Welcome to the “Suzuki School of Newton!”
The Suzuki Board of Directors recently considered whether we should change the name of the school. The question was, does "Suzuki School of Newton" correctly identify who we are? Since we recently purchased our home and started expanding our programming, we wanted to make sure our name still fit not only for our music and preschool programs, but also for all that we do: regular concerts on our lawn open to the public, teacher training that has a global online audience, online Suzuki lessons and musicianship classes, community outreach such as Newton Community Education classes held in the Newton public schools, a rotating art exhibit from local artists, Suzuki outreach to urban Chicago middle school students as an incentive to pursue good grades in school, and concerts held in various venues. As Suzuki School of Newton undertakes the goals of its recently completed strategic plan, does the name describe who we are?
The three key words of our name are "Suzuki", "School" and "Newton". We examined the importance of each of these. Unanimously, we all agreed that the Suzuki method and philosophy guide both the music and preschool learning experience. We are a "school" with students, parents, teachers and a spirit of learning, nurturing and community. Finally, we draw students and audiences from all over--including Europe, Canada, South America, and Asia through our online Suzuki teacher training, virtual concerts and graduations to family and friends who live far away. Does "Newton" still describe us?
As we looked at this, we realized "Newton" was not to describe our student body, but rather the location of our home! That is, 1615 Beacon Street in Waban village, also known as the Staples-Craft-Wiswall farmstead. Our home is a circa 1750 property and one of the oldest in the City of Newton. Thus, "Newton" in our name refers to our setting down roots here in Newton.
The conclusion to examining our name, considering various alternatives, and polling our teachers and staff is to keep our name "Suzuki School of Newton!" Now we look forward to pursuing professional marketing expertise to help us develop a communication strategy...and soon eventually get a new sign to install in front for all to see.