January 11, 2025: Saturday Remix
Teachers and Staff: Happy Saturday!
We had a wonderful recital experience last night with terrific students playing “sets of music” on a beautiful Steinway 9’ concert grand. Some students played two songs or pieces, some students played many more (one student played 12 short songs, from memory, including knowing his set list from memory). Many were short songs and pieces, some were longer, including a few masterworks.
Thank You to Miss Suzanne for helping to organize our recitals!
Next Theme Recital, Songs of the Irish and Springtime
Our second theme recital is coming soon on Friday, March 14, 2025, evening (a few days before St. Patrick’s Day!) Teachers should begin helping students learn an Irish song and/or music related to Springtime. Discuss with your students; everyone should participate whether they will ultimately perform in the recital or not. This is a studio-wide theme.
The theme can be followed loosely. For example, songs representing England or Scotland, etc., would be welcome. Songs and pieces representing anything related to Springtime, including nature, Earth, birth and rebirth, new beginnings, climate and weather, the sun, etc. The colors green and gold/yellow represent both themes.
For piano students, a variety of songs from the Presto! It’s Piano Magic series could be used. For example, Book 1: Hot Cross Buns, Cuckoo Song, The Wind, Happy Birthday, America (God Save the Queen), Paw Paw Patch, London Bridge, Los pollitos, Au clair de lune, Little Birdie, Bought Me a Cat, The Herring Song; Book 2: Aiken Drum, Amazing Grace, Down in the Valley, Frere Jacques, Three Jolly Rogues, Listen to the Mockingbird, Pretty Birdie, Canon in D, Pussy Cat, The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond, Love’s Old Sweet Song, Distant Bells.
I will be posting simplified arrangements of additional themed songs and pieces of various levels as well in a shared Google drive. Songs such as My Wild Irish Rose, Sweet Rosie O'Grady, When Irish Eyes are Smiling, An Irish Lullaby, Danny Boy, and many others are out there that could be easily arranged for your students.
Students are encouraged to play two or more songs or pieces from memory. The more the better! They do not all have to follow the theme. If one does, that is sufficient. All music for themed recitals should be played from memory (no music sheets or books). Recital music should "feel easy," so don't procrastinate!
This is a studio-wide theme for this period of time. All teachers should encourage their students to participate in the theme, regardless whether they will play in the culminating performance.
Student of the Month
We select a Student of the Month each month. You can recommend a student! Students who receive the Student of the Month award should be active, practicing students who recently achieved something of note. This achievement can be small or large, but should be noteworthy!
Students of the month are written about in our monthly newsletter, and receive a framed certificate that includes their photo. Students and families are generally very excited when one is honored with a Student of the Month award, and teachers are proud when their students are recognized in this way.
To recommend your student, please send me an email. dfrayne@dennisfrayne.com
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Q. How should I respond if a student or parent asks me about my availability?
A. “Dr. Dennis and the Office Administration handle all scheduling. Please send them an email to discuss any scheduling, calendar, and availability questions and requests.” office@dennisfrayne.com
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Thank you, everyone, for all that you do!
Have a magical Saturday, a musical weekend, and a safe and healthy coming week. Please let me know if you have any needs especially related to the devastating Los Angeles area fires or Santa Ana winds.
Thank you,
Dennis Frayne
"Dr. Dennis"
Laguna Niguel School of Music
Dennis Frayne Music Studios
30110 Crown Valley Pkwy, Suites 105/107/108
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
(949) 844-9051 (office cell)
(949) 468-8040 (personal cell)
www.lagunaniguelschoolofmusic.com
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