Monthly Newsletters - Now Enrolling in Fall Music & Dance Classes, Online Learning, Acting Classes, Student Spotlight - Donovan Brown, and more!...
Open for In-Person & Online Music & Dance Lessons
Dear parents, students, and future students!
As I’m writing this, we are wrapping up one of our busiest summers ever with some awesome music and dance recitals and many new summer students who joined us after having a blast at camp this year. We attribute our success to the fact that we have taken the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff very seriously this past year, which has allowed the creativity and progression of our student body to flourish.
It’s Back to School Time, and registration for Fall 2021 is now available! If you took the summer off and are ready to get back into the groove, we encourage you to give us a call now! While the majority of our most popular classes and private lesson times have remained booked throughout the summer, it’s possible that your previous teacher may have an opening or two, but they won’t last long. We are also pleased to welcome several new amazing faculty members who we know you’ll be equally excited to work with should your old teacher be unavailable! In the interest of safety this August, we will once again not be holding an open house; however we are more than happy to arrange a private tour for new families (either virtual or in person). Give us a call if this is something you’re interested in as well!
Like last year, we will be taking things one day at a time as we work to bring the joy of music, dance and the performing arts to our students in the safest and healthiest way possible. While we can’t predict what the Fall will bring, we can tell you that we have masks for everyone at the front desk, we have plenty of hand sanitizers, soap, HVAC sanitation, thorough cleaning, and of course lots of technology to allow students to attend online, in-person, or a mixture of the two. It’s truly a different time in our lives, but whatever you decide is in the best interests of your family this Fall, we just want you to know that we have plenty of options for you to nurture your creative side, release your emotions, pick up a new hobby, discover and share your talent in a fun, convenient, and safe manner.
Indeed, we all must continue to balance safety without losing essential opportunities for prosperity, peace, hope, and joy. Finding the time and means to still do things you enjoy and that develop the mind and creative spirit is crucial now more than ever, not only for our children but for ourselves as adults!
Of course, we realize that not everyone is yet comfortable returning to campus. While many local schools had their first experience with online lessons over the past year, at LAAPA, we have been offering online lessons since 2012! Both music and dance students are welcome to enroll and attend classes completely online via the Zoom application. Some students come in person some weeks and online other weeks. Our parents and students have discovered that having a hybrid approach to lessons (such as ours) has been especially handy during bad weather, excessive traffic, and unexpected scheduling changes. You can learn more about taking lessons with us online here: www.laapa.com/online.
Music and Dance is a gift to us all, and we look forward to safely sharing it with you this Fall!
Ryan Cullen, Executive Director
Now Enrolling for Fall Classes!
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
Enroll Today!
Important Dates
Take a moment to review the following upcoming dates:
August 31:
All campuses are closed for faculty and staff meetings- no classes in Covington/Mandeville/River Ridge
Online Learning!
Online lessons are still available to all LAAPA students. Interested in continuing your lessons from the comfort of your living room? Call us today or visit www.laapa.com/online.
Learn More!
Acting Classes Now in Mandeville!
Is your child a natural performer? Or do you have a shy child and are looking for a fun activity to help break them out of their shell?
Acting classes provide children with more than just fun! There are many different ways acting classes benefit kids including:
1. Adaptability
2. Self-confidence
3. Public speaking
4. Working as a team
WHEN: Saturdays, 3:15 - 4:30 pm
WHERE: The Mandeville School of Music & Dance
AGES: 10 - 16
Mr. Nicoli Hutchison, LAAPA instructor of piano, voice, guitar, musical theatre, and acting achieved a BFA in Acting and Music from William Carey University and is excited to teach this new class!
Enroll today! Visit www.laapa.com/enroll or call us at 985-674-2992 to register for Fall classes!
Click Here to Enroll!
Students Spotlight - Donovan Brown
This month we are excited to highlight student Donovan Brown from our Mandeville School of Music and Dance! Donovan has taken piano lessons with us for three years and has three siblings who are also a part of the LAAPA family!
When asked what his favorite part about his lessons was, Donovan shared, “I would have to say it makes me feel like I can accomplish things. Like actually being able to play music is cool.”
Donovan likes to read, play video games, ride bikes, and occasionally play badminton in his free time. His favorite musical artist is Mick Gordon, an Australian composer, producer, and sound designer, composing music primarily for video games! Although video game soundtracks are Donovan’s favorite listening genre of music, his favorite music to play is classical.
When asked what he wanted to be when they grew up, Donovan said, “I still have to figure that out, but I want to go on a grand adventure.” We can not wait to see what the future holds for him. Thanks so much for sharing, Donovan. We are thrilled to have you as a member of our LAAPA family!
Video of the Month - Student Recital - Dr. Vera's Studio
Dr. Vera presents her piano and voice students in a Summer Concert! To learn more about getting started in music lessons locally or online, visit https://www.laapa.com/.
Student "Shout Outs!"
“We’re loving lessons with Chris! Wyatt adores him and would come play guitar at LAAPA every day if he could! Wyatt most enjoys that Chris lets him pick his own songs to work on; he loves starting new material! Overall, I’d say he looks up to Chris which really helps make lessons enjoyable.”
- Kelley Family
“We’re loving voice with Candice! Our favorite part of lessons so far would be building technique. Leah has been singing for awhile now, so that’s where we really wanted coaching. Candice has given her great advice to point her in the right direction!”
- Dupre Family
“Lily is loving her ballet lessons with Mollie- she wishes she could go every day! Her favorite part is definitely the friendships she’s made since starting ballet classes at LAAPA!”
- Bordelon Family
A HUGE welcome to our newest students who began lessons or added programs in July!
We are so happy that you’ve chosen to study at LAAPA. We know you will do great things this year!
Alieyah D.
Allison C.
Alyssa C.
Anietie J.
Apollo D.
Arianna P.
August L.
Aurora S.
Breanna C.
Brennan G.
Caroline C.
Caylee C.
Ce’vant W.
Christian T.
Clyde M.
Daniel C.
Daniel N.
De’ja S.
Eli M.
Elin E.
Elise D.
Elise O.
Emily P.
Evelyn R.
Finley G.
Gabriella C.
Giana N.
Hollis S.
Jack D.
Jackie H.
James L.
Jasmin H.
Jhomer N.
Johnny Lynn M.
Karsyn L.
Kyla A.
Lucie N.
Madeleine G.
Madi C.
Maikelyn M.
Myriah L.
Myrionne C.
Nathan M.
Nicole B.
Olivia K.
Philip B.
Riley S.
Roman R.
Samuel A.
Scarlet V.
Sophia P.
Tao Tao J.
Todd-Tyler T.
Tommy H.
Toryn A.
Tracy P.
Victoria H.
Wade C.
Yilver O.
Happy August Birthdays!
We'd like to wish the following Students a very Happy Birthday this Month!
Mark B (11), Piper C (11), Henry P (4), Rob D (63), Karlee B (25), Zoe Stanley (11), Jackson R (5), Wilbert B (53), Brynn H (16), Audrey M (13), Alvin Li (10), Paola G (8), Pamela G (8), Alecsander C (18), Ana Claire H (13), Lucy O (8), Ellie E (15), Benjamin V (14), Leonte C (13), Joseph O (8), Alma Rose P (7), Silas H (13), Caroline W (13), Gretchen L (57), Angele R (16), Olivia K (9), Aariyah T (4), Anya D (16), Janessa Z (13), Cailah F (12), Niengala D (51), Derek W (37), Mercy M (12), Ava P (5), Ryder H (16), Locke B (7), Preston L (12), Scarlett A (5), Jackson B (12), Kailani Z (6), Aurora S (4), Addisyn O (12), Chase C (8), Isabella C (8), Pearce C (7), Jacques Q (5), Luna R (3), Rose Marie S (72), Lynne D (62), Adriel G (9), Elizabeth E (10), Eva D (46), Brennan S (12), Allan C (11), Liam D (11), Julia B (10), Alexander P (11), Zachary B (8), Kennedy K (8), William H (7), Julianne G (2), Eli M (9), Audrey O (8), Makenzie S (6), Kenley B (3), Desmond B (18), Mikaela H (12), Micah D (11), Anabella F (8), London N (7), Michael M (5), Christopher B (15), Katherine C (13), Sawyer S (8), Lucy W (5), Travis G (38), Ray Z (11), Adelyn M (10), Mia R (10), Ny’Lia M (8), Clemens E (4), Caroline M (4), Jack V (20), Logan T (15), Emma A (9), Alexandra B (4), Courtney P (31), Jane S (13), Mary D (12), Lucas B (6), Jansen Z (14), Lara D (10), Hannah S (9), Lucie N (6), Evan S (14), Ethan G (12), Stella R (12), Kate W (6), Aubrey H (20), Kinsley S (9), Sofie J (8), Anna D (10), Nora E (10), Tripp W (15), Zaira R (11), Vivi B (10), Kyla A (9)
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!
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 Mandeville 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!
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.