Summer 2023 Newsletter

Student and Teacher Spotlights, Upcoming Events, and More!

Student Spotlight

Victoria Schmidlin

“Bravo to my student, Victoria Schmidlin, on her first prize victory at the TMTA (Affiliated with MTNA) Solo Strings Competition in Chattanooga, TN! Victoria delivered stunning performances of Kreisler’s Praeludium and Allegro, Mozart Violin Concerto No. 3, and the Bach Violin Concerto No. 1 in A minor in the Finals and at the Winner’s Recital.” - William Shaub, KSA violin faculty

Audrey Doherty

In May, Dr. Baldwin’s KSA cello student, Audrey Doherty, participated in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, competing head-to-head with the top prize winners from state spelling bees across the nation. Not only did she successfully qualify for the national competition, but she also advanced all the way to the quarterfinals! She had a great time and is thinking of returning next year to compete once again. Way to go, Audrey!

"Showing off our beautiful left hand setup!" - Jeanine Wilkinson, KSA cello faculty

Lucy Farley

Noah Ge

KSYOA Audition Prep Seminar

August 7th, 6:45pm

in the Joy Room at FUMC

Prepare for your audition and join us for a free workshop led by Dr. Baldwin. This audition workshop is open to all KSA students, and it's an opportunity you won't want to miss! Dr. B will discuss the audition process for the KSYOA orchestras, what to prepare, and what to expect. Then, he will run mock auditions for students who would like to run through their auditions. If you would like to play in a mock audition starting at 7:30PM following Dr. B’s talk, please sign up here:

Sign-Up

KSA Solo Recital

November 18th

Located at FUMC

(Please take note of the earlier recital date)

Teacher Spotlight

Salina Fang,

KSA violin faculty

1. What is the most memorable moment or performance of your pre-college studies with Dr. Herd?

During my time with Dr. Herd, we had this one piece that was infamously known for how tough it was. We worked on that piece for two years straight because of its difficulty. Nevertheless, we managed to complete the concerto in time for my auditions. The part of the journey that became a core memory for me was when he gave me the opportunity to perform it for a studio recital at the end of the year. In all my years of playing, I had never felt very proud of my performances, but in this one, I definitely felt like I could confidently play something that represented me very well.

2. When did you decide you wanted to make teaching part of your future? Was there a particular moment that sparked your interest?

As a child of two violinists, teaching has always been present in my life. Students and parents always come and go in my house. There was never a quiet day in the rooms downstairs, but what I loved the most is the fact that these people became family to me. I considered many of the students' parents a second adult to me. As a bonus, many of the students became my best friends throughout the years as well. Most importantly, my mom and dad not only taught violin for a career, but they also created a community for the Chinese Americans in Knoxville. Once I grew up, I knew that teaching was going to be something that would stick with me forever, even if I won't be the next Hilary Hahn or Itzhak Perlman. In return, I hope I can create my own community for my students and parents, just like my parents did.

3. Tell us a little bit about your teaching philosophy.

My teaching philosophy is rooted in the Suzuki method, with a focus on cultivating a healthy environment for learning, support, and development. I strive for a balance of communication and positive interactions in my teaching approach to encourage students to establish a healthy relationship not only with the teacher but also with the music.

Another aspect of my teaching philosophy is nurturing a positive impression in lessons, whether it is through encouragement, constructive criticism, or lecturing. To fulfill this principle, my motto is 'To have every student walk out knowing they can achieve something.' Not a single student should ever walk out the door feeling as though they are incapable of doing something new. As a violin teacher, I acknowledge that the process of learning the instrument extends beyond just musicianship. It teaches students discipline, multitasking, self-criticism, and even experimentalism.

4. What training (think Suzuki training, pedagogy courses, or violin lessons) has been most influential to your approach towards teaching?

My Suzuki training has undoubtedly influenced much of my teaching philosophy. Along with this training, my pedagogy course at UTK allowed me to teach at the JOY School of Music, which is a school for students who cannot easily access violin lessons like others. This experience taught me how important my role as a teacher is in these students' lives. Sometimes, I can be the deciding factor for these students, so I put great effort into my teaching to provide proper care and instruction. Regardless of any progress or lack thereof in the instrument, the student comes first.

5. What are your favorite things to do when you're not playing/teaching violin?

When I'm not teaching, practicing, or playing, you will most likely find me cooking or enjoying a good meal. It is my lifelong passion to discover new foods to eat and cook.

KSA Calendar of Events

July 29

12-1pm:

Piano group class

August 4

6-7pm:

Viola group class

August 5

11 am-12 pm:

Cello pre-twinkle and book 1,

cello books 2-3

12-1 pm: Violin books 2+,

advanced cello, and piano group class

August 7

5-6pm:

Violin pre-twinkle and book 1 group

class

6:45pm:

KYSO audition prep seminar in the

Joy Room.

August 18

6-7pm:

Viola group

August 21

5-6pm:

Violin pre-twinkle and book 1 group

class

August 26

11 am-12 pm:

Cello pre-twinkle and book 1,

cello books 2-3

12-1 pm: Violin books 2+,

advanced cello, and piano group class

Sept 1

6-7pm:

Viola group class

Sept 4

5-6pm:

Violin pre-twinkle and book 1 group

class

Sept 7

6-7pm:

Violin book 2+ group class

Sept 15

6-7pm:

Viola group class

Sept 16

11 am-12 pm:

Cello pre-twinkle and book 1, cello

books 2-3

12-1 pm: advanced cello, and piano

group class

Sept 18

5-6pm:

Violin pre-twinkle and book 1 group

class

Sept 21

6-7pm:

Violin book 2+ group class

Sept 23

11 am-12 pm:

Cello pre-twinkle and book 1, cello

books 2-3

12-1 pm: advanced cello, and piano

group class

Sept 30

8:30am-5pm: Fall Workshop Day

Oct 2

5-6pm:

Violin pre-twinkle and book 1 group

class

Oct 5

6-7pm:

Violin book 2+ group class

Oct 13

6-7pm:

Viola group class

Oct 16

5-6pm:

Violin pre-twinkle and book 1 group

class

Oct 21

11 am-12 pm:

Cello pre-twinkle and book 1, cello

books 2-3

12-1 pm: advanced cello, and piano

group class

Oct 26

6-7pm:

Violin book 2+ group class

Oct 27

6-7pm:

Viola group class

Oct 28

11 am-12 pm:

Cello pre-twinkle and book 1, cello

books 2-3

12-1 pm: advanced cello, and piano

group class

Nov 4

11 am-12 pm:

Cello pre-twinkle and book 1, cello

books 2-3

12-1 pm: advanced cello, and piano

group class

Nov 10

6-7pm:

Viola group class

Nov 13

5-6pm:

Violin pre-twinkle and book 1 group

class

Nov 18

KSA Solo Recital

Nov 30

6-7pm:

Violin book 2+ group class

Dec 1

6-7pm:

Viola group class

Dec 2

11 am-12 pm:

Cello pre-twinkle and book 1, cello

books 2-3

12-1 pm: advanced cello, and piano

group class

Dec 4

5-6pm:

Violin pre-twinkle and book 1 group

class

Dec 7

6-7pm:

Violin book 2+ group class

Dec 8

6-7pm:

Viola group class

Dec 11

5-6pm:

Violin pre-twinkle and book 1 group

class

Dec 14

6-7pm:

Violin book 2+ group class

Dec 16

11 am-12 pm:

Cello pre-twinkle and book 1, cello

books 2-3

12-1 pm: advanced cello, and piano

group class

(The school will be closed from December 25th-Jan 1st 2023)

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