I promised that I would give an update on our November concerts and rehearsals. We have finalized plans to perform at a nursing home in St. Paul, the Marian Center, at 200 Earl Street, 55106. Please see the map attached. We should arrive at 1 p.m. on Sunday, November 24 to begin performing at 1:30. Please wear nice clothes without athletic shoes. This is always a thrilling event for the residents in a nursing facility, even though the audience may come and go fairly freely as they may tire. We will be performing solos only, with the possible exception of Ellie and Karin playing The Mask of Zorro together.

We need to continue staying flexible about Saturday, November 9th. Our pianist, Charles Kemper, may have to leave for a while to play a competition. I’d like to use that day for a combination of private lessons with and without Charles. For all of you this will be your first time playing with him, and we should do that one on one. Thank you being patient about the structure of that day. It would be helpful for you to write down your availability that day and give it to me so that I can make a schedule.

Saturday, November 16th at 1 p.m. will be a master class here at the house. You’ll each play your solos for all of us. This gives you an opportunity to play your pieces publicly in a rehearsal setting before you do so in a concert. It is likely that I’ll give a short lesson to each of you in front of the class. Please stay for pizza and violin videos. Our concert at the house will be on Friday, Nov. 22nd at 5 p.m. Please feel free to invite friends and family.

I’d also like to tell you about an upcoming concert that promises to be fascinating. I’m enclosing a copy of a letter from Jorja Fleezanis, the concertmaster of the Minnesota Orchestra, about a piece she will be performing that was commissioned for her by the orchestra. I hope you can all attend this exciting world premier.

This is busy time at school and orchestras for many of you. Since we have concerts soon, most of our lesson times will be spent on the music you’ll be performing, but it is very important to continue practicing your technical work, i.e. scales and etudes. These are your vitamins!

Remember to carry an extra set of strings in your case for emergencies, and never leave your violin in the car, especially in the cold or heat.

Keep practicing!
All best,
Lucia