NZSI Newsletter 1985 August Volume 7 No.3
Editorial – Christine Mackenzie
A call to action for members to engage with critical changes in the NZSI Constitution and an update on Executive accomplishments.
Auckland Branch Report – Lyn Shaddleton
Highlights from a successful public concert, community support, and a Telethon donation.
Hamilton Branch News – Christine Mackenzie
Updates on concerts, AGM outcomes, and a new initiative to supply Suzuki-themed T-shirts and sweatshirts.
Library Service – NZSI Executive
Announcement of the disbanding of the National Library and the establishment of regional libraries for better access.
Books Available for Borrowing – Karen Neupert
A comprehensive list of Suzuki philosophy and teaching resources, including journals and educational books.
Flute Camp Announcement – Karen Neupert
Details of an upcoming flute camp at Raglan, inviting players of all levels to engage in music and community activities.
Profile: Joachim Neupert – NZSI Executive
A feature on Joachim Neupert, his musical journey, and his contributions to the Suzuki method in New Zealand.
Profile: Karen Neupert – NZSI Executive
A look at Karen Neupert’s background in music and her dedication to teaching flute and recorder using the Suzuki method.
Piano Workshops and Demonstrations – Mayme Earle & Rae de Lisle
Reports on Suzuki piano workshops and public recitals showcasing the philosophy in action.
Editorial
Christine Mackenzie
This is really a frantic time for me, with varsity assignments, packing for our first long holiday in five years (two weeks in the South Island, with introductions to cousins unknown to the children), and of course getting this newsletter out to you before we leave.
It is probably the most important N.Z.S.I. Newsletter you have ever received, so please READ IT CAREFULLY, especially the PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES that are presented as remits. These will be discussed at the A.G.M., so have any arguments well thought out as it is likely you will get only one opportunity to speak to each motion. The Executive has taken this matter very seriously and spent a lot of time on it, so please consider carefully attending the A.G.M., or if that is an impossibility, consider who you might nominate to go onto the Executive for the new term (Nomination form is enclosed).
Earlier this year someone suggested that there really wasn’t much to do on Exec., and that there wasn’t any need for more than two or three meetings per year. I felt angry at the time, and in reply to that ignorance and for everyone else’s edification I list SOME of the accomplishments of this Executive:
- The Exec. has undertaken to update the Constitution and institute a Policy Document with the aim of streamlining the organisation, with the advice of our solicitor.
- Any people enquiring about membership are given comprehensive details about services, training, and forthcoming events around the country.
- Branches have been formed in Auckland, Hamilton, and Hawkes Bay, with the blessing of the Exec. and a $500 grant to each Branch for running expenses.
- The National N.Z.S.I. Library has been divided into three main areas, and the Taranaki group, to make literature more available to more people.
- Five more Teacher Trainers have been appointed, three piano and two violin, so that teacher training will be ongoing and more readily available.
- A Teacher’s Committee was utilised to discuss and propose a new Teacher Training scheme, which needs only to be adopted by the membership at the A.G.M.
- Three presentations and a workshop are to be sponsored at “Music 85,” with help from the McKenzie Trust in the form of a grant.
- The Teachers list and records of training are continually being updated, and booklets have been designed to allow all concerned to have copies.
- New certificates have been designed for the teachers, the first of which will be presented at Conference.
We have experimented with ‘Conference Calls’ in an effort to reduce travel expenses to Exec. Meetings, issued Membership Numbers to everyone to facilitate the use of the various services, discussed the Graduation Tape procedure and its future, all in addition to the general running of the organisation.
This is probably not as comprehensive as it might have been, however, anyone who is a member of the N.Z.S.I. can read the minutes of meetings if they desire.
In closing, on behalf of the outgoing Executive, I thank you all for your support. See you at Conference.
Auckland Branch Report
Lyn Shaddleton
Our first Public Concert, held in Symphonia Theatre on 29th June 1985, was a marvellous success. Very positive comments have been received from many different quarters, and much interest is evident in the continuing growth of the SUZUKI movement in Auckland.
A very big “thank-you” to the Hamilton performers for their polished contribution to the programme; to Josie Fluhler for her fine accompanying; to Joachim Neupert for preparing the Hamilton contingent; and to the parents who provided transport to and from Hamilton. The Auckland Branch values this wonderful support in helping us “get off the ground!”
Many thanks, too, to the Auckland performers, their supportive parents, and hard-working teachers. Without you all, there would have been no concert! To those who helped provide refreshment for our visitors, our grateful thanks.
The Auckland Branch was able to donate $250, part of the concert proceeds, to Telethon. It was subsequently reported to us that the final part of the concert was shown on Telethon at a very late hour.
Finally, our thanks go to Elahe Khaleghian, who worked untiringly at organising the concert. Congratulations, Elahe!
Hamilton Branch News
Christine Mackenzie
A very successful public concert was held at the end of July, which realised over $500. We were especially grateful to the teachers for preparing their students so well, to Margaret Crawshaw and James Tennent for their accompanying on the harpsichord and cello, and of course the children, without whom it wouldn’t have sounded!
We were also treated to a performance of C.P.E. Bach’s Trio Sonata in B Minor by Margaret Crawshaw, Karen Neupert, and James Tennent.
We have just held our A.G.M., and following Christine Mackenzie’s resignation, Alison McMorran was elected President.
One of our local teachers, Bev Nation, was invited by his Worship to present some of her younger pupils at a Mayoral reception for some Japanese visitors as part of a Woolrest promotion. Apparently, the children’s performance was much appreciated. To commemorate the tri-centenary of Bach and Handel, her Chamber Group played at the English-Speaking Union.
Finally, and most importantly, this Branch has undertaken to supply the whole of N.Z. with SUZUKI T-shirts and sweatshirts. The prices are very cheap as we have next to no mark-up and the quality is superb.
Library Service
NZSI Executive
The National Library has now been disbanded, and four Branch Libraries have been set up. All Libraries are available to the total membership of the Institute.
Locations:
- Auckland: Mrs. D. Margan, 96 Arney Road, Remuera, Auckland (Phone: 57959)
- Hamilton: Mrs. K. Neupert, 10 Houle Place, Hamilton (Phone: 69283)
- Hawkes Bay: Mrs. J. Bennett, 603 Roberts Street, Mahora, Hastings
- Taranaki: Mrs. M. Shwehn, 27 Parsons Street, New Plymouth
Requests for books or journals may be made by phone or in writing. The loan period is for 3 weeks, and prompt returns are appreciated as there is a waiting list for some titles.
Reimbursement of the postage the librarian pays to send the book to the borrower is essential. Reimbursement may be made in stamps or cash. (Please make cheques payable to the librarian, not the Institute.)
If you no longer require a requested title, the librarian would be pleased to be informed.
Books Available for Borrowing
Karen Neupert
A selection of available books includes:
- Nurtured by Love by Shinichi Suzuki
- Where Love is Deep by Shinichi Suzuki
- The Suzuki Concept
- Ability Development from Age Zero by Shinichi Suzuki
- The Suzuki Violinist by William Starr
- Rarely Too Young and Never Too Old to Twinkle
- In the Suzuki Style
- Kindergarten is Too Late by Masaru Ibuka
- To Learn With Love by William and Constance Starr
- Mommy, Can We Practice Now?
- No H In Snake
Journals include:
- Talent Education Journal
- Suzuki World
- European Suzuki Journal
- American Suzuki Journal
Older copies of journals (prior to 1985) are available from the Hamilton Library only.
Flute Camp Announcement
Karen Neupert
A flute camp will be held at the beautiful Crusade Bible Camp in Raglan from Friday evening, September 13th, to Sunday afternoon, September 15th.
Activities Include:
- Playing in small and large groups
- Sessions on breathing, posture, relaxation, and technique
- Listening to different kinds of flute music
- Sports, walks along the beach, and more
Tutors include Karen Neupert, Judy MacDonald, Elizabeth Barker, and others.
For enrollment and further details, please contact Karen Neupert by August 19th.
Profile: Joachim Neupert
NZSI Executive
Joachim was born in Germany on December 16, 1955, to a minister/church-musician father and an amateur violinist mother. He began learning the violin at nine years of age and chose professional musicianship as his career.
Joachim graduated from Stuttgart Conservatory (Germany) in viola performance and teaching. He studied with the Melos Quartet and played in the Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra. After hearing a Suzuki concert, he decided to become a Suzuki teacher and subsequently studied for a year at Southern Illinois University under Professor John Kendall, graduating in 1982.
Profile: Karen Neupert
NZSI Executive
Karen, a native of Amsterdam, met Joachim at an international music school in southern France. She has studied the recorder extensively, focusing on Early Music. Karen graduated from Amsterdam Conservatory in flute teaching and performance in 1981.
Her interest in Suzuki Flute began during a visit to the U.S., where she attended several workshops. She is currently teaching flute and recorder in Hamilton.
Piano Workshops and Demonstrations
Mayme Earle & Rae de Lisle
The 1984-85 Hawkes Bay Zonta Women’s Award was awarded to Mayme Earle in recognition of her work in the Suzuki Method.
Mayme hosted a public demonstration recital at the Havelock North Library, attracting a large and interested audience. She also held a workshop concert in Wellington for students and teacher trainees, culminating in positive feedback.
In collaboration with New Zealand concert pianist Rae de Lisle, Mayme demonstrated the Japanese approach to piano technique during workshops in Havelock North. Rae observed and commented on the application of Suzuki philosophy to New Zealand students, noting the enthusiasm and confidence displayed by young pupils.
