"I play the notes as they are written, but it is God who makes the music." -J.S. Bach
Olive Branch Music Studio
Fall 2009 Newsletter
New Studio Policies Starting next month (December) I am implementing a new payment plan that will simplify tuition payment and record keeping for all of us. The new plan will be published on my web site olivebranchmusicstudio.com, which will soon be updated but is not yet complete. I am also including a separate policy sheet with this letter, which you can keep for your records.
Computer Lab Your students have been impressing me with their ability to learn new things! After quickly learning how the software works, everyone has demonstrated success in learning concepts of music theory, sight reading, rhythm, and ear training on the keyboard, and the cello students have made excellent progress with cello theory. I am already seeing results of their greater understanding in the playing of their instruments.
Fall Party As most of you know, I have scheduled a music party for Wednesday, November 11 at 7:00. Since this is a school night, the party will end at 8:30. This is a students only party to give them the experience of enjoying playing for one another without the presence of a larger audience of parents. This will also give students the opportunity to practice performing in preparation for the recital on November 22. I have taken a vote, and the majority of students wants to wear costumes for the party. This is encouraged but not required. Please, no witches, ghosts or other ghoulish types of costumes. Students are also asked to bring a snack to share.
Fall Recital In addition to the party, the recital is another opportunity for performance, this time for parents, grandparents, and any other guests you would like to invite. It will be more formal, and pieces should be prepared for a more polished performance. The recital will be held Sunday, November 22, at 2:30 p.m. at Red Rocks Fellowship, located at 11195 W Belleview Ave, Littleton, 80127. Dress will be dressy/nice casual.
Parking During the winter months I would like to ask you to avoid parking on the driveway if there is snow. I will make an effort to keep the driveway cleared, but sometimes it’s not possible to have all of the snow cleared when students arrive and leave. Since it is a north facing, sloping driveway, driving over snow produces ice, which is hard to remove and can make it very difficult to get up the driveway. Since there is low traffic volume on the street, it is usually possible to drop off your student without parking. If absolutely neccesary (such as when there is a snow drift at the curb), please drive only a few feet onto the driveway if you need to wait for your student after a lesson. I will also attempt to stay on schedule on snowy days so you won’t have to wait long for your student after his/her lesson. My daughter, Cristine, has also asked that you leave her a spot on the curb in front of the house to park her car. Thanks!
Christmas Break The Jeffco Schools break for the hollidays from December 21-January 5. Since Olive Branch Music Studio follows the Jeffco schedule there will be no lessons the weeks of December 21st, 28th, and January 4th. (Although there will be school on January 6th, there will be no lessons, in order to make the schedule fair to those who will not be able to take a lesson on January 5th.) Many of my students enjoy playing Christmas music during the holiday season, so I will be passing out some Christmas solos and duets to enjoy during December. In addition I will try to pass out some of the solos that students will be playing at Music Federation next year.
Music Federation Festival is scheduled for Saturday, March 13th this year. Federation is one of the best learning opportunities open to music students in the Denver area. Because it offers many rewards, both tangible and intangible, participation is highly encouraged. Entry fee is $17.00, due at the first lesson in January. As stated above I will try to pass out solos before Christmas so students can begin preparing in plenty of time.
"I play the notes as they are written, but it is God who makes the music." -J.S. Bach