Note to piano students:
There are only a limited number of pianos on campus. If you have a practice keyboard you wish to bring along to facilitate your own practice, it would be wise to do so.

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

Pre-Twinkle Program

• The youngest students may attend NESI by taking two hours daily; a group class and Orff class. The group class consists of students of the same instrument and age level. Orff is defined in the enrichment section.

Core Curriculum

• Private Mini-lessons: At NESI, as at most Suzuki Institutes, private lessons are a shared experience. Three or four children, depending on their book level, are assigned to a teacher for an hour and each receive private instruction for a portion of that hour. They are then expected to remain in the classroom and observe the other students' lessons. Parents attend to observe and take notes so that they can manage the child's practice time efficiently.
• Repertoire Classes: These are organized by book level. In a group repertoire class musical techniques and playing skills can be worked on as the students play their common repertoire together. The emphasis is on the polishing of review pieces and not on the learning of new repertoire. The average class size is about 10 students.

• Teenagers, ages 13 and up, will be able to participate in a program of classes unique to their age group.
• Semi-private lessons, 2 students per hour
• Chamber Orchestra/a large ensemble including all enrolled teenagers.
• Chamber Ensemble/small chamber group, 1 player to a part.
• Improvisation and Keyboard Harmony: teens will be exposed to the basics of improvising over a "blues" scale, reading chords, and constructing bass lines. Using a simple vocabulary for rhythm and the notes related to different musical styles, students are shown how much fun and enriching an understanding of improvisation can be.

• Orff is a music education program pioneered by German composer Carl Orff (1895-1993). Its founder was concerned with developing the musicality of each child through elemental activities of music and movement. The teaching process involves singing and body percussion, playing on a variety of both pitched and nonpitched instruments, movement and dancing, as well as using speech activities to encourage active music making. Nancy Cash-Cobb, instructor
• Sightsinging is a class in which you are the instrument! You will learn how to recognize intervals and sing them, read rhythms, hear written music 'in your head' and train your ears to help with your music making no matter what instrument you play. The most popular part of the class is a game called "Stump You" where the students attempt to recognize melodies in silence with only the use of hand signals. The instructor tries to stump the students but he seldom wins the game! Tony Antolini, instructor
• Musical History 'Mystery' Tours: Using opera and orchestral masterpieces, you will take a journey through history and experience the great music of the great composers. You will gain a glimpse into the life, personality, and the time during which these great composers lived. You will be exposed to the fundamentals of music appreciation as you learn both the vocabulary and substance of this incredible music. By acting out and portraying these stories using costumes, multimedia, and audience participation, Musical History 'Mystery' Tours brings the great masterpieces to life in a way that is not only fun for children, but also memorable and inspiring. Chuck Speicher, instructor
• Keyboard harmony and improvisation: Piano students are exposed to the basics of improvising over a "blues" scale, reading chords, and constructing bass lines. Using a simple vocabulary for rhythm and the notes related to different musical styles, students are shown how much fun and enriching an understanding of improvisation can be. A minimum book 2 keyboard ability is recommended. Chuck Speicher, instructor.
• Fiddle students learn the repertoire and techniques of fiddle playing and perform at Thursday night's contradance. Fiddle classes are open to cello and guitar as well as 'fiddles'. A minimum book 2 reading and playing level is recommended. Ellen Gawler and Kaity Newell    Click Here to download the fiddle sheet music and recordings.
• Chamber music students experience the essence of music by participating in ensembles, one or two to a part. Playing chamber music helps to find one's individual musical voice. In order to have the best possible experience, music will be sent prior to the start of NESI. A solid technique and a strong reading ability are recommended for chamber music students. Previous ensemble experience is helpful. Teacher recommendation required.
• Parent ensemble(s), for any and all levels, mixed instrumentation. Any adult who plays an instrument and has some degree of reading ability should feel free to elect this class.

• Each student enrolled will have an opportunity to perform a solo chosen and prepared by the home teacher. All solos should be memorized and performed with accompaniment before coming to NESI. If your solo is not in the Suzuki curriculum and requires accompaniment, make sure you bring the accompaniment sheet music with you to NESI! Your teacher's recommendation will be required on the registration form.
• The faculty recital is a traditional highlight of the NESI week. It will be held one evening at the recital hall on campus.
• Final Concerts will be held Friday afternoon on campus.

Recreation

• Saint Joseph's is located in Standish about 20 miles west of Portland on 331 acres overlooking Sebago Lake, one of Maine's most beautiful spots. The campus itself is easily navigated on foot. Scenic paths connect campus buildings, and a brisk five-minute walk will take you anywhere you need to be. A hilly descent to our own private sandy beach opens onto a panoramic view of the lake with the White Mountains in the distance. The Alfond Rec Center (fitness room, indoor track, basketball courts) is available to adult participants and to children accompanied by adults. The pool may be open for scheduled lap swims for a small fee and use of the Alfond Center Rock Climbing Wall may be scheduled.

STUDENT PREPARATION FOR NESI

• Each student should review all repertoire up to and including his/her current piece, and come prepared to play a polished piece for the first class meeting. Memorization of all Suzuki and solo repertoire is expected. The teacher can readily assess a student's needs by hearing a piece that is technically and musically well prepared.

PARENT PARTICIPATION AT NESI

• Parental participation is essential to the success of the Suzuki Method. Parents attend lessons with their children and help them to prepare for the next day's classes. Even though the days are full, the benefit of daily mini-lessons is compounded if you make the time to practice each day.
• NEW THIS YEAR! Every Child Can!© An Introduction to Suzuki Education is being offered at a greatly reduced rate as an educational course open to all NESI parents. Every Child Can!© (ECC) is an introduction to Dr. Suzuki's philosophy and its relevance to Suzuki education. Although ECC is required for new teachers, the course provides an engaging, in-depth, fast-paced and inspiring program for parents as well. ECC includes video materials and courseware developed by the Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA). Each participant will be provided with useful reference materials for home use. ECC is a 6-hour course, which will be held Sunday, June 22nd, 9 - 12, 1:30 - 4:30. Renowned Suzuki teacher, teacher trainer, and Suzuki parent, with Martha Shackford of Portland, OR, will teach this course.
• Lectures and panel discussions are offered on a daily basis to aid parents with the responsibility of helping their children.
• Adults may choose to participate in the parent ensemble. This is a fun group of any and all mixed instrumentation. Any adult who plays an instrument and has some degree of reading ability should feel free to elect this class. There is a participation fee for this class.

• Some assistance may be available through the Maine Suzuki Association for Maine students. Please request an application from the website: msamusic.org
• Carriage House Violins and Johnson String Instruments are also offering scholarship help. To be considered, please contact the Director; clorinda@maine.rr.com