm.
 Our MATT students who continue to play for a year or two more, may wish to apply to play in the Rosebud Orchestra as well in future, if they are interested.
The poster is being sent by separate e-mail to your e-address(can't get it to load on to the blog)

The Pachelbel Canon

We’re moving into Session 4 of the current MATT year.

As we look back and see how much progress  we have made, our students  and parents  should be very proud that they have mastered the most important beginning techniques to make way for the fun of music-making.

Looking ahead we are now in planning mode for our year –end concert, May 22. Everyone will perform Twinkle, the D scale and Long Long Ago, and more.  We will have a very mixed combo of duets, small groups etc. and also have a chance to hear a group of middle grade students who will perform for us well.

THE PACHELBEL CANON

 AND besides that now we are starting to work on one of the most famous and beautiful compositions ever written. It has been enjoyed ever since it was written in the 1600’s. Next class students will be given the notes to practice so they can learn it and be comfortable playing it. It’s actually like a round - you continue  to repeat your part till the end.

Please be sure to go to the link below and listen to it- then imagine your children playing it May!!!

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hOA-2hl1Vbc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

BREAKING NEWS1

 NEWS BREAK: MUSIC AT THE TOWERS IS NOW AN OFFICIAL CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION!

(Our paper confirmation finally arrived.)

 WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO YOU? It now permits us to seek additional funds to assist with a more enriched offering to our students, possibly including individual lessons and theory class as part of your training (included in class fees). The hope is not to increase fees- it all depends on our fund-raising and grant success.  

Part of the planning process will be parent input at a discussion session, to be held on a regular class day, soon. The additional lessons require additional time, either the same day or possibly on an additional afternoon. The ideal is two different days, since our students are very young. The two days concerned would probably be Tuesday and Thursday, similar to current time period. It could be Thursday as the class day and Tuesday for individual and theory sessions, or vice versa. Please think about whether you could manage this additional commitment- we want your child to keep playing, so we need to accommodate your needs and wishes.

This TUESDAY is the last lesson of the current 12 –week session. Please be prepared to submit your fees next week for the last session of this school year 12 weeks -$50.00, ending June26.

Our CONCERT DATE this year is Tuesday May 22 3:30 to 5pm. Be sure to invite your friends, interested children and families- they need to know now- everyone is busy!

OK CHILDREN – YOUR HOMEWORK:

1.       Practise thoughtfully every day you can! Bring your charts to class,

                                                    to show Mrs. Adams and Ms. Currie.

2.       CELLOS: Learn these note names: BASS CLEF LINES bottom up: G B D F A

                                                                                              Great Big Dogs Fight Always  (or Fall Asleep)

                                                              BASS CLEF SPACES bottom up: A C E G

                                                                                                          All Cows Eat Grass

3.       VIOLINS: Learn these note names: TREBLE CLEF LINES bottom up E G B D F

                                                                                               Every Good Boy Deserves Fun

                                                                      TREBLE CLEF SPACES bottom up F A C E

                                                                                                                 Spells “FACE”

NOW YOU CAN NAME ALL THE NOTES ON THE STAFF AS YOU READ THEM!

Happy St Paddy's Day, young Fiddlers! Also: Corrections in Lightly Row nottes

Ok, You may not be Irish, but since I am! OK half Irish- (my Dad was a born- in- Ireland, self-taught, fiddler) I am happy to share my joy with you. After all, it was because of my Dad's joy of music-making, that his three daughters were given music as well! I lucked out because, altho' the others were given piano lessons, I was the only one given a violin- (cellists are fiddlers too, by the way!)
Remember, music is a gift, given to you so that you can share it with others! It is a gift that costs nothing to give, but brings unlimited joy to those that receive it!

Yup, as you practise to perfect your new songs and develop your technique, remember, many children(I'd say 98%) never have the chance to do what you are doing -and they have no idea what joy it brings- for a lifetime - just stick with it, you'll see!

Next week, practice charts will be checked and we'll continue with our new timings - see last blog post- this will help everyone to progress at their own rate. And ALL ARE making progress! We will start to accelerate the book reading now - some nice harmonized songs come up later in the book.
YES Anne Marie and Aileen Manalang found some of our Suzuki Songs on You Tube. So you can listen to them lots!

Happy  March Break week-end. See you all Tuesday!

New class timing for some this week

In order to help all our students move forward as they are ready, we will try some timing adjustments for some of the students this week.  If your busy schedule prevents you from changing, please call Andrea Currie – 905-459-9606 we may be able to help you acccommodate the change.

Group 1

Danielle and Kalpi: 3:40 to 4:45

Aileen and Anne Marie 3:55 to 4:45

All Group 1 students are together from 4 pm till 4:45

Group  2

Madhav and Robyn: 4:25 to 5:15

You play with Group 1 for 15 minutes, listening to/ learning Long Long Ago and Lightly Row

Madison and Maya 4:40 to 5:30

All Group 2 students are together from 4:45 till 5:15. We begin to read this week. You will need your music stand. Ms Currie will bring stands for Maya and Madison to purchase @ $20.00,

unless contacted to do otherwise.

 

Tentative SPRING CONCERT DATE:

Please pencil into your calendar  Tuesday, May 22- 3:45 to 5 pm CONCERT

To be held in our class room. All of the MATT students will be performing.

A Guest student group will also come to play for us and possibly play with us as well.

After this event our regular classes will continue until the end of June.