Info re Holiday Closure and December 11 Orchestras Concert
December Newsletter Dear musicians & families,
Congratulations to the private students who performed at the Fall Solo Recital. It was such a joy to see everyone perform in person! I am very much looking forward to our Winter Holiday Concert with the orchestras. (Check out the Youtube practice videos for some new play-alongs on our Christmas songs!)
As always, we will be collected non-perishable goods for a Charity Food Drive throughout December. Please bring whatever boxed/canned/dry items you can spare to leave under the tree in the studio at your next class. You can also bring a bag of donations to the concert!
Please see below for our Studio Holidates. Musically yours,
~ Miss Jennifer
P.S. Kindly remember that the private lot is not available for student use. Please use the municipal parking lot for drop-off, pick-up and parking.
Orchestras Holiday Concert
All group classes will perform at Erskine United Church Sat, Dec 11 at 6:00pm. Each performer will receive 2 FREE tickets at their first class in December. If you wont' be using yours, you can return them so they can be used as we are limiting capacity for this event. Tickets will NOT be available at the door. Performers are asked to arrive for 5:30 to set up (please do not be late!). Consider dropping off your musician and then looking for street parking yourself as it can be a challenge in this neighbourhood. The concert should be approx 90 minutes. All performers and guests are expected to stay until the end of the concert to enjoy the show! Guests 12+ must bring ID and proof of vaccination.
Orchestra Concert Dress
Time to check and see if you have Concert B&W dress that fits! Black pants/skirt/shoes/socks & White blouse/shirt/sweater for kids. Full Black for Adults and Chamber Strings.
Winter Holidates(Studio Closure) Group classes will be on break after the concert Dec 11 until after New Year's. Rehearsals resume the 1st week of January. Private lessons will break from Dec 20-Jan 1st inclusive.
Home Practicing
Musicians know that practice is the secret to success! Passion and talent don't take us very far without that daily regimen. Beginning students can start at 10 mins/day, and 3 to 5 days week. Junior/Senior/Adult group class members and younger private students should strive for 30-45 mins/5 days a week. Private students level 5+ should be practicing 1 hour/5 to 6 days a week.
Practice Videos
YouTube Tutorials and Play-Alongs are posted a few times each month for group class students. Musicians should try playing along with their class videos at least 2x/week for additional support. Private students can request a video when needed and may sometimes be given recorded home assignments by their instructor. Introductory Violin Class Junior Strings: Senior Orchestra Adult Strings Orchestra
Additional tips:
Plan your practice sessions! Schedule regular days & times that work for you.
Set-up a quiet space where you won't be disturbed.
Have your stand raised to a good height, and an appropriate chair, if you must sit (standing is better for violin posture!),
Keep a pencil, highlighters and a metronome ready.
Try plucking before you add your bow to challenging bits.
Try clapping and speaking difficult rhythms aloud.
Sing your melodies!
Bow in the air to feel a loose bow grip, relaxed arm motion, & proper up/down bow directions.
Use the metronome.
Add markings when you need them.
Use the metronome!
Play along with the video tutorials.
Perform for your family regularly so they can see your progress.
Video record yourself and watch it back to critique yourself.
Health Precautions and Policies
At this time we will not be requiring proof of vaccination from our students or their parents. However, you are encouraged to receive all vaccinations for which you are eligible so that you may help us to protect our children and those who are vulnerable in our community and so that you are prepared if the requirement should change. We will continue to adhere to policies set out by the ministry, including:
All students (and guests) should self-screen before entering.
If you are experiencing any signs of illness such as coughing, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, fever, fatigue, headache, nausea, diarrhea, loss of smell or taste, or a skin rash then you should remain at home.
We will wear masks indoors, remain at a distance from one another, restrict capacity to 75% or less, clean high-touch surfaces frequently, and ask family members to wait outside the studio during group classes and during pick-up / drop-off.
Additionally, the studio is outfitted with a modern HVAC ventilation system with filters replaced regularly, and HEPA filters are being used to help further cleanse the air.
Online Lesson Option
If you are not able to attend your class physically due to illness, exposure to someone who is ill, a lack of transportation, or recent travel, please contact me to arrange to meet on Zoom. Private lessons can carry on as normal via Zoom. Group class students will have the opportunity to audit the class (ie. you'll be able to see and hear us and can follow along from home!)
