Dear students,
I wanted to touch base and give you an update on the Academy of Music this fall. Videos are a great tool to communicate with you and give you the latest news. Matt is at the school on a regular basis and does a great job sharing what needs to be said in video format. Feel free to listen to the video or read the text below for an update on the school.
SHOUT-OUTS AND THANK YOUS
First of all, I want to give you a few shout outs and thank you’s.
Number one, to our students, many thanks for being with us during this very difficult time. It’s been a difficult year as you all know, but we’re getting through it just fine, and we’re doing lessons in person and online.
I also want to give a big shout out to all of our teachers. They’ve been working very hard. They’ve all pivoted and adjusted. They’re doing awesome work teaching lessons in person and online. So thank you teachers for all that you do!
And our new office team and management is working tirelessly 7 days a week, morning until night. So thank you office team for doing an excellent job|! I really appreciate you all and I know from our surveys that that our students and families do as well.
ENROLLMENT UPDATE
So let’s talk about the status of the school’s enrollment. Thank you so much for your referrals. Our enrollment is going up. But we really appreciate your referrals. Please keep them coming!
MORE ABOUT THE REFERRAL PROGRAM
If you refer a student to us, we will send you a $25 dollar gift card to Amazon or Target. In addition, you may now choose a Door Dash gift card. We will also do the same for the person you referred. If you have any questions please let the office know. But, thank you and a big welcome to all of our new students.
We’re seeing a lot of students return for either in person or online lessons or some are doing both. Some are coming sometimes in person, sometimes online. It’s your choice, and even before the pandemic that is the way we’ve conducted business. It is the way we will always conduct business. You choose as the student whether you want to come in person or online, or a mix.
NEW TEACHERS
I also want to welcome all of our new teachers. We’ve had over 10 new teachers in the past few weeks apply and be brought on board. We’re very excited to work with them. They’re very excited to be here. It’s vital for the Academy and the school that we keep working with talented new teachers that are rearing to go and have fun giving lessons. You’ll see some of them in Jenison and some in Grand Rapids.
SAFETY PROTOCOL VIDEO
If you’re new to us as a new student (or a new parent, teacher, etc), please check out the video below.
It’s our safety video and it shows all the protocols, all the equipment, everything we’re doing to keep everyone here safe. It’s 3 minutes, but it’s very important information we want you to check out so we’re all on the same page.
WINTER RECITALS
So let’s talk about recitals. Performance venues have been allowed to open, and we plan to keep two of our December recitals dates (12/5 and 12/6) available for in-person performances at the Wealthy Theatre. We have always appreciated that venue, and it’s large enough for everyone to socially distance as necessary come December. We successfully did a live stream of our Rock and Roll recital on Facebook, and plan to offer that option for our Wealthy Theatre performances this year as well. So if Grandpa and Grandma are able to get online, they can enjoy performances from the comfort of their home.
We will keep Sunday 12/13 available for those who prefer a virtual recital.
Next week we’ll be releasing our schedule for recitals so be on the lookout. Be sure to spread the word so your friends and family can tune in! And again if you have any questions let the office know. They’ll be happy to assist you.
LET’S TALK ABOUT THE MUSICAL LADDER®
The Musical Ladder System® is still all systems go. We’re still awarding wrist- bands, trophies, and more. We’re very excited that just this month the Musical Ladder® received awards for 9 patents for the system. Remember that you can only get this system here at the Academy of Music in West Michigan. But if you move away, there is now an online directory if you would like to find another music school that offers the Musical Ladder®.
If you have questions about your wristband, trophy or test please let our office team know and they will be happy to assist you. The Musical Ladder System® is growing worldwide and for our students it’s all included for free.
EARLY AND WEEKEND LESSON TIMES!
For those of you who don’t know, we offer early lesson times! We offer lessons as 11 AM, as late as 8 30 PM. So if you’re on a hybrid schedule, flex schedule, whatever kind of schedule and you want to come in the morning, you would like to come at lunch, we’ve got you covered. Contact the office for available times. Please let your friends know as well!
But if you’re looking for morning, lunchtimes, unusual times, if you want to come in on a Saturday or Sunday, just let us know. We’d love to talk to you about options for your lesson.
THE NEXT UPDATE
In closing, be on the lookout for the next video update. To make sure you’re getting all announcements, call our office and make sure your contact info is up to date!
Here’s to a great year of making music, in person, or online (your choice) at the Academy of Music in Grand Rapids or Jenison Academy of Music.
Barbara Hendricks, Owner
October 2020 Newsletter