NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES:

August 13th, 2009

            Well, summer is coming to an end. I have 40 students signed up for this semester and am excited to see all the new and old faces. Lessons will start on Sunday, August 23rd. Please look over the attached calendar carefully for any errors. Keep in mind that a lot of changes will probably be made the first couple weeks of lessons as everyone is adjusting to their fall routines. I will hand out an updated roster so you can contact other students about carpooling or switching lessons. I did not receive surveys from everyone, so if you didn’t turn in a survey, please get me your updated contact information as soon as possible.
            If you have not read the new studio policies already, please read through it carefully. I have made a couple of changes to make lesson time more efficient for you, your child and myself. There is also some important information about practicing and performing that both students and parents should read.
            Group lessons are once a month and are mandatory for all students. If you do not let me know that you will be missing your group lesson, you will be charged for it. Levels 1-4 are on Tuesdays from 5:30-6:30pm. Level 1 is the first Tuesday of each month; Level 2 is the second Tuesday…etc. I have added a new level for group lessons. Level 5 group lessons will be the last Fridays of each month from 6-7pm. Level 4/5 will have a combined group lesson on Tuesday, August 25th from 5:30-6:30. I will determine who will be in level 5 after the first week of lessons. All group lessons cost $15.
            I would like to remind all the parents that they are required to come up to the studio either for the first or last five minutes of each lesson so I can ensure that information and papers are getting passed onto the parents (and not just stuffed into the back of your child’s binder). Children under the age of 8 must have a parent present for the entire lesson. Also, siblings must be supervised by a parent (especially if they leave the room!) I added this rule last year, and noticed it is not being followed through. The same rules apply to group lessons.
            I have a couple of students interested in participating in the Alaska State Fair Fiddle Contest on Saturday, September 5th from 11-2. I encourage anyone who can play a waltz and two fast songs to participate for the fun and the experience. Your set of 3 songs must be under 5 minutes long and shouldn’t have any “trick fiddling” (plucking, double shuffle…etc.). Go to www.alaskastatefair.org (Go to the contests link under the 2009 Fair tab) and you will find a complete list of rules and the entry form. Contest Fiddling is my favorite style. You won’t find many teachers in town that know more about fiddle contests than myself ;).

Happy fiddling!

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