NW Strings News

Wow, it’s already December. The time certainly flies. We have two events this month. The first is on Monday, Dec 17th, in the Middle School Cafetorium. This should be a low stress fun time. Both the Intermediate School and Middle School groups with play and then the stage will be open for anyone who is interested in playing a piece. This is open to all students whether they play in a group or not. We will have a potluck supper going on at the same time so all families are asked to bring a dish. Drinks, plates, etc will be provided by the Northwoods Strings.

The second event is on Wednesday Dec 19th. This will actually be a busy day for various students in Northwoods Strings. The cello students are playing in the lobby of the First Lutheran Church prior to the children’s Christmas play. There are a number of students in Northwoods Strings who attend the First Lutheran Church and in addition to acting  will also be playing their violins and violas during the play. The festivities begin around 6:15 and should be over by 7:15.

Finally on the 19th of December, the Middle School Group will be performing at the Rotary Club Holiday Dinner. This is at the Hayward Golf and Tennis restaurant. Students should arrive at 7:30 for a 7:45 performance. The performance will last approximately 30 minutes. This is an important performance for the Northwoods Strings. Students need a good excuse if they are unable to attend.

Call me with any questions.

What an absolutely wonder concert last weekend! I realize the hours were long between the travel time, the rehearsals, and the performances but it was well worth it. I’m not sure all of the students would outwardly show as much enthusiasum as me but each one came off the stage each evening glowing. Thank you very much to all of the parents who drove to rehearsals and performances we could not have succeeded without you. Thank you to all the parents who helped with the Hayward performance particularly Tish Keahna for organizing the parent group and allowing me to not worry. Finally, thank you to all of the parents who encouraged their children to participate to their fullest in this endeavor. Anything worth doing is worth working for. (I realize I just ended that sentence with a preposition but I couldn’t figure out any other way to end it.)

This coming up Saturday, September 22nd is the Hayward Fall Festival. Northwoods Strings has the opportunity to raise money for the organization by selling chocolate covered strawberries downtown. I am in the process confirming all the particulars but the basics are as follows. First we need some students to help man the table outside of Trembley’s Sweet Shop. Second we need some students to play their instruments. Hopefully we will have a few time slots on the stage for students to play. Life doesn’t get much better than that. This can be a great fund raiser for us and a fun time all at once. I will be giving out more information at the great lessons on Tuesday September 18th.

It’s been a great first week! At least from my vantage point it’s been great. No one has told me otherwise and I have had a wonderful time. Fall doesn’t really begin for me until the first violin lesson is given. If your week hasn’t been as good as mine, feel free to give me a call.

Thank you to all the Middle School group students who participated in the One Nation Workshop last weekend. I realize the music can seem unexciting and tedious but when we put it all together with the other orchestral instruments and the drums it will be wonderful. It’s always difficult to only see a small part and try and imagine the whole piece. The work will be worth it. If not you can give me a hard time later.

For all new students and those older students who might have forgotten. Remember the way we practice  is the way we will play. So if we sit on the floor and stare at our boook on the ground when we practice, then when we go to play we will bend over and stare at the floor. That position looks very funny to the people to whom we are playing. A music stand works very well but you don’t need to have one. You can prop your book up and open on a table or the dresser in your bedroom. You can tack your book to the wall of you room but make sure you talk to mom and dad first about that idea. The most important item is that your boook is at about eye level so that you stand upright when practicing.   

Although school has not yet begun, the NWS year has started. This week the new incoming string players have been hard at work becoming acquainted with their instruments. The Wesleyan Church welcomed us into their church to hold a 3 day early morning camp. Thirteen students participated including 1 cellist, 4 violist, and 8 violinist. The year is certainly starting out well.

For returning students, there will be a workshop on Sept 8th at the Wesleyan Church from 9-12. Students from Cumberland, Spooner, and Rice Lake will also be in attendance. All students should be tuned and ready to play at 9AM. The workshop will cover the music being played at our big concert in October. Since all students should be present, I figured it would be the perfect opportunity to hold a parents meeting. Therefore, we will be holding a parents meeting beginning at 8AM at the Wesleyan Church.

CodaBows have arrived. For our 4 recipients of the CodaBow award, the bows just arrived yesterday. The bows will be distributed at the workshop on September 8th.

Finally, all lessons begin the week of September 10th. It looks like we have a new teacher, Jill Smith, joining our staff. You will love her, she’s great. Prior to moving to Hayward this summer, she taught string instruments/orchestra in the Indiana school system. She will be giving lessons to all violin/viola students in the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. You should be hearing from her soon concerning times for lessons. Violin and viola students entering the 5th grade have the option of taking lessons on Thursdays after school or before school Monday through Friday. Please contact me directly to schedule your lesson. Bass students will continue to receive lessons from Mr. Qualey on Wednesday’s after school at the Middle School. Cello students will receive lessons from Ms. Susan Halderman on Wednesday’s after school at the First Lutheran Church.

Welcome back. Please check this site weekly for updates.

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