“The destiny of children

lies in the hands of their

parents.”

Shinichi Suzuki

52549 Gumwood Road ' Granger, Indiana 46530

(574) 271-0334 ' www.suzukimusickids.org

of Granger

2

I dentification tags. Please make sure to have identification on your instrument case

(such as a luggage tag). That way, if you should ever misplace or leave behind your instru-ment, it can be easily reunited with you. Because bows can be easily mixed up, it is also a good idea to discretely label your bow with your name. You may want to label your instru-

ment as well. All music books should also be properly identified.

F lute care. In order to stay in good repair, your child’s flute will need a little care. To

protect your flute, always wash your hands and brush your teeth before playing. After each practice session, the flute should be carefully wiped both inside and out and should be stored in its case or on a flute stand. Although the flute seems like a very

sturdy instrument, the mechanism that controls the keys is actually quite delicate and care should be taken not to grab the keys when taking apart and putting together the instrument. Also, dam-age to the shape of the flute will change its sound so care should be taken when handling the in-strument that it is not dropped or banged against hard surfaces. Bulky rags should not be stored in the case with the flute because they can change the shape of the flute over time. If you have any concerns about the condition of your child’s flute, consult your individual teacher.

c ello, viola & violin care. Like fine pieces of furniture, stringed instruments are

very susceptible to changes in their environment. Once we begin to heat our homes in the winter, the air becomes drier, and the cold/dry combination is a serious hazard for delicate stringed instruments. In order to prevent damage, you can humidify your in-

strument by purchasing and using a ―Dampit‖ or other humidifying device. Violas and violins can also be humidified by keeping an open medicine bottle filled with slightly damp cotton balls in the case. Do not leave your instrument unattended in the car because the extremes of tempera-ture that can be reached in a car, both hot and cold, can be damaging. Wipe your instrument off with a clean soft cloth every time after playing. This prevents buildup of rosin on the finish of your instrument and keeps it looking its best.

Piano Care. Tune piano once a year. Wash keys with damp cotton cloth. Wash hands before

playing the piano.

3

Dear Suzuki Family,

We are very happy that you have chosen the Suzuki Method for your child’s musical education, and we hope that you find this a rewarding experience for your entire family.

Over the years, we have compiled and revised information for this Parent Handbook, both to facilitate a smooth transition into the school for our new families as well as to provide a concise reference booklet for our returning families.

The Board of Directors and teaching staff here at the school are dedicated to making the Suzuki experience a positive one for your child, and if you should have issues that arise at any time throughout the year, please be sure to speak to a member of our Board or teaching staff (see the inside back cover of this booklet).

Regular communication with you as a Suzuki parent is integral to the success of your child’s experience here at Suzuki Music School.

Please keep this handbook in a convenient location, as it’s a wonderful reference guide throughout the year.

Enjoy your musical journey this year!

Sincerely,

Joyce Davis

Music Director

Joyce

Instrument Care Front

Cover

Faculty & Teaching Staff 4 – 5

Suzuki Method 6

Resources 7

Being a Suzuki Parent 8 - 9

School Building & Property 10 - 11

Inside Story 6

Family Activities 12

Parent Commitments 13

Tuition & Fees 14 - 15

Payment 16

Musical supplies & More 17

Attendance Policies 18

Important Phone Numbers Back

cover

2008-2009 Calendar Back

cover

contents

4

Janel Balbo

Violin

Began Suzuki violin studies at age five. Experi-

enced in preschool education and development.

Suzuki training at SANO International Music Festi-

val & Suzuki Music Camp with Ray Landers and

Helen Brunner. Studied withMartha Shackford at

Capitol University. Member of SAA.*

Martha Bradberry

Violin and Viola

Weber State University. Extensive background in

preschool music. Suzuki training at the Chicago

Suzuki Institute, Stevens Point, and Blue Lake Fine

Arts Camp. Over forty years teaching experience

with children. Developed string orchestra pro-

grams in two parochial schools. Violist in the

Gaska String Quartet. Member of ASTA, AF of M,

and SAA.

Caroline Brill Cello Coordinator, Rhythm & Movement

B.S. and M.S. Special Education, Indiana Univer-

sity. Suzuki training with Sally Gross. Eighteen

years experience in special education. Currently

the preschool coordinator for Joint Services for

Special Education through School City of Misha-

waka and Penn Harris Madison School Corpora-

tion. Theory Coordinator. Member of SAA.*

Joyce Davis

Music Director and Viola/Violin Coordinator

B.S., Purdue University. SMS Music Director since

1987. Extensive Suzuki training; including training

with Dr. Suzuki, Kay Sloan, Marjorie Aber, Evelyn

Hermann and Rhonda Cole. Over twenty-five

years teaching experience. Second violin of the

Gaska String Quartet Member of AF of M and

SAA.*

Lydia Franks Cello

M.M., Eastman School of Music; B.M. and B.A., Rice University. Suzuki training with Sally Gross and Rick Mooney. Former teacher at the Kanack

Suzuki Music School and Eastman Community Education Division in Rochester, NY and at the

Pialish School in Los Angeles. Performance inter-ests in historical performance practice and contem-

porary music. Member of ASTA and SAA.*

* Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA); American String Teachers Association (ASTA);

American Federation of Musicians (AF of M).

Lois Burns Piano

Began Suzuki piano studies at age 4. Suzuki Early Childhood

Education with Sally Gross. Suzuki Piano Training with

Marilyn Andersen at Blue Lake Fine Arts Family Camp. Cur-

rently working on a Music Ma-jor with a concentration in pi-

ano at Indiana University, South Bend. Member of the

SAA.*

5

Carol Hoffman

Piano, Violin, and Piano Accompanist

B.M., DePaul University. Suzuki training at

Stevens Point and Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp.

Program assistant for a Chicago Suzuki program. Over

forty years teaching experience with children. Retired

from the Gaska String Quartet, the South Bend Sym-

phony, and the Southwest Michigan Symphony. Mem-

ber of AF of M and SAA.*

Rosie McCormick

Piano Co-Coordinator

Winthrop College. Suzuki training with Ray Landers,

Nehama Patkin and Doris Koppelman. Kodaly, Orff and

Dalcroze training at Andrews University and at Stevens

Point. Over twenty years teaching experience, including

special education. Former music director at Montessori

Academy, St. Joseph Grade School and IUSB Music

Academy.

Board of DTamara Stojanovic

Violin

M.M. with Chamber Music emphasis, San Francisco State University. B.A.,University of Florence, Italy. Diplomas in Violin Performance, State Conservatory of Music, Florence, Italy, and School of Music, Kra-gujevac, Serbia. Suzuki violin teacher since 2000. Training with Donna Lim, Liz Arbus, Susan Kempter, Ed Sprunger, Joanne Melvin, Kimberly Meier Sims and Alice Joy Lewis. Active chamber musician and Violin Instructor at Notre Dame since 2006. Joined South Bend Symphony in 2007. Member of SAA.*

Sarah Thomas

Cello

B.M., Baldwin-Wallace College. M.M., University of Notre Dame. Suzuki training with Jean Dexter, Gilda Barston, and Pam Devenport at Stevens Point, Chi-cago Suzuki Institute, and Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. Over twenty years experience. Former teacher at Northwest Indiana Suzuki School. Cur-rently Assistant Principal cellist with Southwest Michigan Symphony and principal cellist with La-Porte County Symphony. Member of AF of M, SAA.*

Terry Powells

Piano, Rhythm & Movement

Formally on the faculty of Suzuki Music School of Granger from 1986-2000. Suzuki Pianootraining at Ste-

vens Point, WI with Nehama Patkin and Jeanne Luedke. Directs an after-school program in South Bend.

S

Board of Directors

Chair Mike Bashara

Secretary Kathy Williamson

Music Director & President Joyce Davis

Business Administrator Lori Vogt

Caroline Brill Monika Champion

Kathy Sellers

Suzuki Music School does not

discriminate

in the acceptance of students

or the hiring of staff

on the basis of race, sex, religion, ethnic or national origin.

Dolores Wilson

Violin and Viola

B.M.E., M.M.,

Indiana Uni

versity. Extensive Suzuki

training

with Marrjorie Aber,

Shigatoshi, Rhonda Cole

and Alice Joy Lewis. Forty

+ years teaching experi-

ence. Chamber music fac-

ulty instructor at Blue Lake

Fine Arts Camp. Member

(50 years) of the South Bend

Symphony. First violin of

the Gaska String Quartet.

Member of ASTA, AF of M

and SAA.*

6

W hen Shinichi Suzuki ob-served children playing, he noticed how profi-ciently they learned to

speak their native language. He decided to apply this principle of learning language by listening and speaking to violin playing. Thus, the ―Mother Tongue‖ method was born.

The Suzuki Method begins with the premise that music is to be enjoyed. All children have musical potential that can be highly de-veloped, given the proper instruction and environment. Children will strive to learn in an atmosphere of love, encouragement and enthusiasm.

Since language learning begins at birth, like-wise music learning should start from birth. Formal lessons can begin as early as three years old. Students begin playing before they are able to read music so that they can develop the proper posture, produce good tone, and gain confidence before attempting to play from written music. Students listen to recordings of the Suzuki pieces daily in order to become familiar with tone, pitch, rhythm, dynamics, and phrasing of each piece. Students also are encouraged to listen to other recordings and to attend concerts of fine performances.

Parents are actively involved in their chil-dren’s instruction. The parents attend les-sons with their children and practice with

their children at home. Parental involve-ment encourages children to continually strive for improvement and helps them to develop skills more thoroughly. Parents do not have to be musicians to be excellent tu-tors for their children.

Students attend a weekly group lesson in addition to the individual lesson. Students spend a portion of every lesson reviewing pieces in order to apply new skills and tech-niques to pieces they know well. Students will have the pleasure of playing with oth-ers, and are inspired to work harder when performing for and with their peers.

All students of the Suzuki Method follow the same sequence of repertoire which pro-gresses through skill levels. The music is memorized so the student can concentrate on techniques and skills. In addition, stu-dents from all over the world are able to per-form together since they all know the same enjoyable music.

Dr. Suzuki’s vision goes beyond just educat-ing children to be fine musicians. He be-lieves in creating ―noble human beings,‖ which can only happen if people are taught and encouraged to be kind to others, to pour affection on others, to know the joy of life and to enjoy striving for the sake of every-one’s happiness.

[Excerpts from Shinichi Suzuki: Educational Revolutionary by Emilie Grondin (New Heaven/New Earth, Oct. 1991)]

Suzuki

Method

7

Suzuki School of the Americas

Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA) is a coali-tion of teachers, parents, educators, and others who are interested in making music education available to all children. SAA provides programs and ser-vices to members throughout North and South America. Membership in SAA entitles you to re-ceive quarterly copies of the American Suzuki Jour-nal. Past copies of the American Suzuki Journal are available in the school library. For information on how to join SAA, please contact: Suzuki Association of the Americas P.O. Box 17310 Boulder, CO 80308 (303) 444-0948 www.suzukiassociation.org The SAA website also has a link to the international Suzuki organization.

School Library

The library at the Suzuki Music School, located in the kitchen, contains many music books and jour-nals of interest to Suzuki parents and students. It also holds recordings and videos, including video-tapes of past student recitals. All of the library’s contents can be checked out and brought home, but please be considerate of others and return library materials promptly. We do not have adequate funds to replace all of the items not returned to the library; likewise, some things are simply irreplace-able.

School Newsletter

The school publishes a monthly newsletter to make families aware of upcoming events. The newsletter will be paperless - you can read it on the website or get it via e-mail. Sign up on the website www.suzukimusickids.org or e-mail John Scofield at jscofiel@nd.edu. If you prefer to receive a paper copy, you must specifically request it at the office and pick it up at the office during the first week of each month.

School Website

The website of the Suzuki Music School (www.suzukimusickids.org) contains many valuable links to information on Suzuki pedagogy and other Su-zuki organizations. It also includes helpful school in-formation and an online copy of each newsletter. Like almost everything on the internet today, this site and our ability to communicate electronically is growing. We are constantly looking for new ways to use the internet for the benefit of our families. We have a se-cure (password accessible) site to display pictures. If you need the password, please see Lori Vogt.

Suzuki Music School is a non-profit organization founded in 1974 by Jean

Stucky under the name of Suzuki Talent Education of Mi-chiana. It was created originally to provide the children of Goshen and the surrounding areas with a musical educa-tion based on the teachings of the late Dr. Shinichi Suzuki.

In 1976, the organization opened another branch in the South Bend area, with classes meeting in the living room of a supportive friend and member of the South Bend Symphony. Classes later moved to a church in the com-munity. The organization was later consolidated in Granger.

In 1991, when the church was no longer able to meet the physical needs of the growing organization, Mike & Joyce Davis and Dick & Dolores Wilson generously purchased the property on Gumwood Road for the school to use as its permanent home. Joyce Davis has served as Music Direc-tor since 1987. In late 1999, the school changed its name from Suzuki Tal-ent Education of Michiana to Suzuki Music School, Inc. In the spring of 2007 we revised the name to: Suzuki Music School of Granger.

8

N urtured by Love In order

to achieve a broad understanding of

the Suzuki Method, all parents are required to read the book, Nurtured by Love, by Shinichi Suzuki. This book is included in the set of materials all new families receive. This classic work by the founder of the Suzuki Method gives, through personal anecdotes, a history of the development of the Suzuki philosophy and his be-lief in the high potential of every child.

H ome Practice Time There are many resources available to parents who would like to learn how to better help their young mu-

sicians at home. A few are listed at the end of this handbook and some are even posted on the walls of the school. Two very important elements of a Su-zuki musical education, elements which cannot be over-emphasized, are that students learn from lis-tening and that they learn in a loving, nurturing environment. It has been shown time and again that the students who progress quickly in their love for music and their musical ability are those who listen to music on a daily basis. Please make sure as you embark on your daily home practices that you are providing a nurturing environment that in-cludes plenty of time for listening.

I ndividual & group Classes Suzuki education includes individual lessons as well as group repertoire classes and group theory, reading or ensemble classes. Each has a particular and valuable purpose in the musi-cal education of the child.

INDIVIDUAL LESSONS: Parental participation is

an integral part of the Suzuki method. Parents are required to attend each lesson with their child so that they are able to learn the skills necessary to help their children at home. Parents are requested to observe, take notes, and hold all comments/questions until the end of the lesson. Any con-cerns, questions or comments about the week’s practice time should be communicated to the teacher before the lesson begins in order to avoid breaking the flow of the lesson.

GROUP REPERTOIRE CLASSES: Group reper-

toire classes provide much motivation and an op-portunity for students to learn skills needed to play with others in a group setting, to refine re-view pieces, to prepare for concerts, and to enjoy the social aspect of playing as a group. At times, a student may be on a piece beyond others in his/her repertoire class and will have the opportunity to play many pieces he/she is very confident with. At others times, a student may be in a class where he/she plays only a few of the pieces. This gives him/her the opportunity to observe the playing of others and be motivated to play pieces as he/she is still learning them. Please be assured that both of the experiences are as valuable to the students as that of being in a class which appears on the sur-face to be a perfect fit.

GROUP THEORY CLASSES: Parents are re-

quired to attend theory classes with their children and should reinforce the theory lessons by playing theory games at home with their children. If you have children in different theory classes, please attend theory class with your youngest child. Al-though teachers are provided for each of the the-ory classes, parents should come to theory class prepared for the game that will be played that day. The theory teacher will present each new game; however, parents will be called upon to lead other parents and children in games so the theory teacher is free to observe and answer questions. The goal of these classes is to help children and parents learn music theory through games they enjoy playing. These classes are intended to be fun and educational for both students and parents.

9

GROUP READING & GROUP ENSEMBLE

CLASSES: After mastering three levels of theory,

students are able to audition for group reading classes. Auditioning students are required to have at least one year of reading experience in their individ-ual lessons. Progression through reading classes is also by audition. Auditions for returning students are held the first day of group classes of the fall se-mester. Students who are in an ensemble need to inform their ensemble teacher prior to any absences and should be particularly conscientious about at-tending every ensemble class, as the success of the entire ensemble is dependent on the dedication of each of its members. Small ensembles will be formed and chosen by the students’ previous atten-dance and dedication to learning the music.

C ommunication from the

School In order to stay aware of current

events, remember to check the communica-tion board in the Suzuki Foyer frequently

for information and to pick up your monthly news-letter. There is a white board located on the east wall of the school lobby between the restrooms on which urgent messages will be posted. Any ques-tions should be directed to Lori Vogt in the school office.

C ommunication with

Faculty Please contact your

teacher directly with any questions or cancellations. Do not call the school to

cancel individual lessons; your teacher will not re-ceive messages left on the school answering ma-chine, and this will affect whether you are entitled to a make-up lesson. Teachers’ home phone num-bers can be found in the school phone directory as well as within this handbook. Please keep commu-nication calls short and to the point, as teachers are very busy.

C are of Siblings Suzuki Mu-

sic School is not able to provide child-care for the siblings of children in our program. While parents need to be

responsible for all of their children at all times, we understand that this can sometimes present parents with a dilemma. How can you attend one child’s group classes while also caring for brothers or sis-ters? In many cases, siblings are able to quietly oc-cupy themselves during group lessons. However, if your child(ren) is/are having trouble observing a class respectfully, please use your discretion about when the time has come to leave the class. If sib-ling/s continue to have difficulties in the classroom that prevent you from attending your child’s class, it is imperative to consider alternatives which would allow you to be present in your child’s class.

Also, please understand that you must be in the building or on the school grounds at all times while your child is attending classes at the school.

“Children learn

to smile from

their parents.”

Shinchi Suzuki

10

C are of the Building Suzuki

Music School has nine classrooms, each with the name of a different composer. We are doing everything possible to

maintain and enhance our school building. In each of the last several years, major improvements have been made to our building through the generous efforts of our landlords, the Vogt family, and other Suzuki fami-lies. We would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to eve-ryone involved with these improvements!

We would also ask that all families who use this school to please respect the efforts that others have made on their behalf and to not use the school in a way that is destructive or careless. Even small acts of vandalism can create a less pleasant environment—so kindly en-sure that your children are supervised while at the school.

Please use the same courtesies at the school as you would in someone’s home. Wipe your feet carefully on muddy or snowy days, don’t leave smelly garbage in-side the school building (please no diapers in the school’s trash), and pick up after yourself and your family when it is time to go home. For those items that are inadvertently left behind, there is a lost-and-found box located just to the right of the faculty mailboxes.

E mergency exits Should it be

necessary to evacuate the school, there are several school exits in addi-tion to the two lighted exits in the

front and back of the main school lobby. For those students whose classes are in Bach and Brahms, the school can be exited both through the lobby (front and back door) and through an exit in Brahms. Stu-dents whose classes meet in Mozart and Vivaldi can exit the school though the door on the south side of Mozart. For those students whose classes are upstairs, there is an exit to a (exterior) stairway that can be reached through the west side of Gershwin as well as an (exterior) stairway to the South at the opposite end of the hallway (near Dvorak).. As in any emergency situation, it is im-portant that all personal belongings be left behind. Someone trying to evacuate carrying a cello, for instance, could pose a serious hazard to others try-ing to quickly leave the building! The two exits upstairs, in Brahms and in Mozart are emergency exits and should not be used for everyday use.

Our Neighbors Like all of us, Suzuki Mu-

sic School has neighbors of whom we must be con-siderate. The cornfield next door, while a great temptation to small children, is not a part of the Suzuki Music School’s property. Please help your children understand that they must not play in the fields. There is ample area for children to play both in front of the school and to the south of the school. No playing in the parking lot. Children must be supervised while playing outside.

School Building & Property

11

T he Parking Lot As our student body grows, we periodically experience crowd-

ing in our parking lot. In order to ensure the safety of the students who play outside dur-ing group lessons and to provide for all families who need to park, we ask that you fol-low a few simple rules for parking:

Please reserve the two parking spaces closest to the school for handicap parking.

Please reserve the two parking spaces on the east side of the school for the music director and business administrator.

Please maximize the space available in the lot by parking immediately beside the previous car. If the occupants of that car are unloading, wait for them to finish and then park immediately beside the car. Do not try to judge a car distance away or park next to an open car door. While this seems logical, it inevitably leaves unusable space.

Wherever you park, please be vigilant about children and obstacles in the parking lot. The school cannot foresee every possibility, so it is important for individuals to be alert to their environment. Please bring any safety concerns, whether in regard to the school building or the parking lot, imme-diately to the attention of a member of the board of directors.

Do not triple park.

No playing behind the parking lot.

Enter and exit the parking lot from the North of School. You may only exit south from the Gum-wood Road driveway.

Insert copy of parking lot here

12

P erformances & proper attire Performing is an important and fun part of Suzuki instruction. For all public perform-ances, concert attire is required. Concert

attire includes the white Suzuki Music School polo shirt (purchased at the time of enrollment). Additionally, girls are required to wear a black skirt or black pants with nylons, black tights or black socks, and dark shoes. Boys are required to wear black pants, black socks and dark shoes—no tennis shoes please. Students will not be allowed to play in a concert if not dressed according to these guidelines. (Black shorts may only be worn at outdoor summer concerts.)

STUDENT CONCERTS & DEMONSTRATIONS:

We hope to have several casual concerts this year to polish students’ performances and bring musical cheer to others. Concert and demon-stration venues include malls, Tippecanoe Place Restaurant, formal dinners, schools, daycare centers, churches, and community sites. We invite you to share information about possible concert sites with your instrument coordinator or with the Music Director.

ENRICHMENT CONCERTS: Twice a year, Su-

zuki Music School holds concerts for its stu-dents and their families. In December, perform-ances by the faculty and advanced students comprise an Enrichment Concert. In the spring, the last group classes will be combined for the Family Ensemble Concert. All families are welcome to perform in this concert with the guidance and approval of their individual in-structor.

SOLO RECITALS: During March, each student

will perform a solo in a recital for family and friends. This is a special performance for every-one. Concert attire is your Sunday best; it is not

necessary to wear the traditional concert attire with the Suzuki Music School polo shirt. Students choose their recital piece with the help of their in-dividual teacher and prepare for their recital by playing their piece 100 times.

GRADUATION RECITAL: Students who have

completed a Suzuki volume or book should, with the permission of their individual teacher, coordinator and director, participate in a graduation recital the following November. During this recital, they formally graduate the previous volume, or in the case of Volume I, they graduate Twinkle. If your child is eligible to graduate one or more books this fall, you will need to fill out a Graduation Form with your teacher and pay the graduation fee in or-der to take part in the Graduation Recital. Forms will be available through your individ-ual lesson teacher. Submit forms along with payment to the Business Administrator. If you are graduating more than one book, turn in one form for each completed book.

GALA CONCERT: During the spring semester

students participate in a full school concert at Bethel college. Students work on a piece to perform with their repertoire class at the con-cert.

READING/CHAMBER CONCERT: This concert

is at the end of the school year and includes all students that are in a reading/chamber group.

C elebration Day At the end of the

school year, there is a family celebration that includes a potluck supper, games and activities. This gives families an

opportunity to socialize before the long summer break and gives students a chance to celebrate all accom-plishments during the past year. There is no cost for this event, and all families are invited to attend.

Family

Activities

13

v olunteer work Suzuki Music

School depends on the varied skills and talents of parents to maintain the excel-lence of its music education program

and to restrain the rising costs of program admini-stration—hence tuition costs.

Each family enrolled in the Suzuki Music School will be required to perform four parent volunteer jobs during the 2008-09 school year. There are a wide variety of jobs available during the school year to fulfill the volunteer commitment.

A letter explaining the Parent Volunteer Program is included with your initial tuition/fees invoice. Sign-up sheets for jobs will be located on the bulle-tin board in the Suzuki foyer the first week of group classes in September. Job sign-up is on a first come, first serve basis. Once you have signed up for a job, you will receive a post card in the mail as a reminder. In order to receive credit for your com-pleted job, you must get a receipt from the job coor-dinator.

Please join with other parents in their efforts to sup-port the school by volunteering your time and skills. If you prefer, you may pay a $75.00 fee in lieu of completing four volunteer jobs. After May 31, 2009, parents that have completed part or none of their volunteer commitment will be billed for the appropriate amount. If this amount is not received by August 1, 2009, the family will not be able to re-enroll their child(ren) until this payment is re-ceived.

D onation of consumable

items Each family is asked to donate

two consumable items to the school each year. These include such items as

cleaning/bathroom supplies, facial tissue, 60-watt light bulbs, or vacuum bags. Monetary donations are, of course, always welcome and are tax-deductible. An updated list of consumable items needed will be pub-lished in each newsletter.

S crip tuition credits What

is SCRIP? Simply put, it is another name for ―gift certificates.‖ These certificates are equivalent to cash

when used at the vendor listed on each certificate. Families purchase SCRIP from Suzuki Music School and then use these certificates (instead of cash, check or charge) at the respective place of business.

Every time a family purchases SCRIP certificates from Suzuki Music School, they earn money for the school and their individual accounts; a percentage of the cer-tificate’s value is profit for the school. Suzuki Music School shares the profit earned by each family, by giv-ing 50% of the profit back to the respective family in the form of a tuition certificate, applied to the follow-ing academic year (2009-10).

While most participating families earn enough to de-fray some tuition expenses, some families have earned enough money using the SCRIP program to pay for their child’s Suzuki education.

SCRIP credits earned from June 1, 2008 through May 30, 2009 will be issued as a single tuition credit applied to Semester I (2009-10). Family tuition rebates under $5 will be considered a donation to the school. Families who earn over $100 in tuition credit from July 2008 through April 2009 will be exempt from paying the Annual Program Fee ($30) for the following academic year (2009-2010).

SCRIP order forms are available in the office. SCRIP sales are typically conducted on Mondays and Thurs-days during group classes.

Parent Commitments

14

S emester tuition 2008-09*

Tuition is arranged on a semester basis: Semester I (September through January) and Semester II (January through May). Each semester includes fifteen weeks of individual lessons, thirteen weeks of

group classes, and an enrichment concert. Weekly classes dur-ing the semester are comprised of (a) an individual lesson, (b) a group repertoire/performance class, and (c) a group theory, reading or ensemble class.

The following schedules are tuition for one semester. Payments may be made in one or two increments (see Payment section). There is a 5% discount on tuition for families who opt to make one payment per semester.

Since the school commits resources prior to the beginning of each semester, we are unable to refund semester tuition/fees, in whole or in part. Obligation to pay second-semester tuition will be waived if applicant’s family notifies the Business Administra-tor, by December 1, in writing of their intention to withdraw.

T uition: summer session

(2008)*

The Suzuki Music School offers a flexi-ble summer session (typically June through July) of up to eight weeks of individual lessons; group classes are not offered in the summer. Although the sum-mer session is optional, most

students, with few exceptions, will enroll in this session in order to maintain or advance their skills through the summer. The summer session is frequently the best time for new students to begin individ-ual lessons on an instrument of their choice – although new students are always welcome at any time during the year, provided space is available. Parents/students may select how many summer lessons they would like.

Enrollment applications for the summer session will be distributed to all currently enrolled families near the end of the second semester. Tuition is not discounted for additional students from the same family who are concurrently enrolled dur-ing the summer session. * Tuition and fees subject to change

FIRST APPLICANT

ONE TWO

Rhythm & Movement $129 $68

20 min. lesson $370 $195

30 min. lesson $442 $233

40 min lesson $513 $270

60 min. lesson $655 $345

EACH ADDITIONAL APPLICANT

ONE TWO

Rhythm & Movement $114 $60

20 min. lesson $353 $186

30 min. lesson $419 $221

40 min lesson $488 $257

60 min. lesson $623 $328

4 5 6 7 8

20 min

$59 $70 $81 $92 $103

30 min

$79 $95 $111 $127 $143

40 min

$103 $125 $147 $169 $192

60 min

$143 $175 $207 $239 $271

Durat

ion

Number of Weekly Lessons

Tuition & Fees

15

A dditional fees Additional fees,

as applicable to each family and/or appli-cant, will be invoiced on the August 1 bill, regardless of the payment plan selected.

For applicants entering mid-year, fees will be invoiced on the first bill. Fees marked with an asterisk * will be invoiced to all enrolled families.

Annual Program Fee ($30): Annual fee per family in lieu

of all school fundraisers. Fee is non-refundable. (Please

note that families earning over $100 in SCRIP credit from

July 2008through April 2009, will be exempt from paying

this Annual Program Fee for the following academic year

of 2009-2010.) *

Non-Volunteer Fee ($75): For those families who prefer

not to donate their time and skills in volunteer service to

the school, payment of this fee will exempt a family from

volunteer service for the entire academic year.

Materials Fee ($100): One-time fee per family for stu-

dents beginning instruction on an instrument—excludes

Rhythm & Movement applicants. This fee includes: Su-

zuki Book 1, Suzuki CD, theory book, theory kit, perform-

ance shirt, and Nurtured By Love.

Performance Shirts ($20): A performance shirt is required

of all Suzuki Music School students including all Rhythm

& Movement students. Returning students may use shirts

from the previous year. Students are responsible for ac-

quiring their own black pants/skirt, black shoes, and black

socks/hose.

Theory Kit (Theory II) ($15): Students who are progress-

ing to Theory II for the coming academic year will be in-

voiced for an advanced theory kit.

Graduation Fee ($12): Students, who have completed a

music book in the Suzuki progression by October 15, pay

the graduation fee prior to their graduation recital in No-

vember. This fee covers the costs associated with the

graduation recital and includes a laminated and matted

copy of their graduation certificate.

Late Fee ($25): Payments are considered late when they

are not postmarked by the deadline/s of your selected pay-

ment plan. A change in payment plan must be made in

writing to the Business Administrator.

Workshop Fee (October 2010): $40 for all instruments.

N/A 2008-2009.

M usical Supplies The

student is responsible for pur-chasing or renting his/her instru-ment as well as any additional,

appropriate accessories (e.g., a shoulder rest for vio-las/violins, a chair for cellos). In order to maintain the excellence of musical education at Suzuki Music School, THERE ARE MINIMUM STANDARDS OF QUALITY FOR ALL INSTRUMENTS; WE ASK THAT ALL NEW PAR-

ENTS CONTACT THE SCHOOL PRIOR TO PURCHASING THEIR CHILD’S FIRST INSTRUMENT. Faculty members are also available to assist in selecting instruments of correct size and appropriate price for your child.

For families who have their first child starting in-struction on an instrument, a set of necessary materi-als (see Materials Fee on this page) will be provided on the first day of group classes at the Suzuki Music School.

As your child progresses, it will be necessary to pur-chase additional books, theory kits, and CDs/tapes at each new level. Many of these supplies are con-veniently available for purchase in the Suzuki Music School office. (See page 17 for more information about musical supplies.)

s uzuki workshops/

institutes In addition to our own

workshop (2010), there are many other Suzuki workshops and institutes that

students and their families may want to attend. These can range in price from $75 for a Saturday workshop, up to $500 or more for a major summer institute requiring room and board for an extended stay (depending on the size of your family).

These workshops and institutes are a wonderful op-portunity which spark motivation and musical growth. Families are encouraged to attend one of the many offered each year in our region. Informa-tion about upcoming institutes and workshops will be posted on the information board outside of the Mozart classroom.

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P ayment plans Two payment

plans are available for both Semester I and Semester II. The payment plan selected for the first semester will continue through

the second semester unless the Business Administrator is notified in writing of any changes.

Payment Plan #1: One payment per se-mester. Families electing this payment plan receive a 5% discount off regular se-mester tuition; the 5% discount has already been deducted from the tuition rates listed on the charts in this handbook. First se-mester deadline is August 1. Second se-mester deadline is December 1.

Payment Plan #2: Two payments per se-mester. First semester deadlines are Au-gust 1 and October 1. Second semester deadlines are December 1 and February 1.

A late fee of $25 will be assessed for each late payment. Payments are considered late when they are not post-marked by the deadline/s of your selected payment plan. A change in payment plan must be made in writ-ing to the Business Administrator.

P ayment methods Please note

that financial payments of any kind are never to be given to teachers. Tuition pay-ments may be made in one of the follow-

ing ways by:

Mailing payment to: Suzuki Music School, Attn: Business Administrator, 52549 Gum-wood Road, Granger, IN 46530

Submitting payment to the Business Ad-ministrator in the school office.

Dropping payment in the slot of the locked, black mailbox under the stairs near the rear entrance door leading from the parking lot. (Payments should never be left in the green United States Postal Service mailbox on Gumwood Road.)

E nrollment duration All students

wishing to continue their musical education at the Suzuki Music School submit enroll-ment applications annually by the specified

deadline. By submitting an application, the student is ap-plying for enrollment for the two semesters, or the remain-der thereof, of the application year (September through May). However, students may withdraw, without finan-cial obligation of the second semester tuition, by submis-sion of an advance written notice to the Business Adminis-trator no later than December 1.

F inancial agreement Regardless of

selected payment plan, obligation to pay for the full semester is unconditional and no por-tion of the tuition, paid or outstanding, will be

refunded, transferred or canceled in the event of absence or withdrawal, unless withdrawal is made at the request of Suzuki Music School. In the event of dismissal of a stu-dent by Suzuki Music School, or if Suzuki Music School requests withdrawal of a student, tuition (excluding fees) will be prorated and paid only for the period of actual en-rollment.

Obligation to pay tuition will automatically continue to the subsequent second semester of the same year, unless a written notice of withdrawal is submitted to the Suzuki Music School’s Business Administrator no later than the December 1 preceding the respective second semester.

If you need to withdraw from the Suzuki Music School, you must provide written notice to the treasurer. You will be financially responsible for one month’s tuition from the date of receipt at the office of the Suzuki Music School.

Individual teachers have no authority to make any binding agreement with parents or students regarding tuition or other financial matters. All financial issues or questions will be addressed by the Business Administrator, in con-sultation with the Board of Directors as appropriate.

Enrolled students are bound by the tuition/fee payment plan/s that they have selected. In the event that Suzuki Music School employs an attorney to collect any fees or tuition that have not been paid, the parent or guardian of that student will be responsible for paying all costs associ-ated with the collection action, including attorney’s fees.

Payment

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M aterials fee For families

with their first child beginning instruction on an instrument, the materials fee (see page 15) will

provide your child with a set of materials necessary to begin classes. These materials may be picked up in the Suzuki Music School office during the first two weeks of group classes. Please note that addi-tional children starting instruction on an instrument may share materials or use materials passed down from older siblings - depending on instrument se-lection. The school also has materials for purchase if new items are needed.

T heory Materials The mate-

rials fee supplies your child with a Theory I kit. This kit contains three sets of alphabet cards, a variety of

blue ―jell-o‖ sticks, a section of orange dynamics cards, a grand staff, and a chart showing the rela-tionship of notes on the staff to your child’s instru-ment. When your child progresses to Theory II, Suzuki Music School offers a more advanced theory kit for purchase. The Theory II kit includes more dynamics cards, real rhythm cards, tempo cards, and note flashcards. Theory III and reading I string students will need to purchase theory workbooks.

Theory classes for string students use the music theory book, No-H-in Snake. Theory classes for pi-ano and flute students use Music Mind Games. The appropriate book is included in the materials fee.

P erformance Shirts A polo

shirt with the Suzuki Music School logo is required for all group concerts. These shirts must be ordered on your

enrollment application; however, if your child should need a larger size shirt during the course of the year, you may order a performance shirt by submitting a written request along with a check or money order ($20 payable to Suzuki Music School) to the Business Administrator.

M usic stores As your child pro-

gresses through different classes, addi-tional materials and supplies will need to be purchased. Many of these items

are conveniently available in the Suzuki Music School of-fice. Other places to purchase supplies include:

Blessings Music Co. (South Bend, IN) 574-234-5550

Woodwind & Brasswind (South Bend, IN) 251-3500; www.wwbw.com

Shar (Ann Arbor, MI) (800) 248-7427; www.sharmusic.com

Shirks Piano & Organ Co. (South Bend, IN)

Young Musicians (Fort Worth, TX) (800) 826-8648; www.ymonline.com

Please consult with your individual lesson teacher for guid-ance when considering additional purchases.

I nstrument exchange. Instruments for

sale are listed on a board in the school lobby. All sales transactions are conducted directly between buyers and sellers; Suzuki Music School merely pro-

vides a forum for posting instruments for sale.

If you wish to have your instrument listed, please contact the business administrator (see inside back cover). A cur-rent list of instruments for sale will also be posted in the school lobby. If you have sold an instrument that is still listed on the board, please remove the card from the board. Twice annually, all listings on the instrument exchange will be removed unless the seller notifies the Business Adminis-trator.

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A ttendance Policy Our teach-

ers’ schedules are extremely demand-ing, and they incur expenses to main-tain the schedules they have set. Un-

cancelled lessons will not be made up. If the lesson is cancelled by the teacher, an alternate time will be found or the lesson will be rescheduled during make-up week. If you arrive late to your lesson, the missed portion will not be made up.

In case of illness, call your teacher immediately (see phone numbers on facing page). There is only one week for make-up lessons at the end of each semester, which means that you may not be able to make up all lessons that were missed. Make-up lessons will not be carried over into the next semester.

To clarify this policy:

Uncancelled lessons will not be made up! Par-ents must communicate absences in advance to their child’s teacher.

Under certain circumstances, if the teacher must cancel your lesson, it will be rescheduled as soon as possible.

Arriving late to your lesson shortens your les-son time.

Policy on Illness If your child is ill,

please do not bring him/her to group classes or individual lessons. When calling your child’s academic school to report an absence, call your individual lesson teacher to cancel the lesson. If your child misses school because of illness, then he/she should not attend the music lesson either. Please call the appropriate teacher either to can-cel your child’s individual lesson or to indicate that your child will not be attending group class. Teachers’ home phone numbers are listed on the facing page. Do not call the school; your message will not be forwarded to your teacher.

To help prevent the spread of germs, anyone using the school’s pianos should use the anti-bacterial gel in the music rooms.

S evere Weather In the event

of severe weather cancellations, the Suzuki Music School follows the South Bend Community

School Corporation closings. Closings will be an-nounced on all major radio and television stations. If severe weather is sudden, we will try to leave a message on the school answering machine. Suzuki Music School does not follow the South Bend Com-munity School Corporation for any other cancella-tions.

Snow days and other cancellations (e.g., a cancelled individual lesson due to illness) will be made up during the last week of each semester. (See ―Make-up week‖ on the school calendar on the back of this handbook for specific dates).

Attendance

policies

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QUESTIONS?

Tuition payments, bills, payment plans. For any and all financial questions, contact the Busi-

ness Administrator. This includes all questions about balances and payments as well as any questions about materi-als paid for and not received. Lori Vogt: 784-2799 (local call for most of South Bend/Mishawaka area)

Volunteer Work. For questions about your volunteer work assignments, contact the Parent Coordinator.

Kathy Williamson: milvor@mindspring.com

Newsletter. For questions about the newsletter contact the newsletter coordinator.

John Scofield: 247-3022

SCRIP. For questions about SCRIP purchases or tuition rebates, contact the Business Administrator.

Lori Vogt: 784-2799 (local call for most of South Bend/Mishawaka area)

Website. For questions or comments about Suzuki Music School website (www.suzukimusickids.org)

John Scofield: 247-3022

Operation of school & building. For issues relating to the school or school building, contact the Chair

of the Board of Directors. Mike Bashara (269) 695-9662 .

Individual lessons

Janel Balbo: 286-0060 Joyce Davis: (574) 848-5748 Terry Powells: 277-2006 Martha Bradberry: 256-1430 Lydia Franks: 233-5251 Tamara Stojanovic: 271-4144 Caroline Brill 254-9049 Carol Hoffman: 233-1307 Sara Thomas: 255-4027 Lois Burns 287-3965 Rosie McCormick: 289-1021 Dolores Wilson: 234-3606 For scheduling or questions about your individual lessons, contact your individual lesson teacher.

student recitals and concerts. For questions about student recitals/concerts, contact the respective

Instrument Coordinator:

Rhythm & Movement/ Cello Caroline Brill: 254-9049

Piano Rosie McCormick: 289-1021

Viola & Violin Joyce Davis: (574) 848-5748

PLEASE NOTE: Questions about group repertoire or group theory/reading classes should first be directed to the

class teacher. The class teachers will normally be able to answer any questions you have concerning their class. Instrument coordinators can be contacted after speaking to the class teacher.

Other Questions. If you have spoken with your individual lesson teacher, group/class teacher and the re-

spective instrument coordinator, and you still have unanswered questions, please contact the Music Director. Joyce Davis: (574) 848-5748

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School Calendar 2008-2009

August 1 Semester I Tuition Due

August 21 (Thurs) Faculty Meeting (5:30-6:45p.m.) at the Suzuki Music School

New Family Orientation - 7p.m.

September 1 (Mon) Labor Day - School Closed

September 2 (Tues) 1st Semester Begins - Individual Lessons only, no group classes

September 8 & 11 Repertoire Classes and Rhythm & Movement Classes Begin

No Theory Classes - Reading Auditions (4 - 5:45 p.m.)

September 13 (Sat) Fall School Inside Clean-up (9a.m.-12)

September 15 & 18 Theory and Reading Classes Begin

November 1 (Sat) School Outside Clean-up (9 a.m. - 12)

November 9 (Sun) Graduation Recitals - participation must be approved by individual teacher, coordinator, and director.

November 24-29 Thanksgiving Recess - School Closed - No classes or lessons.

November 24 (Mon) Tuition Due for the Semester II – Late Fees apply after this date

December 1 (Mon) Classes and lessons resume

December 5 (Fri) Concert at Tippecanoe Place Restaurant (7:00 p.m.) String students only, Humoresque level and above

December 15 (Mon) Faculty Enrichment Concert – Suzuki Music School 5-6 p.m. (Jan.5 if group make-up needed)

New Family Orientation 7 p.m

Dec. 22- Jan. 3 Winter Recess

January 5 No Group Classes (unless need make-up) – Make-up week for Individual lessons

January 10 (Sat) Semester I ends

January 12 (Mon) Semester II Begins

January 12 (Mon) Group Classes and Lessons resume

January 16 (Fri) ISSMA Participant Recital - Suzuki Music School - 7p.m.

January 19 (Mon) Monday Group Classes Do Meet! Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 31 (Sat) ISSMA solo/ensemble contest for piano/vocal (5th -12th grade) [State Feb. 28]

February 7 (Sat) ISSMA solo/ensemble contest for strings/winds (5th -12th grade) [State Feb.21]

February 12 (Thurs) No Thursday group classes (Mid-Winter break) Regular individual lessons

February 16 (Mon) No Monday group classes (President’s Day) Regular individual lessons

March t.b.a. Solo Recitals - All fully enrolled students perform! Seven recitals to choose from

March 30-April 10 Spring Break - School Closed (No individual lessons or group classes)

April 13 (Mon) Group Classes and Lessons resume

April 27 & 30 Last day for Theory/Reading Classes

May 1 (Fri) Reading/Ensemble Concert (6:30 – 8:00p.m.) – Place t.b.a.

May 4 & 7 Last Days for Repertoire Classes

May 11 & 14 Family Ensemble Concerts 5:00 p.m.

May 11 - 16 Make-up week for individual lessons

May 16 Semester II ends

May 18 (Mon) Celebration Day (4 - 6 p.m.) Suzuki Music School – Rain or shine!

www.suzukimusickids.org

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School Calendar 2008-2009

August 1 Semester I Tuition Due

August 21 (Thurs) Faculty Meeting (5:30-6:45p.m.) at the Suzuki Music School

New Family Orientation - 7p.m.

September 1 (Mon) Labor Day - School Closed

September 2 (Tues) 1st Semester Begins - Individual Lessons only, no group classes

September 8 & 11 Repertoire Classes and Rhythm & Movement Classes Begin

No Theory Classes - Reading Auditions (4 - 5:45 p.m.)

September 13 (Sat) Fall School Inside Clean-up (9a.m.-12)

September 15 & 18 Theory and Reading Classes Begin

November 1 (Sat) School Outside Clean-up (9 a.m. - 12)

November 9 (Sun) Graduation Recitals - participation must be approved by individual teacher, coordinator, and director.

November 24-29 Thanksgiving Recess - School Closed - No classes or lessons.

November 24 (Mon) Tuition Due for the Semester II – Late Fees apply after this date

December 1 (Mon) Classes and lessons resume

December 5 (Fri) Concert at Tippecanoe Place Restaurant (7:00 p.m.) String students only, Humoresque level and above

December 15 (Mon) Faculty Enrichment Concert – Suzuki Music School 5-6 p.m. (Jan.5 if group make-up needed)

New Family Orientation 7 p.m

Dec. 22- Jan. 3 Winter Recess

January 5 No Group Classes (unless need make-up) – Make-up week for Individual lessons

January 10 (Sat) Semester I ends

January 12 (Mon) Semester II Begins

January 12 (Mon) Group Classes and Lessons resume

January 16 (Fri) ISSMA Participant Recital - Suzuki Music School - 7p.m.

January 19 (Mon) Monday Group Classes Do Meet! Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 31 (Sat) ISSMA solo/ensemble contest for piano/vocal (5th -12th grade) [State Feb. 28]

February 7 (Sat) ISSMA solo/ensemble contest for strings/winds (5th -12th grade) [State Feb.21]

February 12 (Thurs) No Thursday group classes (Mid-Winter break) Regular individual lessons

February 16 (Mon) No Monday group classes (President’s Day) Regular individual lessons

March t.b.a. Solo Recitals - All fully enrolled students perform! Seven recitals to choose from

March 30-April 10 Spring Break - School Closed (No individual lessons or group classes)

April 13 (Mon) Group Classes and Lessons resume

April 27 & 30 Last day for Theory/Reading Classes

May 1 (Fri) Reading/Ensemble Concert (6:30 – 8:00p.m.) – Place t.b.a.

May 4 & 7 Last Days for Repertoire Classes

May 11 & 14 Family Ensemble Concerts 5:00 p.m.

May 11 - 16 Make-up week for individual lessons

May 16 Semester II ends

May 18 (Mon) Celebration Day (4 - 6 p.m.) Suzuki Music School – Rain or shine!

www.suzukimusickids.org

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