Congratulations to Campbell Stahlman, selected student of the month. Campbell studies piano with Laura Knapp at Valley Conservatory. He is 15 years old and is home school.
Campbell began playing piano at age 6. Although the piano is his favorite instrument, he also likes playing the guitar and ukulele. He enjoys studying classical music, such as Beethoven and vintage rock.
Some of Campbell's hobbies are playing and watching baseball and soccer. Lately he has been developing an interest in tennis, probably because he gets to beat his brother.
Kudos to Campbell for a job well done! The following is an interview with him:
Q. How old were you when you started taking music lessons at Valley Conservatory?
A. I was 14 years old.
Q. What type of music do you like to listen to?
A. I like to listen to classical rock, classic piano and some jazz.
Q. What do you like the most about your lessons at Valley Conservatory?
A. I like the teachers. They display a passion about teaching and that make you want to learn.
Q. Is music a very important part of your life?
A. Yes. My parents made music a integral part of my education from the very beginning, and I can see its benefits in my growth and development.
Q. Would you recommend Valley Conservatory to your friends?
A. Oh yes! I would recommend to parent and students at all levels.
Teacher of the Month
Congratulation to
Kenesha Ryce
(Violin/Viola/Piano)
Congratulation to Kenesha Ryce, selected teacher-of-the-month. At six month old Kenesha was introduced to the violin, when her older sister began taking violin lessons. Kenesha attended ever lesson and practice session before her first birthday. She could be heard humming the tunes of Suzuki Book One cassette.
Kenesha was granted the pleasure of accompanying her parents when they purchased the gift for her third birthday. Yes, you guessed it, her first violin, a 1/16. Oh what a gift, I still remember.
Her formal lessons began with Lynn Webster-Sawyer, however, that was short-lived, because Kenesha had already choreographed the entire Book One cassette. Certainly, she could not understand why her parents and teacher would not allow her to dance to the music, while she played her violin. She knew it all. Yet, after a six month (short lifetime) hiatus, she soon began to understand, she had to follow instructions. She could dance before or after lessons and rehearsal times, but not during those times.
When she resumed her formal lessons, she was ready to go! A
s a freshman at Greater Atlanta Adventist Academy (GAAA), Kensha taught violin classes throughout the (2008-2009) school year. In 2009 she opened, Wee Play Strings Music Studio out of her home and had 5 violin students and 1 piano student.
While in college at Oakwood University, Kenesha studied with Veronica Johnson in pursuit of a violin performance degree. During the summer of 2014, she attended North Carolina Suzuki Institute at East Carolina University. She completed her studies and recieved certification to teach Suzuki Violin Book 1. Kenesha became a volunteer with COG-ME (Community, Opportunity and Generosity through Music Education), teaching violin lessons to elementary and middle school students in the Huntsville Community (2014-2016). In the Spring of 2016, she began working as a substitute in the Valley Conservatory. She has been a regular instructor for just over 1 year.
Kudos to Kenesha!
The following is an interview with her:
Q. What are the things you like most about teaching?
A. I
enjoy being able to use my creativity to discover and apply new methods of teaching complicated concepts to my students.
Q. How do you inspire students to practice more?
A. I remind them of their potential and what it takes to be great at anything they try: PRACTICE! PRACTICE and more PRACTICE!
Q. What do you feel are the most benefit of a child studying music?
A. Learning an instrument gives a child an
opportunity to grow and develop in other areas.
Q. What your favorite type of music?
A. I
like classical music.
Q. What do you like most about teaching at the Valley Conservatory?
A. I
like seeing the students grow and develop their talents and skills. I like the atmosphere of comradely and congeniality of Valley Conservatory.
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:
Morgann A.
Addi B.
Jack B
.
Paul B.
Seth B.
Will B.
Joe C.
Seth D.
Amy F.
Clate F.
David F.
Davis F.
Katelyn F.
Mary F.
Scott F.
Zell F.
Morgan K.
Connor L.
Sanna L.
Alex M.
Carol M.
Elliot M.
Joseph M.
Laura M.
Noelie M.
Prince M.
Alexander N.
Lan N.
Sophia N.
Annabelle O.
Lia P.
Victoria P.
Luna S.
Lyric S.
Oran S.
Ron S.
Tori S.
Chloe W.
Oliver W.
Sanaa W.
Note from the Director
Dr. Renee Collins Williams
"Developing Better People Through the Medium of Music"
Press On
What is success? Is it being the smartest person in your class? Maybe it is being the most talented. Better yet, to be successful is to be the most educated or the best athlete on the team. I know. Being successful is to have a great job and make a lot of money. What is the definition of success and what does one have to do to acquire it? How does one win the race?
To answer these questions, let us look at an old fable, the story of the tortoise and the hare. On the surface, the hare appears to be more successful than the tortoise. The hare represents the qualities we would equate with success such as talent, good looks, education, athletic ability and etc. The tortoise represents the things we do not consider as successful such as slowness, low energy, unattractive, not as smart and the like. Yet, with these supposedly defects the tortoise wins the race.
Often times in life it is not what you have, but how you use what you have, that determines success. The tortoise was slow, but steady. He may not have been as smart, but he was persistent and most important, he was determined to reach his goal despite the obstacles that were placed in front of him. In other words, he pressed on. He did not quit, and ultimately, he won the race!
What is the moral of the story? "The race is not won to the swift, nor the strong, but the one who endures until the end." In the words of my mother, the late Mrs. Carrie B. H. Collins, she put it like this.
"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men and women with talent. Genius will not; unwarranted genius is almost a proverb. Education alone will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."
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!!!
Student
Referred
Dev H.
Clair F. &
Zell F.
Chandler M.
Davis F. &
Mary F.
Maria M.
Ellie T.
Bobby R.
Morgan W.
Elaina H.
David F. &
Katelyn F.
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
This month will focus on the first instruments that were taught at the Valley Conservatory. Lessons were first given at the home of Dr. Renee Collins on violin, viola and piano because those were the instruments that she majored on in school. The first recital of the studio was presented at Oakwood University (at that time it was Oakwood College) in the music building auditorium.
Tune in next month to find out more interesting facts about Valley Conservatory's early beginnings!
Valley Conservatory Students Competition in Omega Psi Phi Talent Hunt
Congratulations to Alexander Adams (pianist), Maleah Rhem (violist), and Arionne Rush (violinist), for their fine performance in the Omega Psi Phi Talent Hunt competition, which was held Sunday, August 20 at 3:00p.m. on the campus of Alabama A&M University. Alexander and Arionne received honorable mention for their performances while Maleah took home the 2nd place trophy. Maleah will go on to compete in the state competition, which will be held in October. Kudos to all three students for
The Valley Conservatory Early Music Festival will have its concert on Sunday, September 10 at 4:30pm at St. Mary of the Visitation Catholic Church located at 222 N. Jefferson St. in Huntsville. This will be both the opening concert of the 2017-2018 Lyceum Series and will begin our 20th Anniversary Celebration!
Important Dates
Sunday
September 10, 2017 4:30 pm
Valley Conservatory Early Music Festival
The Valley Conservatory Early Music Festival will have its' concert on Sunday, September 10 at 4 pm at St. Mary of the Visitation Catholic Church located at 222 N. Jefferson St. in Huntsville. This will be the opening concert of the Valley Conservatory Lyceum Series.
Saturday
Sept 16, 2017
12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Make-up Classes
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
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, September 24, 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 - 9:00 pm.
September Make-Up Class Schedule
"Developing Better People Through the Medium of Music"
Saturday, September 16, 2017
Instrument
Time
Flute
12:00 - 1:00
Woodwinds/Saxophone
12:00 - 1:00
Brass
1:00 - 2:00
Piano - Beginning
1:00 - 2:00
Percussion
1:00 - 2:00
Violin/Beginning
1:00 - 2:00
Voice
1:00 - 2:00
Cello
2:00 - 3:00
Piano - Intermediate/Advance
2:00 - 3:00
Viola/Violin - Intermediate/Advance
2:00 - 3:00
Monday, September 18, 2017
Instrument
Time
Brass
5:00 - 5:30
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
Boss-of-the-House
Meet Boss, 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.
