On Saturday, 17 September, KSMA string students and faculty joined with HKSMI students and faculty in a play-a-thon for Earthquake Relief.   Playing in front of the clock tower at the Cultural Centre, on a bright sunny day, students performed non-stop for about 75 minutes.  Selections ranged from the Twinkle variations to violin Book 8; including the Twinkle parades to begin and end the play-a-thon, the most advanced students played about 40 pieces!  After the playing was finished, students had a chance to get “refreshed” at Mobile Softee 🙂

We are excited to have students and parents turn in their donations to contribute to CARE and Unicef to help displaced families have access to clean water, food, and aid in rebuilding their homes.  Please make sure to turn yours in no later than 30 September.

Even if you were unable to join us on Saturday, you can still participate in the play-a-thon by getting sponsors and then making a special time to play, whether in front of friends, or just with your own family.

Congratulations to all of the students for their efforts, and for their good energy and attitude standing out in the sun for such a long time!

We were excited to welcome Ms. Caroline and Mr. Mark to KSMA in August.   Mr. Mark taught the first-ever “Where Love is Deep” course in Hong Kong!  Ms. Caroline and Mr. Mark both taught Unit 1 teacher training, as well as classes for our students.  It’s exciting that there are more people on their way to becoming Suzuki Talent Education teachers!

Families who participated in Intermezzo!  had a great experience – in addition to masterclasses and group classes with Ms. Caroline and Mr. Mark, they also had the opportunity to have eurythmics class with Mr. Jason.   String students also got to participate in fiddling with Ms. Yuko, and piano students had a special Performance Seminar with Ms. Caroline!    On the last day, Mr. Mark also gave a seminar for parents.

Eurythmics Class with Mr. Jason

fiddling with Ms. Yuko

group class with Mr. Mark

Masterclasses with Ms. Caroline and Mr. Mark

Parent Seminar

Thank you!  Ms. Caroline, Mr. Mark, Mr. Jason and Ms. Yuko….we are already looking forward to next year!

Last Wednesday, two of our cello groups and Ms. Sandra accompanied Ms. Diane to KinderU to perform at a parents seminar for parents of RightMind Kindergarten students.

Students and parents walked from KSMA to KinderU, carrying cellos and stools through the streets of Wanchai during rush hour.    It was exciting that our new t-shirts arrived just in time for the performance, so the cellists were the first to get to wear them!

All of the students did a great job with the logistics and playing, especially since the performance was after they had already had group class!

Many thanks to the students and parents for taking the time to allow your student to perform at the seminar.   Live performances make a big difference for prospective families!

by Audrey Sung

Today was my recital day.It was the eighth time I had done a book recital.

Ever since I was three,I had begged my mom to get me a violin teacher, and that is when I came to Kinder U Suzuki Academy. I had been playing for seven years, and I traveled through twinkle to book eight .

It was very different from book seven, since in this book, I had mostly focused on technique, bow strokes and listening to my tone. And also, I feel like I am really enjoying the success and love how the satisfied feeling in me.

There was a lot of difficulties,though. Since I started book eight a little before 5th grade started. At 5th grade you were supposed to learn a new instrument, so I had to juggle violin, piano, and flute in my spare time.

There are certain people who I want to thank. I would like to thank Ms.Yuko,first, for teaching me and having patience in me. Also, Ms.Yuko taught me how to be responsible for my own learning by taking notes by myself. Next, my mom,who continued supporting me in my violin studies. My mom always says,”Never rush,never rest in playing!” And she’s helping to look at the very tiny but important things such as bow hold and finger placement.I would also thank Emma, who took the time to come and practice the Handel Duo. And lastly, but not least,Ms.Diane, for being my group class teacher, teaching us what real Suzuki method was and supporting me.