NZSI Newsletter 1985 March Volume 7 No.1
Editorial – Christine Mackenzie
Reflections on the Summer String School, volunteer changes, and Suzuki philosophy.
Hawkes Bay Perspective – Christine Teariki
Highlights from the Keswick Summer Camp, including music, camaraderie, and inspiration.
Auckland Branch News
Updates on the Fourth National Conference, teacher training, and family-friendly provisions.
Hamilton Branch News
Family concerts, a T-shirt design competition, and updates on local events.
Books and Sales
A call for volunteers to manage the distribution of Suzuki books and materials.
Lectures in Auckland – Barbara Ker
Announcement of Suzuki violin teaching method lectures at Auckland University.
ISA News
Updates on international projects including video production, translations, and outreach efforts.
Editorial
Christine Mackenzie
It seems ages since I last wrote to you all — before the Summer String School, in fact. Several people have taken the time to write in and share their experiences of the “Summer Camp” with us.
Sadly, we say a very grateful thank-you to Mary Allan and Pam Beehan for the marvellous job they have done for us over the past three years. Pam was the “Books and Records Sales” person, and Mary was the “Violin Repeat Tape Service” contact. Both have found they have had to relinquish their services to the NZSI for personal commitments.
Happily, we have a willing volunteer to take over the violin repeat tape service, in Joan Stiles (37 Balfour Crescent, Hamilton, phone 67-519).
However, a “willing volunteer” is needed to take over the Books and Records Sales from Pam. If you would like to know what is involved, please ring Pam (phone 69-903) and she will not only give you an honest account but will also help you settle into the job with practical help and advice.
I came across the following article in the Spring 1984 Talent Education Journal, which I think has some important aspects of Suzuki philosophy to contemplate. It would be inaccurate to hone in on one aspect without duly considering the rest; hence I have had the whole article reprinted. I hope you get as much out of it as I did, especially in rereading it.
Yours,
Christine
Hawkes Bay Perspective
Christine Teariki
In 1983, six H.B. people attended the Summer Music Camp at Homai College. In 1984, nine H.B. families took part at Keswick Camp, Rotorua. This year, 38 students, parents, and teachers from H.B. attended the Keswick Summer Camp — an indication of the growth and enthusiasm of the Suzuki movement in H.B., but really only the tip of the iceberg.
How to describe this year’s experience! Magnificent squally lake conditions, the Polynesian pools, the patient tutors, the music, the well-known Suzuki pieces, the chamber music, the dancing, the innovative concerts, yoga with Tania, the acceptance of the differing levels of ability, the number of grandmothers who attended, the sightseeing, the soloists, the formal and informal discussions, the wind and rain that forced two tent families indoors and three small tents to seek the protection of the roof for the new building, missing Kathy a bit, meeting Karen and Joachim — appreciating their special qualities and talents, and looking forward to a visit from them to Hawkes Bay sometime, perhaps.
Why do we come to these camps? What do the kids get out of them? Musical inspiration and a recharging of batteries for the coming year, experiencing the tutors’ different styles, the orchestral and chamber music dimensions offered, renewing friendships, the spirituality of some of the music.
As a parent, an added reason is to have any “perplexities” soothed away, also a chance to play the recorder!
These camps require a lot of time invested in their organisation to be successful, and a tribute to the Nation and Ballard families is needed in appreciation for the tremendous amount of family time and labour taken up previously, during, and after the camp.
Auckland Branch News
The Fourth National Conference will be held in Auckland this year, during the second week of the August school holidays.
Dates: 2–6 September 1985
Venue: Auckland Teachers’ College
Tutors: Some visiting and some local teachers of violin, piano, cello, and flute
Provision will also be made for:
- Teacher training with tutoring in piano, violin, and possibly cello
- Parent education
- Children’s activities, such as dance and art
The organisers of “Conference 85” hope to be able to provide crèche facilities for children of teachers in training and those of parents involved in classes.
Hamilton Branch News
Family Concerts are under way for 1985
- Friday, 15 March, 7 pm
Organiser: Patricia Irvine, Phone 66-005 - Sunday, 14 April, 3 pm
Organiser: Jan Kitchen, Phone 62-143 - Friday, 3 May, 7 pm
Organiser: Jan Henderson, Phone 59-170
Venue for each of the above concerts is the Baptist Church, Knighton Road. Members of the audience are requested to make a donation to cover the hire of the facilities.
Competition: Design a Suzuki T-Shirt
The Hamilton Branch is running a competition to “Design a T-shirt logo.” The idea is for the Hamilton Branch Committee to choose a couple of really nice designs and have Suzuki T-shirts for sale nationwide. It is open to members of Suzuki families (children and adults), and the prize is a free T-shirt for each of the lucky designers.
Books and Sales
The NZSI is seeking volunteers to manage the Books and Records Sales following Pam Beehan’s retirement. Pam has been a valued part of the NZSI community, and her role involves distributing Suzuki books, records, and materials to members nationwide.
Contact Information:
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Pam directly at (phone 69-903) for details on the role and responsibilities. Pam has offered to provide practical help and advice to ensure a smooth transition for the new volunteer.
Lectures in Auckland
Barbara Ker
A series of seven lectures on the Suzuki Violin Teaching Method will be held at the Continuing Education Department of Auckland University. These lectures are designed for both current Suzuki teachers and those interested in learning more about the Suzuki philosophy and techniques.
Dates: Commencing Wednesday evening, 5 June, through to 17 July.
Location: Auckland University Continuing Education Department
For further information, please contact Barbara Ker at 16 Rash Place, Mangere, or through Auckland University’s Continuing Education Department.
ISA News
How Will My Dollars Be Used?
From the Talent Education Journal, Spring 1984
This question is being asked of the ISA office, and we would like to give you an update on our work. Three major projects are in the works at this time:
- Video Tapes: Earlier video tapes by Dr. Suzuki are being copied and sent to remote areas of the world, such as South America. New tapes, featuring Dr. Suzuki’s most recent teachings, are in production and will be available soon.
- Translations: Dr. Suzuki’s early writings are being translated into English. These texts, written in a formal and erudite Japanese style, are challenging to translate but essential for international dissemination. Once completed, they will be made available in multiple languages.
- Educational Outreach: Efforts are underway to translate and distribute concise works explaining the Suzuki philosophy to ministers of education and government officials. These materials aim to promote the global adoption of Suzuki methods.
Membership Contributions
The ISA relies on contributions to continue these efforts. Dr. Suzuki has encouraged teachers and families using the Suzuki Method to donate one dollar per month to support these initiatives.
