WHAT CAN SAM OFFER YOU AND YOUR STUDENTS?
The events we sponsor are recognized nationally as models for other states.
1. Outstanding annual teacher education weekend workshops.
Teacher support and encouragement nurtures students and families.
2. Annual State-wide graduation recitalsA primary purpose for the association is continued support of teacher members who have received training at various institutes and long-term training locations. SAM provides nurture through annual workshops that feature respected presenters. Among them are:
William Starr, John Kendall, Ronda Cole, Sarah Hersh, Marilyn Kesler, Doris Koppelman, Doris Harrel, Paul Wirth, Barbara Barber, Barbara Rubenstein, Nancy Lokken, Randy Sabien, Thomas Wermuth, Doris Preucil and Kathy Wood.
The beauty of student progress…team work of the teachers.
One of the primary purposes for the existence of the Suzuki Association of Minnesota is a graduation process for students. The development of accuracy in rhythm, pitch, articulation, and musicality are goals of every fine music teacher. With nurture, review and maturation of playing skills, students develop technique and musicianship in pieces they know. This program involves careful preparation and joint cooperation on the part of students, parents, and teachers. Graduation repertoire for violin is based on Mr. Suzuki’s selection of pieces from each book. Music for other instruments is comparable.
Students record tapes or CDs in individual teacher studios. SAM teachers then send all recordings to state coordinators who redistribute them to different teachers who listen, evaluate, and make constructive comments. Instruments currently represented are: Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass, Piano, Harp, Flute, Recorder, and Guitar. This program is open to all students of SAM members.
Students of string and wind instruments perform in groups until reaching highest playing levels. Soloists are chosen to demonstrate highly developed skills and repertoire. Piano students perform solos in recitals. All the many efforts that make up the graduation process culminate in the recitals at Orchestra Hall (Minneapolis) for strings and winds and the College of St. Catherine (St. Paul) for piano. Graduates receive certificates and trophies to celebrate their achievements.
All graduating students must be students of a SAM teacher.
3. SAM Publications.
Communication
- Newsletters
- Annual Directory
- Graduation Booklet
- Frequent e-mail
4. Chapter affiliation with SAA, Suzuki Association of Americas.
SAM connects members to SAA with up-to-date news for affiliates and offers consistent information about the philosophy and opportunities.
As one of seven chapter affiliates and an effective partner of the Suzuki Association of the Americas, SAM hosted national conferences in 2002, 2004, and 2006. SAM provides many connections to Minnesota leaders, businesses and Suzuki families. SAM students presented a performance at the State Capitol as part of a nation-wide observance for the centennial of Shinichi Suzuki’s birth, (Students of SAM members frequently perform in public venues: malls, senior citizen residences, fundraisers, city celebrations).
5. A Non-profit Organization.
Our commitment to reaching out to students, parents and our local communities who need educational services. Opening doors that were closed.
SAM board members have developed a scholarship program that, in 2004 and 2005, presented SAM teachers with scholarships for additional teacher training. In 2006, two scholarships for students assisted them in attendance at any Suzuki Institute.