It seems like as each semester at West County Strings comes to a close, I say to myself, “This was our best semester ever!”  And yet, seemingly without fail, the next semester is even better, filled with even more learning, growth, development, and wonderful memories than the last.  And so, with the Fall ’18 Semester now behind us, I find myself saying once again, “This was our best semester ever!”

A few factors stick out that made this past semester so great:

1. Consistent Practice.  No one wants to feel “stuck in a rut” with their playing – not students, not their parents, and certainly not Kirby or me as your teachers!  Moving forward and making progress feels good for everyone involved, but it can only be done when the practice is frequent, and done with great care.  So THANK YOU for all the days, hours, and minutes that you all put in practicing this semester!
2. Group Class Attendance.   If practicing is to developing ability on a stringed instrument what water is to a plant, then group class might best be described as the fertilizer.  Group class allows us to develop so many things that are hard to do in individual lessons, and all in a fun way.  THANK YOU to everyone who made the effort to regularly attend Tuesday night group classes.  Know that those make all the difference in your child’s continued musical development.
3. Participation In Extracurriculars.  Kirby and I are daily reminded what a special community of families we’re privileged to work with at West County Strings.  THANK YOU to everyone who played in community concerts throughout the semester or came to the Holiday Play-Along Party last weekend.  It is these little and not-so-little things that help make music such a special part of our lives and our children’s lives, and that make West County Strings a special place to be.

We wish you all a happy Holiday Season and safe travels to see family and friends.  Lessons will resume Friday, January 4 and group classes will resume Tuesday, January 8.  Encourage your children to enjoy some much-needed time of rest and relaxation, but also to keep their strings singing throughout the holidays.  I’m sure a few minutes can be found here or there to do some scales, etudes, and review!

Thanks again for a great 2018, and we’ll see you in 2019!