NZ Suzuki Journal Summer 1999 – Letters to the Editor
Letter 1: Through the journal, we would like to congratulate and thank the Hamilton Branch for another very successful Summer Camp, our second one with them. We just wanted to say “Well Done,” in spite of the problems you had with the manager of the venue.
We are trying to be a Suzuki family, but live in Gisborne without a Suzuki teacher or the enrichment of regular group contact, and we found the camp filled with knowledge-sharing, friendliness, and encouragement from both the tutors and other parents. Our girls have come home so keen and have already asked when the next one is!
In appreciation,
Iain, Sharlie, Emma & Sarah Kelman
Letter 2: Dear Suzuki Friends,
Thank you, South Island Suzuki Camp, for a wonderful week. Students, keep an eye on those rosin marks, and everybody watch the leader (unless you are the leader!). Thanks for working hard to make your wishes come true.
Special thanks to our Suzuki hosts and hostesses on the South Island: Lindsay Reid and Frances, Maree Pan and family, Lois McCallum, Val Thorburn, and Ann Goodbehere when we returned to the North. We are very sad to leave you all. After camp, we had three lovely last weeks in New Zealand—whale watching in Kaikoura, flying back to the North Island in a small plane, hiking the Tongariro Crossing on a beautiful day, and sitting in a hot pool at Hot Water Beach.
We have had a few days on Maui, Hawaii, watching more whales playing like dolphins and swimming in the sea—warm water! Now we are really on our way home, with many lovely memories of New Zealand to keep us company until we see you again. Come see us, or send an email.
Cathy and Ron Arps
feetfeat@hotmail.com
Letter 3: Greetings!
As a new Suzuki family, we look forward to getting to know a lot of you committed parents and students. In January, we experienced what a string camp had to offer. We went to Ngaruawahia loaded up with children and gear and had a wonderful five days of beautiful music, friendly people, great tutors, buzzing children, and of course, great food! Well done, George!
Our eldest son Mathew had been learning violin for one and a half years when his teacher left the area, and by a great blessing, we discovered Val Thorburn and of course the Suzuki Method. We had lots of bad habits to correct, but with enthusiasm and anticipation, we went to camp after only four lessons from Val. In the following five days, Mathew was on a high of excitement and just couldn’t get enough of group lessons and fun with other children. This was a great encouragement to his violin playing.
If you haven’t attended a camp, we would highly recommend it—not only for a break away, but for what it does for the children’s playing. The progress that has been made by our son has been great, with a new commitment to practice and a much-improved posture and technique. A great start for a new year! The whole environment was a learning time for the children, and for the $130 tuition fee, a lot more was achieved than in six or so lessons.
A big thanks to all of the organizers and tutors, and for all of you that have never been, mark your calendar and plan to be there next year. You’ll be glad you made the effort.
Kind regards,
The Jordans
From the Editor:
Just a quick word to say Happy New Year! I’m back in the hot seat and will be gratefully receiving any material you can send into the journal. Check the inside front cover for the address and copy deadline. Many thanks to the contributors to this edition.
Ann Goodbehere