December Newsletter 2023
- Katie Tilbury
- Nov 27, 2023
- 3 min read
Thank you all for all of your hard work with the students this past semester! I am excited for the students to share all of their hard work with you at our Christmas Concert! Practice doesn't make perfect, but it does make permanent! Please encourage your students to take part in the "Christmas Practice Challenge" that is hapopening from now until the last day of lessons!
Christmas Practice Challenge
Practice, practice, practice!! The words every student of mine hears at their lessons. Practice time is essential to learning anything new, and having success! Because of this, we are doing a weekly practice challenge, where students who practice 5 days in the week get prizes! Older students can wait and cash in their prizes for larger prizes at the end of the month. Please download this sheet if you do not have one already!
Important Dates
December 9th, 2023 - 6:00pm - Christmas Recital
December 21st- Final Day of Lessons
January 7th - First Day back in the New Year!
Merry Little Christmas Recital
Saturday, December 9th @ 6pm
Location: Millwoods Community Church
Come join us to hear the amazing work of the students of Simply Joy Studios, with a lovely Christmas twist! I can't wait to see you on Saturday afternoon to support your kiddos and stay for some Christmas snacks and cheer after the concert!
Please bring a donation for the food bank - in the spirit of giving!
Christmas Concert Opportunities
There are many fantastic concerts happening in the city of Edmonton this December and Christmas season! Here are a few that I am a part of, but there are many, many more!!
The Quiet Heart - A Choral Christmas in Support of WINGS - Women in Need Growing Stronger
Join us for our annual fundraising concert in support of WINGS - Women in Need Growing Stronger. This year we have a wonderful group of soloists from across Alberta bringing us a magical evening of Choral Christmas Music. There will be hot beverages, a Carol Sing-Along, Christmas treats and an abundance of Christmas cheer!
Admission is by donation, and all proceeds will be donated in support of WINGS.
Eventbrite Link to Reserve Ticket: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-quiet-heart-registration-754100624267?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl
Snow Stars - Ariose Choir
Join us for an enchanting evening of choral harmony that will transport you into the heart of a winter wonderland. "Snow Stars" is a choral concert that captures the ethereal beauty and serene magic of the winter season through captivating vocal performances. This in-person event will take place on Sunday, December 10, 2023 at 3:00 PM (Mountain Standard Time).
Our talented choir will serenade you with a repertoire that celebrates the crisp, snow-covered landscapes, the warmth of togetherness during the holiday season, and the twinkling stars that adorn the winter night sky.
Featuring the works of renowned composers Eric Whitacre, Allan Bevan, Sarah Bareilles, and Ingrid Michaelson, our choral concert promises an unforgettable evening of musical enchantment.
Submit Your Artwork!
“Beginning with audacity is a very great part of the art of painting." — Winston Churchill.
Please show off your artistic skills through creating artwork for the front page of the recital program. We will be having a variety of art contests throughout the year for the recitals, and it is a great way to show off your other artistic talents! You can submit your artwork anytime throughout the next few weeks. The rules are as follows:
The artwork must include the title of the recital: "A Merry Christmas Recital"
Colour is preferred, but not required.
You can use any medium (crayons, pencil, paint or digital media).
Submission needs to be a jpg. file or a PDF and must be submitted through the website.
Submissions are due by December 7th.
The Nitty-Gritty Info
Payment Information/Schedule
Payment for lessons is due by the 5th of each month. Late payments will be charged a $20.00 late fee.
Each student will be charged, on their first invoice for a $40 performance fee for the entire year. This is new for this year, and will cover costs of recital spaces and masterclasses with clinicians (such as a composition masterclass, or performance class).
Missed Lessons/Makeup Lesson Policy
There is a no make-up policy for missed lessons.
However, if there is an emergency or if the student is very ill, it is up to my discretion. The money paid for any missed lessons will not be refunded.
If the teacher is absent, the lesson will be made up at a time that is convenient for teacher and student.
This year we are going to try specific makeup lesson days set in advance. For the month of September, this date will be Sunday, Sept. 24th.
What to Bring to Your First Lesson
Teacher Notebook - this will include your lesson instructions of what to practice through the week. This is a direct communication between both the teacher and the student, but also the teacher and the parents.
Any piano books that you have used in the previous year, and the new level if you have been asked to purchase it.
Pencil
Notebook/journal for practice journalling if you are above the age of 8yrs old.
Lesson Locations
There are two lesson locations. Please note the location when you receive your lesson confirmation time.
8323 82nd Ave NW. Edmonton, AB T6C0Y5
Millwoods Community Church - 2304 38th Street NW, Edmonton, AB, T6L 4K9
APTA Student Bursary
The Alberta Piano Teachers Association has a student bursary available for any students who are experiencing financial need. This bursary is to help the students continue lessons during this time.
The amount of money given out varies year by year, and is split between the successful applicants.
To apply for this bursary, please send Katie an email and I will send you more information.
The Deadline to apply is: October 31, 2023.
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