Studio Updates ... Ensembles, Theory Study Hall, Calendar Information

I hope all are doing well on this beautiful but windy day. It's been a while since I have written to you. Here we are post recital and just days from the Certificate of Merit (CM) evaluations for those that are participating in the CM program this year. It has been a busy season for sure ... and incredibly rewarding.

Certificate of Merit evaluations are taking place this Saturday. Twenty-one of my students are participating this year and I am so proud of all of them. These students have been working so diligently for months preparing for this evaluation! I am sending them all good vibes, prayers, and best wishes! I am looking forward to hearing good results.

Please continue to read for more information regarding ensembles, theory study hall, calendar information and an invitation to come hear Ms. Jill play with the Kensington Baroque Orchestra and Los Angeles Baroque Orchestra on March 7th for our "Game of Tones" concert.

Ensembles:
The ensembles for the winter recital were so much fun. It was such a great learning experience for all of us; especially me. The most fun really was in the group rehearsals. I had the joy of watching as friendships were developed and memories were made. It was beautiful to see how the students encouraged each other and had so much fun as they played and made beautiful music together. The process was amazing and I would love to do more of it. Three weeks of rehearsals went by too quickly and I think we all wanted more time. This summer I would love to form some groups just to give students an opportunity to gather and play with other students. It is a skill set that is completely different than playing solo pieces and even than being in an orchestra. Please let me know if you are interested. The earlier you can let me know helps me greatly as I form groups and select a variety of music for them to play.

Theory Study Hall:
I started a series of Theory Study Halls back in November for students participating in Certificate of Merit. It was very successful and extremely helpful for students to have a place to study their theory while I was there to guide them and monitor their progress along the way. And when they were ready they had the opportunity to take practice exams provided to me by the Music Teachers Association of California. I will be continuing this program and plan to open it up to all of my students. For my Certificate of Merit students; this ongoing program will provide them with an opportunity to "stay ahead of the game" so to speak as they prepare for the next level. And for all my students; this type of learning really helps to build confidence and develop a good understanding of the principles behind making music. I will be resuming this program in April.

Calendar:

Certificate of Merit: (applies only for those enrolled in CM)

• Performance Evaluations: February 29, Cuyamaca College
• Theory Tests: February 29 & March 1, March 7 & 8, Cuyamaca College​
• ​(Note: if you plan on taking your theory test on March 8th you will need to make an appointment)

Group Makeup Classes: (Send Ms. Jill an email to sign-up)

• Mondays, 4:30-5:30 pm (Live Online Video over Zoom)
• March 14, 2:45-3:45 pm (Studio)​​

Studio Breaks:

• April 12 through April 18 (no classes)
• June 29 through July 5 (no classes)

Upcoming 2020 Student Recital Dates:

• June 14, 2020, 4:00-6:00 pm, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Escondido
• October 11, 2020, 4:00-6:00 pm, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Escondido

And lastly, I will be performing with the Kensington Baroque Orchestra and Los Angeles Baroque Orchestra on March 7th at 4:00 pm at Kensington Community Church and again on March 8th in South Pasadena. All are invited to attend. I would love to see you there.



Ms. Jill
Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/griffinviolinstudio/
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Awesome Recital!

Today's recital was so amazing! I loved every single performance and am so proud of all my students. Thank you so much for encouraging your child during this process, bringing them to lessons, and rehearsals; and for all of your support. Learning to make beautiful music is a wonderful journey and it is with great joy that I get to share that with you and your child. I couldn't be more pleased with the way everything turned out today.

I have already secured a venue for future recitals at my home church in Escondido. They were so generous and donated use of the church to Griffin Violin Studio for our recitals. I have already secured dates for June 14th and October 11th at 4:00 pm.

I would love to see everyone's photos from today's recital. If you could email them to me that would be great. And if you don't mind if I share your photo on my website or social media please let me know that as well. If you do post, it would be great if you can add #griffinviolinstudio to your post.

With Joy and Gratitude,

Ms. Jill
Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/griffinviolinstudio/
Visit my website: www.griffinviolinstudio.com

Violin Recital Logistics ... we are 6 days away

I can't believe that the recital is less than a week away. Everyone has been working so hard on preparing their songs. I am so proud of these kids and their efforts. I wanted to get some of the logistics to you. It's going to be a wonderful event with 33 performers and 5 ensemble performances. If you haven't already purchased your tickets from the USML office please do that as soon as possible.

Our act is scheduled to start promptly at 1:00 pm. Please plan on arriving early so you can find a seat and students can get their violins and bows unpacked and strings tuned before start time. If the students that know how to tune can come up and assist others with tuning that would be really helpful as there is not a lot of time between acts. Please check to make sure they have their violins, bows, shoulder rests and music before leaving the house. If they can rosin their bows before leaving the house that too will help everything to move more efficiently.

I would love to have the students pose for quick group photo just before start time if at all possible. Since I will be helping the students; I will need to count on the parents to snap the group photo and send and/or post. Students should dress in black, white, or black & white for the recital. Also, I would love it if you could send any photos that you take of the recital to jill@griffinviolinstudio.com. If you post photos on Facebook or instagram if you could add hashtag #griffinviolinstudio that would be awesome.

To keep things moving I would like for the students to pay close attention to the program and come up and quietly wait by the side of the stage while the performer before them is playing so that they are ready to walk up on stage right when it is their turn.

Date/Time/Location:
February 9, 2020, 1:00 pm, Cal State San Marcos
333 S TWIN OAKS VALLEY RD, ARTS ROOM 111, SAN MARCOS, CA 92096
Park in the main parking garage on the top floor and follow the signs.
Parking is $4, paid by phone or at the Kiosk on site.
Pay stations Located in Lot B, C, F drive up, F walk up and N.

Those that are playing with piano accompaniment have been sent a time window for their run through with the pianist by text. The run through is between 2:45 and 4:00 pm on Saturday, February 8th.

Please encourage your student to continue practicing as much as they can this week so they are well prepared and confident. Thank you all for all of your efforts with staying informed, bringing your student to lessons and rehearsals, and by encouraging them as they are playing and practicing at home. I appreciate you all so very much.

With joy and gratitude,

Ms. Jill
https://www.facebook.com/griffinviolinstudio/
www.griffinviolinstudio.com

Recital Details (schedule, tickets, attire, location and parking), Ensembles, New Students ...

January has been a jam packed month so far with lots of preparation for the recital, ensembles and certificate of merit. I have some important recital and calendar information below; so please be sure to read further on in this email. But first, I want to welcome some of my new students. Welcome Sujay, Jag, Peiming, Ashley and Mateo. I am excited to have you in my studio. My schedule is pretty full; but I do still have a few open spots. Please send any referrals directly to me so that I can help them to find a spot or put them on a waiting list. All schedule requests should go directly through me as well.

We started ensemble rehearsals this weekend. It was beautiful to watch these amazing young musicians really listen to and encourage each other through their music making. Playing in a small ensemble is a completely different skill than playing solo or even in an orchestra or band. In a small ensemble setting (3-4 players) each player is playing a different part. They are developing a skill of really listening, watching, counting, and playing their own part while hearing other parts being played all at the same time. I was so encouraged by this weekend's rehearsals that I am already putting together plans to offer opportunities for ensembles over the summer with performances independent of recitals. I will keep you informed as further developments are made in this area. I am really excited about this!







Which brings me to the subject of our upcoming recital. As of today, there are 20 days until the recital. Please be reminded of these important details.

Tickets are being sold at the U.S. Music Lessons front office. Performers are free; but all other guests will need tickets. If you haven't already, please make plans to stop by the front desk to purchase your tickets. Tickets must be purchased in advance. 

I am asking all of my students to wear black "and/or" white. That means all black, all white, or any combination of black and white. Attire doesn't need to be formal; but dressing up a bit helps to build confidence. Also, please make sure finger nails are trimmed. 

If your student is playing with piano accompaniment, the run through with the pianist will be on Saturday, February 8th between 2:45-3:45 pm. I will be emailing parents with a more narrow window soon. 

The recital is on Sunday, February 9th. Our "Act" will begin at 1:00 pm and end at approximately 2:30 pm. Please plan to arrive early so we can tune and be ready to go promptly at 1pm. We have 33 solo performances and 5 ensemble performances. I will be instructing students about the order of the recital over the next few weeks so that everything will run as smoothly as possible. 

The recital will be held at Cal State San Marcos. Address, room number and parking information is below. 

 
333 S Twin Oaks Valley Rd, Arts Room #111, San Marcos, CA 92096
Park in the main parking garage on the top floor and follow the signs.
Parking is $4, paid by phone or at the Kiosk on site.
Pay stations are located in lots B, C, F and N. 

Side note: With my growing studio; I am looking at different options and venues for upcoming recitals. I am also planning on bringing back the costume themed recital in October. That was so much fun and I think the kids really loved it. That is down the road; but I just wanted to put that out there and let you know that I am thinking ahead. I welcome any input that you have. 

Other calendar items:
Group Makeup Classes: (Send Ms. Jill an email to sign-up)
Mondays, 4:30-5:30 pm (Live Online Video over Zoom)
February 1, 2:45-3:45 pm (Studio)
March 7, 2:45-3:45 pm (Studio)

​Theory Study Hall: January 25, 2:45-3:45 pm
Send Ms. Jill an email to sign-up

Link to my online calendar can be found at: http://www.griffinviolinstudio.com/calendar.html

With much gratitude and joy!

Ms. Jill
Like me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/griffinviolinstudio/
Visit my website: www.griffinviolinstudio.com