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In this busy time of year.....

It's spring! Time for baseball, softball, easter egg hunts, dance recitals, prepping for music recitals, graduations and family trips. I thought I would share with you an economists view about music lessons, particularly missed lessons. She herself is a Suzuki parent, whose children took private instruction when she wrote this article. Thank you Vicky, for allowing us to share this. Make-up Music Lessons from an Economist's Point of View By Vicky Barham, Ph. D. I'm a parent of children enrolled in Suzuki music lessons. I'd like to explain to other parents why I feel - quite strongly, actually - that it is unreasonable of we parents to expect our teachers to make up lessons we miss, even if I know as well as they do just how expensive lessons are, and, equally importantly, how important that weekly contact is with the teacher to keeping practising ticking along smoothly. I think that it is natural for we parents to share the point of view that students should have their

Ricky B placed 3rd in the pine derby!

Ricky B recently placed 3rd in the Pinewood Derby and is Moving on to Compete in the district pinewood event. Ricky is in 1st grade and lives with his Mom and Dad in Wallingford. He is an avid Sponge Bob, Batman, Superman and Spiderman fan, and also please a Mean Piano. Congratulations Ricky!

An open discussion about how YOU fit 'music making at home' aka Practice into your lives

As I feel that many people feel the word 'practice' has a negative connotation, I like to use the phrase 'music making at home' with my students and families. Even with this positive spin, I am continually met with 'I don't have time to practice'. It's an epidemic ! Rather than make students feel more guilty or unhappy with themselves or me, I thought we'd start a dialogue among all music families to see how they fit it into their life. My suggestion is always 'grazing'. Play one or two pieces several times in little segments of time. Before the bus comes (if you are an early riser) Right when you get home from school. Again while Mom or Dad make dinner. It's easy to get 15 - 30 minutes in a day if you break it down. Please share with us how you fit it in!

Rock N Bows is ON!

5 amazing days! 4 hours each day! August 15 - 19. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. We need bows, guitars, drummers, percussionist and keyboards. All music included, tshirt for performance and pizza party last day. Sells out every year. Register now, and let us know your song wish and shirt size. www.musicboxwithsandie.com Songs chosen so far: Proud Mary! Baby! (for those Justin Bieber fans)

Baroque Ensemble Rehearsal and our Coffee Mate Office Event

Today, we did a FANTASTIC job. I was so impressed with our sight reading. I couldn't have asked for a better group of musicians (and their families) to spend a Sunday afternoon with. Next rehearsal we will be focusing on bowing, dynamics and composer information. A great big thank you for everyone who also participated in our coffee mate office event. Thank you to everyone who brought the delicious cookies and cake. Thanks for experimenting with the brownie idea shout out to Robin and family. I know everyone enjoyed the coffee, treats, music and companionship. A special thank you to Tracy for really helping everyone figure out the new Nescafe Dolce machine.