NZSI Newsletter 1985 May Volume 7 No.1
Editorial – Christine Mackenzie
Announcing the upcoming National Conference in Auckland and updates on Suzuki-related initiatives and donations.
Hawkes Bay Report – Winifred Bickerstaff
Recounts a unique group performance on a moving truck and details plans for the inaugural meeting of the Hawkes Bay Branch.
Auckland Branch Report
Updates on National Conference preparations and encouragement for participation.
Hamilton Branch Report
Highlights from the T-shirt design competition and branch updates.
Books and Sales – Maree Barrington
A detailed price list of Suzuki-related materials available for members.
Lectures in Auckland – Barbara Ker
Announcement of a lecture series on the Suzuki Violin Teaching Method.
Overseas Conferences
Information on international Suzuki events, including programs in the U.S. and Australia.
ISA News
Updates from the International Suzuki Association on how donations are used, including video projects and translations.
Editorial
Christine Mackenzie
This is a little letter, mainly to inform you of the planned NATIONAL CONFERENCE to be held this year in AUCKLAND, hosted by the Auckland Branch. They are “looking forward to welcoming teachers, students, and parents to the first Conference to be held in Auckland.”
The venue is the AUCKLAND TEACHERS COLLEGE, EPSOM AVENUE, EPSOM. The tutors invited from Australia are Mrs. Nehama Patkin, piano; Mr. Yasuki Nakamura and Mr. John Spier, violin; and Miss Kathy Shelhart, cello. These people will be assisted by a team of local tutors. Instruction will be available in violin, piano, cello, and flute.
There is also an interesting little article taken from the Talent Education Journal, explaining how the International Suzuki Association (ISA) proposes to spend the donations it receives. I have included this article because Dr. Suzuki recently wrote to us saying, “I am asking all teachers who use the Suzuki Method throughout the world to give one dollar a month to the ISA and to ask their students’ families to do likewise.”
The Executive took time and effort considering this request, especially as it would have meant doubling the subscriptions to cover the request, which it was understood was in US$. It was subsequently decided to donate US$100. If anyone wishes to make a personal donation, a form is enclosed for the purpose.
Finally, an exciting snippet: It seems likely that John Kendall will be coming over to New Zealand in early January 1986. Kendall is an important tutor in Suzuki Method in America, and the person under whom Joachim Neupert and Kathy Shelhart studied. This means that the Summer Camp (Keswick, Rotorua) will be held during January 5-11, 1986.
Hawkes Bay Report
Winifred Bickerstaff
Suzuki Concert(o) – Con Moto in Napier
In his play “Fifty-Fifty,” Roger Hall describes the Suzuki Method as, “Learning to play the violin while riding a motorbike.” We went one better. We had a truckload.
Napier retailers organised a morning of music to entertain visitors to the city on Easter Saturday. Among those invited to participate were the Suzuki Violinists. We duly assembled on the Marine Parade and climbed a ladder onto the back of a large truck – some of us with less agility than others! The weather was sunny and warm, leaving me a little apprehensive as to what might have happened to our instruments if it had been January, for they became quite hot during our slow, one-hour drive through the city centre.
We made numerous short stops during which our music was well received. It was relatively easy to play while the truck was moving and indeed preferable, for the diesel fumes were rather unpleasant and lingered each time we stopped. All who participated enjoyed the experience and benefited from the “group playing” in this novel situation.
Auckland Branch Report
The Auckland Branch is very busy with National Conference organisation at present. Everyone is urged to read all instructions carefully. If you have not made up your mind yet, can we assure you that it will be an excellent Conference and workshop, well worth the effort of attending.
Hamilton Branch Report
There is not a lot of news from Hamilton. There were a pleasing number of entries in the “Design a T-Shirt” competition, the results of which will be announced in the next newsletter.
Books and Sales
Maree Barrington
Books and sales have been taken over by Mrs. Maree Barrington, 45 Kakanui Ave., Hamilton; phone 69518. The revised price list is as follows:
Catalogue of Books (Available to financial members only):
- Vol 1 (new): $14.00
- Vol 1-7 (each): $12.00
- Method Rose Sight Reading: $16.00
- Records & Cassettes: $24.00
- Violin Sets (Vol 1-6, includes violin part, piano accompaniment, and record): $24.00
- Violin Sets (Vol 7, 8): $28.00
- Violin Part Only (Vol 1-8): $12.00
- Duets for 2 Violins: $11.00
Literature:
- Nurtured by Love (hardcover): $20.00
- Nurtured by Love (softcover): $16.00
- More Than Music: $48.00
- No H in Snake: $40.00
- The Suzuki Violinist: $25.00
- Where Love is Deep: $16.00
(For more details and updates, contact Mrs. Barrington directly.)
Lectures in Auckland
Barbara Ker
A series of seven lectures on “The Suzuki Violin Teaching Method” is to be given by Teacher Trainer Barbara Ker at the Continuing Education Department of Auckland University.
These lectures commence on Wednesday evening, June 5, and run through to July 17. Further information will be available through the University or from Barbara Ker, 16 Rash Place, Mangere.
ISA News
From the Talent Education Journal No. 21, Spring 1985.
How Will My Dollars Be Used?
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: We have begun to copy earlier tapes Dr. Suzuki made to send to remote areas of the world, e.g., South American countries. Mr. Starr went to Japan in January and made new tapes with Dr. Suzuki, which we hope will be available soon.
- Translations: Translating Dr. Suzuki’s early writings, which are challenging due to their erudite language, largely obsolete after 1945. Once translated into English, these will be easier to put into other languages.
- Educational Outreach: Translating and distributing works to ministers of education and government officials, succinctly explaining Suzuki philosophy and teaching.
We need your memberships and financial support to continue these vital efforts.
