March 2026 Newsletter

March 2026 NewsletterAnnouncements
Quick version:  


March 9,10- No private lessons, day off school
March 10- Dress rehearsal, 6 p.m., Whisper Cove, Nice dress
March 14- 3:15 and 4:15 Spring Recital, Farmington Library, sign up here
March 21 - Utah Federation of Music Clubs Festival; bring original copy of music and judging sheets
March 30- Deadline to register for the Celebration concert
April 11- Graduation videos due
May 1- Graduation rehearsal, detailed schedule below
May 4- Suzuki Graduation, Ogden Tabernacle, arrive 6:30 p.m., starts 7 p.m.
August 21 - Folk and Family, Gailey Park, 7 p.m.

Long version:
Our dress rehearsal is Tuesday at Whisper Cove, 6-7 p.m. Please arrive ten minutes early to tune. Seating is somewhat limited, but parents are welcome to stay and applaud. Please dress a little nicer than your normal school clothes- whatever that means to you. This is a good time to test your planned recital outfit- is it trickier for you to play with puffed sleeves or a necktie? Remember to keep jewelry to a minimum and nails short. You can quietly leave after you play during the rehearsal due to limited space. You are expected to attend the entire recital on Saturday to support your fellow students. Students in Book 3+ should schedule a private rehearsal with Stephanie Stuart (801) 885-9117. Preparation is power!
Recital is on Saturday! Here's the first draft of the recital program. Please check for name spelling and accuracy of recital pieces. The order is subject to change. If you didn't sign up for a time, I randomly assigned you to one or the other.
If your student has completed a book in the past year, start preparing for the Graduation Concert on May 4. Even if you can't attend the concert, you can still turn in a video (due April 11) and receive your certificate. More information and the application are available here. Please check your video with me before submitting the application. The rehearsal is on May 1 at 1955 S. 350 E., Kaysville, Utah. Parents must stay with their student.


Twinkles
3:10
3:25
10

Gossec
3:25
3:35
10

Boccherini
3:35
3:45
10

Bach Bouree
3:45
3:55
15

Vivaldi a
3:55
4:10
15

Vivaldi g
4:10
4:25
15

LaFolia
4:25
4:40
20

The Suzuki Association of Utah will be holding Celebration XI in October 24 (possibly October 11.) Celebration concerts are incredible events held approximately every five years. They are big productions featuring multiple instruments (not just violin!). Registration closes by the end of the month. Sign up here. (Scroll to the bottom of the webpage.)
Summer violin camps can be a huge boost in motivation. My kids have enjoyed the Intermountain Suzuki String Institute and the Kaysville Chamber Strings Summer Music Festival. 
I've updated the 2025-2026 event schedule here. Please let me know if you have any questions.


Check the website: smithcreekviolin.com for dates, group times, and more! The password is suzukitwinkle
If you are not feeling well or need an online lesson, we will use this link in March. This option is also available on bad weather days if you are unable to drive. 


More Important Dates here

Practice/Performance Tips
Last Saturday, I judged a violin Federation festival for the SLC chapter. Often, there's a lot of silence and nervousness before and after a session. During one hour, I heard parents warmly greet each other and the other students, clap with feeling after each performance, and compliment the students at the very end. I was not surprised that these students played with the most confidence.
When I was a young violin student, I found one of my fellow students' parents terrifying. This parent frowned at me in every recital and brought up my common pitfalls (speeding, losing focus) multiple times right before a performance or competition. It is surprising how much someone who is not your parent can make a difference. I am so grateful that every parent I observe at our studio recitals is warm and welcoming to every student. 


In the Suzuki philosophy, we often talk about the concept of the Suzuki triangle- parent, teacher, and student. When I was at the SAA Conference last week, one teacher talked about the Suzuki Blob, in which more adults are added to strengthen support for each student. I think we can (and do) have that concept in Smith Creek Strings. We can't do it alone. Cheer for all the students. Compliment them. Build up their confidence.


Listening Suggestion


This last weekend, I performed in a production of The Lamb of God by Rob Gardner. If you celebrate Easter, this beautiful music may make a good addition to your upcoming celebrations.


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