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763-432-9713 www.mnschoolofmusic.com FEBRUARY 2024 HOW THE REAL FUN ONLY HAPPENS AFTER THE HARD WORK SCOUT’S HONOR! THE MONTHLY MUSICIAN
No former Boy Scout ever forgets their first big camping trip, but I can’t precisely say that mine was anything like I had expected. Feb. 8 is National Boy Scout Day, so I couldn’t stop from sharing one of my most memorable ( in every sense of the word ) Boy Scout experiences. When I heard my troop would be heading to the big-time Beaver Valley Scout Camp in 1992, I was beyond thrilled. This would be my first real camping trip with my fellow Scouts, and I was more than ready to spend my days in the wilderness. In preparing for the backwaters of Wisconsin, my mom first took me to buy all my gear from the Scout store. By the time we finished, I was all decked out and felt like a real-life GI Joe, ready for my adventure.
We were hot, sweaty, and swatting at countless bugs. I could tell that every single one of us wanted to complain but were just too scared to. When we finally reached a small clearing, we saw our campsite: a run-down cabin and tall grass up to my chest. When the Scout Master said, “We’re here!” I could not believe him. This place? We would be saying here ? Our Scout Master whipped out a grim reaper-like scythe and began hacking at the 4-foot-tall grass. All I could think was, “What did I get myself into?” It started getting dark out, and I was beyond ready to go home! Well, this is something I see here with my new music students. Just like the idea of camping was exciting, so is learning a new instrument. They get this new instrument and enjoy the fun of classes, but it’s no longer fun after three months. The realization hits that this will take hard work, and that’s when the pullback begins. That’s when students say they don’t want to do it. Yet, this happens every time like clockwork! Back in Beaver Valley, I didn’t have the option to retreat! I had more mosquito bites than anyone should have in a single day and was stuck in the wild doing something I did not sign up for. Yet, after a day, we were filling water canteens and learning new skills, and suddenly, our sense of adventure had been reinvigorated. What if I left before things got really exciting? That was such a valuable lesson for me, even if I didn’t realize it then! Plus, the only way out of Beaver Valley was up that mile-long uphill hike. Likewise, while our students can simply walk out the door, they would only learn they can easily quit whatever they deem challenging. When investing in music lessons for a child, we should prepare them for not only the fun but also inevitable challenges. They can then learn perseverance, overcome obstacles, and see that hard work pays off. If you’re wondering how you can help your child through these challenges, we know exactly how to help. Keep reading and learn how to keep your young musician motivated!
Finally, it was the day for my troop to head to our campsite, and I fully expected a soccer field, a play area, and cabins like you see in the movies. Well, when we arrived, there was only a rugged, barely there trail that led into the woods. I had no clue how long this trail was, but our Scout Master commenced our hike, which ended up being a strenuous mile-long trek. I was in complete shock!
–Eric Nehring
763-432-9713 • 1
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com
FOOD FOR THOUGHT The Benefits of Eating as a Family
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the simple yet profound act of sharing a meal with family or friends. However, research suggests that eating together at least three times a week can significantly benefit overall health, particularly for children. Let’s delve into why this age-old tradition is more important than ever. PROMOTES HEALTHY EATING HABITS One of the most immediate benefits of family meals is you generally eat better. Families sitting down to eat together are more likely to consume a balanced homemade meal rich in essential nutrients like calcium and fiber. This is especially beneficial for children in their formative years who need these nutrients for growth and development. WEIGHT MANAGEMENT Eating together also helps in controlling weight more effectively. Home-
prepared meals usually contain healthier ingredients and allow for better portion control. Mealtime structure also supports better eating habits, which can be a crucial factor in weight management for both adults and children. POSITIVE EFFECTS ON CHILD DEVELOPMENT Research suggests that eating dinner together positively affects child development. Children interact with adults and siblings, and conversations help them learn social skills, table manners, family values, and culture. EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING Family meals are not just about the food but also about spending quality time together. Enjoying a meal with loved ones allows family bonding and may even
improve mental health. It contributes to fewer emotional problems and helps children feel loved, safe, and secure.
EDUCATIONAL BENEFITS Mealtime conversations can be educational. Parents can discuss various topics, helping children expand their knowledge, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills. This intellectual stimulation can be particularly beneficial for school-aged children.
Sharing meals with family or friends is not just a social custom but a healthful practice with numerous benefits. The advantages are numerous, especially for children. So, make it a point to gather around the table for a meal at least three times a week. Your body, mind, and soul will thank you.
WITNESS YOUR CHILD’S TALENT AT SUNDIN MUSIC HALL JOIN US FOR THE UNFORGETTABLE BRAVO CONCERT SERIES!
Sundin Music Hall – Hamline University Sunday, March 24, 2024 Concerts take place throughout the day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. We’re excited to return to the Sundin Music Hall, where we’ve held this celebration since 2017. The intimate atmosphere allows family and friends to witness the fruits of their child’s labor in a space filled with joy and warmth. With nearly 125 students participating, the audience is sure to be large, and your child can gain invaluable experience performing in front of a live audience. Our Bravo concert series can be an unforgettable lifelong memory for your child, so we strongly encourage every parent to register! While our registration fee is $40, the splurge contributes to a moment they will never forget. You can complete registration for our semiannual event entirely online, so be sure to check your email inbox. You can also stop by our school and scan the QR code on our event’s poster! If you would like to learn more about our event, you can call our team. We are happy to share every detail. Our Bravo concert series only happens twice a year, so we cannot wait to see you at Sundin Music Hall and experience a memory that will last a lifetime.
It’s finally that time of year again! Our Bravo concert series will be back in 2024, and we’re thrilled to show you the tremendous progress your children have made in their musical journeys. Registration has begun, and we genuinely hope you let your children’s skills shine at our concert. Our Bravo concert series will take place at the following location and time:
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When your child reaches their motivational plateau, how you respond can make or break their passion for learning. As a parent, I know how challenging it can be to ensure they’re practicing enough when they just don’t want to. After all these years, I’ve discovered three tips that help your child stay focused and re-spark their love for music. PARENTS MUST BE PRESENT. If you want your kids to be present, you must also be present! For children ages 5–12, having their parents present at music lessons and practice is crucial. Consider how you would be there for them at the baseball field or gymnastic training. You should be at the school, too! You can witness their achievements, boost their confidence, and keep them focused. When it comes to practicing at home, you should be present there, too. The last thing you want to say is, “Go to your room and practice.” Doesn’t that sound like a punishment? Nobody likes that! Instead, be there to remind them how well they’re doing. USE OUTCOME-BASED GOALS, NOT TIME-BASED. When a parent tells their child to go practice for 30 minutes, I can assure you they will just go through the motions to fill up the time. Ultimately, they didn’t make any real progress! Don’t focus on the clock; instead, use a practice notebook from their teacher that outlines their goals. You can sit with them and help them work toward their next goal before the practice ends. While the parent decides when practice starts, the child can decide when they have reached their goal and finished practice. I’ve seen even 5-year-olds understand and implement this concept! BE REALISTIC, NOT RIGID. It’s only natural for us parents to think, “Well, I paid for this, so you’re going to stick with this!” Yet, this can put a sense of guilt on your child, and suddenly, their emotions with practicing music can quickly become negative. As parents, we need to be realistic! If a child needs a day off, let them have it! Give them the space they need to recharge. Never set unrealistic expectations on your children that you couldn’t reach yourself. If you can follow these three tips, your kids will flourish. If a year or two passes and this recipe isn’t successful, then perhaps your child isn’t genuinely interested in music. Until then, be present and do what you can to maintain their love for learning! How to Be the Supportive Parent Your Child Needs 3 TIPS TO IGNITE YOUR CHILD’S PASSION FOR MUSIC
Charlie M. Selah M. Alta D. Autumn B. Iden V. Heleana V. Ivan X.
Owen G. Huxley A. Rithvik J. Seora K. Chloe F. Shray B. Aditi D. Owen C. Olivia C. Camille P.
Lainy Z. Noah Z. Ella K.
IS YOUR TEACHER SOLD OUT?
Mr. Barrett: SOLD OUT Mrs. Bunish: SOLD OUT Ms. Ferbuyt: SOLD OUT Ms. Hsu: 2 SPOTS LEFT Mrs. Lehner: SOLD OUT Mr. Martin: 2 SPOTS LEFT
Mrs. Morris: SOLD OUT Mr. Nehring: SOLD OUT Mr. Nelson: SOLD OUT Mrs. Nemirova:
Ms. Possert: 1 SPOT LEFT Ms. Rotvold:
SOLD OUT Mr. Spears: 2 SPOTS LEFT Mrs. Tomlinson: SOLD OUT
SOLD OUT Mr. Nistler: SOLD OUT Mr. Popken: SOLD OUT
–Eric Nehring
763-432-9713 • 3
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3533 88th Ave. NE, Blaine, MN 55014 763-432-9713 www.mnschoolofmusic.com
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
My Boy Scout Tale of Perseverance
Why Eating Together Matters More Than You Think
Bravo Concert Series Returns to Sundin Music Hall in 2024!
Help! My Child Doesn’t Want to Practice
3 Ways to Show Love to the Community
SPREAD THE LOVE THIS VALENTINE’S DAY! MAKE THE MOST OF THE HOLIDAY
Valentine’s Day is all about showing your dear ones extra love. But you don’t always have to focus on those close to you. Love can be shared with everyone — friends, coworkers, or the community! Here are some ways you and your family can spread the love this holiday.
to get the entire family involved. Gather the ingredients of your favorite dish and make something tasty for your local fire or police department. These people work daily to keep us safe, and a simple gesture like this may bring a smile to their faces and remind them they are appreciated. Also, kids love helping out in the kitchen, so consider baking homemade cookies — or the store-bought kind; we don’t judge! Let the kids decorate them with festive Valentine’s designs to bring to school for their classmates and teachers! GET CRAFTY. Nothing is more special than a one-of-a- kind card. Grab some construction paper, markers, glitter, stickers — the works — and have the kids make Valentine’s Day cards! You can work with various organizations to send letters to U.S. troops serving overseas, veterans hospitals, or nursing facilities that would enjoy receiving a handmade card.
Fill them with positive words, smiley faces, hearts, and lots of love! You could even send their cards in a Valentine’s Day-themed care package. But be sure to follow the rules of the organizations you work with. VOLUNTEER OR DONATE. Do you have any gently used clothing, shoes, blankets, or extra personal hygiene items? Make your way to the local Goodwill, church, or shelter that accepts donations. You could call around to see if any shelters or organizations need helping hands! This is also a great way to spread the love your kids can participate in. Check to see if they need help serving food or if you can prepare or drop off warm meals to those who need them most. You can find many ways to express love and kindness to those you love or complete strangers. No matter how you spend this day, remember to spread the love to everyone!
MAKE A HOMEMADE MEAL OR SOME GOODIES. They always say a way to a person’s heart is through their stomach! Everyone loves a warm, homemade meal, and it can be fun
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