STEP

Hello STEP families,

The yearly Graduation Concert is this Sunday, Nov.1, at St. David's Church!  Grads, come at 1:00 to get tuned up; everyone else, come in time for the 1:30 concert.  The list of graduates is in the email you received Thursday - if you think your child might be on it and you didn't get the email or have other confusion going on, please send an email to step@suzukinl.ca and we'll sort you out!

The rehearsals take place at St. David's, Saturday morning Oct. 31 as follows:

9:00am - Twinkle graduates
9:15am - Book One graduates
9:30am - Book Two graduates
9:50am - Book Three graduates
10:20am - Book Five graduates

Congratulations to all graduates!  Hope to see everyone there on Sunday to support your friends and classmates.

Labels: announcements, concerts, people

On behalf of Marie Wadden, outgoing Chair:

I'm pleased to announce that STEP has a new board.  The elections took place at our potluck/AGM on Saturday, October 17. Your new Board of Directors are as follows:

Chair – Percy Delaney  pjd@nf.sympatico.ca

Vice Chair – (to be selected from members at large)

Secretary – Jon Waterhouse jon.waterhouse@goganinc.ca

Treasurer – Anna Trela (see below)

Members at Large:    Katie Lawton - Catherine.Lawton@mi.mun.ca

                               Krista Vokey-Sing  - krista_vokeysing@hotmail.com

                               David Sing (same as Krista's)

                               Terri Green -  green.terri@hotmail.com

                               Cathy Rowe -  cathyarowe@hotmail.com

                               Shelley Andrews - shandrews@canada.com

A financial report was presented at the AGM. Thanks to Anna Trela for preparing it. I am pleased to say STEP is in an excellent financial position.  Copies of the financial report are available on request. E-mail anna.trela.step@gmail.com

I would like to thank all of the volunteers, teachers and students who supported my tenure on the board.

Best wishes,

Marie Wadden

Labels: administration, announcements, people

Coming to the Potluck on Saturday?  Don't worry about where to put your car.  Parking will be free for our families on the first, third and fourth levels of the parking garage at City Hall. It's also free at the meters across the street from City Hall.

See you all in the Foran Room at 7:00, with children, instruments, and food!

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Summer lessons, anyone? Evelyn  Osborne 726-7258  and Heather Kao heatherkao@hotmail.com  are both offering lessons during the summer. 

Labels: announcements, concerts

As announced at the rehearsal on Saturday the concert this coming weekend is at Memorial's Music school in Cook Hall, the main recital hall. There was a typo on the website that said it was at another location. Could you please come for tuning at 9:30 so we can start the program on time at 10am. Please have performers wear a dark bottom with a colorful shirt.

Thanks!
See you all Saturday!

Labels: announcements, concerts, groupclass

The Play-in that was canceled last weekend due to weather has been rescheduled for Saturday, April 18.  Same time - come 11:00 for tune-up to play at 11:30 for about an hour; same place, lower level of Avalon Mall by Laura Secord; same dress code, with white tops, black bottoms and big smiles.  Hope to see you all there and REALLY hope we don't get snowed out again!

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The March 21st concert at the Avalon Mall concert is cancelled due to impending nasty weather.  Sorry for the inconvenience.

Labels: announcements

We're pleased to announce that Brochures and Applications for the Atlantic Canada Suzuki Institute are now available on our website. See our ACSI page for more information.

Labels: announcements, Atlantic Canada Suzuki Institute

Dear STEP families and friends,

For many years STEP has offered a spring public concert at the Avalon Mall. This year it will be on the first official day of spring, March 21. Hopefully our music will help bring the flowers!

We are also looking for other community performance opportunities for smaller groups.  If you know of such a performance space please let me know.

Concert Details are below!

Sincerely
Evelyn Osborne
------------------------
Concert will run from 11:30- 12:45 at the latest on Saturday, March 21 at the Avalon Mall
Please ARRIVE between 11am and 11:15 for tuning and set up.

The concert will be held in Play-In style by the Gap, in front of Laura Secord, where Santa sets up.

New member families: even if you and your child can only play Twinkles, come and play Twinkles!  Play whatever you can and enjoy listening to the rest.  If you're interested in joining our program, this is a GREAT chance to come and hear what our students can do!

CELLOS!!!!- the Mall will not provide chairs, please bring your own! thanks!

ATTIRE - please come dressed in black and white. This will present a coherent presentation and performers will be identifiable. It doesn't have to be dressy black and white - simply clean cut please.

We ask that cases and bags be stored between the pillars at the back of our area rather than along store windows. This reduces clutter, tripping possibilities and its easier to keep an eye on everything.

POTENTIAL PROGRAM- the following is a list of pieces which will likely be performed. The order will definitely change before the concert. This will help in review practice for the week!

Twinkle Variations
Twinkle Theme in A+ and D+
Lightly Row
Go Tell Aunt Rhody
Allegro
Andantino
Minuet 3
French Folk Song (with cellos)
Musette
Hunters' Chorus (with cellos)
Witch's Dance
3rd Seitz Concerto
Vivaldi G minor 1st movement

March in G (cellos)
Rigadoon (cellos)

Auntie Mary
Come Upstairs
Reel de la Pistroli
Gerald Thomas' Burnt Potato Reel
Mussels in the Corner
Paddy's Jig
The Night the Chicken Got Fried
Kissing Dance

HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL THERE!

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Christina Smith

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Christina Smith

csmith@nf.sympatico.ca

Labels: announcements, groupclass, news, people

# posted by Heather Patey @ 11:41 PM

---

Labels: announcements, concerts, groupclass, people

Dear FIDDLE and CELLO Students,

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Labels: announcements, groupclass

ATTN Fiddle, Cello and Veracini students!!

I trust you all had musical and relaxing holidays. Our group classes are starting again this weekend. Our Young Virtuosi group is off in England playing wonderfully and have taken a few of our teachers with them. We have been unable to find teachers to replace Christina's or Julia's classes this weekend (they of course are irreplaceable!) so we have to postpone their classes until January 24th. A note will be sent with specific locations.

Julia Bowdring's classes - Walter McIsaac and Val Ryan Fiddle classes - POSTPONED to Jan 24

Christina Smith's CELLO classes POSTPONED! to Jan 24. STEP fiddlers will proceed with Evelyn standing in.

Heather Kao has been kind enough to stand in for Jennifer Johnson's classes and will teach Twinkling Stars; the Vivaldi and Veracini classes will be combined together in the Instrumental Room.

Labels: announcements, groupclass

Labels: announcements, concerts

Hi everyone

The Holiday season has started! I just wanted to remind everyone that the date of the Christmas concert has been moved to Saturday December 13th. At the start of September it was listed as Dec.6 but it was moved in October to Dec 13th.

The concert is at St. Mark's Church on Logy Bay Road (at Newfoundland Dr). Please show up at 9:30 to tune so we can get started at 10am.

We have a big potluck afterwards and we ask everyone to bring something so we can have a nice social.

See you there!
Cheers
Evelyn

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STEP Auction 2008

Thursday, October 23rd, 6:00pm

Clovelly Golf and Country Club Gazebo

Full dinner with wine

$40 single, $75 double

A night of fun and the opportunity to purchase unique experiences, original artwork, framed prints and many other items

Full tables, seating eight, can be purchased by VISA

For tickets, donations or questions, please contact

Colette Phillips at 437-6780

or

cmphillips@nf.sympatico.ca

Let's work together to ensure STEP remains a nurturing environment
for our children's musical education.

Labels: announcements, fundraising

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We are offering a new exciting class this year. All violinists from late book 1 through book 4 will be eligible for music reading classes. These classes will replace the theory classes and focus on reading music for your instrument. For beginner readers, we will focus on learning to read music. For intermediate students, sight-reading will be given to enhance their skills. Violists and cellists will be receiving reading instruction during their regular group class time.

While the Suzuki method focuses on learning by ear to begin your instrument, the ability to read music is of utmost importance to string players as they move on in their careers to orchestras, chamber music or just a favourite song they find in a book! The combination of strong ear and note-reading abilities is an unbeatable combination! Reading music is a skill honed over many years, so start early! At $2.77 per class this is a bargain that your child will always thank you for!

Next year this class will be compulsory for everyone. We highly recommend that EVERYONE take it this year so that no one is left behind! We’ll all be on the same page!

Labels: announcements, groupclass

A NEW program for STEP!! This program is designed for parents and young children up to three years old. Consisting of one-hour classes during which parents and children sing, move and interact with instruments and other students, the benefits of this program are many. Suzuki ECE creates a safe nurturing environment that enhances the strong bonds between parent and children through music and development of early skills such as listening, a sense of rhythm/movement as well as socialization and a willingness to participate. Instruments are not required for this class but parents are essential! There is an additional CD, which must be purchased in advance of the start of the program. Contact us for more information.

Labels: announcements, groupclass

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From St. John's To Notting Hill! The Suzuki Young Virtuosi string ensemble has been invited to perform in Notting Hill, London, England in January 2009. Led by Jennifer Johnson, this is our top level Suzuki students ranging from ages 11-17. On Saturday, June 21^st, 2:00 at St. David's Presbyterian Church on Elizabeth Avenue, they will play selections from Vivaldi's Four Seasons, Bach Double Violin Concerto, Paganini and more. Everyone is welcome to this free concert (donations will be gratefully accepted).

 

We are hoping to see many Suzuki families at the concert as well as a number of local music lovers. Jennifer Johnson and Co Co (playing solo) will be interviewed on CBC Radio ONE on the Weekend Arts Magazine on Saturday morning around 8:30. Please tune in.

Labels: announcements, concerts

Labels: announcements, concerts, groupclass

Hello STEP students, families and friends,
    Just a reminder that the deadline for applications for the Atlantic Canada Suzuki Institute is May 10th. Applications can be sent by mail or submitted during the May 10th group classes (there will be a table set up in the lobby for that purpose).
    This year we have the pleasure of having STEP alumni Jenny Press (violin) and Heather Tuach (cello) on our faculty. Violinist/violist Catherine Whelan will be returning to join our amazing local faculty which also includes Kristen Oliver and Andy Kao. This year we're also featuring a new program for children ages 0-3 to introduce them to the wonderful world of music.
    As always we'll be offering Suzuki group classes and lessons, ORFF, theory, choir, fiddle, chamber music, Orchestras and the Senior Student's Program.
    Brochures and Applications are available online at www.nfld.com/~step If you have any questions or comments about ACSI please email ACSI's director, Sean Conway, at seanjconway@gmail.com
Hope to see you there, June 30th -July 4th, 2008 at St. Paul's Junior High on Newfoundland Drive!

Labels: announcements, Atlantic Canada Suzuki Institute

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On behalf of Marie Wadden:

Due to the pre-emption of "Musicraft" on CBC radio, Saturday, February 10, the broadcast of STEP's 25th anniversary concert featuring Mark Fewer, Bill Brennan and Jim Vivian) will be rescheduled to March 9. Francesca Swann, the producer says it will be a lovely show that includes interviews with the performers and evidence of the importance of STEP to this community. Be sure to listen to that program on CBC Radio 1 on March 9 at 4:35 pm.

There will also be a NATIONAL broadcast of the same concert, Sunday, February 17, in the second half hour of "Canada Live" (8:30-10:30 pm) on CBC Radio 2. "Canada Live" has been promoting the concert with these words:

Mark Fewer began his journey with the violin as one of the first students in St. John's, Newfoundland, to learn the instrument using the Suzuki method. This year he returned to St. John's and helped the Suzuki Talent Education Programme celebrate its 25th anniversary when he joined two fellow Newfoundlanders: pianist Bill Brennan and double-bass player Jim Vivian, for a jazz concert called "Continuum".
For the past 2 years Mark Fewer has been Concertmaster of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Now he's teaching violin and improvisation on the faculty at McGill. With uncanny ease, Mark's playing straddles the classical and jazz worlds and this meeting of three friends, whose roots reach deep into the St. John's community, resulted in an evening of musical magic. The next generation of Suzuki students was cheering from the front seats!

Labels: announcements, Community Events, concerts, people

Dear STEP Parents and Friends:

This Sunday, November 25, STEP will occupy the Masonic Temple for 2
Fund Raising and Social Events:

1. Santa's String Cafe and STEP Open House 1 - 4 pm

2. Third Annual STEP Scuff 4 - 7 pm

Come One Come All
to whichever suits your schedule or fancy
and encourage friends to attend as well!

ELVES:

If your child would like to be an elf at Santa's String Cafe just
come along and join in.
There will be a Head Elf to guide you.
Elves can help by gift wrapping CDs, making tree ornaments (see
below), playing music, playing with children in attendance.
Santa will be there and loves to be surrounded by elves!

Santa's Workshop: Christmas Tree Ornamnent making

Colette will be teaching elves to crochet Christmas tree icicle
ornaments from wool so if you have any odds and ends of wool you'd
like to get rid of and/or a crochet hook please bring it along. We'll
be selling the ornaments as part of our fund raising efforts.

Elf Dress:

baggy shirt with biggest belt you can find but any belt will do
tights or leggings
slippers
an elfish hat if you have one
instrument (knock off your practice for the day at Santa's Cafe!)

COST:

There is no entry fee for the afternoon Cafe.
The Scuff is $5 at the door.
We are selling consumables; most things will be $1 or $2. Tea,
coffee, hot chocolate, juice, fruit, snacks.
These are fund raising events so bring extra change if you like for
consumables, 50:50 tickets, STEP Fiddler CDs ($15, a new run hot off
the press!).

Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday!

STEP Dance Committee: Sharon Hewitt, Colette Phillips, Janet Russell

Labels: announcements, Community Events, concerts

On behalf of Marie Wadden, 25th Anniversary Committee.

Dear fellow STEP members,

Less than 12 hours after his performance for us at the D.F. Cook Hall, Mark Fewer wrote this:

Greetings from Montreal - it's hard to believe I'm already back in my studio here. The past week is still vibrating heavily....

Congrats on a great production last night, and for all the efforts you and all put into the Celebrations for year 25. It was a very fun night for all. I can't wait to hear the broadcast of the show, it was such fun.

Again, congratulations. And a big thanks for presenting my mom with those beautiful flowers. She (and I) was really touched. Mark Fewer

What a consummate, professional and truly generous man! Mark did a week of publicity for the STEP program, the Master Class and the concert free of charge.

He is so right to thank "all" for the efforts that made his visit here such a success. Before I fell asleep last night, and it took awhile, I mentally replayed the many ways that our STEP family pulled together to make this such a great success.

I have to start with the students. They all arrived beautifully dressed, many in black and white so they were identifiable as STEP students, enthusiastic and ready to play. Their concert manners couldn't have been better. When they weren't performing, they sat in the front rows listening to Mark, Bill and Jim with rapt attention. If their attention did wander, they sat patiently, not disturbing the people behind them. They played extremely well and I heard many positive comments from the public about their professionalism. We could not ask for better ambassadors for our program. Congratulations to the students. You were all so GOOD.

Thank-you so much to the teachers who were able to attend. You deserved to relax and simply enjoy the show but instead, you helped tune up the students' violins and guide them through their play-in. I saw Julia Bowdring there, Evelyn Osborne, Nancy Case-Oates and Heather Kao. Thanks to you and anyone I may have missed. I am delighted that we can share the concert with those unable to attend, through the magic of radio in the New Year. I'll let you all know when to expect the Musicraft broadcast.

Parents - dear and wonderful parents. Thank-you to Anne Marie Carew and Michelle Ploughman who helped sell tickets and take them in at the door. Thank-you to Alistair Bath and Colette Philips who coordinated the students' play-in and kept everything under control in the instrument room. Thank-you also Alistair for helping liaison with the performers. Thank-you Piotr Trela for taking pictures and helping with some of the heavy work. Thank-you Catherine Lawton and our former administrator, Hsu-Hao, for helping to serve the cake.

THE CAKES: On Friday night Graham Hunt was struck by a car. His parents, our chair Jennifer Budden and her husband Bill Hunt, insisted on following through with their commitment to order 4 large cakes, with the STEP logo, and pick them up at Costco over the weekend, despite being in shock about their son's near fatal accident. I'm happy to report that Graham escaped without serious injury but was kept overnight in hospital as a precaution. In true STEP form, he attended the concert Sunday night with his parents!

Thank-you Kristina Szutor for hosting the event. You did so with such grace and elegance. I'm sure the low-lighting made it difficult to read your notes, although the audience would never know. And you never complained, although you had every right to, about some last minute changes to the program.

Thanks always to Valerie Howe, our volunteer treasurer, for handling the budget for this event, and to Heather Patey, our webmaster, for keeping us all so well informed.

Thanks also to Janet Russell who had the foresight to set up a table to sell STEP fiddle CDs, hand out brochures about our program (that she made herself), and ensure that our partnership with REAL, the city's program that enables students who could not otherwise afford the program, to do so.

To that end, I'd like to remind everyone of the fabulous event Janet has planned to raise money for the REAL STEP scholarship. On Sunday, even if the Santa Claus parade doesn't go ahead, we're all invited, with friends and family, to the Masonic Temple where Stan Pickett and Jane Rutherford will be teaching Newfoundland traditional dances. This is great exercise and great fun if you've not seen them in action before. Hot chocolate, chili and many other treats will be available. The event starts at 4 pm and concludes around 7 pm. It's just $5 at the door.

If you can help Janet with this event, please call her at 334-1054 (to bring cookies or help set up/ clean up). While it's important to get our children practicing at home, take them to their lessons; it's a great bonus if we can keep the program's Big Picture in mind (recruitment, community profile, charitable outreach) and this is a way to do that. Janet has ensured that we'll all have a great time on Sunday doing so.

cheers,

Marie Wadden

Labels: announcements, concerts

There's a wonderful story on us in The Telegram today, on the front of the Arts & Entertainment section...full page. Read and be proud.

And don't forget to tune in to CBC radio one for Weekend Arts Magazine, to hear Mark Fewer and his mother talk about those early practice sessions. Mark was one of the first students in the programs 25 years ago and says he wouldn't be where he is today without STEP and his mom.

See you all at group class on Saturday morning and at the concert Sunday night. Discounted tickets will be available this Saturday morning. Get them quick... we may be sold out at the door.

25th anniversary committee

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On Sunday evening, Nov. 18, 7:30 PM, at the D.F. Cook Recital Hall, we're going to be serving cake and punch to celebrate STEP's 25th birthday. Be part of the celebrations!

If you are a student and would like to play (as people arrive for the Mark Fewer concert and during intermission), you can attend the concert for FREE. We're reserving front row seats for our students. Teachers will be there for tune-up and direction. (ADDENDUM: Please come at 7:00 to tune up!) We'd like you to wear black pants or skirt and a white shirt, so you'll stand out in the crowd. (Younger students may want to leave at intermission, after we've served cake, since it is a school night.)

Teachers are invited to the concert free of charge since this is a celebration of their hard work.

(Parents and partners, however, will be asked to support the event by buying a ticket. If you missed the chance to buy discounted tickets at the last group class, you'll be given another opportunity at the November 17 class. We can only accept cash or cheques. $15 or $12 for students and seniors. Regular priced tickets are available at Freds, Auntie Craes and Bennington Gate.)

This will be a gala evening and our children will get the privilege of hearing from Mark in person how his years in the program have given him a fabulous career, as a performer, concert master for the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, and now, as a teacher at McGill University. We'll find an opportunity during the evening to honour his mom who was an early parent in the program.

Please support this important anniversary for our program.

thanks, 25th anniversary committee

Labels: announcements, Community Events, concerts, fundraising

Discounted tickets for the Mark Fewer, Bill Brennan and Jim Vivian
concert will be sold at group classes Nov. 3rd and 17th. This will be a
beautiful concert and will take place Sunday evening, November 18 at
the D.F. Cook Hall. The repertoire will be light classical and jazz
from three of this country's finest musicians. It will also be the
centrepiece of our 25th anniversary celebration. We will be
reserving free seats for children who want to bring their instruments
and play at the opening of the recital and during intermission. We'll
also have a large cake to serve! Please support this event as STEP
will be incurring costs and hopes to recoup those costs and maybe
even make a small profit. We want at least 200 people in attendance
and if we get twice as many, we'll be delighted.

If you buy your tickets elsewhere the price will be $20 for
adults and $15 for students and seniors. On Saturday we are offering
the tickets for $15 and $12, a substantial saving.

Please bring cash and or cheques because we won't have a visa or
debit machine available.

thank-you,
STEP anniversary committee

Labels: announcements, concerts, fundraising

The rehearsals for the Graduation Concert will take place this coming Saturday, October 27 at St. David's Church. Arrive a few minutes early for your group so you can start on time and enter quietly as there will most likely be another group rehearsing just before you. Times are as follows. Names are omitted from this web post, but are included in the email parents and teachers received: you know who you are!

• 9:00 Violin Book 5-Jennifer Johnson
• 9:15 Violin Book 4-Jennifer Johnson/Evelyn Osborne
• 9:45 Violin Book 3-Evelyn Osborne
• 10:15 Twinkle Violin-Evelyn Osborne
• 10:30 Violin Book 2-Sean Conway
• 11:00 Cello Twinkle-Matthew March
• 11:15 Cello Book 4-Matthew March

The concert itself on Sunday, October 28th will begin at 1:30, tune-up at 1:00. Congratulations to all graduates!

Labels: announcements, concerts, groupclass

Registrations are now being accepted for Young Folk at the Hall! The Newfoundland & Labrador Folk Arts Council is pleased to announce that plans are now being made to hold the annual Young Folk at the Hall event in January 2008. Fergus O'Byrne has asked that we send out the information and link to the registration form. Space is extremely limited and he already has many children signed up from last year. Therefore, it is very important to register early. Please fill out the application form on the NLFAC website (click here) and return by email or regular mail to the address provided. It's going to be another great year for the Young Folk! Don't miss it... sign up now!

Labels: announcements, Community Events

Lady Cove Women's Choir has become an integral part of the vibrant choral community in Newfoundland and Labrador. As a community choir it believes in fostering and supporting talented developing musicians, and therefore is very pleased to announce the establishment of the Lady Cove Women's Choir Bursary. Every year, Lady Cove will present $1,000 to a developing musician from Newfoundland and Labrador in the age group of 15 to 20 to support and encourage that young person's music education. The bursary may be used for travel to a music program, participation in a music festival, lessons or private instruction, tuition or any other music educational activity deemed to be necessary to further one's musical growth and experience. The deadline for applications is November 15. Applications can be found at local schools, music stores, or can be downloaded from our website, www.ladycove.ca . For more information please email ladycove@ca.inter.net .

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The Group Class Schedule is now online! Links can be found on the home page or the Reference page, or right here:

http://www.nfld.com/~step/documents/Group_Class_Schedule_Fall_2007.pdf

See you all Saturday!

Labels: administration, announcements, documents, groupclass

STEP Orchestras will be having their first rehearsal at St. David's Church on Tuesday, September 25th. The Junior Orchestra will be lead by Scott Chancey from 4pm to 5pm in the Sanctuary. The Senior Orchestra (replacing the previously separate Intermediate and Senior orchestras) will be lead by Sean Conway from 4pm to 5:30pm on the stage at St. David's. Please arrive by 3:45 to allow time for tuning and set-up. Bring along a music stand and a pencil.

If you have already registered, thank you. There will be a sign-in sheet available for you to check and confirm your attendance. For those who have not yet registered, please do come along to the first rehearsal. You may add your name to the sign-in sheet and pass in your registration form and payment(s) to Sean Conway before the start of rehearsal.

Please note that pre-requisite for Orchestra is mid-Book 2 Suzuki or equivalent. Placement in Junior and Senior Orchestras is based on age, ensemble experience and playing level and is at the discretion of ensemble directors.

If you have any questions, please contact Sean Conway at seanjconway@gmail.com or 754-6710. Sean will be out of town from the 17th-22nd but can be reached via email during that time.

Labels: announcements, groupclass, orchestra

Fall is fast approaching and STEP is gearing up for the 2007-08
Program. Our annual fall Registration Session and Play-in for all
families will be held on Saturday, September 8th at St. David's
Church at 98 Elizabeth Avenue. Come with your instrument to tune up
at 9:30 for a 10:00 play-in, and the registration desk will be open
from 9am to 12pm.

For those families who have not yet registered, please complete the
registration form you would have received by mail earlier this summer
and bring it along with your payment(s). There will be a table set
up to answer any questions and to take your forms and payment(s) for
the new year. If you do not have a form, we will have some on hand
for you to complete, or you can fill it out ahead of time by
downloading it from

http://www.nfld.com/~step/documents/New_Student_STEP_Registration_Form_2007.pdf

(requires Acrobat Reader).

WARNING: if your forms are not submitted by noon on September 8th,
you are not only liable for a late fee but you are not guaranteed to
be able to take the classes of your choice. Help us get everyone's
schedules in order smoothly and efficiently by making sure we have
YOUR completed forms by Saturday.

For those families who have already returned your registration forms,
thanks so much for giving us a head start on planning! Please ensure
that you deliver any outstanding fee payments to the Registration
table on Saturday as well.

The group class schedules will be e-mailed and posted to the website
a few days before the first Group Class Day, September 22nd. The
dates for Group Classes and Concerts are posted to the website
already on the "Reference for Members" page:

http://www.nfld.com/~step/reference.htm

Following the play-in, there will be a social and a chance to catch
up with everyone on their summer fun. Coffee, tea, and juice will be
provided; please bring a light snack to share. See you there!

Labels: administration, announcements, groupclass, requests

Good Day Graduates,

Just as a follow up to Evelyn's helpful reminder at the group class concert, if you haven't started thinking about graduation tapes, now's the time to do it! The deadline for tape submission is June 30th, 2007. Please see 'Graduation Requirements' at http://www.nfld.com/~step/Graduation_Requirements.pdf   for guidelines regarding your eligibility to graduate. Graduation level for violin, viola and cello are listed in this document along with the old graduation requirements.

There have been some modifications made to violin graduation requirements, with no changes to cello at this time. Both the new and old requirements will be accepted this year.

New violin graduation requirements are:

Books 1-4: No changes were made to these requirements.

Book 5: Perform frst violin of Bach's Double Violin concerto
Tape: Vivaldi g minor 1st movement
         One slow movement of either the g minor or a minor Vivaldi concerti
         Veracini Sonata
         Country Dance

Book 6: Perform own choice of Handel, or Handel Sonata in F, second movement, if there are enough graduates
Tape: Handel Sonata - any two movements

Book 7: Tape Bach Concerto - fast and slow movement and one movement of the Mozart Sonata. Discuss which piece you'd like to perform for the graduation recital with your teacher

Book 8: Tape two movements of the Veracini and one movement of the solo Bach (Gavotte from E major is suggsted). Discuss which piece you'd like to perform for the graduation recital with your teacher

Book 9: Tape and perform Romanian Dances

Book 10: Tape and perform Praeludium and Allegro

The above new requirements will be posted to the website soon, keep an eye out for it in the 'reference for members' section of our website.

Tapes should be submitted to your teachers, or to Tzu-Hao at the STEP office, suite 312, Arts and Culture Centre. Office is open 9 to 5 Monday to Friday, or you may call for an appointment for a more convenient time.

Thank you for the great work at the group concert!

Regards,
Tzu

--
Tzu-Hao Hsu, B. Comm (Co-op)
Program Administrator,
Suzuki Talent Education Program (STEP)
P.O. Box 23182
Churchill Square
St. John's, NL A1B 4J9
Tel: (709) 691-2545
step@nfld.com, suzukinl@gmail.com
http://www.nfld.com/~step

Labels: announcements, requests

1) For those solo concerts performers who haven't found out their rehearsal time:

10am – Christina's students

10:30 am – Jennifer's students

11:20am – Nancy & Sandra's students

11:40 – Evelyn's students

12:30 – Sean's students

Rehearsal's taking place at St. David's Presbyterian, and please arrive and be ready to play at the above times to avoid running late. Thank you!

2) Reminder that STEP's open house and Scuff are taking place tomorrow, April 28th, at the Masonic Temple. Open house will be from 11am to 4pm, and Scuff's door opens at 8pm with beginner instruction at 9pm. Come and show your support for the program, bring a few friends, and have a great time!

3) General meeting: Just a reminder that the general meeting for STEP is taking place at St. David's Presbyterian on Monday, April 30th, starting at 7pm. There will be a Q&A session after and refreshments will be provided. Please make every effort to come as there are some exciting news from the board!

4) There have been some concerns regarding punctuality at group classes recently.  While we can all appreciate occasional lateness due to inevitable circumstances, late arrivals are disruptive to students, parents and teachers. Please remember to observe standard concert courtesy if you arrive late at a class, and enter when there is an appropriate break in instructions to minimize distraction. If you happen to arrive shortly after the tuning period, please ask the accompanist to discreetly tune your instrument; if you happen to arrive well into the lesson, we ask that you opt to observe that day, and obtain earlier notes from a fellow parent or the teacher after the class. Thank you for your consideration and respect for your fellow classmates and teachers!

5) Scholarship alert! Steven Woodcock Memorial, established in memory of our dear friend and luthier, is valued at $100 and is given to a string student who shows promise in Kiwanis Festival. Theo Stylianides, a member of Christina Smith's Veracini class (the same class that volunteered for a concert at Chancellor Park and got amazing reviews from the residents!), was the winner of the award this year! We are very proud of you, Theo, and congratulations again for winning this award!

Labels: administration, announcements, Community Events, concerts, fundraising, people, requests

STEP String Program hosts
Open House
for
Prospective Parents and Teacher Trainees

Are you the parent of a child between the ages of 0 and 9
and interested in their early music education?

Or are you a string player/teacher
interested in becoming a Suzuki trained string teacher?

If you are either of the above, you are invited to the Masonic Temple this Saturday where you can find out more about a St. John's based String Education Program based on the teachings of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki.

Suzuki String Program Open House: The Suzuki Talent Education Program (STEP) will host an Open House this Saturday, April 28 about what the STEP String Program and the associated Atlantic Canada Suzuki Institute (ACSI) have to offer parents of young children and interested string instructors.

• From 11 am to 12 pm: Christina Smith, folk artist and STEP faculty member, will lead a visiting fiddling group from Makkovik in a fiddling workshop.
• Beginning at 1:30pm and ending at 3pm, Evelyn Osborne, STEP's Artistic Director, will lead group classes in their lessons as a demonstration of STEP curriculum.

Both of these events are open for visitors to observe, and an information booth will be available throughout the day, providing brochures and facts about the program and the Atlantic Canada Suzuki Institute. Nurtured by Love, a documentary on the life and philosophy of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, Suzuki method's founder, will be aired continuously as a part of the booth presentation.

In addition to the open house, the annual STEP Scuff, also at the Masonic Temple ($5 at the door), opens at 8 pm, with beginner instruction in traditional Newfoundland Set Dances starting at 9pm. The STEP Scuff is a program Scholarship Fund Raiser, and an excellent opportunity to meet parents currently in the STEP program.

When & Where: Saturday, April 28^th, 11am to 4pm; Masonic Temple, Cathedral Street, St. John's

STEP String Program (http://www.nfld.com/~step)

The Suzuki Talent Education Program (STEP) is a non-profit music education and performing arts organization based on the teachings of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki. STEP provides music education in the area of string playing and orchestra and ensemble playing as well as teacher training and the delivery of the Atlantic Canada Suzuki Institute Camp each spring. Run by volunteers with the help of paid professional music educators, the STEP Program was founded in St. John's in 1982 and is a registered charity. STEP will celebrate its 25^th anniversary 2007/2008.

Atlantic Canada Suzuki Institute (ACSI) (http://www.nfld.com/~step/acsi.htm)

Sponsored by STEP, ACSI is the only annual Canadian summer institute east of Montreal that is recognized by the Suzuki Association of the Americas. The institute is a week long intensive music camp. This year in addition to our established programs for string students we are offering Early Childhood Music Education (for children from 0-4 years of age). This program is non-instrument specific and focuses on rhythm and listening.

We also offer instruction for violin, viola and cello students of varying degrees of skills, providing both individual and group lessons, ensemble playing opportunities, as well as a teacher training program for eligible candidates. The institute features a mix of local and imported internationally renowned instructors.

When & where: The ACSI Camp runs daily at St. Paul's School, Newfoundland Drive, St. John's from June 24 to June 30. The registration deadline is May 12^th, 2007.

Suzuki Early Childhood Education

This program is designed for parents and young children (0-4 years old). ECE consists of daily 60 minute classes, during which parents and children sing, move and interact with instruments and other students. Suzuki ECE creates a nurturing environment which enhances the strong bonds between parent and children through music and development of early skills such as listening, a sense of rhythm/movement as well as socialization and a willingness to participate. Instruments are not required for this class but parents are essential! Included in the fee is a CD that will be provided in advance of the start of the program.

Beginner Blitz: Violin and Cello

This week-long program is open to children from 5 to 9 years of age who would like to begin the process of learning the violin or cello. Children younger than 5 that have a sibling currently enrolled in the Suzuki program may be admitted at the Institute Director's discretion. Each child is required to bring his/her own instrument. A parent must be present during the program. Both the parent and child will participate in the various aspects of learning to play a stringed instrument through group classes, musical activities and individual instruction. A parent-training session is included to explain the Suzuki philosophy and how to practice with your child.

Contact Information

Labels: administration, announcements, Community Events

Second Annual STEP Scuff Scholarship Fund raiser, April 28, 2007

When: Saturday, April 28, starts with instruction for beginners at 9:00 pm; Doors open 8:00 pm

Where: Masonic Temple: Main entrance Cathedral St., St. John's; Stairless Access around the back from Willicott's Lane off Gower St.

What: Traditional Newfoundland Set Dancing

Who: Music by Geoff Panting and surprise guests; Dance calling and instruction by Jane Rutherford

For Whom: All Dancers of any or no experience Welcome.

Cost: $5.00 at the Door. Cash Bar; 50:50 Draw and Grand Prize Tickets for sale

Sponsor: STEP String Program; a St. John's based music education and performance program based on the methods of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki. STEP (Suzuki Talent Education Program) is a registered charity.

Objectives: 1. To have a great Scuff and 2. to raise money for the STEP Scholarship Fund: STEP is developing a full tuition Scholarship to be administered by the R.E.A.L .Program starting in Fall 2007. Donations to Fund of $20 + will receive tax receipt.

Jane Rutherford has been dancing, calling and teaching with folk dance groups for 20 years. She has performed at festivals, concerts, and special events in Newfoundland, Quebec, Ontario, St. Pierre and north eastern United States. She's been a staff member for the past three years teaching traditional Newfoundland dance at Vinland Music Camp (www.vinlandmusic.ca ) in Gros Morne National Park and is currently working on contract with Vinland Music to create a teaching resource on Newfoundland dance for schools in the province.

Geoff Panting is a well known St. John's pianist, accordionist, one of the ubiquitous Panting Brothers and widely known from his days with the band Rawlins Cross.

STEP String Program (http://www.nfld.com/~step) The Suzuki Talent Education Program (STEP) is a non-profit Music Education and Performing Arts Organization based on the teachings of Dr. Shin'ichi Suzuki. It provides music education in the area of string playing and orchestra and ensemble playing as well as teacher training and the delivery of the Atlantic Canada Suzuki Institute Camp each spring. Run by volunteers with the help of paid professional music educators, the STEP Program was founded in St. John's in 1982 and is a registered charity. STEP will celebrate its 25th anniversary 2007/2008.

The R.E.A.L (Recreation Experiences and Leisure) Program (http://www.stjohns.ca/cityservices/recreation/real/index.jsp): A Program with a mandate to provide recreation and leisure opportunities through the provision of program and financial assistance to children and youth who, due to financial circumstances, are unable to participate in registered activities. The R.E.A.L. Program has agreed to administer a fully paid long-term placement in the Suzuki String Program on STEP's behalf beginning in fall 2007.

Contact Information: STEP Tel: (709) 691-2545 Email: suzukinl@gmail.com

Labels: announcements, Community Events, fundraising

You're invited to attend STEP's general meeting, scheduled to take place on Monday, April 30th, 7 to 8:30pm, in the sanctuary of St. David's Presbyterian Church on Elizabeth Avenue.

Topics on the agenda include Chair's Address, Artistic Director's Report, and financial report from Valerie Howe, our out-going Treasurer. In addition, a presentation of the survey results will be made. Refreshments will be provided, and there will be a Q&A and social session after the meeting for you to provide feedbacks.

Please make every effort to attend this meeting as the board has been undertaking some exciting projects that we'd like to tell you about, and with the upcoming anniversary it's important for our members to be informed! Kindly RSVP to confirm your attendance.

Labels: administration, announcements, news

Unfortunately, members of the Tokai String Quartet were unable to perform in concert yesterday evening due to delays caused by storms. The concert has been rescheduled for Sunday, March 18th, at 8pm at Music School's Petro Canada Hall. Again, this is an excellent opportunity to observe a professional chamber ensemble at work, and show our support for a program alumnus, Mr. Rafael Hoekman, cellist of the ensemble. Hope to see some, if not all of you, there tonight!

Labels: announcements, Community Events, concerts, people

Due to delays caused by weather difficulties in the Halifax region, Mr. Rafael Hoekman's masterclass, originally scheduled for 12 to 2pm Saturday at St. David's Presbyterian Church, has been cancelled. There is possibilities of the event being rescheduled for sometime Sunday, and an update will be provided to you as information becomes available. Thank you for your patience everyone.

Labels: announcements, groupclass, people

Good Day All,

Toronto-based Tokai String Quartet is one of Canada's most promising, upcoming chamber ensemble, and will appear in concert at DF Cook Recital this not Saturday evening, but Sunday evening at 8pm. Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for students, children and seniors. The quartet is on tour in the Atlantic Provinces with support from the Debut Atlantic Series, and is sure to present a spectacular program to us. For more information on them please visit their Website at: http://tokai.wellington-music.com/.

As a point of interest, Mr. Rafael Hoekman, cellist of the quartet, is a Suzuki program alumnus! Rafael (or Raffie, as he's affectionately known to some of our teachers) has kindly volunteered to give current students in the program a master class on tomorrow from 12 to 2pm at St. David's Presbyterian Church on Elizabeth Avenue. The event is free for spectators, and will be a fantastic opportunity to observe a professional cellist at work. It will also show support for a returning alumnus, who's very excited to perform for the home town crowd! Masterclass cancelled due to a delayed flight.

Both of these events will be very educational to students in the program and I strongly encourage the participation of all members and friends.

Labels: announcements, Community Events, concerts, people

We're preparing once more for the Atlantic Canada Suzuki Institute, which is scheduled for June 25th-29th, 2007. Brochures and applications will be available soon; ask your child's private teacher for them, or you can pick them up during the next group class (March 24). They will be available on the website by that time as well. Don't miss it - yet another great start to summer holidays is in the works!

Labels: announcements, Atlantic Canada Suzuki Institute

A message from Christina:

If you are interested in some Alexander lessons, Trevor Allan Davies will be returning to St. John's from March 20 to 30! Classes will be held at 16 Maxse St., and cost $50.00. For more information or to book lessons, please email Christina Smith at csmith@nfld.com, or telephone 576-0359.

Space is limited, so you're encouraged to contact Christina ASAP.

Links:

• http://www.trevorallandavies.org/
• http://www.ati-net.com/ati-artl.php
• http://www.alexandercenter.com/pa/

Labels: announcements, Community Events, people

Press Release March 13, 2007 For immediate release:

St. John's, NL - Successful Alumnus Gives Back to St. John's String Program: Raphael Hoekman of visiting Tokai String Quartet to Give Master Class to Alma Mater

Raphael Hoekman, cellist of the Toronto-based Tokai String Quartet, will perform with the Tokai Quartet at the D. F. Cook Recital Hall, St. John's, March 17th, 2007. The same day, Hoekman, a native of St. John's and alumnus of the STEP String Program, will give a Master Class on cello and chamber music to some current STEP students. For Hoekman, this is an exciting opportunity to give back to the program that formed his musical foundation. Hoekman first experienced Chamber Music at a STEP Summer Camp and studied with STEP teacher Christina Smith until the age of 16.

"I use my Suzuki training every day!.. growing up in a geographically isolated place like St. John's is never easy if you want to learn a special skill, so the existence of a specialized grass roots type of organization like STEP is imperative for a community to be able to give a young person the chance to become a professional musician. ... it certainly is long overdue to pay tribute to that organization where I got my very first musical training." - Rafael Hoekman

Raphael Hoekman

A string student since the age of 3, Hoekman, praised by the Toronto Star for his "spirited and fiery performance," is a founding member of the up and coming Tokai String Quartet. As a soloist Hoekman first distinguished himself by winning first place in the 1988 Orford International Competition. He has appeared as feature soloist with various orchestras, including the Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra. Hoekman is also the principal cellist of the Toronto Sinfonia and in demand as a Teacher.

Tokai String Quartet ( http://www.tokaiquartet.com )

Formed in August 2002, the Tokai Quartet is quickly becoming one of Canada's most promising chamber groups. They are touring the Atlantic provinces this spring with the Debut Atlantic Recital Series.

STEP String Program (http://www.nfld.com/~step)

The Suzuki Talent Education Program (STEP) is a non-profit Music Education and Performing Arts Organization based on the teachings of Dr. Shin'ichi Suzuki. It provides music education in the area of string playing and orchestra and ensemble playing as well as teacher training and the delivery of the Atlantic Canada Suzuki Institute Camp each spring. Run by volunteers with the help of paid professional music educators, the STEP Program was founded in St. John's in 1982 and is a registered charity. STEP will celebrate its 25th anniversary during the 2007/2008 year.

Master Class Venue:

St. David's Presbyterian Church, Elizabeth Ave., 12 to 2pm, March 17, 2007. The Class provides an excellent opportunity for media to observe a Professional Cellist taking time to share his knowledge with young players from his local Alma Mater.

Contact Information:

Rafael Hoekman: Raphael is on tour at the moment but can be reached through the Tokai Quartet violist's (Yosef Tamir-Smirnoff's) cell: (416) 875-9225 hoekman@hotmail.com

Evelyn Osborne (STEP Artistic Director) evelyn_osborne@yahoo.com

Tzu-Hao Hsu (STEP Program Administrator) (709) 691-2545 suzukinl@gmail.com

Labels: announcements, Community Events, groupclass, people

On behalf of Evelyn, our Artistic Director:

Next year is the 25^th anniversary of STEP! I can't believe that I was here at the beginning playing away on Twinkle Twinkle Little Star! And I still play it almost everyday!!! What a beautiful piece of music to live life by!

We're hoping to plan many events for the upcoming Anniversary year 2006/2007, not the least of which will be the return of an alumnus, Mark Fewer, now an internationally acclaimed violinist. He will be playing with the NSO in November and has kindly agreed to be a part of events for us. Please check out his bio at the Vancouver Symphony where another one of our alumni also is a member, Jennie Press.

There are also many other exciting offers and opportunities for events for our students in the upcoming anniversary year.

To make these events happen and our year special WE NEED YOUR HELP NOW! The time for organizing and brainstorming of events is nigh; please volunteer now and we can make a great year of events. We need lots of people to make this happen so that a few aren't overworked!

If you're interested in volunteering for anniversary events, please let us know; we need general volunteers as well as a few people to help set up a committee to oversee the preparations and successful launching of events.

Show your STEP spirit and please email stepanniversary@yahoo.ca to indicate your interest. Also please send along any ideas you have!

Sincerely,
Evelyn Osborne, Artistic Director.

Please show your support and get involved with the anniversary planning, it will be a fantastic year for us all, and even more perfect with your enthusiasm and help. :)

Labels: administration, announcements, news, requests

Let's give a big round of applause for the STEP Fiddlers and STEP Senior Orchestra! Both groups competed in the Group Rose Bowl events last night, and thank-you to Christina Smith and Kellie Walsh for their excellent leadership in helping our two ensembles achieve marks of 90% in their preliminaries! Kellie Walsh, our Orchestra Director, is also the director of the Rose Bowl winning St. Bonaventure College Girls' Choir. The group received a 92 in their class earlier this week, and a couple of our students also participate in this group's activities! Other STEP ensembles also received amazing marks in the Festival, with the Intermediate Orchestra scoring 88%, Junior Orchestra scoring 88% and Émile Benoît Fiddle Class a 90%!

Again, we're interested in publishing individual achievements in the Festival, so if you'd like to send in your results by Monday, March 12th, we'll make sure you're recognized in our next newsletter, coming very soon.

Thanks again everyone! Students, for your talent and passion; parents, for your dedication and patience; and teachers, for your leadership and devotion to your craft. Congratulations, you've once again done STEP proud.

Labels: announcements, Community Events, news, requests

Congratulations to the STEP Fiddlers and the STEP Senior Orchestra for earning places in the Kiwanis Rose Bowl Competition! The concert is tomorrow night (Thursday March 7th) at the Arts and Culture Centre, so please come out and applaud our hard-working young musicians. Many thanks to Kellie and Christina for their leadership, and GOOD LUCK to all!

We are very interested in hearing about how the rest of our students did in the Kiwanis. We truly have a very talented community of young and gifted musicians, and it would for be great for everyone to share the news! If you've taken part, please send in your name, instrument (not just strings!) and placement, and we'll acknowledge everyone's accomplishments in this year's Festival in our next newsletter, which is coming very soon.

Great job everybody, hope you all had fun during the Festival!

Labels: announcements, Community Events, concerts, news, people, requests

We're cancelling classes today due to nasty weather. The next class-day is March 24th. See you all then!

Labels: announcements, groupclass

Sent on behalf of the multi-talented Evelyn Osborne, who performs in the show.

ANNOUNCING... the fantastic circus show that myself and several other talented local variety performers will be launching (FOR ONE DAY ONLY) at the LSPU Hall on Victoria Street this coming Sunday, Feb. 25th. It has been directed by Gentleman Juggler James Burke, and stars many of the performers you might recognize from busking, school shows, The Wonderbolt Circus and more.

I really encourage you to come out and see it. Bring your friends, bring your family. Bring your kids, bring your parents. See arts such as magic, juggling, hula-hooping, unicycling, poi, clowning, and more, mixed with exceptional live music, and woven into a fairy tale about learning to see past the limitations that so often cloud our vision, into a world of truly magical possibilities.

It's The Ringmaster's Attic. Show you support Variety arts, and come see for yourself how strong local performers in this field have become! This is our first major show as Go Big Productions, so we're counting on seeing you there! There MAY even be a Beni Malone cameo!

The cost is $5 for kids, $7 for students and seniors, and $10 for adults. Two showings: at 3:00 and at 8:00. If you wish to reserve tickets, call the LSPU Hall at: 753-4531. For more info, email theringmastersattic@gmail.com.

Labels: announcements, Community Events, concerts, people

Our second solo concert of the year is happening this Sunday! The date is Feb 18th, starting at 1:15pm (please note this concert starts earlier than normal solo concerts and arrive on time!), at St. David's Presbyterian Church on Elizabeth Avenue. Please bring a tray of cookies or some kind of light refreshment for your friends and family to enjoy, and see you all there!

Labels: announcements, concerts

(Posted by request of Evelyn, our Artistic Director.)

Empire Theatres is proud to present the experience and excitement of the Metropolitan Opera Live in High Definition on the Big Screen. These are one day only performances; seating is limited. Don't miss your chance to experience world class opera at your neighbourhood Empire Theatres location.

Admission prices:
Adult: $17.95 + tax
Children and Senior: $14.95 + tax

Dates:

Saturday February 24: Tchaikovsky - Eugene Onegin
Saturday March 24: Rossini - The Barber Of Seville
Saturday April 28: Puccini - Il Trittico

All performances in St. John's are at 3:00 PM.

Labels: announcements, Community Events, concerts