Congratulations to Anna Sims, August's selected student of the month. Anna is a Viola student here at Valley Conservatory, where she studies under Dr. Renee Collins-Williams. She is 16 years old, and in the tenth grade at Providence Classical School.
Anna's musical journey with the Viola began when she was 12 years old. She's been playing for about 4 years, and she loves every second of it! She participated in the Huntsville Youth Orchestra where she was principal violinist in the 2017/2018 season.
You wouldn't be surprised to find out that Anna isn't the only musician in her household. She comes from a musical family. Anna's brother and sister both play instruments, as well. He brother plays the Cello. Her sister plays the Viola. Sometimes they even play and perform together!
Music is a big part of Anna's life, but it isn't all she enjoys. In her spare time, she likes to read. She also loves to run cross country. The future looks bright for Ms. Anna. It's safe to say that Anna Sims sees the importance of keeping both a fit mind and body!
Here is a short interview we conducted with Anna:
VC: How old were you when you started taking music lessons at the Valley Conservatory?
Anna: I've been playing the Viola since I was 12, but I have taken lessons here at VC since I was 14.
VC: What type of music do you like to listen to?
Anna: I love Classical music. It's also my favorite type of music to play.
VC: What do you like most about your lessons at the Valley Conservatory?
Anna: I feel that I have improved with each lesson. She seems to learn something different after each lesson.
VC: How do you like your teacher?
Anna: Dr. Collins really helps me know what I'm doing wrong and what I can do to improve. My favorite thing about her is that she focuses on what I need to do to get better. I like how much she focuses on technique and form.
VC: If you didn't play the Viola, what instrument would you play?
Anna: I would probably play the Cello.
VC: Would you recommend the Valley Conservatory to your friends?
Anna: Yes, I would!
Teacher of the Month
Congratulations to
Mr. Billy Teichmiller
August's Teacher of the Month is Mr. Billy Teichmiller. Billy started his music studies on the
piano at the tender age of five. He took piano lessons until the age of 10, when he joined the school band program in Cullman, AL. This was under the instruction of Bonnie James.
A few years later, at age 13, he knew music was what he wanted to do for his livelihood. The
young band he played in opened a show for Gary Puckett and the Union Gap and that sealed the deal.
He went to the University of Alabama, after high school. He studied for a percussion performance degree under the instruction of Larry Mathus. He received intense study in DCI style rudimental drumming, mallets and timps.
After college, in 1976, he moved to Huntsville and played in many house bands in the area.
When disco hit the area hard, he went on the road playing mostly the Southeast with artists such as Doby Grey, Percy Sledge, the Coasters and Chubby Checker. He has done recording session work with many national television shows, radio spots, etc.
Today, Billy keeps a full live performance schedule, including studio work and audio engineering. He does class percussion lessons for the Madison County school system and is a proud member of the Valley Conservatory teaching staff. He is also a Vic Firth educational endorser.
The following is an interview we conducted with Mr. Billy:
VC: What are the things you like most about teaching?
Billy: I feel honored to be passing down 1000's of years of musical knowledge to today's young people. I really love to see the light bulb pop on in their mind when they get a concept that opens up a new world of understanding.
VC: How do you inspire students to practice more?
Billy: I try to make it fun for them, so they don't get bored with learning. I try to make challenging games out of it to keep them interested and keep them learning.
VC: What do you feel are the benefits of a child studying music?
Billy: Learning to focus, discipline to keep trying until you get it right. Things that are good for life in general.
VC: What is your favorite type of music?
Billy: All types of music when it's done right. Classical, jazz, rock, country. Everything!
VC: What do you like most about teaching at Valley Conservatory?
Billy: I love the way everyone involved looks out for each other. I especially love how the focus is on the students. The ensemble groups are a great way for students to learn how to work in a group and get real world experience in the performing world.
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.
Valley Conservatory has been providing services in the arts to the Huntsville/Madison County area since 1998 and offers:
Private and class instruction, pre-school through adult
Music education programs, extra curricular and academic programs
Arts learning and exploration through camps and workshops
Customized art experiences for after school programs
A Lyceum series, Jam sessions, and Exhibits
Valley Conservatory Early Music Festival
VC Booking Agency - Musicians for hire for any type of event or occasion
Important Dates
Sunday,
September 9, 2018
Valley Conservatory Open House
Hampton Cove Studio
5732 US-431
Brownsboro, AL 35741
Saturday
September 16, 2018
4:00 pm
Valley Conservatory Early Music Festival
St. Mary of the Visitation Catholic Church
222 Jefferson St. N,
Huntsville, AL 35801
Note from the Director
Dr. Renee Collins Williams
"Developing Better People Through the Medium of Music"
Should I Continue Lessons for my Child?
As parents we have all figured out that our kids do not like to practice. Occasionally you will find the rare kid who finds practicing a joy but as a rule, that is like finding a needle in a hay stack. With this being the case, the big question that parents have is should I continue lessons if my child does not hold up to their end of the bargain and practice? Let me answer this question with my own story.
Contrary to what one may think, I was the world's worst student when it came to my musical studies as a child. Yes, I know it may be hard to believe but I was terrible when it came to practicing and doing the things that I was supposed to do. I have been kicked out of music studious, threaten by teachers who said they would not teach me if I did not practice and the list goes on. However, despite myself, I am now an accomplished musician and director of a music school. How did this happen.... certainly not by my diligence or dedication but my mother's dedication to the potential of what she knew I would become and her determination that I was going to make it despite myself. In other words, my mother in her infinite wisdom saw a diamond in the rough and did not measure me on where I was at my immature state of being but on where she knew I would be one day if I continued. All I can say today is thank God for my mother!
With this being said, as a parent do you discontinue lessons if your child does not practice? Another way to ask this question is do you discontinue school for your child if they do not do their homework? Most children lack the maturity to know and do what is in their best interest.
We have to decide as parents what is best for our children until they grow into the maturity to know what is best for their own lives. Does this mean not to hold your child accountable and seemingly waste money when they do not practice? The answer is no. However, when it comes to the development of our children, we have to access if the child has the aptitude and potential for a particular area and if so, do accordingly what is in their best interest, not where they are in their current immature state. I have never met a person in their mature state of being who regretted playing a musical instrument but I have met several people who regretted quitting.
Refer a Friend
Get A $50 Amazon Gift Card & Be Eligible to Win $100 Cash
If you have a friend who wants to take lessons, refer them to the VC!
There is no limit to the amount of gift cards you can receive,
so start referring your friends today!
Happenings at The VC
"Developing Better People Through the Medium of Music"
Valley Conservatory Heritage Moments
Valley Conservatory has a long history of providing cultural enrichment to the community through the Valley Conservatory Lyceum Series. This series was started in 1999 and presented concerts to students in Huntsville City Schools and public concerts to the community at various venues throughout the city. The name lyceum was picked because the term in Greek stands for a place of learning. Tune in next month to find out more about the Valley Conservatory Lyceums and some of the early concerts presented in this series.
At Valley Conservatory, we believe in a holistic approach to music education. That philosophy gives teachers unlimited resources in conveying musical principles to the students. They can utilize various standard teaching methods, or they can be unconventional. Our very own Ms. Kenesha Ryce embodies this philosophy perfectly! Some may say her methods are a bit unconventional, and that's what we love that about her. She goes above and beyond to get the job done. She has even written a children's book about playing the violin!
When asked what inspired her to write this book, Ms. Kenesha replied, "When I'm teaching, especially younger students, I try to find ways to help the concepts stick. Since I'm a visual learner, I try to flesh out full stories." Ms. Kenesha understands that certain concepts are difficult to understand-how to move your bow arm, and how to hold the violin in your other arm. Through two captivating, easy to follow tales, Vio's Violin teaches its readers how to play the violin. Isn't that neat?
Here's a short interview we conducted with Ms. Kenesha:
VC: When did you start writing this book?
Kenesha: About a year ago, actually. I started writing in August.
VC: How did you decide on your book title?
Kenesha: It was supposed to be a place holder-there's a character in the book whose name is Vio Linist. But it stuck!
VC: Do you see yourself writing any more stories/books in the future?
Kenesha: Yes! I have a couple of stories that I'm working on. A few people have told me they're ready for more. So, I'm working on it!
This book does more than just teach children how to play the violin. Ms. Kenesha is an advocate for doing what you're passionate about, even if it seems unconventional. Even if you're interested in a certain field or topic, you don't have to limit yourself to the traditional route. As a Violinist, Ms. Kenesha never wanted to play in the Symphony. She combined two of her passion-music and teaching-and did it her way! She encourages her students to do the same. Buy your copy today!
Congratulations to Emma Boyd and Alexander Adams for their participation in the O
mega Psi Phi Fraternity Talent Hunt Showcase Competition that was held Sunday, August, 19 on the campus of Alabama A&M University. Both students performed extremely well with Alex receiving Honorable Mention and Emma receiving 1st Place. Alex performed Questa Notte by Ludovicio Einaudi on the piano and Emma performed Violin Concerto No. 1 by Max Bruch. Kudos to both students for a job well done!
Can you find all the words?
Back to School Word Search
K
G
K
O
B
T
O
H
K
R
D
E
F
S
J
O
H
R
D
A
Y
D
Q
R
E
E
S
N
Y
M
O
J
Z
F
O
Z
X
E
K
C
L
F
Y
O
N
B
R
P
K
S
N
H
Y
Y
E
E
E
A
L
J
E
M
Q
T
I
C
L
L
P
S
Z
L
U
C
Z
T
S
S
Q
A
A
H
T
M
S
B
N
P
Z
L
O
T
H
E
I
N
H
O
S
F
C
S
R
P
T
N
S
T
U
D
E
N
T
O
H
X
U
H
Y
A
C
I
D
U
M
U
R
M
W
L
J
B
F
K
L
Q
S
L
E
H
A
J
S
W
C
W
V
Z
M
Q
G
L
L
N
E
S
F
L
V
W
P
N
F
B
E
M
M
W
Z
L
R
I
V
P
N
F
D
D
S
Q
H
N
B
Z
C
Y
M
U
O
Z
O
I
W
N
W
Z
S
B
H
A
V
A
R
A
Q
R
U
T
J
V
K
C
I
F
O
R
J
X
N
C
P
Y
I
C
O
APPLE
ART
BUS
LUNCH
MUSIC
NOTEBOOK
RECESS
SCHOOL
STUDENT
TEACHER
Ensembles
Join an Ensemble!
What is an Ensemble?
An ensemble is a group of instruments and instrument combinations ranging from two to eight or 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 are strongly encouraged.
Playing in an ensemble 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:
Name
Age
Available Times (please give as much leeway as possible to help increase chances of finding fellow ensemble 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 its 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:
Ms. Nora Purr
Mr. Kevin Lay has worked at Valley Conservatory as a faculty member. We just love having him here! This month, Mr. Kevin's cat is our featured pet of the month. Mr. Kevin Lay and his family are the proud owners of two cats. They've both got a lot of spunk and personality. But according to Mr. Kevin, the star of the house is Mrs. Nora Purr. He and his wife often refer to her as Nora. It's their son who calls her Mrs. Purr (because she purrs, a lot of course!). Whoever is calling her name, whichever name they choose, Mrs. Nora Purr is one kitty you'd love to get to know.
A little over 5 years ago is when Mrs. Purr came into the Lay lives and their family household. She was just 1 year old, at the time. That would make her about 6 years old, today. But everyday with Mrs. Nora Purr is an adventure.
Mr. Kevin describes Mrs. Nora Purr as "a cute black cat with this sweet, high pitched voice and meow." But don't let that fool you. According to him, she can switch up in just an instant. Her cute demeanor is only a part time job. "She's a killer." According to the Lay's, Nora loves birds! It appears her favorite pastime is to kill birds and bring them home to mommy (Mrs. Lay) and daddy (Mr. Kevin Lay) as presents. The family says, "she's got a dark side!"
Maybe
it's a "dark side". Maybe it's a strong personality. At home, Mrs. Nora Purr tends to think she's in charge. She likes certain things done a certain way. Every evening, at 5:30 PM, there needs to be a fresh water (with no floating food, hair, or anything else inside) and food (piled up into a perfect mound). When Mr. Kevin and his wife are watching television, Mrs. Purr jumps up on the table and sits in just the right spot to block Mrs. Lay. And when its family bonding time, you better believe Nora will jump onto the couch and sit in between Mr. Kevin and his wife for some TLC (only if its on her special blanket)!
Since this is a music school, we asked Mr. Kevin a pretty silly question during the interview. We asked, "Based on Mrs. Purr's personality, what instrument do you think she would play if she could?" Of course, Mr. Kevin laughed. But after careful consideration, he responded saying that Nora would probably play the Harp. When asked why, Mr. Kevin explained that Mrs. Purr is multifaceted, just like the harp. She's sweet, but a little bit spoiled. She's also very picky about certain aspects of her life. "The harp would be perfect for her!"
If you have a pet that you would like to be featured as Pet of the month, please submit your entries to Ms. Ebony, Ms. Vivian, or Ms. Savanah at the front desk.
