NZSI Newsletter 1984 December Volume 6
Editorial – Christine Mackenzie
Updates on the year’s activities, the upcoming Suzuki International Conference in Canada, and corrections to member information.
Final Instructions for Summer Camp – Bev Nation
Practical details for participants, including tutors, schedules, and logistics for the Rotorua Summer Camp.
Benefit Concert Announcement
A fundraiser featuring Hagen Kerr and other musicians at the Lady Goodfellow Chapel, Waikato University.
Excerpt from “Raise Your Ability with a Piece You Can Play” – Shinichi Suzuki
A discussion on using familiar repertoire to build ability and foster musical growth.
Hamilton Branch News
Highlights from the branch’s first social event, committee introductions, and updates on local teachers.
Napier Suzuki Concert Recap – Marian Stronach
A detailed account of the year’s Suzuki Concert in Napier featuring young violinists and parents.
Tauranga Area News – Adrienne McCarthy
Reports on teacher training sessions and a family concert held in the area.
Membership Updates
Information on renewals, member benefits, and subscription reminders.
Catalogue of Books and Materials
An updated list of Suzuki books, recordings, and accessories available for purchase by members.
Editorial
Christine Mackenzie
This letter is the last for the year – the next will be published early in February 1985. On behalf of the Executive, I would like to wish all our members a very happy and safe Christmas and peace in 1985.
I have a brochure informing us of the 7th Suzuki International Conference, to be held August 17–21, 1985, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Registration fees:
- Participating teacher: $US150.00
- Participating student: $US125.00
- Accompanying parent: $US30.00
For official registration forms and the final brochure, write to:
10139-97 Street
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada T5J OL2
Application deadline: March 1, 1985
The cheapest accommodation (apart from camping grounds) appears to be $265.00 per person for five nights (bed and breakfast).
The program includes:
- Sessions by Dr. Suzuki and distinguished guests
- Demonstration teaching by prominent teachers from Europe, Japan, Australia, and North America
- Master classes
- Group instruction for strings
- International concerts by outstanding faculty and students
- A special public concert
Anybody wishing further information, write directly to Canada.
This newsletter contains a number of excerpts from Talent Education Journals (TEJ). If you would like more reading, you may borrow the same from the NZSI Library through:
Mrs. Sylvia Hart
129 Cambridge Road
Hamilton
(Remember the borrower pays postage both ways.)
One CORRECTION from the last Newsletter:
Mrs. A. McMorran’s address for flute repeat tapes is:
P.O. Box 12016, Chartwell, Hamilton.
Final Instructions for Summer Camp
Bev Nation
Enrolments:
We have now completed enrolling everyone for the Rotorua Summer Camp. There are 90 violins, 7 flutes, and 5 cellos. Karen Neupert will be organizing interested recorder players, both beginners and those already playing.
Tutors:
Joachim Neupert will be our main tutor, with nine supporting teachers from throughout the North Island. Tania Dyett will be taking yoga in the afternoons, and Dallas Knight from Napier will organize sports for the children. Please bring your sports gear!
Videos:
We will be hiring videos again for evening sessions so adults can participate in discussion groups.
Bedding:
Everyone must bring their own pillows and bedding. It CAN get cold!
Duties:
Parents will once again be asked to help with dining room duties – possibly only one duty.
Recorders:
Karen Neupert would like to see as many different sorts of recorders as possible – tenor, descant, treble, baroque – whatever you have! People interested in Karen’s group do not need to register as students, as it will be an informal group.
Chamber Music:
Older students may bring along any music they have suitable for chamber music. Also, bring a stand if you own one.
Laundry:
There are laundry facilities, but you need your own pegs and soap powder.
Directions:
People traveling to the camp from Hamilton and Auckland should follow State Highway 5 into Rotorua, turn onto Highway 30 (Te Ngae Road), and continue to Robinson Ave on the left. The camp is at the end of that road. There will be a signpost for those who need it!
Cakes:
Would each family please supply a cake or tin of biscuits for suppers and morning and afternoon teas.
Registration:
Please report to camp between 3:00 and 4:30 pm, with dinner at 5:00 pm.
Gill and I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, and we look forward to seeing you all in the New Year.
Benefit Concert Announcement
BENEFIT CONCERT – HAGEN KERR (leaving soon for Australia)
The Kiwanis Club of Kirikiriroa has organized a concert to assist Hagen, which is to be held at the Lady Goodfellow Chapel, Waikato University.
Date: Tuesday, 11 December
Time: 7:00 pm
A varied and interesting program has been arranged, including:
- Joachim and Karen Neupert
- Simon Griffiths (recently returned from studying at Matsumoto, Japan)
- A chamber music group
- Guest pianists
The concert is expected to last approximately 1½ hours and promises to be most enjoyable.
Admission:
- Adults: $5.00
- Children: $1.00
Excerpt from “Raise Your Ability with a Piece You Can Play”
Shinichi Suzuki
“After a student has learned to play a piece, I tell him during the lesson, ‘Now that your preparation is complete, let’s practice in order to build your ability. The lesson is just beginning.’
I let him practice by comparing his performance with the recording or by playing along with the recording. This fosters musical rhythm, refined tonality, and beautiful deportment. This is the crux of my approach to fostering fine students.”
This article continues with Suzuki’s key principles for developing ability through familiar pieces.
Hamilton Branch News
The Hamilton Branch was inaugurated on October 17, 1984.
Elected Officers:
- President: Christine Mackenzie
- Vice-President: Alison McMorran
- Secretary: Fiona Griffith
- Treasurer: Veronica Jardine
- Committee:
Gill Ballard, Chris Chalmers, Anne Giles, Jan Henderson, Robbin Ho, Barbara Hubbard, Heather Malins, Edith Morrall, Beverley Nation, Shirley Nieuwland, and a representative from the Saturday morning Education Board classes.
First Social Event:
A family picnic was held at Te Rapa Pools Complex on November 23. Many parents attended, and the committee should feel justifiably proud of their organization. However, it was disappointing to note that some attendees (presumably older children) caused a mess by splattering pizza on the ceiling and walls of the hired room. The committee hopes for better behavior in the future to avoid jeopardizing such events.
Teacher Updates:
Hamilton is proud to welcome Joachim and Karen Neupert, immigrant teachers from Germany. Joachim teaches violin, while Karen teaches flute and recorder. They can be contacted directly for lessons at (Phone: 57-959, Hamilton).
Napier Suzuki Concert Recap
Marian Stronach
On November 11, 1984, Napier’s Century Theatre resounded with the sounds of 134 young violinists (from 5-year-olds upwards) and many parents playing Twinkles together.
This concert allowed Suzuki-trained violinists to showcase their progress over the year. For teachers, it was a wonderful culmination of the year’s work, with students putting in a special effort for the occasion.
Highlights:
- The stage was filled to capacity, with some parents performing from the wings.
- Beautiful tone and intonation featured throughout the event, reflecting the students’ solid foundation in violin playing.
- Weekly rehearsals leading up to the concert ensured precision, ensemble playing, and confidence.
The auditorium was filled to capacity, with some people being denied entry. A larger venue may be needed for next year’s event.
Tauranga Area News
Adrienne McCarthy
Last month, piano teacher training sessions were conducted by Mrs. Dora Harkness. Additionally, a family concert was held on November 30.
Membership Updates
Some members have not yet renewed their membership.
Benefits of Membership Include:
- Quarterly Newsletter
- Summer Music Camps
- Annual Workshops with Overseas Tutors
- Free Library of Music Education Books
- Hire of Repeat Tapes
- Access to lists of recommended Suzuki Method Teachers
- Purchase of books and music at reduced prices
- Facility to graduate by forwarding tapes to Dr. Suzuki
- Participation in Suzuki Concerts
- Access to the Suzuki Teacher Training Programme
Subscription Deadline:
Membership fees for 1984–85 were due on October 1, 1984. Members with outstanding fees may lose access to benefits until payment is made.
Contact Information:
Teachers are encouraged to send details of “lost” members who have not received this Newsletter to:
“Membership List”
NZSI
P.O. Box 6058
Hamilton
Catalogue of Books and Materials
Available Items (Prices in NZD):
- Mommy, Can We Practice Now?: $25.00
- Nurtured by Love: $17.00
- Ability Development from Age Zero: $16.00
- More Than Music: $40.00
- Suzuki, The Man and His Philosophy: $35.00
- The Suzuki Violinist: $25.00
- The Suzuki Concept: $15.00
Piano and Violin Materials:
- Piano Volumes 1–7: $11.00 each
- Violin sets (Vol. 1–6): $21.00 each
- Violin sets (Vol. 7–10): $28.00 each
- Violin Duets: $10.00
These items can be ordered through:
Mrs. P. Beehan
R.D. 3
Hamilton
Additional charges apply for postage and packing.
