STEP

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: concerts, groupclass

Labels: announcements, concerts, groupclass

Labels: announcements, fundraising, groupclass, requests

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

Hi Everyone! The end of year Play-in is just around the corner! In fact, it's on Saturday, June 7th in D.F. Cook Hall hall at the MUN music school. Concert dress is black pants with white or colored tops. Tuning call is at 9:15am (in the Instrumental Room) and the play-in starts at 10:00am. The tuning call is early so parents can come in to the hall by 9:30 and be seated to hear all about our exciting new fundraising initiative; below is a message with details from Jennifer Johnson. Dear STEP Families; The STEP Board and Teachers have decided to move STEP's fundraising in the direction of one large-scale fundraiser every year and away from several smaller events that bring in small amounts of money but still require a great deal of effort. We are fortunate that one of STEP's families personally knows Mr. Wayne Bartlett, professional fundraiser and auctioneer extraordinaire and that he has agreed to run our fundraiser for us this coming fall on the evening of October 23, 2008. The most important ingredient to the success of Mr. Bartlett's fundraising events is that every family gets involved to a small degree and is able to procure a minimum of two donations either in the form of goods or services that can be auctioned on the evening of our event. Each family will also need to bring at least one other person or couple not already involved in the Suzuki program to the evening's auction and dinner. The monies raised will go towards a STEP "Performance Fund" which will pay for exciting new opportunities for the students in our program. Examples of events that could begin to happen for us would be bringing in prestigious performers/teachers to give master classes to our students, doing exchanges with other Suzuki programs in Canada (there has already been interest in us from the Toronto and Guelph, Ontario programs as well as a Suzuki program in B.C.), purchasing performance costumes for our students and sending our students on performance tours. Wayne Bartlett has kindly agreed to come and speak to our membership on Saturday, June 7 at STEP's final group concert. He will explain in detail how his "recipe for success" works and the important role that each and every family can play so that we not only reach our fundraising goals but that so that the event itself (dinner and wine come into the picture!) is a fun-filled evening that we all look forward to each year. Please come early before 9:30 a.m. - to get the children into the Instrumental Room so they can be tuned with their group classes and then proceed to the Cook Recital Hall. At 9:30, Mr. Bartlett will begin filling us all in on the details of how we can successfully support the artistic aspirations of STEP for next year and the years to come! The concert begins at 10:00 a.m. Because it is so vital to the success of this fundraising plan that all families participate, it is very important that we are all there to hear the grand plan as outlined by Mr. Bartlett. See you all there!

Labels: administration, concerts, fundraising, groupclass, requests

Labels: announcements, concerts, groupclass

*** 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

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

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

STEP's concerto class will be holding a recital a St. David's Presbyterian Church on June 3rd starting at 2pm. The class has been working on several challenging pieces of music during their year and look forward to presenting a spectacular programme to members and friends alike. The concert is free of charge.

Labels: concerts, groupclass

A pair of girl's shoes were found at group class last Saturday, March 24th, just outside the D. F. Cook Recital Hall. The owner may email STEP to arrange a time for reclaiming them.

Labels: groupclass, requests

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

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

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

Labels: announcements, groupclass

The following is an announcement regarding a visiting artist for this Saturday's group class, sent on behalf of Christina. :) Sounds like a very exciting opportunity!

Dave Panting, one of Newfoundland's foremost traditional musicians, will be visiting the STEP fiddlers class on Saturday at 12:15. Dave was a foundling member of the Newfoundland band Figgy Duff, and led the band Rawlins Cross for many years. Dave is the composer of two tunes, (Memory Waltz and The Gypsy) which the Emile Benoit class will be playing in the Festival. If you would like to come to the 12:15 class to watch and listen, come along. Anyone who plays fiddle who is not in STEP fiddlers but would like to join in the fun this Saturday, bring your fiddle!

Dave will be available from 10:30 to 12:15 to teach guitar or mandolin to any interested person for $15.00 per half hour. If you are interested, email Christina at csmith@nfld.com

Enjoy this special treat fiddlers and traditional music lovers, I'm sure you'll find it wonderful.

Labels: announcements, groupclass, people

If you are coming to the Gower Wassail, bring your instrument with you!
Suzuki Talent Education Program is sponsoring 'O Come Little Children', the third carol on the program, and if you know how to play the song in the key of D, you are free to join in. Senior students should play the duet part if you know it! If you want to play, come early to get tuned up and find a place to sit near the front. If you play cello it's especially important to come early, and don't forget to bring a chair!
Hope to see you all out to support a good cause, making some fine music and enjoying yourselves this Sunday!

Labels: announcements, Community Events, concerts, groupclass

A plea from Kathy Hodgkinson, Alice's mom:

Two classes ago [Bayly with Sean Conway], we brought the wrong Suzuki violin case home (black...hard...green inside).... our violin case is for an 1/8 size violin. The case we took home was for a 1/16 size violin...otherwise it looks exactly the same. I wonder if you could pass this message on so that everyone with a small Suzuki violin in that class could check their cases. Currently we have no ability to carry our violins because they do not fit their case.

Could the Bayly member with the too-large 1/8 case please respond to this
email, or email Kathy at khodgkin@mun.ca, so the cases can be switched? Thanks!

Labels: groupclass, requests

A metronome/tuner was found in chamber room 1001 this past Saturday during the group classes. If you own it or know the person who left it behind, please email Tzu-Hao, Program Administrator, at hsutzuhao@gmail.com (or step@nfld.com) so she can reunite the gadget with its family!

Labels: administration, groupclass

Notice: the Fiddle classes at 9:00 and 10:00 (Val Ryan and Emile Benoit) will be in Room 2025 instead of 2017. The new Group Class Schedule reflects the changes.

Also notice: the location for the Christmas and Final concerts have been determined: St. Mark's and MUN Cook Hall respectively. That's on the new Schedule too, and on the Reference webpage.

Labels: groupclass

Just a quick reminder that our first group class is this Saturday, September 23rd. Please be sure to check the website to find out when and where your classes are. (There have been some changes since the last notice.) The group classes have been given names instead of book-numbers, so please check the requirements table below the schedule (on the second page of the printout) to determine which group class your child is in. It is important that your child have the pre-requisite. The link to the schedule on the website is: http://www.nfld.com/~step/Group_Class_Schedule_Fall_2006.htm

There will be a table set up with information and people to answer questions. Also you can remit any payments that are still owing.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to send us an email.

Labels: groupclass

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, string players of all ages, welcome to

The NEW Suzuki Talent Education Program Website http://www.nfld.com/~step containing all kinds of useful things for member-families new and experienced, as well as the Curious Public.

Featuring... the mystical chart you've all been waiting for... The GROUP CLASS SCHEDULE at http://www.nfld.com/~step/Group_Class_Schedule_Fall_2006.htm

Any questions about the schedule or any other information on here, as well as comments, corrections or suggestions, please send email - I'll do my best to route it appropriately. See you all on Saturday!

With regards from Your friendly neighbourhood webmaster.

Labels: administration, announcements, groupclass

Hi Everyone,

(Note: The group-class schedule is ALMOST ready - you'll get an email as soon as it's out, thanks for your patience!)

Please note the change in the beginning time of Junior Orchestra. It will be starting at 3:30pm. The first rehearsal is Tuesday, Sept. 19th. Anyone who hasn't yet registered, can do so at the first practice. Senior orchestra starts at 5:00pm as usual.

Thanks, see you there!

Labels: groupclass

Don't forget to come to group class this Saturday, April 22nd! This group class day was added to the schedule to make up for the loss of March 11 to music-school auditions. You'll get what you pay for!

Because we can't use the Instrumental Room 1034 that day, some room changes are necessary:

• Pre-Twinkle with Sara Mills - move to chamber room 1001, combining with Evelyn Osborne's class
• Twinkle Violin - move to 2017
• Late Book 1 Violin with Sara Mills - move to chamber room 1001, combining with Sean Conway's class
• Book 2 Violin - move to 2017
• Book 4 violin - move to 2017

• Intermediate Fiddle with Johnny - TBA
• Advanced fiddle/Super fiddle - move to 2017
• STEP Fiddlers - move to 2017

No time changes have had to be made. See you all Saturday!

Labels: groupclass

Our most recently formed STEP group, our Concerto Group Class, a.k.a. STEP's Young Virtuosi, would like to announce the date of their final performance of the year. On Sunday, May 28 at 2:00 at St. David's Church, six of our most senior students will proudly perform some of the most beautiful violin concerto repertoire outside of the Suzuki Books- all accompanied by their classmates on the orchestra parts. Included will be the De Beriot Concerto, the Accolay Concerto, the Vivaldi Double Concerto in a minor amongst some beautiful and exciting Bach and Mozart movements. We'll even have a Telemann Viola Concerto movement! Please mark it on your calendars. Hope to see you there!

Labels: concerts, groupclass

HEADS UP! This Saturday's group classes (March 11th) will be rescheduled for April 22nd. MUN has a lot of students auditioning this year and they need a second Saturday to complete their auditions. They apologize for the inconvenience. See you all on March 18th!

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Sean found a 4/4 KUN violin shoulder rest in the Chamber Music Room on Saturday, Jan. 14th. If it's yours, please email step @ nfld.com or leave a comment below and we'll arrange to get it to you.

Labels: groupclass

Parents, don't forget that all outstanding fees must be paid by January 14, 2006. You can stop by the table in the Music Building lobby on Saturday to settle up.

Labels: administration, groupclass

Happy New Year to all! Hope you've all had a good holiday and are ready to take on the resurgence of daily life. Part of that is group classes starting on Saturday January 7th, according to the same time schedule that was in effect last fall. Classes will also be held on the 14th and 28th of January. NOTE: the Book 2 violin class and book 3/4 violin class will be taught by Nancy Case-Oates who is back from maternity leave. Welcome back, Nancy!

Labels: groupclass

The Christmas Group Class Concert and Play-in is this Saturday, Dec. 3rd, at St. Mark's Church, Logy Bay Road. Please come to tune up at 9:30 AM for a 10:00 start. There will be performances by all the group classes, and everyone gets to play along with anything you know how to play. Santa Claus will make an appearance as well! Potluck lunch: if your last name is between A and M, bring a hot dish, sandwiches or appetizers; if between N and Z, bring sweets or dessert. At Christmas concerts we play carols, of course! Here's music for violin and cello for Here Comes Santa Claus, and Jingle Bells. This is the last STEP gathering for 2005. Group classes resume on January 7th. Please wear Suzuki T-shirts if you have them. Santa hats or antlers optional but welcome! Merry Christmas, everyone!

Labels: concerts, groupclass

Notice to Kristen's Pre-Twinkle class: Kristen will be away on Saturday (Oct 29) BUT Jennifer has agreed to sub for her, so the class will go ahead. (Early Book 1 is still cancelled.) Thanks Jennifer!

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There will be no Early Book 1 class this Saturday (Oct. 29) since Kristen is away. She'll be back for the following group class day.

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Attention parents of late book 1 or book 2, violin or cello....... The NSO Prep Strings (orchestra instruction for children at the early stages of reading music), is offered by the Newfoundland Symphony Youth Orchestra and is now under the direction of Pemi Paull (violist in the Atlantic String Quartet). They meet on Tuesdays from 4:00 - 5:00 at St. David's Church. Both Suzuki and non-Suzuki children will have an opportunity to play simple orchestral arrangements and have a chance to perform for family and friends throughout the year. The cost is very reasonable at $135.00 a year. If you would like more information you can call Pemi Paull at 579-6905 or Peter Gardner (director of NSYO program) at 895-7899 or come by St. David's on Tuesday afternoon and check it out.

Labels: groupclass

The final (we hope!) Group Class schedule for Fall 2005 has been posted. Please disregard all previous schedules. Next class day: October 1st. Schedule: http://www.nfld.com/~step/Group_Class_Schedule_2005_Fall.pdf

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