Atlantic Canada Suzuki Institute 2007

ACSI 2007 Logo
June 24th - June 30th
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
St. Paul's Elementary School, Newfoundland Drive
(see Googlemap)
Approved by
The Suzuki Association of the Americas

The Institute is a week-long program that combines intense study, practice and performance with other music-related activities and recreational events for a fun and challenging musical experience. It is open to any violin, viola or cello student studying the Suzuki repertoire. Students not enrolled in the Suzuki Program are welcomed with recommendation from teacher.

Students will participate in daily lessons, group classes, play-ins, Orff (if not enrolled in orchestra), choir and solo recitals according to their level of advancement. The Suzuki method of instruction will be observed in all lessons, group classes and play-ins.

A parent or other adult must attend lessons and group classes with students registered for Pre-Twinkle through Book 2 classes. Parents of older students, while not required, are encouraged to attend sessions with their children.

ACSI Student Application Form (PDF)

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. The parent-training session will be waived if the parent wishes to enroll in Every Child Can© and a special rebate will be available to these applicants (please see section on Every Child Can© below for details).

Poster for Beginner Blitz (JPG format)

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.

Poster for Early Childhood Program (JPG format)

Every Child Can©

Every Child Can© is an introduction to Dr. Suzuki's philosophy and its application to Suzuki Education. For parents, teachers, prospective teachers and others, this course provides an inspiring, in-depth look at the Suzuki approach to teaching and learning. For teachers, ECC serves as the first course in the SAA's teacher development program. In addition to exploring the elements of the Suzuki approach and its far-reaching goals, it includes an introduction to learning styles, history of the development of Suzuki education, the role of parents, the importance of Suzuki pedagogical training, and an overview of the SAA's role in supporting teachers and parents. A fastpaced, engaging and inspiring program, ECC includes video materials and SAA developed courseware, and provides each participant with useful reference materials (manuals) for later study.

ECC is a 6 hour course that will be taught by Catherine Walker on Sunday, June 24th. It is required for all new Suzuki teachers, but open to non-teachers, prospective teachers, and parents. The course is not instrument-specific and no previous musical knowledge is required for non-teacher participants.

Parents of children who are registering for our Beginner Blitz program will receive a $40.00 rebate if they choose to enroll in Every Child Can© in lieu of the parent training session provided with the Beginner Blitz program (please contact the director at seanjconway@gmail.com for more details).

The ACSI Senior Students' Program

This program, formerly known as the Atlantic Canada Chamber Music Institute, is designed for violin, viola and cello students who have achieved a playing level of at least mid-book 5 or the equivalent. This program is open to students from the Suzuki program and students meeting the above requirement.

Students will participate in a small chamber group (quartet, trio, etc.) with other senior students and receive coaching from experienced chamber musicians. Students will also take part in daily rehearsals for senior orchestra and receive individual lessons. Students enrolled in the Senior Students Program are welcome to enroll in the fiddle and viola classes offered at the Institute. Each student will also be given the opportunity to perform a solo during one of the Institutes daily concerts.

Pre-established senior chamber ensembles are welcome to apply or individuals may apply and will be paired with other senior students of similar ability.

Student Programs will run from June 25th-June 30th.

String Orchestra / Body Mapping

ACSI offers a string orchestra program for violinists, violists and cellists providing experience in ensemble playing and performance. The program offers a daily rehearsal with an exciting conductor finishing with a performance at the end of the Institute. The Senior String Orchestra also includes a 30-minute session of Body Mapping, taught by Jennifer Johnson. Through an understanding of movement and the body, students learn to prevent pain and injury while at the same time increasing facility on their instrument.

ACSI Orchestra is open to string students in Book 2 up to Book 5. The Senior String Orchestra and Body Mapping is available to students enrolled in the Senior Student's Program and A CSJ students who meet the requirements for the Senior Orchestra.

Fiddle

A Fiddle program is offered for violin, viola and cello students. Students will be placed in group classes based on their level of experience. This program consists of instruction of traditional Newfoundland fiddle music in a daily group class and performance at one of the Institutes final concerts.

Only students in late-Book 1 or higher may enroll for these classes.

Chamber Music

This program consists of a daily coaching session with a chamber music coach (30 minutes for students not enrolled in the Senior Student's Program, 60 minutes for Students enrolled in the Senior Student's Program). The objective is to introduce students of similar abilities to the fine art of playing in small ensembles. The groups will perform their pieces at one of the Institute's final concerts. Pre-established groups are welcome to apply, or individual students may register and will be paired with other musicians.

To be eligible to enroll in Chamber Music, students must be at a minimum of Book 3, possess fluent sight-reading skills and have previous experience in small ensemble or orchestral playing.

Parent Violin/Cello Class

Open to any interested parent, this program offers instruction through a daily group lesson combining players of all experience levels. The group will also have the opportunity to perform during one of the Institute's concerts. An instrument is required for this program.

Teacher Training (June 25th - June 30th)

The Atlantic Canada Suzuki Institute is pleased to offer Teacher Training in Violin Unit 1 with Helen Brunner. We have prepared a special information and registration package for interested applicants. Please contact the Director at seanjconway@gmail.com to receive your package.

PDF documents available for download:

On-Site Food and Snack Services

Lunch will be available daily in the volunteer-operated lunch room. Snacks and cold drinks will be available throughout the day at the volunteer-run Coffee Shop. All food is reasonably priced and the money raised supports ACSI. Families who wish to bring their own lunches and snacks are welcome to eat in the designated areas.

Recreation and Activities

Daily contests and games are planned throughout the week as well as an evening Faculty concert that all students and friends are encouraged to attend. Baby-sitting for very young siblings can be provided for a small fee during the institute (please inquire).

Payment of Fees

A registration fee of $40.00 (per family) must accompany each application. It is refundable only on non-acceptance of the application. All applications must be received or postmarked by May 12, 2007. Applications received after this date may not be considered and will be subject to a late fee of $50.00.

At least 50% of the total tuition plus registration fee must be included with the application. Any balance remaining is due by June 24th, 2007 (a post-dated cheque may be enclosed for that purpose).

Refund Policy

The $40.00 registration fee is non-refundable. All other fees are non-refundable after June 1, 2007 unless withdrawal is due to illness of the registered student or accompanying parent/guardian. Doctor's confirmation is required. No exceptions can be made.

Faculty*

  • Helen Brunner (UK, violin, teacher trainer)
  • Mark Latham (USA, violin, orchestra)
  • Catherine Walker (QC, cello, teacher trainer)
  • Catherine Whelan (USA, violin, viola)
  • Kathy Conway (NL, Theory)
  • Sean Conway (NL, viola, violin)
  • Catherine Cornick (NL, Choir)
  • John Hawkin (NL, fiddle)
  • Michael Hughes (ON, fiddle)
  • Jennifer Johnson (NL, violin, Body Mapping)
  • Kristen Oliver (ON, violin)
  • Evelyn Osborne (NL, violin)
  • Rufina Sirotinina (NL, chamber music)
  • Christina Smith (NL, violin, cello, fiddle)
  • Angela Warren (NL, Choir, Orff)

*may change according to registration


For additional information please contact:

Sean Conway, Director ACSI
Email:   seanjconway@gmail.com
c/o STEP
PO Box 23182, Churchill Square
St. John's, NL
A1B 4J9

PDF version of this page (tri-fold pamphlet, printed inside and outside)

ACSI Student Application Form (PDF)