Dear NMS families and friends,
Out of a particularly harsh winter season, this month we will welcome Spring with hope for the emergence of flowers, spring showers and getting closer to reopening our doors at NMS while keeping our virtual windows(aka online classes and social media) open and engaging!
As our spotlight musician portrayed in this message you will see Florence Price (1887-1953) who was an African-American composer, pianist, organist and music teacher. She was born in Arkansas and later moved to Chicago. Mentored by her mother, a music teacher, Ms. Price proved herself a trailblazer at a very early age. She gave her first concert at the age of 4 and had her first composition published at the age of 11! In 1933, she became the first African-American woman to have her music performed by a major symphony orchestra, The Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Read more about her
here!
Congratulations to our Spring Scholarship Awardees!
With deep gratitude to The Music Man Foundation, The Pasadena Showcase House and individual donors, we were able to award $33,135 in Covid-19 Tuition Scholarships and Financial Aid to 104 students! Our Scholarships and Financial Aid are so important to our students and to our mission in that they ensure that every student has the opportunity and access to individual development and study with exceptional teaching artists. This is particularly important during this year of financial, emotional and physical challenges that we have all endured due to the pandemic. Thank you so much to our supporters who have invested in our students and families, and to our students and families who continue to persevere during this incredibly challenging time. The music you make is a voice for all of us! We are all in this together!
March Madness Enrollment Packages!
For the month of March, we are offering pre-paid enrollment packages for our 30 minute classes! Packages for students under the age of 18 include 6 months at $400 or a full year at $800. Adult classes are priced at $425 for 6 months and $850 for a full year! This special pricing is only for the Month of March, so be sure to purchase your package today! (Packages purchased in March can begin classes immediately, or defer for as late as December 31st, 2021)
Get ready for our March Virtual Recital!
Our next recital is scheduled for Saturday, March 27th at 6pm.
Spring Rest is March 29th-April 4th
Mark your calendars! We will take our Spring Rest March 29th- April 4th. The office will still be open for tuition and questions, but classes will not be running that week.
Music Mondays will return April 5th!
Stay tuned! We will have a special Instagram Spotlight Takeover by one of our amazing teaching artists or NMS friends. More info to come soon!
Reopening and Looking Ahead
We are all very encouraged, and cautious, about the latest downward trend in COVID rates. Our Staff and Teaching Artists are currently being vaccinated, and our final house improvements are being made for our return! These improvements include a new roof, new paint, carpeting, electrical upgrades, and increased internet capacity. We are hopeful that we will be able to have in person classes during the summer, and will be able to deliver softer reopening options as we move into a safer and more controlled phase over the next few months.
We recognize that, while trends continue to improve, we are still in the midst of a pandemic, and everyone's safety is our number one priority. We will continue to offer online classes (even after the pandemic) both from the NMS house and the homes of our teaching artists.
Returning to the NMS house will include the protocols that we shared last July(when we initially intended to reopen) and are described in the video at the end of this message.
Send in Showtime! videos!
Please keep your Showtime! videos coming! They bring such joy and showcase your awesome development! For the month of December, please share your favorite holiday tradition in your introduction! Please Email videos to office@neighborhoodmusic.org.
Subscribe to our
Youtube Channel and follow us on
Instagram and
Facebook! Each day, we are posting new music and performances on our social media- check it out!
Join us for Self-Care Saturday Yoga with Jeanette!
Each Saturday morning at 9am, NMS is hosts a free yoga class for our whole community. This is a great opportunity to come together and move, as we move through the challenges, stressors and weight of this time. This class is great for all ages and all levels. RSVP to info@neighborhoodmusic.org and we will send you the link! Namaste!
Be well and make beautiful music,
Karen, Jeanine, Liz and Melissa
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When we do return to NMS in person, the following policies and procedures will be in place. You can also watch this video !
Policies and procedures:
The following policies and procedures were created with guidance from and direction from City, County and State. If you are unable to comply with theses procedures, we encourage you to enjoy online lessons until the pandemic is under control.
- All students must enter and exit through the back door.
- Students may be accompanied by one adult to enter the building, if they require assistance getting to their classroom.
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We will require all teaching artists and students to wear masks while at the school. This is for the physical and psychological health of all. Until there is a vaccine or successful treatment of COVID-19, we run the risk of infecting the vulnerable without these precautions in place.
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Temperatures will be taken(with a digital, forehead thermometer) upon entering the school. If one is running a fever, they will be asked to return home immediately and seek medical advice.
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Handwashing and sanitizing after using the restroom, and before touching an instrument, will be mandatory.
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Maintaining a social distance of 6 feet or more with all staff, teaching artists and non-familial community is mandatory. Guests and parents are no longer able to observe classes from the inside of the classroom.
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Indoor waiting areas will be largely off-limits. We will create seating outside, as much as we are able.
