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May 31, 2007          The Future of NWMS We are expecting quite a few changes with regards to the operation of our school.  We view them as upgrades and improvements.  All details will be worked out throughout the summer and communicated to all the students and parents before the new school year commences. Please don’t discard mailings from the school, as they will contain valuable and important information. Referrals Please keep us in mind and refer us to your families and friends.  We do appreciate your help in this regard and wish to remind you of the $25.00 referral credit that many already received. Student Recital As a reminder, the Student Recital will be held on Sunday, June 24th, 2007 at: The Katonah Village Library 26 Bedford Rd. Katonah, NY 10536 (914) 232-3508 We plan to have two recitals: at 1:30 PM and 3:15 PM.  Please indicate by letting the office or your teacher know, which one you prefer to be assigned to.  I hope many of you will try to attend even if your child is not planning to participate.  We are teaching students not only to perform but also to listen and participate in concerts. NYSSMA & NYSMTA We wish to recognize our students who recently participated in the annual auditions organized by the “New York State School Music Association” and “New York State Music Teachers Association”.  They all received impressive scores, some were the highest possible.  Here they are in alphabetical order:        Betsy Ackerman  -   flute / level V    (NYSSMA)  -   Ericka Schlenkermann        Sunaina Dias  -   trumpet / level III   (NYSSMA) -   Ericka Schlenkermann                            -   piano     / level V    (NYSSMA)        Janna DiVico  -   violin    / level II    (NYSSMA) -   Alice Backer        Caitlin Faulkner       -   clarinet  / level I     (NYSSMA) -   Ericka Schlenkermann        Stephanie Gomez -   violin    / level II    (NYSSMA) -   Alice Backer        Meera Kumanan  -   piano     / level II   (NYSSMA) -   Alice Backer        Alexa Pantoja  -   piano     / level III  (NYSMTA) -   Catherine Sangiolo        Aidan Pantoja  -   piano     / level IV  (NYSMTA) -   Catherine Sangiolo        Aria Paradkar  -   piano     / level I    (NYSSMA) -   Nekia Caprice Fox                             -   voice     / level I     (NYSSMA) -   Sandra Hartman        Dana Schlanger  -   piano     / level V   (NYSMTA) -   Catherine Sangiolo Congratulations to all the students, teachers and parents.  It is truly an achievement to be proud of, as these auditions are not easy, to say the least. “A Few Too Many” This is the group of talented, young people from our area.  Matt Racioppo, our student, is now the group’s bass player.  The progress they make, the engagements they have and the future they face are quite impressive.  In July 2007 they will be performing at the Webster Hall in New York.  Further details regarding that performance, as well as tickets, will be available at the office.  Do check out their website at www.afew2many.com, It’s worth it.

APRIL 30, 2007 In the last edition of the Newsletter we mentioned a very successful rock group formed by teenagers from our local area looking for a bass player.  One of our students, Matthew Racioppo, has auditioned with the group and was accepted.  He is now a part of the group. Congratulations Matt!! More information about them can be found on their website at www.afew2many.com.  We wish them best of luck and success in their musical and artistic endeavors. Keep practicing Faculty Recital On Sunday, April 29, 2007 we held our Faculty Concert, which we hope was the first of many more to come.  We strongly encourage everyone to attend the concerts in the future, as this one truly proved to be a success, in the opinion of both the faculty and the audience.  It was a great day and we all had a ton of fun. Most sincere gratitude and admiration to all the teachers for sharing their time and talents to make this afternoon possible. Student Recital The recital is being planned for Sunday, June 24th, 2007.  There will be two or three recitals that day, depending on the number of students participating.  As always, we encourage students to take part and experience performing in public. To help cover the costs associated with organizing the recital, there will be a $10.00 participation fee per student which will be reflected on the June 2007 invoice.  Please indicate your willingness to participate as soon as possible so we can plan the event as efficiently as possible. Choose Your Instrument Some children just don’t know what instrument to pick.  We will help them make up their mind.  You can sign up your child for a few lessons, trying a different instrument every week to see which one they would prefer.    Cancellations We cannot stress enough the importance of informing the school of cancellations.  Though not always manned, the office has an answering machine which is monitored on regular basis.  Please, do leave a message.  When doing so, please state clearly the student’s name as well as the name of the teacher.  A simple “No Show” or last minute cancellation causes tremendous inconvenience to the teacher and definitely means a “charge” and no make-up. Please be considerate of the teachers’ time and commitment. Merchandise In addition to sheet music tote bags with the school logo, we have now available for purchase various music charts and guitar tuner/chord finders. Payments We are sorry to point out that the timeliness of payments is still an issue.  As always, in the spirit of understanding various circumstances, we are willing to make special arrangements.  Simply ignoring the issue is not only unprofessional but inconsiderate as well.  We are making every effort to keep the tuition at a minimum, but your cooperation is crucial in this matter.

March 27, 2007  Opportunities present themselves...  Students often wonder (I know, I’ve been there) about the purpose of taking lessons and spending time practicing.  As always, I can’t stress enough how greatly it influences not only the process of growing-up, but our entire future as well.  Sometimes there are specific opportunities that present themselves.  Recently, I received a phone call from a group looking for a bass player.  The group performs all over NYC, recently recorded a video for MTV and soon will perform on “The American Idol”.  Keep practicing. Faculty Recital   The date of the Faculty Recital has been changed. It will be held on:  Sunday, April 29th 2007 at 3:00 P.M. at the Katonah Village Library. This is the date that was requested originally, however only now the venue became available. It should be an interesting evening with almost all of our teachers performing individually and in groups.  You will hear different kinds of music from classical to pop and jazz.  Suggested donation to the Faculty Recital is $5.00 per person. Student Recital The date of this recital has not changed and is still planned for Sunday, June 24th, 2007.  There will be two or three recitals that day, depending on the number of students participating.  As always, we encourage students to take part and experience performing in public. To help cover the costs associated with organizing the recital, there will be a $10.00 participation fee per student. New Instruments!! We would like to remind you that the school now offers harp and tabla lessons. NEW IDEA!!! Choose Your Instrument!! Some children just don’t know what instrument to pick.  We will help them make up their mind.  You can sign up your child for a few lessons trying a different instrument every week to see which one they would like to learn. Services AAlthough we make every effort to be self-sufficient with regards to the school maintenance, occasionally we need to divert to a professional help.  If you know of good, dependable and reasonable service companies, please let us know.  For example, with the summer approaching, we are now looking to have help available with the air conditioning units.                                   Cancellations We cannot stress enough the importance of informing the school of cancellations.  Though not always manned, the office has an answering machine, which is monitored on regular basis.  Please, do leave a message.  When doing so, please state clearly the student’s name as well as the name of the teacher.  A simple “No Show” or last minute cancellation causes tremendous inconvenience to the teacher and definitely means a “charge” and no make-up. Please be considerate of the teachers’ time and commitment. Merchandise In addition to sheet music tote bags with the school logo, we have now available for purchase various music charts and guitar tuner/chord finders.   Happy Easter and Happy Passover

February 28, 2007

Music is a tangible asset, though it doesn’t seem like one.  It is impossible to touch or visualize music.  We bring our children for a half-hour lesson and seem to leave with no specific product or article in our hands.  Though not immediately visible, the students are enriched with yet another experience, one more skill.  They leave with an additional building block, another step, a step far more valuable than some sooner acquired and more obvious real skills. While we do not undermine the simpler and perhaps more gratifying skills, we believe that “the skill of music” goes far and beyond the usual reflection of a learned skill: music helps your children become the best that they can be.   Faculty Recital We thought it would be a good idea to give the students an opportunity to see their teachers get nervous and perform.  So we decided to organize a "Faculty Recital", which we hope you will attend.  It will be held on Sunday, April 29th, 2007 at 3:00 P.M. at the Katonah Village Library.    Student Recital Though still in the distant future, we wish to give you a heads-up on the date of the Spring Student Recital so you can plan accordingly.  Due to the availability of the venue and various holidays and activities in May, it will be held on Sunday, June 24th, 2007.  As always, I encourage students to take part and experience performing in public. There are costs associated with these recitlas.  To help cover these costs, there will be a $10.00 participation fee per student for the Student Recital.  Suggested donation to the Faculty Recital is $5.00 per person.  NEW  INSTRUMENTS!! We now offer harp and tabla lessons. NEW  IDEA!!! Choose Your Instrument!! Some children just don’t know what instrument to pick.  We will help them make up their mind.  You can sign up your child for a few lessons trying a different instrument every week to see which one they would like to learn. Double Lessons A 6 year old boy can’t wait to start piano lessons.  He is looking for a partner, however.  If you know of a 5, 6 or 7 year- old who wants to learn the piano in a “two students per class” environment, please let us know. Cancellations I cannot stress enough the importance of informing the school of cancellations.  Though not always manned, the office has an answering machine, which is monitored on regular basis.  Please, do leave a message.  A simple “No Show” or last minute cancellation causes tremendous inconvenience to the teacher and definitely means a “charge” and no make-up. Please be considerate of the teachers’ time and commitment.

December 21, 2006

With an entire year behind us, I would like to thank all the students for their hard work and the parents for their commitment.  I want to thank all the teachers for their unmatched professionalism and dedication.  Having worked with the faculty of NWMS for the last twelve months, I am filled with confidence and optimism for the future.  I wish everyone continued endurance in pursuing their goals – an essential ingredient of success. State of the School With 2006 coming to an end, I reflect on the successes as well as failures, ready to face the challenges of the New Year, enriched by the experiences of the past 12 months.  My vision of the school remains unchanged and though a lot has been accomplished, plenty of work remains to be done before it is fully realized.  I can say, however, that we are on the right path in this on-going process. Here are some of the improvements that have been implemented in 2006:   ·         renovation -  major work has been completed, however, minor improvements will continue as time goes on and the budget    permits, such as upgraded furniture, window treatments, new carpeting, etc. ·         instruments -  the school purchased two upright pianos in order to provide better learning experience ·         website -  has been established and is being updated on a regular basis   ·         office - bookkeeping has been fully computerized   ·         faculty   hightly qualified and professional teachers have joined the school faculty   Glance at short-term goals for 2007: ·         scheduling -  implementing a better system for tracking and planning lessons   ·         new courses -  adding a harp to the array of instrument classes offered   ·         faculty recital  -  will be held in late winter or early spring   ·         student recital  -  will be held in the spring   Additional Courses (reminder) The following are courses that will be on the way shortly.  Students are signing-up.  Please try to fit them into your schedule.  They are truly worthwhile attending. Theatre Workshop The workshop will consist of four two-hour sessions and will take on place on January 11th, January 18th, January 25th and February 1st between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM. For details, please see flyers posted in the waiting areas. Music Theory The purpose of this class is to teach various aspects of tonal system, harmony, rhythm, etc., as well as music appreciation and understanding. Dates and times will be determined pending the number of candidates and their availability. Rock Ensemble Students will play well-known repertoire of popular and rock music, learning to perform as a group. We hope to have the ensemble perform at the next recital. Again, the schedule will be determined pending the number of candidates and their availability. If interested in any of these classes, please let us know so we can keep you informed of the details. Cancellations I cannot stress enough the importance of informing the school of cancellations.  Though not always manned, the office has an answering machine, which is periodically monitored.  Please do leave a message.  A simple “No Show” or last minute cancellation causes tremendous inconvenience to the teacher and definitely means a “charge” and no make-up. Please be considerate of the teachers’ time and commitment.

November 26, 2006

Recital Congratulations to all the students who participated in the last recital. We wish you continued courage and will to pursue musical success.  Also, we wish to thank all Parents and Teachers for your efforts in providing guidance and supporting the students in their quest to make progress. We appreciate all comments and suggestions we received following the recital and intend to take them into consideration while organizing the next (Spring) recital. Again, Jacek Zganiacz would like to apologize for being unable to participate due to circumstances beyond his control.   Additional Courses Sufficient interest has been expressed to launch additional courses, which I hope will become integral part of the school curriculum.  Here are the classes we hope to start in 2007: Theatre Workshop The workshop will consist of four two-hour sessions and will take on place on January 11th, January 18th, January 25th and February 1st between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM. For details, please see flyers posted in the waiting areas. Music Theory The purpose of this class is to teach various aspects of tonal system, harmony, rhythm, etc., as well as music appreciation and understanding. Dates and times will be determined pending the number of candidates and their availability. Rock Ensemble Student will play well-known repertoire of popular and rock music, learning to perform as a group. We hope to have the ensemble perform at the next recital. Again, the schedule will be determined pending the number of candidates and their availability. If interested in any of these classes, please let us know so we can keep you informed of the details. Tuition We are happy to inform you that tuition will remain unchanged going into 2007.  Furthermore, we pledge to make every effort to keep the current tuition levels until September 2007.  At the same time, we would like to remind everyone that, as stated in our policy, which is posted and available in the office, tuition is due in full at the first lesson of the month.  Timely payments are essential to the operation of the school.  Please be mindful and understanding of our efforts in providing a quality education at a reasonable cost.  To accommodate those with limited financial resources, special payment arrangements can be made. Cancellations Though much less frequent in recent months, cancellations will continue to occur for various reasons.  Please do remember that in order to receive a make-up for a missed lesson, it needs to be cancelled within a reasonable amount of time, unless due to an emergency and/or for a valid reason.  Please keep in mind the effort and commitment on the part of the teachers. Vacation Please remember that the school will be closed from Sunday, December 24th through Monday, January 1st. The premises however will be available for make-up lessons.   With the Holiday Season approaching, we would like to wish everyone Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah and a Happy New Year

OCTOBER 25, 2006

Recital It will be held on Sunday, November 12th, 2006 at the Katonah Village Library. There will be two recital sessions.  The first will be held at 1:00 P.M. and the second at 3:30 P.M.  A list of students, randomly assigned and arranged in alphabetical order, will be posted in the waiting areas.  Please check the list or inquire at the office about the time of your recital.  Let us know at your earliest convenience whether or not you need to be reassigned to a different time. The front rows will be reserved for the students to give them an opportunity to not only perform, but participate as a listener as well.  Concert etiquette dictates that everybody stays for the duration of the recital.  We strongly encourage everyone to plan on doing so if possible.  The ability to listen and enjoy music is an acquired quality and that is what we are trying to teach our students. Visit www.katonahlibrary.org for directions Due to the nature of the venue, we will not be allowed to accept donations at the recital. Donations can be made at the school office prior to or immediately after the recital. A designated box will be provided for your convenience. Rock Ensemble We are sorry to inform you that due to insufficient interest, we have not been able to start this class so far.  It was our hope that the ensemble would perform at the recital, but that goal may now be accomplished in the spring recital. Music Appreciation Class for Young Children It’s a great way to get children exposed to music and discover their abilities.  Many talents have been wasted because of a lack of exposure.  Inquire at the office about enrolling your 4-6 year olds. Music Theory Class There is a list of interested students, not long enough however to organize a class.  I cannot stress enough the importance of this program.  We would like to start a class as soon as possible.  A quick placement test will be given to the new applicants so the level of the class(es) can be determined.  New Program For Young Beginners Understanding that it is quite a commitment to sign up a child for regular lessons, we would like to offer an alternative for young newcomers: instrument lessons taken by two students at a time.  Great way to get children started at a reduced rate.  It will only apply to new students and for a limited period of time.  Availability of the teacher is limited, so a “first come first served” rule will be observed.  Please inquire at the office about this new program. Payments There is a definite improvement in the timeliness of payments.  Please remember that tuition is due on the first lesson of the month.  Thank you for your cooperation. Help us grow and improve our school!  Spread the news about our programs!

SEPTEMBER 9, 2006

Encourage your children to study music: they’ll thank you for it Apologies Last month’s invoices have been sent using a new system.  Due to an incorrect set-up, the printed version did not indicate September classes, which they were issued for.  Myself, and no one else is to blame for that error.  I deeply apologize for the confusion and inconvenience it has caused.  I am trying my best to design the invoices and/or statements to be as simple and clear as possible.  Your feedback is invaluable in this respect. New Teacher Mrs. Cheryl Duboff has joined NWMS as a piano teacher.  Mrs. Duboff is an accomplished pianist and teacher.  I welcome her to the faculty family of our school and wish her great success. Please visit our website for more information. Recital Fall is here and so is the time to hold the next recital.  In an effort to find a set-up as close as possible to a “concert hall”, I have decided to try a different venue this time.  I have reserved Sunday, November 12th, 2006, at the: Katonah Village Library 28 Bedford Road Katonah, New York 10536 (914) 232-3508   The lower level of the library features a meeting room with a real, concert grand Steinway. This alone should prove an unmatched experience for our students.  Depending on the number of students interested in participating, as in the past we will hold two or three recitals.  Every student is encouraged to take part performing a piece he or she is comfortable with, no matter how short or simple.  It’s about the experience itself.  This time I would like to work with the students on the overall appearance that is always a part of the performing experience: proper entrance and bowing at the beginning and end of the performance. Unfortunately, parking at the library is much less convenient than at the previous venue, thus Sunday versus that traditional Saturday which should hopefully prove better for the parking situation.  I view it as a minor inconvenience in light of a better set-up for the recital itself, which is what it’s all about.  Before the recital I will send specific information regarding parking at the library. Rock Ensemble We are trying to put a class together in the very near future.  Please sign-up now, so you don’t miss it. Music Appreciation Class for Young Children Sounds like a lot of fun for the young ones and indeed, it was. It’s a great way to get children exposed to music and discover their abilities.  Many talents have been wasted because of a lack of exposure.  Inquire at the office about enrolling your 4-6 year olds. Music Theory Class I cannot stress enough the importance of this program.  We would like to start a class as soon as possible.  A quick placement test will be given to the new applicants so the level of the class(es) can be determined. New Program For Young Beginners Understanding that it is quite a commitment to sign up a child for regular lessons, we would like to offer an alternative for young newcomers: instrument lessons taken by two students at a time.  Great way to get children started at a reduced rate.  It will only apply to new students and for a limited period of time.  Availability of the teacher is limited, so a “first come first served” rule will be observed.  Please inquire at the office about this new program. Theatre Workshop A unique class that focuses on singing, acting and stage. School Upgrade Though perhaps not very visible, a lot has been done regarding upgrading the school operating procedures.  This has been done in an effort to not only bring the school to the 21st century, but primarily to improve its efficiency of the day-to-day operations as well as to provide information and services.  We need your help, however, in order for us to function efficiently:  ·         make sure that your contact information [including address, telephone numbers (home, mobile, work) and e-mail address] provided to the school is current ·         if the mailing address needs to be corrected and/or cleaned-up, it can only be done if you bring it to our attention ·         mailings (newsletters, invoices, etc.) can now be e-mailed if this is an option you prefer An additional piano has been purchased recently in an constant effort to upgrade the quality of education we are able to provide. School Policy If you haven’t had a chance to return a signed copy of the School Policy, please do so at your earliest convenience.  Our goal is to have every student (parent or guardian) sign and return the School Policy. Additional copies are available at the office. Remodeling Due to unforeseen circumstances the remodeling has been stopped for a short while.  I am making every effort however, to have it completed in the near future.  Some of you have expressed concern (always appreciated) regarding the magazines available at the waiting rooms.  That is one of the many details that I am aware of and am in the process of improving. There will be a simple system of shelves installed underneath the TV that will hold various, current magazines.  A similar idea will be implemented at room #8.    Suggestions and Comments As always, we welcome suggestions and comments regarding any and all subjects. Help us grow and improve our school!  Spread the news about our programs!

AUGUST 15, 2006

Summer is almost over and we hope you all had a wonderful time full of fun and well-deserved rest. We also hope that you, the students, haven’t forgotten about music: on the contrary, your skills have improved thanks to regular practicing and attending summer classes and workshops.  It is now time to enroll back and continue a regular schedule of music education.  The earlier the student is enrolled, the easier it is for everybody, due to better availability and flexibility on the part of the teachers. In addition to regular instrument and voice lessons, we will continue offering the popular summer workshops: the Rock Ensemble and the Music Appreciation Class for Young Children, as well as introduce a new program for Young Beginners. The school year begins after the Labor Day weekend, on Tuesday, September 5, 2006.  Please keep in mind that taking music lessons requires commitment on the part of the Parent as much as it does on the part of the student.  Though it is hard work, everything that is valuable in life, is.  Nothing beats Nintendo and a bike, and while essential and an integral part of growing up, childhood is a time of laying foundation for adulthood.  Encourage your children to study music: they’ll thank you for it. Rock Ensemble Sufficient interest has been expressed to continue the Rock Ensemble almost without interruption.  Most likely, there will be more then one group in order to accommodate all interested and to provide flexibility at the same time. Please inquire at the office. Music Appreciation Class for Young Children Sounds like a lot of fun for the young ones and indeed, it was. It is a great way to get the little ones exposed to music and see who has the abilities to continue.  Too many talents have been wasted because of a lack of exposure.  Please inquire at the office about enrolling your 4-6 year olds. Music Theory Class We cannot stress enough the importance of this program.  As interest is expressed, we can plan the time and level of the next Theory Class.  We would like to start one as soon as possible.  A quick placement test will be given to the new applicants so the level of the class(es) can be determined. New Program For Young Beginners Understanding that it is quite a commitment to sign up a child for regular lessons, we would like to offer an alternative for young newcomers: instrument lessons taken by two students at a time.  Great way to get children started at a reduced rate.  It will only apply to new students and for a limited period of time.  Availability of the teacher is limited, so “first come first served” rule will be observed.  Please inquire at the office about this new program. School Upgrade Though perhaps not very visible, a lot has been done regarding upgrading the school operating procedures.  This has been done in an effort to not only bring the school to the 21st century, but primarily to improve its efficiency of the day-to-day operation as well as to provide information and services.  We need your help however, in order for us to function efficiently:  ·         make sure that your contact information [including address, telephone numbers (home, mobile, work) and e-mail address] provided to the school is current ·         if the mailing address needs to be corrected and/or cleaned-up, it can only be done if you bring it to our attention ·         mailings (newsletters, invoices, etc.) can now be e-mailed if this is an option you prefer School Policy If you haven’t had a chance to return a signed copy of the School Policy, please do so at your earliest convenience.  Our goal is to have every student (parent or guardian) sign and return the School Policy. Additional copies are available at the office. Remodeling Remodeling has been put on hold for various reasons, however every effort is being made to give the school a new look by the beginning of September.    Suggestions and Comments As always, we always welcome suggestions and comments regarding any and all subjects. Help us grow and improve our school!  Spread the news about our programs!

MAY 20, 2006

With summer fast approaching and vacation just around a corner we would like to encourage all the parents to continue music lessons and other music activities as part of it.  Continuity and commitment are the crucial aspects of learning and most of all, succeeding, especially in arts.  Please make sure the students continue their musical journey without unnecessary interruptions.  We are sure they all have their idols they admire, love to watch and listen to.  Well, there is a story of small and often painful steps behind every success.   Summer Specials We are working on putting together different programs for the summer.  They will be communicated in detail by flyers posted in the waiting areas.  Also, please inquire about them in the office.  They will be truly beneficial to the students.