Spring '15 Semester Plans

Dear Studio Families,

Now is the time to plan for our Spring 2015 Cello semester.   Attached you will find a studio calendar with many dates to plan for, including group classes, performances, and events with special guests.  As usual, tuition is due during the first week of the semester when lessons resume after winter break: Jan. 5-9, 2015.

I have an exciting opportunity which will allow me to travel to Peru during a good chunk of January. I will be going to the International Suzuki Festival in Lima, Peru as a teacher trainee to learn the Suzuki method in Spanish.  I’m very excited to broaden my skill set, but I’m very nervous since I’m only a “Twinkler” in Spanish speaking abilities.  Wish me luck in my 3rd language (English and music being the first two)!  I’m also lucky to spend some time trekking in the mountains while there.

I’ve arranged for special guest teachers to work with you while I am away.  We are so fortunate they are willing to dedicate some time to us!  Please give them the same respect you give me and practice hard for your experience with them!

First, you will have the opportunity to work with Brittany Gardner in a group class experience to workshop specific repertoire on Saturday, Jan. 17.  See details on the attached schedule.

Second, you will have the opportunity to have a Masterclass (mini private lesson within a small group setting) on Saturday, Jan. 24, with either Margaret Romney or Carey Cheney (see attached schedule).  This will be your chance to get specific one-on-one feedback with another fabulous teacher while I am gone. 

If you cannot attend either of these, or need to swap Masterclass times, let me know immediately, or please contact these teachers directly on the day of the event to update them on your specific needs.  And parents, don’t forget to sign up to attend the SAU Parent Convention on Sat. Jan. 31.  You will be energized with new inspiration for how to guide your budding young musician!

When I return in February, we will be back to business as usual.  Those who are playing in SAU Cello Graduation will have a rehearsal on Feb. 21 and the concert on Feb. 28 (more details coming).  Otherwise, we will have a special focus on preparation for Cello Federation on March 21.  If you want to participate in Cello Federation, I will need to know at our first lesson in Jan where we will fill out your application form.  It is a great opportunity to polish 2 pieces at a high level of excellence and receive personal feedback from 3 cello adjudicators.  Every student who works hard for this experience always feels a sense of accomplishment and pride afterward.  After we work hard for Federation, we will get a nice week off for Spring Break, Mar. 30-Apr. 3.

In April, you will again have another amazing opportunity to work with a special guest: Alice Ann O’Neill, from Cincinnati, OH.  She will be teaching our group classes on Wed, April 15.  She will be teaching masterclasses to a limited number of students who are interested in additional one-on-one time on Sat. April 18.

I will escape the country once more, to return to teach at the Live Arts Music Festival in Mexico City April 20-25.  I’m excited to put my Spanish skills to use once again!  No lessons will be held that week.

We will wrap up our semester goals with a Spring Studio Recital on May 15.  We will have a great Spring Semester filled with new faces, new opportunities, and fun performances to work toward.  I’m looking forward to a fresh start to 2015!

Happy cello-ing!

Megan

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