Congratulations to Abigail Brazda, selected student of the month. Abigail is a cornet student at Valley Conservatory where she studies with Rodger Rudolph. Abigail is 13 years old and is in the 8th grade at Hampton Cove Middle School.
She began her musical journey in the first grade with piano lessons in the after-school music program at Hampton Cove Elementary School facilitated by Valley Conservatory.
Abigail is a young lady of many talents and interests. A conscientious student, she reads Hebrew fluently, and her favorite subject in school is math. She is a member of the National Junior Honors Society and enjoys reading, acting, drawing and traveling. Some of the memorable places she has been include Paris, Italy, Germany, Spain and New York. Abigail is also involved in community outreach where she and other youth from Temple B'nai Sholem created a fund raising video that generated over $4,000.00 for Sensory Processing Disorder. The purpose of the video is to bring awareness of the affect this disorder has on children.
In addition to her many interest, Abigail loves to model. She is very active in the modeling arena through several organizations, including the Alabama Fashion Alliance, and the Cynthia Baily Modeling Agency from where she has won several awards. Abigail has also appeared in Vogue Italia Magazine. The future looks bright for this very talented and motivated young lady. Kudos to Abigail for a job well done! The following is an interview with Abigail:
Q. How old were you when you started taking music lessons at Valley Conservatory?
A. I was 11 years old.
Q. What type of music do you like to listen to?
A. I like to listen to all genres of music: pop, country, rock-n-roll, jazz - all types.
Q. What do you like the most about your lessons at Valley Conservatory?
A. I like the teachers. They really seek to teach you how to get the range, the sound and proper technique.
Q. Is music a very important part of your life?
A. Yes. Music has been a very significant part of my growth and development. I use music to fit and/or fix all my personal moods. Some music expresses passion, sadness, anger, joy and happiness. I can also find it relaxing.
Q. Would you recommend Valley Conservatory to your friends?
A. Certainly yes! The teachers are great. They really teach all the basic and proper skills of the chosen instrument.
Philosophy
Valley Conservatory is a music service center that incorporates a holistic approach to music programs designed to develop the total student -- mind, body, and character.
Our philosophy is that the aesthetic and technical aspects of music can be used to teach concepts and principles from academic, physical, spiritual, and social realms.
Providing services in the arts to the Huntsville/Madison County area since 1998, Valley Conservatory offers:
Private and class instruction, pre-school through adult
Music education programs, extra curricular and academic
Arts learning and exploration through camps and workshops
Customized art experiences for after school programs
A Lyceum series, Jam sessions, and exhibits offered to the public
Valley Conservatory Early Music Festival
VC Booking Agency - Musicians for hire for any type of event or occasion
New Students
"Developing Better People Through the Medium of Music"
The VC faculty and staff welcome the following students:
Caleb D.
Chase G.
H
annah H.
Ila H.
Melea H.
Emma L.
Julian M.
Melina M.
Caitlyn R.
Chase R.
Kylie S.
Madalynn S.
Sadie S.
Adam W.
Note from the Director Dr. Renee Collins Williams
"Developing Better People Through the Medium of Music"
The Middle Voyage
New things are always exciting. Whether it is going to a new restaurant, getting new clothes, a new car or learning to play a new instrument, there is always something exciting about things being new. By the same token there is always something exciting about being good at something and having mastered the craft. We all know the trill of being in the presence of someone famous like a Michael Jordan, Justin Beaver or Oprah Winfrey. What do all of these famous people have in common? They have mastered their art through hard work and they are good at what they do. At this stage in their game the excitement comes from being so good at what they do that it is fun to do it!
Most of us have experienced the rush and excitement of doing something really well. The feeling that it creates is exhilarating. Most of us have also experience the same type of feeling when we do something new. Thus the beginning and the ending produce the same type of feeling.
However, what do we do when our venture is no longer new and the thrill is gone? Do we give up? Do we keep going? What does one do when they are in the middle voyage? Often times in life we talk about the beginning and the end but we do not put a lot of emphasis on the middle. This part of the trip gets left out. However, this is the part of the journey where growth and progress takes place. Once the newness wears off and things begin to get mundane and hard; this is where we are challenged to stick it out and not give up. It is during this stage that we are stretched and our character is developed.
In order to master anything one has to go through the middle voyage. Is it hard? Yes. Can it be boring? Yes. Is it necessary? Yes. "The race is not won to the strong nor the swift, but the one who endures to the end." Never ignore the middle voyage. It is the part of the journey that guarantees you getting to your destination.
Teacher of the Month
Congratulation to Marilyn Rue (Cello/ Voice)
Congratulation to Marilyn Rue, selected teacher-of-the-month. Early in her life in Huntsville she worked with Dr. Collins at Oakwood College, and after so many request's and, also offering so many "NO's" she agreed to teach at the Valley Conservatory. Marilyn was so surprised to find that she loves teaching; sharing with the students her love of music, it's historical place in our culture and hoping to carry on the value of music in our society and into the future. Marilyn has been teaching at the Valley Conservatory for approximately one year
.
Marilyn was born into the perfect family! Her father was a violist, conductor, and music teacher. Her mother was a violinist, so of course, Marilyn started playing the violin when she was 3 years old (she still owns her 16th size violin).
At age 17 her family moved to Stuttgart, Germany where her father oversaw orchestra and choral music in the Army high school system. Marilyn attended Staatlich Hochschule fur Musik and studied cello and voice. She was surprised to find out that she really loved singing, and ultimately studied with the foremost opera voice teacher in Germany while studying cello and serving as section leader for the Ludwigsburger Staatsorchestra.
Returning to San Diego, CA. her home town, she continued studies at San Diego State University as a double major, voice and cello, also studied and coached voice at USC. This was enormously time consuming, private lessons and performing in both areas and traveling to Los Angeles every week. After winning the Metropolitan Opera Auditions she decided to make the choice to choose one major, voice, with minors in cello and German. During this time, she won the audition with the San Diego Symphony, and embarked on a 35 year career as a symphony musician. At the same time, she enjoyed a career as an opera and oratorio singer, going on tour with Michael Tilson Thomas and performing Bachiannas Brasillieras in concert throughout Great Britain as well as the Hollywood Bowl. Additionally, she served as Minister of Music in a very understanding church, which allowed her to travel on concert tours throughout the United States. She also founded and managed the Pacific Chamber Ensemble, a chamber orchestra that performed 8 concerts a year.
In 1995 Marilyn retired from San Diego Symphony and moved to Huntsville with her husband, the late Paul Zubrod, because of it's active cultural community. Paul founded the Brass Band of Huntsville and Marilyn began shuttling between Huntsville and San Diego, still performing with the San Diego Opera orchestra. But soon she was asked to play with the Huntsville Symphony, which she did until last spring when she retired, yet again.
Kudos to Marilyn. The following is an interview with her:
Q. What are the things you like most about teaching?
A. I
love sharing the lifetime of experiences I've had in music with my students, to get them excited about the new things they are learning about their talents and capabilities, and to love music as I do.
Q. How do you inspire students to practice more?
A. I'm
not sure there is a one size fits all answer. Every student is different. But, if they are not challenged, are not interested in what comes next, they won't want to practice.
Q. What do you feel are the most benefit of a child studying music?
A. Music
has been part of the human culture since the beginning of humanity. Every culture, every country, every place on earth finds the music in nature, and wants to recreate it by building musical instruments and by imitating the sounds of nature. The child who pounds on kitchen pans with spoons is a musician-in-waiting. The child who blows in pop bottles and enjoys the different sounds is a musician-in-waiting. The trick is to channel that curiosity, that joy in making sounds, into a productive result.
Q. What your favorite type of music?
A. I
have always loved the symphony orchestra, the great sonority of many instruments, people from different backgrounds, different life journeys, joining together to create the magnificence of the symphonic sound. I'm constantly amazed that music that was written hundreds of years ago is used today to sell insurance, aspirin, cars-so many things that fall into the "classical" genre, but still speak to our innermost selves.
Q. What do you like most about teaching at the Valley Conservatory?
A. I like
the structure, the lack of distractions so that I can concentrate on each student. Teaching at home - phone calls, dogs barking, etc., are all distracting. At the Valley Conservatory, I can give full attention to every student.
Post Interview Comments:
I've known Dr. Collins for over 20 years and I am in awe, of what she has built-a community of teachers and students who will never forget what they have learned in the Valley Conservatory no matter where they go in life. I'm so grateful that she kept after me to join the faculty, and was I really surprised, after a lifetime of performing, to find the side of myself that loves teaching. I'm so glad she gave me this opportunity.
Refer a Friend
Get A $50 Amazon Gift Card & Be Eligible to Win a $100 Cash
If you have a friend who wants to take lessons, refer them to the VC
If they sign-up for lessons, you will receive a
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At the end of each quarter, you and your friends' names will be entered into a drawing for a $100 Cash!!!
There is no limit to the amount of gift cards you can receive
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Happenings at the VC
"Developing Better People Through the Medium of Music"
Valley Conservatory to Celebrate 20 Years
This is the 20th Year Anniversary of Valley Conservatory which was established in April of 1998 in the home of Dr. Renee Collins Williams. The studio before it was renamed to Valley Conservatory was called Collins Studio. Collins Studio was started in 1997 were Dr. Collins taught violin, viola and piano out of her home that was located on Harvey St. in northwest Huntsville. Every month we will be giving you highlights of the history of Valley Conservatory and how it was established.
In celebration of our 20th year we will have a special lyceum series that will feature special artists and performances throughout the 2017-2018 Season. Our celebration will kick-off with the Valley Conservatory Early Music Festival on September 10th, 2017 at St, Mary of the Visitation Catholic Church 222 Jefferson Street North. Additional information regarding our 20 year celebration will be fourth coming.
Valley Conservatory Piano Instructor to Receive National Certification
Congratulations to Tamar Saliashvili for becoming a National Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM). To qualify for this honor, teachers have to undergo a series of five standardsthat range from having substantial knowledge of music theory, history and pedagogy to being able to plan courses of study for their students. This is a very rigorous process and we are very proud of Tamar for receiving this prestigious certification. Kudos her for a job well done!
Heidi Crane Performs in Musical "Hairspray"
Heidi Crane recently performed the role of Velma Von Tussle with Lyrique Musical Productions, a local community theater company. This production became one of the most talked about and well attended community productions of the summer. You can learn more about Lyrique Music Productions and their upcoming shows at Lyriquemusicproductions.org. Heidi teaches voice, piano and guitar at Valley Conservatory.
Valley Conservatory Early Music Festival
The Valley Conservatory Early Music Festival will have its concert on Sunday, September 10 at 4pm at St. Mary of the Visitation Catholic Church located at 222 Jefferson St. in Huntsville. This will be both the opening concert of the 2017-2018 Lyceum Series and our 20th Anniversary Celebration!
Important Dates
Sunday
August 13, 2017
1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Make-up Classes
Valley Conservatory Studio
5650 Sanderson St. Ste.B
Sunday
August 27, 2017
4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Open House & Jam Session
Valley Conservatory Studio
5732 U.S. Hwy 431 S.
Hampton Cove
Sunday
September 10, 2017 4:00 pm
Valley Conservatory Early Music Festival
The Valley Conservatory Early Music Festival will have its' concert on Sunday, September 10 at 4pm at St. Mary of the Visitation Catholic Church located at 222 Jefferson St. in Huntsville. This will be the opening concert of the Valley Conservatory Lyceum Series.
Can you solve the Riddle?
You must use music symbols and/or notes to solve. If you think you have the answers, turn into Ms. Lillie to see if you win a prize from the VC Treasure Box. The prize will be given to the first person who has the right answers to all of the blank spaces.
I went to _____ mechanic and he told me I had a ______ and if I did not get it fixed, I would be in real ___________!
Open House & Jazz Jam Session at the VC
"Developing Better People Through the Medium of Music"
Open House & Jam Session
Sunday, August 27, 2017
You are never too old or too young to jam and have fun!. The Open House & Jazz Jam Session is for everyone. In celebration of the Valley Conservatory 20th year Anniversary our next Jazz Jam Session will be a part of our Open House which will be at our Hampton Cove studio located at 5732 US Hwy 431 S. Hampton Cove, from 4:00 pm. - 8:00 pm. There will be fun filled activities for the entire family! Whether you are a seasoned player or a student taking beginning piano lessons; the Open House & Jazz Jam Session is the place to be to exchange musical ideas, have fun, eat good food and just jam. Come to Learn, Come to Play!
August Make-Up Class Schedule
"Developing Better People Through the Medium of Music"
Sunday, August 13, 2017
Instrument
Time
Brass
1:00 - 2:00
Piano - Beginning
1:00 - 2:00
Percussion
1:00 - 2:00
Violin/Beginning
1:00 - 2:00
Cello
2:00 - 3:00
Flute/Saxophone
2:00 - 3:00
Piano/Advance
2:00 - 3:00
Viola/Violin - Intermediate/Advance
2:00 - 3:00
Voice
2:00 - 3:00
Monday, August 14, 2017
Brass
4:00 - 4:30
Ensembles
Join an Ensemble!
What is an Ensemble?
At the VC, an ensemble is a group of instruments and instrument combinations ranging from two to eight of more like-skilled players that play all genres of music.
Ensembles will play at various events throughout the year..
All levels, ages and instruments are available and strongly encouraged.
Playing in ensembles gives students opportunities to meet and play with others their age and level, and greatly enhances their musical experience and social interaction.
Students will be placed in an ensemble based on age, ability, instrument, and availability.
Students can play in more than one ensemble.
Students can also form their own ensembles with current Valley Conservatory students.
If you or your child would like to join an ensemble, please email or call (256-534-3131) with the following information:
Student Name:
Age
Available Times (please give as much leeway as possible to help increase chances of finding fellow ensembles players):
Instrument(s) Student would like to use:
Types of Music Preferred (Rock, Jazz, Classical, Pop, etc):
The Musical Ladder System
A Rewards Program
Celebrating Student Achievement * The Musical Ladder System®
Valley Conservatory is the only music school in the Huntsville area that gives their students the opportunity to earn special color wristband bracelets (kids and teens love them!), trophies AND certificates for passing musical tests with the Musical Ladder System®. Do other schools offer trophies and certificates? A few. But none of them inspire their students with smiling faces by giving them full color, really cool "Musical Ladder System®" wristbands that they can show off to their friends.
More importantly when our students have a test coming up, they practice more, their parents are proud, their teachers are proud, and everybody wins!
Pet of the Month
The Cat Sonnet
Long-time Valley Conservatory faculty member Dr. Dan Hornstein and his wife Julie (married 49 years at the
end of this month) are owned by three cats,
Figaro the Glamorous.
Figaro, Mephisto, and Trouble. "Figaro is the patriarch of the clan - he's turning 17 at the end of August and we got him at the pound in Minot, ND (I was conducting the Minot Symphony at the time). It was love at first sight," says Dr. Dan. "I came around the corner and this little long-haired kitten stuck his paws through the bars of the cage and yelled, 'Daddy!' We got him home and he's been Mom's cat ever since!" After surviving the trip to Alabama from North Dakota, Figaro settled in - and had to adjust to three other siblings being added. "Cherubino came to us in Florence (I was conducting the Shoals Symphony) as a starving 0.8 lb. kitten. His name meant "Little Cherub" and it seemed to fit - until he grew into a 20-lb. lug! Sadly, he's not with us any more, having gone to the great catnip field in the sky."
Cherubino.
"Mephisto is actually our "Valley Conservatory cat," says Dr. Dan. "There was this extremely friendly little orange kitten who hung around the former VC building who would come and love anybody (and try to cage a bite or so from everybody's lunch). Julie was then the VC office manager and he finally broke her resistance down by being so cuddly - it was a terrible thunderstorm and he sneaked into the VC office and hid under her desk. Who could resist?" Mephisto has continued to be the friendliest cat ever - Dan and Julie have to lock him in a bedroom when the plumber or electrician comes over. Otherwise he'd be all over the workman and nothing could get done. He even kisses the vet when he goes in for his yearly shots! "There is one odd quirk about him, however. He loves to groom - himself, the other cats, us -anything animate or inanimate! But sometimes he forgets to pull his tongue back in after grooming - and goes around with his tongue sticking out, looking totally impertinent! He does not seem to realize he is doing this - totally oblivious!"
Trouble.
"Trouble got her name when, as she was scratching the front door and saying, "Let me in! I need a home", Julie said, "You let her in, and she'll be trouble! (meaning with the other cats). I did and she was."
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