Congratulations to Arionne Rush, selected student of the month. Arionne studies violin with Dr. Collins. She is a 17- year- old senior, who is home schooled. Her favorite subjects in school are Literature and Organic Chemistry.
She has a brother and sister who also study music. Some of Arionne's hobbies are playing music, reading, crocheting, and swimming. She is involved in her church's Sabbath School, and is a member of the Huntsville Youth Orchestra.
Her plans are to attend Oakwood University and pursue a major in Nursing and minor in Music.
Kudos to Arionne for a job well done. The following is an interview with her:
Q. How old were you when you started taking music at the Valley Conservatory?
A. I was 7 years old.
Q. What type of music do you like to listen to?
A. I like listening to classical piano and gospel music.
Q. What do you like most about taking lessons at Valley Conservatory?
A. I like how personal the environment feels, and how the instructors are willing to work with me to fine-tune my deficiencies.
Q. Is music a very important part of your life?
A. Yes. I am surrounded by musicians all the time, so there are opportunities to rehearse and perfect my playing skills. I also think that it teaches me patience and perseverance.
Q. Would you recommend Valley Conservatory to your friends?
A. Yes. it is a good place for people of all ages to take lessons.
Teacher of the Month
Congratulations to
Julie Noles (Violin/Viola/Piano)
Congratulations to Julie Noles, selected teacher of the month.
I did not follow the typical path of teaching music. It wasn't even something I planned, but that seemed to find me.
I began playing the violin in 7th and 8th grade but soon put it down to pursue other interests. As I got older, I regretted not sticking with it. My husband Jon, tired of hearing me complain, encouraged me to go take lessons. I was in my late 20's at that point and thought I might be too old to pick it back up. I had a violin that Jon had fixed up for me. He met all of my excuses head-on. So I began taking lessons. Mary Peck was my first teacher and then Dolores Peck. I met Renee Collins through Dolores and even played in her living room before she had the great space that is Valley Conservatory now. I went on to have many more great teachers.
I continued to take lessons and play in community groups more so for my own enjoyment. In 2012, I had left a full time job in Human Resources Management. A friend was working at the Symphony School and asked me to teach the Third Grade Violin Program. I agreed before I thought about it. While I was nervous at first I found I did love teaching. It was a great experience. Through the Symphony School I also taught small group and private lessons. I really liked the one on one interaction.
I live in Huntsville with my husband and 2 dogs and travel to Houston and Phoenix frequently to ensure I stay #1 Aunt to my nieces and nephews.
Kudos to Julie!
The following is an interview with her:
Q. What are the things you like most about teaching?
A. I like helping students accomplish something. I love to encourage them and I love when they surprise themselves with what they can do.
Q. How do you inspire students to practice more?
A. That is a work in progress. There are so many things that vie for the student's time these days. I try to find music that is fun, challenging and relevant to that student.
Q. What do you feel are the benefits of a child studying music?
A. Music can touch every aspect of a child's life. It enables creativity, promotes physical and intellectual coordination, and instills a discipline that can help them throughout their life.
Q. What your favorite type of music?
A. I love all kinds of music. But there is just something about strings that touch my soul.
Q. What do you like most about teaching at the Valley Conservatory?
A. I like the philosophy and holistic approach. It is about the student and them having the best experience they can while hopefully instilling a lifelong love of music.
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:
Harper A.
Maggie A.
Tawanda A
.
Joshua B.
Lindsey B.
Caden C.
Emma C.
Jonah D.
Luke E..
Ryker G.
Abigail H.
David H.
Patrick I.
Amber M.
Haley M.
Grace O.
Anish P.
Carter R.
Jackson S.
Josiah S.
Riley S.
Samantha S.
Peggie T.
Morgan W.
Wyatt W.
Shushruth Y.
Julie Z.
Note from the Director
Dr. Renee Collins Williams
"Developing Better People Through the Medium of Music"
Why?
In life we have to ask ourselves what is our "why." This is a very important question for young people as they learn and explore various careers and make life choices. It is also an important question for adults because it lets them know what they value. I always tell students to allow their long-term goals to determine their short-term objectives. When this is done they know "why" they have to take those classes in school or "why" they have to practice to play a song correctly, and then the word "why" takes on a new meaning. They realize that knowing "why" helps them to accomplish the goal.
Children will often ask "why" when they do not understand something or when it involves things they have to do. However, we need to challenge our children to think of "why" as a purpose. When students know their "why" it determines what they value and wish to achieve in life.
What is your "why?" What do you wish to accomplish in life? Next time you hear that word, challenge yourself and/or your children to think a little deeper into "why" you do what you do, and your "why" will have a greater meaning and purpose.
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!
Happenings at the VC
"Developing Better People Through the Medium of Music"
Valley Conservatory Heritage Moments
The first contract teacher of the Valley Conservatory was Dolores Peck. When the studio grew to 60 students, Mrs. Peck was brought on board to assist teaching violin. She taught from Fall 1998 until she passed in 2010.
Mrs. Peck was one of the first musicians that Dr. Collins met when she moved to Huntsville in 1993. She worked with Dr. Collins when she was the Music/Director of the Huntsville Youth Orchestra, and at Oakwood College (now University) where she played in the orchestra and was the librarian for the ensemble. She was also the first librarian for Valley Conservatory and played in various ensembles of the VC, including the Valley Conservatory Lyceum Orchestra.
Tune in next month to find out more interesting facts about Valley Conservatory's early beginnings!
Valley Conservatory Early Music Festival Delights Audience
The 5th Annual Valley Conservatory Early Music Festival was held at St. Mary of the Visitation Catholic Church on Sunday, September 10. The artists delighted the audience with performances of Telemann, Purcell and Loeillet and received a standing ovation at the end of the concert for their wonderful performance. History was made with the performance of an 8-viol consort.
Valley Conservatory Instructor
Featured Artist at UAH Jazz Faculty Concert
Guitar and piano instructor Josh Couts was a featured guest artist at the UAH Jazz Faculty Concert this past Friday, September 29. The concert was held at Roberts Recital Hall on the campus of UAH where original works by Josh were performed. Two standing ovations were received for the performance. Kudos to Josh for a job well done!
Each holiday season, the Valley Conservatory provides student performances free to the community in an event called Christmas in the Valley as our studio's gift to the community.
This is a casual event, providing our students an opportunity to share what they have learned with the community without the pressure of a formal recital. Past performances of Christmas in the Valley have included Parkway City Mall, the former Madison Square Mall, Barnes and Nobles Book Store, Santa's Village, The Downtown Rescue Mission, various nursing homes, and senior citizen resident facilities.
Below is the list of venues where Valley Conservatory will perform Christmas in the Valley 2017.
There are twenty-five performance slots available for each location. In order to get the date and location you prefer, please click on the Christmas in the Valley link on our website at www.valleyconservatory.com or you may sign-up at the Front Desk!!!
When each location's 25 performance slots have been filled, registration is closed for that location. The VBC Playhouse performance will be limited to 15 slots.
ChristyCare - Adult Day Care
7262 Govenors West Suite 111
Friday, December 1, 2017
1:00pm - 2:00pm
Morning Side
49 Hughes Road, Madison 35756
Saturday, December 2, 2017
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Academy for Learning
Trinity United Methodist Church
Saturday, December 2, 2017
4:00p.m. - 5:00p.m
Regency Retirement Village
2004 Max Luther Northwest, Huntsville 35810
Sunday, December 3, 2017
3:00p.m. - 4:00p.m.
Downtown Rescue Mission
1400 Evangel Drive, Huntsville, 35816
Saturday, December 9, 2017
3:30pm - 4:30 p.m
Millennium Nursing and Rehab Center
5275 Millennium Drive, Huntsville, 35801
Sunday, December 10, 2017
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Thrive at Jones Farm Senior Living
2238 Cecil Ashburn Drive
Huntsville, 35802
Saturday, December 16, 2017
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Harbor Chase
4801 Whitesport Circle,
Huntsville, 35801
Sunday, December 17, 2017
3:00pm - 4:00pm
VBC Playhouse Theater
700 Monroe Street, Huntsville, AL 35801
"Reel" Life Performing Arts Holiday Show
Sunday, December 17, at 6:30pm
Students will play 30 minutes before the show starting at 7:00pm.
Due to the time frame only 15 students will be able to play on this performance.
Important Dates
Saturday
October 21, 2017
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Make-up Classes
Valley Conservatory Studio
5650 Sanderson St. Ste.B
Sunday
October 22, 2017
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Valley Conservatory Jam Session
Valley Conservatory Studio
5650 Sanderson St. Ste. B
Sunday
October 29, 2017
4:00 pm
Valley Conservatory Lyceum Series Presents
Valley Conservatory Symphony Oakwood University Church
5500 Adventist Blvd. NW Huntsville
Saturday
December 9, 2017
11:00 a.m.
The Messiah The Oakwood University Church Chorale Valley Conservatory Lyceum Orchestra 5500 Adventist Blvd. NW Huntsville
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 ___________!
Jazz Jam Session at the VC
"Developing Better People Through the Medium of Music"
Next Jam Session
Sunday, October 22, 2017
You are never too old or too young to jam and have fun! The Jazz Jam Session is for everyone. There will be fun filled activities for the entire family! Whether you are a seasoned player or a student taking beginning piano lessons; the 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! Join us at, 5650 Sanderson St., Ste C. from 5:00 - 8:00 pm.
October - November Make-Up Class Schedule
"Developing Better People Through the Medium of Music"
Saturday, October 21, 2017
Instrument
Time
Voice
12:00 - 1:00
Cello
1:00 - 2:00
Guitar
1:00 - 2:00
Piano - Beginning
1:00 - 2:00
Percussion
1:00 - 2:00
Violin/ Viola - Beginning
1:00 - 2:00
Woodwind
1:00 - 2:00
Brass
2:00 - 3:00
Piano - Intermediate/Advance
2:00 - 3:00
Viola/Violin - Intermediate/Advance
2:00 - 3:00
Sunday, November 19, 2017
Instrument
Time
Beginning Piano
2:00 - 3:00
Beginning Violin/Viola
2:00 - 3:00
Guitar
2:00 - 3:00
Percussion
2:00 - 3:00
Woodwinds
2:00 - 3:00
Cello
2:00 - 3:00
Brass
3:00 - 4:00
Intermediate/Advance Piano
3:00 - 4:00
Intermediate/Advance Violin/Viola
3:00 - 4:00
Voice
3:00 - 4:00
Art
3:00 - 4:00
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
Boss-of-the-House
Meet Boss. Boss is so much of a "Boss," he gets to be pet of the month 2 months in a row! A "Heinz" 57 mixture of German Shepard and Chow. Boss is the dog of Ms. Savanah. He loves to play ball and can jump 4 feet off the ground to catch a ball or Frisbee. If he does not have a ball, he will get a pine cone for you to throw to him. Boss is a very smart dog, who knows how to tell time. He is also an obedient dog. He will not cross the street unless you tell him to do so.
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.
