Letter to Parents: Making Music This Summer at Yamaha
Making Music This Summer at Yamaha, by Lead Teacher Sarah Lee Corrigan
Hello Parents!
Now that the warmer weather has arrived (finally!), it is time to think about summer programs and what the Yamaha School has to offer. As you begin to make your summer plans, please keep your children and their musical education in mind. Two months (which seems all too short), is a very long time to go without any continuation in their studies. I have found that many students excel during the more relaxed atmosphere of the summer, and it is a wonderful time to play "catch up" if you feel you've fallen behind. It is also a time to continue the progress that you have all made during the school year.
This year we are offering a myriad of classes as well as our first ever Yamaha Summer Music Day Camp. Many of you have already enrolled your children in different types of camps throughout the warmer months and you may already be familiar with the fun and learning that these day camps can provide to your children. This is year our camp will take place during the first week of July, between 9:00 am and 12:00 pm. Your children will be able to participate in a keyboard class, as well as a drumming and yoga class. Please visit www.rhythmkids.com, if you would like more information about the fabulous drumming instructor that we are fortunate to have this year. All children will be grouped accordingly, and please note that children not involved in the Yamaha program are also invited to attend the week-long camp. We encourage you to invite any other friends and family!!
The school is also offering other options for your children. Our classes this year 
provide an incredible way to continue music learning even away from the keyboard. It is a pleasant atmosphere of music making as well as exposure to music our children often do not get throughout the year. Please consider the following options, Broadway Bound, Exploring the Orchestra, or the Opera Workshop.
The very po
pular Broadway Bound class is also being offered this summer and is a fun introduction to a group vocal class. Please note however, that this class is only open to children of certain ages. Children in the Exploring the Orchestra class will be learning about one of the most beloved pieces in the orchestra repertoire, The Carnival of the Animals. Students (and parents!), will gain more knowledge of the piece through singing and playing, as well as instrumental demonstrations, discussions, and of course exploring through listening to this wonderful piece. Children will be discussing elements of composition as well as performing and conducting. New this year is the Opera Workshop, which is a tremendous way to introduce your child to the opera. Children will learn the story of Hansel and Gretel, learn two songs, and be involved in acting and crafts as well.
Parents the summer is not only for your children! Keyboard Encounters is also offering a summer workshop of 3 Group classes and 3 private lessons. This is a fabulous opportunity to begin your very own music learning for your own enjoyment. During these classes you will be learning one piece of your own as well as one duet. Each class will be in a workshop environment and very casual. The final class will include special performances from each student.
As always, private lessons are also offered throughout the summer. Please check with your individual teacher as to when they may be available. Private lessons are offered to students currently enrolled as private students, and also to students in the group classes. This is a relaxed way to keep up with music learning if you are unable to attend the classes during the summer. Of course it is highly recommended that if possible you sign up for a class as well as private lessons. These supplemental lessons are an excellent way to hone the children's skills on the keyboard, along with a time for music theory and ear training.
To parents of JXC and YMC graduates as well as current JSAC students, please speak with your teacher about the Grade 9 Workshop that will be offered this summer. The class will be an intensive keyboard class that will prepare parents and children for the upcoming Grade 9 Exam in the fall.
Please visit the front desk for more information about each program and to sign up for the summer session soon! You can also enroll online by clicking here. The registration deadline is June 5. Please be aware that although you can register after June 5, there will be a $35.00 late fee applied, or the class may be filled! Please feel free to ask your teacher for more questions about any of these programs. Also, do not hesitate to email me at slcorrigan@gmail.com. I would welcome any questions you may have.
I look forward to seeing you all this summer!!!
Sarah Lee Corrigan