Monthly Newsletters - Music & Dance Concerts - What to Expect This June!, Summer Concert & Recital Schedules, Student Spotlight - David Basilio, and more!...
Music & Dance Concerts - What to Expect This June!
Dear Students and Parents,
Music Concert and Recital season is here, and we’ll be on stage before you know it! Assigned concert times will be posted on our website at www.laapa.com/current-students as soon as they become available!
What Should I Expect at LAAPA’s Summer Concerts / Recitals?
- Our programs begin on time! Plan to arrive 10-20 minutes before your assigned recital time.
- When you arrive, you’ll stop at the front table to present your tickets (student performers do not need a ticket). Tickets are only sold through our website at www.laapa.com/events. Keep in mind that our best pricing will be in advance of the door.
- Students should check in with a staff member at the front left corner of the stage.
- Students will be sitting up front together in the order of their performances to allow them quick access to the stage. Please do not leave during the performance as we will be presenting awards at the end of the concert!
- We will be providing a Fender guitar amp and GK Bass Amp for the stage as well as direct boxes for guitarists - ask your instructor which he/she recommends you use (usually this depends on whether or not you need any effects). You may bring your own amp if you’d prefer.
- Drummers - just bring your sticks! We will have a Yamaha acoustic drum set on stage.
- Pianists will be performing on a grand piano similar in feel to the Academy’s grand pianos. If you’ve never played on a grand piano before and would like to try one out, you are welcome to schedule some time in one of our grand piano studios before or after our regular classes.
- Vocalists should decide whether or not they wish to hold the microphone or let it rest on a stand - most singers prefer to hold the microphone. (If you would rather the stand - just tell the stage assistant when it’s your turn to perform)! Please also watch Mrs. Carolyn’s video on mic technique and stage presence located at www.laapa.com/lessons-and-tutorials.
- Violinists should practice walking on and off stage in rest position. Ask your instructor to review rest position with you.
- All instrumentalists should ensure that a faculty member helps them to tune prior to performing. If you don’t see your teacher tuning your instrument, please ask one of the staff members for assistance.
- We will be holding numerous recitals this June! Due to the increased number of performances, our buffer times (times between recitals) are tighter than usual so please keep this in mind when planning to arrive. Arriving 10-20 minutes before your recital time is plenty!
- Each recital is scheduled to last approximately 2 hours and students, parents, and guests are asked to remain in the auditorium for the full duration of the program.
- As we are recording all of our programs, we do ask parents/guests bring only children 4 years of age or older (unless they are in the program). Should you need to enter the venue late or leave early, please wait for applause and do so in between performers.
- We will be live streaming our music concerts at www.laapa.com/live. Please understand that our live streams are a best effort and are subject to the quality of the connection at the venue.
How are the Awards Earned/Determined?
Awards are presented to students based on participation in ensembles, original compositions, participation in LAAPAFEST, and years completed at LAAPA. Multiinstrumentalists will be recognized for each instrumental vocal program shared with us at the concerts. Please understand that while students may have had prior experience with another instructor, his/her award will be based on consecutive time studying at LAAPA. Every student will receive an award and should be proud of his/ her individual achievements.
We are so proud of all of you, and it is with great anticipation that we await the culmination of your many months of preparation. Our final tip for everyone is to please SMILE and REMEMBER TO HAVE FUN UP THERE
- that’s the most important thing!
Ryan Cullen, Director
Join the Fun with Music & Dance
At LAAPA, we offer the most comprehensive Music & Dance Program in the Greater New Orleans area with three campuses located in Covington, Harahan, and Mandeville. For over 40 years, we’ve provided lessons to tens of thousands of students in Piano, Guitar, Voice, Violin, Drums, Ballet, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Tap, Brass, Woodwind, Bands, Preschool Music, and more!
Covington: 985-590-4545
Mandeville: 985-674-2992
River Ridge: 504-738-3050
Student News
Our lobbies are now back open to 100% capacity! Parents are welcome to join us in the lobby during lessons. We look forward to seeing all of your friendly faces again soon!
Send Us Your News!
We love getting your news, success stories and comments. If you'd like to share your news with us, please e-mail at studentnews@laapa.com. Please note that we publish our newsletters monthly, and if you don't see your submission in this edition, it will be published as soon as space is available! Connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/laapaface, youtube.com/laapatube, and now on Twitter at @laapatweets.
Recording Studio
Our recording studio is located at the Mandeville campus and features a 32 track ProTools system, 4k video cameras, premium mics and equipment. Click the button below to learn more, schedule a studio tour or Book Your Session today!
Happy June Birthdays!
We'd like to wish the following Students a very Happy Birthday this Month!
Abigail V. (8), Abigail R. (16), Abigail L. (5), Alana J. (6), Alex F. (16), Alex M. (21), Alexander F. (18), Alexis D. (9), Aly V. (10), Andrew G. (9), Anjalie C. (14), Anointed Y. (9), Ariana W. (5), Aryiana V. (19), Autumn C. (9), Ava P. (6), Bella P. (14), Brooke S. (9), Calvin S. (9), Camille C. (9), Charlie E. (10), Clara R. (17), Cobin D. (15), Cole R. (6), Colleen C. (15), Colston K. (7), David G. (67), Delaney G. (14), Delilah N. (9), Diana M. (8), Donovan B. (14), Duke B. (5), Dylan S. (15), Eleanor B. (11), Elizabeth H. (9), Elizabeth L. (8), Elliot P. (20), Emma R. (8), Emory J. (5), Essence G. (15), Ethan S. (16), Francesco G. (6), Genevieve C. (7), Grace B. (10), Hailey L. (5), Isabella S. (6), Isabella W. (13), Isabelle B. (7), Jack W. (10), Jackson D. (7), Jacob E. (13), Jacob D. (6), Jacqueline T. (60), Jakob A. (12), Jasmine R. (14), Joseph E. (13), Jove B. (8), Julianne S. (15), Kaiyah M. (6), Kamiya C. (13), Kenzington B. (9), Kevin S. (54), Lauren H. (14), Leah A. (10), Lena K. (6), Lexi D. (7), Leyann N. (6), Lila M. (8), Lillian R. (9), Lilly V. (16), Lola F. (8), Lola H. (8), Londyn M. (8), Lydia F. (6), Mae K. (10), Malakhi I. (47), Margaret B. (16), Maria O. (7), Mayamiko V. (1), Megan B. (24), Megean S. (37), Michael M. (6), Michelle B. (35), Mila P. (7), Miles B. (8), Petra Rose H. (5), Peyton S. (8), Reese W. (4), Ren B. (6), Rihawna S. (10), Roy R. (68), Rylee G. (2), Sarah S. (12), Sidon C. (14), Sophia E. (10), Sophie T. (12), Thomas H. (9), Tristan K. (8), Tucker M. (9), Valentina B. (5), Ximena D. (8), Yvema P. (35), Zoe L. (12)
Video of the Month - Raindrop Prelude - F. Chopin performed by Loria DiMartino
Loria is a graduate of NOCCA and has been taking piano lessons at our Covington School of Music with Mr. Nicoli for the past few years. She shared this wonderful performance of Chopin's "Raindrop Prelude" with us recently at her Senior Recital. To learn more about getting started in music lessons locally or online, visit https://www.laapa.com/.
Important Dates
Take a moment to review the following upcoming dates:
June 19:
River Ridge School of Music & Dance Spring music Recital - no classes in River Ridge
June 26 - 27:
Covington / Mandeville School of Music & Dance Spring music Recital - no classes in Covington / Mandeville
New Artwork by Michaela Howell
We are very fortunate to work with local artist Michaela Howell. Many of her paintings and art are on display at all three of our school campuses!
Michaela recently brought in new artwork that can be viewed at both of our Northshore campuses. The beautiful piece above is available for purchase at our Mandeville location for $425
Interested in purchasing art from Michaela? Inquire at the front desk!
With down home country humble beginnings Michaela has always been very resourceful. She cuts, sands, primes, paints, and in some cases stains her abstract versions of the wooden instruments, creating very hands-on works of art. This resourcefulness has “Played” out very nicely in her most current work. Though the recycling of varying musical instrument components including guitar strings, violin knobs, music sheets featuring the instrument showcased, Michaela portrays a ‘current’ sense of style combined with a very vivid color pallet, creating a symphony for the senses!
Students Spotlight - David Basilio
This month’s student spotlight is David Basilio from our River Ridge School of Music and Dance. David is currently studying guitar with teacher Bill Solomon here at LAAPA. “I like learning new things! It’s cool that you can learn to play guitar with so many different styles,” says David.
David is interested in all types of music! His favorite music to play is rock, hip-hop, and anything modern. David is currently working on a song called “Graves Into Gardens.” David hopes to play guitar at church very soon!
Outside of lessons, David plays soccer with the Dynamo Club. He plans to continue with soccer as he gets older but dreams of working with cars and technology! Possibly as an engineer.
Thanks so much for sharing, David! We’re so thrilled to have you as a member of our LAAPA family.
A HUGE welcome to our newest students who began lessons or added programs in May!
We are so happy that you’ve chosen to study at LAAPA. We know you will do great things this year!
Addison M.
Addison H.
Alleiah C.
Amanda S.
Ana Claire H.
Aryiana V.
Auburn M.
Bowen W.
Brandon L.
Briggs A.
Cate G.
Charlie D.
Cohen P.
Daisy J.
Denise H.
Derek W.
Elizabeth S.
Ella S.
Emma C.
Emma D.
Evelyn C.
Faith J.
Gretchen L.
Hadassa E.
Hayden O.
Isabella S.
Jackson S.
Jakyra B.
Jalisa B.
JC D.
Jordan S.
Josiyah J.
Kasey P.
Kassidy P.
Kataleya D.
Kaysha R.
Kiley B.
Krystal D.
Laila J.
Landin W.
Leah T.
Lexi D.
Loreal S.
Luke F.
Luna R.
Malakhi I.
Margaret S.
Marianne R.
Mia R.
Mia M.
Mia L.
Nolan M.
Oliver B.
Olivia A.
Olivia T.
Payton N.
Quan P.
Reese W.
Richard M.
Serenity H.
Soleiny V.
Sophia A.
Tannasia M.
Zoe S.
Student "Shout Outs!"
“I love my lessons with Anne Elise! She is so upbeat and you can tell she has a real passion for music and her students. I’m very happy with her as an instructor so far! My favorite part of lessons is how Anne Elise personalizes them to be sure my specific wants and needs as an adult student are met!”
- Brenda G.
“Lilian is enjoying her lessons with Mr. Ben! Whatever he’s doing must be working, as she always seems eager to go back!”
- Williams Family
“Vivienne and I are loving voice lessons with Allison! Allison is great at meeting Vivienne where she’s at during lessons and keeping an even pace. We love when she plays the piano for us as well- we are very happy!”
- Sicard Family