Monthly Newsletters - August 2026

Discover YOUR talent this fall in music, dance, or drama!

Dear Students & Parents,

 

The fun never stops here at LAAPA, and more specifically this summer, our studios are alive with music, dance and acting classes and showcases for 12 hours daily!

 

Traditionally, mornings are somewhat quiet here when I create my now famous newsletters (by the way, everything I do is famous – just ask my kids – Dad’s famous burgers, chicken, steaks, even toast, you get the idea…).

 

Today is a different vibe though, because I’m chair jamming to the popular Pokemon theme, “Gotta Catch 'Em All!” from our piano class in one room, appreciating the melodic depth of a jazz trumpeter playing “My Funny Valentine” in another, listening to a violin class learn how to play pizzicato in yet another, appreciating the laughter from an acting class currently rehearsing their show called “Worst Superheroes”, and watching the musical theater/tap class perform to the “Tetris” theme. They are receiving such a diverse exposure to the arts, and I can’t wait to see this week’s showcase, which is themed (you guessed it) “Video Game” week.

 

So what does camp sound like, you may wonder. What does learning a new instrument sound like, or what does hearing a student practicing his/her lines sound like, or what does a brand new dancer look like?

 

It’s important to keep in mind that in and of themselves, discovery and exploration don’t typically sound or look all that spectacular, however you WILL usually see lots of smiles from students enjoying the process, especially when they get to certain familiar spots of a song, dance, or script that suddenly recognize! All of our teachers work extremely hard to ensure that students have the opportunity to work on the types of material they are interested in while challenging them and creating customized lesson plans based on how they learn.

 

At the beginning stages, though, keep in mind that it’s honestly all about the joy of experiencing the arts for the first time and building up a positive self-image and self-confidence. Banging around on the piano, singing along in the car when those favorite tunes come on, squeaking away on the clarinet, breakdancing in the kitchen, banging on pots or pans, or even random talk shows in the living room will eventually (through weekly lessons, practice, and dedication) be transformed into something amazing!

 

If you’re new to LAAPA, perhaps you’ll enjoy hearing about my own journey.

 

I was pretty full of energy and sadly (to my teachers) a somewhat annoying “clown/know it all.” I really loved coming to classes, but I had a funny way of showing it. In my piano lessons, I’d try to get Mr. Russell off track as quickly as possible to show me his famous magic tricks. Each week I had a new excuse for not practicing (my brother was doing a John Cage 4’33” practice marathon; my damper pedal was too squeaky, and it was messing with my internal pitch, causing me to hit wrong notes; someone retuned my piano so that every note sounded the same; my neighbor ate my pet rabbit after it got out of the cage and into their yard... ok, that last one was actually a true story, as that guy was scary - poor Lightning), and the list went on. Thanks for hanging in there with me anyway, Mr. Russell! In my violin ensemble, I’d use extra rosin to ensure maximum creakiness on the strings and sometimes initiate a bow fight with one of my classmates (sorry about that, Ms. Bobbie). The daughter of my trumpet teacher once mentioned that I was often a “topic of discussion” at the dinner table - I’m guessing that wasn’t in a good way and not sure if tears were involved (my bad, Mr. Jay). I’d like to publicly apologize to all of my former teachers if I caused any stress in your lives.

 

Now, as much fun as it is watching our students discover their talent in music, dance, and acting here at camp, I found myself needing a quick break this week and ventured off to one of my favorite places in all of Covington! So as I graced Walmart with my presence on this particularly fine August afternoon (they have the best deals on Vienna sausage), I couldn’t help but notice all of the ‘Back to School’ marketing going on! I was just telling someone the other day, what happened to long summers where school started after Labor Day? Everything is rush, rush, rush now and there’s just never enough time to relax. No, we need school uniforms, haircuts, new shoes. We need pencils, erasers, gluesticks, markers, notebooks, and we need them (preferably on sale please) right now. It’s exhausting!

 

Fortunately for all of us, Mrs. Aubry here at LAAPA recently went shopping and put together an essential ‘Back to School’ supply kit for our new and returning students!

 

Now through 15 August (or while limited supplies last), any new or returning students who enroll in lessons for the new school year (or current students who want to add a new program) will receive a FREE ‘Back to School’ supply kit with markers, crayons, notebooks, tote bag, pencils, erasers, and scissors, as well as a FREE first lesson and FREE membership! You can’t beat that in either time or money savings, folks.

 

You can find more information and claim this special offer here or just call/text us at 504-208- 2301.

 

So back to my story – what happened to me you may wonder? I somehow ended up with two degrees in music. It was honestly either that or engineering, and let’s just say that we should all be grateful that I’m not building bridges. Not every student will decide to continue or pursue the arts full time as a career, but anyone who takes lessons will always have the core training and appreciation as well as a creative and emotional outlet, not to mention the overall experience that translates into other areas of life.

 

One of my favorite things to do now is play the piano in the living room. This is something anyone can enjoy with some training - no degrees required - and there’s just something about taking that time out that’s a relief from everything else going on. At any rate, I would never have reached this point in my playing if I wasn’t able to have the discovery time years ago to explore my interests. My time to explore music just happened to be as a child, but as adults, we should never stop exploring and must embrace our inner child, so that we don’t worry about making mistakes or possibly embarrassing ourselves when learning something new.

 

Music, dance, and drama truly are gifts that I want all of our current families and future families to enjoy together, and you can do this regardless of your background or years of experience. Remember that everyone was once a beginner! A love of the performing arts and the willingness to invest in it together as a family is the most important thing.

 

~ Ryan Cullen, Executive Director, Mischievous Music Student, Practice Evasionist, & Former Class Clown

August Student Spotlight - Carter Smith

This month’s Student Spotlight features LAAPA Covington student Carter Smith! Carter has been taking piano and drum lessons with Mr. Ryan for one year and has loved exploring the exciting world of music from a young age.

 

Outside of LAAPA, Carter enjoys playing baseball swimming. He has also been discovering a love for classic rock and enjoys listening to all kinds of music. While it's hard for him to pickjust one favorite artist, one band he's been especially enjoying lately is the Red Hot Chili Peppers!

 

Carter loves that Mr. Ryan is such a kind and encouraging teacher, making every lesson something he looks forward to each week. His favorite part of lessons is getting to play piano and drums with Mr. Ryan, and he especially enjoys having the chance to perform in LAAPA's annual recitals and experience being in the spotlight. Through his music lessons, Carter has been building confidence and is already excited to share what he's learned with his family. His enthusiasm for learning and making music shines through every time he walks into the studio.

 

Looking ahead, Carter dreams of one day playing in a band with other musicians. With his excitement, curiosity, and growing love for music, we know he's just getting started on an incredible musical journey. Carter, we can't wait to watch you continue to learn, grow, and have fun making music for years to come!

August Birthdays and Upcoming Events

Shoutouts - New Students and Faculty & Staff!