Well Goodness, Gracious!  I feel like I have a ton of updating to do.  Sorry for the YEAR long absence, but things got a bit crazy here in the Anna DiVesta Piano Studio world.  Shortly after my last post, the DiVesta clan moved.  Only about a mile away, but still a move is a move!  A very short while after that, we discovered we were pregnant!  So, not only did I have my biggest year yet performing, teaching and working at Ivy Chapel, I was pregnant as well!  You can imagine how tiring that must be; however, Charlie was born on January 21st!  We are so blessed and thankful and without a doubt, this child has music in his blood!

Fortunately, I was still able to be part of so many shows while carrying our second child.  I continued working at Shrewsbury Theater putting on both Suessical and Shrek the Musical.  I put on a music theater camp in the summer, AND I was able to premier a brand new musical "Asberger's: A High Functioning Musical" at our local Fringe Festival.  It was such a hit that it already had an encore performance last August. 

Then, school was back in session, and I had my largest studio yet.  My studio has grown to about 33 students!  Can you believe it?? We had our fall studio class and December Recital as usual.  Finally, the church performed an AMAZING cantata entitled "Let the Whole World Sing."  Along the way this summer, I met up with an extremely talented young percussionist (during Asberger's as a matter of fact).  Seeing that I myself had so many people helping my musical career along the way, I wanted to encourage him to continue playing in many facets of the music industry as possible.  Therefore, he has performed alongside me at Suessical, the Cantata and Palm Sunday.  We are so fortunate to have him sharing his musical abilities.  The church loves him, and he has several young fans!

Following Charlie's birth, I took about a 6 weeks maternity leave.  I hated to leave my kids, but I needed the time to heal and be with my new baby and newly larger family.  Thankfully, Charlie was healthy, and I had a relatively easy labor.  Let me tell ya, it was no picnic, but compared to some of the trials and tribulations that some new moms experience, I considered myself extremely blessed. 

Now that Holy Week has passed, its on to planning for the summer.  Summer is always such an interesting time, and this year is proving to be no different.  This year is Ivy Chapel's 50th Anniversary.  We have many exciting things planned starting with a special anniversary service, May 18th.  I still have to plan all the many special music we have during the summer since the choir is off.  Also, we will be planning our anniversary concert which is on September 14th.  I am so excited to be able to work with all the musicians from Ivy's 50 years.

Unfortunately, I will not be able to continue working at Shrewsbury theater.  As much as I love my work there, I have decided to grow my studio to fill Monday nights and be with my family on Sundays.  We have so little time together anyway.  I truly love performing in the pit orchestra and working with children that I hope to come back someday.  It just wasn't a fit for us this year.  At this point, I would love to be involved with a summer show.  Summer is easier for me to fit rehearsals into my schedule.  Much easier than during the school year.  Hopefully, I'll find something, and if you hear of something, let me know! 

So, this year should be a lot less hectic, and honestly, I'm looking forward to it.  My wallet.. not so much.. such is the life of a musician! 

Until Next Time...

Keep Smiling!

Anna-

Folks, I've been playing for solo and ensemble since 6th grade! Not to show my age or anything, but I think that is 16 years. My mental math is NOT what it used to be. Do kids still have to do mental math? The requirements in school just amaze me these days. (Did you know some schools do not teach cursive? That is really unfortunate, because I write all my assignments in cursive. Yes, I try not to, but it just happens. I just can't believe that they would not teach cursive.) Back on track, yes.. solo and ensemble. Its so funny to reflect on my personal experiences in solo and ensemble verses my professional experiences. Some things never change; the nerves, the not practicing until the last week (or day), the band romances, the embarrassing parents, the unfortunate fashion decisions. (Side note: Girls, please do not EVER wear dresses shorter than you knees for a performance without leggings especially if you are sitting. Be smart! Fashion sense aside, its March 1st, snowing and it is cold!)


Anyway, here it is springtime, and here I am. Accompanying at solo and ensembles. I like to think that I am good accompanist. And, truthfully, I look forward to this time of year. Sure, there are some things I dislike (mostly like 10-12 hour days in the weeks leading up to it.) This year I have tech week for “Peter Pan” the week following solo and ensemble. This equates for two very long weeks. Regardless, I love playing and working with kids, and I am thankful for both opportunities.


I have been ridiculously busy the past few months and have severely neglected my blogging. I get so jealous of bloggers updating their blogs multiple times weekly. Its not like I don't think of things to say. I just get home and want to do nothing, or son has other ideas of entertainment, or I put off blogging until I have more recordings. Recordings I have. MANY. I just have to get them on the computer which takes even more time than blogging. So, I may put off the recordings for a minute, but I promise that I will be more diligent to blogging. I also plan on blogging the article I write for the Ivy Vine (our church's newsletter). I write one monthly, and that would guarantee you at least one entry a month which is much better than my entries as of late. I know you are just dying to know what life is like for a piano teacher/pianist in her late twenties.


So, what is new in the life of this particular piano teacher/pianist? Well, our biggest new thing is that we, my husband and I, are looking for a house. What does this mean for my students?? Hopefully, nothing just a different location. Husband and I love our neighborhood, and I love my students. I also love my position with Shrewsbury Theater, and do not plan on leaving soon. If we do move too far from Lindenwood Park, I have already discussed moving my students to the Shrewsbury City Center. The last thing I want is for this move to disrupt my studio. I develop such a personal relationship with all my students. I get very protective of them. I know I only see my students once a week for a half hour or hour, but I love them all dearly. It would kill me (and does) to lose any student. Have no fear West County students, this move should not affect you at all.


As I've mentioned “Peter Pan” is opening next week. I am delighted to work with our Peter, Kristen. She is phenomenal. The children sound AH-MAZING! As always with Shrewsbury, there are so many children that sometimes it can be a little chaotic, but honestly, I am so pleased to give all the children a taste of the theater. I can only hope that the little amount of time that I have to work with them has fostered a lifetime love of the theater. I wish I had more time with them all, but time restraints being what they are.. I only have the 5 hours a week with them. I certainly hope they realize that I care and would happily do anything to make their experience better. Performances are this coming Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Please come out and support the kids.


Well, all that being said.. I think its time for this girl to sign off. Check back soon for more updates, entries and RECORDINGS!

Smiles,

Anna-

Well, it has been WAY too long since my last post.  I know my goal of posting at least once a month is not going well!.  I kept putting off writing until I get my recordings in the computer, and on YouTube so I can share with you; however, that is just postponing my blogging so it will just have to wait. 

So much has happened in the last month.  We had our fall get together for the piano studio which I think was a super success.  We played games, played for each other, and ate some snacks.  I'll be posting pictures shortly!  Also, I actually remembered my recorder, and I do have some recordings to put up here.  So EXCITING! 

Then, I had my mega busy super week.  Remember a couple months ago how crazy I was with working a summer camp, teaching and tech week for a show.  Well, I had another mega busy week.  This time, I had tech week for a show, teaching AND a wedding.  Aaron also had to work for a marching band competition on Saturday.  We were one busy couple.  Thankfully, my parents took the Miller monster for the weekend.  Otherwise, it would have been absolute insanity.

To top things off on the busy scale, Aaron and I are looking to buy a new home.  We are way excited, but the way our schedules line up is NOT conducive to home shopping.  Anyway, we hope to buy and move within the next six months so keep us in your prayers during the stressful time.

With all that said, I have GOT to get some recordings up.  Check back soon!  I promise to get them up ASAP.   I have SO many great recordings from my students, the choir AND Aaron and I.  I am just so way behind.  No day like today.. right??? 

Until next time..

Anna-

I have mentioned several times that I absolutely LOVE homemade gifts from my students.  They mean the world to me.  I love drawings, crafts, notes, compositions, and even messages.  They make my day.  So, in appreciation of all these tokens, I've decided to post some pictures here on my blog of some fairly recent art given to me. 

Well, I think its safe to say that we have made it through back to school season.  Whew! That was difficult.  I have several new students so if I haven't said so before, Welcome!  I'm so glad to have you be a part of our studio.  Back to school season is so much fun for me as I get to see my returning students excited for school, and I get to meet new students!  I have about 30 full time students, and I am happy to say I am nearly full!  Mark your calenders our first studio get together is October 13th.  For those of you new to the studio, this is a get together amongst students.  We play for each other, play a couple games and have homemade snacks :)

Additionally, Sound of Music rehearsals are in full swing.  Performances are Oct 18-21.  I hope to be able to get a couple recordings to post on here.  So, be sure to check back later.

In the meantime, I finally got a couple recordings uploaded to YouTube. 

This is an excellent recording of Ivy Chapel's Ladies' Ensemble performing a lovely arrangement of Jacob's Ladder.

One of our many talented members at Ivy Chapel, Earl Kreder, collaborated with me on this spunky version of the classic hymn, Praise to the Lord. 

Finally, we have another recording of the ever lovely, Marsha Fix, performing C. Francks timeless O Lord Most Holy. 

I hope that you have enjoyed this round of recordings.  Please check back for more piano fun! 

Smiles,

Miss Anna -

WELL, the last two weeks have been CRAZY!  Normally, I spend my days with my crazy toddler.  That is enough craziness for me; however, the last two weeks I have been working days.  First, it was VBS which I love.  I got to spend time with the preK crowd.  We had some returnees from last year as well as a couple newbies.  Miller even got to join in on the fun during outside time and music time.  Miller was hysterical during music time.  We have a star on our hands.  Aaron and I got video.  I"ll try to post it.  He was so excited to sing with the big kids.  He learned most of the motions and would even try to sing along.  I was crying it was so funny.  But, now, if there is a stage, he MUST be on it which makes bringing him to church and the theater a tad difficult.  Also, during VBS, I managed to pull almost all of my muscles.  I think it was during a crab crawling incident.  People over 25 should NOT crab crawl. 

Then, the next week, my life got even more intense.  I started a theater camp called "Camp Broadway" in Manchester.  This camp was mostly for newbies to the theater world so we spent our time learning songs and preparing a little show for their parents.  The girls were great, and I hope they had a good time.  It was insanely hot, and we were outside.  So thankful we ended at noon.  That could have been a disaster.  I wish I had more time with these girls, but in the short amount of time we were together, I grew quite fond of them! 

Also, during this week of camp during the day, I had tech week EVERY night!  So exhausted.  I didn't want to completely cancel all my lessons so I taught a couple lessons here and there, and I couldn't completely ignore my church duties.  So, in order to do it all I was working some 13-15 hour days.  Ugh! 

Then, to top it off, I had a church choir reading session on Saturday with THE Mark Hayes who is honestly, one of my favorite arrangers for both piano AND choir.  Had it been anyone else, I probably would have gone with sleep, but I HAD to meet him.  So, I went, and it was awesome.  I have about 5 new songs I really want to purchase so I will probably pick at least 3 out of those 5.  How will I decide?? Any ideas??

So, my crazy two weeks came and went.  It was all worth it.  Snow White was great, and I am so very proud of my kids.  They were great!  I love them all, and I already miss them!  What am I going to do with my Monday nights??  I hope many of them come back for Sound of Music (Auditions are August 24 & 25). 

I realized after all of the insanity was over that I was fortunate enough to be in close interaction with over a 100 kids in the past two weeks.  I am shocked and stunned by that number.  Even more so, I am amazed by how much I have affected them.  I cannot tell you how many parents said how much their kids loved me.  Seriously, gushing teacher moment here... I wanted to cry.  You never realize how important you are to a child.  It makes it so worthwhile to me.  I may be exhausted, but I always try to give 110%, and I'm so glad that my kids notice :)  I try to remember everyone's names as I think that is so important.  Each kid is so important to me, and I"m just so thankful to be in the position to help foster a lifetime love of music and theater. 

Also, a shout out to my mom, Dena Aaron and Sally Dodge.  I could not have made it through the last week without you guys helping with Miller.  I know he can be handful, and I'm so thankful for you both!  It is nice to know that my son is in good hands when I can't be there. 

Honestly, even though these last two weeks were amazing.  I cannot wait for vacation and then, back to normalcy.  I am filling up rapidly, but I still have a couple hours open if anyone is interested in piano lessons.  I would love to be completely full this fall!  I have some great ideas in store for this fall including a fall party, a nursing home performance and our usual winter recital.  And, of course, I would love to see new faces at auditions for Sound of Music at Shrewsbury Community Theater :) 

Anyway, I've rambled enough..

Until next time...

Anna-

It has been so long since my last post.  So many great performances, so many missed recording opportunities.  Let's see ... what have I been up to??  Aaron and I played at a brand new venue for us, Top of the Met in St. Louis.  Talk about fancy!  Hopefully, we can get more of those types of gigs.  The only thing better than playing at a new venue, is having the opportunity to play with your best friend!

Additionally, at the church, I've had a couple weddings, played a great piano/organ duet with a very talented pianist in our congregation, Julie McAllister, done some great piano/sax duets with Aaron and another talented member of our congregation, Earl Kreder and of course, had some very good vocal solos with two of my men from the choir, Peter and Carl.  Let me tell you what, Ivy Chapel may be a small congregation, but we have so many talented people.  I am really quite blessed for the opportunity to work with so many of them. 

We've also had one Friends and Family Choir performance and are coming up on our next performance next week (for all you Ivy Chapel readers out there.. I expect to see you in the choir loft!).  Friends and Family is such a great idea started by my predecessor at Ivy Chapel.  This is a choir for all people (all ages and abilities) who can't make it to regular choir rehearsals.  I've taken it one step further and made it my personal mission to fill the choir loft every time!  Anyway, everyone seems to have a great time, and I just love to hear so many voices!

Finally, I've been working on Snow White for Shrewsbury Community Theater.  It is coming along nicely, and I'm already so proud of what everyone has accomplished.  I cannot wait to see the finished product.  Our performances are the first week of August, if anyone is interested.  The kids have worked so hard, and I'm sure it will be great. 

Ooh.. Also, new announcement!!! I will be starting a PreK music class for the youngest music lovers out there.  The first class will be at Shrewsbury City Center so stay tuned for more information.  Also, visit the "Musical Adventures" tab to see the current class description.  If all goes well, I'm planning on teaching several of these classes with different age groups and different levels.  Yay for new ideas!!!

That's been my summer.  Its been hot, and I'm already looking forward to fall and seeing so many new faces in my studio.  If you are interested in lessons, please sign up soon.  My schedule is filling up nicely!  Anyway, I do have a couple recordings I need to get posted on here, so keep your eyes peeled for my next blog.  I promise to try and update more regularly.

Until Next Time..
Keep Smiling!  (and practicing!)

-Anna-

I try to keep things interesting for my kids.  I try to do all the things that kept me interested and excited about piano.  One of these things was group get togethers.  We would play for each other and give each other pointers and tips as to how we could be better students.  Well, I took it one step further and included games, challenges AND cookies.  (I mean honestly, is it a get together if it doesn't have cookies?)  I had a good time, and I definitely got some tips to make it better for next time.  I plan on doing this at least 3 times a year.  I hope all my students are as excited as I am.  I mean.. come on.. cookies.

Anyway, the kids were great, and I even had a student give me a thank you bag with some of her allowance in it.  I have a picture.  I'll have to post it to my facebook page.  I am so glad my students liked it, and I certainly hope we can continue this tradition.  Below is a picture of several of my students playing music bingo outside!  Who doesn't like to go outside and have their music lesson. 

As many of you know, I work throughout spring semester as an accompanist to several high school students in the St. Louis area.  In the past two years, I have been so fortunate to work with so many talented youth.  This year four of my students received 1 ratings which sent them off to participate in the state music festival in Columbia on April 28th.  Two of my students received 1 ratings and two received 2 ratings.  Not bad at all at the state level.  I am so proud of these students, and I just had to share their talent with you all. 

Guess, who didn't forget her recorder on Easter.  Its honestly not the best recording quality.  We have to find a better spot for the recorder so we can hear the choir better.  Its a learning process.  I wasn't going to post the recording, because I wasn't 100 % happy with it, but I'd certainly share with you if you leave a comment :)

However, I feel like we got a great recording of the offertory Aaron and I performed so here's a recording of our rendition of "Oh How He Loves You and Me"