and what's new with Rebecca

May 2008 Newsletter

Studio News

There have been so many wonderful events since the last newsletter; I hardly know where to begin!

The Rebecca Martin Piano Studio was well represented at State Festival, winning many Top Performer trophies and many Honorable Mention certificates. Please read the Student News section of this newsletter to learn about the many individual honors.

We start our Summer Trimester this week. I am once again offering an invitation to come to an ice cream party in late August if you complete activities on the Ice Cream Party sheet. You may choose 15 events, mixing and matching from the three lists.

Our Spring Recital was awe inspiring! I believe we covered just about every genre of music from pop to classical. I am so excited that so many of you are catching onto the thrill of improvisation.

Rebecca News

In December, I gave a home concert with vocalist Lois LaFond. We performed jazz, blues and pop tunes. We repeated that concert at Vic’s coffee shop in North Boulder in March. Chris Hopper and I gave a home concert of two piano jazz in early May. We will play again at Rockley Music Store in Lakewood on Sunday, July 20th at 5:00 pm. We will be playing on a 9’3” Bechstein piano that retails for $207,000 and a 9’ Pramberger. Please plan to attend. I can’t wait to hear these instruments together.

I performed with Lois LaFond and the Rockadiles at Centennial Middle School. We will be performing at the Arvada Center on June 21st. This is original rock, reggae, blues, and world beat music, perfect for children and their families. I have CDs for sale in the studio.

I recently started jamming with some jazz musicians who are putting a new band together called Signel-Z. We hope to have some gigs soon.

I taught a two hour workshop for piano teachers introducing them to the wonders of technology and music.

I attended the MTNA National Convention in Denver in March. I got so inspired by the workshops. I was invited to present a student for a Master Class attended by about 400 teachers. Izzy graciously agreed to play and had a wonderful experience.

I will be leaving to teach in Alaska on Sunday. I believe this is my 14th time to go! I am staying a couple of extra days to travel down to Seward and then up to Denali.

In August, I am going down to the Santa Fe opera to see a production of Falstaff.

I am taking my salsa dancing to the next level, according to my instructor, Rafael. It is so challenging and really keeps me aware of how difficult it is to learn something new. It gives me great empathy for all of my piano students!

I have recently started running again at the track and plan to enter a few meets this summer, including an All-Comer meet in Anchorage, the National qualifying Senior Games in Greeley and the Mid-America Regional meet in Fort Collins.

Suggested Listening

George Winston plays Music of the Doors

Wayne brought this in. Parts of it are really amazing. On one cut, George plucks the strings on the inside of the piano, creating just the right eerie sound. This CD shows us that we can translate classic rock onto solo piano.

Quote of the Month

Play the music, not the instrument. ~Author Unknown

Student News

Izzy played and sang “Good Riddance” by Green Day with her brothers and mom at the “Family Who Plays Together” recital for Longmont Suzuki Strings in January. She acted and sang the part of Portia, a stepsister, in the production of Cinderella at Jesters in Longmont. Izzy continues to perform with her band Lower Ambush. They played at a street fair in Longmont and at the People’s fair in Denver. They are coached by Mojos Rock and Roll Camp in Longmont.

Annie played in the CU middle school wind ensemble. They had a big concert in April. Annie auditioned and was chosen to perform on piano with a string quartet in an Honors Recital at the Beaver Creek Suzuki Institute on June 18th. Annie played keyboard with the Centennial Middle School jazz band at their Spring concert.

John David heard the Young Artist competition winner with the Longmont Symphony orchestra. The winner performed the Mendelssohn Concerto in G. He also attended the Denver Young Artist’s Conservatory Orchestra concert. John David earned a black belt in recorder at Alpine Elementary.

Benjamin performed in his first talent show at Monarch K-8 in April.

Ethan auditioned and was chosen on piano for Jazz Band 2 at Fairview starting in September. He auditioned and was chosen to play 1st trumpet in the CU Honor Band. He performed with this band in March in Macky Auditorium. Ethan played some jazz piano for the closing ceremonies for graduating 8th graders at Southern Hills Middle School. He and Danny Herman did a “dueling” ragtime piano act for the talent show.

Danny Herman auditioned and was chosen on vibes and piano for Jazz Band 3 at Fairview starting in September. He also played at the closing ceremonies at Southern Hills.

Jason played in several acts at the Fairview Pops concert. He and his combo performed on KUVO 89.3 in March. Jason also practiced with his All-State Jazz Band group and with the Air Force Academy Jazz Band and then performed with the All-State group as guest artists of the Academy Band in February. Jason received awards for Outstanding Soloist at the Mile High Jazz Fest and also received Top Student in Jazz at Fairview. He and Meggan were both awarded the Outstanding Senior Music Student in Boulder County award from BAMTA. They each received a $100.00 award. Jason auditioned and was chosen as pianist at the Westcliff Jazz Camp. He is headed to Emory in Atlanta.

Meggan is currently dancing in the Boulder Dinner Theater production of Will Rogers Follies. She will attend Pace University in Manhattan in Musical Theater. She performed in many pops events at Fairview and accompanied the choirs. As before mentioned, she received the Outstanding Senior award from BAMTA.

Ward, Taylor, and David accompanied the choirs at Fairview.

Mia gave her Book One recital.

Killian gave her Book Two recital.

Maya sang her way through a remarkable Bat Mitzvah.

Melissa sang and played “Almost Lover” for the Centaurus choir concert.

Luke made his mom a wonderful CD for Mother’s Day.

Natalie sang her first vocal solo at her voice concert.

Ayana, James, and Ethan will all be in the Fairview Marching Band starting in September. They attended a two day band camp in June.

Aspen performed on piano and mallets at the Louisville Elementary concert.

Travis performed at the Fairview jazz concert. He is headed to the University of Wyoming.

Brennan is going to CU.

Goodbye Seniors….boo hoo for me.

Have a wonderful summer!

Rebecca