So, how about that Solar Eclipse, eh?…..I’ll admit that the lead up to the Eclipse, at least in Niagara Falls, seemed way over the top. A state of emergency delcared, road closures, sky rocket hotel room prices, estimating over 1 million people arriving…..I had zero interest in the eclipse because of all this. However, a few minutes before totality happened, I found myself more curious about it and eager to see just how dark it would get, so I ventured outside to experience it and I’m very glad I did. I was so amazed how dark it got, and how quick. We went from full daylight, even with a sliver of the sun still showing, to complete darkness akin to 10pm in the evening, in just a matter of moments. And then 3 minutes later, daylight again just as fast. My dog was barking because it didn’t understand why it was getting dark so early, the birds went eerily quiet outside, and all the streetlights came on. And right in the middle of the 3 minutes of totality, the sky over the city cleared just enough to see the sun, eclipsed by the moon (see what I did there?). It was really awesome to experience and I’m glad my curious mind lead me outside. With just a sliver of the sun still showing and being able to still provide full daylight, I gained a new admiration for just how powerful our sun is. Now, it just needs to start giving us our warm, summer weather…everyday! I keep telling myself that next week it will arrive!! (Don’t ruin this for me, Freya!!)
Here’s what we have to discuss in the April newsletter:
- Testimonials
- Victoria Day Long Weekend
- Mozart Mouse and Beethoven Bear have a sleepover
- Student of The Month
Testimonials
The website for the school has been completed for some time now, with one addition still yet to be added, and that’s testimonials. For obvious reasons, I wanted to wait to start adding them, and now that a significant time has passed since I started teaching you, or your child(ren), I’m asking for testimonials from everyone, if you feel comfortable providing one. You can email your testimonial over to me, if you decide to write one, and I’ll be posting them on the website soon. I’ve already started talking to some of you in person about providing one, and in case not everyone reads the newletter (everyone reads these, right??), I’ll also mention it to those I haven’t spoken with yet. Thank you in advance to anyone who chooses to write one, and to those whom have already agreed to write one. It’s very much appreciated!!
Victoria Day Long Weekend
The Victoria Day long weekend is coming up (May 17-20) and for me personally, my schedule is not changing. If you have lessons that weekend, or on the holiday Monday, I will be able to move lessons to earlier in the day if you would like that. Make up lessons can also be arranged for other days if you are going to be away. This is mostly for my students that I teach on Sunday and Monday, however I will have the Saturday available as well if anyone needs to move a lesson day or wants to schedule any outstanding make up lessons, in addition to all day on the Monday (May 20).
Mozart Mouse and Beethoven Bear Have A Sleepover
This month, our musical friends, Mozart Mouse and Beethoven Bear, whom help me teach the pre-school music curriculum, were treated to a special vacation with one of our students, Atley! Recently, Atley had the misfortune of breaking her right arm, so I’ve had to modify her lessons until her arm heals, but Mozart Mouse and Beethoven Bear have made sure to be there for her lessons and give Atley their full support! In fact, Atley asked if they could have a sleepover and they were very eager to do so! They were even given their own bed! Thanks to Mom, Ashley, for sending over the bedtime picture, and thanks Atley for taking such good care of them!!
Student Of The Month
Our Student of The Month for April, 2024 is, Arie!!
Arie and his 3 siblings have been studying piano with me since January, and he has been working through the Faber & Faber Piano Adventures Primer book. When the time comes to learn how to read music on the staff lines, it can feel a bit overwhelming at times for students, however, Arie learned it very quickly and has been doing fantastic when applying it to playing the piano! Arie’s choice of stickers have been the Dinosaur stickers and as with all of the stickers as of late, I will need to stock up on more of those ones too!
Arie received his framed Student Of The Month certificate, and is featured in this month’s newsletter as well as on our Facebook and Twitter pages, and on the school website when the newsletter is posted there.
Congrats, Arie!!
Coda
Another month has come and gone and it feels just as quick as the day/night transition during the Solar Eclipse. I’m eagerly anticipating the days when I can go to work in shorts and sandals. It’s going to be next week, right??? Enjoy the rest of your week, your weekend, and I’ll see you in your lesson!
– Alex-
Socials & Where To Find Us!
- Web: https://www.doansom.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ADOANSOM
- Twitter (now ‘X’): https://twitter.com/alexander_doan
- Google Reviews if you would like to leave a review: https://g.page/r/CbNrxK_Veae6EB0/review
Alexander Doan School of Music 