STEP

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

On behalf of Kellie Walsh ...
Bring On The Season!
Christmas From Around the World
Lady Cove Women's Choir presents its annual Christmas Concert on Saturday, December 8th, at 8:00 p.m. at Cochrane Street United Church.

If you've missed Lady Cove's Christmas concerts in years past, you will not want to miss this one. It’s a very special night of Christmas music old and new from around the globe. You will also be treated to the incredible sound of the Cellipeppers playing stunningly beautiful new arrangements by Bill Brennan, the percussion group The Sleeveens, and Heather Kao & Scott Chancey, violin!

"The weather outside is frightful, but the choir is so delightful"
Tickets are $20.00/$15.00 and available at Provincial Music on Campbell Avenue or from members of Lady Cove.

Labels: Community Events, concerts, people

By request of a parent:

Last Saturday afternoon our Senior STEP Orchestra attended a workshop with the conductor in residence of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra. It was a very demanding session but our students rose brilliantly to the challenge! It was certainly a great experience and we owe thanks to the NL Music Teachers Assoc who organized the workshop and extended the invitation to Kellie.

Labels: news, people

Please see below for an announcement sent on behalf of Sandra, our congratulations to her again!

Dear Parents & Friends,

As some of you may know, my husband Chris and I are expecting our first child in September (a girl). We look forward to eventually becoming Suzuki parents and I'm sure we'll be asking all of you for practice tips before too long.

Now that it is spring cleaning season, I am writing to ask if you (or someone you know) might have some baby items that you would be interested in selling. We already have a baby monitor and playpen from friends but other items we need to purchase include:

• Nursery furniture - crib, dresser, change table
• Stroller - preferably the 3-wheel jogger style with a front swivel wheel but we are certainly open to any and all options
• Car seat/Infant carrier
• High chair
• Baby sling/carrier (like a snuggly or baby bjorn type of thing)

. . . and I'm sure there are other things we will need that we don't even know about at this point. We aren't in any rush but if you have something we can take off your hands in the next few months, we would love to hear from you. Please email me directly at sandrapope@esdnl.ca

Thanks so much,
Sandra Pope (STEP cello teacher)

Labels: people, 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

This good news is sent by request of Janet Hewson, congratulations guys!

Three of our STEP members are with the St. Bonaventure's College Wind Ensemble who have just taken first place in the All American Music Festival in Orlando, Florida! As well they received the highest marks awarded to a band this season (that's 3 or 4 festivals).

Congratulations to Timothy Brennan (trumpet), Valerie Hewson (clarinet) and Rhiannon Tracey (clarinet).

Here's their official Orlando picture.

Labels: Community Events, news, people

Hear Ye, Hear Ye, March's newsletter is now available for viewing!

A few articles of interest include a hello from our Artistic Director, Evelyn Osborne; the journey across worlds and cultures for Christina Smith, and some Body Mapping from Jennifer Johnson! It'll be a very interesting read I'm sure. Also, a new column for practicing tips has been established and it is wide open to parent contribution for future issues, i.e. contributors will keep this column going. So keep a pencil and some paper nearby as you read through the newsletter, and scratch down some ideas for us.

Don't forget to send in any suggestions you may have for newsletter topics, and keep an eye out for upcoming contests and events!

Labels: documents, news, people, requests

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

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

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

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

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

The December issue of STEP newsletter is now ready for viewing online!

Labels: announcements, documents, news, people

On behalf of Jennifer Johnson:

Dear Parents and Teachers:
Many of you know for the past year I have been teaching this course to musicians to prevent injury and physical limitations at the instrument. I wanted to let you all know about the upcoming session in January as I am bringing in a special guest Body Mapper to co-teach the course with me. He is John McCrary, a pianist/organist, vocal coach and choral conductor. He has studied with Don Zukermann, the leading teacher in the Alexander Technique world in the movement of breathing so he has a great deal to offer to musicians (and esp. singers and wind and brass players about breathing) in addition to being able to demonstrate the course's principles as applied to keyboard playing. I will be taking all the string players when he and I split the class and he will take all the pianists and "breathers".

Please see the poster in PDF format for more information on how to register. I now have some discounted books from my teacher so that will reduce the cost by a fair bit for the first 8 registrants.

To register or for more information: call 709-579-1160 or email jennifer@bodymap.org.

Labels: announcements, Community Events, people

More wandering belongings. Marie writes:

I brought home an attractive little Christmas butter spreader (is that what it's called?). If the owner would like to contact me to have this item returned please telephone 754-1256.

...marie wadden

Labels: people, requests

A plea from Aisling Gogan:

Hi there,

We left our son's Christmas sweater behind at St. Mark's. Our daughter was carrying it around in case her brother got cold so I have no idea where it was left. It is a size 5 (or at least I'm pretty sure it is - could be a 6) sweater with Santa on a train embroidered on it. I left a message at the church but haven't heard anything back. Please contact me if you have it.

Thanks,
Aisling
AislingGogan@gov.nl.ca

Labels: people, requests

Trudy got several requests for this recipe at the Play-in and says, "I HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS SUPER-EASY TREAT!"

This recipe was originally called "Chocolate Ghost Gum" since you chew it a couple of times and it disappears! Also refers to how fast it disappears from the plate!

Chocolate Chew Candy

Over medium heat, in medium non-stick pan, melt 1 stick (1/4 lb.) butter.

Add 1 large bag of miniature marshmallows. Stir constantly until melted. Whisk to combine.

Sprinkle in 1 bag of chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet).
Remove from heat. Stir until melted.

Beat vigorously until it cools slightly and begins to get a "stretchy" consistency.

Pour into greased 9"x11" pan and spread evenly.

Chill 1 hour in fridge. Remove from pan in single block onto large cutting board and slice into small bite-size pieces.

Store for up to a week in fridge in air-tight container.

ENJOY!

Trudy

Labels: Community Events, people

Welcome to Tzu-Hao Hsu, our new Program Administrator. Tzu-Hao is a recent marketing graduate of Memorial University's Bachelor of Commerce program with a passion for classical music, and is thrilled to join our team for the next 9 months sponsored by the Work Smart Program of St. Mary's University, Nova Scotia.

Work Smart is a work placement project funded by the Government of Canada's Youth Employment Strategy (YES) and offered through SMU's business development center. It aims to provide Atlantic post secondary institutions' recent graduates with opportunities to gain practical employment experience related to their fields. The program is Atlantic Canada specific, and combines work experience with skills training and mentoring. Employees of the program are required to submit regular progress reports and attend three days of training. For additional information regarding the program please visit the Work Smart Web site.

As the Program Administrator, Tzu-Hao will be performing various duties for the STEP program, ranging from day to day management of paperwork and office space, to helping out with concert organizations, designing STEP promotional material, funding proposal writing, and assist in the planning of STEP's 25th anniversary celebration, which is up and coming next year! Some of you may have noticed Tzu-Hao in the halls of Memorial's School of Music a recent Saturday as she busied herself with self-introduction to teachers and some parents, in between observing the processions of group classes.

In addition to our new Program Administrator, STEP now has an office on the third floor of Arts and Culture Centre's north wing, just down the hall from Newfoundland Symphony Orchestra! Tzu-Hao can be found here once the regular office hours have been decided, and will be happy to serve some tea and coffee while listening to your concerns and ideas about how to guide STEP along for another 25 years! Tzu-Hao invites everyone to provide her with ideas for improving her performance, and suggestions for bettering STEP as a program, by emailing her at hsutzuhao@gmail.com, and she looks forward to serving STEP for the next 9 months (possibly more!) to come.

Labels: administration, people

Suzuki parents (some of us, anyway) are a talented bunch. Here's another couple with an upcoming recital.

Duo Concertante and Blue Engine Violinist Nancy Dahn and pianist Timothy Steeves join Halifax's acclaimed Blue Engine String Quartet in Mozart's spirited C major Viola Quintet, Brian Current's riveting Faster Still (world premiere commissioned by CBC Radio) and the magnificent Chausson Concert.

More information at http://www.mun.ca/music/conc/index.htm

Suzuki Talent Education Program P.O. Box 23182 Churchill Sq. P.O. St. John's, NL A1B 4J9 Phone: 691-2545 - - - NEW NUMBER Web Site: http://www.nfld.com/~step/ - - - UPDATED JUNE 2006

Labels: Community Events, concerts, people

Yet another recital - this time by Suzuki-mom and -dad Kristina and Theo! Message on behalf of the NSO.

On September 9th at 8:00 in Petro-Canada Hall, Theo Weber, principal cellist of the NSO teams up with pianist Kristina Szutor for an encore performance of their recent recital for the "International Rio Cello Encounter" in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The program includes Dohnanyi's heroic and little known Cello Sonata as well as works by Haydn, Gavin Bryars, Arvo Part and Malcolm Forsyth.

For tickets call: 737-4455 or visit MUN Music

Labels: Community Events, concerts, people

Congratulations to Senior STEP violinist Co co Leung for making it to the National Finals of the Canada Music Competition to be held in Quebec in two weeks' time! She won in her first two rounds in Toronto which qualified her to move on to the prestigious third round!

Good Luck, Co co...we'll be rooting for you!

Labels: Community Events, people

Jennifer Johnson will be offering a course on "What Every Musician Needs to Know About the Body", based on Body Mapping and the Alexander Technique. It takes place March 25th and 26th from 9:00 to 1:00. Please contact Jennifer at jinnjohn@yahoo.ca or phone 709-579-1160 to register. See poster for more details (PDF format).

Labels: Community Events, people

I received this message from Vicky Northey to send out: Hannah Woodcock has asked me to let you know that the business is still open on an appointment only basis. She will continue to sell the instruments and accessories that are presently in stock. It will be necessary for customers to call her to arrange a convenient time to meet with her because of her other work commitments. Her number is 753-2680.

Labels: Community Events, people

It's been decided that a group of Suzuki musicians, book 2 and up, will play a few pieces before Steve's funeral tomorrow (Wednesday). If you plan to attend, please dress in black and white and bring your instruments for tune-up to Caul's Funeral Home at 1:30 PM (the funeral is at 2:00). It's only fitting that we honour him who took such care to keep us all playing well.

Labels: Community Events, people

Dear Suzuki friends, It's with great sadness that I deliver the news of Steve's passing. Below is his obituary as it appears in the Telegram. Hope you can all come to pay respects on Wednesday afternoon. WOODCOCK, Stephen E. of St. John’s, NL died suddenly of a heart attack on December 22, 2005. Leaving behind his beloved wife, Hannah; his parents Alexander and Winifred Woodcock of Cambridge, ON; his sister Linda Woodcock of Toronto, ON; brothers Robert, wife Meg and David, wife Yvonne; along with numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends; also his devoted mother-in-law Mrs. Thelma Reed of Malvern England and his brother-in-law Steven Reed of Sheffield England. Stephen was well known for his music and skills in making and repairing string instruments. His workshop in St. John's was an open door to fellow musicians and friends. A soft-spoken and gentle man whose love of family, friends, music and life were inseparable. He will be greatly missed and well remembered by all who met him. Funeral Service at Caul’s Chapel, December 28, Wednesday 2 p.m. Cremation to follow.

Labels: Community Events, people

Just thought you'd all like to know that Nancy had her baby yesterday - Noah Thomas, 7 lbs, 12 oz. Baby and mom are doing fine.

Labels: people

We have a new accompanist for this year! Andrea Lane Gardner has been working on the mainland for the past few years and recently relocated to St. John's. Andrea holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Memorial as well as a Masters degree in accompanying and piano pedagogy from the University of Western Ontario. In fact, Andrea was involved with our Suzuki program for many years as a violin student. Welcome home Andrea! Andrea is looking to fill her piano studio. If you or someone you know is interested in piano lessons (all ages, all levels), please contact Andrea via email piano.andrea@gmail.com or by phone at (709) 579-7145.

Labels: people

Steve Woodcock has asked me to pass on to his customers - most of you! - that he will be out of town from September 8th until the 24th, and to please come see him before then, if he has an item of yours or if you need work done before he goes. He apologizes for the inconvenience.

Labels: Community Events, people