STEP

All About ACSI

ACSI is a week-long Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA) approved Institute. It combines intense study, practice and performance with music-related recreational activities for a fun and challenging musical experience.

ACSI is open to any violin, viola or cello student, whether or not they study via the Suzuki Method. Students will participate in private lessons, group classes, play-ins, solo and group concerts. Depending on their age, they also will attend a Music Improvisation class, orchestra, and/or choir. The Suzuki Method of instruction will be observed in all lessons, group classes and play-ins. All students will be involved in one or more of the final concerts at the end of the week.

A parent, or other adult, must attend all classes with students 13 years of age and younger. Parents of older students, while not required, are encouraged to attend sessions.

How does it all work?

It all starts by taking a look at this page! Pick the programs you want, then fill in a registration form (linked above). You can submit the form electronically, or mail it in (our address is on the back of the book). Forms are due (with half of your registration fees) on May 5th! Once we have all the forms in, we'll get to work placing your children in specific classes (the exact class composition varies depending on who signs up). We'll send around a meal order form shortly after to let you plan your camp lunches.

Next, pop up in the morning on Sunday, June 24th to Mary Queen of Peace School. This is Registration Day. We'll have tables set up for you to pay the remainder of your fees, pick up individual schedules for your children, pay for any meals you've ordered, and say hello to lots of friendly faces. If it's a nice day we'll make a picnic out of it!

How your child's day at ACSI looks will depend on their age, and how many optional classes you sign up for. Generally, younger children will be done by lunchtime, with afternoon classes for the older kids. Everyone will be performing in a solo concert, though, and these happen after lunch. Parents are expected to attend class with their children - we'll have a babysitter on site to help make this happen!

Days at ACSI are made up of a number of different elements: group classes, private lessons, choir time, orchestra rehearsals, musicianship classes, and more. And, of course, some time to have fun with a great community of families! The basic schedule for your child will be the same each day from Monday-Friday. Special events will vary - there will be solo concerts, play-ins, and activity concerts across the week, along with lectures and a final concert on Friday evening. You'll get a detailed schedule for all events, along with an individual schedule for your child, on Registration Day at camp (the 24th).

We encourage you to email us with any questions at step@suzukinl.ca

1. Jumpstart! Twinkle

This course is for beginning students (ages 4-7) and their parents. It includes a daily 25-minute group class/lesson, a daily 50-minute Parent Orientation class (babysitting provided), and an observation class. Students will be introduced to the basics of violin or cello playing, and parents will learn about the philosophy behind the Suzuki Approach. Jumpstart! Twinkle is ideal for families who are interested in enrolling in STEP next fall.

2. Non-Suzuki Strings

This program is for students who currently study violin, viola, or cello outside of STEP. The junior division (ages 8-12) includes a 25-minute daily lesson, music theory, orchestra, and choir. The senior division (ages 13-17) includes a 50-minute daily lesson, music theory, orchestra, and choir. Students in both divisions of this program are encouraged to register for Introduction to Chamber Music and Fiddle as well.

3. Orchestra Only

An option for students from outside STEP who want to participate in orchestra only at ACSI. 50-minute daily rehearsal.

1. Twinklers

If your child is in either of our Pre-Twinkle classes, the ECE Transitions class or the Folk Songs class, this is where to be! The Twinkler program will include a 25-minute group class every day, daily lessons, choir, and Music Improvisation class.

2. Book 1 to Mid Book 2

This is the program for all students working on pieces up to Handel Bouree in Book 2! It includes a 50-minute daily group class, lessons every day, choir, and Music Improvisation class.

3. Late Book 2 (Two Grenadiers) through early Book 6 (La Folia)

If your child is in between Two Grenadiers in Book 2 and La Folia in Book 6, this is the program for them! Each ACSI day will include a 50-minute group class, private lessons, musicianship class, orchestra, and choir.

1. Orchestra (For both STEP and Non-STEP students)

A 50-minute daily rehearsal for violin, viola, and cello students in various ACSI programs. Students will play classical and popular music works from the standard school orchestral repertoire, and in the process improve their ensemble skills.

2. Introduction to Chamber Music (For both STEP and Non-STEP students

This 25-minute daily course introduces students to the basic principles of chamber music playing through games and activities (such as "musical soccer"). Students will rehearse and perform in a string duo, trio, or quartet. Highly recommended for all STEP students in late Book 2 (Two Grenadiers) to Book 6 (La Folia), and for all non-Suzuki students.

3. Fiddle (For both STEP and Non-STEP students)

These 25-minute daily classes are offered at the beginner through advanced levels and are highly recommended for STEP students in Book 1 and above, as well for non-Suzuki students. Students will learn traditional Newfoundland, Cape Breton, and French Canadian fiddle tunes, while simultaneously developing aural skills. The fiddle classes will perform at the end of the week.

4. Suzuki Siblings (For both STEP and Non-STEP students)

This program is geared towards younger children (ages 4 and above) who are not currently enrolled in STEP. Children participate in three general music classes: choir, beginning musicianship, and Music Improvisation. An excellent way to involve the siblings of ACSI students in the ACSI experience.

5. Musicianship

These 25-minute daily classes (beginner through advanced levels) teach music theory, ear training, sight-singing, and note reading skills. Mandatory for students above mid-Book 2, there is also a separate option on the registration forms; this is intended mostly for Book 1 to mid-Book 2 (Handel Bouree) students who are interested in taking a beginning musicianship class, since it is not a required part of their program. Parents are also welcome to participate in this class.

6. Parent Classes

These are group violin and cello classes for STEP parents, both for beginners and those with previous playing experience. Highly recommended for the parents of students in the Twinkle Program. Parent classes are the best way to learn to help your child practice, or as Dr. Suzuki said, become an effective "home teacher."

7. Lecture Series

A set of daily lectures by ACSI faculty on various topics including Suzuki philosophy, tonalization, and Body Mapping. All lectures are fun and interactive, and involve a high degree of audience participation. Recommended for STEP parents and older students.

Choir

A 25-minute daily choir rehearsal help students develop basic singing skills and experience the satisfaction of making music as part of a large ensemble. The choirs will perform at the end of the week.

Music Improvisation

This 25-minute daily class offers younger students the opportunity to play a variety of percussion instruments and explore music improvisation through songs, games, dance, and movement activities.

Play-in

An institute-wide playing session that takes place on Monday, the first day of ACSI. A fun opportunity to play selections from across the Suzuki repertoire with friends.

Solo Concerts

These concerts take place Tuesday-Thursday afternoons. All ACSI students who were in group classes this year will be performing. Please consult with your private teacher at the beginning of June as to your choice of repertoire.

Faculty Concert

Our ACSI faculty are all excellent and experienced players. The faculty concert is a chance for children to hear their teachers play some advanced repertoire. It's a great inspiration and a lovely show!

Group Classes

The core of the ACSI experience is the group class, where students gather together with their peers to play and learn from one of our experienced teachers.

Lessons

Daily lessons provide the opportunity for students to develop their individual technique by working closely with one of our faculty.

I'm hoping to enroll my child in STEP this fall. Can he/she participate in ACSI this summer?

Yes! We offer several programs for incoming students, divided according to age level and previous experience. Jumpstart! Twinkle is designed for beginning students (ages 4-7) and their parents. Integrated Strings is a program for students (ages 8-12 and 13-17) who currently study violin, viola, or cello. Both Jumpstart! and Integrated Strings are an excellent way to transition into the STEP community.

My child already plays violin, viola, or cello outside of STEP. Can he/ she participate in ACSI this summer?

Absolutely! ACSI is open to all string students living in or visiting the St. John's area. Our Integrated Strings program (ages 8-12 and 13-17) offers a well-rounded curriculum of lessons, music theory, orchestra, and choir. Students from outside of STEP may also choose to enroll in the Orchestra Only option.

My child is currently enrolled in the "ECE Transitions" class at STEP. Will there be a similar class offered at ACSI?

Yes. For now, please register for the Twinkler program. In early June, we will check in with your child's private and/or group class teacher to determine which Twinkler class is the best fit.

Do I attend ACSI every day with my child, or part of the day? What about for older children?

Students must be accompanied by a parent (or other adult). Parents are requested to take notes during lessons, just like during the year. We encourage parents of students in the Integrated Strings program to attend ACSI. If the student is under 13, a parent or guardian must attend.

ACSI offers a number of enrichment opportunities for parents, including Parent Classes (for violin and cello), Musicianship classes, and a lecture series.

Is there babysitting available at ACSI? What is the cost?

A qualified on-site babysitter is provided by ACSI, at the rate of $7 per hour. Parents pay the sitter directly when they pick up their child(ren). Please drop your child off with activities (books, crayons, etc.).

Do I need to bring lunch?

You can bring your lunch, but you can also purchase lunch through ACSI. When you register for ACSI, you can pick up an order form for as many lunches as you want. (Every lunch, ACSI brings in food from local food joints, like Extreme Pita.) You must order in advance - not on the day of. In addition, ACSI has an on-site canteen selling snacks such as baked goods, fruit, milk, juice, etc.

What do we need to bring?

Students need their instrument, any sheet music they are currently working on, and a music stand (if they own one). Parents need a notebook and pen (and an instrument, if enrolled in Parent Classes).

Can you ensure a scent/allergen-free environment?

ACSI is a scent-free environment, and we do our best to accommodate allergies, although we can't make guarantees. Please provide us with allergy information on your registration form and contact us directly with any questions or concerns.