Minnesota School Of Music - December 2019

MORE THAN JUST ‘YOU’LL SHOOT YOUR EYE OUT!’ LESSONS FAMILIES CAN LEARN FROM ‘A CHRISTMAS STORY’ forever. Belief in certain parts of the Christmas season can fade slowly or die as quickly as the spin of a decoder pin, but parents can always be there to remind children about what’s really important during the Christmas season.

In 1983, one movie introduced Red Ryder BB guns, fishnet-clad leg lamps, and bright red bars of soap into America’s everlasting Christmas mythos. Now, over 35 years later, “A Christmas Story” continues to delight audiences every holiday season with timeless lessons for viewers of all ages. In a story where kids are clever and kind, and parents are bumbling and wise, “A Christmas Story” has more lessons to offer families than just, “You’ll shoot your eye out!” YOUR KIDS ARE LISTENING TO YOU (OH, FUDGE!). They aren’t always obedient, but that doesn’t mean they’re not listening. After Ralphie lets slip the “queen mother of dirty words” in front of his father, the narrator reminisces about first hearing that word from his old man — possibly when he was trying to get their furnace to work. He doesn’t admit this to his mother, but it’s a lesson for parents everywhere that kids may hear more than they let on. KIDS WON’T BELIEVE IN MAGIC FOREVER. Magical stories about Santa or even “Little Orphan Annie’s” Secret Society fill children’s hearts with wonder but won’t enchant them

SOMETIMES ‘DISASTERS’ LEAD TO NEW ADVENTURES. Christmas Day can be hectic, and, in the hubbub of it all, sometimes disaster can feel inevitable. Ralphie’s parents certainly experience their fair share of disaster in hilarious fashion when the Bumpus Hounds destroy their holiday turkey and leave nothing but the heavenly aroma. But, when Ralphie’s father takes them out to eat at a local Chinese restaurant, it creates a whole new Christmas tradition for the Parker family. Our holiday mishaps, no matter how tragic, are rarely the end of the world.

Consider one final tip: Do not stick your tongue to any flagpoles this winter! Happy holidays!

PERFORMANCE MADE EASY NEW WEEKLY RECITALS!

PERFECT PRACTICE These smaller mini recitals are also ideal for students who have already performed at larger events and plan to attend more in the future. Having a weekly outlet available for experienced musicians to practice live performances is the perfect way to prepare for being in the spotlight! So, whether you have a seasoned performer in your household or a budding musician looking to show off their skills for the first time, sign up for these recitals! Again, only eight slots will be available per week due to the size of our classrooms. You can secure your student’s place early by putting their name down at our front desk!

Over the past few months, something special has been happening during our Friday makeup classes. Parents have been asking to sit in and listen! Now, we always allow you to be there for your child, no matter what day of the week it is. But what made this experience unique is that these Friday sessions are group classes, which meant lessons started becoming like unofficial recitals. So, we’ve decided, “Why not take it to the next level?” ANNOUNCING FRIDAY NIGHT MINI RECITALS

A SMALL BUT IMPORTANT STAGE While we’ve always offered large red carpet events like our Sundon Hall performance series, we recognize that performing in front of hundreds of people isn’t for every student. With the opportunity to perform in a smaller, less formal environment, young musicians can learn to overcome stage fright and let their talents shine. Whether your child wants to perform on the big stage one day or simply wants to build their confidence, this is the right place to start.

Starting this January, we’re going to be holding weekly shows right here at our school! Every Friday at 7 p.m., eight students will have a chance to entertain a small, supportive audience. These sessions are open to anyone — not just those in need of a makeup lesson — so be sure to sign up early at the front desk to secure your student’s spot! We’re excited for the valuable skills these unique shows can teach!

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