Music, the International Passport By: Nicolette Solomon Since I was a young teenager, my violin has presented me with more wonderful, exciting, life changing opportunities than I can list. I would not have traveled the world with my chamber orchestra, nor would I be a citizen of the United States of America had I not had these incredible opportunities. I would not have met and studied with Dr Suzuki and I would not have left South Africa to come and teach at the Suzuki Music Institute of Dallas. Nor would I be the guest teacher in a now flourishing Suzuki program in Costa Rica. I would like to share a teaching experience that once again demonstrated the value and

power of music education. In Costa Rica a ten-year-old girl came in for her first lesson with me while her mother and father sat in the classroom, very shy and unkempt. She played very timidly, using very little bow throughout the Bach Bourree. She is a student in the government sponsored "SINEM" (Il Sistema) music program, primarily for underprivileged children, but available for all children in the country. Her left hand was well set up, as was her posture. (Her young teacher had been a student of mine in Costa Rica for the past 6 years and is studying to become a violin teacher. He has full time employment in the "Sinem" program while he completes his music studies). After the girl completed her piece I asked her in my poor Spanish, to describe the character of the music. I asked her if her use of bow encouraged us to understand the character of the piece. She hesitantly said No. I used her instrument, playing with more bow and defined bow

distribution. She smiled and said she liked the sound alot. I asked, jokingly, whether her parents had paid for the whole bow, or was she only cleared to play with 1/5 of the bow? She looked at her parents and they laughed politely and said quietly, she is cleared to use the whole bow. We started some bowing exercises to facilitate bow direction, bow speed and arm weight. She made immediate progress and started getting a rich, vibrant tone. She could not stop smiling. Her young teacher was making notes and seemed pleased with his student. I congratulated her and said something like, "now we can hear you have a good violin and good bow technique”! Just imagine if people thought you were playing on a Walmart bow"! Senora Blanco, the Director, threw me her non-impressed glance and I thought " uh-oh, what now? " But the girl looked up and beamed at her parents. I was confused. The lesson proceeded beautifully. After the lesson, she went to her parents and hugged them, quietly saying, "Gracias Mama, Gracias Papa".

Volume 6, Issue 2Winter 2015

A publication of theSuzuki Music Institute of Dallassuzukimusicdallas.org

TALK

Editor in Chief ~ Tracey MarkhamExecutive Director & Strings Specialist

Nicolette Solomon

Music, the International Passport By: Nicolette Solomon Since I was a young teenager, my violin has presented me with more wonderful, exciting, life changing opportunities than I can list. I would not have traveled the world with my chamber orchestra, nor would I be a citizen of the United States of America had I not had these incredible opportunities. I would not have met and studied with Dr Suzuki and I would not have left South Africa to come and teach at the Suzuki Music Institute of Dallas. Nor would I be the guest teacher in a now flourishing Suzuki program in Costa Rica. I would like to share a teaching experience that once again demonstrated the value and

power of music education. In Costa Rica a ten-year-old girl came in for her first lesson with me while her mother and father sat in the classroom, very shy and unkempt. She played very timidly, using very little bow throughout the Bach Bourree. She is a student in the government sponsored "SINEM" (Il Sistema) music program, primarily for underprivileged children, but available for all children in the country. Her left hand was well set up, as was her posture. (Her young teacher had been a student of mine in Costa Rica for the past 6 years and is studying to become a violin teacher. He has full time employment in the "Sinem" program while he completes his music studies). After the girl completed her piece I asked her in my poor Spanish, to describe the character of the music. I asked her if her use of bow encouraged us to understand the character of the piece. She hesitantly said No. I used her instrument, playing with more bow and defined bow

distribution. She smiled and said she liked the sound alot. I asked, jokingly, whether her parents had paid for the whole bow, or was she only cleared to play with 1/5 of the bow? She looked at her parents and they laughed politely and said quietly, she is cleared to use the whole bow. We started some bowing exercises to facilitate bow direction, bow speed and arm weight. She made immediate progress and started getting a rich, vibrant tone. She could not stop smiling. Her young teacher was making notes and seemed pleased with his student. I congratulated her and said something like, "now we can hear you have a good violin and good bow technique”! Just imagine if people thought you were playing on a Walmart bow"! Senora Blanco, the Director, threw me her non-impressed glance and I thought " uh-oh, what now? " But the girl looked up and beamed at her parents. I was confused. The lesson proceeded beautifully. After the lesson, she went to her parents and hugged them, quietly saying, "Gracias Mama, Gracias Papa".

Volume 6, Issue 2Winter 2015

A publication of theSuzuki Music Institute of Dallassuzukimusicdallas.org

TALK

Editor in Chief ~ Tracey MarkhamExecutive Director & Strings Specialist

Nicolette Solomon

On our Cover: Clara Schumann

One of the most renowned figures among classical musicians of the nineteenth century, Clara Schumann (1819–1896) was sometimes known as Europe's Queen of the Piano. Her life was partly defined by her marriage to German composer Robert Schumann, whose keyboard works she championed as a performer, but her own accomplishments, which include a small but important body of compositions, have been investigated, in increasing detail, as interest in the creative lives of women has grown. In the 1840s and 1850s she composed some of her best music and toured as a pianist while raising eight children and dealing with her husband's resistance to her performing career.

Who knew that Walmart sold violins? They were bursting with pride that I "recognized" it was a Walmart violin. After the final concert, the parents of this girl asked to have their photo taken with me, and their beloved daughter. These humble folk, wearing the same clothes as they had the day before, presented me with a fresh coconut and straw, to quench my thirst after a long concert. I really had to hold back the tears. When the photo was being taken, the normally

mousy father, stood beside his daughter, her holding her violin and bow in front of her, his chest bursting with pride and mother holding my hands. And then the father told me something I had always known from my own life and those of my colleagues and students, he told me they had bought the violin for their daughter as they wanted to give her an "international passport". They had read my bio a few years back in the Suzuki Concert program and seen how many countries I had travelled to, teaching and learning. They realized how the serious study of music could open opportunities for their child and that one day, she too, could travel with a group, play concerts in foreign lands and teach children like herself. What a marvelous vision he had for his daughter! And then I thought of the SMID Advanced Group concert tour to France a few years back, where we were invited to participate in the celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the French Suzuki Federation, performing in the summer palace of King Louis XIV, and of the opportunity the advanced

group will have this coming Spring, when we will perform with other Suzuki groups in Spain on our "Friendship Tour". Music really can be an International Passport!

Nicolette Solomon recently returned from Costa Rica, where she teaches and trains in the San José and surrounding areas every February and October. Ms. Solomon has helped build the Suzuki program over the past 6 years, where the program has grown from 30 to over 130 children presently. The Suzuki music program also supports the under privileged children from the “Casa de los Niños”.

Music, the International Passport By: Nicolette Solomon Since I was a young teenager, my violin has presented me with more wonderful, exciting, life changing opportunities than I can list. I would not have traveled the world with my chamber orchestra, nor would I be a citizen of the United States of America had I not had these incredible opportunities. I would not have met and studied with Dr Suzuki and I would not have left South Africa to come and teach at the Suzuki Music Institute of Dallas. Nor would I be the guest teacher in a now flourishing Suzuki program in Costa Rica. I would like to share a teaching experience that once again demonstrated the value and

power of music education. In Costa Rica a ten-year-old girl came in for her first lesson with me while her mother and father sat in the classroom, very shy and unkempt. She played very timidly, using very little bow throughout the Bach Bourree. She is a student in the government sponsored "SINEM" (Il Sistema) music program, primarily for underprivileged children, but available for all children in the country. Her left hand was well set up, as was her posture. (Her young teacher had been a student of mine in Costa Rica for the past 6 years and is studying to become a violin teacher. He has full time employment in the "Sinem" program while he completes his music studies). After the girl completed her piece I asked her in my poor Spanish, to describe the character of the music. I asked her if her use of bow encouraged us to understand the character of the piece. She hesitantly said No. I used her instrument, playing with more bow and defined bow

distribution. She smiled and said she liked the sound alot. I asked, jokingly, whether her parents had paid for the whole bow, or was she only cleared to play with 1/5 of the bow? She looked at her parents and they laughed politely and said quietly, she is cleared to use the whole bow. We started some bowing exercises to facilitate bow direction, bow speed and arm weight. She made immediate progress and started getting a rich, vibrant tone. She could not stop smiling. Her young teacher was making notes and seemed pleased with his student. I congratulated her and said something like, "now we can hear you have a good violin and good bow technique”! Just imagine if people thought you were playing on a Walmart bow"! Senora Blanco, the Director, threw me her non-impressed glance and I thought " uh-oh, what now? " But the girl looked up and beamed at her parents. I was confused. The lesson proceeded beautifully. After the lesson, she went to her parents and hugged them, quietly saying, "Gracias Mama, Gracias Papa".

On our Cover: Clara Schumann

One of the most renowned figures among classical musicians of the nineteenth century, Clara Schumann (1819–1896) was sometimes known as Europe's Queen of the Piano. Her life was partly defined by her marriage to German composer Robert Schumann, whose keyboard works she championed as a performer, but her own accomplishments, which include a small but important body of compositions, have been investigated, in increasing detail, as interest in the creative lives of women has grown. In the 1840s and 1850s she composed some of her best music and toured as a pianist while raising eight children and dealing with her husband's resistance to her performing career.

Who knew that Walmart sold violins? They were bursting with pride that I "recognized" it was a Walmart violin. After the final concert, the parents of this girl asked to have their photo taken with me, and their beloved daughter. These humble folk, wearing the same clothes as they had the day before, presented me with a fresh coconut and straw, to quench my thirst after a long concert. I really had to hold back the tears. When the photo was being taken, the normally

mousy father, stood beside his daughter, her holding her violin and bow in front of her, his chest bursting with pride and mother holding my hands. And then the father told me something I had always known from my own life and those of my colleagues and students, he told me they had bought the violin for their daughter as they wanted to give her an "international passport". They had read my bio a few years back in the Suzuki Concert program and seen how many countries I had travelled to, teaching and learning. They realized how the serious study of music could open opportunities for their child and that one day, she too, could travel with a group, play concerts in foreign lands and teach children like herself. What a marvelous vision he had for his daughter! And then I thought of the SMID Advanced Group concert tour to France a few years back, where we were invited to participate in the celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the French Suzuki Federation, performing in the summer palace of King Louis XIV, and of the opportunity the advanced

group will have this coming Spring, when we will perform with other Suzuki groups in Spain on our "Friendship Tour". Music really can be an International Passport!

Nicolette Solomon recently returned from Costa Rica, where she teaches and trains in the San José and surrounding areas every February and October. Ms. Solomon has helped build the Suzuki program over the past 6 years, where the program has grown from 30 to over 130 children presently. The Suzuki music program also supports the under privileged children from the “Casa de los Niños”.

Upcoming Events and Reminders

February 14th - Piano Play-in: 1:00pm, 2:15pm, 3:30pm & 4:30pm at SMID

February 14th - Valentine's Day Parents Night Out: Suzuki 6:00-10:00pm Suggested Donation per Family: $50.00, sign up at front desk

February 27th-28th - Spring String Workshop 2015 - Location: SMID Violin - Viola - Cello - Harp

4:00pm ~ Celebration Concert SMID Concert Hall

March 2-6, 2015 Achievement Week All Piano students will be participating. All String students in Book 2 and

above will be participating. Book 1 String Students will have their regular lesson.

SMID will be assigning time slots to the students based on their private lesson time, and teachers availability. The schedule will be emailed to all and posted on the Bulletin Board.

March 9 - 15, 2015 ~ Spring Break School Closed Classes resume: Monday - March 16th

March 20 - 22, 2015 - Piano Workshop - Location: SMID

Times TBA

April 12th - Piano Play-in, 1:00pm, 2:15pm, 3:30pm & 4:30pm @ SMIDApril 25th - Evening Concert, Location SMID Concert Hall, 6:00pmApril 26th - Senior Recital, Location SMID Concert Hall, time tba

Featured Student Alexander Davis-PegisAlexander Davis-Pegis age 17 cello & piano 1). How long have you been playing the cello and the piano? I have been playing the cello since I was 4 and the piano since I was 8 years old. Who is your Suzuki teacher? My cello teachers are my parents; Jolyon Pegis and Donna Davis. Dr. Bret Serrin is my piano teacher. 2). Why did you pick the cello and the piano for your instrument choice? The cello was an obvious choice for me, since my parents are both professional cellists. As my instrument knowledge and playing skills developed I became interested in learning the piano. 3). What is your favorite thing about playing the cello? The piano? My favorite thing about playing the cello is the sound, it’s the closest to the human voice. The piano seems to be available in most places, I like the idea of being able to sit down and play anywhere. 4). Do you have other interests outside of learning the cello and the piano? If so, what are they? I love to read, cycle and explore the history and workings of old cars. 5). When you are listening to classical music, what composers do you like to listen to? Why? �I like Bach for his elegance and Shostakovich for his energy. �

6). Do you like other types of music as well? What kind? Absolutely! I like classic rock, electronic and pop music. 7). Tell our readers about a special talent or interest that you have. I can read a 700 page book in one day and I am particularly interested in Medieval Weaponry.� 8). Do you have any advice for a student that is starting to learn an instrument? Practice every day, even a little bit is better than nothing.

On our Cover: Clara Schumann

One of the most renowned figures among classical musicians of the nineteenth century, Clara Schumann (1819–1896) was sometimes known as Europe's Queen of the Piano. Her life was partly defined by her marriage to German composer Robert Schumann, whose keyboard works she championed as a performer, but her own accomplishments, which include a small but important body of compositions, have been investigated, in increasing detail, as interest in the creative lives of women has grown. In the 1840s and 1850s she composed some of her best music and toured as a pianist while raising eight children and dealing with her husband's resistance to her performing career.

Who knew that Walmart sold violins? They were bursting with pride that I "recognized" it was a Walmart violin. After the final concert, the parents of this girl asked to have their photo taken with me, and their beloved daughter. These humble folk, wearing the same clothes as they had the day before, presented me with a fresh coconut and straw, to quench my thirst after a long concert. I really had to hold back the tears. When the photo was being taken, the normally

mousy father, stood beside his daughter, her holding her violin and bow in front of her, his chest bursting with pride and mother holding my hands. And then the father told me something I had always known from my own life and those of my colleagues and students, he told me they had bought the violin for their daughter as they wanted to give her an "international passport". They had read my bio a few years back in the Suzuki Concert program and seen how many countries I had travelled to, teaching and learning. They realized how the serious study of music could open opportunities for their child and that one day, she too, could travel with a group, play concerts in foreign lands and teach children like herself. What a marvelous vision he had for his daughter! And then I thought of the SMID Advanced Group concert tour to France a few years back, where we were invited to participate in the celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the French Suzuki Federation, performing in the summer palace of King Louis XIV, and of the opportunity the advanced

group will have this coming Spring, when we will perform with other Suzuki groups in Spain on our "Friendship Tour". Music really can be an International Passport!

Nicolette Solomon recently returned from Costa Rica, where she teaches and trains in the San José and surrounding areas every February and October. Ms. Solomon has helped build the Suzuki program over the past 6 years, where the program has grown from 30 to over 130 children presently. The Suzuki music program also supports the under privileged children from the “Casa de los Niños”.

Upcoming Events and Reminders

February 14th - Piano Play-in: 1:00pm, 2:15pm, 3:30pm & 4:30pm at SMID

February 14th - Valentine's Day Parents Night Out: Suzuki 6:00-10:00pm Suggested Donation per Family: $50.00, sign up at front desk

February 27th-28th - Spring String Workshop 2015 - Location: SMID Violin - Viola - Cello - Harp

4:00pm ~ Celebration Concert SMID Concert Hall

March 2-6, 2015 Achievement Week All Piano students will be participating. All String students in Book 2 and

above will be participating. Book 1 String Students will have their regular lesson.

SMID will be assigning time slots to the students based on their private lesson time, and teachers availability. The schedule will be emailed to all and posted on the Bulletin Board.

March 9 - 15, 2015 ~ Spring Break School Closed Classes resume: Monday - March 16th

March 20 - 22, 2015 - Piano Workshop - Location: SMID

Times TBA

April 12th - Piano Play-in, 1:00pm, 2:15pm, 3:30pm & 4:30pm @ SMIDApril 25th - Evening Concert, Location SMID Concert Hall, 6:00pmApril 26th - Senior Recital, Location SMID Concert Hall, time tba

Featured Student Alexander Davis-PegisAlexander Davis-Pegis age 17 cello & piano 1). How long have you been playing the cello and the piano? I have been playing the cello since I was 4 and the piano since I was 8 years old. Who is your Suzuki teacher? My cello teachers are my parents; Jolyon Pegis and Donna Davis. Dr. Bret Serrin is my piano teacher. 2). Why did you pick the cello and the piano for your instrument choice? The cello was an obvious choice for me, since my parents are both professional cellists. As my instrument knowledge and playing skills developed I became interested in learning the piano. 3). What is your favorite thing about playing the cello? The piano? My favorite thing about playing the cello is the sound, it’s the closest to the human voice. The piano seems to be available in most places, I like the idea of being able to sit down and play anywhere. 4). Do you have other interests outside of learning the cello and the piano? If so, what are they? I love to read, cycle and explore the history and workings of old cars. 5). When you are listening to classical music, what composers do you like to listen to? Why? �I like Bach for his elegance and Shostakovich for his energy. �

6). Do you like other types of music as well? What kind? Absolutely! I like classic rock, electronic and pop music. 7). Tell our readers about a special talent or interest that you have. I can read a 700 page book in one day and I am particularly interested in Medieval Weaponry.� 8). Do you have any advice for a student that is starting to learn an instrument? Practice every day, even a little bit is better than nothing.

Community Outreach ConcertThank you Anna Halperin for coordinating the outreach concert at the Silverado Senior Living in Plano, Texas on Sunday, February 8th, 2015. A big thank you to all the

students that volunteered their time and energy to bring music to others as well as their

parents!

Congratulations to:Collin County Young Artists Competition Winners!1st Place Junior Division Piano: Vatsal Vermuri, piano student of Dr. Bret Serrin2nd Place Junior Division Strings: Nikki Naghavi, violin student of Nicolette Solomon3rd Place Senior Division Strings: Lindia Tjuatja, viola student of Nicolette SolomonSuper job from students, parents and teachers!

MTNA Divisionals Winner: Claire Druffner, cello student of Donna Davis.Claire will continue on to the national level in Las Vegas, Nevada, March 20th 2015. Well done and Good Luck to Claire, parents and teacher!

Selected Finalists for the Juanita Miller Concerto Competition:Alexander Davis-Pegis, cello and Abby Jorden, violin. Great job Alex and Abby, parents and teachers!

Suzuki Student in Cultural Arts Program wins...Marissa Green, piano student of Anna Halperin received 1st prize on the local and council level of the PTA Reflections program for her music composition titled"If Dogs Walked Themselves". Her composition will advance to the state level. Way to go Marissa, parents and teacher!

Upcoming Events and Reminders

February 14th - Piano Play-in: 1:00pm, 2:15pm, 3:30pm & 4:30pm at SMID

February 14th - Valentine's Day Parents Night Out: Suzuki 6:00-10:00pm Suggested Donation per Family: $50.00, sign up at front desk

February 27th-28th - Spring String Workshop 2015 - Location: SMID Violin - Viola - Cello - Harp

4:00pm ~ Celebration Concert SMID Concert Hall

March 2-6, 2015 Achievement Week All Piano students will be participating. All String students in Book 2 and

above will be participating. Book 1 String Students will have their regular lesson.

SMID will be assigning time slots to the students based on their private lesson time, and teachers availability. The schedule will be emailed to all and posted on the Bulletin Board.

March 9 - 15, 2015 ~ Spring Break School Closed Classes resume: Monday - March 16th

March 20 - 22, 2015 - Piano Workshop - Location: SMID

Times TBA

April 12th - Piano Play-in, 1:00pm, 2:15pm, 3:30pm & 4:30pm @ SMIDApril 25th - Evening Concert, Location SMID Concert Hall, 6:00pmApril 26th - Senior Recital, Location SMID Concert Hall, time tba

Featured Student Alexander Davis-PegisAlexander Davis-Pegis age 17 cello & piano 1). How long have you been playing the cello and the piano? I have been playing the cello since I was 4 and the piano since I was 8 years old. Who is your Suzuki teacher? My cello teachers are my parents; Jolyon Pegis and Donna Davis. Dr. Bret Serrin is my piano teacher. 2). Why did you pick the cello and the piano for your instrument choice? The cello was an obvious choice for me, since my parents are both professional cellists. As my instrument knowledge and playing skills developed I became interested in learning the piano. 3). What is your favorite thing about playing the cello? The piano? My favorite thing about playing the cello is the sound, it’s the closest to the human voice. The piano seems to be available in most places, I like the idea of being able to sit down and play anywhere. 4). Do you have other interests outside of learning the cello and the piano? If so, what are they? I love to read, cycle and explore the history and workings of old cars. 5). When you are listening to classical music, what composers do you like to listen to? Why? �I like Bach for his elegance and Shostakovich for his energy. �

6). Do you like other types of music as well? What kind? Absolutely! I like classic rock, electronic and pop music. 7). Tell our readers about a special talent or interest that you have. I can read a 700 page book in one day and I am particularly interested in Medieval Weaponry.� 8). Do you have any advice for a student that is starting to learn an instrument? Practice every day, even a little bit is better than nothing.

Community Outreach ConcertThank you Anna Halperin for coordinating the outreach concert at the Silverado Senior Living in Plano, Texas on Sunday, February 8th, 2015. A big thank you to all the

students that volunteered their time and energy to bring music to others as well as their

parents!

Congratulations to:Collin County Young Artists Competition Winners!1st Place Junior Division Piano: Vatsal Vermuri, piano student of Dr. Bret Serrin2nd Place Junior Division Strings: Nikki Naghavi, violin student of Nicolette Solomon3rd Place Senior Division Strings: Lindia Tjuatja, viola student of Nicolette SolomonSuper job from students, parents and teachers!

MTNA Divisionals Winner: Claire Druffner, cello student of Donna Davis.Claire will continue on to the national level in Las Vegas, Nevada, March 20th 2015. Well done and Good Luck to Claire, parents and teacher!

Selected Finalists for the Juanita Miller Concerto Competition:Alexander Davis-Pegis, cello and Abby Jorden, violin. Great job Alex and Abby, parents and teachers!

Suzuki Student in Cultural Arts Program wins...Marissa Green, piano student of Anna Halperin received 1st prize on the local and council level of the PTA Reflections program for her music composition titled"If Dogs Walked Themselves". Her composition will advance to the state level. Way to go Marissa, parents and teacher!

Congratulations to....

Adam Sabangan, piano student of Dr. Bret Serrin won Second Prize

and $300, at the Gilliam Piano Competition in Oklahoma City, Sunday, February 1, 2015. They chose 25 students, from all across

Oklahoma, to participate. Adam played a big program, consisting of the Haydn D Major Concerto and Chopin's Fantasie-Impromptu. Super job Adam, parents and Dr. Bret!

Alexander Davis-Pegis,whom many of you know to be an outstanding pianist (student of Dr. Bret

Serrin) is also a superb cellist. Alexander made his orchestral debut with the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra on Friday, January 30th 2015 in Laredo, Texas. He gave a phenomenal performance of Shostakovich's Cello Concerto No. 1. In the professional sense, an orchestral

debut is a landmark in a student's development. This was an incredibly well deserved opportunity

that Alex worked extremely hard for. In addition to his Friday night performance, he also played a

small solo recital in Laredo. Congratulations to Alex, his parents and Dr. Bret!

Vatsal Vemuri, piano student of Dr. Bret Serrin won First Place in the Lewisville Concerto

Competition on January 25th 2015 with his performance of Beethoven's Concerto #1 (in its entirety). He was competing in the junior division against children of ALL instruments (strings, piano, winds, brass, etc.) Congratulations to Vatsal, parents and Dr. Bret! Jackson Dabagia and Vatsal Vemuri performed at the Music Teachers' National Association

Piano Pedagogy Symposium, which was held this year at SMU. This was quite an honor, as they

only chose 6 students to perform. 4 were from the SMU Prep Program and two were Suzuki

students; Jackson and Vatsal, both piano students of Dr. Bret Serrin.They played in master class

teacher demonstrations and were fantastic representatives of the Suzuki method. They were

intelligent, articulate, and responsive, and served as wonderful models for the 100+ teachers that

were observing. Congratulations to Jackson, Vatsal, parents and Dr. Bret!

Men and Women Composers in the 19th and 20th Century

Many years ago, long before your great-great-great grandparents were born, women weren't allowed to publish their own songs. It wasn't until the 18th and 19th century that a small number of women got recognized for their work. By the 20th century women were treated more and more equally. It is very important to know that women were always interested and talented in music but they did not have the freedom to publish their music. People should always to try to treat everyone equally and let everyone have the same opportunities. By John Rhee

Piano student of Anna HalperinCello student of Zachary Mansell

When John Rhee, one of our Suzuki students became increasingly interested in why more men composers were published than women, I asked him to do a little research for us so he could share his findings with our readers. Thank you John for contributing to Talent Talk.

Community Outreach ConcertThank you Anna Halperin for coordinating the outreach concert at the Silverado Senior Living in Plano, Texas on Sunday, February 8th, 2015. A big thank you to all the

students that volunteered their time and energy to bring music to others as well as their

parents!

Congratulations to:Collin County Young Artists Competition Winners!1st Place Junior Division Piano: Vatsal Vermuri, piano student of Dr. Bret Serrin2nd Place Junior Division Strings: Nikki Naghavi, violin student of Nicolette Solomon3rd Place Senior Division Strings: Lindia Tjuatja, viola student of Nicolette SolomonSuper job from students, parents and teachers!

MTNA Divisionals Winner: Claire Druffner, cello student of Donna Davis.Claire will continue on to the national level in Las Vegas, Nevada, March 20th 2015. Well done and Good Luck to Claire, parents and teacher!

Selected Finalists for the Juanita Miller Concerto Competition:Alexander Davis-Pegis, cello and Abby Jorden, violin. Great job Alex and Abby, parents and teachers!

Suzuki Student in Cultural Arts Program wins...Marissa Green, piano student of Anna Halperin received 1st prize on the local and council level of the PTA Reflections program for her music composition titled"If Dogs Walked Themselves". Her composition will advance to the state level. Way to go Marissa, parents and teacher!

Congratulations to....

Adam Sabangan, piano student of Dr. Bret Serrin won Second Prize

and $300, at the Gilliam Piano Competition in Oklahoma City, Sunday, February 1, 2015. They chose 25 students, from all across

Oklahoma, to participate. Adam played a big program, consisting of the Haydn D Major Concerto and Chopin's Fantasie-Impromptu. Super job Adam, parents and Dr. Bret!

Alexander Davis-Pegis,whom many of you know to be an outstanding pianist (student of Dr. Bret

Serrin) is also a superb cellist. Alexander made his orchestral debut with the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra on Friday, January 30th 2015 in Laredo, Texas. He gave a phenomenal performance of Shostakovich's Cello Concerto No. 1. In the professional sense, an orchestral

debut is a landmark in a student's development. This was an incredibly well deserved opportunity

that Alex worked extremely hard for. In addition to his Friday night performance, he also played a

small solo recital in Laredo. Congratulations to Alex, his parents and Dr. Bret!

Vatsal Vemuri, piano student of Dr. Bret Serrin won First Place in the Lewisville Concerto

Competition on January 25th 2015 with his performance of Beethoven's Concerto #1 (in its entirety). He was competing in the junior division against children of ALL instruments (strings, piano, winds, brass, etc.) Congratulations to Vatsal, parents and Dr. Bret! Jackson Dabagia and Vatsal Vemuri performed at the Music Teachers' National Association

Piano Pedagogy Symposium, which was held this year at SMU. This was quite an honor, as they

only chose 6 students to perform. 4 were from the SMU Prep Program and two were Suzuki

students; Jackson and Vatsal, both piano students of Dr. Bret Serrin.They played in master class

teacher demonstrations and were fantastic representatives of the Suzuki method. They were

intelligent, articulate, and responsive, and served as wonderful models for the 100+ teachers that

were observing. Congratulations to Jackson, Vatsal, parents and Dr. Bret!

Men and Women Composers in the 19th and 20th Century

Many years ago, long before your great-great-great grandparents were born, women weren't allowed to publish their own songs. It wasn't until the 18th and 19th century that a small number of women got recognized for their work. By the 20th century women were treated more and more equally. It is very important to know that women were always interested and talented in music but they did not have the freedom to publish their music. People should always to try to treat everyone equally and let everyone have the same opportunities. By John Rhee

Piano student of Anna HalperinCello student of Zachary Mansell

When John Rhee, one of our Suzuki students became increasingly interested in why more men composers were published than women, I asked him to do a little research for us so he could share his findings with our readers. Thank you John for contributing to Talent Talk.

A Blast from the Past - Women Composers

Congratulations to....

Adam Sabangan, piano student of Dr. Bret Serrin won Second Prize

and $300, at the Gilliam Piano Competition in Oklahoma City, Sunday, February 1, 2015. They chose 25 students, from all across

Oklahoma, to participate. Adam played a big program, consisting of the Haydn D Major Concerto and Chopin's Fantasie-Impromptu. Super job Adam, parents and Dr. Bret!

Alexander Davis-Pegis,whom many of you know to be an outstanding pianist (student of Dr. Bret

Serrin) is also a superb cellist. Alexander made his orchestral debut with the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra on Friday, January 30th 2015 in Laredo, Texas. He gave a phenomenal performance of Shostakovich's Cello Concerto No. 1. In the professional sense, an orchestral

debut is a landmark in a student's development. This was an incredibly well deserved opportunity

that Alex worked extremely hard for. In addition to his Friday night performance, he also played a

small solo recital in Laredo. Congratulations to Alex, his parents and Dr. Bret!

Vatsal Vemuri, piano student of Dr. Bret Serrin won First Place in the Lewisville Concerto

Competition on January 25th 2015 with his performance of Beethoven's Concerto #1 (in its entirety). He was competing in the junior division against children of ALL instruments (strings, piano, winds, brass, etc.) Congratulations to Vatsal, parents and Dr. Bret! Jackson Dabagia and Vatsal Vemuri performed at the Music Teachers' National Association

Piano Pedagogy Symposium, which was held this year at SMU. This was quite an honor, as they

only chose 6 students to perform. 4 were from the SMU Prep Program and two were Suzuki

students; Jackson and Vatsal, both piano students of Dr. Bret Serrin.They played in master class

teacher demonstrations and were fantastic representatives of the Suzuki method. They were

intelligent, articulate, and responsive, and served as wonderful models for the 100+ teachers that

were observing. Congratulations to Jackson, Vatsal, parents and Dr. Bret!

A Blast from the Past - Women Composers

Mom, sister and dad are delighted and in love with Baby Kerys Kathleen.

Thank you SMID families and faculty for all the encouragement and support!

Kristin, Melody, Kerys & John Gram

Congratulations to Kristin Gram & Family! Kerys Kathleen came into the world on Saturday,

December 20th 2014, she weighed 7lbs, 2oz, and is very healthy.

A Blast from the Past - Women Composers

Mom, sister and dad are delighted and in love with Baby Kerys Kathleen.

Thank you SMID families and faculty for all the encouragement and support!

Kristin, Melody, Kerys & John Gram

Congratulations to Kristin Gram & Family! Kerys Kathleen came into the world on Saturday,

December 20th 2014, she weighed 7lbs, 2oz, and is very healthy.

Development of the Suzuki Practice Organ by Dr. Carl van Wyk The Suzuki Organ program at SMID has reached an exciting stage – the design and realization of a basic practice organ, suitable for teaching, student practice and student recitals is one step closer to reality with the arrival of midi pedals. This organ is computer based, using samples from a recital organ in Sweden to generate the various pipe ranks, and has two manuals and pedals. Given the fact that students have to be able to practice at home every day, I have taken several factors into consideration in the design of the organ. My top priority is that it should sound very good. Another is that it should be adjustable for various ages of performers and yet another is that it should not be an expensive item for parents to assemble for their organist children. Still to be realized are the stacks for raising the height of the pedals and the final ideas about the adjustable organ bench. Just about everything else is working to expectation. I am presently studying the Suzuki Organ School books 1 - 4. !!

!

Mom, sister and dad are delighted and in love with Baby Kerys Kathleen.

Thank you SMID families and faculty for all the encouragement and support!

Kristin, Melody, Kerys & John Gram

Congratulations to Kristin Gram & Family! Kerys Kathleen came into the world on Saturday,

December 20th 2014, she weighed 7lbs, 2oz, and is very healthy.

Development of the Suzuki Practice Organ by Dr. Carl van Wyk The Suzuki Organ program at SMID has reached an exciting stage – the design and realization of a basic practice organ, suitable for teaching, student practice and student recitals is one step closer to reality with the arrival of midi pedals. This organ is computer based, using samples from a recital organ in Sweden to generate the various pipe ranks, and has two manuals and pedals. Given the fact that students have to be able to practice at home every day, I have taken several factors into consideration in the design of the organ. My top priority is that it should sound very good. Another is that it should be adjustable for various ages of performers and yet another is that it should not be an expensive item for parents to assemble for their organist children. Still to be realized are the stacks for raising the height of the pedals and the final ideas about the adjustable organ bench. Just about everything else is working to expectation. I am presently studying the Suzuki Organ School books 1 - 4. !!

!

Development of the Suzuki Practice Organ by Dr. Carl van Wyk The Suzuki Organ program at SMID has reached an exciting stage – the design and realization of a basic practice organ, suitable for teaching, student practice and student recitals is one step closer to reality with the arrival of midi pedals. This organ is computer based, using samples from a recital organ in Sweden to generate the various pipe ranks, and has two manuals and pedals. Given the fact that students have to be able to practice at home every day, I have taken several factors into consideration in the design of the organ. My top priority is that it should sound very good. Another is that it should be adjustable for various ages of performers and yet another is that it should not be an expensive item for parents to assemble for their organist children. Still to be realized are the stacks for raising the height of the pedals and the final ideas about the adjustable organ bench. Just about everything else is working to expectation. I am presently studying the Suzuki Organ School books 1 - 4. !!

!