August 2014 Newsletter | Harris Academy of the Arts

HAA Newsletter August 2014 IN THIS ISSUE

inspiring creativity through the arts

Letter from the Director Welcome to our very first studio newsletter! We are excited to be able to offer yet another forum to keep in touch with current, former and future students, friends and families. We hope you like what you see, and as always welcome your feedback, contributions, and ideas!

Special items to note in our upcoming newsletters: Student of the Month Instructor Spotlight Calendar Musical Pet of the Month Make-Up Class Schedule Student Performing Opportunities And so much more!

Certainly, 10 years ago, I never dreamed that I would be surrounded on a daily basis by such a large, dynamic force of talented, ambitious, energetic faculty, students, and families.

I am so very, very grateful, appreciative and proud of the work our team has accomplished to provide top quality music education to Lincoln and surrounding communities. I hope that each of you fully experience the sense of musical family atmosphere and sense of belonging we strive to provide for all.

Student of the Month Meet August student of the month, Jesse Hansen, a voice student of Jeff Kuhl (Page 2)

Thank you to all in the ways that you have personally contributed to Harris Academy of the Arts. Have a safe, enjoyable summer!

Meanwhile, this fall marks a very special time for Harris Academy of the Arts (formerly Harris Music Studio), in that we Inspiring creativity through the arts, will be celebrating 10 years of business in Vicki Harris Lincoln.

Congratulations to Our Annual Essay Contest Winners!

These students answered the question, “Why do I deserve a free year of lessons.”

1st Place—Mu Htee Paw Prize: One year FREE music lessons

2nd Place—Joshua Schulte Prize: One year FREE group class

Instructor Spotlight Piano instructor, Cristina Vlad, tell us about her personal story with music, and what her name and hometown have in common with Count Dracula. (Page 2)

I always loved music; whoso has skill in this art is of good temperament, fitted for all things.

Martin Luther (1483-1546) 2935 Pine Lake Road, Lincoln, NE

402.423.7121

harrisacademyofthearts.com

NEW STUDENTS ♫

Instructor Spotlight: Cristina Vlad

Help us welcome these new musicians to HAA: Stella Amstuz Kaitlyn Beller Ellie Berger Lila Boone Sami Breir Petra Van Cleave Ashley Clemente Don & Kiara Day Anna Deutsch Greta & Ingrid Gessert Anna Harford Isabella Hauxwell Lauren Havlat Miranda Heidbrink Helen Jamison Lucy Koenig DJ Meyer Katie Pelini Ava Runyan Erica Scribner Jeff Shen Gannon Shonka Samantha Steckelberg Michael & Jeannie Woodrich

NEW INSTRUCTORS ♫ Colt Ballou Voice, Piano, Organ, Children’s Music Academy, Kindermusik

Cristina Vlad, a piano instructor at HAA, has been playing the piano since she was young. She started playing for fun but after more and more performances and competition wins, she began to realize she really loved playing. Now, years later and having just completed her doctorate in piano performance at the University of NebraskaLincoln, we are privileged to have her on the Harris team.

Cristina was born in Romania in a town named Deva. You might be more familiar with the region, called Transylvania (the home of Dracula). But don’t worry, Cristina’s bubbly, friendly personality has nothing in common with that character. And though you wouldn’t need to, you can always score points by offering her one of her favorite desserts: cheesecake and ice cream!

More about Cristina: Favorite quote: “If you wish to succeed in life, make perseverance your bosom friend, experience your wise counselor, caution your elder brother, and hope your guardian genius.” – Joseph Addison Thoughts on teaching: “Everyone has different goals when taking on music/piano lessons. It’s always great hearing back after years from students, thanking you for the change you brought to their life through lessons.”

Other hobbies: “I love dancing and soon will go get some tango lessons.”

Testimonials “My teacher is nice and funny. She makes learning fun!” – Justice “She is teaching Madelyn a lot about playing musically (i.e. soft, loud…). LOVE having her as Madelyn’s teacher. I feel like she is learning a lot.” – Jennifer

Katie Morris Voice, Piano, Flute, Saxophone, Children’s Music Academy, Kindermusik

David Pratt

Read more about Cristina on our website: harrisacademyofthearts.com/about-us/instructor-spotlight

Violin, Electric Violin

Student of the Month: Jesse Hansen Jesse Hansen, a witty 15 year old, can recite pi to 30 places (3.14159265359…okay, we give up!).

She’s also into hiking, reading, writing, drawing, nerdy T.V. shows, anime, video games, and playing violin. And, she takes voice lessons at Harris Academy of the Arts.

In voice lessons, Jesse is learning how to create a scene around a song and incorporate acting with her singing as a way to emphasize the story. She showed what she’s learned in her performance at the Spring Student Recital (check out the videos on YouTube!). One of Jesse’s favorite performance memories is getting a hug from a random audience member after performing in a talent show in Wisconsin.

2935 Pine Lake Road, Lincoln, NE

Surely, this talented girl will receive many more random hugs in her lifetime!

Read more about Jesse (and previous Student of the Month honorees) on our website: harrisacademyofthearts.com/currentstudents/student-of-the-month

WATCH THE VIDEOS Watch videos of Jesse performing “Look to the Rainbow” and “Naughty” from Matilda on our YouTube channel. Just search for “harrisaa1”!

402.423.7121

harrisacademyofthearts.com

DATES TO NOTE ♪

Pet of the Month To get things rolling on this new feature, Miss Vicki’s dog, Barney, is the first Pet of the Month.

Barney is a Cavachon (King Charles Cavelier and Bishon mix). He is ornery, sweet, and spoiled.

He loves to nap and rest his chin on Miss Vicki’s foot while she practices piano.

Do you have a pet you love? Send us a cute photo for a chance to be featured as the Pet of the Month!

September 14 Labor Day (no lessons or classes)

September 21 10 Year Anniversary Bash & Faculty Showcase, 2935 Pine Lake Road, 3pm

October 31 Halloween (no lesson or classes)

November 14 & 15

Now accepting submissions for the September Pet of the Month!

Send your entries to: info@harrisacademyofthearts.com.

Student Fall Recital, Zion Church

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES September 14

Brother for Sale!

Streets Alive

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

“Brother for sale, Only fifty cents.

Brother for sale, He’s not a big expense.”

The just-crowned Miss Nebraska Princess has a brother. His name is Kyle and he’s for sale.

Ages 12 and up. Call 402-423-7121 for more information!

Okay, not really.

Streets Alive Help with children’s games

“Brother for Sale” was Kadynce Mullins’ talent number at the Miss Nebraska Pageant last May and she chose to dedicate the act to her brother (that’s him in the picture she’s holding). Her performance, along with other successfully met criteria such as modeling, beauty, and speech, earned her the title.

Music on Sundays Open to high school students interested in helping with Sunday school & music for ages preschool—5th grade

Kadynce worked with Jeff Kuhl, instructor of voice, piano, and theatre at Harris Academy of the Arts, to prepare for the talent portion of the pageant. Kadynce’s mother, Brenna, said Jeff is “very passionate about what he does and works diligently to make his students successful. [He] shared insight and enthusiasm which made “Brother for Sale” such a success for Kadynce!

Lincoln Salt Dogs, making parade appearances, and – most notably – donating 100 volunteer hours to Lincoln and Nebraska organizations.

Especially meaningful is Kadynce’s personal pick for her summer project. “The day after her pageant, Kadynce had a seizure and was transferred to the Children’s Hospital in Omaha,” says Brenna. The ordeal naturally led to Kadynce’s decision to raise support for the Kadynce’s newly-earned title as Miss Nebraska Children’s Miracle Network, selling suckers to Princess has opened up a bundle of opportunities raise funds. In addition, she is baking goods for for this soon-to-be 7-year-old. When she isn’t the Rainbow House at the Children’s Hospital, as working on developing her skills for the National well as donating books and reading time.

American Miss Pageant in Anaheim, California this November, she’s meeting with Nebraska Read more about Kadynce on our blog: Senators, throwing out the first pitch for the harrisacademyofthearts.blogspot.com

TESTIMONIALS I want to take this time to thank you for a truly rewarding experience. I feel that I learned a lot about playing the piano and about music in general, during the class. I have a much better understanding and appreciation of the time, effort, and commitment required by those who want to excel in music.

Ms. Cristina Vlad was truly an excellent instructor. Even though she had to have been more than a little bored and frustrated trying to teach someone who was making as little obvious progress as me, she remained kind, pleasant, and professional—not easy to do when you are as talented as her resume indicates.

The highlight of my time at Harris Academy of the Arts was receiving the sympathy card that was sent by the academy, acknowledging the death and loss of my wife’s mother—that was special. We were very much aware that the card (and all who signed it) represented warm thoughts and genuine caring.

- Calvin R., group piano class student 2935 Pine Lake Road, Lincoln, NE

402.423.7121

harrisacademyofthearts.com

Instructor Availability As we begin a new school year, our phones are ringing with students signing up for lessons. Call today to enroll for the fall! If your ideal time is not available, call or email to get on the respective instructor’s waiting list.

Colt Ballou (voice, piano, organ): Monday—8 openings Tuesday—9 openings Thursday—6 openings Saturday—2 openings Jentry Barrett (violin, viola): CLOSED Kensy Berggren (piano, trumpet): CLOSED Sherri Brouillette (flute, saxophone, clarinet): Monday—9 openings Tuesday—8 openings Wednesday—6 openings Thursday—8 openings Mai Butler (piano): Monday – 3 openings Tuesday – 5 openings Wednesday – 1 opening Thursday – 1 opening Friday – 7 openings Saturday – 11 openings Elizabeth Grunin (cello): Monday—6 openings Tuesday—9 openings Wednesday—9 openings Thursday—9 openings

2935 Pine Lake Road, Ste. C Lincoln, NE 68516 harrisacademyofthearts.com

Friday—3 openings Saturday—6 openings Josh Huls (voice, guitar, piano, percussion): Monday – CLOSED Tuesday – 2 openings Wednesday – CLOSED Thursday – 3 openings Heera Jang (piano): Monday – 1 opening Tuesday – 3 openings Wednesday – 4 openings Thursday – 1 opening Friday – 3 openings Jeff Kuhl (voice): Monday – 5 openings Tuesday – 4 openings Wednesday – 3 openings Thursday – 1 opening Saturday – 2 openings Katie Morris (voice, piano, flute): Monday— 3 openings Tuesday—5 openings

GROUP CLASSES Our Fall 2014 group class schedule is hot off the press! Here’s just a sample:      

Adult Cello, Violin, Piano & String Quartet Beginning Piano & Guitar Kindermusik (ages 0-7) Children’s Music Academy (ages 3-7) Vocal Ensembles (all ages) Ukulele (all ages)

Enroll Today!

Wednesday—2 openings Thursday—5 openings Friday—2 openings David Pratt (violin): Monday—12 openings Tuesday—12 openings Wednesday—12 openings Saturday—8 openings Cristina Vlad (piano): Monday – 8 openings Tuesday – 1 opening Wednesday – 1 opening Thursday – 6 openings Friday – 3 openings Saturday – 1 opening