Decennial Practice Club Zoo Party!!
Sunday, May 15, 2011, 1 pm – 3 pm
All HEBISD Suzuki strings students who have earned four patches for their practice club shirt. Fun Fact Scavenger Hunt: “How much did Bluebonnet, our youngest elephant, weigh at birth? Why are flamingos pink? Families can search for the answers to these questions while exploring the Fort Worth Zoo.” Prizes will be awarded after the hunt. The hunt will start at 1 pm and conclude at 3 pm. 

 You are welcome to stay and play until the park closes until 6 pm. Parents must provide transportation to and from the park in addition to supervising their child during the day. See www.fortworthzoo.org for directions and more information. 

The Fort Worth Zoo 1989 Colonial Parkway Fort Worth, TX 76110 Phone: 817/759-7555 

On Friday May 6th,2011 
 Decennial Orchestra Festival with Soon Hee Newbold  

L.D. Bell High School Orchestra - Egyptian Legacy 

Elementary Honor Orchestra - Wild Western Frontier

Central Junior High Orchestra - Iditarod 

Introduction to our newest Suzuki Strings Instructor!!
Welcome Mr. Salmon!!!  

Ian Salmon - North Euless Elementary
I would like to tell you all a little about myself. I have spent most of my life in the New York City and Greater Hudson Valley areas of New York. As a child, I began my violin training at the age of 6, in a public elementary school. I was not a Suzuki student! There it is, my secret. My teacher was a remarkable man and it is shown in his many students who have become music educators themselves.  If imitation is the highest form of flattery, it should also be considered a sign of great teaching. Before I left for college he said, “Always keep your mind open to new ideas. I have been teaching for 50 years and am still figuring things out.” So I did. 

I attended Ithaca College and pursued the degree, Bachelor of Music in Education and Performance. It was there that I first met Sanford Reuning, the directory of string pedagogy for the college. Sanford (or Sandy as we called him), was also the founder of Ithaca Talent Education, home of the oldest Summer Suzuki Institute in the country and a regular teaching stop for Dr. Suzuki. As they like to say, the rest is history. I spent many summers training at the Ithaca Suzuki Institute, and found a system of music education that I believed in with my whole heart. Upon finishing my undergraduate studies I entered the Master of Music in Suzuki Pedagogy program and served as an apprentice to Sandy for an additional 2 years. I have done additional training around the country with such teacher-trainers as Ed Kreitman, Kimberly Meier-Sims, Carrie Reuning-Hummel and Edmund Sprunger. 

Why/How did I end up in Texas???

The strings program at HEB is special. For years, Suzuki practitioners have been confined to private Talent Education centers, mostly as a result of the high costs for resources and instruments. These programs can typically cost between $3000-4000 per student per year. Many teachers have tried to bring the Suzuki Method into public schools, but have been forced to heavily modify the curriculum in order to overcome budget constraints and other obstacles. The dedication displayed by Principal Meadows and the other district administrators, the HEB Suzuki teachers, the Suzuki Booster Club and all the parents make this program a success. It is truly one of a kind, it is the true Suzuki Method and I know that it will serve as a model for other schools districts in the future. Want proof? I packed up my life and moved 1600 miles to teach here. This program really is that amazing.

Mark Your Calendars!!!

Sept. 10 - Suzuki Booster Club Kick-off  (pizza & vendors at 6:00, meeting at 6:30)
Come by at 6 to purchase a pizza meal and get to know your fellow suzuki families.  Then, a short meeting where teachers and board members will be introduced, a short orientation about Suzuki, and the calendar of events for the year will be available.
 

Oct. 8 & 9 – Kaleidoscope  

Feb. 3 – Popcorn Play-in

April 29 & 30 – Spring Festival

HEB Suzuki Strings Summer Group Activities                                           2010

Tuesday, June 8th - Parkwood Retirement  2700 Park View Lane, Bedford
                               Ms. Chance and Ms. Haraden  Arrive by 2:45, perform at 3:00 

Monday, July 12th - Mr. E's Music, Bedford Road and 183
                                Mr. and Mrs. Pugh    5PM cellos and violas   6PM violins

Saturday, August 14th - Ice skating/Dr. Pepper Starscenter  1400 S. Pipeline, Euless
                                      Mrs. Holt, Mrs. McHenry and Mrs. Purcell
                                      Arrive by 12:15, play together from 12:30-1:30 and performers                                            skate afterwards for free

Summer group activities are open to all HEB strings students and the private students of the HEB Suzuki teachers.

Please wear your green Suzuki t-shirt.

The cost to attend group class is $2.00 per child, per group class and will be paid at the door.

More info available soon... Have a fun and safe summer!!

  

The Elementary Honor Orchestra under the direction of Vincent Pugh performed at theMeyerson on April 17th. Sixty students performed 3 pieces and received ones (the highest score) from all three judges, which earned them a superior trophy. The EHO was also named the outstanding elementary group at the Seasons Music Festival Competition.

See pictures and award presentation video on EHO website...

Please submit your articles!  Articles are needed relating to the HEB ISD Suzuki Program, Suzuki method in general, area performances and opportunities;  EHO activities; Central Junior High activities; individual school activities; and the new LD Bell Orchestra.

      The Booster Club has acquired a PO Box for official business.

       You can mail Booster Club materials to:  P.O. Box 211883, Bedford, Texas, 76095-8883