It is that time of year that we begin to realize all the accomplishments of our students -- celebrating graduations, recitals, practice challenges and many small gifts of music that our students share with their families, friends and (outdoors) community. Although we do have slightly less events going on, we are feeling life is beginning to feel more normal. This year we will miss again the fun of the Playathon at the Shops at Chestnut Hill, our fundraiser for the scholarship fund, but our students have been invited to perform outdoors at the Hyde Center bandstand in Newton Highlands on Sunday, June 27th. We believe in bringing joyful music to our neighbors and encouraging our students to share their gifts in service to the community by holding these free concerts.

With the end of the spring semester, I want to invite anyone to join me for "coffee" over a Zoom meeting to discuss the past year, current projects and the coming summer and school year where returning to in person learning is anticipated. Join me on Monday, June 7th between 7:45 am and 9 am via Zoom. How has practicing been this year? What is the best way to practice over the summer to keep skills moving forward? How are we handling group classes and musicianship in the fall?

We continue to observe safety measures such as wearing masks, screening people with a health questionnaire and limiting contact among us through social distancing, disinfecting, and determining entrances to use. We want to respect each others' space and we believe we can return to summer music lessons and Preschool summer camp safely by observing these protocols. We are also equipping several rooms so that there will be a hybrid option for busy parents who are returning to work that will enable a student to participate (if necessary) from home.

Some in person and virtual workshops are coming up. We are offering two virtual piano options: A Piano Improvisation class taught by Suzuki piano teacher Ben Rosairo via Zoom for four weeks in June. There is a choice of Tuesdays or Thursdays. In July, Suzuki teacher trainer Ruth Miura will present Piano Teacher Training Unit 4 and students are invited to sign up for master classes from Suzuki piano books 3, 4 and 5. Suzuki cello faculty member Ben Peterson will hold two in-person 5-day cello camps from 9 am to 1 pm: June 28-July 2, and July 19-23rd. If you want to register for any of these events, fill out the relevant registration form and email it to email@suzukinewton.org.

What a year it has been! The students have made incredible progress. One important Suzuki principle of our school is the development of human character. Our students have learned to be more patient and kind to one another in our group classes where students must take turns. Students are learning to be leaders by leading pieces and taking ownership of cueing, setting tempo and playing by themselves while the whole class and the teacher are muted. This takes courage to stand up and be the leader. The Suzuki teachers have been outstanding in providing honest and earnest support throughout the pandemic, and we are so grateful for their resilience and connection to all their students.

Finally, many students have learned how to have fun with our Suzuki classes. Yes, we may not have been 100% serious and providing new information all the time. The bonds among our students are very important. Wearing a crazy hat, creating filters and backgrounds are valid in building friendships in a virtual classroom where there are no longer casual moments in the hallway or in the playground.

Most of all, I thank you all for persevering and being a part of our Suzuki School of Newton. I cannot wait until we can celebrate again with a spaghetti dinner or potluck annual meeting or barn dance. But for now, I hope you will join me at the "coffee" on June 7th or come meet the Suzuki Board of Directors on Wednesday, June 9th at the virtual Annual Meeting on Zoom.

Sachiko Isihara
Executive Director