eNotes - Monday, May 12, 2008

,

I hope you had a great Mother's Day. My family took me out for dinner at an asian restaurant and got me a gift card to Panera. Who could ask for anything more?

To begin with today, we have a lesson on inversions of chords. Once you know your chords, it is very helpful to be able to put the notes of the chord in a different order.

Prison Chorus
I need your help. My 78-year old mother is starting a chorus in an all male prison in Boston and her first rehearsal is this Thursday. She needs suggestions for songs that they might like to sing. 23 have signed up already. I think it's gonna be a big hit knowing my mother's enthusiasm and warmth and how much music and singing could mean to men behind bars. If you have any ideas, click on this link. Thank you!

Song ideas for prison chorus

Upcoming Class
I will be teaching the "Instant Piano for Hopelessly Busy People" at the Duxbury After Dark program on Thursday, May 22, 6:30 - 9:30 PM. Call Pat Walsh or Sandra Coonan to register at 781-934-7633. There are a couple more open slots.I won't be using my book "The Piano Express" yet but it's almost ready!!

Children's Concert
I started a children's chorus 4 years ago in Burlington, MA. It has grown to 3 choruses with 70 children ages 5 - 10. They perform jazz, rock, pop, spirituals and originals. They perform with an amazing professional band from the Berklee College of Music (professors!). Come on out and here us. The concert will be Wednesday, June 11th, 7 PM at Cary Hall in Lexington, MA.

Incredible Movie

I want to recommend an incredibly poignant, powerful movie about a senior citizen chorus that was started in Northampton, MA 25 years ago. They only sing rock songs. This is a true documentary which just came out and is playing in local theaters now. It won't last long. This chorus has travelled internationally and is so moving to watch. You really get to know the members and you will be moved to tears. Here is a link. If the link doesn't work, you can go to the www.Young@Heart.com website and see clips. I highly recommend this movie. Just found out they are coming to the Somerville Theater June 20th at 8 PM. Tickets through ticketmaster. If this link isn't "live", just copy and paste it into your browser and it should work.

http://www.foxsearchlight.com/youngatheart/

Summer Lessons

I will able to take some private students over the summer as my schedule opens up a bit. If you are on my waiting list or are interested in checking in with your progress, give me a call. You don't need to have a set schedule or amount of lessons either. Very flexible. Call 781-238-4454 or email me at Debbie@EasyPianoStyles.com

private lessons

That's it for now. I'll write again in another two weeks!

Sincerely,
Debbie Gruber