Maia will present her Book 5 Viola Graduation Recital

Maia will present her book 5 Viola Graduation Recital at Brooks Hill Historic Church, on the corner of Cornelius Pass Road and Skyline, on Sunday October 5, 2008, at 4 p.m.. For more information, please contact Catherine@SuzukiPortland.com

A VIOLA OF THE FUTURE

Elizabeth (and of course her parents!) commissioned David Rivinus, the innovative and extraordinary modern viola maker to make this beautiful Pellegrina for her. Elizabeth stands at 5'. This instrument is opening a new world of viola repertoire to her, where the ratio of instrument size : body size once made it prohibitive.

David Rivinis writes, " A frequent cause of injury to... violists is something called supination. From the player's perspective supining is the need to stretch the left elbow as far as possible toward the middle of the body. This action causes muscle spasms in the neck and left shoulder, it pinches nerves up and down the arm and in the elbow, and it results in a posture that stresses the tendons in the left forearm and hand, often causing them to swell. The most important innovation incorporated into... (the Pellegrina) is the one that allows the player to supine about five degrees less than on traditional instruments... It is accomplished by simply tilting or banking the fingerboard so that the lowest string is put within the player's comfortable reach". The asymmetrical design is "the key to solving, acoustically and ergonomically, many of the problems that have plagued string players--especially violists--for centuries". Rivinus goes on to teach players that a traditionally designed large instrument only causes large physical ailments, and that a large sonority does not need to come from a conventionally shaped instrument; it can be found "by stretching" the instrument in areas that won't interfere with the mechanics of playing. This new shape allows the player to produce an "expansive tenor sound which is generated by [the] unusually large body [of the Pellegrina]... yet to the player, it feels like an undersized viola. It's unconventional shape allows for unprecedented ease of shifting into the upper positions". Other innovations include a lighter overall weight, extra sound holes, and a different bridge design.

A Suzuki parent's experience attending their first summer institute: Ashley at the Santa Fe Suzuki Institute, By Julie Chu

During the week of July 19-25, Ashley and I attended our first Suzuki Institute in Santa Fe, New Mexico. After we arrived at the College of Santa Fe, we were surprised to see how many Suzuki families were there gathering and dancing to the big Play-In.

Like all other first timers, Ashley was quite a bit overwhelmed with the busy schedule on the first full day of the Institute. The day started with a viola master class with 4 other violists of like level under Dr. Julia Hardie, a viola rep class with other advanced violists, an Orchestra, a viola technique class, then finally a magic class as a welcome break from all the music. After the classes were finished, we attended both the Honors Recitals and the evening concerts. Needless to say, at the end of the day, there was little time to practice what she learned that day. We later joined students practicing at all corners of the campus under the beautiful Santa Fe sun. Even though Orchestra was Ashley's most challenging class, she enjoyed being able to play in a group setting. She also realized how important it was to be able to read music fast and well.

While Ashley attended her classes, I was able to attend quite a few Parent Talks. It was nice to know that most Suzuki parents share the same joy and challenges. By the end of the week, Ashley had made good friends with all her fellow violists who would be returning the next year. At the Celebration concert, I was proud to watch her play in her first orchestra performance. It had indeed been a fulfilling and fun experience for both of us. We'd be back next year!

Catherine Whelan is a violin teacher and viola teacher in Portland Oregon. Dr. Valdine Ritchie Mishkin is a cello teacher and piano teacher in Portland Oregon and Lake Oswego Oregon. Catherine Whelan and Dr. Valdine Ritchie Mishkin are directors of the SuzukiPortland and SuzukiLakeOswego Preparatory Program. The SuzukiPortland and SuzukiLakeOswego Preparatory Program serves people dedicated to the long-term process of becoming a well-rounded musician. The violin studio is located at 7295 SW Capitol Hill Road, Portland, Oregon 97219

Jackie Will Present Viola Book Three Graduation Recital 9/21 in Hillsboro

Jackie will present her Book Three Viola Graduation Recital on Sunday September 21, at 6:30 p.m., at Trinity Lutheran Church on Minter Bridge Road in Hillsboro.

A WORD ABOUT GRADUATION RECITALS!
WHAT ARE THEY?

Graduation recitals are given by all SuzukiPortland students starting when Book 2 has been completed. At this point in a student's learning, they have the skill to present a polished and beautiful public recital of Book 1. When the student has reached the end of Book 3, a Book 2 recital is given, then at the end of Book 4, a Book 3 recital is presented, and so forth through all the Suzuki repertoire. Learning an entire book ahead, before giving a recital of the last book finished, gives the student time to develop fluidity of technique and stronger musical ideas in each piece; it also brings meaning to the review process where these skills are developed and accumulated. Presenting a book recital helps each student develop confidence and skill in them self as a communicator: the recitalist's goal, is to serve the music and the audience. Recitals are played from memory, and students often add pieces of their own choice such as selections from a favorite movie, pieces learned outside the Suzuki repertoire, or on another instrument. Each Book Recital has a personality unique to the performer, and is a friendly celebration, a 'rite of passage' for each student on their musical journey!