Happy New Year!  May 2012 bring you an abundance of good health and good times.

The New Year is the perfect time to put those resolutions into action.  What are your New Year’s resolutions?  How about doing one small act each day that will bring beauty and happiness into someone’s life?  Let’s make Dr. Suzuki’s grand plan a reality!

January is the month for collecting your pledges for the 100-Day Autumn Practice Challenge fundraiser.  Please send your checks to Carey Beth Hockett at the address listed on your sponsor sheet.  Remember that we welcome ALL donations. They will enable deserving students to attend a summer institute.  The deadline is January 31st. 

On Saturday, February 11th, cellists will converge at the Claremont United Church of Christ Congregational for the 23rd annual Winter SuzukiCello Workshop.  SMAC/LA members Julie Newton, Lynn Burrows, and Carey Beth Hockett will join guest teacher Rodney Farrar for a cello-centric day culminating with a concert featuring an original piece for cello orchestra by Miss Hockett.  

The Chamber Music Benefit Concert will once again take place in Altadena at the home of Fritzie Culick on Saturday, February 25th at 7:00 p.m.  This event will benefit the Southern California Suzuki Institute’s Chamber Music Workshop’s scholarship fund.  More information about ticket reservations will be coming.

It’s not too early to begin thinking about your summer plans.  The Southern California Suzuki Institute and Chamber Music Workshop has an exciting session planned for this year.  The curriculum will include classes for violinists, violists, cellists, and pianists.  The popular “Trioletts “classes which introduced string and piano students to chamber music will return.  New to the faculty this year are Susan Kempter from New Mexico(Violin Training Unit 1) and Sarah Montzka from Illinois (Viola).  Cathy Hargrave from Texas will return to teach Piano Training Unit 1 and Liz Arbus, Pasadena, will teach Every Child Can and Violin Training Unit 4.  Registration will open in March.

Suzuki Graduation Concerts are in the near future.  As we prepare for recording our graduation pieces, let’s appreciate the benefits of review and enjoy our accomplishments achieved by polishing repertoire to a high level.