We have assembled who we feel are the very finest teachers, clinicians and performers for a week of celebration and community. It is our hope that you and your child will go away from the festival with renewed motivation, inspiration, and a sense of Dr. Suzuki’s dream for creating a better world through music.
On this page you will find the basic information regarding your child’s participation at the festival.
core curriculum
curriculum levels
Student participants are divided into three levels...
- Level 1 - Books 1 and 2
Core curriculum for level 1 will include a yoga class, a master class, a repertoire class, an Orff-Schulwerk and a choice of enrichment class of Art or Festival Choir.
- Level 2 - Books 3 through 5
Core curriculum for level 2 will include a yoga class, master class, a repertoire class, guitar orchestra and a choice of enrichment class of Art or Festival Choir.
Electives will include Pickin’ n’ Grinnin’, Chamber Ensemble 1 (beginning), Brazilian drumming, iJam and Music in Motion.
- Level 3 - Books 6 and above
Core curriculum for level 3 will include a yoga class, a master class, a repertoire class, guitar orchestra and a choice of enrichment class of Art or Festival Choir.
Electives will include Chamber Ensemble 2, iJam, Jazz Improvisation, Brazilian Guitar Styles and Brazilian Drumming.
NOTE: In order for children to participate in any of the schedule classes he or she should have mastered the Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star Variations by the start of the Festival.
daily offerings
There are four days during the festival, Tuesday through Friday, which include five core offerings: a yoga class, a master class, a repertoire class and, depending on the level, an Orff-Schulwerk or guitar orchestra.
- Morning Yoga Classes
Each morning we will begin with a thirty minute yoga session, emphasis will be on learning postures that will stretch and relax the student. Simple breathing techniques will be explored to prepare for focus and relaxation throughout the day.
- Master Class
A master class is made up of individual lessons with a teacher shared by other students and observers. The teacher will address specific individual musical and technical needs. Students enrolled in levels 1 and 2 will be in groups of four. Level 3 students in groups of three. Students are grouped by repertoire and age.
- Repertoire Class
Group repertoire classes will provide a fun and motivating environment for musical exploration. Classes will be determined mostly by book levels.
- Additional Music Skills Classes
Level 1
Level 1 students will have the opportunity to broaden their musical experience through the Orff-Schulwerk approach to music education. This highly successful approach helps children to deepen their musical understanding and prepare them for their reading experience in an enjoyable and captivating way.Levels 2 and 3
Those in Levels 2 and 3 will participate in a guitar orchestra determined by book level and featuring exciting arrangements or original pieces for guitar ensemble. At a time before the Festival orchestra parts will be sent to the participants to prepare for daily rehearsal and performance at the Ensembles Concert.NOTE: A special allowance will be made to those Book 1 and Book 2 students who are 7 years or older, who have been developing reading skills with their private teacher. Written notification from the private teacher will be required.
- Enrichment Class
Each child will also have the opportunity to expand their musical potential by selecting from a number of creatively inspired offerings. The two included offerings are...
- Art and Collage
- Festival Choir
If you wish your child to not participate in either of these Enrichment Classes please designate the option none from the selection menu when you register. If you choose not to enroll your child in an enrichment class discounts will not be provided.
Electives
One elective is offered to student participants enrolling in level 2 and 3 for a fee of $60 per offering. No electives are offered to children in Level 1 due to the challenging curriculum for young children. A special allowance will be made to those Book 1 and Book 2 students who are 7 years or older. Contact the office to request this allowance.
NOTE: Electives are offered on a first-come-first-served basis. Early enrollment will increase the likelihood of obtaining the class of your choice.
Level 2 (books 3-5)
- Pickin’ n’ Grinnin’
Be the life of the party! Learn to play simple accompaniments to popular and folk tunes like Polly Wolly Doodle All the Day. You do have to practice a little bit extra each day outside the class period.
- Chamber Ensemble 1 (beginning)
Those in Levels 2 and 3 will have the opportunity to participate in guitar chamber ensembles determined by book level and featuring exciting arrangements or original pieces for guitar. Prior to the Festival, ensemble parts will be sent to the participants to prepare for daily rehearsal and a performance at the Ensembles Concert.
- Brazilian Drumming presented by Celso Machado
Celso will offer a variety of Brazilian Percussion styles; from body percussion and found object to Samba and Baião.
- iJAM: an Interactive Journey through Art and Music
Michele Horner covers 1200 years of art and music history in a fun and engaging workshop making connections between visual art and music blended with movement and innovative activities. Students will travel from the Middle Ages through the Contemporary period, learning how to identify music and art from each era, all while having a great time! This workshop helps kids to relate to the context of their pieces, which translates into better and more expressive performances.
An amazing presentation-by-doing and multi-media survey of the arts through history. Students from the ages of 5 through 17 have enjoyed iJAM: an Interactive Journey through Art and Music (and parents have liked it too!) Fun and crazy!
- NEW! Music in Motion!
"the body should be the first instrument through which to reflect and interpret the movement and nuances in music" (Jacques-Dalcroze, 1980, p. v)
Explore the elements of music – dynamics, tempo, pitch, form, phrasing and more – through creative movement! In a safe and inviting environment suitable for all levels of movers and non-movers alike, we will experience music through creative movement, exciting props, the use of artwork, folk-dancing, body percussion and more. Perfect for children, parents, teachers, therapists, educators and anyone who works with children and/or adults.
Level 3 (books 6 and above)
- Chamber Ensemble 2 (advanced)
Those in Levels 2 and 3 will have the opportunity to participate in guitar chamber ensembles determined by book level and featuring exciting arrangements or original pieces for guitar. Prior to the Festival, ensemble parts will be sent to the participants to prepare for daily rehearsal and a performance at the Ensembles Concert.
- iJAM: an Interactive Journey through Art and Music (see the description in level 2 above)
- Jazz improvisation
This carefully thought-out and sequenced program will be devoted to playing jazz on the classical guitar. Students will learn to play jazz tunes and to improvise in a jazz style using the same techniques used to play the Suzuki Guitar School repertoire. The class will include some basics of fretboard harmony, application of scales in improvisation, jazz style swing rhythm and chord chart reading.
- Brazilian Guitar Styles 1 & 2 presented by Celso Machado
Participants will learn Basic or more complex Samba, Bossa Nova and Baião Rhythms. Students will be grouped by playing level and age.
- Brazilian Drumming presented by Celso Machado
Celso will offer a variety of Brazilian Percussion styles; from body percussion and found object to Samba and Baião.
- NEW! Music in Motion! (see the description in Level 2 above)
student performances
A number of offerings are available for all students of any level in the Suzuki Guitar School™. There is no additional charge to participants for taking part in these exciting events. See the concerts & events page for specific dates and times of these events.
Mid–day Recitals
Each day will offer an opportunity for all festival student participants to sign up to perform in mid-day recitals. A sign-up sheet will be available at the registration table. Sign up early since space is limited to a total of 48 performers.
Schools Concert
Your teacher may elect to audition your school for a performance in the “Schools Concert.” Four schools will be chosen, through an audition process, to make a unique and creative, 20 minute, presentation.
Your teacher is responsible for auditioning and registering your guitar school for this event. Your teacher should download and fill out the Schools Concert Application Form to allow the participation of your school in this event.
Ensemble Concert
One concert scheduled at the end of the week will be dedicated to ensemble performances. These performances will be presented by the various levels of orchestra as well as the smaller chamber ensembles.
Gala Concert and Party
The tour-de-force of the Festival will be the final Gala Concert. All those attending the Festival are expected to participate and perform. This will be a historic event since it very likely will represent the greatest number of Suzuki guitarists ever assembled on a single stage.
The concert will be immediately followed by a grand party. We will celebrate our discovery, accomplishment and time together as well as to say good-bye to our reunited and new friends.
Showcase Concert
Since Suzuki Guitar has been in development for over 20 years, we have naturally witnessed the emergence of many exceptional players. These players continue to offer us inspiration and challenge us to learn how to bring the very best to our own students and children. This very special event will feature the very finest Suzuki Guitar performers attending the Festival. We would like to invite all festival student participants to consider auditioning for this inspiring offering.
A portion of the proceeds of this concert will go to Wheels for Iraqi Kids, a special program dedicated to helping the children of Iraq. Please see the festival news! page for more information about this program and the amazing difference one child can make in the lives of many.
If you feel your child would like to participate we are offering the following audition guidelines and procedure.
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The Showcase Concert is made possible by a generous contribution by Ruben Flores, Classical and Flamenco Guitars. |
Audition Guidelines
- The audition is open to all Festival participants regardless of repertoire level. You must be a registered Festival participant to audition.
- Your child’s teacher must be an active member of an official regional Suzuki association.
- It is open to those wishing to perform as a soloist, duet or other ensemble configuration with one performer on a part. Ensemble pieces which include a teacher performing a part will not be accepted, however, you should make your own arrangement to have an accompanist/teacher play along with a Book 1 piece if necessary.
- Only one piece should be selected for performance and must be included in the audition recording. The performance piece may be within or outside the Suzuki repertoire. This may include a piece with several movements, however, the performer may be asked to cut movements for the sake of time.
- Selection will be determined by the production of beautiful tone (first and foremost), technical ease, musical expression and poise.
- This event is a formal one, therefore you must dress by the Festival standards. However, performers may wish to take the liberty of dressing up for this event.
- The concert is limited to twelve performers and acceptance will be determined by an independent evaluator. All decisions are final.
- Proceeds received for this event, after expenses, will be donated to a scholarship cause.
Audition Procedure
- Fill out the audition form.
- Record two preferred pieces in American video format on DVD or VHS tape. Audio tape is not acceptable. These recordings will not be returned, so be sure keep your original.
- Submit the video and audition form to the Longay Conservatory of Guitar by May 1, 2008. Late submissions will not be accepted. Remember that all decisions are final.
You will be notified by June 1, 2008 as to your acceptance as a performer for the concert.
Download an information/audition form to continue your consideration as a performer for this event.
Inspired Performances
Attendance for these concerts is limited to Teachers, Parents and Students ages 7 and above. Go to Concerts and Events page to learn more about these exciting performances.
William Kanengiser
Recognized as one of America’s most brilliant guitarists.
Showcase Concert
The week will feature a very special Showcase Concert which will present the worlds very finest young Suzuki Guitar performers.
Celso Machado
Master of ritmos brasileiros, virtuoso guitarist, percussionist and multi-instrumentalist Celso Machado brings joy to his audiences, with his subtle mixture of musical inspiration, irresistible rhythm and inspired lunacy.
Attendance Expectations
Repertoire expectation
In keeping with the Suzuki tenet that all music in the repertoire is thoroughly learned and maintained it is expected that all students have a solid mastery of all pieces in the Suzuki Guitar School™ up to the level of their current piece. Consult with your teacher about meeting this expectation.
Behavioral Rules
The following behavioral rules are intended to provide us all a pleasant and safe festival experience. It is assumed that, by enrolling in the festival you agree with these rules and have discussed them thoroughly with your children. Please see the General Information page for a list of behavioral rules.
Cell Phones
Cell phones and pagers must be disengaged during all lessons, group class or all performance events. Please do not bring active cell phones into the classrooms, rehearsal or performance venues.
