Saturday, 11 November brought more studio recitals, this time at Parsons Kawaii Selection Centre Concert Hall. Please enjoy these photos from Ms. Shoko, Ms. Ryoko and Ms. Jennifer’s students’ performances:
Mrs. A at KSMA!
On Monday, 6 November, some of our piano students were fortunate to have the opportunity to have a masterclass with Professor Carmencita Arambulo, Suzuki Piano Teacher-Trainer from the Philippines and Chair of the Asia Region Suzuki Association.
String students may have seen her on Saturday, as we were lucky enough that she had time to observe many of our group classes and chamber coachings, and also attended Mr. Jason, Ms. Monica, and Ms. Sandra’s studio recitals!
Here are the students’ reflections from their masterclasses:
Aidan: “I found the Mrs A masterclass interesting. I learnt that book one and twinkles are the foundation for everything, even for advanced piano students. I am going to use her techniques when I practise my songs to create a beautiful tone. I especially liked her “draw the line” tip and I found it funny when she drew on the piano.”
Anais: “I liked this class because it was interesting and it gave me more ideas on how to play my music. I think it was a good educational experience.”
Ayden: “I have learned how important of “Piano Technique” that can make good sound out of the piano”
Ezra: “She was happy with what I played and taught me how to get better. She helped me on how to play and the dynamics.
I feel happy and joyful because she has helped me with things.”
Hanson: “I have been practicing finger walking on the piano since master class. It’s very helpful to strengthen my fingers and helps me to make good rainbow finger.”
Nathan: “Mrs A says that twinkles are most important. I will do my twinkles everyday I do my piano practice. I especially liked her walking warmup technique but I am not a fan of Spider-Man stickers.”
On Tuesday, all of the Hong Kong Suzuki teachers got together and had dim sum lunch with Mrs. A!
Thanks for finding time for us during your visit, Mrs. A! We look forward to seeing you again in Manila next July!
From the Performers: Isabel, Katrina and Maho; Book 2 Recital
On Saturday, 14 October, Maho Fujita, Katrina Ng, and Isabel Zeng gave their Book 2 recital, assisted by Ms. Sonomi on piano. Here are their thoughts on the experience:
Katrina
Today, me, Isabell and Macho had a Book 2 recital at suzuki. Our piano teacher is Ms Sonomi, Ms Diane is our violin teacher. I am so scared that its like every note I play is WRONG.
Every time I sat down I will ‘whew’ because my scary feelings could come out of my body. Some time I am SO scare that I forgot some notes. Today mom can’t come, but I REALLY want her to come and watch.
The first trio we play is Chourus, and I play the melody and so I am the leader. The second one is Gassic gavvote, Macho is the leader. The third one is Musset and Isabell is the leader. The forth one is Boccerhini Minuet and Macho is the leader. The fifth is Twinkle and the variations. The first solo I play is Boree. The second one is Luly Gavote, which I played that very bad. The third one is Gavotte Miniogn.
At the Twinkle variations, I only play harmony on one-two-shh-four and misisipi-misisipi because the other songs the second finger sticks to the first one, but this do not. So sometimes when I play the second finger, it sounds bad, but I already played it loudly, so it was embaressed.
Maho
Isabel
“The recital was quite nice I think. Before the recital, I was quite nervous, because I was not sure about Musette harmony as I mostly played with the CD. For Boccherini Minuet, I was not too sure about the repeats, but it was fun.”
Congratulations to the girls and their families on all of the hard work that went into their recital!
From the Performer: Melanie Au, Book 8 Recital
by Melanie Au
After my Book 8 recital, I have learnt a lot of new techniques, such as: ricochet, the use of my elbow to create more sound, having better vibrato and lots more. I have learnt a lot from Ms. Diane during this time and it has been a great time learning the songs and techniques from Book 8.
This recital has also taught me a lot of things like confidence, keeping my violin on my shoulder and lots more.
This has also been a memorable moment to put in life as I have been through a lot of graduations/recitals since I was a little girl and this was one of the hardest and longest ones as I have to play the graduation songs from the other books as well.
But it was a great experience and I enjoyed it very much. I hope to carry this experience with me for the rest of my life and continue to enjoy it and appreciate the people who helped me finish this amazing Book 8 recital
Orchestra and Chamber Music Concert
Our first formal orchestra and chamber music concert was held at Canadian International School on Sunday, May 21. Allegro and Vivace orchestras both played, along with all four of our chamber ensembles.
Over the course of the year, students have worked on their skills as members of these ensembles: learning to remember to bring their stands, pencils and music; setting up on time for each rehearsal; paying attention to the conductor/coach and their peers during the rehearsal; practising their parts at home so that they arrive at rehearsal ready to collaborate with their peers; contributing their ideas to the rehearsal process…there has been a lot going on!
Allegro Orchestra Vivace Orchestra
https://youtu.be/zot5PXykNu4 https://youtu.be/AIt4sZrhRUU
After the orchestras played, Ms. Monica talked with everyone about what it means to be in an orchestra or chamber group. One of the things she shared was about her recent experience: Ms. Monica was supposed to play for the Harry Potter concert last week. After she had practised the music at home, and was ready for the rehearsals, the orchestra changed the rehearsal schedule. This meant that Ms. Monica had to miss one of the rehearsals. Every member of the “viola team” is so important to the success of the team that Ms. Monica lost the opportunity to play on the concert because of missing one rehearsal! Every member of the team is very important to the musical experience – students will likely be able to tell their parents how it impacts them if even one person is missing from their group, orchestra or chamber music experience.
One of the fun things for the chamber groups is creating their own group identity. The students created their own group names, and also worked together with their coach to decide their dress code for the concert. Wonder what things happened in their coaching sessions to inspire these particular names?!?!
Cow Quintet I Scream for Ice Cream (& friends)
https://youtu.be/AFYex-pHtDA https://youtu.be/Dp4uGiuYq9s
Life Salami Panini
https://youtu.be/Dp4uGiuYq9s https://youtu.be/awL85a7HqTc