Monthly Newsletters - January 2020

The Most Important Part of Music & Dance Lessons

Dear Parents and Students - Happy New Year!

As we begin this New Year, I wanted to take a moment to congratulate and thank all of our students, parents, faculty, and staff once again for 13 outstanding Christmas Performances. The programs were all incredibly diverse! In addition to the solo performances by our music students (piano, voice, violin, guitar, drums, bass, clarinet, flute, trumpet, saxophone, and more!), we also had our preschool music classes perform as well as so many exciting duet, trio, quartet, and ensemble performances. Our dance faculty and students put on a fantastic production of our original Christmas show, “Santa’s Christmas Adventure!”

If you haven’t already ordered your photos, you can do so at media.laapa.com. Simply click on the photo you would like and order options will appear.

I wanted to share a brief summary from a video that I sent to our faculty following our concerts which I feel highlights our mission beyond providing the best music and dance training here in the greater New Orleans area: “Faculty - thank all of you so much for everything and just being there for your students and taking the time to care about them and their success. Whether or not they had an incredible performance or hit a few clunkers is not always the most important thing. Music and Dance are more important today than ever before because of the cognitive, physical, creative, and emotional outlets that they provide in a tumultuous world! What really matters is how they have grown as people as the result of their training and having you in their lives. What have they gained and how are they stronger?”

Also, I just wanted to thank all who were able to support the Teresian Mission during our concerts. Not only did we fill our trailer to the brim twice with gifts, clothes, supplies and more, but we also raised over $3,500 in cash donations! Sisters Dolores, Angelus and all of the Teresian sisters were so grateful and excited for all the families that they will be able to minister to this year because of your generosity and support!

Now that the new year is here, it’s time to put down the ham, eggnog, and fudge and get back to music and dance lessons! It’s been a bit too quiet here over the break and we can’t wait to see our students again!

Did someone in your family get a new instrument for Christmas? Or are they ready to get started in dance or singing? Perhaps you’re a current student and have been thinking of starting a new music or dance program this year? The New Year is full of possibilities and is a popular time to get started and join in the fun here at LAAPA!

Call us today for more information on how you can MAKE 2020 the YEAR YOU learn to PLAY, DANCE, or SING!

So thanks so much for an awesome 2019, and here’s to an even better 2020!

Ryan Cullen, Executive Director

Discover Your Talent in 2020!

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 everyone that performed in our Christmas Concerts and Christmas Dance Show last month. It was an absolute joy to witness all of your wonderful performances! Pictured above is our Covington School’s Adult Folk / Rock Band (Barbara B., Rob S., Lynne D., Tim F., and Reed S.) performing “Evangeline” by Robbie Robertson.

Pictured above is some of our Christmas Show performers on stage dancing to “Candy Cane Lane” by Sia.

Shout-out to our ballet students Megan Bates, Kamiya Collins, and Felicity McMahon who recently performed at the Nutcracker Tea hosted by the English Tea Room in Covington.

Ms. Jennifer teaches her students to read and understand music through fun games and puzzles. She’s pictured here with piano student, David Hansen.

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!

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Happy April Birthdays!

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

Students: Abigail D. (11), Adam H. (37), Adam Q. (6), Adele M. (8), Aleena Q. (10), Alexah H. (7), Alexander O. (11), Alton C. (17), Amelia S. (12), Andrew B. (59), Annie W. (8), Anthony P. (11), Arabelle G. (5), Armani G. (9), Avi P. (8), Breanna M. (7), Brian B. (53), Brooklynn B. (14), Cameron D. (17), Carmen V. (12), Catie P. (14), Cayden D. (9), Cecilia V. (13), Charlize K. (7), Charlotte C. (3), Chris E. (47), Christopher S. (6), Cohen M. (8), Connor A. (13), Daniel S. (5), Dilan P. (5), Dominick L. (13), Elizabeth D. (9), Emma L. (6), Emma S. (5), Evelyn O. (14), Giovanni B. (6), Giovanni P. (6), Halston V. (8), Hannah J. (6), Hannah V. (17), Haven H. (10), Holly S. (12), Isabella R. (15), Jace W. (6), Jack F. (9), Jackie H. (70), Jackson C. (12), Jacob L. (17), James P. (18), Jenesis B. (5), Joan L. (76), Jorden S. (10), Joseph M. (15), Jude R. (13), Jude S. (13), Julia P. (16), Juliette D. (7), Karen T. (46), Kathryn T. (27), Kayla N. (16), Kelsey F. (8), Layla K. (5), Liam N. (7), Lindsey A. (6), Lola M. (2), Lucy D. (8), Luke D. (11), Luke P. (6), Maria M. (27), Matthew B. (11), Mettah M. (8), Michelle D. (11), Mila V. (3), MJ M. (2), Nevaeh A. (8), Noelle C. (10), Parker B. (5), Patrick C. (13), Peyton K. (12), Peyton S. (11), Randall A. (7), Rasheeka B. (36), Raul B. (8), Reese B. (8), Rhea S. (7), Roman H. (7), Rose S. (2), Rossanna L. (10), Sarah L. (41), Skip P. (71), Sophia H. (8), Sophia T. (11), Stephen S. (10), Tarini S. (5), Teresa C. (16), Ty O. (10), Valentina M. (12), Zachary D. (17)

Faculty & Staff:
Desiree W., Grace J., Lonica C.

Video of the Month - "Vocal Health"

Mrs. Carolyn Russell, voice/piano faculty, discusses her new book with Academy Director, Ryan Cullen. Her book entitled, "Vocal Journal", is designed as an organizational tool allowing singers of all ages to chart their daily, weekly and monthly progress so they can meet and exceed their goals!

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!

View More!

Students Spotlight - Angelina Williams

This month we are spotlighting River Ridge School of Music & Dance student Angelina Williams.

Angelina takes voice lessons with Mrs. Kadi and piano lessons with Mrs. Lisa. She enjoys all styles of music, but her favorite type to listen to is Christian music. When asked what her favorite part about lessons is, she said “When I get to learn a new song, it makes me very, very happy!”

In addition to music, Angelina loves learning about technology, playing games on her computer, and reading (especially books about dragons)!

Angelina’s grandparent shared with us that several of her family members have taken lessons at our River Ridge campus, including her cousins, uncle, mother, and, most recently, her brother! “We love it!” said Angelina’s grandparent.

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

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

Audrey C.
(Thanks Amelia T.)
Brooke F.
Callie C.
Calliemarie R.
Cameron D.
Daniel C.
Daniel G.
Don C.
(Thanks Amelia T.)
Dylan N.
(Thanks Alexis N.)
Eduardo C.
Elizabeth S.
Emmarose O.
Emme F.
Kevin S.
Liam D.
Lola P.
Luke D.
Maci C.
Madisyn T.
Maria Jose G.
Max V.
Nathan Z.
Orrin P.
Philip S.
Ralph K.
Samuel H.
(Thanks Jonathan H.)
Sophia S.
Stevey W.
(Thanks Pamela K.)
Will G.

Student "Shout Outs!"

“Carter loves going to his preschool music lessons! He’s pretty advanced for his age group, so he’s already asking about private lessons!””
~ Verberne Family

“We love Mr. Daniel! He’s an excellent teacher. We are very happy here!”
~ Peyton Family

“Bill is really good at speaking on Brady’s level and taking things at a pace Brady is comfortable with. They have a great connection!”
~ Rivet Family

“Emma really enjoys her guitar lessons with Mr. John. She says he’s funny, which she likes best! And hats off to Mrs. Robin for getting us the time slot she did- she really helped us out!”
~ Bourgeois Family