Mrs. Fanara's Notes on Notes: August 2014

Friday, August 29, 2014

Audition Results Are In!

Audition results are in early! Thank you, parents, for taking the time to bring your child to the auditions, and thank you students for practicing and being willing to overcome the nerves and audition to become a part of the Elementary Music Program.

Congratulations on the following students who made the groups listed below. Each parent will be informed when your child will have practice meetings. I need to work out the schedules with the elementary teachers, so that these practice meetings will not interfere with any academic classes.

Instrumental Ensemble

Pianist – Jonah Martinez

· Hannah Kissell

· Jared Martinez

· Kaylee Godby

· Lois Myla

· Melody Chung

· Noelle Chung

· Titus Thompson

Kindergarten Mix

· Aunika Goltiao

· Isabella Calderon

· Jadon Saftner

· Jathan Gilreath

· Laura Gong

Girls Voice Ensemble (Lower Elementary)

· Ashley Bridgman

· Charity Ilan

· Chloe Medi

· Hannah Sandoval

· Jacklynn Azzarello

· Kristine Strouf

· Audrey Porro

Girls Voice Ensemble (Upper Elementary)

· Brooklynn Azzarello

· Hannah Kissell

· Kaitlyn Strouf

· Kaylee Godby

· Meagan Moyer

· Noelle Chung

· OPEN position

Quintet

· Angela Libador

· Brielle Rhoe

· Haley Balina

· Monique Webster

· Rosie Gong

Mix Trio

· Brianna Sloan

· Melody Chung

· T.J. Thompson

Understudy Pianists

Hannah Kissell – Upper Elementary Ensemble

Jacob Martinez –Lower Elementary Ensemble

Monique Webster –Quintet

Nate Sloan –Mix Trio

Nathan Medi – Kindergarten Mix

*The understudy pianist will prepare to play for the assigned group. Please note that he/she may not play for the group immediately, but with the goal of eventually becoming the main pianist for that particular group.

These pianists will also have the opportunity to play piano solos and duets as specials in chapel.

Possible Chapel Specials (but will not meet during the weekly group classes):

· Gong, Azzarello, and Chung Sisters

· TJ Thompson Solo with Titus Thompson Accompanying with the guitar

· Cousins - Brielle Rhoe and Kaylee Godby - Duet

· Brianna Sloan Solo with Nate Sloan accompanying with the piano

· Monique Webster Solo with also playing the piano

Hannah Kissell Solo with also playing the piano

*If your child was listed above and you believe they would be interested in performing in chapel, I am more than willing to work with your child before or after school to make this a possibility.

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Tips To Consider When Instrument Shopping

What brand? Brand New? Used? How Much? Should I buy the best? These are a few of the questions some parents have asked in regards of purchasing an instrument for their student.

At a beginner’s level, I usually don’t recommend the purchase of the best and most expensive instrument of its kind. A parent does not need to purchase a 17^th Century Stradivarius violin for his 5 year old son. I once had a student whose parent purchased a $12,000 beautiful baby grand piano, when his child was only 6 years old taking group-piano lessons. The child ended up wanting to quit lessons in less than a year, and the parent was discouraged with his inability to motivate his son to continue lessons! My recommendation is to purchase a used or cheaper instrument. Allow your child to take lessons for at least a year, and then together, make the decision of purchasing a better quality instrument if your child continues to have a desire to play that particular instrument.

Three questions to ask yourself when purchasing an instrument:

1) How much am I willing to spend?

2) What is my child’s level of commitment?

3) What is the intended length of time that this instrument will serve? With younger children, they may have to start with a smaller size in instruments (violin, cello, etc.). Therefore, it would not be wise to purchase something expensive that your child will eventually grow out of.

Tips when purchasing an instrument:

1. Include your child’s music teacher in the process.

2. Deal with a specialist who is familiar with that particular instrument.

3. You get what you pay for.

Monday, August 25, 2014

New and Used Local Instruments for Sale under $150

Local New and Used Instruments for Sale under $150

I have had several parents approach me about their concerns about the cost for instruments.

I did some research, and I have listed some used and new instruments available for purchase. Take a look!

Rent to Own Instruments:

Starving Musician has a program where you are able to rent an instrument with the possibility to own. At any time during your rental, you may choose to buy the instrument rented. 60% of the rent you’ve paid (on time) along with 100% of your deposit will be applied as credit towards the purchase price.

https://starvingmusician.com/cart/school-band-rentals-ezp-8.html?chapter=0

Crossroads Music and Instruments

http://www.crossroadsinstruments.com/products.html

Kaminoto Strings (referred by Joyce Mantangi)
http://kamimotostrings.com/

Southwest Strings
swstrings.com

Violins

$40 for a small child’s violin

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/for/4634854235.html

$60 for a small child’s ¼ violin with shoulder rest

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/for/4634853890.html

$50 for a student violin ½

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/msg/4633515452.html

Flute