September 2009 newsletter

Besides getting the flu, September went pretty smooth. I would like to congratulate Lindsay Von Tish and Sky Kelsey for their successes at the Alaska State Fair Fiddle Contest. They were up against some tough competition this year, and their hard work really paid off. I want to make sure all the new students are getting into their routines smoothly. I was sick for the first level 1 group lesson, so I will make sure everyone is up to date on what to do for October’s group lesson. There are some other playing opportunities that I want to make sure everyone knows about as well. Please look over this month’s calendar carefully so you won’t miss anything.
            The level 1 group lessons will always be the first Tuesday of each month from 5:30-6:30pm. This month’s group lesson will be on Tuesday, October 6th. They cost $15 and are a great opportunity to practice playing together and performing. At the end of the group lesson, each student will stand up and perform a tune in front of the group. They will need to tell me one thing they liked about their playing and one thing that they can work on. For all group lessons, I would like students to put their instrument cases upstairs in the studio. No music is needed for the group lessons, so you can leave your binders at home.
            On Friday, October 9th there is a Family Dance at Romig Middle School. (I think I had said something different earlier, but as of yesterday I was told it was at Romig.) Students in levels 3 and higher are invited to play for the dance. Click here for a list of some simple Medleys to play for the dance. We will play the tunes pretty fast and we will probably play each tune about 4 or 5 times (which makes for good practice J ). We will have a practice for this at the house on Saturday, October 3rd from 1:00-2:00 (or maybe 2:30) pm. My dad and I have invited some other young musicians to play back up with us, which should make it super fun.
            A couple of you have asked me about some good places to play with other musicians. A great place to play some easy Irish tunes is at Middle Way Café (by REI) on Tuesday nights at 7pm. I haven’t been in a couple years, but I know a couple of you have gone and said good things about it. I will ask around about some other places to play for fun. (I heard something about a bluegrass jam, but I don’t know where.)
            With the new driveway in place, parking has been a little bit easier for everyone, but I would like to remind you not to park in front of the mailboxes. I got a little note on my car when I parked there a few weeks ago. Anyone is welcome to park behind my green Subaru or behind my Dad’s van. Also, please make sure you remove your shoes when you come inside. (We want our white carpet to last us a few more years before we have to replace it.)
            I am thinking about putting a group together for the Alaska Folk Festival in Juneau, AK. It’s a much bigger festival than the one in Anchorage and it has lots of great workshops and performers. It’s normally the first or second weekend in April. If you are in levels 4 or 5, please let me know if you would be interested in doing this as soon as possible so I can make plans for it before the end of the semester.

I will be handing out invoices this week at each lesson showing what has been paid or what is owed. Please look over these carefully. I do all of my own accounting, and I do miscalculate things sometimes. I sent in the invoices to Family Partnership, but have not received payment from them yet. If you are getting your lessons reimbursed through them, I will let you know if it does not come in the next few weeks. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. Happy Fiddling!