Group Activities

[Ashley]

Group activities are an important part of each child's (and adult's!)
musical education. They help to give music a social aspect, give
students others to commiserate with and encourage. When students know
others who are going through the same thing, it helps them realize
that they're not alone, and makes it a bit easier to get through.
They can exchange ideas, offer support, feedback, and form lasting
friendships. Some of my best childhood friends, many of whom I am
still friends with, are friends through music.

To this end, I offer monthly group classes that are included in each
student's lesson tuition. During group classes, we play games, cover
material I often don't have time to cover during private lessons (like
stretching, instrument care, etc), and generally have a lot of fun.
Participation in group classes also gives students another avenue in
which to practice performing. We play our Suzuki songs together, but
I also like to have each student play his or her current solo piece in
front of the group. Every student in the group can then offer
feedback - both things the student can do to improve, as well as
things the student did well. This helps cultivate each student's
ability to self-critique, and brings them one step closer to being
independent musicians.

I also offer a youth orchestra to just my students. This program has
been a huge hit, and students have a lot of fun playing with each
other. I know orchestra has always been my favorite part about
playing an instrument. Since only my students are in the group, I can
customize each child's part to suit their particular skills, and also
help them with their music during their private lesson. This makes
the group as a whole more successful and fun for everyone.

Each winter, the studio performs three holiday concerts for different
retirement homes. This is a lot of fun for the kids, and is greatly
appreciated by the residents. Since we're not being paid, students
can also count it as community service. This year, our three holiday
performances are as follows:

Saturday, December 4th: 11am-noon. Meridian Hills Assisted Living.
1813 South Meridian St, Puyallup, 98371

Thursday, December 9th: 5:30-6:30pm. Silver Creek Retirement Home.
17607 91st Ave E, Puyallup, 98375

Saturday, December 11th: 11am-noon. Willow Gardens Retirement Home.
4502 6th St SE, Puyallup, 98374. Instead of regular monthly group
class.

We will also have two rehearsals for all students to attend:

Saturday, November 13th: Rehearsal for EVERYONE – SHCO and students!
10:30-noon. (we may end early) Instead of regular monthly group
class. At the studio.

Thursday, December 2nd: Rehearsal for EVERYONE – SHCO and students!
5:30-7pm. (we may end early). At the studio.


Each spring/summer, we have a recital to showcase each student's
progress. This year, it will take place at my home. I'm still
considering dates, so if you will be taking any vacations, please let
me know soon so I can take that into consideration. I want each of my
students to be able to attend. My adult students will be invited to
perform at an adults-only recital.

It's been shown that students that participate in group activities
with their music are more likely to continue playing. Often,
friendships within the orchestra prevent students from quitting. And
if I had a dime for every time I heard an adult say "Oh, I used to
play [insert instrument here]; I wish I still did!" well, I wouldn't
need to work. So if your student is not already enrolled in a group
musical activity, whether orchestra, band, or group classes, I
encourage you to do so!

And as always, you can get more frequent updates by checking the
website, ashleybrockett.musicteachershelper.com, the blog,
southhillstringstudio.blogspot.com, or find us on Facebook, Twitter,
Myspace, and many other social media sites!

Happy Playing!
Ashley Brockett
South Hill String Studio
253-267-2063
southhills...@gmail.com