Monthly Newsletters - October 2026

Exciting treats this fall!

Dear Students & Parents,

 

We just wrapped up four amazing performances of Peter Pan! Congratulations to all cast members, crew, and staff who had a hand in this production. We’re already onto the next one: October kicks off with our Southshore auditions for Seussical JR. at LAAPA River Ridge, and our Frozen JR. & Nutcracker casts are well underway with rehearsals for their upcoming performances in November & December on the Northshore!

 

Each year, towards the end of October, things start to look extra spooky around campus! That’s right, it’s our yearly Bring-a-Friend Week! From 26-31 October, come dressed up in your Halloween costume for class! We’ll be offering trick-or-treating in the studio the whole week. Don’t forget we will be OPEN for lessons this Halloween! Themes are as follows for each day:

 

Monday 10/26: Fairytale Worlds

Tuesday 10/27: Twin Day

Wednesday 10/28: Through the Decades

Thursday 10/29: Theater & Film Day

Friday 10/30: Monster Mash

Saturday 10/31: General Halloween costumes

 

As you can see, this October, it’s all treats and no tricks! I also have a fun video on our YouTube page outlining how to play the first part of J.S. Bach’s “Toccata and Fugue in D Minor”. For a scary good time this Halloween, I highly recommend placing a huge speaker in the bushes outside of your house, hooking up your keyboard, and watching the faces of your trick or treaters light up full of surprise like jack-o-lanterns as you serenade them at the front door! Pro tip – this also works well for any instrument, especially electric guitar with optional distortion pedal!

 

For those students and families still interested in getting started in lessons this fall (but may have been too busy at the start of the school year), October is still a great month to get started; it’s never too late! Call, text, or stop by today as we’d love to answer your questions, show you around our school, and get you started on your music, dance, or acting journey!

 

~ Ryan Cullen, Academy Director

 

October Student Spotlight - Bill Coffman

This month’s Student Spotlight features LAAPA River Ridge student Bill Coffman! Bill has been taking guitar lessons with Mr. Zachary for six months and has developed a growing passion for the instrument and his musical journey at LAAPA.

 

Outside of LAAPA, Bill dedicates much of his time to a dog rescue, where he is involved seven days a week. He is also active with mass at St. Mary Magdalene. Bill is a fan of progressive rock and roll, with Pink Floyd among his favorite bands and Sir David Gilmour serving as a major inspiration for his guitar playing.

 

Bill appreciates Mr. Zachary’s attentive approach to teaching and describes him as the “Jedi Master of Instruments.” His favorite part of lessons is playing, learning, and working through new assignments, and he values how his time at LAAPA is helping prepare him for future performances. Along the way, Bill says he has gained an even greater love for guitar and has enjoyed making many new friends along the way.

 

Looking ahead, Bill has a fun and ambitious goal: becoming a David Gilmour mimic! With his enthusiasm for guitar, appreciation for the people around him, and dedication to continuing to learn, Bill is making the most of his time at LAAPA. Bill, we’re so glad to have you as part of the LAAPA family, and we look forward to seeing where this journey takes you next!

October Birthdays and Upcoming Events

Shoutouts - New Students & Bring-a-Friend Week