Hannah and Abby attended Suzuki cello camp last week.  Our violinists came along to help. 

Here's a link to Abby playing Twinkle (gospel/camp style if you notice the accompaniment!) at the final concert.  http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v218/fourjewels/polishing%20gems/?action=view&current=MVI_0352.flv

While the others are busy at tennis - and ballet school is on break - Sarah has been enjoying a local string camp.  It was the perfect opportunity to transition to her new teacher and enjoy some summer instruction as a baby in September keeps us home from Steven's Point in August!

During a group ensemble piece...

Links to her performance of La Folia.  She did pretty well, though having an accompanist is still challenging for her!  I loved how she wasn't afraid to use some power in her playing. 

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v218/fourjewels/polishing%20gems/?action=view&current=MVI_0291.flv

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v218/fourjewels/polishing%20gems/?action=view&current=MVI_0292.flv

The other girls sat very nicely during the recital and since all of the violinists received Ben and Jerry's, they got one too.  I declared it lunch since Daddy is off biking in Minnesotat! 

This link will take you to the end of Sarah's performance last night. 

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v218/fourjewels/polishing%20gems/?action=view&current=MVI_0237.flv

Here's a link of a bit of Martini Gavotte and...

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v218/fourjewels/polishing%20gems/?action=view&current=MVI_0252.flv

Humoresque.  http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v218/fourjewels/polishing%20gems/?action=view&current=MVI_0251.flv

I think they would have smiled if they'd had a chance to adjust to summer weather! 

For now, at least... 

Abby LOVES her cello!

Abby has graduated from her Twinkles and has been giving a "Twinkle Tour" over the past few weeks.  She played for Mrs. R., Sarah and Holly's violin teacher, last week and received several neat stickers for her foot chart.  She played for Grandma and PopPop today and has several more stops planned on her tour over the next few weeks.  It's fun and motivating for her.  I love watching her concentration. 

Three of our girls graduated from Suzuki books last Friday evening.  Here is Hannah playing her graduation piece from Book One.

Holly graduated from Book Three.  I didn't get her picture playing alone as I was seated directly in front of her, but here she is playing with one of my former students.

Sarah graduated from Book Five.

Symphony bars for all and no roses for me as they were all gone due to Valentine's Day! 

We had a busy day with four girls in class and Dad out of town.  Thankfully, my parents missed a bit of the MSU game to help.  Aren't they grand?

Abby did really well for her first time in a Suzuki class.  She had an excellent teacher who gave her a little mini lesson before the others arrived for class.  She was a bit confused at her concert as she thought she'd already done it.  Her last class was on stage!  :) 

Hannah and Abby enjoy playing cello games together! 

We had a Family Suzuki event Friday night.  We listened to a brief biography of Dr. Suzuki's life and heard solos and duets from a variety of students.  Holly and I played a Bach Minuet together.  Sarah performed Veracini's Gigue.  My long time friend from Arts Academy days played Dr. Suzuki's favorite piece, Ave Maria, and we ended the night with group playing and cupcake decorating. 

Here's Holly and a few friends.

Here are my friend's twin daughers playing Twinkle A.

I recorded Sarah and forgot to take her picture! 

Or... A New Project for Mom! 

Abby took a violin break last winter when I was ill.  I wasn't planning to restart her on a string instrument until next fall as she had a spot with Hannah's old early childhood piano teacher and I thought two instruments would be too much for a four year old.  I was wrong.  Abby missed her Suzuki time with Mom.  We debated about putting her back on violin, but decided it would be fun to have two cello girls in the family.  I was gifted a beautiful full size cello from a friend and will be figuring out how to teach her at home for the next few years (gotta keep that one lesson per child *rule* in place!).  So far, it's been a lot of fun! 

Hannah enjoyed her first cello concert and we enjoyed seeing her.  Holly was a bit buried. 

It was a wonderful concert this year.  I think Sarah's aching to learn La Folia...

Now, can I take a nap? 

We stayed at a water park lodge in Wausau the weekend before Institute and stayed with friends in Menomonie after Institute.  I neglected to take pictures, but I think Dan has some on his phone. 

Here's our annual park shot.  I'm happy to report that Sarah has crossed over to the other side.  She kept asking when we were taking the picture and seemed concerned that we wouldn't get to it.  We were a bit surprised as it has not been her favorite activity for the last couple of years.  Of course, now Hannah is the one who would prefer we skip it.  Ahhhhh..... the joys of having children two years apart.

Sarah had a wonderful A Class.  We had quite a week with Veracini's Gigue as it was the polished piece for all three students!

Joannah came one evening and brought her darling Ellie along for the fun.

Joanna always brings them a book for the drive home.  Dan and I owe Ellie a library!  Sarah couldn't wait to dive into Sherlock Holmes.

We had a recital at a park with a student of mine who moved away a couple of years ago. 

Multiply this by five and you have a tired, happy, and motivated family. 

8:00 Holly had orchestra.  I sat with her since it was her first time in orchestra. 

9:00 Sarah's A Class (private lesson/master class).  Hannah had technique elsewhere with Dad and Abby.   Holly came along and read books during Sarah's lesson. 

10:00 Hannah's A Class.  Holly had technique at this time and was monitored by Dad and Abby.  Sarah had technique on her own around the corner from Hannah's room. 

11:00 Lunch (with many family friends) at the Wooden Chair. 

We try to go to a park after lunch if it isn't too hot.  This year we ended up doing most of our practicing between 12:00 and 2:00.  Sarah went first as she had C (repertoire) class at 1:00. 

Hannah practiced at 1:00 right before we took this picture. 

Holly LOVES Institute time.  I received countless notes during other classes asking me if she could practice her orchestra music and learn the right bowing for the (many!) pieces she figured out in class.  The lucky girl was placed in a group with many children who play Humoresque and Gavotte in g minor.  It didn't take her many tries to figure those pieces out as well. 

At 2:00 Holly had her C (repertoire) class and Hannah had hers elsewhere.  Sarah had orchestra at that time as well. 

Holly had her A class at the very end of the day.  3:00 was a bit of a stretch for her at age six, but she did well.  Her teacher enjoyed her a bit too much and didn't really do anything with her playing.  Ah well...

Loading up and ready for ice cream at the end of the day. 

Hmmm... choir is fun.  I gather Jonathon Wilcocks is more impressive than Mom.  His accent certainly doesn't hurt.  Three girls were able to participate in the 6 and up Honor's Chorus.  They sang the American premier of Across the Years and had lots of yummy after rehearsal snacks. 

Enjoying their ice cream after the concert.

The girls are busy getting ready for Suzuki Institute.  Hannah and Holly have figured out how to play together. 

People often ask what the other children are doing during practice.  Abby has a choice of playing with a nearby dollhouse or getting out a basket of toys.

It works! 

or Why We All Desire to Sit By Hannah During Worship

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v218/fourjewels/?action=view&current=dcf657f0.flv

And a couple of cello tunes especially for PopPop. 

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v218/fourjewels/?action=view&current=22bcf830.flv

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v218/fourjewels/?action=view&current=48eb39cf.flv

A lack of Suzuki teachers in our area makes a move to traditional cello at age nine a good move, especially when all of your sisters play the violin!  Here's Hannah on her first day with the cello.  We're still waiting on the arrival of a 1/4 size for her.  This one is a bit too large, but she managed well!

Sarah's friend, Z, came over one afternoon to get us started with proper technique.  Her family drove an hour (one way!) for lessons over several years.  Thank you, Z!

Domonstrating the use of the bow arm and a string posture. 

Left elbow is up!

Round fingers with strong tips. 

We also observed classes at Blue Lake's Suzuki Camp all day yesterday and are very excited for this new adventure in cello land! 

These are from our Father's Day Recital gift for PopPop.

Our vioin teacher was unable to do a recital this spring, so we had one of our own.  It included several piano pieces and contributions by a friend and student of mine.  Our family friends brought pie.  I made punch and compiled programs.  The girls made music and we talked and played until nearly nine pm.  Dan declared it the most fun, relaxing recital in history!

Nevermind the crocs.  We had a barefooted recital. 

Abby gave us a pre-twinke demonstration before we began.