tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48606298145257157872024-03-08T10:34:32.337-08:00Piano with Mrs. AdamsRealizing each child is unique, I am dedicated to quality instruction and committed to instilling a love and appreciation for music as I motivate students toward excellence.Rebecca Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17716104066016227954noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4860629814525715787.post-24508603624394130352010-04-20T16:44:00.000-07:002010-04-20T17:14:24.066-07:00SPRING INTO ACTIONStudents see this sign as they arrive for their lessons:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:arial;" >Spring Showers Bring Practice Hours!</span><br /><br />I post it every year in April and watch students smile after reading it. I think they "get it" and most even express they like having something to do indoors when it's rainy and chilly out.<br /><br />It's been one month since we finished our piano year in March. I hope the students that I haven't seen since March are practicing! It only takes a few weeks to begin sliding. Continuing students should continue preferably in both Spring and Summer Sessions but at the very least, one or the other. If your child is getting a bit lazy and needs a jump start, new music and help with a few new songs will help him/her pick-up their practicing.<br /><br />I am in the process of completing fall placements for current students. I've emailed new lesson times for everyone except high school students. If you haven't received yours, please contact me right away so you'll know which day to reserve. High school students should plan early evenings and will be contacted individually.<br /><br />April has been pretty crazy with all the scheduling I get to do. I am emailing a reminder the day before or day of your scheduled lesson during April-July. If you don't hear from me, please check-in to make sure I have your child on schedule and have the time correct. I try to be perfect but I guess I need more practice!<br /><br />That's it for now!<br />Thanks,<br />Mrs. AdamsRebecca Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17716104066016227954noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4860629814525715787.post-25993874541254329942010-02-22T05:32:00.000-08:002010-02-22T05:46:27.130-08:00SPRING PIANOSpring Piano Registration begins Feb. 22 for the month of April. You can also schedule May lessons at this time if you wish. During Spring Session through the Summer, I only offer private lessons. Fee: $40 per 1/2 hr.<br /><br />I'm registering students on a first come, first serve basis now. Email your date and time requests. I will confirm your reservation and attach a statement.<br /><br />Tuition is due May 15. Music fee is additional if needed.<br /><br />Please keep in mind that Spring Session is <span style="font-weight: bold;">vitally</span> important if your child isn't able to study or studying minimally in the summer. From April to September is way too long a span to be without instruction and practice.Rebecca Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17716104066016227954noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4860629814525715787.post-46156729150558266652010-02-01T06:30:00.000-08:002010-02-01T07:01:07.790-08:00NEW IN 20102010 marks 30 years of teaching piano for me! Children and music combined have been a tremendous source of inspiration and joy in my life.<br /><br />2010 also marks the year I'll be making some changes to piano. These changes are in the works now as I'm exploring adding some variety to my profession as a teacher-composer-author. Priority on my agenda will be to announce a new location for piano before our piano year ends the week of March 22nd along with info. on Spring/Summer lessons. I appreciate the feedback from the survey I sent home in January. If you didn't send yours back, please send it in with your student this week.<br /><br />In the mean time, it's piano as usual. Please check the Feb. and Mar. calendars (to the right) for any canceled classes. I don't plan to be around on those days should you forget and drop your child off.<br /><br />February's Theme is "I LOVE PIANO"! What else???!!!!!!!<br /><br />Thanks for your never ending support!<br />RebeccaRebecca Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17716104066016227954noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4860629814525715787.post-74887722088605237312010-01-04T12:00:00.000-08:002010-01-04T12:20:57.834-08:00HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!We're kick'in off the new year with 2010 Piano Speedway! It's time to fuel up and get moving! Students will be given a Disney Car Practice Card this week. The goal is to reach the finish line by Jan. 31. (This will replace the Disney Pass we've been using.) Students should color one symbol each day they practice 30 minutes. Please continue to aim for a 5 day practice week. Students will also bring home a Speedway Piano Topper. Put it where it will be seen every day - piano, desk, bathroom mirror, kitchen table, wherever. It's a "silent" practice reminder. I hope when students see it, they connect it with piano practicing. Be sure to check out their new year goal on the back.<br /><br />I like cold weather because it usually means more inside time to practice. The trick is to get back in practice mode after a two week break. This week may be a bit of a challenge as students return to school but we can do it! Hopefully, they'll return home with car batteries charged after piano this week!Rebecca Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17716104066016227954noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4860629814525715787.post-80219423631525047512009-11-05T07:09:00.000-08:002009-11-05T07:22:11.110-08:00The Holidays are approaching....<br /><br />Depending on which day your student attends piano, you may only have 5 or 6 lessons until Winter Break! That's why we've started holiday songs. I'd like all students to have a nice repertoire by then. There are plenty of opportunities for performance this time of year whether it be with your Scout Troop at a Senior Center, for your church service or right at home for your own holiday party. At the very least, schedule a family night to hear your child perform. Make it a special part of your holiday! Children who create their own program to pass out and help prepare a favorite treat will always remember their special concert. Holiday music brings a nice spirit of warmth, love and kindness into your home. Don't miss out!Rebecca Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17716104066016227954noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4860629814525715787.post-65648952536408973792009-10-09T06:29:00.000-07:002009-10-09T06:42:00.115-07:00O.C.T.B.E.R Sharing TimeTo encourage students to retain what they've learn, I've asked them to share ALL 2009 Fall or Halloween themed songs at Sharing Time Oct 26-31. This will also encourage futher polishing and surprise memorizing while helping to build repertoires.Rebecca Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17716104066016227954noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4860629814525715787.post-61773411615206097002009-10-09T06:24:00.000-07:002009-10-09T06:28:32.758-07:00A story of commitment and discipline....Thunderous applause filled the concert hall. One of the world's greatest violinists had just completed his final selection of the evening's program. Eagerly, a woman made her way to the stage in hopes of expressing her admiration to this great artist. Threading her way through the crowd, she finally reached him. Shaking his hand, she said exuberantly, "Oh, I'd give my life if I could play like that." He promptly responded, "Madam, I have!"Rebecca Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17716104066016227954noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4860629814525715787.post-5356647786978392872009-09-24T04:37:00.000-07:002009-09-24T05:09:16.995-07:00Prizes for Practicing!Students are counting their songs as well as the number of Disney stickers they've earned on their Practice Passes during September! For each sticker earned, students drop their name into a treasure chest for a drawing next week. All are hoping to be one of the lucky winners! Prizes are the completed Disney puzzles students have been assembling along with other Disney pictures, games and more! Students earn a puzzle piece at the conclusion of each lesson for in-class listening, good piano manners, concentration, practicing, cooperation, working hard etc. If your child brings home a puzzle, you'll know a lot went into it! (I've never seen kids so excited about puzzles!)<br /><br />Sharing Time is part of each class now through the end of September. I've pulled out my Halloween files and boxes of tricks to spook-up some fun times in classes during October. Look to the right for your second Tuition due date and October calendar details.<br /><br />Thanks for taking a few minutes to stay current on piano happenings for fall! I'm lovin' your kids and their music!<br />~Mrs. AdamsRebecca Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17716104066016227954noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4860629814525715787.post-82203424803998495212009-09-14T09:44:00.000-07:002009-09-14T09:58:30.954-07:00A little practice incentive....Students who have returned to piano with 5 days of practice or more, are being rewarded with a lollipop. Have you seen your child's Disney Practice Pass? Each day students practice, they should circle another number. The goal is to have five circles by the end of the week. I've also given a little speech that it's always best to record practice honestly. Thanks to moms who are monitoring Disney Passes so I have a clear picture of what's happening at home. Feel free to write "ill" or "out of town" etc. on days that practice is impossible. CONGRATULATIONS to students who practiced all 7 days! What devotion!<br /><br />CONGRATULATIONS to students playing one and two-octave scales with 2 hands! I'm applauding you! This isn't easy to do and I know how much practice it takes! WAY TO GO!<br /><br />Good things are happening! I love it!Rebecca Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17716104066016227954noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4860629814525715787.post-21485343894080112292009-09-14T09:35:00.000-07:002009-09-14T09:43:49.036-07:00PIANO TUNERAfter several requests for my piano tuner, thought I'd post this information for all of you.<br />Charlotte Alden's Piano Service - 847.623.4543. I've used Charlotte for years. Her family is in their 4th generation of tuning, repairing, restoring. As far as I'm concerned, the Aldens are the best around. Pianos generally need tuning when the seasons change from hot to cold, at least once a year. If your piano hasn't been tuned in a while or it's been moved, it may require two tunings to hold the pitch.Rebecca Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17716104066016227954noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4860629814525715787.post-58987685940787471142009-09-04T05:17:00.000-07:002009-09-04T05:58:05.597-07:00TAKE NOTE....advice on practicing!It is music to my ears to hear a student tell me how they are sucessfully fitting piano practice into their schedules. Hayley Adams, a Junior at DHS, shared what's working for her this year.<br /><br />"I go to the piano and practice inbetween studying. It keeps me fresher when I return to my homework."<br /><br />YES IT DOES! A little homework, a little music. I love it! Thanks for being a great example Hayley!<br /><br />I would also encourage students to alternate challenging music with an easy or review piece. Brains get tired when focused too long on something that's hard. <strong>Remember parents, mistakes come from the brain not the fingers.</strong> Does this tell you anything about leaving practicing until bedtime? Bouncing back and forth between hard and easy or homework and piano keeps the brain refreshed and thinking in new and creative ways! Let's face it, practicing is work. Help your child explore options so they can return to piano feeling the sweet success of mastering their assignment!<br /><br />If high school students can fit practicing into their crazy busy lives, is there really an excuse for anyone younger to not practice? It's all about priorities and time management. I understand at times it can be quite a balancing act. Start the year by helping your child establish a routine. Be observant to what time works best. Try different plans. Tune-in to make sure all music is getting practiced. The discipline you're teaching will help them be responsible students whether at piano or school. What you're doing is setting them up for life! You are so important!<br /><br />Do you have a practice tip that's working for your child? Please email it to me. We can all learn from each other!Rebecca Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17716104066016227954noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4860629814525715787.post-52820647182499319962009-09-01T10:51:00.000-07:002009-09-01T11:34:46.354-07:00It's Piano Time!!!!We're into the first week of piano and all is going well here! I hope it is on your end too! This year is my 29th year of teaching in the Deerfield-Lincolnshire area! WOW! Time flies!<br /><br />Over the next few weeks, students should be getting back into a practice routine. I've kept first week assignments small to help students transition back with school and homework already! I'll be checking Disney Practice Passes each lesson. Don't forget them!<br /><br />I'm happy to answer your questions and do whatever I can to make piano a happy and fulfilling experience for each student.<br /><br />Let the magic begin!<br /><br />Mrs. AdamsRebecca Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17716104066016227954noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4860629814525715787.post-80004552934496557422009-07-14T04:05:00.000-07:002009-07-14T04:40:40.380-07:00The summer is flying by!!!!!I've enjoyed seeing students and working on Disney tunes this summer! This timeless music, no matter what level, has challenged students to learn additional notes, play in new hand positions and become master of new rhythms and styles. If your child has completed his/her scheduled lessons for the summer, just keep playing the songs we've worked on every chance you have until I see you back the end of August.<br /><br />I'm going to be emailing fall information and attaching your child's Tuition and Fee Statement the first week of August. This will be the first year in my teaching career this hasn't gone out by regular mail. Rather than put dollars into stamps, I'll channel it toward shipping costs for your fall music.<br /><br />The last day I'll be teaching for summer is Aug. 11th. My schedule between now and then is pretty booked but I'll try to accommodate additional lesson requests. I'll continue to schedule lessons by email. It's worked fantastic and saved me oodles of time! Thank you!<br /><br />Well, enjoy your summer days and get in some practicing! If you have a keyboard, it's fun for students to occasionally practice outdoors. If you don't, kids can still take books out for a Practice Picnic, writing in notes and counting. If kids are hot, tired and lazy, put on any CD from your music bks and just have them listen. All reinforcement is helpful!<br /><br />ENJOY!<br />Mrs. AdamsRebecca Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17716104066016227954noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4860629814525715787.post-21245328269022804722009-06-03T10:03:00.001-07:002009-06-03T10:27:02.498-07:00CONGRATULATIONS TO JR. HIGH GRADS!<br />This fall, Ashley Babcock, Chris Ryan and Lianna Nixon are off to DHS, Courtney Jones heads to Stevenson and Andrew Braunlich to Lake Forest High School! I predict GREAT success for each student as I know a little something about the kind of students they are! They are prepared and ready to move on!<br /><br /><br />SUMMER PIANO COMING UP!<br />It's June and we're coming close to the end of Spring Session on June 19th. Summer Session begins June 22. If you haven't scheduled your summer lessons, better check-in with me.<br /><br /><br />LOOKING TOWARD FALL -<br />At this point, all student placements (except several high school age students -you know who you are) have been emailed along with the 2009-2010 Piano Calendar. Please note that piano begins the end of Aug. so plan accordingly.<br /><br />Hope everyone is gearing up for a terrific summer!Rebecca Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17716104066016227954noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4860629814525715787.post-992586763939168372009-04-27T10:24:00.000-07:002009-04-27T10:37:55.042-07:00Fall PlacementsFall placements and the calendar for 2009-10 will be emailed the second week of May.<br /><br />I'm excited to welcome students back for Spring Piano in May! The studio has been transformed into a Magic Kingdom with castles, Mickey and Friends, a Winnie the Pooh Note Reading, Pirate Counting, Nemo Practicing, cars and princesses too! Soooo cute and inviting to begin studying our Disney music!<br /><br />Haven't signed up? All I need to know is what dates you'd like! Please email.Rebecca Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17716104066016227954noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4860629814525715787.post-8217271689759400922009-04-06T19:03:00.000-07:002009-04-13T04:59:09.402-07:00Thank You!I can't believe our piano year is nearly over and this is the final week of classes! My sincere appreciation for all you do to help your child have a good experience and enjoy music making.<br /><br />To wind up a few loose ends....<br />If you haven't returned your fall registration, please send it with your child April 13-17 or please email me that your child will not be enrolling. This is the last week of priority registration for current students and I'll begin working on placements for fall. I'm hoping to confirm your new lesson time next week.<br /><br />It's also time to send tuition for any Sp./Summer lessons you've signed up for. I believe I've emailed everyone who has signed up with your tuition and book fees. I will email lesson reminders out the day before your lesson. Students do not need to bring anything with them the first day. We will NOT be using Pianimals bags or books. Please leave them at home. Please remember to make all checks payable to Rebecca Adams.<br /><br />Yes, you can still sign up for spring/summer lessons when you know your availability! Just email some dates and flexible times. Spring is May 7 - June 19 and Summer June 22 - Aug. 11.<br /><br />I'm looking forward to some fun at Disneyland, here at piano with your child and the real deal in California! I'm heading to LA to visit my daughter in several weeks. We'll also be at American Idol (live)Wed., April 29th. I'll be waving at you from the audience!<br /><br />It's been a GREAT year! Keep your kids practicing! I'd love to hear from you during the summer!<br />Mrs. AdamsRebecca Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17716104066016227954noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4860629814525715787.post-9525155610252148222009-03-24T18:43:00.000-07:002009-03-24T19:11:50.341-07:00Stu's a Winner!!!!<span style="font-size:130%;">Dedication and hard work pays off for <strong>Stuart Babcock!!!<br /></strong><br />Stu has been selected to perform Grieg's Piano Concerto in concert on May 14th at Deerfield High School. I sat in on his audition Friday and left feeling Stu's performance would be a hard one to beat. Mark your calendars. This would be inspiring for all budding pianists to attend!<br /><br />While Stu continues his preparation for this spring concert, he's starting preparations for college auditions one year from now with works of Bach, Rachmaninoff and Beethoven.<br /><br /></span>Rebecca Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17716104066016227954noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4860629814525715787.post-59298860436961457752009-03-11T12:47:00.000-07:002009-03-11T13:03:04.914-07:00CONGRATULATIONS TO STUART BABCOCK!!!<strong>Stuart Babcock</strong> competed in the Chicago Symphony's Concerto Competition Mar. 9th. He performed a 33 page Greig Concerto Op. 16 all memorized!!!! Stu is a Junior at Deerfield High School, has studied piano for 10 years and said this was a great experience for him. He will compete in DHS Concerto Competition Mar. 20. We all wish him a great performance!<br /><br />Way to go Stu! You have a proud teacher!!!!<br /><br />What's a concerto?<br />Instrumental solo accompanied by an orchestra. )Rebecca Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17716104066016227954noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4860629814525715787.post-61428150854328266882009-02-20T12:50:00.000-08:002009-02-20T13:02:18.611-08:00<span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Piano Registration for next school year...</strong><br /><strong></strong></span><br />Priority Registration forms will be sent home with students the week of Feb. 23. Be sure to check piano bags and binder pockets next week.<br /><br />Registration is due back before your last day of class, the week of April 13. Lesson placement confirmations will be emailed the end of April, beginning of May.<br /><br />If you do not plan to enroll your child, please inform me soon as possible. If you have a child you are hoping to enroll, it's time to let me know if you haven't already. I'm taking wait list names for new students now.Rebecca Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17716104066016227954noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4860629814525715787.post-36880143859789247122009-02-06T06:16:00.000-08:002009-02-09T12:32:30.556-08:00Announcing Spring & Summer Piano Trip......<strong><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">Pack your bags, we're going to Disneyland!</span></strong><br /><strong></strong><br />Piano students will enjoy the magic of Disney music at Mrs. Adams' own Magic Kingdom! Book your first class seat with Mrs. Adams any time after Feb. 15th. Personalize your own itinerary with the number of lessons, dates and times you'd like to travel.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Season Opens:</span></strong><br />Spring: May 7 - June 19<br />Summer: June 22 - Aug. 14<br />Students can register for lessons in one or both sessions.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Park Hours:</span></strong><br />M-F 3 to 7 p.m. Sat. 8 to 11 a.m.<br />M-F mornings by special request.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Registration by email only.</span></strong> I will process requests in the order I receive them. First come, first serve basis. Confirmations will be sent by email.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Disney Pass:</span></strong><br />Private Admission only. No group passes.<br />$40 each 1/2 hr. adventure<br />Disney Piano Book will range from $10-25. (I'm reviewing books now)<br />To hold dates, payment is due in full <strong>by Mar. 25</strong> for Spring and <strong>May 1 for Summer.<br /></strong><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>To register</strong>....</span><br />Determine what will be best for your child by selecting Options 1, 2, or 3.<br /><br /><strong>#1 Maintenance </strong>- requires a minimum of 3-4 lessons. At each lesson, students receive instruction on as many Disney songs as lessons permit to help them understand the music and motivate self-directed practice. Practice requirement is relaxed, fitting practice in as able with other activities.<br /><br /><strong>#2 Progression</strong> - requires as close to weekly lessons as fit your schedule. Assignments are smaller, giving some practice leeway. Same books are used but alternated with addition of a motivational Disney fun play book. 5 or 6 day practice week recommended.<br /><br /><strong>#3 Catch-up</strong> - If school year lessons were interrupted by multiple absences, student would benefit from weekly or bi-weekly lessons. Regular music will be reviewed along with addition of Disney. More practice the better taking into account off school activities.<br /><br />Please keep in mind where there is no teacher connection, students lose motivation, interest and regress rapidly! Four months could be detrimental come fall.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Additional Notes:</span></strong><br />Because a traditional 1/2 lesson goes by quickly, siblings may not share a lesson time. It would be a better plan for them to alternate weeks if needed. Siblings are welcome to schedule back-to-back lessons so you can return in an hour. I do request you send something for younger students to do inside while waiting like a book(s) to read, coloring book etc. Older students can take advantage of the additional practice time while instruction is fresh on their minds. Don't forget about the park up the street too.<br /><br />Should you have a conflict and need to change a lesson date, I will do my best to accommodate requests given a minimum of one week advance notice if space is available. No refunds or make-ups are given if you miss for any reason. Any changes must be made within the time frame of that session.<br /><br />Please remember the time I set aside for you is yours, whether you're here or not. Please plan to arrive on time to take advantage of the full lesson. Students arriving late will receive a shortened lesson so the next student can begin at their scheduled time.<br /><br />Feel free to email your questions to <a href="mailto:rapsnotes@yahoo.com">rapsnotes@yahoo.com</a><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family:lucida grande;font-size:180%;">See you in ToonTown!!!!!</span></strong><br />Mrs. AdamsRebecca Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17716104066016227954noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4860629814525715787.post-48740217212310570072009-01-01T08:05:00.000-08:002009-01-01T09:03:07.726-08:00<strong><em>Happy New Year!</em></strong><br /><br />I hope you enjoyed your holiday and vacation days!<br /><br /><strong><em>Old Business:</em></strong><br />Did you have your family concert during December? If not, plan a new year concert! I've enjoyed hearing about concerts done earlier in December! Many of my students performed for Christmas in Retirement Centers, Nursing Homes and in their church services. Music should bless lives - the giver and the receiver! I encourage students to share their talents with others any time they can all year long, not just at holiday time.<br /><br />Thanks to everyone who brought mittens in for our Mitten Tree. Sixty pairs of gloves and mittens, along with some hats and a set of mitten clips were donated to Vernon Township to be distributed on Wed., Jan. 7th to communities they service in Lake County. Recipients will have warmer hands along with a cheerful greeting your child attached to their donation. Sometimes I think we forget about the good we can do for others in whatever capacity we serve. I hope this opportunity encouraged dialog at home about the importance of serving and loving those in need.<br /><br />Thank you too for the many cards, pictures, gifts, baked goods you showered me with. I'm touched and appreciative and am sending notes home with your children that are meant for your eyes too!<br /><strong></strong><br /><em><strong>New Business:</strong><br /></em>Students should return to piano with a clean binder pocket, piano bag and regular lesson books. Please leave holiday books home unless you are returning lending library books to me. Some of you may need to hide the holiday books to help channel practicing!<br /><br />Students (except new Sept. beginners) were given the opportunity to make-up a poor practice week and earn a practice sticker (on the classroom chart). Bring your snowflake strip (or write your practice on a piece of paper) to your first 2009 class to earn your make-up sticker.<br /><br />Please help your child re-establish a practice routine. Sometimes it's a big challenge after a break.<br /><br />I look forward to more fun and growth this new piano year!Rebecca Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17716104066016227954noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4860629814525715787.post-26930996294686261272008-11-19T04:43:00.000-08:002008-11-19T06:26:03.690-08:00<span style="color:#000000;"><em><strong>Now winter has arrived....</strong></em><br /></span><br /><span style="color:#993399;"><em><strong>Special Request -</strong></em><br /></span>If you are waiting here during your child's lesson and it's after dark, please switch-off your headlights while you wait so they don't shine directly into my neighbor's windows. You can also wait on Plymouth then circle back when it's pick-up time. It would also be helpful when picking up after class if you'd turn your interior lights on so students can see you when dismissed.<br /><br /><em><strong><span style="color:#993399;">Snow -</span></strong></em><br />If there is 1" or more of snow, no parking is allowed on streets. Waiting is fine but if the snow plow comes, you'll need to temporarily move. Don't go for a walk and leave your car unattended on a snowy day!<br /><br /><em><strong><span style="color:#993399;">Snow Cancellations -</span></strong></em><br />If there is a big storm, call my piano line 847.948.7554 for a recorded message AFTER 2:00 the day of your lesson. I will also send out an email notice about the same time. I don't cancel classes unless it's blizzard conditions. Sometimes it won't be snowing here and it is where you are. Sometimes school is canceled in your area, but not here. I try to make the best call for everyone concerned. I do not make-up snow cancellation dates. Instead, I spend class time emailing assignments and or preparing assignments that need to be mailed.<br /><br /><span style="color:#993399;"><em><strong>December Holiday Concert Assignment-</strong></em><br /></span>As you know, students have been learning holiday songs. It's time to choose a December date for your child to perform a short concert for your family. It's fun to invite friends and relatives and serve a simple refreshment. Please fit this in during December, before leaving on a trip, otherwise it doesn't get done. Please post a note in your child's autograph book to show me in January. (We forget about these books!) If your child doesn't have an autograph book, send a short note telling me about the evening. Children could also design a simple program sheet.<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#993399;"><strong>Musical Gifts- </strong></span></em><br /><span style="color:#993399;"><span style="color:#000000;">If you are looking for stocking stuffer type music gifts for your child, jewelry, t-shirt, books, etc., you might like to check out this source. <a href="http://www.friendshiphouse.com/">www.friendshiphouse.com</a>. They have fun things.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color:#993399;"><span style="color:#000000;"><span style="color:#993399;"><em><strong>Warm- up Cold Fingers Service Opportunity-</strong></em></span> </span></span><br />We talk a lot about fingers in piano. I would like students to think of fingers on the hands of less fortunate children, most who only dream of becoming pianists. If any one would like to bring a new or gently used pair of mittens or gloves (child - adult sizes) to piano <strong>by Dec. 19th,</strong> I will see that they are given to an organization needing them. A mitten tree will be placed in the piano room where students can hang their gift.<span style="color:#993399;"><br /></span><span style="color:#993399;"><br /></span><em><strong><span style="color:#993399;">Winter Break Assignment -</span></strong></em><br />I will not be assigning new music during break. If students are around, they can enjoy holiday songs, review from any book, practice with CD's, just have a good time playing any old thing!<br /><br /><em><strong><span style="color:#993399;">Returning in January -</span></strong></em><br />Clean out book bag and binder pockets. (If you didn't see a Report Card, it was sent home the last class in November or 1st class in Dec. if you missed.) Leave holiday books home unless you are returning a lending library book. Bring the books you were previously using before holiday time to your first class in Jan.<br /><br />Thank you for making the first months of our piano year a special experience for your child. We've had good times learning and growing together. I'm looking forward to continued progress in the new year.<br /><br />Blessings to you and your family,<br />Rebecca<br /><br /></span><strong></strong>Rebecca Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17716104066016227954noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4860629814525715787.post-81524708287773654832008-10-24T05:36:00.001-07:002008-10-24T05:43:11.544-07:00NEW Wilmot Elementary School Song!!!!!If you are from Deerfield and your child goes to Wilmot Elementary, you've most likely been hearing the new school song. Several students came into piano just this week wanting to share it with me. Boy, did I have a surprise for them! The new spirited rock'in song was written by Piano Student Kate Meyers! Congrats to Kate for the hip words and beat to inspire a community of kids, students and teachers! Congratulations to parents and little sister Annie, also a piano student, who undoubtedly supported and encouraged Kate's inspiration!<br /><br />I'd love to post anything musical your kids do! Send those emails!<br />Mrs. AdamsRebecca Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17716104066016227954noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4860629814525715787.post-80074224230392565502008-10-23T13:36:00.001-07:002008-10-24T05:36:07.927-07:00National Popcorn MonthDid you know that October is National Popcorn month? October received this designation by the Popcorn Institute in celebration of popcorn as a wholesome, natural food.<br /><br />Students have been popping with excitement as they've anticipated October Sharing Time. I would suspect that some of their spooky Halloween songs will be "pop"ular selections for their solos. Students will be awarded a Popcorn Certificate and popcorn treat, including the recipe.<br /><br />Assignments Oct. 24-30 will be kept very small. I know kids will have limited time to practice.<br /><br />Happy Trick and Treating!<br />Mrs. AdamsRebecca Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17716104066016227954noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4860629814525715787.post-59320748082283633302008-10-17T11:56:00.001-07:002008-10-17T12:00:42.096-07:00Here's a fun and easy Halloween recipe for kids to make!<br /><br />Spider Cookies<br /><br />1 small pkg. chocolate chips (about 1 cup)<br />1/2 c. peanut butter<br />3 oz. chow mein noodles (skinny kind)<br /><br />Melt peanut butter and chocolate chips together. Place noodles in bowl. Pour peanut butter/chocolate mixture over noodles. Drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper. Chill until set.<br /><br />BEWARE! They'll be gone in an instant!Rebecca Adamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17716104066016227954noreply@blogger.com