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.