Top 10 Skills Children Learn From The Arts
Check this article out - and keep attending your music lessons :)
8 Things Top Practicers Do Differently
I recently read this very interesting article by about effective practicing. Here were the top three strategies:
1. The precise location and source of each error was identified accurately, rehearsed, and corrected.
2. Tempo of individual performance trials was varied systematically; logically understandable changes in tempo occurred between trials (e.g. slowed things down to get tricky sections correct; or speeded things up to test themselves, but not too much).
3. Target passages were repeated until the error was corrected and the passage was stabilized, as evidenced by the error’s absence in subsequent trials.
Click the link to check it out - and then try to apply these things to your practice time!
http://www.bulletproofmusician.com/8-things-top-practicers-do-differently/
Nunsense!
This summer I had the opportunity to perform with the Orillia Stage Company. I had a blast playing Sister Mary Amnesia in Nunsense. It was a great group of women to work with. Thanks to all who made it out to see the show!
Canada Day with the Baytowne Big Band
Meaghan was pleased to entertain crowds at Barrie's Memorial Square, singing with the Baytowne Big Band as part of the Canada Day celebrations.
Barrie Music Festival
Sunday, November 8, 2015 | Performance
What is it all about?
The Barrie Music Festival is a great learning opportunity as well as a chance for students to perform. Participants are put into classes based on their age and skill level and are evaluated by an adjudicator brought in specifically for the festival. In competitive classes, students are given a mark and 1st, 2nd and 3rd places are awarded. They also offer non-competitive classes where the students receive feedback, but no mark.
Why should I participate?
There are a few reasons why I think participating in the festival is beneficial:
- It's an opportunity to perform
- Entrants receive valuable feedback from a professional who doesn't know them
- Family and friends can get a chance to see students perform
- Scholarships and more performances are possible for those who do well
- It gives each participant a goal to work towards
- Students are able to see their peers perform
What can I expect during a class?
As already mentioned, students are grouped by age, skill level and song type (ie. Traditional Folk Song, 15 years and under). Class sizes are usually fairly small, ranging from 1-8 students. The class begins with each student providing a copy of their music for the adjuditcator, then everyone will have a chance perform their prepared song. After everyone has performed, the adjudicator will talk to each student in front of the audience, giving each some positive and constructive criticisms. Finally, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place awards are distributed and that particular class is over. Please note, classes can take place at anytime between the hours of 9am and 9pm during the duration of the festival.
How do I sign up?
The festival is April 4-20, 2016 and the deadline for registration is January 22, 2016. This year they are offering an Early Bird Registration deal if you register before Dec. 11, 2015. You can register online at: www.barriemusicfestival.com
Here is some important information:
- Register at: barriemusicfestival.com before January 22, 2016;
- The festival runs from April 4-20, 2016;
- Classes are between $20-$36 each – payable online during registration;
- Singers will be required to pay an additional $15 per class for an accompanist - payable to your accompanist, not during online registration;
- Carefully enter all the information on the registration form onto the online form – I will be filling these forms out with your child and sending them home over the next few weeks;
- Feel free to visit the website for more information, or contact me if you have any questions.
