STEP

Atlantic
Canada
Suzuki
Institute

2
0
1
0

June 28th - July 2nd
St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Location: Lakecrest School, 58 Patrick Street
(see Googlemap)
Approved by
The Suzuki Association of the Americas

The Atlantic Canada Suzuki Institute (ACSI)

ACSI is a week-long Suzuki Institute that combines intense study, practice and performance with other music-related activities and recreational events for a fun and challenging musical experience. It is open to any violin, viola or cello student studying the Suzuki Method.

Students will participate in daily lessons, group classes, play-ins, Orff (rhythm instrument) classes or Orchestra (depending on level), choir and solo or group recitals according to their level of advancement. The Suzuki Method of instruction will be observed in all lessons, group classes and play-ins.

A parent or other adult must attend lessons and group classes with students 13 years of age and under. Parents of older students, while not required, are encouraged to attend sessions with their children.

ACSI Application Form (PDF)

The ACSI Senior Student's Program

This program is designed for violin, viola and cello students who have achieved a playing level of at least mid-book 5 or the equivalent (for violin students, up to and including La Folia). This program is open to both Suzuki and non-Suzuki students.

Students will attend a daily group class (Suzuki students only), receive individual lessons and receive a daily 60-minute chamber group coaching. Students will be placed in chamber groups with other senior students and all groups will perform in concert at the end of the Institute. Students will also take part in daily rehearsals for the ACSI Senior String Orchestra. Students enrolled in the Senior Student's Program are welcomed to enroll in the theory, fiddle and viola classes offered at the Institute. Each student will also be given the opportunity to perform a solo during one of the Institute's daily concerts.

As a part of the ACSI Senior String Ensemble rehearsal, students will take part in short Body-Mapping seminars with Jennifer Johnson.

The Young Virtuosi Program

The Young Virtuosi program is designed for violin, viola and cello students playing at a Suzuki Bk. 6 level (for violins, post- La Folia) or equivalent. This program is also open to both Suzuki and non-Suzuki students.

The basic program involves a 60-minute master class, 120-minute orchestra and a 60-minute sectional. Additional activities such as a 30- minute private lesson, a 60-minute chamber group coaching, fiddle or Teacher Training in the Every Child Can class (for high-school graduates-see below) are optional.

As a part of the ACSI Senior String Ensemble rehearsal, students will take part in short Body-Mapping seminars with Jennifer Johnson.

ACSI Young Virtuosi / Teacher Training Application (PDF)

String Orchestra

ACSI offers a string orchestra program for Suzuki violinists, violists and cellists providing experience in sight-reading, ensemble playing and performance. The program offers a daily rehearsal with an experienced conductor finishing with a performance at the end of the Institute.

Students not in the Suzuki program but who play with the STEP orchestras during the year and wish to play with the ACSI String Orchestra may register for Orchestra only. The Orchestra(s) will be divided into groups of similar age, level and ability.

String Orchestra is open to string students in Book 2 and higher.

Chamber Music

This program consists of a daily 30 minute coaching session with a chamber music coach. The objective is to introduce students of similar abilities to the fine art of playing in small ensembles (duet, quartet, trio). The groups will perform a selection at one of the Institute's final concerts.

To be eligible to enroll in Chamber Music, students must be at a minimum of Book 3, possess fluent sight-reading skills and have previous experience in small ensemble or orchestral playing.

Fiddle

A Fiddle program is offered for violin and viola students. Students will be placed in group classes based on their level of experience. This program consists of instruction of traditional Newfoundland fiddle music in a daily group class and performance at one of the Institute's final concerts.

Only students in late-Book 1 or higher may enroll for these classes.

Suzuki Early Childhood Education

This program is designed for parents and young children (0-3 y/o). ECE consists of daily 60-minute classes, during which parents and children use instruments, and move and interact with other students. Suzuki ECE creates a nurturing environment that enhances the strong bonds between parents and children through music and development of early skills such as listening, a sense of rhythm/movement as well as socialization and a willingness to participate. Instruments are not required for this class but parents are essential! The purchase of a CD recording & Booklet is required for this class (please see application).

Every Child Can –An Introduction to Suzuki Education

Every Child Can!© (ECC) is an introduction to Dr. Suzuki's philosophy and its application to Suzuki education. For parents, teachers, prospective teachers and others, this course provides an inspiring, in-depth look at the Suzuki approach to teaching and learning. In addition to exploring the elements of the Suzuki approach and its far-reaching goals, it includes an introduction to learning styles, history of the development of Suzuki education, the role of parents, the importance of Suzuki pedagogical training, and an overview of the SAA's role in supporting teachers and parents. A fast-paced, engaging and inspiring program, ECC includes video materials and SAA-developed courseware, and provides each participant with useful reference materials (manuals) for later study. For teachers, ECC serves as the first course in the Suzuki Association of the Americas' Teacher Development Program.

The only pre-requisite to ECC for prospective teachers is a high school diploma.

ACSI Young Virtuosi / Teacher Training Application (PDF)

Starting with Suzuki: Violin and Cello

This program is open to children from 4 to 9 years of age who would like to begin the process of learning the violin or cello. Children younger than 4 that have a sibling currently enrolled in the Suzuki program may be admitted at the Institute director's discretion. A parent must be present during the program. Both the parent and child will participate in the various aspects of learning Pre-Twinkle Skills through group classes, individual instruction, and scheduled observation of Pre-Twinkle and Twinkle Classes. Participants in this class will be guaranteed a space with a Suzuki Talent Education Instructor in fall 2010.

Please note that parents will be required to attend the daily 60-minute Every Child Can class (see above). Registration for this program and the baby-sitting service for the hour are included in the Starting With Suzuki fees.

Parent Violin/Cello Class

Open to any interested parent or adult student, this program offers instruction through a daily group lesson combining players of all levels. The group will also perform during one of the Institute's concerts. An instrument is required.

Music Theory

Music Theory classes are available at no cost to any student enrolled in any string program at ACSI ages 5 years and over. Non-string students, 5 years old and up, who are siblings of students at ACSI may enroll in Theory classes for a small fee.

Theory classes cover the basics of reading, writing and understanding music as well as some advanced concepts through innovative and entertaining teaching. The skills learned in Music Theory are an integral part of a student's overall musicianship regardless of the instrument they play.

These classes are ideal for Suzuki string students with little or no theory background or students who have previously taken theory classes or receive basic music theory lessons at school. Students will be placed in groups based on age and theory background. Please see application for more information.

Payment of Fees

A registration fee of $40.00 (per family) must accompany each application. It is refundable only on non-acceptance of the application. All applications must be received or postmarked by May 8th, 2010. Applications received after this date may not be considered and will be subject to a late fee of $50.00.

At least 50% of the total tuition plus registration fee must be included with the application. Any balance remaining is due by June 28th, 2010 (a post-dated check may be enclosed for that purpose).

Refund Policy

The $40.00 registration fee is non-refundable. All other fees are non-refundable after June 1, 2010 unless withdrawal is due to illness of the registered student or accompanying parent/guardian. Doctor's confirmation is required. No exceptions can be made.

On-site food services

A volunteer-operated Coffee and Snack shop will be open daily during the Institute selling items such as muffins, fruit, cookies, milk, juice, etc. Off-site catered lunches for the week can be pre-ordered for a reasonable fee. A vegetarian lunch option will be available daily. Detailed daily menus for pre-ordered lunches will be mailed to you with your registration information in June.

Baby-sitting services

There will be a qualified baby-sitter on-site in an appointed room equipped with toys, books and other fun activities. This will allow parents of young children to attend the daily lunch-time motivational parent talks by visiting faculty and to attend all of an older child’s lessons without younger siblings if they so choose. This will also allow parents in the Starting with Suzuki program to leave their children to play during the hour of the required Every Child Can Class.

Parents will pay the baby-sitting fees directly to the baby-sitter with the exception of the parents enrolled in the Starting with Suzuki during the hour of the ECC Class. The enrollment fees paid to ACSI at registration will cover the baby-sitting fees incurred during this hour.

Faculty*

• Helen Brunner, (UK, violin, Every Child Can)
• Joan Harrison (ON, cello)
• Mark Latham (US, YV program)
• Kathy Conway (NL, orchestra)
• Sean Conway (NL, viola, orchestra)
• Brenda Gatherall (NL, Theory, Choir)
• Karen Hawkin (NL, violin, viola)
• Jennifer Johnson (NL, violin, Body Mapping)
• Evelyn Osborne (NL, violin)
• Christina Smith (NL, violin, fiddle)
• Gordon Stockwell (ON, violin)
• Angela Warren (NL, Choir, Orff)

Other faculty TBA

*may change according to registration