NZSI Newsletter 1987 March Volume 9
New Year Message from Your President – Josephine Fluhler
Reflecting on the Suzuki movement’s 10th Anniversary and emphasizing the values of sharing and nurturing.
Tribute to Dr. Suzuki – Val Thorburn
Celebrating Dr. Suzuki’s 88th birthday and his global impact on children and music education.
Teacher Trainee Accreditations
Recognizing newly accredited Suzuki teachers across piano and violin disciplines.
Suzuki Summer Camp, Rotorua, 1987 – Lynn Shackleton; Joyce, Sarah, and Amy Trafford
A detailed report on the successes of the camp, its tutors, and memorable events.
A Piano Teacher’s Viewpoint – Dorothy Ker
Insights into teacher training and the importance of repetition for skill development.
Hints for Fundraising – Win Bickerstaff
Creative ideas for raising funds through community involvement and musical activities.
Report on Summer Camp Held at Colville – Jenny Haystead
Highlights of a musically enriching camp experience in Colville, including masterclasses and public performances.
News from the Regions
Updates from regional branches, including Auckland, Hamilton, and Hawkes Bay, with concert plans, workshops, and community activities.
NEW YEAR MESSAGE FROM YOUR PRESIDENT
Firstly, I would like to wish every one of our members, their families and friends a New Year full of health, happiness and realisation of ideals.
I have not taken on this position as President of the N.Z.S.I. lightly, and have thought long and carefully before writing this message to you.
This year is the tenth Anniversary of the Suzuki movement in New Zealand. A whole Decade has passed since steps were taken by a few enthusiastic teachers and parents to form our very own New Zealand Suzuki Institute. During those ten years there have been a few ups and downs, but I would like to think we have all learnt a great deal. But, and this is a very big BUT, we must never assume we know it all!
Pablo Casals once said:
“I consider life as our great adviser.
Every day I discover new things.”
We must always strive to better ourselves as persons, teachers, parents, and students. Dr. Suzuki, the Philosopher, Humanitarian, and Musician, must remain the “figure-head” of our ideals and pursuits. We carry his name, and this must not be done lightly!
Please make 1987 our Ten Year Jubilee—a year for sharing and caring. Teachers and Tutors, we are teaching more than Music—we are nurturing people, and to this end, we leave a lasting effect on the families we are in association with for life.
My plea is that each and every person in our Suzuki Institute GIVE as well as TAKE—thus ensuring happiness and goodwill for 1987.
All the best for 1987.
Sincerely,
Josephine Fluhler
“Man is a child of the environment.”
“Sound breathes life—
Without form it lives.”
“Strings are mindless
They only sing forth the heart
Of those who ring them out.”
—Shin’ichi Suzuki
Here is the next section from the March 1987 NZSI Newsletter, transcribed word for word:
Dr Suzuki Says…
“I practice 4 or 5 review pieces again and again with the tape every day. This is the Suzuki Method which develops my ability to a very high level.
After this practice, it becomes easier to play my assigned piece, and I can learn many new pieces faster. This is the Suzuki Method. I am one of the very good students of my teacher!”
Tribute to Dr Suzuki – 88 Years Old
On October the 17th, 1986, Dr Suzuki was 88 years old. Traditionally the Japanese give great honour to individuals at that point in their lives. The symbol for 88 resembles rice, their long-time staple food.
As a tribute to this special time in his life, the International Suzuki Association asked all member countries to contribute their thanks to him, and these were compiled in a special presentation album.
Val Thorburn, our New Zealand Representative, stressed the benefits that New Zealand has gained from the method:
“We are slowly but surely producing children who love and appreciate good music; the method is developing the character and potential of our young people through a positive, relaxed, and yet disciplined way.”
She then concluded by praising Dr Suzuki for the fundamental basis behind all of his teaching:
“Where there is love, much can be accomplished.”
“Dr Suzuki, from all of us in New Zealand, thank you.”
Executive News
Newsletter
The executive is pleased to announce that this year Piano Traders of Auckland (Rod Hancox – Manager) has generously offered to sponsor the production of the newsletter.
The newsletter will now be published three times a year at set dates.
| Closing Dates for Submission of Material | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| February 28th | March 14th |
| June 15th | June 30th |
| September 30th | October 15th |
Secretary to the NZSI
We would like to welcome Iris Apiti of Hamilton as the new Secretary of the Institute.
Our thanks go to Gill Ballard, who has given so much of her time and energy over the years to this demanding job.
We would also like to show our regret that Christine McKenzie (Vice-President, Treasurer), another hard-working member of the Committee, is unable to continue due to personal commitments.
Teacher Trainee Accreditations
Congratulations to the following teachers:
| Name | Instrument | Step(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Dorothy Ker | Piano | Steps 1 & 2 |
| Shirley Nieuwland | Piano | Step 3 |
| Christine Polglase | Violin | Steps 1 & 2 |
| Bev Nation | Violin | Step 2 |
| Erica Colbert | Violin | Step 2 |
| Winifred Bickerstaff | Violin | Step 3 |
| Kerry Langdon | Violin | Step 4 |
Graduation Tapes – Closing Date October 15th
Graduation forms for Japan are now available, but prices will not be available until August/September.
Please note: The old forms are not to be used.
Suzuki Institute Video Library
The Institute has built up quite a library of video tapes which members may hire.
Rules
- Hirage to be at the rate of $4 (four) dollars per tape to cover postage and packaging from the Institute. Hirer to pay return registered postage.
- Hire period is for 10 (ten) days only from receipt of tape unless arranged prior to hirage.
- Maximum of two tapes to be borrowed at any one time.
- Requests will be processed in order of receipt.
- Hirer is to be responsible for breakages due to ineffective packaging.
- Lost or non-returned tapes will be charged out at $30.00 per tape.
- Penalty rate at $1 (one) per day for overdue tapes.
- All tapes will be treated as ‘copyright.’
- Copies may be available on VHS or VIDEO 8 at a cost of $10 (ten) each if a tape is supplied, else plus the cost of tape.
- Tapes to be returned to Suzuki Institute, P.O. Box 6058, Hamilton. Payments to be enclosed when requesting tapes.
Videos Available
| Title | Person or People Filmed | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Movement Class | Nahama Patkin | Rotorua ’86 |
| Public Concert (final) | Napier | 1986 Conference Napier |
| Teacher Training | Prof. J. Kendall | Rotorua ’86 |
| Public Concert (final) | Napier | Rotorua ’86 |
| Recital | Pre-Twinklers & 12–13 yr olds | |
| Public Concert | 9–10 yr olds | |
| Piano Lessons | Nehama Patkin | Rotorua ’86 |
| My Music Teacher’s Okay | Australian Students | Professionally made by the Australian Film Comm. |
| Masterclasses | Yasuki Nakamura | Rotorua ’87 |
| Private Lessons | Yasuki Nakamura | Rotorua ’87 |
| Workshop | ||
| Children’s Violin Concert | ||
| Suzuki Philosophy | Prof. M. Aber | Napier ’86 |
| Piano Teacher Training (1–3) | Prof. M. Aber | Napier ’86 |
Further titles will be added as and when they become available.
Suzuki Summer Camp, Rotorua, 1987
Well, another Summer Camp has come and gone—far too quickly, too. How time flies when one is enjoying oneself! The Suzuki Institute is fortunate to have such willing organizers prepared to spend much time and energy to provide such a wonderful annual event.
Our principal tutors this year were:
- Professor Marjorie Aber (USA)
- Nehama Patkin (Melbourne)
- Yasuki Nakamura (Sydney)
- Gwyneth Mataira (Fiji)
- Kerry Langdon (Auckland)
A welcome visitor from Japan was Megumi Moronaga, soon to graduate from the Talent Institute in Matsumoto.
The Summer Camp is timed to coincide with the last of the Australian Summer Camps, and thus we have been able to have tutors here who would otherwise be too expensive to bring directly from the Northern Hemisphere. Last year, Professor John Kendall visited us, and this year, Professor Marjorie Aber.
What can one say about Miss Aber? She proved to be a truly wonderful musician and teacher, whose communication skills were so refined that it was inspiring to watch her at work. Firm, but with an engaging sense of humour, she was a real winner!
The programme this year was more relaxed than in previous camps. Consequently, the children were more receptive. It also gave parents and students opportunities to observe groups other than their own.
Highlights of the evening programmes were:
- The Carnival of the Animals, narrated by Nehama Patkin and accompanied by a small orchestra comprised of tutors, teachers, and parents, followed by a lesson in dancing the Minuet.
- The Tutors Concert, a most professional presentation by all performers.
- The Public Concert, at which all students played with much distinction.
- The Fun Concert, at the conclusion of which the “Goodnight Kiwi” TV sequence was enacted. Harry Lawson was a very engaging “Kiwi,” to say the least.
On the final morning, we had the pleasure of a visit from a Māori Concert Party, which was greatly appreciated, particularly by the overseas guests. Mr Nakamura certainly showed much promise when he attempted the “Haka”!
This is as much as space will permit, so,
“Hi-de-hi,” folks. See you at Rotorua, 1988.
Lynn Shackleton
Additional Reflections on Rotorua Summer Camp, 1987
How lucky we were to enjoy the ‘feast’ of music this camp provided, in such a lovely environment with such first-class tutors.
The wealth of experience and knowledge shared in a truly Suzuki fashion by Professor Aber, Mr Nakamura, and Nehama Patkin is something we will remember for a long time and probably always.
To tutors, parents, students, workers, and organizers—a big thank you; because without any one of you, camp would not have been the wonderful success it was.
– Joyce, Sarah, and Amy Trafford
Thoughts on Camp Coordination
As a co-organizer of the Summer String Camp, I was saddened to discover that some of our members were holding a camp just a week before the annual String Camp. Whether or not the camp at Colville was meant to compete with the Rotorua Camp is an irrelevant matter of the past.
In future, I would urge all groups to centralize their information to allow for cohesion within the organization. The events are usually planned some months in advance; thus, with coordination, events need not clash. (And maybe a spin-off could be the sharing of tutors?) For parents on limited incomes, the dilemma of which event to attend can be a difficult one—and some missed out on wonderful tuition from Professor Aber, Yasuki Nakamura, and Nehama Patkin.
Thank you for reading these thoughts.
– Christine McKenzie
A Piano Teacher’s Viewpoint – Dorothy Ker
This year, very successfully, piano teacher training with Nehama Patkin was included in the activities at the Rotorua camp. With only one short daily session of lessons with piano students, there was a lot of time able to be spent on intensive discussion and on playing by the teacher trainees themselves.
Due to her energetic, colorful, and incredibly positive approach, Nehama is always a hot favorite. Watching her methods of drawing things out of children is something from which we all particularly gained. The importance of being a good role model is something which was impressed on us also by Marjorie Aber.
It was probably the value and importance of repetition which, for me, was the point that really “rang home” loudest during the camp as being a major key to ability development. Repetition of perfection.
“This is practice; all the rest is preparation.”
VIII Suzuki Method International Conference
August 10–16, 1987, Berlin (West)
Dr Suzuki is to be present at this conference and has asked that National Associations screen “with great responsibility and care” those children and teachers who wish to play solos and/or in groups.
It is interesting to note that Dr Suzuki has requested that piano pieces be played in a group of 20 pianos for the final concert.
For further information, contact:
NZSI, P.O. Box 6058, Hamilton
Members’ Views
Reply to Simon
Generally, I agree with Simon in his letter of November 1986.
I was sad he limited his list of teachers to the few he did, and neglected the remaining Piano Teacher Trainer, Dora Harkness, who surely deserves note along with the others.
I have spent some time and thought to consider what respect is. For me, it’s not the “name/reputation” a teacher has. Nor is it the fees I may be charged. Rather, it’s the attitude of the teacher towards my child—who is a person in his/her own right. It is the accuracy of the information that the teacher disseminates and the way it is passed on.
It is gentleness, humility, and love that characterizes that teacher, not arrogance and a sharp manner towards parent and child.
I believe we’re all equals here on this earth. Some of us have developed our talents in ways others have not. It is only our differing environments that account for those differences. Different opportunities to develop particular talents, be they violin playing, piano playing, gymnastics, swimming, knitting, or whatever.
Understanding and empathy of the person with or without those talents is respect. The teacher who has developed such a philosophy, whether consciously or not, is one who will have the respect of his/her children and parents.
– Christine McKenzie
For Sale
- Violins:
- 1/2 size Lark – $85.00
Contact: Rosemary Friedlander, 43 Cameron St, New Plymouth. Phone: 86-054. - 1/4 size Lark – $90.00
Contact: Same as above.
- 1/2 size Lark – $85.00
- Full Size Violin:
- French, old, lovely tone – $680.00 (includes case and bow).
Contact: Christine McKenzie, Phone: 075-497-046.
- French, old, lovely tone – $680.00 (includes case and bow).
- 3/4 Size Violin:
- Late 18–19th century German – $325.00.
Contact: S. Buchanan, 36 Shackleton Rd, Mt Eden, Auckland. Phone: 685-502.
- Late 18–19th century German – $325.00.
- New Piano Teacher:
Dorothy Ker – West Auckland. Phone: 604-184 or 275-919.
News from the Regions
Hawkes Bay Branch
The Hawkes Bay Branch Committee is as follows:
- President: Dallas Knight
- Vice-President: Win Bickerstaff
- Secretary: Susan Holderness
- Treasurer: Barbara Christensen
- Committee Members: Don Anderson, Harry Lawson, Clive Ralph, Vicki Wallis
Hawkes Bay Branch Report
Without the demands of running the Conference this year, the Committee intends to concentrate on getting the children performing as often as possible. We hope to arrange a concert a month.
Last year, one of our concerts was a combined one for piano and violin. We must have more of these and play-ins. The small group activities from last year, such as playing for the elderly, busking for Save the Children Fund, playing roadside for runners in a half marathon event, caroling in Napier Hospital, and playing in Peace Rallies, were rewarding and appreciated by the public. We intend to keep this sort of thing going. It is great experience and always enjoyable.
March 8th: A group will be playing to entertain entrants in the Run organized by combined Karamu and Napier West Rotary Clubs to raise funds for Youth Organizations.
Hints for Fundraising – Win Bickerstaff
One of the secrets of the success of the Suzuki Method is undoubtedly the commitment it asks of its teachers, its parents, its pupils; the involvement they all have with each other and the “movement” that continually stimulates them.
My suggestion is that we take that commitment and involvement a little further in a fun and social way to raise those needed funds. We have the advantage that the activities we already do give scope for fundraising in different ways from those on which other groups are dependent—like endless raffle ticket selling.
Here are some ideas:
- Have a “play-in” followed by a finger food meal with a sales table and/or a silent auction.
- A BBQ or hangi with help from the local Māori community. Get the children to make kites to fly at the BBQ.
- Spend a day at a farm (we had a “play-in” in a woolshed and had races outside). Invite the local community and ask for donations.
- Approach Local Arts Councils for funds.
- Seek sponsorship from large firms for special occasions.
- Concerts are always fun—busking is a novel way to raise money (do it from the back of a truck!).
- For dads, there is always a farmer who would like a bit of scrub or a fallen tree cleared away.
- A car wash, a garage sale, or a progressive dinner.
There is tremendous satisfaction in raising money by your own efforts. This is enhanced by the involvement of your committees.
Auckland Branch News
On Sunday, April 5th, at 2:00 PM, we are holding a combined concert with Auckland Grammar School in the Town Hall. The Auckland Suzuki children will be playing in the first half of the concert, with Auckland Grammar (Strings and Brass) providing the second half.
Coming Events in 1987
- Violin Workshop/Camp at Camp Morley: May 30/31.
- Piano Workshop: July 25/26, 9 AM–5 PM each day, Auckland College of Education (Auckland Teachers College).
Hamilton Branch
1987 Grand Anniversary Conference
Plans are now well underway. Keep these dates free: September 6th to September 11th.
The venue is St Peter’s School, Cambridge, which offers A1 accommodation and teaching facilities—10 pianos, for example.
- Miss Mori will probably attend this conference as our Japanese Guest Violin Tutor.
- Mr Mitchell will lead for piano.
- Ms Jackson will serve as the Guest Cello Tutor from Australia.
We hope our excellent NZ tutors will fully support this conference and be able to attend.
Fun Day/Workshop on March 21st
Hamilton Branch will host a Fun Day/Workshop at the Waikato University. This will be an opportunity to welcome Kerry Langdon home from Japan and to welcome the Hartigans to NZ from Ireland.
- All three tutors—Sophie Hartigan, Jerome Hartigan, and Kerry Langdon—will offer a wonderful day programme for students, teachers, and parents.
- Those who attended Colville Camp will remember Sophie for her enthusiastic and imaginative violin tuition and Jerome for his exciting Movement to Music classes. Kerry was a splendid worker, teacher, and performer at the Rotorua String Camp.
For registration, please contact: Joyce Trafford, ‘Watermere,’ River Road, RD 1, Hamilton.
Fundraising Notelets and Writing Pads
- Notelets and envelopes: $2.95 for 10.
- Writing pads: $2.25.
Please help us raise funds for the 1987 Conference. (See the logo on the back page of the newsletter.)
Corrections to Last Newsletter
- Mrs. Jill Carter omitted from Hamilton Committee.
Phone: 295-868. - Re: Piano Teacher Training
These sessions will take place; contact Mrs. Jill Carter for details.
Report on Summer Camp Held at Colville, January 18–24
“Haven’t we had a wonderful week,” was the comment of my nine-year-old son as we drew into our home carport. Instead of switching on the television that evening, both boys dug out recorders and started working out a couple of Suzuki tunes.
My children’s behavior is an example of the effect of the total musical experience of the camp. Everything, from the early morning singing sessions to the folk dancing before they went to bed, emphasized music, rhythm, and movement.
The programme of masterclasses, with small groups of children in the mornings and larger group sessions later in the day, allowed time for listening to tapes and other people’s lessons and also for private practice. The effectiveness of this was evident in the extremely good performances in the daily recitals and an excellent public concert. The people of Colville turned out in large numbers and generated a wonderfully enthusiastic atmosphere for the concert, which helped lift the quality of the playing.
The tutors—Joachim Neupert (violin), Sophie Hartigan (violin), Karen Neupert (flute, recorder, singing, dancing), and Jerome Hartigan (movement to music)—put in a tremendous amount of effort, and the result was that there was something for everybody.
As well as teaching, they tutored a Chamber Group, gave talks, answered questions, showed videos, and performed in the Public Concert and the Fun Concert. “The Ideal Suzuki Lesson” and “The Dance of the Little Swans” will be remembered for many years to come.
Congratulations and thanks to the tutors and organizer, Joanna Pearsall, for a very successful camp.
– Jenny Haystead
