Registration is closed for the 10th Annual Piano Competition

Dear colleagues,

The competition application deadline is now past.  Many teachers and students have applied and are working hard on their pieces for the competition.  Thank you, teachers for getting the information online and sending your checks on time.


Sincerely,

Ellen Johansen
Competition Committee Chair

PR for a performer at Lang Lang's Master Class - all our students need this in their lives

http://www.27east.com/news/article.cfm/Eastport/90551/ESM-Pianist-Joins-Lang-Lang-For-Master-Class

ESM Pianist Joins Lang Lang For Master Class

Publication: The Southampton Press

By Alexa Gorman   Dec 9, 2014 9:06 AM
 Dec 10, 2014 11:23 AM

Rebecca Nelsen already knows how far a career as a musician can take her.The 12-year-old has been playing the piano since she was 4, and has plans to study at The Juilliard School in Manhattan after she graduates from Eastport South Manor Junior-Senior High School in 2020.

“I like playing on stage and in front of big crowds,” she said during a recent interview, noting that she also plays the oboe in the school’s pep band. She has played the oboe for four years.

Rebecca has always been surrounded by musicians in her Manorville home. Both of her parents, Karen and Grant, play piano. Her mother also plays the flute. Her twin brother, Ryan, is a rising percussionist at ESM as well.

Growing up in a musical home, Rebecca quickly fell in love with the art, and all of the ups and downs that go along with perfecting an instrument. Her piano teacher, Esther Chung-Marks, who teaches out of her home in Port Jefferson Station, said Rebecca’s natural talent and passion shines through.

“She is innately very musical, and she really feels the emotion in the music that she plays,” said Ms. Marks, who has been working with Rebecca for the past five years. “She really is an ideal student.”

Last month, Rebecca performed alongside 99 piano students her age, and took direction from Lang Lang, a Chinese concert pianist who has performed with leading orchestras on three continents, including in the United States. He also happens to be one of her musical idols.

“He was more fun and easy-going than I thought,” she said of the internationally known pianist. “I thought he’d come out in a tux to teach the master class.”

Ms. Marks sent seven students to audition for the Lang Lang 101 Pianists program offered by the Lang Lang Foundation. All seven were accepted and performed in October at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts at Long Island University Post in Greenvale.

The students took a master class, worked with Lang Lang and performed for an audience all in one day. Lang Lang—who has played at venues ranging from the 2014 World Cup in Rio to the Grammy Awards where he played alongside Metallica to the opening ceremony of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing—hosts educational programs, including 101 Pianists, for young artists around the world through his foundation.

Thousands auditioned over the summer for the opportunity to participate in the fall program.

“He really focused on our sound,” Rebecca recalled. “I learned to play loud when in front of a large audience, but to make sure the sound stays crisp.”

Rebecca said that staying consistent and practicing daily is not a problem for her because she’s been dedicated to the piano, and now the oboe, for so long. She prefers the romantic composers, with the Polish composer Frederic Chopin being her favorite.

Ms. Marks has seen Rebecca’s taste for the classic composers evolve through the years, but noted that her student’s heart lies in the romantic period.

“I like his style and how he puts the different dynamic of notes together,” Rebecca said of the 19th century artist.

Rebecca notes that she practices daily at home, except for Wednesdays, when she spends time working with Ms. Marks.

“Anything she touches, she does well,” Ms. Marks said of her student. “She has a lot of dexterity and poise, and stage presence that’s always been with her.”

Rebecca said she hopes all of the practice will pay off when she’s applying to college and auditioning in the hopes of securing scholarship money.

“It really just shows that if people try hard, they can do anything,” she said. “I don’t think I’ll ever give up.”

Rebecca performed for the Eastport South Manor Board of Education at the end of November and was honored by Schools Superintendent Mark Nocero and Board President Kenneth Cooke.

“Absolutely phenomenal,” Mr. Nocero said following her performance in front of those in attendance. “I’m so proud of students like Rebecca, who show what drive and determination can really do.”

 

----------------------

Alexa Gorman

Reporter

Press News Group

agorman@pressnewsgroup.com

631-288-1100

203-725-7884

Link to the Repertoire List for the upcoming competition

Dear teachers,

I am sure you are all  considering what pieces will be best for your student to perform in this year's competition in late March.  Although you may have already chosen a special piece  for each student participating, you may be wondering what category this could or has already been play at.  A repertoire list has been created and continues to be updated year by year.   This list contains pieces performed in past years and tells you what level it was placed and the timing of the piece.  No, it doesn't say whether it was a winner, that's up to you to figure out.  And of course new pieces are added yearly. Our latest update includes new pieces recently submitted in preparation for the January deadline.

You can access this repertoire list here:

list of repertoire for the annual SPTF Competition



The repertoire committee

Updating the Newsletter pages - come and see

Dear colleagues,

The Newsletter can be a source for all your pertinent information related to the Suffolk Piano Teachers Foundation.  No more searching through old emails for that competition application or the date and location of the next meeting.  Of course,  to keep this up to date, I need you feedback (like,  "Hey, Ellen, update the list of meetings!" or "Ellen, You spelled my name incorrectly").  Would you please take a moment and go through the pages and let me know if I left anything out?  You can also send happy comments to the blog.  Those are treasured by the blog maker.

Ellen
Virtual Newsletter creator

Student of Esther Marks receives recognition from her School's Board of Education

Congratulations to Rebecca Nelsen, 7th grade student of SPTF Vice President Esther Chung Marks, who was honored for her musical accomplishments on Nov. 19 at the Eastport School District Board of Education Meeting.  At the board’s request, she performed a solo, Debussy’s Dr. Gradus ad Parnassum, after which she received a standing ovation from the audience.  She is pictured here receiving a certificate from the BOE president and superintendent of schools.  It’s wonderful that the pursuit of musical excellence is recognized in our schools!  

Need some Lang Lang?

Lang Lang pre-show, Saturday, October 25, 7pm at Tilles Center Atrium Lobby

Lang Lang solo piano concert, Saturday, October 25, 8pm, Tilles Center

Lang Lang 101 Pianists Concert, Sunday October 26, 4pm, Tilles Center

Dear all teachers,

If anyone is looking for an entertainment this weekend, there is a Lang Lang 101 pianists concert at Tilles Center. Our SPTF teachers' students are participating. Below link is to Newsday article about it. For tickets, contact Tilles Center Box office.

Click here to read the Newsday article

SPTF Teachers who have students participating in Lang Lang 101 Pianists concert are;

Esther Chung Marks

Lawrence Schubert

Evelyn Ulex

Helen Ferrara

Frances Hanlon

Johanna Kosak

Ellen Johansen

Wen Ling Cheng

Kathy Lee

Vilma Barsauskene

At the Pre-show, Kevin Cao and Francis Leung (students of Lawrence Schubert and Esther Chung Marks) will be among two of five students who will be performing wonderful solo pieces as they are selected as an honorable mention at the audition for the soloist spot. Congratulations to them as well.

Some of non-SPTF teachers such as Miyoko Lotto, Nevart Zeronian, Dr. Pablo Lavandara, Dr. Simon Li and other great 49 teachers' students are participating as one of 100 piano players at this event.

I personally am very much honored to have been a program coordinator and working as a lead teacher along with prof. Stephanie Watt. This is a great and exciting events for 100 students to perform two duet pieces together with Lang Lang. Come and join us.

Piano Party this weekend - All invited

 SUNDAY/OCTOBER 12, 2014 at 3:00 pm

010 NEW ACADEMIC BUILDING

HOFSTRA UNIVERSITY

From the Studio of Blanche Abram

ELLEN JOHANSEN + STUART LUCKS

John Corigliano - Etude Fantasy

Gabriel Fauré - Nocturne Opus 33 No. 1 in e flat minor

Franz Liszt - Trois Etudes de Concert

              Franz Liszt - transcriptions of Schubert Songs and

        transcription of Bach’s Organ Prelude & Fugue in A minor

Great Music

And

Light refreshments

 FREE ADMISSION!

New Updated Calendar is now posted at the Virtual Newsletter

Did you know that the virtual newsletter posts the calendar for the Suffolk Piano Teachers Foundation events?  It is handy!  No more searching through 3000 emails to find it.  The calendar includes the dates for all meetings, recital deadlines,  recitals, competition deadlines and the updated competition weekend.   Go to the  Suffolk Piano Teachers Foundation Virtual Newsletter and look for the calendar page in the right column.  While you are there perhaps you would like to offer some feedback to any of the articles published so far?  I would love to hear from you.

Ellen Johansen
Editor of the Suffolk Piano Teachers Foundation Virtual Newsletter

We all can improve our Organ technique

Upcoming Master Class with our Piano teacher Colleague, Joe Graziose

Words from Fred Barnett - Let's stop and think about what we are doing as piano teachers

  Our Higher Calling

As we go about our daily business of hopefully practicing, building repertoire, preparing students for recitals, NYSSMA, GUILD, competitions, developing sight reading, technique, interpretation, etc, just to name a few, one cannot help to sometimes wish to stop and reflect -

Is there a higher calling? Unequivocal answer: ABSOLUTELY!

If yes, is there, perhaps, some divine evidence of such a calling? Ditto!

Since childhood many of us have been inundated with reported signs of divine evidence, some perhaps fabricated, many clearly authentic: perfection of the universe, rising and falling sunsets, life itself, etc. And wouldn’t the divine creations of the Bachs, Beethovens, and Chopins during recent centuries and currently continuing also rate as nothing less than spectacular? Especially those whose time on earth never reached forty years?

The multi chaptered “Music and Its Secretive Influence,” by Cyril Scott, re-published in 2013, delves into such matters, even convincingly inferring that the music of the masters, the very music we teach, can be and often is construed as the voice of the Almighty.  Certainly recommended reading for music educators. Published by “Inner Traditions”

During this current and widespread malady of our era - inert “spectating” as never before - TV, the web, entertainment, sports, celebrity worship, etc. - what sets our SPTF apart is that our clientele are “doers and participants: our students.” As the great violinist, Isaac Stern, once mentioned in a chance encounter and chat again “hopefully some cultural achievement of note will somehow emerge in some pocket and hopefully escalate”

We are clearly on track and progressing in that direction.

 Fred Barnett

Job Opportunity

Michael Belajonas, long time faculty at SCCC has just opened beautifully renovated teaching space at 149 North Country Road in Port Jefferson.  Mike would like to bring in an experienced piano teacher qualified to teach through NYSSMA Level 6.  For further information, Mike may be reached at 631.363.0707 or by e-mail at belajom@sunysuffolk.edu.

The Well Balanced Pianist Announcement

The Well-Balanced Pianist
The Integrated Approach

Dear Friends,

I'm writing to tell you about a Well-Balanced Pianist program, New York 2015, that will take place at my house!

The Well-Balanced Pianist is an integrated program for piano study, for pianists at every level, that I founded and continue to direct. We have had weekend-long and week-long programs in Long Island, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Illinois since 2003. Since it is my dream program, I've included everything I think a pianist needs in order to improve in all aspects of playing and performing. I also have the privilege of choosing instructors whose work and integrity I respect.

Here are the details: we will meet in Stony Brook, NY from January 17-19. This session's clinics will focus on technique. Susan Nowicki and I will teach piano, and my own fantastic Feldenkrais (bodywork) instructor Sharon Oliensis will join us for classes and private sessions. We are also privileged to have the amazing certified and licensed Dalcroze Instructor Dorothea Cook teach us how to feel rhythm and meter through movement. Participants will have lessons, clinics, mindset discussions, an open forum for questions on technique, and a chance to play duets!

Enrollment is limited to 10 pianists (high school age and up) so we can provide personal attention and detailed intensive instruction. Obviously, space is limited, but I hope you or your students will consider joining us. The Early Bird registration deadline is October 15.

Please send any questions to me at tdybvig@gmail.com. And do feel free to forward this message.

Terry

Announcing - new Guild Chair For 2014 - 2014

We are lucky to be able to offer Guild to our students on Long Island.  It is programs like these that keep our students motivated.

Tamara Slobodkin is retiring from Guild chair and we thank her for keeping this valuable program going for many years.  Now we welcome Esther Chung Marks, who has volunteered as a Guild Chair to continue the good work of Tamara.  We are very grateful and appreciate her time towards this endeavor.

Pictures from the June Pot Luck

What fun! a Potluck!

A thank you note from one of our members

Dear Friends & Colleagues of SPTF,

 I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Johanna Kosak, our current president, Diane Gale, Ellen Spergel, Tami Levy, Fran Hanlon, & Karen Cellala our past presidents since the mid 1990's for their time and dedication to this outstanding organization. It's been aproximately 20 years of learning and growing with all of you. I enjoyed our journey together. I reach out to all of you with my sincere gratitude for unselfishly sharing your time, education, and talents with me throughout these years. You have all helped me in one way or another to grow in developing a full-time piano studio and giving my students opportunities to participate in recitals and competitions. I've enjoyed working with you at the recitals I participated in. As you are all aware piano is my secondary instrument. I was somewhat apprehensive at first to teach piano but after consulting with my piano teachers from Pa. and the help of this group, I now have full confidence in my teaching skills as an experienced teacher and will take all that I've learned from this organization with me. I'd just like to leave you with something I feel very passionate about. Always remember that everyone has strengths and weaknesses and has value in this organization. Pull from each other's strengths. listen to one another, and above all respect each other whether you are young or old. We can all learn and benefit from each other. 

Thank you again for your respect and friendship, 

Fondly,

 Linda Loeper

 P.S. You are all welcome to come and visit us in Florida. We will have a guest room. . Keep in touch. 

A Review of "Alice's Piano" by Fred Barnett

              Alice’s Piano

                                                                                                    Melissa Muller and Reinhard Piechocki

”Alice’s Piano,” one of the most inspirational biographies to come along in years, traces the life of concert pianist Alice Herz-Sommer who died this past February at 110 years old. That’s 110. The recent documentary film on her life, the oldest living Holocaust survivor, also won a special award at this year’s Academy Award. What separates this authorized bio and extraordinary life is Alice’s incredible never-failing indomitable spirit: Optimism of the highest order which pervaded each and every aspect of her life. even after experiencing the very worst of Nazi horrors, while trying to shield her young son.                      

      

Some quotes: : “Life is a gift. Teaching is love and teachers must love to teach. There is little comparable to learning a new piece. Music to be performed must be part of you, body and soul.

Music is our food. All you take with you after you die is what you shared and gave to others.

Chopin’s etudes saved my life.” In the Theresienstadt concentration show camp, engineered by the Nazis to convince outsiders that Jews were treated humanly. Alice set out to learn all 24

Chopin etudes which she continued playing into an advanced age. Unlike most descriptions focusing on the technical challenges,  Alice describes the human quests and emotions embedded in each etude, even relating each to individuals and events  taking place in the camp.

Her pianistic values: transparency, accuracy, and simplicity. Also included is some very surprising info, both negative and positive, regarding some legendary composers, and performers not generally included in standard music texts. Although Alice Herz Sommer never reached the career

heights of other familiar luminaries, or tried to, her inspirational story and prudent messages are more than well-worth the read: Global impact. Real, from cover to cover.

“Alice’s Piano," available from St. Martin’s Press, 175 5th Ave, New York, N.Y. 10010

A follow up bio, “ Lessons from the life of Alice --” by Caroline Stoessinger, also highly recommended, summarizes more of Alice’s impact. Available from Random House, N.Y.

Fred Barnett 

A Spring Piano Recital from one of our teachers, Wen Ling

Photos from the Igudesman and Joo's "8 to 88" workshop

From the studio of Esther Marks,

Dear teachers,

My students Patrick, Alicia, Margaret, Joanne and Theo participated with about 50 other music students in Igudesman and Joo's "8 to 88" workshop at the Tilles Center a couple weeks ago.  The artists worked with everyone on improvisation, creativity, and bringing more expression to music making.  I was sad to see how most students froze up when asked to improvise on their instrument.  It is certainly a skill we all need to remember to develop with our students.  They also emphasized how important it is as musicians to exercise our bodies, and had everyone stretching and marching.  

This photo is the "silly and serious pose" of participants taken at the end of the fun workshop.

Theo Marks tries to maintain focus on performing the Haydn cello concerto no matter what the distractions are!  

Thank you all who participated!

3rd Annual Adult Student Social is this weekend at Fred's Homes and music studio

Dear Teachers,

Reminder that our 3rd annual adult student social will take place on Sat, May 10th (week from Sat.) beginning at 7 pm at my house.  All invited with or without any adult students.  Refreshments, socializing, playing. Piano and/or voice.

1 Half Hollow Ct.

Lake Grove, N.Y. 11755

The first two socials reportedly were enjoyed by all who look forward to the next one.

For new members: This annual event is in lieu of any adult recital which we felt would not be

comfortable,even perhaps intimidating, for adult students.  Most, mostly retired seniors, between beginning and intermediate levels, taking piano lessons for pleasure. Those agreeing to play usually show what they’re working on and mostly only play part of the piece. Preparation for this

evening, although very informal, also serves as some incentive.

Prime purpose is meeting up with others and continued encouragement.

The getting -to-know-you discussion segment of the evening was also engaging.

Enough room for one additional guest per student and teacher.

Looking forward,

Fred Barnett

RSVP: 467-1012 or email me at fbarnett3@webtv.net

Dan Fogel's upcoming Recital for his students - you are all invited to attend and enjoy!

Dear Friends, Music Lovers, Current and Former Students, and Colleagues,

Hope you can come :)

I would like to personally welcome you as guests to my annual piano studio's recital, and the multicultural potluck following, this Saturday at 6pm! 

I haven't seen many of you in a long time, and it would be wonderful to see you :)

I will have around 17 students performing in a fun, all-styles recital, which is sure to make me one proud teacher!

  

• When: This Saturday, May 10th, 6-8pm
   
• Where: Faust Harrison Pianos 
• 277 Walt Whitman Rd, Huntington Station, NY 11746 (you can google this address at google maps for directions)
• (631) 351-9000
  
• Cost: Free for everyone!  Please invite friends. 
• Food: We all bring something freshly made representing our culture or heritage!
  Guests need not bring anything but are welcomed and encouraged to :)
  Please be sure to wash your hands before touching the pianos afterward.
   
• Why:
• to hear some fun and beautiful music!
• to see what I do for a living and where I direct my passion and energy
• to support a friend (I'd love to attend your events as well)
• to offer me some general constructive feedback on my teaching, which I'd always welcome!
• to hear some well-prepared and passionate students
• to get a sense of my teaching
• to check out this nice venue
• to schmooze with the performers, their families, and me afterward!
  
• Program to include a mix of classical repertoire, arranged instrumental themes, & a couple R&B / pop selections :
  
• Gershwin's 1st prelude from the set of 3
• Grieg's piano concerto, 1st mvt, arranged 2 pianos
• Grieg's Notturno, Op. 54, No. 4
• Martha Mier's "Katy's Dance
• An arrangement of John Legend's All of Me
• An arrangement of  Pachelbel's Canon
• Bach's Prelude and Fugue in C minor 
• Sibelius' Le Sapin (The Spruce) 
• Debussy's Le Petit Negre
• a breathtaking vocal performance of Alicia Key's, If I Ain't Got You
• a few of Gillock's Lyric Preludes
• Sun Dance, by Ehrhardt and Engle
• a Theme from the anime, Naruto: Sadness and Sorrow
• Anita Weedmark's The Willow
• Panic! at the Disco's End of All Things
• Nevin's Hoe-Down in Dublin Town
• Mike Springer's Reflections in the Moonlight
• and a few additional Elementary selections

I hope to see you :)

Musically yours,

Dan Fogel, Pianist

Piano Instructor

A peek at the last workshop - Alexander Technique in action

Spring Festival Theme Suggestions

Dear all SPTF teachers,

Spring Festival Theme suggestion due: Sunday May 4

E-mail directly to Johanna Kosak (kosaks@optonline.net)

SPTF hold several recitals throughout the year. One of exciting recital is Spring Festival which usually held in April.

Spring Festival is based on selected theme and students must perform pieces that fits its character. At upcoming May 7th meeting, we will be discussing and selecting theme for next year.

Please submit your ideas of good Spring Festival themes.

You can submit as many as you wish. Brain storm and more the merrier.

Thank you!

Your president

Future meeting topics; Let your voice be heard

Dear all SPTF Teachers,

Topic Submission due Sunday May 4th

Have you ever thought "I wish all piano teachers gather together and discuss something that I have questions on and be able to exchange some ideas"

Well, now is the time!

Every year in May, SPTF teachers gather together and we decide on monthly meeting discussion topics and vote for selection. This is your chance to put your idea in and vote for any topics that you would like SPTF to cover at the meeting. I do have list save from last year but would like to add to them.

Please give me your ideas of topic.

If you would like to volunteer to be a presenter for the topic that you submit, please indicate.

For teachers who have full-time work and usually cannot attend meetings, don't be discouraged. You are also an active member and we value your opinion as well. SPTF started to video record much presentation which can be check out from the library, and we are also working on possible SKYPE or other form of broadcast. Exciting things are coming on the way.

Please do submit your ideas.

I will be making vote sheets and you will be able to submit votes through e-mail if you cannot attend meeting.

Thank you all.

I hope many of you can actually attend the meeting. Nothing like Face to Face connection in this world!

:-)

Your president

Johanna Kosak

kosaks@optonline.net

Next SPTF meeting is next Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Dear all SPTF teachers,

It is exciting May!

Please join us for next general meeting on

Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Location: Home of Mila Balagula

Topic:Discussion and selection of Spring Festival Theme and 2014-2015 meeting topics

An upcoming concert: Evelyn Ulex, Piano and Clarinetist Mariam Adam on Thursday May 1

Honors Recital is next - Don't miss the deadline!!!

Dear all teachers,

It is exciting time to prepare for Honors Recital.

Please see attached and register your students.

Registration Due: post marked by May 7th, 2014

Send to: Johanna Kosak

327 Broadway, Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776

Honors Recital Date: Thursday, June 5th, 2014 at 5pm and 7:30pm

Location: Staller Center, Stony Brook University

Reception: Reception to be followed by each 5pm and 7:30pm recital. 

(Participating teachers must bring 1 dessert and 1 large drinks to be served for each recital they register. Papergoods will be provided by SPTF)

Warm-up time: Teachers will be notified in later date after registration is complete.

SPTF Competition Winners Ceremony: will be held in between two recitals.

(1st place winners must perform their winning piece at one of the recital and all 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners must be present to receive winners certificate and medals)

Each teacher can register 2 students max.

Level: NYSSMA level 3 or higher except 1st place competition winners.

Time limit: 7 min. for 1 student, 10 min for 2 students per teacher (Please advise 2 student will be split in 5pm and 7:30pm recital)

# pieces: Only Single mvt or single piece allowed even though music is well under the time limit. (exception would be variations) Prelude and Fugue will be treated each prelude and each fugue as a one piece except.

Exceptions to above rules: 1st place winners are exempt from above NYSSMA level, Time limit, Single piece rules. They must play entire winning piece without repeats.

Please check out the pages at the blog  for detailed policy and registration form.

Don't forget to  indicate competition winners on the form.

Be accurate with students' performance time.  This is uber important.....

The Royal Conservatory Music Development Program Award of Excellence goes to......

Esther Marks received this delightful letter in the mail: I am delighted to inform you that your student(s) as listed below have won Royal Conservatory Music Development Program Awards of Excellence: Marks, Zoe Elektra Ha Jung    --Center Award, Melville, Piano Level 1 Each year The Royal Conservatory Music Development Programs awards Certificates of Excellence and National Gold Medals to top-achieving students. All awards will be sent to students by the first week of April. Certificates of Excellence are awarded to students achieving the highest mark in their center and/or in their state on their Music Development Program assessment and who have also completed the theory co-requisites for their respective level and discipline. National Gold Medals are awarded to students achieving the highest mark in the country on their Music Development Program assessment and who have also completed the theory co-requisites for their respective level and discipline. These awards are an exceptional distinction—the result of hard work, dedication, talent, and a testament to skill and creativity. They also represent a national standard of musical achievement upheld by the invaluable support you provide to your students. Congratulations once again on your students’ achievements, and thank you for participating in The Royal Conservatory Music Development Program. Sincerely, Janet Lopinski Senior Director, Academic Programs The Royal Conservatory

This years Scholarship winner from Stony Brook University

Hsin-Chia Liao is the SPTF scholarship recipient for Outstanding Pianist at Stony Brook University.  Congratulations!

Pictures from the last recital

Tami Slobodkin welcomes the audience

The recital began with Tami Welcoming the audience

Esther Marks introduced each student performer

Father, son and Daughter Trio

And here are all their performers with their certificates.

Information about a Jazz Book mentioned in last month's SPTF meeting

Judy Hanley mentioned this book at our last SPTF meeting about improvisation.  Here is the information on it.

Thanks, Judy.

Ellen Spergel

Corresponding Secretary

Quantity:   JAZZ FUN AT THE KEYBOARD 6 INVENTIVE SOLOS FOR PLAYING AND OPTIONAL IMPROV Series: Pace Piano Education  Publisher: Lee Roberts Music Publications, Inc. Composer: Bert Konowitz Arranger or Editor: Cynthia Pace These six jazz, rock and pop style pieces provide unique options for performing either with friends, family, teacher or audience, or individually. Add the varied accompaniments or play as solos. Great for both social and individual settings.  $4.95 (US) Inventory # HL 00372437 ISBN: 9781458465566 UPC: 884088658212 Width: 9 Length: 12 Pages: 16 Package Qty: 30

Workshop this Weekend - The alexander Technique

An upcoming concert by Esther Marks - please plan to attend

Dear members,

Many of our colleagues are quite accomplished artists.  Attending their programs is a boost for you and the artist.  Please plan to attend.

How Exciting!!! Here are the competition Results for 2014

Suffolk Piano Teachers Foundation 9th Annual Competition

March 16, 2013 at Faust Harrison Piano

Official Results

·       Congratulations to all students, parents, and teachers!

·       Results are final.

·       All 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place winners must attend the Awards Ceremony held between the Honors Recitals to receive their awards and prizes.

·       Honors Recitals will be held on Thursday evening, June 5^th, 2014 at Staller Center Recital Hall, Stony Brook University (5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.).

·       First Place winners should perform their winning pieces at one of the Honors Recitals.

·       First Place tie winners will each receive medals, and the total monetary prize for their division will be equally split.

Elementary Division (100s)

First Place: (Tie)

#121 Kate Parnell                5th grade, Mt. Sinai Middle School, Mt. Sinai

(Spooks, C. Poole)

–Johanna Kosak, Teacher

            #125 Zoe Marks                    3^rd grade, Boyle Elementary School, Port Jefferson Station

(Thunder on the Plains, J. Linn)

–Esther Chung Marks, Teacher

Second Place:

            #119 Maxim Pustovoit         3^rd grade, Minnesauke Elementary School, Setauket

(Reflections in the Moonlight, M. Springer)

–Daniel Fogel, Teacher

Third Place:

             #106 Fan Trinity                    4^th grade, Bowling Green Elementary School, Westbury

                                                            (Mystic Prelude, T. Brown)

                                                            –Wen Ling Cheng, Teacher

Early Intermediate Division (200s)

First Place: (Tie)

            #206 Dorothy Pierre                        6^th grade, Smithtown Christian School, Smithtown

(Sonatina Op. 55, No. 1, 1^st mvt. F. Kuhlau)

–Johanna Kosak, Teacher

            #209 Alicia Heintzelman      6^th grade, Nassakeag Middle School, Setauket

                                                             (Tokyo Twilight, by M. Bober)

                                                            –Esther Chung Marks, Teacher

Second Place:

#212 Sofia Stacchiola           5^th grade, W.S. Mount Elementary School, Stony Brook

                                                             (Gypsy Dance, H. Lichner)

                                                            –Tamara Slobodkin, Teacher

Third Place:

            #211 Abigail Walker             5th grade, Longwood Middle School, Coram

            (Dance of the Marionettes, M. Tarenghi)

            –Esther Chung Marks, Teacher

Late Intermediate Division (300s)

First Place: (Tie)

#312 Karen Xie         6^th grade, W.S. Mount Elementary School, Stony Brook

(Variations, Op. 40, No. 1, D. Kabalevsky)

–Esther Chung Marks, Teacher

            #314 Cole Hempel     7^th grade, WHB Middle School, West Hampton Beach

                                                (3-part Sinfonia in G minor, No. 11, J.S. Bach)

                                                –Tatiana Balepina, Teacher

Second Place:

            #305 Sarah Wong     5^th grade, Smithtown Christian School, Smithtown

(Le petit Negre, C. Debussy)

–Dan Fogel, Teacher

Third Place:

            #311 Francine Leung  7^th grade, Port Jefferson Middle School, Port Jefferson

(Le Petit âne blanc, J. Ibert)

–Esther Chung Marks, Teacher

                                   

Early Advanced Division (400s)

First Place:

            #415 Rebecca Nelsen  6^th grade, Eastport Elementary School, Eastport

                                                  (Children’s Corner Suite: Dr. Gradus ad Parnassum, C. Debussy)

                                                  –Esther Chung Marks, Teacher

Second Place:

#407 Gabrielle Lim     5^th grade, Northside Elementary School, Levittown

 (Sonatina in C Major, Op. 13, No. 1, 3^rd mvt., D. Kabalevsky )

 –Wen Ling Cheng, Teacher

Third Place:

            #408 Nathaniel Lim  7^th grade, Wisdom Lane Middle School, Levittown

(Impromptu in Ab Major, Op. 142, No. 2, F. Schubert)

–Wen Ling Cheng, Teacher

Advanced Division (500s)

First Place:

#505 Grace Cimaszewski     12^th grade, St. Anthony’s High School, South Huntington

(Scherzo in Bb minor, Op.31, No.2, F. Chopin)

–Teresa Dybvig, Teacher

Second Place:

            #512 Krista Olson     12^th grade, Ward Melville High School, Setauket

                                                (Libestraume, No. 3, F. Liszt)

                                                –Kathy Lee, Teacher

 Third Place:

            #517 Gabriel Downs 11^th grade, Ward Melville High School, East Setauket

(Rustles of Spring, C. Sinding)

–Esther Chung Marks, Teacher