PIANO LESSON NEWS AND UPDATES
JUNE 2021
May 2021
1485 S. COLORADO BLVD. SUITE 130
720-708-3251
admin@denverama.org
NEWS AND UPDATES
DECEMBER 2022
Merry Christmas and
Happy Hanukkah
It is with great sadness that we must say good-bye to Katie Rose. She is moving out of state this month to be closer to her family. Her last day will be December 16th.
We are in the process of finding her replacement but since Katie Rose is such a talented piano/voice/flute teacher, we may have to find separate teachers if we can't find one teacher who is talented in all of those areas, in which case we may have to make some changes to the schedule for her students.
There will be no lessons the week of the 19th-23 for Katie Roses's students, however, piano students may request to schedule with Miss Michele that week. We will keep you posted about Katie Rose's replacement so that lessons can resume after the holiday break on January 3rd.
There will be an adjustment period as with all changes, but we will do everything possible to ensure a smooth transition. We appreciate your understanding and we wish Katie Rose all the best!!
GOOD LUCK!
We will miss you
Katie Rose!
OUR WINTER RECITAL IS
DECEMBER 11, 2022
TIME CHANGED TO 2pm and 4pm
There will be a rehearsal on December 9th at 6pm and December 10th at 10am. It is not mandatory but we highly recommend students take advantage of the opportunity to play in front of each other before the recital and to get a feel for the big piano. All pianos feel differently so it's helpful to play on it before the actual recital. Performing is a skill that must also be practiced just like practicing your instrument. No need to register, just drop off kids. We prefer that parents don't stay for the rehearsals but if your child feels they need your support, then it's okay to stay.
Here is a list of students and their assigned group (see below). If you are not able to attend the assigned time, please send an email or talk with Miss Michele and we will see if we can switch with someone else. We still have time to make adjustments. (This is NOT the order in which they will perform.)
PLEASE NOTE: The first group start time is moved up to 2pm instead of 2:30. After putting together the groups, it seems that it would be too rushed to start at 2:30. So sorry for any inconvenience!
If your child isn't listed and you are planning to attend, please email Miss Michele. It's probably an oversight.
2:00
Ann
Elsa
Bella
Lydia
Nolan
Elizabeth
Felix
Grace
Gus
Leo J.
Gwenn
Helen
Henry K.
Jona
Laina
Lucas
Lucy
Max H.
Sean
Simon
Stella
4:00
Aiden B.
Lexie
Charlie M.
Sam
Owen
Dylan
Alex
Eli
Jacob
Emilio
Sophia
Henry P.
Robbie
John
Joseph
Katie
Leo C.
Maggie
Max C.
Lillie
Mikayla
Presley
Quinn
Robbie
Rowen
Theo
EXCEPTIONAL STUDENT OF THE MONTH FOR NOVEMBER 2022
Are you doing everything right but you didn't get chosen for Student of the Month?
Keep in mind there are almost 60 students enrolled in DAMA and students who are chosen have worked exceptionally hard or have showed exceptional initiative. It's a difficult decision to make and sometimes it comes down to whether students who have been working on a piece are ready to perform it yet or if they had to cancel lessons during the month. It is not about who is the most talented or who has the most potential. It is about honoring the student who stood out because of their work ethic, attitude and initiative.
Be sure to talk with your teacher if you have questions or concerns.
CONGRATULATIONS
Simon W.
Simon started taking piano lessons with Miss Michele in August 2022. He had been taking lessons with another teacher since he was 4 years old. Simon is only 7 years old but since he's been taking lessons at DAMA he has learned some challenging songs super fast! Typically, it takes students a 4-6 weeks to learn these songs and Simon picks them up in 1-2 weeks! He and his Mom Laura came in to talk with us and we learn more about Simon and what motivates him. He also plays 2 songs for us. Simon won $50, a trophy and his name on the DAMA plaque. Congratulations Simon!
How to Win Student of the Month
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Focus during lessons
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Follow directions
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Have a good attitude
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Practice and come to lessons prepared
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Show initiative to learn and improve
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Attend at least 4 lessons in one month
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Be ready to perform the song you are working on
November Raffle Winners:
$25 1st Place = Aiden L.
$15 2nd Place = Maggie J.
$5 3rd Place = Presley S.
Thank you to Dave for picking the tickets.
Raffle tickets are picked on the 1st of the Month. Students 7 and younger receive 1 ticket for every 15 minutes of practice. Students 8 and older receive 1 ticket for every 30 minutes of practice. 1 ticket is awarded for each lesson.
The student with the most tickets at the end of the month will receive a medal.
Practice Derby Winners:
1st Place = Gwenn H. (24)
2nd Place = John D. (23)
3rd Place = Simon (22)
20 Club Gold Medallion Winner
Presley Sullivan
Presley earned 41 tickets this month which is over 20 hours of practicing in the month of November! She received a special gold medal with a purple ribbon to award her accomplishment!
Sophia E. 12/14
Lydia B. 12/16
Nolan B. 12/16
Robbie P. 12/19
Mr. Jeff 12/28
December Birthdays
Mark your Calendar:
Saturday 12/3 11-11:45am Group Make up Lesson
Open to students who had to cancel a lesson (In Sept. Oct. or Nov.) and were unable to reschedule.
No need to register!
Recital Rehearsal
Friday 12/9 6-7pm
Saturday 12/10 10-11am
Winter Recital
Sunday, December 11th
*2:00 or 4:00 (2 groups)
(time changed to start at 2pm instead of 2:30)
Holiday Break - NO LESSONS
December 19- January 2nd for Katie Rose's Students
December 26th- January 2nd for Michele/Jeff's Students
PreSchool Music Workshop
ages 3-4 Starting in January
Stayed tuned for details!
The UnPlug Club
CLOSED 11/22 - 1/4
1st game session FREE!!
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Participation is open to all kids age 8-14
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Game Sessions are Tuesdays 3:30-5pm
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Snacks are provided
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Board games, cards, puzzles are acceptable.
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Games on electronic devices are not acceptable.
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First Session is FREE!
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Sessions cost $7 one child or $10 per family (up to 3)
From Miss Michele's Bench
Change. That word brings up anxiety for me. I guess it shouldn't because I know that we humans are adaptable creatures and we go through bazillions of changes in our lifetimes. In fact, we can count on there being change...and that fact will NEVER change.
I think it's fear of the unknown coupled with other people being affected by this particular change that makes me so anxious. I mean, how hard can it be to find the exact right person/people to replace someone who is so talented, so patient, so encouraging, so kind, so caring, so loyal, so optimistic and so passionate about music? UGH! Daunting!
Katie Rose is one of a kind! She is a talented singer, pianist, actress and flutist. Sure there are people like myself who specialize in one area but Katie Rose does so much more! I have never seen her without a smile on her face and I'm so going to miss her and her positive energy. I know that she will be successful no matter what she does because she has a "can-do/all in" attitude and love in her heart. I wish you ALL the best Katie Rose. I'm sure I speak on behalf of all your students when I say how much you will be missed!
I'll do my best to make the transition smooth for all of her students and I'll keep you posted when I have news about our new teacher(s).
Just one other thing...I hope this holiday season brings you all so much happiness and fantastic memories! And...as always, thank you so very much for letting us spend time with your children each week and allowing us the opportunity to share our knowledge and love of music with them.
Best,