Monthly Newsletters - February 2020

LaapaFest is Coming! Will You Be Participating?

Dear Parents, Students, Faculty, and Staff:

It’s hard to believe that LAAPAFEST is once again nearly here! So what is LAAPAFEST anyway?

LAAPAFEST is a unique opportunity for all music students who have been studying their program for at least one year (whether at LAAPA or elsewhere) to perform a memorized solo or duet for a panel of three insightful and friendly judges. Students then receive an overall rating as well as detailed written, constructive feedback on their performance (within a variety of categories) which will then be passed along to their private instructor(s).

The overall goal of LAAPAFEST works in tandem with our mission here at LAAPA of instilling a lifetime appreciation of the performing arts within each student while continually building self-esteem. Students do not compete with other students for their overall rating and are rated solely on their individual performances and at their individual levels. Beginning (1 year) students are most welcome to participate in LAAPAFEST and, in fact, are encouraged!

Immediately following the final week of LAAPAFEST, the judges are asked to select 30-35 students who have received the highest overall ratings to join our Faculty in performing at our Faculty and Honors Recital on May 2nd. Students will be selected per school campus based on their instrument/program as well as their rating. We wish to provide a concert equally represented with students of all instruments/programs/levels. There are very limited spots in the Honors recital and the selection process is always a very challenging one for the judges! Not being selected for the Honors concert, in other words, certainly does not detract from the outstanding achievement of a Superior or Excellent rating!

LAAPAFEST participation is an outstanding event in and of itself that produces Honors reflected in the outcome of student ratings. It is important to note that the majority of our students participating in LAAPAFEST typically earn either Excellent and/or Superior overall ratings at LAAPAFEST (because they are so well prepared)! The focus of LAAPAFEST is on the individual student, their performance at LAAPAFEST, and their individual rating at LAAPAFEST. At all Spring Concerts in June, LAAPAFEST students will be recognized for their participation and rewarded for Excellent and Superior ratings. For more information on LAAPAFEST, please speak with your instructor ASAP.

You may sign-up online for LAAPAFEST at https://www.laapa.com/laapafest.

It is also important to note that each year we do have to turn students away from LAAPAFEST due to the limited number of slots available, so we encourage all interested students to turn in paperwork well ahead of the February 17 official enrollment deadline. Good luck at LAAPAFEST!

Ryan Cullen, Executive Director

Summer Camp Early Registration Has Begun!

It’s hard to believe, but Summer will be here before you know it! If you need something fun, new, and exciting to do this summer, then consider Summer Music & Dance Camps at LAAPA! We offer one of the most unique summer camp experiences in the area! Our summer camps provide campers ages 5-16 with a choice of over 40 instrumental, vocal, and dance programs to discover and explore. Beginners, intermediate, and advanced students will have a blast!

For more information or to reserve your spot, visit https://www.laapa.com/camp!

Reserve Your Spot!

Make 2020 Your Year for Music & Dance!

At LAAPA, we offer the most comprehensive Music & Dance Program in the Greater New Orleans area with three campuses located in Covington, Harahan, and Mandeville. For over 40 years, we’ve provided lessons to tens of thousands of students in Piano, Guitar, Voice, Violin, Drums, Ballet, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Tap, Brass, Woodwind, Bands, Preschool Music, and more!

Covington: 985-590-4545
Mandeville: 985-674-2992
River Ridge: 504-738-3050

Get Started!

Student News

Congratulations to Mandeville School of Music & Dance piano student Jackson K.! Jackson’s hard work has been paying off. He recently earned enough Superior Student tickets to cash in for a LAAPA tote bag! Way to go, Jackson! Keep up the hard work!

Congratulations to longtime Mandeville School of Music & Dance student, James P. who was recently selected as 1st Chair Oboe for District Concert Band and 1st Chair Alto Sax for District Jazz Band!

Congratulations to Mandeville School of Music & Dance piano student Olivia R.! Olivia is one of our youngest piano students and has recently completed not 1, but 2 of her piano books! Mrs. Angie is so proud of you, Olivia! Keep up the great work!

Send Us Your News!

We love getting your news, success stories and comments. If you'd like to share your news with us, please e-mail at studentnews@laapa.com. Please note that we publish our newsletters monthly, and if you don't see your submission in this edition, it will be published as soon as space is available! Connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/laapaface, youtube.com/laapatube, and now on Twitter at @laapatweets.

Recording Studio

Our recording studio is located at the Mandeville campus and features a 32 track ProTools system, 4k video cameras, premium mics and equipment. Click the button below to learn more, schedule a studio tour or Book Your Session today!

Learn More!

Happy April Birthdays!

We'd like to wish the following Students, Faculty, and Staff a very Happy Birthday this Month!

Students: A’Dara B. (3), Adrian G. (11), Alyse R. (15), Amalie J. (9), Amanda T. (34), Amber J. (15), Amelia M. (4), Anita C. (62), Anya H. (8), Anya T. (12), Arabella G. (8), Arden H. (13), Aria C. (6), Aries P. (50), Aubrey J. (8), Ava H. (7), Bella D. (6), Brody W. (9), Bryce D. (15), Carolyn V. (80), Cecilia L. (13), Chase O. (6), Cheznie G. (9), Christian M. (14), Claire C. (10), Clive Thomas H. (20), Cole S. (10), Connor B. (8), David Z. (9), Dory A. (14), Drew D. (17), Elijah W. (12), Elijah W. (5), Eliza L. (8), Elizabeth L. (9), Elizabeth S. (5), Elsa M. (8), Elsie D. (2), Emmé B. (10), Emme F. (5), Evangeline P. (3), Finley G. (13), Flynn B. (5), Giovanna N. (6), Grace S. (4), Grace W. (2), Gregory O. (7), Greving C. (12), Harrison M. (6), Isaiah G. (11), Jack M. (13), Jake S. (13), Jaxton S. (8), Jerry P. (69), John E. (16), Jonathan K. (15), Juliet S. (4), Keely H. (28), Kennedy S. (11), Kevin Y. (5), Kiley M. (18), Lauren B. (14), Leticia T. (42), Libby N. (14), Lindsay H. (16), Lucas D. (7), Mackenzie M. (14), Maggie T. (11), Martin S. (61), Martinis L. (43), Maryclaire A. (10), Maya R. (5), Maya S. (5), Melissa M. (18), Nathalli H. (8), Nathan Y. (10), Oliver F. (7), Olivia J. (11), Paula S. (71), Presley C. (6), Remi E. (5), Rita G. (18), Robert Allan C. (11), Rojon Z. (12), Roxanne P. (62), Saadhya V. (13), Saanvi R. (9), Sam G. (9), Samantha P. (9), Sammy M. (6), Sebastian R. (2), Seth M. (10), Skylar D. (5), Skylar M. (13), Skylar M. (5), Skylar N. (13), Sophia R. (26), Steven L. (49), Steven M. (24), Sutton T. (10), Thomas P. (14), Thomas S. (12), Timothy F. (63), Vince M. (9), Will G. (6), Will R. (12), William F. (12), William P. (6), William W. (11), Zorie G. (4)

Faculty & Staff:
Autumn B., Bethany G., Brianna C., Catherine M., Haydee C., Marissa C., Ryan C., Russel T.

Video of the Month - "Blue Skies" Recital Performance by Sarah Lanneau

Sarah is one of our multi-talented adult students who is currently enrolled in both music and dance lessons at our Mandeville campus. Check out her recent performance of "Blue Skies" with her instructor, Mr. John.

Important Dates

Take a moment to review the following upcoming dates:

New Artwork by Michaela Howell

We are very fortunate to work with local artist Michaela Howell. Many of her paintings and art are on display at all three of our school campuses!

Michaela recently brought in new artwork that can be viewed at both of our Northshore campuses. The beautiful piece above is available for purchase at our Covington location for $425

Interested in purchasing art from Michaela? Inquire at the front desk!

With down home country humble beginnings Michaela has always been very resourceful. She cuts, sands, primes, paints, and in some cases stains her abstract versions of the wooden instruments, creating very hands-on works of art. This resourcefulness has “Played” out very nicely in her most current work. Though the recycling of varying musical instrument components including guitar strings, violin knobs, music sheets featuring the instrument showcased, Michaela portrays a ‘current’ sense of style combined with a very vivid color pallet, creating a symphony for the senses!

Purchase

Students Spotlight - Gracyn Dunavant

This month we are spotlighting Mandeville School of Music & Dance student Gracyn Dunavant.

Gracyn takes voice lessons with Mrs. Rebecca and has been a student at LAAPA since 2014! Her favorite genres of music to sing are Jazz and Musical Theatre!

Gracyn’s favorite part about taking voice lessons with Mrs. Rebecca and singing is that it always cheers her up, even on her bad days. She describes singing to be her “one true love!”

Gracyn is also heavily involved in local community theaters in Mandeville and Covington. She can often be found performing at PlayMakers Theatre and 30 by Ninety!

In addition to her love for singing, Gracyn has a love for sewing - just like her instructor, Mrs. Rebecca!

A HUGE welcome to our newest students who began lessons or added programs in January!

We are so happy that you’ve chosen to study at LAAPA. We know you will do great things this year!

Addie S.
Alexandra O.
Alexis E.
Alica L.
Alice C.
(Thanks Lindsey A.)
Alyssa S.
Amelia S.
Amelie W.
Anderson B.
(Thanks Claudia C.)
Angelina F.
Ann K.
Annie B.
Arabella G.
Aria E.
Aryn T.
Ashlynn E.
Ashlynn B.
Ava M.
(Thanks Juliet D.)
Barrios I.
Bethany F.
Bri J.
Brody W.
Carolyn V.
Charlotte M.
Charlotte J.
(Thanks Zorie G.)
Chloe A.
Christopher B.
Clay W.
Clayton K.
Coleman B.
Daisylola C.
Daniel C.
Davis L.
Dawn C.
Declan G.
Eleanor R.
Eleanor W.
Elise B.
Ellie N.
Emma L.
Ethan J.
Ethan G.
Finnley H.
Flynn B.
Gabriel P.
Gabriella C.
Ava H.
Genevieve L.
Georgia R.
Gi’Yafi B.
Grace S.
Grace W.
Grace L.
Hailey W.
Hannah S.
Hannah S.
Hayden D.
Hayes M.
Holden F.
(Thanks Catherine D.)
Imani B.
Ivana L.
Jacob H.
Jamie H.
Jayden T.
Jennifer D.
Jordana C.
Joseph D.
Joseph L.
Julian B.
(Thanks Claudia C.)
June R.
June N.
Juniper J.
Norah T.
Kaitlynn L.
Karen T.
Katherine C.
Kinsley G.
Kylon W.
Landry T.
Lauren H.
Layla H.
Leda F.
Lexsia H.
Libby N.
Lila C.
Locke B.
Logan K.
Louis A.
Lucy D.
Lyla S.
(Thanks Amelia S.)
Maegan H.
Marie T.
(Thanks Brianna C.)
Marleigh J.
Martinis L.
Mary S.
Meleah B.
Michael Y.
Mike B.
Mira R.
Muditha B.
Nafachi O.
Nathan W.
Nick F.
Oliver W.
Oliver N.
Olivia J.
(Thanks Kenna L.)
Paula S.
Peyton K.
Peyton C.
Rhett C.
Rheya E.
Richard K.
(Thanks Ann K.)
Rocklynn B.
Rosa Maria L.
Rowan S.
Ryder H.
Ryleigh N.
Saadhya V.
Amit M.
Saanvi R.
Sam G.
Samuel W.
Sarah K.
Shaan K.
Skiylar W.
Skylah C.
Sophia B.
Sophia L.
Steve S.
Steven L.
Tabitha A.
Talia A.
Tanner T.
Tayah C.
Uriah A.
Vail Rose K.
Vaishant K.
Valerie M.
Zachary F.

Student "Shout Outs!"

"Lessons are going great! KC is an awesome teacher and a great guy- I actually honestly don’t think they could be going any better!”
~ Dave S.

“Ms. Hannah is great and Samantha is really enjoying lessons! She is patient, which really works. Samantha never worries about stopping to ask questions!”
~ Thien Family

“Rowan is loving his lesson! He is really enjoying the one on one aspect and bonding with his teacher. Mr. Ben is doing great!”
~ Von Eberstein Family

“Axl is loving Preschool Music lessons for sure! Mrs. Angie is great with the kids! We are happy!”
~ Watkins Family