THE HONORS PROGRAM

Students who have graduated Suzuki Book 6 and/or have been recommended by their teacher are part of The Honors Program at Suzuki on the Island. Students participating in this program are performing on an advanced level and are not only learning the Suzuki literature but also etudes, solo works, sonatas and concertos from the standard repertoire.

Honors Program students participate in more performing opportunities throughout the year. These include possible duo recitals, chamber music concerts, or their own full length recital. These students set the high standard of playing at SOTI and are role models for our younger and less advanced players.

We feel it is important for our students to have additional performance opportunities when they reach a more advanced level and to work towards organizing a program with a facility or benefit group and possibly other students. Through the guidance of the private teacher and the director of SOTI, all participants in this program are asked to help organize an outreach concert each year at an area hospital, nursing home, retirement center or charitable benefit. All the final details are of course coordinated, overseen and confirmed by the private teacher and director of SOTI.

Our advanced students have a chance to participate in a master class one or two times per year with a guest artist. Each student performs a solo work for the “master teacher” in front of the class and audience and then receives comments and suggestions on how to improve their performance and techniques with that specific piece.

Selected Honors Program students will be invited to perform in the annual Honors Recital in the spring if they meet the following critea:

THE HONORS RECITAL

REQUIREMENTS:

Students must be 13 years of age on the recital date

Students must be recommended to play by their private teacher and approved by the director.

Repertoire for this concert usually consists of a movement from a standard concerto, sonata, or solo Bach

Students must perform from memory unless they are performing a sonata. All pieces must be well prepared and polished.

Students must be in good standing with their attendance in both their private lessons and group classes. Students must also be committed to daily practice at home.

Accompanist will be provided and each participating student will have at least 2 rehearsals with their teacher and/or the director present.

There is a participation fee required which covers the accompanist and video recording of the recital.

Masterclass Guest Artists:

Ara Gregorian, violin/viola
Laura Frautschi, violin
Tara Hanish, cello
Ittai Shapira, violin
Hye-Jin Kim, violin
Jessica Meyer, composition & improvisation
Colleen Jennings, violin & Alexander Technique

Mineko Yajima, violin
Becca Fisher, violin
Richard Rood, violin
Alisa Horn, cello
Cyrus Beroukhim, violin
Alicia Gregorian Sawyers, cello