Can you imagine a violin program that meets the needs of a 3 year old and at the same time professional performing artists?

A revolutionary new program is being used across the country and will soon find its way across the globe. It was conceived by a master teacher who was trained at Peabody Conservatory (and has studied with violin giants Henryk Szeryng, Charles Libove and Eudice Shapiro). Educator, performing and recording artist Mark Casillas has created the Fiddlesticks Violin Education Course, designed to take a violinist from toddler to performing artist.

Drawing upon elements as diverse as Dounis and Kreutzer to the more modern Suzuki Method, the Fiddlesticks course provides a solid foundation for beginning string players and a potent workout for advanced players alike. Foothill Suzuki Strings is proud to offer this program to students in the Inland Empire area of Southern California and beyond.

Patented Fiddlesticks Violin easily develops correct technique and posture

Learning how to hold a violin and bow in correct form and with freedom from tension is often the greatest obstacle to a beginning student. The Fiddlesticks system uniquely solves this problem with its patented “training” violin, which has been utilized by students as young as 2 years.

FSS will offer Fiddlesticks sessions for ages 3 and above in Rancho Cucamonga and La Verne, CA beginning in Sept. 2009. To receive an announcement of exact class times and locations, please visit our registration page.

Have you ever tried to play a cello outdoors in freezing weather? Playing a string instrument is challenging under any circumstance, but a quartet of America’s concert artists rose to the challenge. The performers braved the elements, actually playing their instruments, though they were playing along with their own prerecorded version of the piece.

Performing Air and Simple Gifts, a new composition by John Williams, were cellist Yo-Yo Ma, clarinetist Anthony McGill, pianist Gabriela Montero and the inimitable Itzhak Perlman on violin. This beautiful new composition truly set the tone for the event.

What’s it like to be a featured performer at one of the most historically significant moments in our nation’s history? Yo-Yo’s face pretty much said it all. When the music finally broke into that famous Shaker melody and the theme was passed to the cello, he was positively beaming. Catch the video on YouTube

Every summer, string teachers from across the country (myself included) make a pilgrimage to Milwaukee. They’re here to observe what is arguably one of the finest models of string education in the world. For teachers, it’s a four day intense program of immersion simply entitled Teaching the Violin to Children.

The String Academy of Wisconsin, founded in 1990 by well known pedagogue Mimi Zweig, takes its roots from the teaching philosophies of Shinichi Suzuki and Paul Rolland. These two violin luminaries were certainly some of the most influential violin educators of the 20th century. Currently Executive Director Darcy Drexler, along with Zweig form the core faculty of the Workshop. For violin teachers, it’s a rare opportunity to draw upon years of experience distilled by some of the most effective violin teachers in the world.

For me, a trip like this is great fun. Every day is non-stop violin: lecture, demonstration and recitals. It’s inspiring and motivating, exhausting and at the same time exhilarating. For my students: it means.. well they’ll be finding out soon enough

Click HERE to Register

Foothill Suzuki strings is pleased to offer a new group class: Violin in your Family: an introduction to Suzuki instruction. Presented by conservatory trained, professional performing musicians, this 8 week class is designed to let your family experience the world of Suzuki instruction first hand, and enables you to decide if long term private instruction is a good fit for you and your child.

During this class your child will:
• Be properly fitted with a good, working instrument
• Learn to correctly hold the bow and violin
• Establish a habit of proper playing posture
• Create a foundation for a lifetime of healthy playing
• Have fun while at the same time learn music fundamentals!

In addition, parents will learn:
• How to encourage and motivate their children
• The unique benefits of the Suzuki Method
• Sure fire ways to make private lessons truly successful

Violin in the Family: a Suzuki Introduction
Thursdays at 5:00 – 5:50 p.m. from June 5 – July 24
Classes will be held in Claremont, CA
Tuition: $95 for orientation plus 7 week program

Register Early: Class size is strictly limited to only 9 families.

Registration
To participate, please fill out our online Registration Form. Directions to our Week 1 parent orientation (children need not attend) will be sent to you via e-mail or US Mail. Parents will be responsible to provide a properly sized instrument for their child by the third class. All details will be covered during orientation.

At the conclusion of the Week 1 orientation, tuition (non-refundable) and our official FSS application form must be submitted. Please fill it out in advance, to save time during the orientation.

For additional information: E-Mail Bill Alpert, FSS Group Coordinator

Today, Edwardo and family came together to comfort his wife. Laying in a hospital bed, she was connected to oxygen and faced the end of her life. From their darkened room Edwardo heard strains of violin music floating down the hallway into the open doorway. It so happened he heard me playing selections of music for my mother, as I frequently do when visiting her convalescent home.

And so, a still very handsome 80 year old man appeared at our doorway. He shyly asked if they could listen for a while. Edwardo knew his music, and recognized everything I played, from Bach to Schubert. At one point he recited the Spanish version poem of Schubert’s lovely Serenade, while I played the melody.

It wasn’t long before I found myself down the hall, playing for Edwardo, his wife and company. The request: Monti’s Csardas, the very same piece the young married couple remembered from their honeymoon, more half a century ago. The proprietor of that Mexico City restaurant played it that night for the newly married couple. I had the honor and privilege of recreating that moment, as Edwardo cradled his very weak wife’s head in his arms, as he once again affirmed his love. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room, including mine. It was a tender moment I’ll never forget.

Such is the joy and magic of music. It transcends borders and crosses generations unabated. It’s truly a gift of the spirit and the highest expression of humanity.

Just a quick last minute reminder that our Spring final concert is almost upon us! Here’s the schedule for the remainder of the term,

April 10 no classes, (Spring Break)
April 17 regular class
April 24 regular class including dress rehearsal

Saturday April 26, 4:00 PM final concert, and reception
Note: performers: please arrive between 3:30 and 3:45 for tune up and line up.
Concert Dress: White on top, black on the bottom. Shirt and tie for boys.

Please bring a food or drink item for our reception; sign up sheets will be available on April 17 and 24.

Performer’s Practice List: (all rep music must be played from memory!)

Book 1 and 2 Rep Classes
Twinkle Variations (also adult beginners)
Long Long Ago (also adult beginners)
Allegro
Perpetual Motion
Minuet 1
Handel Chorus
Long Long Ago and variation (book 2)

Martini Gavotte
Dvorak Humoresque
Seitz Concerto #2, mvt 3

Early Ensemble Class
Trio in G
Mozart Alleluia

Advanced Ensemble Class
Bohm
Schubert

Performers MUST attend the 4/24 rehearsal to participate in the final concert

Thanks to all for an enjoyable and rewarding Spring session; we’re proud of your progress!

Your FSS faculty

New Classes: Little Stars

In addition to our regular group classes and ensembles we will once again be offering our Little Stars program for children ages 4 to 7. It’s a great way to introduce kids to music, and a perfect preparation for structured string lessons. Class content includes pitch, rhythm, motion and theory, all framed in a Suzuki Method context. The 14 week session also begins on January 24, at UCC church. Tuition is only $149 for the entire session. Please tell your friends, and consider Little Stars for younger siblings of your FSS students.

Youth Ensemble

Led by a conservatory trained professional violinist, this class is designed to give young players an orchestra like experience not available in other settings. Emphasis on reading skills, musicianship, ensemble playing skills within a wide variety of musical literature. 5:45-6:30 pm Thursdays beginning Jan. 24. $149 for the full 14 week session.

Teen and Adult Ensemble

Led by a conservatory trained professional violinist, this class is designed as a stepping stone toward professional level orchestra playing. Builds upon reading and ensemble skills. Intermediate to advanced level. 5:45 to 6:30 pm Thursdays beginning Jan. 24. $149 for the full 14 week session.

The “I always wanted to play violin class”

Geared toward teens through senior, this class introduces proper violin posture and bow technique for beginners. Also perfect for Suzuki parents who would like to improve their child’s private lesson practice results. Finally, consider this class if you haven’t played for some time and you need some review. Led by a professional violinist, trained in Suzuki and traditional pedagogy. $149 for the full 14 week session. 5:45 – 6:30 p.m. Thursdays beginning Jan. 24

Suzuki Repertoire, all levels

Led by professional violinists/violists that are trained and certified in Suzuki method pedagogy. Designed to supplement skills learned in the private lesson with a group peer experience. Also introduces elements of theory as well as providing weekly in-class solo opportunities as well as monthly recital opportunities.

All classes include a monthly solo performance recital opportunity, accompanied by piano.

Special Tuition Discount: sign up for Rep class and an ensemble for only: $225

Applications are available online: just click here print out and mail the form with payment to the address indicated. Registrations received after January 21 are subject to a $10 late charge.

Looking for a group class or private lessons?

Just drop us a line or leave a general comment on this site. We’ll get back to you asap.

For more information about any FSS programs contact us via e-mail
or by telephone:
Wendy Waggener: 909-398-0402
Bill Alpert: 909-754-4015

Please attend this week’s class dressed in concert attire, white tops/shirts and black slacks/skirts.

Plan to arrive by 4:45 p.m. to allow time for tuning. We will video tape four songs for our Disneyland performance audition application. Immediately following at 5:30, our monthly recital will commence.

Attendance is mandatory for all students. Again, please arrive early so that we can stay on schedule.

Thank You!
-Your FSS Faculty

Our second year of Foothill Suzuki Strings group classes are set to start on Thursday, September 13. We’ve got some exciting news to share, including new faculty, new classes and a completely revised class structure. We’re looking forward to seeing you soon!

NEW CLASSES:

Little Stars, a class designed to introduce and prepare young students to string playing. It’s for beginners aged 4 to 7 years.
Class will be held each Thursday at 4:15 p.m. at UCC

String Ensemble, our first orchestra. Develops music reading and ensemble performance skills.
Class will be held each Thursday at 6:00 to 6:45 p.m.

Our regular Suzuki group classes will benefit from a new integrated format, designed to be comprehensive and age appropriate.
Classes from Pre-Twinkle to upper books will begin at 5:00 p.m. Every Thursday.

Our semester concert will be held on December 1, and no classes will be held on November 22, Thanksgiving Week.

Class Tuition: $150 for regular Group classes and/or our our new classes. $225 combined tuition for Ensemble plus a group class.

All classes held at UCC Church, 233 West Harrision Ave., Claremont, (just north of the Claremont village area)

Application forms can be found online at: http://foothillsuzukistrings.org/registration.pdf

Questions or additional information?

E-mail: info@foothillsuzukistrings.org

Bill Alpert: billalpert@charter.net
Tel: 909-754-4015

Pretwinkle and Book 1 at 5:00 p.m. to 5:45 pm. Please arrive in time to tune before class.

Upper Level students 6:00 to 6:50.

See you there!