Congratulations to Alyssa Slocum for being selected student of the month. Alyssa is a piano and voice student at Valley Conservatory where she studies piano with Laura Knaupp and voice with Therry Thomas. Alyssa is 13 years old and will be in the 8th grade at Whitesburg Middle School this coming Fall.
A very conscientious student, Alyssa takes all honor classes and has received several awards including membership in the National Junior Honors Society, the Perfect Attendance Award for 2 years, and the Principal Award for Academic Excellence. Her favorite subjects in school are history and English. In her spare time she enjoys traveling and being creative with "making things."
Alyssa has learned a lot through her music classes at Valley Conservatory, says her mother, Tequila Slocum. Her confidence, self-esteem, and musical skills have improved. Alyssa is determined to accomplish great things. She will be recording her first original song entitled "Encantador" which means beautiful in Spanish. The future looks bright for this very talented and motivated young lady. Kudos to Alyssa for a job well done!
Q. How old were you when you started taking lessons?
A. I was 10 years old and in the 4th grade.
Q. What type of music do you like to listen to?
A. I mostly listen to R&B or pop.
Q. What do you like the most about your lessons?
A. I like how my teachers can understand which types of songs are best for me, and I also like the VC instructors who are very kind.
Q. Is music a very important part of your life?
A. Yes it is. When I grow up I want a career in music because I feel it will be very rewarding to me.
Q. Would you recommend Valley Conservatory to your friends?
A. Yes, I would recommend the Valley Conservatory to all of my friends. The Valley Conservatory is the best music school for me. I have learned a lot from my instructors.
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:
Bert B.
Dev H.
Sheadon K.
Sylvia M.
Bryce M.
Marli W.
Joseph W.
Hannah A.
Gabriel B.
Chase C.
Alexandra E.
Lillie G.
Cohen H.
Ashleigh J.
Eesha K.
Medha K.
Clarissa L.
Rebecca M.
Gideon M.
Jason M.
Leona M.
Katie M.
Kimberly M.
Leianna P.
Note from the Director Dr. Renee Collins Williams
"Developing Better People Through the Medium of Music"
Words Are Like Electricity
"Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me." What a classic saying we used to say when I was younger. However, how many times have we been wounded by what someone said? After all, isn't that what cyber bullying is all about - - speaking mean words about someone in order to do them harm? Sticks and stone may break my bones but words can and often do hurt. Words can do more damage to a person than sticks and stones, which is why we have to be careful how we use our words.
Words are like electricity. They can charge us up or tear us down. They can edify us to do great things, or they can cut us to the core of our soul. Words are a double edged sword. They can be a blessing or a curse. As electricity is generated to create power than can light up a city, words can generate encouragement to empower a generation. When we think of famous leaders throughout history like Martin Luther King Jr., John F. Kennedy, and Abraham Lincoln, one of the things they had in common was that they understood the power of words. They used their words to inspire, uplift and give hope for a brighter future.
How do you use your words? Do you edify or tear down? Do you generate positive energy or negative? Words are a power source like electricity that have the ability to do both harm and good. How we generate our words can give us the ability to motivate others. Therefore, let us use our words to provide an electrifying experience that fosters greatness in people and the world.
Teacher of the Month
Congratulation to Carrie Howard (Violin and Clarinet)
Congratulations to Carrie, selected teacher of the month. Carrie has been on faculty at Valley Conservatory since 2008 when she moved to Huntsville with her husband who is a youth pastor. She is a graduate of Samford University, Birmingham, AL, where she majored in religion (her favorite subject) and minored in music.
Carrie has been married fourteen years and has three children, a dog, and two cats. She merges her favorite hobbies with their activities- -hiking, swimming, sporting events, etc. She also likes the visual arts, and church activities.
Carrie has traveled abroad and has a passion for Central America. Other memorable places to which she has traveled are Honduras where she got to travel on horseback, Japan, and Guatemala. Kudos to Carrie. The following is an interview with her:
Q. What are the things you like the most about teaching?
A. I like watching students grow up physically, and musically.
Q. How do you inspire students to practice more?
A. I give lots of praise. I also create competitions among my students to see who has practiced the most. I encourage each student to practice to the level he/she wants to achieve because some students want to go farther than others. Whatever they want to pursue, I encourage that. I also teach them to play by ear by letting them select a song, any song, that they like on the radio, and have them write out the notes of the melody. This enhances aural skills and reinforces note reading and rhythm skills.
Q. What do you feel are the benefits of a child learning music?
A. Medical reports have proven that learning music helps students achieve higher test scores, helps them use both left and right brain functions, and helps kinetically to overcome physical struggles. I recently had a stroke and the doctor encouraged me to practice, practice, practice.
Q. What is your favorite type of music?
A. I like all types of music, but most of all I like praise and worship music because it affords me the opportunity to play by ear.
Q. What do you like most about teaching at the Valley Conservatory?
A. It is a great environment in which to work, and I have a connection with other teachers. I especially like the fact that the students are able to be involved in reaching the community through recitals and concerts.
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
FREE Amazon gift card in the amount of $50.00!!!
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
so start referring your friends today!
Waldon Family referred Leianna P
Katragadda Family referred Medha K
Kirsch Family referred Bryce M
Riethmaier Family referred Marli W
Happenings at the VC
"Developing Better People Through the Medium of Music"
Adult Orchestra
Valley Conservatory Adult String Ensemble meets on Thursdays at 6:00p in studio 8 at the main studio. This is a wonderful time for our adult students to get together and make music together. Beginning students are welcomed. Adult string players interested in joining, please contact the VC office at 256-534-3131. Dr. Dan Hornstein is the conductor of the ensemble.
Business Expo & Kids Day
The Valley Conservatory will be having a booth at the Business Expo & Kids Day on July 29, 2017 from 10:00am - 2:00pm at the Hogan Family/YMCA. The theme is Circus Under the Big Top. There will be a dunk tank with Mayor Finley of Madison City as the first participant, face painting, bounce house, a dog costume contest, carnival games, food trucks and more. There will be lots of games and activities for the entire family. Come out and join in the festivities!
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 July 23, 2017 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Jam Session Featuring The Devere Pride Trio
Valley Conservatory Studio
5650 Sanderson St. Ste. B
Sunday June 16, 2017 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Make-up Classes Valley Conservatory Studio 5650 Sanderson St. Ste.B
Saturday July 29, 2017 10:00am - 2:00 pm
Business Expo & Kids Day
The Valley Conservatory will be having a booth at the Business Expos & Kids Day on July 29, 2017 from 10:00am - 2:00pm at the Hogan Family/YMCA.
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 ___________!
Valley Conservatory Summer Camps
"Developing Better People Through the Medium of Music"
The Valley Conservatory String and Percussion Camps provided a wonderful opportunity for students in the community to experience playing string and percussion instruments. They learned basic music fundamentals and were presented in a culminating performance at the end of the week. Students also had a wonderful time new friends.
Percussion Camp
String Camp
Jazz Jam Session at the VC
"Developing Better People Through the Medium of Music"
The next jam session is Sunday, July 23, 2017.
You are never too old or too young to jam. The Jazz Jam sessions at the Valley Conservatory are for everyone. Whether you are a seasoned player or a student taking beginning piano lessons; the jam session is the place to be to exchange musical ideas, have fun, eat good food and just jam. So, come out and join in the fun every 4th Sunday from 5:00 - 8:00 pm. at the VC main studio on Sanderson Street.
July Make-Up Class Schedule
"Developing Better People Through the Medium of Music"
Sunday, July 16, 2017
Instrument
Time
Percussion
1:00 - 2:00
Piano - Intermediate/Advance
3:00 - 4:00
Voice
2:00 - 3:00
Viola/Violin - Intermediate/Advance
2:00 - 3:00
Brass
2:00 - 3:00
Flute
2:00 - 3:00
Clarinet/Saxophone
1:00 - 2:00
Piano - Beginning
1:00 - 2:00
Viola/Violin - Beginning
1:00 - 2:00
Cello
2:00 - 3:00
Guitar
2:00 - 3:00
Monday, July 17, 2017
Bass 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.
Ensembles are $25.00 a month and will begin Summer 2017.
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
Maggie the Dog
Meet Maggie. Maggie is the pet of Ms. Alicia who teaches flute, piano, art and voice at Valley Conservatory. With the help of a musical treat, Maestra Maggie can keep the beat. I serenade her
night and day, sometimes she'll sleep and sometimes she'll play. Maggie is 3 years young. Ms Alicia
wanted a dog for 8 years and Maggie is the perfect one. She calls her, a "Heinz 57" because she is a mix of many breeds.
