Tag Archives: concerto

Spring Break ’21 Update

As I reflected this week upon the fact that Spring Break was fast approaching, I was struck by something of a two-way feeling: In some ways, the school year up to this point has felt rather long, full of unusual challenges, obstacles, and hurdles to overcome. In other ways, it feels like life has been kind of “on hold,” and like the last 9 months have gone by in a flash.

However, as I looked out while I was teaching today at the sunshine, the green, growing grass, and the budding, blossoming trees, my primary feeling was one of optimism. Not only are the days growing longer and warmer, but it feels like we may for the first time in a year be turning a corner and headed back towards life as we knew it pre-COVID-19.

Even if that were not the case, I would still have much to be encouraged by from the students and families in our studios. In spite of its difficulties, this school year up to this point has been full of remarkable growth. So many of you are playing at unquestionably the highest level you’ve ever played at. And in particular, it’s exciting to see that progress in those of you who participated in Federation events last year and are preparing to do so again. The you a year ago couldn’t have begun to do the things you are doing today, and that kind of steady, consistent progress is always something to be thankful for!

So, we will be on break, which means no group class or lessons, from Sunday, March 21 – Sunday, March 28. We will resume private lessons on Monday, March 29, and we hope to see you all again for group classes on Tuesday, March 30. Many of you have Federation events to be preparing for on April 8, or St. Louis Youth Symphony auditions coming up on April 15. Even if you don’t have something concrete coming up in the immediate future, Spring Break is the perfect time to spend some extra, quality time with your review pieces, listening to your CDs, and getting in that extra practice that school often keeps you from.

As we look ahead into this final quarter of the ’20-’21 school year, we also have Solo Recitals on Sunday, May 16 and our own Spring Festival Group Performance to look forward to and work hard to prepare for. Our Ensemble is working, amongst other things, on the Vivaldi Concerto for 2 Violins in D Minor, which I will leave you all with a recording of to enjoy – or study if you’re in Ensemble!

We hope you have a great Spring Break, and we look forward to seeing you all again after!

Congratulations!

Ms. Kirby and I want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to:

  • Tarini K. and Aaron W., who won seats in this year’s St. Louis High School All-Suburban Orchestra.
  • Kaya M. and Alan S. who won seats in this year’s Missouri All-State Orchestra.
  • Aaron W., who also placed in this year’s St. Charles County Youth Symphony Concerto Competition.

If we missed any All-Suburban (middle school or high school), All-State, or SYCCO Concerto Competition winners, please let us know, so that you can be recognized!

We recognize that doing well in any event like these is not something that can be done by last-minute preparation, but rather is the result of consistent dedication, and steady improvement over many years, which certainly deserves to be applauded.

With so many more opportunities for students coming up this spring, we can’t wait to see all that you will accomplish! It truly is rewarding and motivating to see what started as seeds of musical ability being nurtured, developing, and flourishing.