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.
A Fabulous Fall!
Friday, November 27, 2015 | Uncategorized
As 2015 comes to a close...
I wanted to give you an overview of the events that happened in the fall as well as a look forwards to 2016! I was very excited to get back to teaching this September after the birth of my beautiful baby girl - Beverley. Time is going by so quickly! I can't believe she is already 8 months old. Thank you to my students and their families for all their kinds words, gifts and advice!
September-November
We hit the ground running in September, as we began to prepare for auditions (Fairy Tale Rock, Alice In Wonderland Jr. and Urinetown at Moving Art, Tommy at Barrie Central) and Winter examinations.
Students were working hard through the month of October as they rehearsed for Beauty and the Beast Jr. with The Kempenfelt Community Players. I had the pleasure of seeing the show in early November and was quite impressed with the level of talent and professionalism displayed. In November, the results of the auditions came in - a few of my students were cast in major roles, evidence of their hard work and thorough preparation!
December
As December rapidly approaches, we are now in the throes of Barrie Music Festival registration. Don't forget - the early bird deadline is December 11. Moving Art students will be presenting their annual cabaret on Dec. 12 at 13 at The Loft Art Space. This year's theme is "Musicals Through The Ages" and will be made up of group numbers created by the students themselves! You can get tickets by emailing tickets@movingart.ca The following weekend, make sure you get out to see Fairy Tale Rock (music directed by yours truly). It's a great show for the whole family. It will be touring Simcoe County Elementary schools but stops in at The Loft Art Space for a few public shows on Dec. 19 and 20. You get tickets for that through Moving Art as well.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
Lessons will stop a week early this year because Ty, Beverley and I will be heading to Florida for Christmas. My in-laws recently got a place there and we have never been. This will be Beverley's first time on a plane! If you are looking for a great Christmas Eve service to attend this year, head on over to Harvest Bible Chapel in Barrie. They will have two services - Dec. 23 and 24 at 7pm at Timothy Christian School.
Happy New Year!
Looking ahead to the new year - we have lots to be excited about! Lessons resume Jan. 4. At the end of January, in addition to Royal Conservatory Exams, the Barrie Music Festival will once again be hosting "Music In The Mall". It takes place at the Georgian Mall and is a great opportunity for students to perform for their friends and family. I will give you more information in the new year. After that we will be working hard to prepare for the Barrie Music Festival - which begins April 4th! Don't forget, there will be no lessons during March Break (March 14-18).
Spring ahead!
April, May, and June will provide lots of performance and audition opportunities - The Junior Triple Threat Program will present Alice In Wonderland Jr. at the end of April, The Senior Triple Threat Program will present Urinetown at the end of May, and last but not least, our year end music recital will be June 12th at 3pm at The Loft Art Space. Kempenfelt Community Players and Triple Threat auditions are also in June.
That's all for now...
Thanks for all your hard work practicing and attending lessons so far! Keep up the great work! I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas.
