STEP

*** A REMINDER TO ALL SUZUKI ELVES ****

The annual Christmas Play-in is this Saturday, Dec. 1, at St Mark's
Church on Logy Bay Road.

9:30 tune up for a 10:00 start.

Santa hats are optional but please don't forget the eats! Some
people have asked for a change in the division of labour, so here is
your new assignment:

All those with names between A and M, bring a DESSERT.
All those with names between N and Z, bring SANDWICHES or a HOT DISH.
However, if you are just itching to make your specialty, ignore the
above suggestion and go for it.
Keep in mind though, we are often top-heavy on sweets and lacking in
main dish selections.

Also: we are selling Polaroid family pictures with Santa on a special
violin/cello Countdown to Christmas Calendar. This is a fund raiser
for the camp. Cost $5.00.

See you there!

Labels: concerts, fundraising, groupclass

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

Labels: announcements, concerts, fundraising

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

For those that missed the 2nd Annual STEP Scuff this past Saturday night you missed a great time.

While you'll have to wait till the same time next year for the next STEP Scuff you can still make a contribution to the STEP Scholarship Fund and we ask that you please consider doing so at this time.

Donations of $20 + will receive a tax receipt.

You can either bring your donation to the General Meeting tonight and give to our Treasurer Valerie Howe or mail it to Valerie's attention at the STEP mailing address below.

We began fund raising for this Fund last year and we hope to have the first recipient in place for this September. The Fund will be administered by the R.E.A.L. Program on STEP's behalf and an individual will be supported for as long as they remain eligible and committed to the Program.

The R.E.A.L (Recreation Experiences and Leisure) Program: 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.

Labels: administration, fundraising, 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

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

Hello Suzuki Families and Friends!

One of the outstanding items donated to the auction evening last Saturday was a new Suzuki model 330 full size violin with case valued ~ $1500. It was graciously donated by the late Steve Woodcock's wife, Hannah. In order to let all students/parents have an opportunity to own this wonderful violin it will be on ticket sales starting this Saturday, June 3, 2006 during the Play-in (MUN Music School Petro-Canada Hall). Tickets are $5.00 each and a total of 500 will be available. The draw will take place on June 30, 2006 at STEP summer camp.

- If parents wish to buy tickets on the violin: tickets will be distributed in lots of 5 for each family to either buy themselves, sell to family and friends or return those not sold (for refund)

* the 5 tickets per family will need to be paid for when they are taken - cash or cheque accepted *

To obtain more tickets, or return those not sold contact Jennifer Budden, or Dianne Boone, or email step@fld.com .

A quick update on our outreach and fundraising efforts. The "Swing with a String" Silent Auction & Desserts evening with Set Dancing was a fun social & financial success. We have a wonderful start to helping a low-income child start learning violin or cello in the STEP program!

Many, many thanks to all of you who obtained donations for the auction, contributed desserts and to those who attended. And a huge thank you to all of the people who helped organize the event, along with their spouses!

Labels: fundraising

Suzuki String Program (Suzuki Talent Education Program (STEP)) Presents... SWING WITH A STRING

May 27, 7:30 pm

SILENT AUCTION/DESSERTS/SET DANCING - With dance instruction by Jane Rutherford, music by Dave Penny

A Fund Raising Event including a Silent Auction, Desserts and Dance Workshop with St. John’s traditional set dance instructor/caller Jane Rutherford and the accordion of Dave Penny. STEP out for a good cause. Help the Suzuki String Program build a Scholarship Fund.

Swing with a String is an evening of participatory entertainment starting at 7:30 with desserts and an auction. Dancing under the direction of Jane Rutherford will begin around 9:30. Non-alcoholic beverages and desserts provided. Cash Bar.

Dave Penny is a protégé of Newfoundland accordion master Frank Maher. To quote Dave: "Frank taught me everything I know!" To quote Frank: "Yes, but I didn't teach you everything that *I* know!!" Current President of the St. John's Folk Arts Council, Dave often performs at Folk Night, Wednesdays at the Ship Pub, and many different music festivals around the island.

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 and north eastern United States.

The STEP Program is a nonprofit Music Education and Performing Arts Organization based on the teachings of Dr. Shinichi 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. It is in the process of expanding outreach and public education initiatives as well as developing a scholarship program. STEP is 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.

Location: Masonic Temple, 6 Cathedral St., St. John's When: May 27, from 7:30 pm Cost: Advance Tickets available at Fred’s Records - $15

(Poster in PDF format available - put some up in your workplace or on the neighbourhood bulletin board!)

Labels: concerts, fundraising

Hello all,

Hope your plans are "in swing" to attend the fun fundraising Silent Auction & Dancing Evening on Saturday May 27, 2006, 7:30 PM, at the Masonic Temple, 6 Cathedral St., St. John's.

This is an outreach fundraiser for low-income families to participate in the Suzuki String program.

1. Tickets will be distributed in group class, or can be obtained from Sharon Hewitt (sharon.hewitt@mi.mun.ca).

Please submit ticket money to Sharon before the auction or at the Masonic Temple door May 27.

2. Donated items for the auction can be brought to group class on May 13th, in the lobby area -please contact Ann Marie Carew (annmariecarew@esdnl.ca), Jennifer Budden (jbudden@nf.sympatico.ca) or Elizabeth MacDonald.

3. Please make a dessert or an hors d'oeuvre, as refreshments, and drop it off at the Masonic Temple on Sat. May 27 after 1 PM.

4. Tell family and friends about the event and plan to attend so that you can join the fun and help this worthy cause.

Many thanks for your involvement !

Dianne Boone & Janet Russell, Fundraising Committee

Labels: concerts, fundraising

Greetings all Suzuki String Parents and Guardians!

We're planning a fundraising event to help low-income families participate in our music program.

It will be a fabulous evening with your support.

There's going to be a silent auction, dancing, delicious refreshments and door prizes. But we can't pull it off without everyone's help.

What can YOU do?

1/ Spread the word and sell tickets. The event will be held at the

Masonic Temple (6 Cathedral St.) Saturday, May 27 at 7:30

(Tickets will be distributed later this month and will cost $15 each)

2/ We need donations for the silent auction. It can be baked goods, meal preparation services or lessons, business services - be creative! Business donors will get tax receipts for donations over $50. We need item name, business name, address, item name and value of item for tax receipts, please submit this with your donations. An introductory letter for approaching contributors is attached.

3/ Please make a dessert or an hors d'oeuvre, as refreshments, and drop it off at the Masonic Temple on May 27 after 1 pm

We'll let you know where to drop off items for the silent auction.

Please tell family and friends about the event and plan to attend so that you can join the fun and help this worthy cause.

Many thanks for your attention to this.

Dianne Boone Janet Russell Fund-raising committee

Labels: concerts, fundraising

Hello everyone, We'll have a limited number of tickets available for sale for an exciting Valentine's concert that our program is producing. On Saturday night, Feb. 11, one of North America's most outstanding amateur pianists has agreed to perform for us at "The Rooms." Her name is Averill Piers Baker and she's off to Paris for a competition later that month. Mrs. Baker is a huge supporter of the Suzuki method and has graciously donated her time and talent to help us raise money for a number of things... principally a prize or bursary in Steve Woodcock's honour. The program will be exciting and ... and romantic, with Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" and Chopin's piano concerto no.1 in E minor that will include a performance by the Atlantic String Quartet and Frank Fusari. We'll be offering 60 tickets internally, and 60 to the public. They are $20 each. And... if your child would like to attend, there may be an opportunity to play with Mrs. Baker towards the end of the concert. More on that later. (Because this is a fund raiser we have to charge the regular ticket price for all age groups). We're hoping to have tickets available at Saturday's group class. Here is a poster that we'd like members to print and put up around the public places you might visit over the next few weeks. We hope to have paper copies printed for Saturday as well. Thanks, Marie Wadden, Concert Organizer

Labels: concerts, fundraising