We are all working and learning in different environments these days. We started using zoom for music lessons and classes in March, and wanted to share some of our tips for successful online music instruction. As a reminder, the entirety of the Fall semester will be conducted on Zoom due to Covid-related concerns. For further details and more tips, check out Mr. Jordan’s instructional video!
Special Announcement: A Letter from Ms. Lynn
Dear Students, Parents, Faculty & Friends of W. O. Smith Music School,
The time has come for me to pass the baton to the next generation of staff leadership. At the end of May 2019, I will be retiring as Assistant Director of this wonderful school. I have loved each second I’ve spent teaching, leading and making music with every one of you. This is an amazing place! And I am honored to have been a part of its history.
Since 1984, I have invested my time and effort, first as a volunteer piano and chorus teacher, and then as a staff member. My investment has paid off! I’ve seen changes and growth in our programs. I’ve participated in the expansion, as we moved into this beautiful facility. I’ve heard wonderful music and watched young students grow into accomplished musicians, even to pursue music at the college level. I have had the opportunity to make hundreds of friends from the colleagues who offer their time here as faculty and board members. It has been a rewarding and fulfilling career.
There are so many words of thanks to be spoken – to each of you. So, please join me on May 11, and allow me to tell you personally. You will be receiving an invitation to a gathering in my honor at the school, and I hope you can attend. It won’t be our last time together, as I intend to continue volunteering at W.O. Smith in the fall as the chorus director. I have truly come full circle!
A special word of thanks to the many talented and selfless staff members I have had the privilege of working with over the years, especially Jonah Rabinowitz. The two of us have worked alongside each other since 1995, and I couldn’t have asked for a better person to share the journey. It has been a joy and an honor and I hope Dr. Smith would have been proud of our accomplishments.
I know this school will continue to transform lives through music for many years to come – as it has transformed mine.
Ms. Lynn
AmazonSmile Promo
How exciting is this! You can support W.O. Smith by doing your normal Amazon shopping any day, but this week they’ll be donating even more back to us from purchases!
Through Nov 2, AmazonSmile is donating 5% (ten times the usual amount) to W.O. Smith Community Music School when you shop at smile.amazon.com/ch/58-1560499. #AmazonSmile #StartWithaSmile
A Smitty Thing!
PARTY TIME
Mark your calendars now for A SMITTY THING! We'll be hosting a musical homecoming on Saturday, October 13 from 2-6pm at the school. Stay tuned for more details and a formal invitation!
Summer Camp Photos
As you anxiously await a phone call* about music lessons for the new school year, look back at our summer camp photo galleries!
*We promise we'll be in touch as soon as possible. Pinky swear.
Registration Week!
W.O. Smith Music School has open enrollment for new students and families this week, August 6-9, from 10am to 6pm. This is the only time we will be accepting registrations for this school year, so be sure to come see us!
For returning students and families, if you have not completed the online registration already, please come visit us. Don't be left behind; all registrations will close at the end of the day on Thursday, August 9.
W.O. Smith Music School tiene inscripciones para estudiantes y familias nuevas durante esta semana, 6-9 agosto, a las 10a hasta las 6pm. Esta semana es la única vez del año en que tenemos inscripciones. ¡Visítanos!
Para estudiantes y familias que regresan, si ya no terminaron las inscripciones en el sitio web, por favor vayan a la escuela para completarlas. Todas las inscripciones terminarán al fin de 9 agosto.
College Night at W.O. Smith
Curious about the college application process? Want to know what sort of financial aid might be available to you? Don't know what the FAFSA is or if you have all the letters in the right order?
We're here to help.
W.O. Smith is hosting a College Night on Monday, September 25 beginning at 6:45pm. Alex Fatato (W.O. Smith Intern) will present the ins and outs of college applications, types of financial support, and answer any questions you may have. College Night is open to current W.O. Smith sophomores, juniors, seniors, and their families.
Please email Alex with any questions prior to the event.
Rodney Atkins Presents Music City Gives Back Funds To W.O. Smith
On September 14, Rodney Atkins presented W.O. Smith Music School with a $20,000 gift from this year's Music City Gives Back event. Read the official press release here.
Pictured (L-R): Jordan Morrison (W.O. Smith), Greg Hill (Hill Entertainment Group), Melony Wilson (MCGB,LLC), Jim Ed Norman (Curb), Rodney Atkins, Chrysa Kovach (W.O. Smith), Jonah Rabinowitz (W.O Smith), Lynn Adelman (W.O. Smith), Becky Gardenhire (WME), Josh Hunter (Hill Entertainment Group)
Junior Jam Final Class Performance
Last Thursday was the last Junior class for the semester. In Junior Jam the students (8yrs old) spent 12 weeks learning to play recorder, Jumbie Jam steel drums, and 3 string Loog Guitars. The final class was a mini presentation for the parents. They learned separate parts for each instrument and we recorded each part (live) to create this track! On the last track they couldn't contain themselves and got very giggly! Check it out on our Soundcloud!
https://soundcloud.com/w-o-smith/junior-jam-kookaburra
Weekly Update 4/17
HERE'S WHAT'S UP THIS WEEK:
Wednesday, 4/19: W.O. Smith Faculty Orchestra Concert (see below for more info), 7pm
Thursday, 4/20: Musical Beginnings ends
WOSFO PRESENTS: LEGENDS
The W.O. Smith Faculty Orchestra takes on the role of storyteller for its spring concert! WOSFO will share tales of heroes, myths, and gods with interpretations of Beethoven's Egmont Overture, Wagner's Siegfried Idyll, and Mussorgsky's Night on Bald Mountain, as well as a special performance of Michael Daugherty's Dead Elvis (Lydia Nance, bassoon).
This concert is free and open to the public, and a reception will follow this performance.
CAMP APPLICATIONS
Don't forget your camp applications! All forms and payments are due by May 1st. There are spots still available for Resident Camp and Camp Backbeat, however there are only a few left for Day Camp!
Need more information about our camps? Click here.
