Congratulations to Armand Rush, selected student of the month. Armand studies trumpet with Werner Smock. He is a 17 year old senior who is home schooled. His favorite subjects in school are History, Bible and Grammar. Some of his hobbies are art and music. He has received several awards in our Musical Ladder program, and is a member of the Huntsville Youth Symphony, the top ensemble of the Huntsville Youth Orchestra.
Armand has a twin sister who studies violin at Valley Conservatory, and an older sister who is also a violinist. He plans to attend Oakwood University where he will be majoring in Art and Architecture.
Kudos to Armand for a job well done. The following is an interview with him:
Q. How old were you when you started taking music at Valley Conservatory?
A. I was 7 almost 8 years old.
Q. What type of music do you like to listen to?
A. I like classical music such as Bach & Mozart, and I also enjoy Gospel music.
Q. What do you like most about your lessons at the Valley Conservatory?
A. I like to learn new music.
Q. How do you like your teacher?
A. . Mr. Smock is a good teacher. He helps teach me tone and articulation.
Q. Is music a very important part of your life?
A. Yes, Music is very important to me.
Q. Would you recommend the Valley Conservatory to your friends?
A. . Yes, I would.
Teacher of the Month
Congratulations to
Dr. Daniel Hornstein (Low Strings/Low Brass/Music Theory & Composition/Functional Piano)
Congratulations to Dr. Dan Hornstein, selected teacher of the month. He is the senior faculty member at the VC, in both age and length of service. He began working with Dr. Collins upon coming to Alabama in 2001 to conduct the Shoals Symphony (Florence) and serve as a faculty member at the University of North Alabama. He started teaching at the VC in 2004, upon moving to Huntsville, and has been with the VC ever since.
After growing up in the "little town on the prairies" of Rugby, ND (and attending the famed National Music Camp at Interlochen, MI during the summers), Dr. Dan earned his degrees at Michigan State University (music education), which he chose in order to study with "Mr. Euphonium," Leonard Falcone. He also studied at the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore (conducting), and the University of North Texas (music education again). He has taught in the public schools and universities of seven states in his 45-year teaching career.
He is also a performer on both low brass and cello, as well as piano, and is a conductor. He served his country during the Vietnam War as the featured euphonium soloist of the USAF Band, Washington, DC, and performed often at the White House, the Capitol Steps, the (real) Watergate, Arlington National Cemetery, Constitution Hall, the Kennedy Center, and other locations both in Washington and on tour in the USA and Europe. He is the first soloist to ever appear in the Concert Hall of the Kennedy Center, performing with the band at a special, pre-opening concert six months before the official opening.
Upon his discharge, he began a career as a music educator, professor, scholar, and conductor. He has conducted throughout the USA and Europe, from the Arctic Chamber Orchestra (Fairbanks), to the Zapado Cesky Symsonicky Orchestra, Czech Republic and the Scottsdale, AZ Symphony to the BSZ Orchestra in Munich, Germany. He retired from the Huntsville City Schools as the founding conductor of the Arts Magnet Orchestra program, but still teaches (at UAH through the School of Professional Studies and Continuing Education). He is a member of the Huntsville Concert Band and was the featured soloist with the group for their 50th anniversary concert. He has served as state orchestra president in both North Dakota and Alabama. He speaks German, French, and Italian. In 2001, he was named by the National Association for Music Education "One of the Top 500 Music Educators in the United States."
Dr. Dan turned 70 the day after the 2017 VC Lyceum Orchestra concert in October, in which he played cello and delivered the concert commentary." He and his wife, Julie, are planning to celebrate their 50th anniversary next year with a November trip to Paris. They have two grown children, and are owned by three cats (who were featured in a previous edition of "Just a Note").
Q. What are the things you like most about teaching? A. Teaching helps keep me young! Seriously, it's my way of paying back all the people who helped and guided me when I was coming up. The only way of doing this is to "pass it on".
Q. How do you inspire students to practice more?
A . If I knew the absolute answer to that one, I'd write a book and retire to a tropical island somewhere from the fortune I'd earn from the sales! All I can do is show them what is possible, correct them when they go astray, and encourage them as much as possible.
Q. What do you feel are the benefits of a child studying music? A. Recently, there has been a lot of study on the effects of music study upon the brain. One of the UAH courses I teach is the "Psychology of Music," so I have to stay current on this. It has been shown that music study actually causes the information-processing areas of the brain to become physically larger! It causes more and stronger neural connections, which actually makes a person smarter in all areas, and not just in music. After all, remember that Einstein was a very good violinist as well as the premiere theoretical physicist of the 20th century. And there is the (what I call) "Social Affinity Factor," where young people belonging to a musical group are part of a family - a group to belong to with positive values and not just a "gang" to hang around with and perhaps get into trouble.
Q. What is your favorite type of music? A. Obviously, classical (orchestral, choral, band, and chamber music). But I also like to listen to jazz - particularly the "Big Bands" of the '30's and '40's and "The Hot Club of France" (Django Reinhardt and Stephen Grapelli), as well as the "Cool Jazz" of the '50's and '60's. I don't play jazz - I never learned to improvise - but I can dig it!
Q. What do you like most about teaching at the Valley Conservatory? A. The chance to teach in many areas and never get bored! I teach (or have taught) cello, string bass, trombone, euphonium, trumpet, piano, functional piano, theory/composition, conducting, and even voice! I also enjoy the chance to perform in the VC Lyceum series. I'm now working on learning the alto trombone to play in this month's "Messiah" performance. Also, I'm currently working with a new group, the VC's "Adult Beginning Ensemble" whose members are all adult beginners on string instruments (most of whom have had less than a year of private instruction.) They really get into their music and work hard on getting better, as well as enjoying the social interaction that a musical group affords. We are looking forward to making our performance debut at a spring VC recital.
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
New Students
"Developing Better People Through the Medium of Music"
The VC faculty and staff welcome the following students:
Shaila P.
Allen P.
Hutch B.
Maia B..
Virginia S.
Pat H.
Kristi W.
Violet G.
Note from the Director
Dr. Renee Collins Williams
"Developing Better People Through the Medium of Music"
Bend with the Wind
How often do we see huge trees that have been uprooted or broken in two after a storm? You look at the tree and you think to yourself, how on earth can a tree that size be torn into so many pieces? On the other hand you have a small fragile plant that after a major storm is still standing. It may be going in a different direction but nonetheless it still stands. What is the difference? The small plant is flexible and the strong big tree is not.
Have you ever tried to break a piece of licorice? The more you pull it the more it stretches. On the surface it appears to be weaker than a sturdy stick, but in reality it is less likely to break than a stick that does not bend. Sometimes in life the things that are the strongest are the things that are flexible and are willing to adjust to its surrounding. We often equate strength with things that are big and "strong," things that don't give in. In reality, it is the things that are adaptable to change, things that are willing to bend in a new direction that are often the things that endure.
Architects have learned that in order for a building to stand firm in a storm, it has to be flexible to move with the elements. In other words it can't be so ridged that it can't bend with the wind. How would you label yourself? Are you like the sturdy stick that is so rigid that it would rather break than go in a different direction, or are you like licorice which can be molded and stretched without breaking?
Learning to bend with the wind can grow and stretch us in a direction that can shape our destiny.
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
Congratulations to the Crockett Family who referred the Carr Family.
There is no limit to the amount of gift cards you can receive,
so start referring your friends today!
Steinway Teacher & Educational Partnership ( S.T.E.P.) Program
Valley Conservatory and Steinway Piano Gallery Nashville are pleased to announce the kick-off of the S.T.E.P. Club. All VC students will be able to participate in this exciting new venture. The purpose of the club is to engage our students in educational and fun filled activities in addition to providing discounts on various Steinway products, including purchases of pianos. More information will be available about this exciting new program in our January newsletter.
Happenings at the VC
"Developing Better People Through the Medium of Music"
Valley Conservatory Heritage Moments
The first brick and mortar building that the Valley Conservatory leased was a 3 room suite located in the back of the building located on Claude Circle, not too far away from our current Sanderson Street location.The Valley Conservatory was at that location from 2004 -2010. As the studio grew, other rooms were added until the studio occupied almost the entire building. Below are pictures of that location.
Tune in next month to find out more interesting facts about Valley Conservatory's early beginnings!
Valley Conservatory Symphony Orchestra to Perform Messiah with Oakwood University Church Choral
Oakwood University Church will present Handel's Messiah on December 9th, 11:00 am at Oakwood University Church located at 5555 Adventist Blvd. in Huntsville. The concert will feature Brandi Sutton, Soprano, Dr. Julie Foster, Alto, Alexander Henderson, Tenor, Dr. Terrance Brown, Bass, Oakwood University Church Chorale, Dr. Eurydice Osterman, Director and the Valley Conservatory Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Renee Collins-Williams. Additional information at oucsda.org or 256-837-1255.
VC Student Selected to Participate in Madison Youth Orchestra
Congratulations to Maria Myers for being selected to participate in the Madison Youth Orchestra . Maria is 14 yrs. old and has been studying violin for about 1 ½ years. She is a student of DeAndre King. Kudos to Maria for a job well done!
VC Student Selected to Participate in All State Choir
Congratulations to Alyssa Slocum for being selected to participate in the All State Middle School Choir. The choir will be performing at Samford University in March 0f 2018. Alyssa will also be the featured soloist for the Rocket City Kid's Marathon on December 9 where she will be singing the National Anthem.
For students who did not sign up for Christmas in the Valley and would still like to participate, there are a few dates and times still available. Please contact the office at 256-534-3131 for more information.
Important Dates
Saturday
December 9, 2017
11:00 a.m.
The Messiah The Oakwood University Church Chorale Valley Conservatory Lyceum Orchestra 5500 Adventist Blvd. NW Huntsville
Saturday
December 16, 2017
10:00 am- 12:00 pm
Make-up Classes
Valley Conservatory Studio
5650 Sanderson St. Ste.B
Perkville Award Points to Discontinue
This will be the last month that we will be doing the Perkville Award Points. Students who wish to redeem points will need to do so by Friday, December 29, 2017.
Can you solve the Riddle?
You must use music symbols and/or notes to solve the riddle. If you think you have the answers, turn them in to Ms. Lillie to see if you have won 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 ___________!
Jazz Jam Session at the VC
"Developing Better People Through the Medium of Music"
There will be no Jazz Jam Sessions for the months of December. Jazz Jam Sessions will resume Sunday, January 28, 2018.
December Make-Up Class Schedule
"Developing Better People Through the Medium of Music"
Saturday, December 16, 2017
Instrument
Time
Beginning Piano
10:00 - 11:00
Beginning Violin/Viola
10:00 - 11:00
Guitar
10:00 - 11:00
Percussion
10:00 - 11:00
Woodwinds
10:00 - 11:00
Cello
10:00 - 11:00
Brass
11:00 - 12:00
Intermediate/Advance Piano
11:00 - 12:00
Intermediate/Advance Violin/Viola
11:00 - 12:00
Voice
11:00 - 12:00
Art
11:00 - 12:00
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:
Student 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
Nedia Keel's little doggie, Mitsu, is the VC December pet of the Month. She is a little over a
year old and was named after the college that Nedia graduated from,
Middle Tennessee State University.Mitsu also means "Sweet Light" in Japanese. A former college friend gave her this adorable PomChi (Pomeranian and Chihuahua mix). She is so much fun. She loves to play with her squeaky dog toys and cuddle up to children and adults and lick their faces. She also loves to do tricks. She lays down and walks on her hind legs to her owner, Nedia, when commanded, or she actually dances on her hind legs, and is always rewarded with a treat. SHE LOVES MUSIC. She barks (sings) along whenever Nedia she sings or playing the guitar. Mitsu is truly a bundle of joy!!
Nedia helps out the VC staff.
If you have a pet that you would like to be featured as Pet of the month, please submit your entries to Ms. Lillie or Ms. Savanah at the front desk.
the VC, in both age and length of service. He began working with Dr. Collins upon coming to Alabama in 2001 to conduct the Shoals Symphony (Florence) and serve as a faculty member at the University of North Alabama. He started teaching at the VC in 2004, upon moving to Huntsville, and has been with the VC ever since.
S.T.E.P. Club. All VC students will be able to participate in this exciting new venture. The purpose of the club is to engage our students in educational and fun filled activities in addition to providing discounts on various Steinway products, including purchases of pianos.
. Maria is 14 yrs. old and has been studying violin for about 1 ½ years. She is a student of DeAndre King. Kudos to Maria for a job well done! 
year old and was named after the college that Nedia graduated from,
