Southport Performing Arts Conservatory

Welcome Back!

It’s a new year, and here at S.P.A.C.E. we are excited about the new opportunities and possibilities that always seem to be around that corner! We finished 2008 on a strong note with a fantastic performance along side the Moscow Ballet in their "Great Russian Nutcracker."

Congratulations to all of the students and parents who participated in this outstanding show. Your hard work and dedication paid off! The show was a great success! For those of you who missed the opportunity to perform, you are in luck! Our first S.PA.C.E. Perform-a-thon is on May 31st. This month each of our classes will begin work on the piece that they will perform at the Perform-a-thon.

A note from the Directors

Dear Students and Parents,

We would like to welcome you again after a long break. We have decided to inform you monthly about our upcoming events. In each edition you will find several sections that will inform you about different topics. The newest section we would like to introduce is titled, "Words of Wisdom". In this section one of our faculty members will share their knowledge on a specific topic of importance in either music or dance. Also, you may notice that the section titled, "Parent's Window" is empty at this time. We want to encourage you, as a student or parent, to fill in what you would like to share. As always, we encourage you to share any ideas you may have for either this newsletter or in general so that we may have the best communication possible. Please enjoy our 1st 2009 January/February edition.

Fusun - Altin Naska

Save the Date!

Dance Program's Parent Watching Week! - February 23-28
Piano & Percussion Student's Studio Recital - 5:00pm at the Lakeview Location - March 25th
Violin & Guitar Student's Studio Recital - 4:30pm at the Lakeview Location - March 26th

Mark your calendar for World Dance Day!

WHEN: April 29th
WHAT: A Student Performance at the Peterson Location at 5:00 pm and A World Dance Day Concert at the Peterson Location at 7:00 pm *More Information To Follow*

Hey Kids! Do you like "Dancing with the Stars"?

If so, then we have got the class for you!

Come check out "Salsa for Kids" at our Peterson location! The class runs on Fridays from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Parents, if you find yourself inspired by the new moves your child is learning, then stay for the adult "Salsa/Latin" class afterwards from 7:00pm - 8:00 pm. It's not too late to add a little spice to your life!

Hey Dancers! Bring a friend and you get a FREE class!

Dancers, if you bring a friend during watching week (February 23-28), and if they decide to register for the session, you will receive one free hour of class next time you register! Bring a friend week will be repeated every other month, so tell your friends and share the great art of dance!

Get ready for S.P.A.C.E.'s first Perform-a-thon!

With the start of the New Year comes the excitement of new classes, new ideas and new experiences. One of the many new and exciting opportunities that we here at S.P.A.C.E. are looking forward to is the Perform-a-thon! Our annual Spring Garden Music and Dance Performance is going to be both an end of the year recital, and end of the year fundraiser so that S.P.A.C.E. can continue to offer scholarship to our students. The Perform-a-thon will take place on Sunday, March 31st at the Athenaeum Theatre. In the coming weeks, your instructors will be working on a recital piece in their classes and private lessons. Make sure that you are signed up for all the classes that you are interested in performing in.

Could you be the next American Idol?

Join the Choir to discover your hidden talent! All students 5 years to 13 are welcome to join in on this great opportunity! The class will meet on Mondays from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm at our Lakeview location: 1439 W. Wellington Ave. 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60657. Call 773.880.1701 to Register for this great class! *The cost is $13 per class.*

Faculty Concert Announcement!

Come hear and see faculty member Hulya Alpakin perform in "Piano Forte Chicago's Friday Salon Series".
WHEN: Friday, February 20th at 12:15 pm
WHERE: Sherwood Conservatory
1312 S. Michigan Ave.
COST: FREE!!! and open to the public.

The concert will also be broadcasted live on 98.7 WFMT!

Words of Wisdom from S.P.A.C.E. faculty member and professional guitarist Sam Krahn: Why Music Theory?

Music theory provides the tools to understand the language of music. Much like a foreign language class that offers students the opportunity to learn Spanish or French, a music theory class develops the necessary skills to understand, read, write, and appreciate music. Participating in such a class gives the student a head start in developing these skills. In my own experience as a young aspiring guitarist, my only theory exposure was from my private guitar instructor. His lessons started me on the path to understanding theory but left me with many questions. It wasn't until I took formal theory classes in college when I really began to understand how music worked and regretted not acquiring the information when I was younger.

Aside from the basics of reading notes and writing properly, two important aspects of music theory are musicianship and ear training. These topics (usually interchangeable) focus on the development of the mind-ear connection. With this skill developed, a musician can look at a piece of music and hear what it sounds like without an instrument! Development of this ability also allows one to accurately write down music that they are hearing someone else play, or from a CD. I personally think those are pretty cool things to be able to do.

Most importantly, music theory classes are a fun way to learn about music in a group setting. There are classes for students of various skill levels offered at S.P.A.C.E., whether you are an absolute beginner or more experienced musician.

Parent's Window