It’s time to get out your colored pencils and calendars! Here are some important dates.

My daughter and I will accompany my husband on a business trip to Europe from October 10th to the 21st, so there will be no lessons during that time.

I have recently joined the Schubert Trio which will be in residence at Southwest State University from December 3rd to the 7th, so there will be no lessons during that time.

We have the opportunity to work with the wonderful pianist, Charles Kemper, for our recital this semester.  He can be with us Saturday, Nov. 9th, in the afternoon; Saturday, November 16th, at 1 p.m.; Friday, November 22nd at 5 p.m.; and Sunday, November 24th, at 1 p.m. This is a great opportunity for all of you and will require careful preparation.  It is most likely that at the first time listed above, I’ll stagger rehearsals so you can work with the two of us alone first.  The second time will likely be a master class.  The third time will either be another rehearsal, or a recital at the house.  The final time will either be a recital at the house or at a local nursing home or shelter.  Stand by for more information later. I have checked the rehearsals of MYS and GTCYS and there should be no conflict.

I’d also like to list some upcoming concerts and events that will be of interest.  It is important to hear what you’ll be sounding like if you keep practicing!

Midori, the extraordinary Japanese violinist, at the Minnesota Orchestra:  Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m.; Oct 3 at 11 a.m.; Oct 4 at 8 p.m.; Oct. 5 at 8 p.m.

Joseph Silverstein Master Class at MacPhail: Saturday, Oct 5, at 2 p.m. I urge you all to attend.  I can drive 3 kids from here.  Mr. Silverstein is the former concertmaster of the Boston Symphony and one of the great concertmasters of our time.  (Zara and Helga, I’ll reschedule your lessons for that day.)

Joseph Silverstein Recital: Sunday, Oct. 6th at 4pm, at Ted Mann Hall

Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra – Bach Violin Sonata: Sun., Oct 27 at 2 pm, Sudin Hall and November 3rd, 2pm at Jeune Lune

Greater Twin Cities Youth Orchestra (GTCYS): Sunday, Oct 27 at 3pm at Orchestra Hall in downtown Minneapolis.

Minnesota Youth Symphonies: Sunday, October 17, at 6:30 pm.

GTCYS: Sunday, November 24, 6:30 pm, Orchestra Hall.

Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra: Family Concert – Mother Goose and Other Tales.  Saturday, Nov. 30, 10:30 at Ordway.

Beg, borrow or steal to get tickets to Joshua Bell’s Red Violin with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra at the end of November.  It is sold out.

There are other deadlines for applications for events I’ll tell you about one on one.  Have a great semester.  Now go practice.