A Special Spring 2019 Recital Venue - June 8, 9, & 15
Peter Martin Wege Theatre at the Grand Rapids Ballet!
A Letter from the Director:
The Academy of Music is not a competitive environment, and lessons are all about the love of the art and the musical journey. Recitals are an important part of that journey, and this year we are super excited for our students to perform on a special stage - the Grand Rapids Ballet Peter Martin Wege Theatre.
As the school Director, I, along with my office staff team, work hard each day to ensure that our students enjoy an “over-the-top” music lesson experience, so it’s especially gratifying to see the results of those efforts unfold on a beautiful professional stage. We know you agree!
We can’t wait to see you all there! So work hard to finish up your final preparations, dress up for the event, and let’s all have a great time supporting and encouraging each student that courageously steps out on stage.
- Barbara Hendricks
What is your instrument?
Piano
What is your favorite instrument, other than your instrument?
Harp
How long have you taken lessons at the Academy?
8 months
Who are some of your favorite musicians?
Jamie Kimmett, Capital Kings, and King and Country
What are some of your hobbies besides music?
Reading, gymnastics, baking, and art
What is your favorite food?
Pomegranates
What is your favorite subject in school?
Math
What is your favorite animal?
Dolphins
Where would you most like to visit?
Greece and Belize
What is the coolest thing you have learned in your lessons?
How to play piano!
Do you have any advice for other music students?
Have fun with your instrument!
Thank you to the Gupta Family for referring us!
They won our Spring prize of four tickets to Alice in Wonderland at the Grand Rapids Ballet!
Looking for something fun and creative for the kids to do this summer?
BENEFITS OF SUMMER MUSIC CAMPS
1. Daily lessons that will help your child learn faster and better.
2. A productive option to reduce screen time.
3. Fewer summer “ boredom” complaints.
4. An opportunity to explore an instrument before starting private lessons.
5. An opportunity to work with top-notch teachers who will make learning an instrument feel more like fun than practice.
6. Lessons in a safe environment with a trusted, local, family-friendly music school.
7. Increased interpersonal interactions with peers (instead of texting!).
8. Increased self-confidence.
9. Focus on creativity and expression.
10. A longer list of great summer memories.
Testimonial from camp parent Courtney Yarch:“My daughter attended singing camp last summer with the help of peer pressure from a friend. In one week, she went from a fearsome girl with stage fright to a (mostly) confident young woman on stage who demonstrated such a stage presence. Within 6 weeks she signed up for ukulele lessons, and has since started voice lessons as well. Now my youngest daughter also takes piano lessons. We love Academy of Music!”
Many teachers have sold out or have limited spots available. If you need a schedule change or would like to be added to a waiting list for a particular teacher, day or time, please contact any of our office staff team and they can add you to the waiting list. If you are not a student yet there are still limited lessons spots available. To inquire about openings for January, please send an e-mail to info@academyofmusicGR.com or call the Academy office at 616-965-1655
Your generosity helped the Academy of Music raise $1500 for The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation! Foundation.
"Thank you so much for another wonderful benefit concert! From the concert line up to the cute guitar pick necklaces, your fundraising ideas were thoughtfully presented. We appreciate the hard work and planning that goes into an event like this, but also appreciate that the Academy of Music cares about our family, and cystic fibrosis. We are grateful for the awareness that was made and the funds that were raised!"
The Townsend Family
Congratulations on the nuptials of two of the Academy's amazing teachers!
We are so excited for Ryan (pictured left) and Joe (right) to embark on these new chapters in their lives.
Student of the Month
Alondra C.
What is your instrument?
Piano
What is your favorite instrument, other than your instrument?
Percussion
How long have you taken lessons at the Academy?
4 years
Who are some of your favorite musicians?
Ed Sheeran, Shawn Mendez, Thomas Rhett
What are some of your hobbies besides music?
Reading and Marching Band
What is your favorite food?
Seafood
What is your favorite subject in school?
English and Science
What is your favorite animal?
DOGS!!!
Where would you most like to visit?
Europe
What is the coolest thing you have learned in your lessons?
How to play really cool songs and seeing the progress I make when I learn new songs.
Do you have any advice for other music students?
Always remember the magic you are making that is music; That yes, sometimes it will be really hard but remember at the end when you are playing that there will always be a girl or boy that you inspired looking up to you
Musical Ladder Celebrations
Referral Special
Referrals made between February 1 - April 30th will be entered to win:
ALICE IN WONDERLAND GRAND RAPIDS BALLET PERFORMANCE
Sunday, May 5 at 2pm
Four Tickets + Parking Space + $100 Dinner Gift Card
TOTAL VALUE $330.25
Drawing will be held May 1
To the following families for their referrals:
The Wang Family
The Dowling Family
The Brace Family
Is Your Teacher Sold Out?
Many teachers have sold out or have limited spots available. If you need a schedule change or would like to be added to a waiting list for a particular teacher, day or time, please contact any of our office staff team and they can add you to the waiting list. If you are not a student yet there are still limited lessons spots available. To inquire about openings for January, please send an e-mail to info@academyofmusicGR.com or call the Academy office at 616-965-1655
PIANO
Bertram - 3 SPOTS Tues
Betsy - 1 SPOT Fri
Careta - SOLD OUT
Carol - 2 SPOTS Mon
Chrisann - 1 SPOT Mon
David Y - 1 SPOT Wed
Janet - 1 SPOT Sat
Joe - 2 SPOTS Thurs, Fri
Keith - SOLD OUT
Mary Beth - 1 SPOT Tues
Susan - SOLD OUT
Tracy - 1 SPOT Thurs, Fri
VOICE
Jon - SOLD OUT
Tanya - 2 SPOTS Fri, Sat, Sun
VOICE/PIANO/UKULELE
Corinne - 1 SPOT Fri
Sasha - SOLD OUT
VOICE/ PIANO
Annie - 1 SPOT Tues
Elia - SOLD OUT
Elizabeth - 1 SPOT Mon, Wed, Thurs
Sandra - 1 SPOT Sun, Mon, Thurs
VOICE/GUITAR/UKULELE
Ryan - SOLD OUT
STRINGS
Alex - 1 SPOT Sun, Mon
Anna - SOLD OUT
Bea - SOLD OUT
Marlae - 2 SPOTS Sat
Teresa - 2 SPOTS Sat
Tina - 1 SPOT Sun, Tues
STRINGS/ PIANO
Anne Marie - 1 SPOT Wed, Thurs
GUITAR/ UKULELE
Adam - 2 SPOTS Mon, Tues
Carsten- 1 SPOT Mon, Wed, Sat
David R- 2 SPOTS Sun
Edward - 3 SPOTS Sat
Evie - 1 SPOT Tues
Fred - 3 SPOTS Sat
DRUMS
Dan - 1 SPOT Mon, Tues
Garrett - SOLD OUT
Tim - 3 SPOTS Sat
DRUMS/ GUITAR
Jared - 2 SPOTS Thurs
Mitch - 1 SPOT Tues, Wed
Nathan - 2 SPOTS Sat
Looking for something fun and creative for the kids to do this summer?
BENEFITS OF SUMMER MUSIC CAMPS
1. Daily lessons that will help your child learn faster and better.
2. A productive option to reduce screen time.
3. Fewer summer “ boredom” complaints.
4. An opportunity to explore an instrument before starting private lessons.
5. An opportunity to work with top-notch teachers who will make learning an instrument feel more like fun than practice.
6. Lessons in a safe environment with a trusted, local, family-friendly music school.
7. Increased interpersonal interactions with peers (instead of texting!).
8. Increased self-confidence.
9. Focus on creativity and expression.
10. A longer list of great summer memories.
Testimonial from camp parent Courtney Yarch:“My daughter attended singing camp last summer with the help of peer pressure from a friend. In one week, she went from a fearsome girl with stage fright to a (mostly) confident young woman on stage who demonstrated such a stage presence. Within 6 weeks she signed up for ukulele lessons, and has since started voice lessons as well. Now my youngest daughter also takes piano lessons. We love Academy of Music!”
Many teachers have sold out or have limited spots available. If you need a schedule change or would like to be added to a waiting list for a particular teacher, day or time, please contact any of our office staff team and they can add you to the waiting list. If you are not a student yet there are still limited lessons spots available. To inquire about openings for January, please send an e-mail to info@academyofmusicGR.com or call the Academy office at 616-965-1655
International Music World Takes Note of Academy of Music
Instructor and Student
This photo of Academy strings instructor Tina and her son Cameron clearly shows the joy and connection they share with music and playing the cello. Hearing their show stopping performances together on stage only increases one’s understanding of their unique gifts and love for music. After Cameron’s first amazing Academy recital cello performance at age 5, I approached Tina and suggested that that her son was a music prodigy. With the smile of both parental and teacher pride, her response revealed the excitement and enormity of the challenge - “It’s a lot of work to keep up with him!”
Tina has now been enjoying doing exactly that for 2 years...keeping up with Cameron, nurturing his love of music, intertwining the intricacies and demands of family life and music instruction, giving him the freedom to be a little boy while at the same time helping him develop his unique musical potential. Notably, she does so while juggling the many other roles she plays in this stage of her life, one of which includes teaching violin and cello at the Academy of Music! She’s the kind of teacher I work hard to find for our students – a kind and friendly personality with a university music degree, competitive performance experience, and a shared passion for quality music lessons. I count her among the more than 40 excellent Academy instructors who pour out their hearts and souls each week to inspire our students to dream, believe, and achieve. Cameron endorses his mother’s success as both a parent and teacher when he says that what he loves most about cello is “being with my mom and having cello time together with her. I also love playing for others.” His enthusiasm about music makes it easy to fall in love with this young performer both on and off stage.
It was in June 2018 when Cameron was just 6 years old that he participated in his first Carnegie Hall recital. The Academy of Music organized a recital with 36 performers, including Cameron, at Carnegie to help us celebrate 15 years of excellence offering music lessons in the Grand Rapids community. While enjoying NYC and the Carnegie experience, he and his mother noticed promotional material for the 2019 American Protege International Competition - Young Musicians Piano & Strings. It was an easy decision to accept that challenge, work hard, and begin hoping for the opportunity to return to Carnegie for the Winners Recital in the Spring of 2019. Their hard work the next six months paid off, and Cameron learned this month that he won the FIRST PLACE prize. Like a true performer, he can’t wait for that performance at Carnegie in New York City. And even though he is only a second grader, he knows that he wants to be a professional cellist someday. His dream is to be in a famous chamber music group, like a quartet, when he grows up!
The Academy heartily congratulates Tina and Cameron on their hard work and accomplishment! We’re proud to have them as part of the Academy of Music community, and wish them both continued success as Cameron follows his dreams.
by Barbara Hendricks, Director
BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE!
We know you all are tired of the snow and ice! But...just in case... a friendly reminder that the Academy of Music communicates snow day cancellations via text, email, Facebook, and WOODTV8. We make our lesson cancellation decisions independent of school districts, and will alert you before 1 pm if the studio will close.
Because Academy students drive to lessons from a wide area, it is impossible for us to ensure that travel conditions are safe for everyone. Please use your best judgment about safe travel to and from the studio. It's always easy to sign up for a group make-up class if you are not able to make the trip - contact the desk or look for "Weekend Music Classes" on our website.
All weather related cancellations are rescheduled as a private lesson on the next available break. Winter snow days are typically rescheduled during spring break. If you are unable to attend the rescheduled lesson, feel free to sign up a for group make-up class whenever it's convenient.
Musical Ladder Celebrations
REFERRAL SPECIAL
Any referrals made between February 1 - March 31st will be entered to win:
Four Tickets + Parking Space + Family Dinner Gift Card ($100)
ALICE IN WONDERLAND GRAND RAPIDS BALLET PERFORMANCE
Sunday, May 5 at 2pm
TOTAL VALUE $330.25
DRAWING WILL BE HELD MAY 1
Congratulations to the Singla Family for winning our Winter Referral Raffle prize of $500 cash!
Many teachers have sold out or have limited spots available. If you need a schedule change or would like to be added to a waiting list for a particular teacher, day or time, please contact any of our office staff team and they can add you to the waiting list. If you are not a student yet there are still limited lessons spots available. To inquire about openings for January, please send an e-mail to info@academyofmusicGR.com or call the Academy office at 616-965-1655
PIANO
Bertram- SPOTS Tues
Betsy- SOLD OUT
Careta- 1 SPOT Mon, Tues
Carol- 2 SPOTS Mon, Tues
Chrisann- 1 SPOT Mon, Wed
David Y- 2 SPOTS Tues, Wed
Janet- 1 SPOT Thurs, Sat
Joe- 2 SPOTS Thurs, Fri
Keith-1 SPOT Mon, Tues, Wed
Ken- 3 SPOTS Wed
Mary Beth- SOLD OUT
Susan- SOLD OUT
Tracy- 1 SPOT Mon, Wed
VOICE
Jacqui- 1 SPOT Mon, Wed
Jon- SOLD OUT
Tanya- 2 SPOTS Wed, Fri
VOICE/PIANO/UKULELE
Corinne- 1 SPOT Fri
Sasha- SOLD OUT
VOICE/ PIANO
Annie- SOLD OUT
Elia- SOLD OUT
Elizabeth- 2 SPOTS Wed, Thurs
Sandra- 1 SPOT Mon
VOICE/GUITAR/ UKULELE
Ryan- 1 SPOT Mon, Tues, Wed
STRINGS
Alex- 1 SPOT Sun, Mon
Anna- SOLD OUT
Bea- 1 SPOT Mon
James- 2 SPOTS Sun
Marlae- SOLD OUT
Teresa- SPOTS Sat
Tina- 1 SPOT Sun
STRINGS/ PIANO
Anne Marie- 1 SPOT Thurs
GUITAR/ UKULELE
Adam- 1 SPOT Mon
Carsten- 1 SPOT Mon, Wed, Thurs
David R- 2 SPOTS Sun
Edward- SPOTS Sat
Evie- 2 SPOTS Thurs
Fred- SPOTS Sat
DRUMS
Dan- 1 SPOT Mon, Thurs
Garrett - 1 SPOT Wed
DRUMS/ GUITAR
Jared- 2 SPOTS Thurs
Mitch- 1 SPOT Mon, Wed, Thurs
Nathan- 2 SPOTS Wed
NEW STUDENTS
Max S, guitar
Nadine B, guitar
Zack K, guitar
Brooklinh T, voice
Annie D, piano
JJ R, ukulele
Kierra P, guitar
Asa C, piano
Jace C, piano
Adam O, guitar & voice
Andrea B, voice
Kelvin T, drums
Avery C, voice
Maeve H, guitar
Anna K, voice
Marcia R, piano
Madison D, voice
Jim S, guitar
Sophia F, cello
Rex M, violin
Beckett H, guitar
Larson H, drums
Saanvi B, piano
Dylan H, guitar
Kaitlin H, banjo
Deirdre M, guitar
Gwen A, guitar
Tadiwa K, piano
Anashe K, piano
Priscilla M, violin
Sherlynn R, guitar
Lucas P, bass guitar
Feb 2
Emma D
Feb 3
Sparsh A
Ishaan V
Feb 4
Lucas P
Abby S
Feb 5
Addison M
Logan U
Rowan B
Feb 6
Scarlett G
Deeher S
Gabrielle A
Feb 8
Lucy C
Lilla H
Ben F
Avy G
Feb 9
Katie K
Feb 11
Victor J
Feb 12
Ethan D
Oliver B
Sophia F
Feb 13
Denia Y
Kathleen S
Caroline D
Feb 14
Kendall F
Sana M
Feb 15
Sydney G
Maguire P
Feb 16
Venus Z
Feb 18
Anabel V
Anna F
Matthew F
Alexander R
Feb 19
Bella G
Feb 20
Katelyn V
Sophie Z
Feb 24
Atira C
Abby S
Anay M
Grant S
Ava M
Feb 25
Jackson L
Feb 26
Ben K
Dante G
Jacob S
Annie D
Feb 28
Abigail L
Addison G
Student of the Month
Cameron R.
What is your instrument?
Cello
What is your favorite instrument, other than your instrument?
That would be…a guitar.
How long have you taken lessons at the Academy?
A little bit more than two years.
Who are some of your favorite musicians?
Yo Yo Ma and Jacqueline DuPre
What are some of your hobbies besides music?
I like to play video games and play with my brother. I like to skate and roller blade also.
What is your favorite food?
Definitely tacos.
What is your favorite subject in school?
Reading
What is your favorite animal?
American Falcon
Where would you most like to visit?
New York
What is the coolest thing you have learned in your lessons?
The coolest thing like to learn is- well I learned this myself- I learned how to memorize almost every song that I know.
Do you have any advice for other music students?
Work as hard as you can, and believe in yourself. Even if you make a bunch of mistakes, don’t just like quit.
As we begin another year, Academy teachers and staff would like to thank all of our students, parents, and families for the wonderful memories of 2018.
We have loved working with you and celebrating your achievements in your musical growth, Musical Ladder milestones, and your first, second, and tenth recitals!
We are committed to being the best place for Music Lessons in the Grand Rapids area, and we THANK YOU for being with us. Please watch your emails for an annual survey and an opportunity to let us know how we are doing!
We wish you all an amazing 2019!
Be sure to plan ahead for these special Academy events:
FEBRUARY 10-16: Academy Teacher Appreciation Week. Share the love!
FEBRUARY 15-28: Jump the line for summer camp registrations. Current enrolled families SAVE $50 through March 31!
MARCH 9: National Federation of Music Clubs Festival at St. Cecilia Music Center.
MARCH 23: Cystic Fibrosis Benefit Recital by Academy Honor Students. Calvin College Recital Hall. Donations accepted at the door.
JUNE 8, 9, 15, & 16: Spring Recitals at the Grand Rapids Ballet Auditorium!
SUMMER MUSIC CAMPS 2019: Give your child a memorable summer music experience. Visit our website for details!
DECEMBER 7, 8, & 15: Winter Recitals at Wealthy Theatre
BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE!
Just a friendly reminder that the Academy of Music communicates snow day cancellations via text, email, Facebook, and WOODTV8. We make our lesson cancellation decisions independent of school districts, and will alert you before 1 pm if the studio will close.
Because Academy students drive to lessons from a wide area, it is impossible for us to ensure that travel conditions are safe for everyone. Please use your best judgment about safe travel to and from the studio. It's always easy to sign up for a group make-up class if you are not able to make the trip - contact the desk or look for "Weekend Music Classes" on our website.
All weather related cancellations are rescheduled as a private lesson on the next available break. Winter snow days are typically rescheduled during spring break. If you are unable to attend the rescheduled lesson, feel free to sign up a for group make-up class whenever it's convenient.
Thanks for the Pop Performances!
There's a time for scales and metronomes and breathing exercises and etudes. But, as composer Elissa Milne says “Some days are 'holy days' when our musicianship is about our connection to others, not our devotion to the practice room. These times of connection to our communities are the essence of musicianship.” Many thanks to students who shared their music with us during our Pop Performance Week at the studio! Let’s make it an annual event!!
Everyday practice days have returned but we hope that the experience of sharing music in recitals, in the studio, or in any of your communities during the holiday season has renewed your focus on an important goal. Music lessons are about learning to be a better musician while also learning to be a better person, and that includes connecting with others.
Musical Ladder Celebrations
WINTER REFERRAL SPECIAL
All referred and referring families between December 2 - January 31 will be entered in a raffle to win:
$500 CASH
DRAWING WILL BE HELD FEBRUARY 1
TO THE FOLLOWING REFERRING FAMILIES
Singla Family
Dempsey Family
Messer Family
Jones Family
Sherman Family
Schneider Family
Cole Family
Cummings Family
Is Your Teacher Sold Out?
Many teachers have sold out or have limited spots available. If you need a schedule change or would like to be added to a waiting list for a particular teacher, day or time, please contact any of our office staff team and they can add you to the waiting list. If you are not a student yet there are still limited lessons spots available. To inquire about openings for January, please send an e-mail to info@academyofmusicGR.com or call the Academy office at 616-965-1655
PIANO
Keith - 1 SPOT Mon, Tues
Tracy - 1 SPOT Wed
Careta - 1 SPOT Mon, Tues
David - 1 SPOT Wed
Ken - 1 SPOT Wed
Susan - SOLD OUT
Chrisann - 1 SPOT Mon, Wed
Janet - SOLD OUT
Mary Beth - SOLD OUT
Betsy - 1 SPOT Fri
GUITAR/ UKULELE
Evie - 1 SPOT Thurs
Adam - SOLD OUT
Carsten - 1 SPOT Mon, Fri
David R - 1 SPOT Sun, Thurs
VOICE
Tanya - 1 SPOT Wed, Fri
Jon - SOLD OUT
Jacqui - 1 SPOT Mon
VOICE/ PIANO
Elia - 1 SPOT Fri, Sat
Annie - SOLD OUT
Sandra - 1 SPOT Mon
VOICE/ PIANO/ UKULELE
Sasha - SOLD OUT
Corinne - 1 SPOT Fri
VOICE/ GUITAR/ UKULELE
Ryan - 1 SPOT Mon, Wed
STRINGS/ PIANO
Anne Marie - 1 SPOT Thurs
STRINGS
Anna - SOLD OUT
Alex - 2 SPOTS Mon, Sun
Bea - 1 SPOT Mon
Marlae - 1 SPOT Sat
Tina - 1 SPOT Sun
DRUMS
Dan - 1 SPOT Thurs
Garrett - 1 SPOT Wed
DRUMS/ GUITAR
Mitch - 1 SPOT Tues, Wed
Nathan - 1 SPOT Wed
Jared - 1 SPOT Thurs
NEW STUDENTS
Aakash I, drums
Jason J, piano
Aidan M, guitar
Braelyn B, ukulele
Aryan M, piano
Yohan G, drums
Yahir G, guitar
David C, guitar
Colette C, piano
Genevieve K, guitar
Will M, guitar
Chelsea V, ukulele
Matthew K, drums
Bronwyn A, ukulele
Krish P, piano
Miah M, voice
Kate M, voice
Mike K, cello
Lyla P, guitar
Carter Y, piano
Denia Y, ukulele
Alexa Y, piano
Mayur C, drums
Max H, ukulele
Kate S, cello
Jaci C, piano
Richard M, voice
Adam O, voice
Lindsey S, ukulele
Nathan M, drums
Kiana C, guitar
Kate M, piano
Kierra P, guitar
Kristina B, voice
Alex Y, piano
Joey A, piano
Capri S, Jan 2
Max H, Jan 4
Vrisan P, Jan 4
Lyla P, Jan 4
Laila G, Jan 6
Daniel V, Jan 7
Isabella Y, Jan 8
Liam M, Jan 8
Ethan M, Jan 8
Evan J, Jan 10
Minte O, Jan 10
Grace S, Jan 11
Kaylie M, Jan 11
Kate M, Jan 12
Tanisha H, Jan 12
Elle S, Jan 13
Maina D, Jan 14
Jason J, Jan 19
Isaac F, Jan 19
Bashaar K, Jan 19
Sarah L, Jan 19
Julia H, Jan 20
Olivia H, Jan 20
Sai R, Jan 20
Josh G, Jan 22
Kierra P, Jan 23
Lindsey S, Jan 23
Lauren B, Jan 24
Jacob L, Jan 25
Philip V, Jan 25
Kenzie R, Jan 26
Gabrielle W, Jan 30
Banon S, Jan 30
Reia W, Jan 31
Student of the Month
Colin D.
Q. What is your instrument?
A. I play piano and guitar.
Q. What is your favorite instrument, other than your instrument?
A. Drums
Q. How long have you taken lessons at the Academy?
A. 2 Years
Q. Who are some of your favorite musicians?
A. Deep Purple and Pink Floyd
Q. What are some of your hobbies besides music?
A. Video Games and Legos
Q. What is your favorite food?
A. Pears
Q. What is your favorite subject in school?
A. Math
Q. What is your favorite animal?
A. Dog
Q. Where would you most like to visit?
A. The Bahamas
Q. What is the coolest thing you have learned in your lessons?
A. Cords
Q. Do you have any advice for other music students?
As we approach a brand new year, we are excited to share that the Academy of Music is knocking on the door of 700 students! We appreciate each one of you and continue to focus on ways to improve your music lesson experience - gifts for you!
Giving you the the best musical training in West Michigan is always a priority, but we also want to provide the most organized and effective administration. That means we have excellent full-time office staff at the front desk to serve you every day and a full-time Studio Manager who supervises it all. This fall, we created a dedicated office space near the front desk for the Academy Studio Manager. We love the additional storage space and cabinets that help us keep things running smoothly. And we appreciate having a room available for teacher interviews all day long! Even better, the manager can pop out at any time to assist the front desk when the studio gets really busy!
Sharing student achievement photos on Facebook is a daily joyful task, so we decided to create a new wall space for a photo background. Check out the new Academy of Music sign on our front entry wall! (Great job, FastSigns!)
We know that a clean and comfortable waiting area is important to you, so we also decided to replace our fabric chairs with easy-to-clean IKEA wooden chairs! The newly installed carpet covered 2x4s (baseboard “chair rails”) will help us keep the walls from getting marred by chairs!
And, last but not least, teachers now have a larger dedicated work space to help them stay organized!
Many thanks for being part of our community. We can’t wait to make more musical memories with you in 2019! The best is yet to come!
Holiday Hours
We areCLOSED FOR LESSONS
December 23 - January 1
Lessons resume January 2
The Academy of Music OFFICE WILL BE OPEN December 26th-30th to respond to phone calls and emails.
If you are not yet a student, feel free to stop in for a tour or to ask questions about lessons!
NEW STUDENTS
Tristan D, piano
Cephas C, guitar
Sydney G, drums
Zachary V, guitar
Samantha B, ukulele
Amelia N, piano
Taylor O, violin
Abigail L, piano
Levi C, piano
Jameson P, guitar
Dilara E, guitar
Laura V, piano
William S, piano
Ada V, voice
Rose H, violin
Kurt M, guitar
Henry M, guitar
Aadhya A, piano
Kellan W, guitar
Gemma B, voice
Lauren C, voice
Molly N, voice
Francesca D, ukulele
Carsten F, violin
Veer P, piano
Kiley D, voice
Victor J, piano
Olivia O, voice & drums
Greg M, violin
Adrina N, guitar
Macy W, drums
Jennifer B, piano
Macy B, Dec 2
Jayla J, Dec 2
Abby H, Dec 3
Molly N, Dec 4
Jotham N, Dec 4
Jacob A, Dec 6
Harrison G, Dec 6
Adam F, Dec 6
Lily Ann C, Dec 9
Christopher L, Dec 9
Helena S, Dec 11
Oliver D, Dec 11
Aadhya A, Dec 11
Jacobus V, Dec 12
Graham B, Dec 13
Magger M, Dec 13
Olivia O, Dec 13
Makayla K, Dec 14
Sophia W, Dec 14
Evie P, Dec 15
Izzy R, Dec 15
Alayna L, Dec 17
Gwen A, Dec 17
Wylie W, Dec 18
Isabelle T, Dec 19
Gemma B, Dec 19
Michael E, Dec 20
Cassidy B, Dec 20
Virinchi K, Dec 20
Lexi S, Dec 21
Chase L, Dec 21
Kelly D, Dec 22
Jacob L, Dec 22
Jaelyn M, Dec 22
Gerardo Emmanuel D, Dec 22
Selah V, Dec 23
Nathan D, Dec 23
Abby R, Dec 24
Zachary V, Dec 25
Jenna L, Dec 25
Lydia V, Dec 25
Tessa R, Dec 27
Grant A, Dec 27
Sophia J, Dec 28
Vincent S, Dec 30
Lia S, Dec 30
Brooklyn C, Dec 31
Student of the Month
Lauren B.
Q. What is your instrument?
A. Voice at the Academy, but I also play the saxophone and clarinet
Q. What is your favorite instrument, other than your instrument?
A. Violin
Q. How long have you taken lessons at the Academy?
A. 1 Year
Q. Who are some of your favorite musicians?
A. Kelly Clarkson and Lin Manuel Miranda
Q. What are some of your hobbies besides music?
A. Odyssey of the Mind, reading, and softball.
Q. What is your favorite food?
A. Grandma's Meatloaf
Q. What is your favorite subject in school?
A. Math and Language Arts
Q. What is your favorite animal?
A. Dragon
Q. Where would you most like to visit?
A. New Zealand to Hobbiton
Q. What is the coolest thing you have learned in your lessons?
A. Increasing
Q. Do you have any advice for other music students?
A. Be confident in yourself and stretch your limits!
Musical Ladder Celebrations
WINTER REFERRAL SPECIAL
All referred and referring families between December 2 - January 31 will be entered in a raffle to win:
$500 CASH
DRAWING WILL BE HELD FEBRUARY 1
TO THE FOLLOWING REFERRING FAMILIES
Haughey Family
Thurston Family
Kriekard Family
Aksenova Family
Is Your Teacher Sold Out?
Many teachers have sold out or have limited spots available. If you need a schedule change or would like to be added to a waiting list for a particular teacher, day or time, please contact any of our office staff team and they can add you to the waiting list. If you are not a student yet there are still limited lessons spots available. To inquire about openings for January, please send an e-mail to info@academyofmusicGR.com or call the Academy office at 616-965-1655
Whether they were spooky, silly, or something else entirely, our students, staff, and faculty had a great time with Halloween costumes this year! Thanks to our Academy students for your fabulous entries!
Staff and Teachers got in on the fun too!
Congratulations to Amelia J for winning the $25 cash prize!
CANDY GIVE BACK
Thank you Academy families and friends for your generous donations to the Academy of Music Halloween Candy Give Back event! Your candy help put smiles on the faces of our deployed Service Members and First Responders! We collected 13 boxes for Operation Gratitude this year!
We are excited about the benefits of our new TeacherZone studio management software.
Check your email for login information and head toteacherzone.com
Once logged in,click on the face iconin the upper left hand corner to access your user profile (shown in image below).
1) Add your payment information.
2) Update your notification settings.
Contact the office if you have any questions!
NEW OFFICE STAFF
Meet Ellen!
6 Interesting Facts About Ellen
Recently moved here from Nashville, Tennessee.
My interests include sports, public policy, and all things crafty.
I can speak conversational American Sign Language.
My dog, Mae, is my best friend in the entire world.
I put some form of hot sauce/cayenne on every. single. thing. I. eat.
I grew up spending my entire summer swimming, sailing, and playing tennis and golf in Northport, MI.
WINTER RECITALS
Where: Wealthy Theatre
When: December 8, December 9, and December 16
No tickets will be sold. Feel free to attend additional recitals and support your fellow students!
The show will proceed regardless of weather conditions so be sure to leave extra driving time so that you or your child will arrive relaxed and ready to perform.
Participation in recitals boosts confidence, provides goals, and builds new skills for students. Please be sure to speak to your teachers to ensure that you are ready to perform.
If you have not yet signed up for your recital day and time, please visitacademyofmusicGR.com/recitals! The sign ups will close at the end of November so be sure that you have your time reserved!
Questions? Call 616-965-1655
NEW STUDENTS
Ian M, piano
Hannah J, viola
Evan J, guitar
Nathan D, piano
Kelly M, guitar
Carter M, guitar
Rory B, ukulele
Ben M, voice
Ben Y, guitar
Quinn S, drums
Don S, guitar
Addyson C, piano
Lukas C, piano
Kate C, violin
Lilliana C, voice
Maxton H, drums
Marissa L, guitar
Kiernan C, piano
Claudia G, ukulele
Sam S, ukulele
Addison G, violin
Ian L, guitar
Michael E, violin
Dustin R, piano
Jen S, voice
Annabelle I, piano and guitar
Deacon I, piano and drums
Ryan V, voice
Brian B, ukulele
Eloise L, piano
Elliot L, piano
Abby B, voice
Tyler H, drums
Amadeo S, drums
Makayla S, voice
Julie T, voice
Gwen A, guitar
Rick W, guitar
Sana M, piano
Mason S, Nov 1
William B, Nov 2
Ethan K, Nov 3
Logan M, Nov 4
Addysen C, Nov 4
Søren M, Nov 4
Matthew V, Nov 5
Lydia B, Nov 6
KenZen L, Nov 6
Emmerson M, Nov 6
Madeline M, Nov 7
Nora J, Nov 10
Sydney W, Nov 10
Marissa L, Nov 11
Rowan Z, Nov 11
Minhao C, Nov 12
Ian S, Nov 13
Ella G, Nov 14
Rylee L, Nov 15
Roman B, Nov 16
Emery C, Nov 16
Marc S, Nov 17
Maxx B, Nov 17
Arcadia P, Nov 17
Ashley G, Nov 18
Lauren B, Nov 18
Kaylee N, Nov 19
Ryan R, Nov 19
Luke G, Nov 19
Isabelle M, Nov 20
Joey S, Nov 22
Ivy M, Nov 23
Adam K, Nov 25
Ashley D, Nov 25
Ellexis K, Nov 25
Shallan W, Nov 26
Cozzie Z, Nov 26
Mahima D, Nov 27
Wade M, Nov 28
Aaron S, Nov 29
Jazmary R, Nov 29
Dylan L, Nov 30
STUDENT OF THE MONTH
Liam D.
Q. What is your instrument?
A. Piano
Q. What is your favorite instrument, other than your instrument?
A. Saxophone
Q. How long have you taken lessons at the Academy?
A. 4 Years
Q. Who are some of your favorite musicians?
A. Brackendra, 2Cellos, Lindsey Sterling, Led Zeppelin, Queen
Q. What are some of your hobbies besides music?
A. Reading, playing video games, math
Q. What is your favorite food?
A. Pad Thai
Q. What is your favorite subject in school?
A. Definitely science
Q. What is your favorite animal?
A. Snakes, the Reticulated Python because its super long... and cats. My favorite cat is my pet, Phineas.
Q. Where would you most like to visit?
A. Hawaii
Q. What is the coolest thing you have learned in your lessons?
A. Playing piano with more than one finger.
Q. Do you have any advice for other music students?
A. Agree with your teacher and don't argue.
MUSICAL LADDER CELEBRATIONS
FALL REFERRAL SPECIAL
All referred and referring families between September 1 - November 30 will be entered in a raffle to win:
FOUR ORCHESTRA SECTION TICKETS TO THE NUTCRACKER BALLET (value $350)
