Intermountain Suzuki String Institute

Warning: This is a long and picture-filled post.

The girls and I had a fantastic time at the Intermountain Suzuki String Institute.

This was Macy's first class this year. It was a Suzuki repertoire class, where they play games along with all the songs they have learned from Suzuki. As you can see below, they do some silly stuff!

Let's take a break and lie down while we play!

Ellie Albers LeRoux was Macy's Rep teacher.

Instead of a regular music theory class, Macy got to take something called "Dalcroze Eurythmics." The children got to use their bodies to learn about things like rhythm, notes, articulation, and so forth. It was Macy's favorite class.

Taking GIANT steps!

These symbolize half notes. They did running, jogging, walking, and skipping to learn other note values.

Look at that leap! They did lots of fun things with these sticks on the ground.

Sarah Smith was Elise's technique teacher. She learned a lot of good things about her posture and how to take care of her violin in this class.

Suzuki Repertoire Class was a lot of fun. Elise really liked Mr. Rens' teaching style. He was funny and upbeat with the kids.

All dressed up for the final concert, playing in repertoire class!

Koen Rens was Elise's repertoire teacher.

Tessa was a trouper throughout the week. She was quite good during most of the classes. A few times I had to take her out and pace the hall trying to get her to take a nap!

Happy Girls!

Lisa Yong Sutherland was Elise's Master Class teacher. This is a 12-15 minute private lesson every day. Elise loved this class. Macy had the same gal for her Master class last year, and we just love her!

Amy Norton was Macy's Master Class teacher this year. She was really cute with the kids and had a lot of good suggestions for us.

Butterflies on the bow in technique class

Perfect rest position from all the students!

More technique

Playing with the Twinkle bows

Connie Hadlock taught Macy's technique class. We got a lot of great ideas from her too. I love going to Institute so I can steal ideas from all these incredible teachers!

Elise's theory class incorporated ideas and materials from "Music Mind Games." I purchased some of the materials and I'm excited to use them with my students.

Playing outside during a break. Babes was happy to be free to crawl around.

Pose, Lisey!

All of the students get to perform on the last day of Institute, all together. They break it down into groups, depending on what songs the children have learned. Here is Elise at the final concert.

Macy at Final Concert

My student Ali at Final Concert

My student Ainsley at Final Concert

Me & my girls after the Final Concert. I had a couple of other students attend as well, but I wasn't able to get pictures of them. This is such a wonderful experience for young musicians, and we are blessed to live so close to one of the largest Suzuki Institutes in the country. Also, a big thanks goes out to Mary for helping us all week. She took turns going to the girls' classes with me, since they had classes at the same time and I couldn't be in two places at once. We would have had a much more difficult week without her! We can't wait for next year and I hope that even more of my students will be able to attend!