Good afternoon. Welcome to the annual spring concert of Suzuki school of Elgin.

 We are excited to bring you this program titled “beautiful music, beautiful heart”. It includes more than just the music we have been studying during the year: it focuses on the philosophy of dr. Suzuki that music would develop children into people of noble character through the avenue of music.

Noble character includes: respect – for the music, the teacher, the instrument and for themselves. It also gives students “staying power” – the ability to stick with something, even when it is hard or they don’t want to do it. Noble character also teaches students to overcome obstacles when learning a new piece that seems too hard as well as how to venture into the unknown with new styles and genres. People of noble character are looking for creative problem-solving methods. The  skills involved in learning a musical instrument will aid in other areas of their lives. Music can open up avenues of resourcefulness that will surprise all of us and help this generation to lead us into the future.

Before the music begins, let me thank our cello teacher, Richard Evans who faithfully leads his students to high achievements each week……and sue Smentowski, our faithful accompanist who is at group class every week and listens to my questions musical and otherwise.

Sarosh Saher has taken on the role of web manager and is updating and adding to it. I am truly appreciative of this.

My many thanks to the Suzuki plus group who is putting on this program. It is a lot of work for parents who are sometimes already overwhelmed. Thank you to Amy Schram, Erica Jimenez and Steve Loredo

For organizing and overseeing all aspects of this concert. Hannah Dormeier did a beautiful job on all of the graphic arts – the tickets, the fliers and the program. All of the  parents were asked to participate in some way this year. I believe the phrase, “many hands make light work” applies here. Thank you all for helping make this program possible.

Also, please note that the design on the front page of your program was done by violin student, Molly Schram.

There is one correction to make in your program, and that is instead of  a book 5 graduation, Kayla Beu graduated from book 6. My apologies for the error.

Before we start the music, I will read a quote that I found somewhere and have had it visible on my desk all year:

“the fact that children can make beautiful music is far less important than the fact that music can make beautiful children”….that’s what you are doing.

Enjoy the program….

The third rehearsal for our annual Spring Concert. Wear your t-shirt to rehearsal!

Schedule

5:00pm Cellos

5:30pm Violas

6:00pm Violins

The second rehearsal for our annual Spring Concert. Wear your t-shirts!

Schedule

5:00pm Cellos

5:30pm Violas

6:00pm Violins