Dear Lakeland Family,
We hope this email finds you healthy and safe in the midst of so many changes. We miss you and your children! Why not make music a vital part of each day in your homes? “Music has healing power. It has the ability to take people out of themselves for a few hours.” ~ Elton John
Our conductors/instructors have been working hard to plan some fun alternatives to help your children learn at home and practice songs for the concert. While they prepare helpful videos and “meet” with your children, we ask you to encourage your students to practice their instruments each day to help them maintain and improve their skills.
Social distancing does not mean musical distancing. Enjoy this musical gift your child gives you when they play. Make it a focal point of your day – The Daily Concert!
It’s important we continue to give our children (and ourselves!) routines and goals. Many have asked if their children should continue private lessons, to which we reply a resounding YES!
Most teachers have turned to virtual lessons to work weekly with students, so please be sure to make those arrangements with your teachers. These will help students get through the day with structure, and it will help us, as their teachers, hear what we need to accomplish.
It is clear that this virus has not only affected our health as a society, but the economy too. We realize that many companies have closed, and that has led to widespread unemployment. If you are affected by this change, please contact your private teacher and tell them of your concerns, both for your child’s education and your family’s economic limits. We encourage you to have the conversation with your teacher, instead of simply cancelling or not responding to messages. They may have options to continue your child’s musical education.
While none of us knows the future, we are tentatively planning to return to our regular rehearsal schedule the week of April 20th (pending the state’s and MLHS’s permission), so mark your calendars. Keep the Prelude Recital on your calendar for May 16th and the Orchestra concert for May 17th. We are hopeful that we will be able to celebrate the end of one of the most “interesting” seasons Lakeland has ever experienced!
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We wish you and your families health, happiness, and good music!
Musically yours,
Lakeland Youth Symphony
PS – Here’s a fun resource for continuing music education at home over the next few weeks: https://www.classicsforkids.com/