STUDENT ENRICHMENT CLASSES : TSUSSI offers a variety of exciting enrichment classes, which may be added to a student’s basic program for an additional fee of $35 per class ($45 orchestra). It is recommended that students do not take more than two enrichment classes in addition to their basic program; advanced students are limited to one enrichment class.
String Bass Enrichment Program ($175) : string bass students will automatically be enrolled in the basic string bass enrichment program, which consists of three classes: string bass techniques, orchestra, and Got Bass? Ensemble. In addition, String Bass Enrichment Program students may register for extra enrichment classes at an additional cost. It is recommended that students do not take more than two classes in addition to the String Bass Enrichment Program.
Classes for Non-Suzuki Siblings or Parents : Siblings or parents may enroll in enrichment classes on a space available basis. To register, fill out a separate registration form and indicate “sibling” or “parent” on the instrument line. Siblings may sign up for as many as three classes. Enrichment classes for siblings are $35 per class per student (orchestra participation is $45; private lesson costs are $45 and depend on availability of instructor). Please note that no childcare will be available at the institute. Please indicate on the registration form the student’s first four choices for enrichment classes, ranked in order of preference from 1 to 4. Overall scheduling priority will be given to each student’s instrumental classes. Please note that TSUSSI cannot guarantee a specific student schedule or master class teacher.
Orchestra Classes (three levels, $45): Taught by Donna Davis, Anna Macias, and Katie Shreffler. Depending on the enrollment, TSUSSI offers three levels of orchestra: orchestra for beginning readers, intermediate orchestra, and advanced orchestra, and these classes are open to all students of violin, viola, cello, and bass, including parents and siblings. The orchestra for beginning readers is for new or just beginning music readers and will help strengthen and build reading skills in an orchestral setting.; this class is also an ideal class for the student who has never participated in an orchestra class. Intermediate and Advanced Orchestras may be grouped by age, Suzuki book level, and previous reading and orchestral ensemble experience.
Beginning Guitar Chords : Taught by Grant Mazak. This class introduces students to the use of the guitar as an accompanying instrument. The class will teach students the basic chords most commonly used by accompanying guitar. Students must provide their own guitars for this class. A limited number of guitars may be available for rental, by making advance arrangements to rent an instrument from Mazak Music at grant@grandecom.net or calling 512.396.1663 or 512.396.1664. Students are responsible for the cost of instrument rental and any applicable rental insurance. Students may be grouped by age.
Conducting Class : The conducting class teaches students the fundamentals of conducting techniques. Through this class the student will become aware of the interplay between the conductor and the performer and how the student can improve his or her ensemble performance as a result. Open to all students and may be grouped by age and prior conducting experience.
Fiddling for Violin: Taught by Kay Mueller and Mary Egan Hattersley. This fiddling class teaches fiddling techniques in a variety of styles from accomplished and professional fiddlers. Students may comnbine with other institute fiddling classes for a grand performance during the institute talent/skit show on Thursday, 7/26/07, at 7:00 p.m. Open to all violin students in Suzuki Book 1 (Minuet 2) and above and may be grouped by age and Suzuki book level.
Fiddling for Viola and Cello: Taught by Kay Mueller and Mary Egan Hattersley. This class will teach traditional fiddling techniques and styles, adapted for viola and cello. Students may combine with other institute fiddling classes for a grand performance during the institute talent/skit show on Thursday, 7/26/07, at 7:00 p.m. Open to all viola and cello students in Suzuki Book 1 (Minuet 2) and above. Students may be grouped by age and Suzuki book level.
Fiddling for Bass: Taught by Anna Macias. This class teaches students the basics of accompanying various fiddle styles of music. Students may combine with other institute fiddling classes for a grand performance during the institute talent show on Thursday July 27th.
Viola for Violinists: Students must provide their own violas for this class. A limited number of violas may be available for rental, by making advance arrangements to rent an instrument from Blackerby Violin Shop of Austin at 512.469.9343 (888-PLAYOUT). Students are responsible for the cost of instrument rental and any applicable rental insurance. Open to all violin students who play in and can read at Suzuki Book 3 level. Students may be grouped by age and Suzuki book level.
Music with Words! (Children’s choir): Last year's choral performance was a blast and this year will be even more fun! This beginning children’s choir will be taught by Penny Gabrielsen (over 20 years of choral teaching experience). The group will learn four or five songs and present a choral concert at the end of the institute week. Some of the songs may have choreography and be accompanied by guest string players. Come strengthen your skills of rhythm and pitch and have fun using your very own voice to make beautiful music. Open to students and sibilings from 2nd through 8th grades and adults and parents.
Get on Your Feet : Taught by Penny Gabrielsen. Come and learn how music makes us want to move and how to express ourselves through movement. All Pre-Twinkle String students are automatically enrolled in the Get on Your Feet Class. Open to all students (recommended for younger students) and may be grouped by age.
Stretching and Yoga for Musicians : Taught by Su Marshman. Susan’s background includes teaching certificates in special education and early childhood. Su provides a playful and empowering yoga experience for every student or parent. This is a group class specially designed to increase strength, flexibility, coordination, posture, self-esteem, and the ability to relax and concentrate. Learning yoga empowers children, teaching them to take responsibility for themselves, remain calm and focused during challenges, and to be gentle with themselves and others. Students are introduced to sounds of soothing music, breathing practices, body postures (asanas), and relaxation. Younger children relate to yoga postures by the playful and imaginative exploration of animals and nature. Classes are open to all students, siblings, parents, and faculty and grouped by age where appropriate.
Art : This popular course is taught by Robin McThompson, artist and director of the
Music Theory for Fun : Taught by Carl van Wyk. This class deals with the fundamentals of music theory and aural training through the medium of music games and carefully chosen computer music theory programs. The class will enable students to recognize rhythms and melodies and reinforce theory basics through a fun learning environment. Advanced students are automatically enrolled in a theory class as part of their basic program. Advanced students will enjoy the focus on harmonization of melodies and realization of figured basses using Sibelius software. Students already working on the Texas Music Teachers Association theory syllabus are encouraged to bring their Theory Time books. Each class is limited to 5 participants, so register early. Open to all students and grouped by reading level and age.
Lessons for Parents and Siblings ($45): Institute faculty will offer master class lessons to the parents and siblings of institute students. Beginners are also welcome.
STUDENT SOLO HONORS RECITAL: Daily Student Solo Honors Recitals will occur throughout the institute week. All students are invited to audition for a place on one of these recitals by sending a videotape (VHS or DVD format only) of a well-polished and memorized piece with accompaniment (if applicable). The videotaped piece should be the same piece that the student will present on the Student Solo Honors Recital. Qualified and experienced teachers will judge the audition tapes. Videotapes must be submitted and postmarked by June 20th and become the property of the Institute. Applications will be considered late if postmarked after June 25th or received later than June 30th and will not be accepted. Label the videotape or DVD with the student’s name, address, age, phone number, email address, years of study, selection name, composer’s name, and length of performance. Students will be notified by July 10th if accepted as a performer on a Solo Honors Recital and will be expected to perform the same piece on the recital as submitted in the videotape application. An accompanist will be provided for the recital performance during the institute, but the student must provide his or her own music and accompaniment part. Practice time with the accompanist will be arranged during the institute. Concert clothes are expected for the recital performance.
Student Preparation for the Institute : All students should bring their own music and be prepared to play a memorized, polished piece for their first master class lesson. Specific repertoire review lists for all instruments will be sent after a student’s registration application is received and processed. Students must provide their own instrument, unless prior arrangements have been made. All instrument cases, covers, and any additional equipment such as tuners, benches, footstools, and stands must be labeled with the student’s name.
A limited number of cellos may be available for rental to out-of-town teacher trainers/trainees and students on a first-come, first-served basis. Please contact Blackerby Violin Shop of Austin at 512.469.9343 (888.PLAYOUT) for information. The student is responsible for the cost of instrument rental and any applicable rental insurance.
TSUSSI is not liable for any loss or damage caused to instruments or other equipment or property brought to the Institute. All institute participants and visitors are responsible for providing their own equipment and instruments and insurance coverage adequate to protect the loss of or damage to these items.
STUDENT ENROLLMENT: Student enrollment is limited by facility and available space. Registration applications are processed and accepted in the order that they arrive. Early registration (before May 15th) is highly recommended. All applications must be accompanied by full payment. A separate Student Registration Form must be filled out for each student in the family and may be photocopied for additional student registrations. Details of the Teacher Training applications process can be found below. Confirmation of enrollment, repertoire lists, housing and any other institute information will be sent by July 10th or upon receipt of registration. TSUSSI reserves the right to cancel any classes (including Teacher Training courses) if enrollment is insufficient to sustain the class. In this event, all payment for the cancelled classes will be refunded in full.
Cancellation: An early registration fee per student of $50 before May 15th or $75 after May 15th is non-refundable. Should you need to cancel your registration, please notify TSUSSI in writing by June 15th. All fees, minus your registration fees, will be returned if written notice of cancellation is postmarked by June 15th. Due to faculty, travel, and facility commitments, no fees can be refunded after June 15th. Disruptive students will be withdrawn from participation in the institute without refund.
Registration at Institute: Except for Teacher Trainees and Virtuosi String students, registration and dormitory check-in will be available to institute students on Sunday July 23rd from 3-5 pm. There will be a general meeting at 6:30 pm in Evans Auditorium followed by an opening night play-in at 7 pm. All registered institute students, teacher trainees, private lesson instructors, community volunteers, parents, and faculty are welcome to participate in the opening night play-in.
BASIC DAILY SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES: (7/23/07 M -7/27/07 F)
8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Morning classes
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Lunch
1:00 p.m. -- 4:00 p.m. Afternoon classes
4:00 p.m. -- 4:45 p.m. Solo Honors Recitals, Student Performances
5:00 p.m. -- 6:30 p.m. Dinner
7:00 p.m. -- 9:00 p.m. Evening Activities
Evening Activities (7 p.m.) may include:
Monday - Movie Night
Tuesday - Faculty Artists Concert
Wednesday - Free night (or game night in dorms)
Thursday - Talent/Skit Show
Friday - Final performances: Orchestra students (4:00), Guitar Students (4:30 p.m.); Final Fiesta Concert (7 p.m.)
Final performance times are approximate and subject to change