November is still a few days away but next week is going to be a busy week, so I wanted to post this newsletter before the weekend as there are a couple things coming up in early November to watch for! It is chock-full of information and I apologize for the length but November is FULL of some great musical opportunities as well as some very important dates with our studio schedule!
OCTOBER 31st NO LESSONS
After some feedback from studio families, I have decided to cancel lessons on Halloween. Whether you celebrate it or not, it was decided that no one wants to be out driving that evening unless absolutely necessary.
CHRISTOPHER NORTON CONCERT, November 1st, 7:30pm
There has been a poster by the door and calendar and I have mentioned this by email before but it is now less than a week away!!
Christopher Norton – a very famous jazz composer from England – is coming on November 1 and I have had the privilege of helping to organize his visit! He is leading teacher workshops in the morning and some of my older students are able to participate in workshops as well as a masterclass with him that afternoon.
And….just as exciting: on that same November 1 in the evening he is doing a CONCERT for ANYONE who would like to attend! The cost is BY DONATION. So whatever you think you can afford, that is the admission! I feel this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Many of the students have played his compositions in the Royal Conservatory grades….or will very soon and to hear this caliber of musician at a very minimal cost is unheard of.
The concert will be at 7:30pm, and although I realize it may be late for some of my younger students, being that it is by donation basis, just pay for what you think you will attend. If you think your child will only last half an hour, it would still be a half an hour of an amazing connection for them, both with pieces they may know, a composer they may have played pieces by, and even a composer that is STILL ALIVE! And if they haven’t played pieces by him yet, they will eventually and those pieces will make such a connection with them when they can relate it to the concert
The details:
When: Wednesday, November 1 at 7:30
Where: St Thomas Anglican Church, 4A Raven Drive Sherwood Park
Cost: By Donation
This is an exciting opportunity that I hope you can all enjoy!
WEDNESDAY STUDENTS: Reminder! There will be no lessons for you on this day as I will be co-hosting this event all day!
NOVEMBER BREAK NOVEMBER 9-15, No lessons
Over the last few years both Edmonton Public, Elk Island and some Sturgeon school boards have introduced a fall break in November. I have tried over the last few years to honor this break as I think it’s a nice way for students to have a bit of a break in their routine before we gear up for our annual Christmas recital. I am working right now to ensure that all students have their Christmas recital piece to be working on over the break, so be checking their lesson assignments over the next couple of weeks. The breaks do very a bit between the school boards and last year I went with the EIPS schedule as both my children were in the district and we had some “Stay-cation” plans. This year I will be going with the Edmonton Public dates which are: Thursday November 9-Wednesday November 15. So, unless you are told otherwise (Tuesday and Wednesday students!) there will be no lessons during that break. A reminder will be sent out to you again in the week coming up to those dates!
Our very own annual CHRISTMAS RECITAL
This is not an November Event….but just had to get another reminder in: Mark those calendars for our Christmas Recital:
Cookies and Carols, Friday December 15th, 6:30pm at Bethel Community Church 14204 25 Street, Edmonton…roughly 12 blocks north of our studio!
OTHER UPCOMING CONCERT OPPORTUNITIES AND LISTENING OPPORTUNITIES
The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra kicks off their Symphony For Kids series on November 18th! I will have the privilege once again of being involved in the pre-concert activity planning once again this year and though I am not yet sure if I will be at the November 18th concert, I will most certainly be at the December Candy Cane Family Concerts as well as the SFK concerts in the New Year. These concerts are a wonderful way and introducing beautiful music to your children!
Also: Arden Theatre in St Albert will be present Elf The Musical JR on November 28th! Another fun and musical event.
For those of you who cannot make it to these events as well as those of you who would like more beautiful music to share with your children/family. I will be occasionally sharing a listening calendar with you. By email today you will receive a listening calendar for November and December that you can print off. It was made by my colleague, Doreen Hall. Each day in November and December I will be posting that youtube video on the studio Facebook page…..but if you do not have Facebook, you can also find the videos at: pianoparents.net
I you would like tickets to Symphony for Kids, Candy Cane Family Christmas or Elf the Musical Jr:
https://www.winspearcentre.com/tickets/subscriptions/2017-2018-eso-season/symphony-for-kids/