1809 University Ave
Berkeley, CA 94703
Dear Golden Key Piano School Community,
I hope your winter season is going well! Here is our December newsletter:
1. Register for Annual Duet Recital
It has been our tradition to start the recital each school year with a duet recital. Practicing duet lets the students build ensemble skills. It is also fun and motivating to practice with another fellow student. In addition to that, since memorization is not required for duet performance, playing duet on stage is an easier experience.
For all the above reasons we are offering the duet practice and performance
opportunity to all the students every December. We also encourage the students to keep practicing duets through the year.
Recital Requirements:
- One formal rehearsal is required. Rehearsal takes place at Golden Key Piano School. Please find a time that works for you and your duet partner and sign up here:
- 12/5, 12-12:30
- 12/5, 12:30-1
- 12/5, 1-1:30
- 12/5, 1:30-2
- 12/5, 2:15-2:45
- 12/5, 2:45-3:15
- 12/5, 3:15-3:45
- 12/5, 3:45-4:15
- 12/12, 12-12:30
- 12/12, 12:30-1
- 12/12, 1-1:30
- 12/12, 1:30-2
- 12/12, 2:15-2:45
- 12/12, 2:45-3:15
- 12/12, 3:15-3:45
- 12/12, 3:45-4:15
- There is a $38 fee that covers the cost of renting the venue
- Formal attire is required for both rehearsal and recital
Covid safety requirements:
- Proof of vaccination is required in order to get into the Recital.
- In the past friends and family members were all invited to the recital but this year each performer can only bring 2 guests; parents or guardians.
- We are only booking at 50% capacity of the hall;
- Non vaccinated people are NOT allowed to the concert hall.
2. A Special Zoom Concert for Our Distance Learners
We are having a special short recital on zoom for those students who have been taking lessons from all over the world with us, namely, Las Vegas, Germany and New York. Please join us and cheer these wonderful musicians from beginner to advanced levels.
The recital is on Sunday December 5th, from 10:00 to 10:30
AM PST.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/
3. Student Spotlight: Jaslene
Congratulations to Jaslene, student of Katrin, for passing level 8 with merit at Royal Conservatory Exam and receiving First Class Honors with Distinction.
Jaslene has been a student at Golden Key Piano School since she was 5 years old. Today at age 13 Jaslene is a role model for many of our younger students. Her self-criticism (in a positive way), self motivation, and very musical playing makes her one of our best students at Golden Key Piano School.
We are honored and thrilled that after her families’ move to the South Bay, they decided to take the long drive and stay with Golden Key Piano School.
We are proud of you Jaslene. Keep learning more repertoires like a bulldozer!
4. It is not too Late to Join the Solfeggio Club
We have been receiving many very good responses about our Solfeggio Club with our beloved teacher Cooper. It is not too late to join the club.
Register in December and get your first class free.
The club is on Mondays:
Mondays 4:00 for age 5-9
Mondays 4:30 for ages 9 and up.
5. Flu Season and Covid Safety Rules
As we are about to enter winter and flu season, we will be very strict about not letting any students, parents, or teachers come to school with any cold or flu symptoms for the sake of everyone’s health and safety at our school.
If you or your child have cough, fever or even just sour throat and runny nose please call us and ask for a zoom link to take your lesson from home.
Teachers will send students home IMMEDIATELY if the students shows up with any cold or flu symptoms.
6. Winter Break
Please note that school is closed from December 24 to January 1.
As a reminder, when school is closed you are not missing a lesson since we arrange the calendar based on 16 lessons per quarter.
We are looking forward to seeing you all at the Duet Recital and wishing you a wonderful winter break and holiday after that.
If you have any questions please call the school at (510) 665-5466 or reply to this email.
Yours truly,
Katrin Arefy