Monthly Newsletters - Holiday Performances, Faculty in Recital: Jennifer Hoover, Student Spotlight - Andie & Myles Hughes, and more!...
Holiday Performances
Dear parents, students, and future students!
For some, it may be at the mall, and for others, it may be in a neighbor’s yard, but for me, it always ends up being at Lowe’s. During my random visits for LAAPA’s hardware needs over the years (around this time), I always end up being a bit surprised to see the Christmas décor flashing away and also appreciative for the personal reminder. So today as I copied my new key, I began to channel my innermost jolliness in anticipation of our 2021 Productions being just a few weeks away!
Here’s what you need to know for this year!
First – our original dance movie, “Luna in Christmas Land” is now closed to new students as rehearsals are already underway. While there are no tickets available since it’s a movie, the production is slated to be released between December 24-25 just in time for Christmas! Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/laapatube where it will be featured. Written by Mrs. Elle Jones, Coordinator of Dance Studies, “Luna in Christmas Land” highlights the story of Luna, who can’t fall asleep in anticipation of opening presents on Christmas morning and is magically swept away into Christmas Land where it’s Christmas every day of the year! After being away for a while Luna has to decide whether to stay in Christmas Land with her new friends or go home to be with her family. Choreography by Elle Jones and Savannah Pender. Music composed and performed by Daniel Jones and faculty members Rebecca Posey and Ryan Cullen with orchestrations by Aaron Boudreaux. Acting directors Nicoli Hutchison and Patrick Cragin. We’ve been having a blast working with all the students, and are looking forward to watching everything come together!
Those students who are recording for Luna and performing in the Christmas Music Recitals should rest assured that the schedule will be arranged so that you can make both engagements. Our Assistant Director, Mrs. Rachel is an Excel whiz and master scheduler.
There’s still time to sign up for our Christmas Recitals!
Music Students may sign up for our in-person Christmas Recitals (DEADLINE: 11/08/2021). Learn more here: www.laapa.com/xmas. When signing up please make sure that you receive a confirmation email from us. If you have signed up but did not receive a confirmation email, please contact us as we may not have received your participation form.
Here’s a little more information on what to expect for our in-person performances:
1.) For our in-person music recitals, all musicians are invited to perform! Even if you just began studying this past fall, you can work with your instructor to perform even a brief piece with the underlying goal of providing a positive introduction to the stage.
2.) For vocalists - practice holding a pretend microphone in your lessons to simulate your actual on-stage performance. If you’d prefer not to hold anything, the other option is to leave the microphone on the stand.
3.) For pianists - you will be performing on a full-sized grand piano at the concerts. The piano should feel very similar to our pianos at LAAPA.
4.) For guitarists - we provide a Fender amp (with plenty of optional effects) and a direct connection to the auditorium’s sound system. If you want to use your amp/effects pedal, please bring your patch cables and let us know in advance of the date for setup planning!
5.) For drummers - we will have a Yamaha custom acoustic drum set on stage similar to the ones many of you use in your lessons. You only need to bring your sticks!
6.) Now is a GREAT time to ask your teacher to show you how to TUNE your instrument. We highly recommend learning this skill to all violin, guitar, brass, and woodwind students if you haven’t already. Our staff will be on hand to help you tune before the concert begins as well.
7.) There are no tickets to purchase for our Christmas Music Concerts. In lieu of tickets, we ask for donations to a variety of charities that we’ve been supporting for several years now. More information on this mission is available at www.laapa.com/mission.
8.) Professional videos are available; indicate your package when filling out the participation form.
9.) Seating for parents and guests is all on a first-come, first-served basis. Each concert will typically last up to 1 1/2 hours. We ask that you be prepared to remain for the full concert. Students who leave early will miss out on our group photographs which get sent to the local media, hung in our schools, and published on our social media.
We look forward to seeing you all on stage this Holiday Season!
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:
November 13:
Faculty in Recital: Jennifer Hoover, 6:30pm - Mandeville School of Music & Dance
November 23-27:
Thanksgiving Holiday- All campuses closed
November 29:
Classes resume - All campuses open
Christmas Concerts: Sign Up Today!
It’s that time again! Christmas is just around the corner and so is our annual Christmas Concert. This year’s concerts will be held as follows:
River Ridge Campus: Saturday, December 11, at Victory Fellowship - 5708 Airline Drive in Metairie, LA 70003
Covington & Mandeville Campuses: Saturday-Sunday, December 18-19 at Furhmann Auditorium 128 W 23rd Ave, Covington, LA 70433
More details will be made available closer to the recital date. Please keep the entire recital days open as we will have multiple concerts from 8:30 AM through 8 PM (Saturday) and 8:30 AM - 1 PM (Sunday). Your concert date and assignment will be announced in early December.
All students are asked to sign-up no later than 11/8/2021. Students who do not return the form by 11/8 will be unable to participate. We are unable to make any exceptions to this deadline.
Learn More & Sign Up!
Faculty in Recital: Jennifer Hoover
November 13, 6:30pm at the Mandeville School of Music & Dance
Join us for an evening full of music feat. LAAPA instructor of Voice, Piano, and Flute, Ms. Jennifer Hoover! Hailing from Topeka, Kansas, Jennifer has earned a Bachelor’s of Music in Church Music at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, MO, and a Master’s Degree in Music from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Accompanists include LAAPA instructors Mr. Kilian Afzalirad, Mrs. Rebecca Posey, and Dr. Vera Zholondz, DMA.
A New Addition: Hammond SK1 Organ
A huge shoutout and special thanks to former student Mr. Rob Rouquette for his most generous donation of a Hammond SK1 organ. Not only did he donate the organ and all accessories, but he spent several hours of his time helping to get it setup perfectly in studio 8 at our Mandeville campus. The SK1 is a portable digital organ/keyboard built by Hammond that can be used as a single, dual, or full organ with pedals via a MIDI merger. We know both our students and faculty will enjoy it; Thanks again Mr. Rob!
Click Here to Enroll!Students Spotlight - Andie & Myles Hughes
This month, we are excited to highlight students Andie and Myles Hughes from our Covington School of Music! These two siblings are a dynamic duo, taking guitar lessons together with LAAPA instructor Mr. Ryan Tingle. When asked what they liked about Mr. Ryan, Andie said he always makes lessons fun, and Myles shared that he teaches him more than just guitar. Andie shared that her favorite part is learning new songs, while Myles shared that he loves lessons because they allow him to play at church!
Outside of music classes, both Andie and Myles play basketball. Andie also runs track, and Myles plays baseball. The siblings also share a love of Christian and Country music! When asked what they wanted to be when they grew up, Andie answered that she aspires to become a Judge, and Myles is working hard to become a Brain Surgeon!
Their mom, Jill, shared with us, “We wanted them involved in music as it can be a life skill. Thanks so much to Ryan for giving them an experience they’ll never forget!” Thank you for sharing, Andie, Myles, and Jill. We are thrilled your family has become members of our LAAPA family!
Congratulations Logann & Layne!
Logann Leonard (pictured in red), LAAPA student of voice, auditioned and was accepted into the LMEA (Louisiana Music Educators Association), District Choir. She will be auditioning for the Louisiana All-State Choir 2021/2022. Congratulations and good luck, Logann!
Layne Collier (pictured in blue), LAAPA student of voice, auditioned and was accepted as the first chair for district choir in alto as a freshman. She has also passed the first phase of talented music and is waiting for the next round. Congratulations and good luck, Layne!
These achievements take a lot of practice and hard work. We are so proud of both of you and can't wait to see what the future holds!
Video of the Month - "Alexander Hamilton"
One of our musical theatre classes in Mandeville had a blast performing an Alexander Hamilton based medley at the Summer concert. To learn more about getting started in music lessons locally or online, visit https://www.laapa.com/.
Student "Shout Outs!"
“Jakyra is enjoying dance lessons! She loves the interaction, the teacher interaction, and how Mrs. Savannah helps go over what Jakyra is having trouble with. This year is her first year of dance, but she loves dancing and dancing with others. Everything has been positive, and she loves Mrs. Savannah a lot!”
- Diggs Family
“I have been enjoying the whole experience, and enjoy going to my lessons! My teacher, Mrs. Haydee, has helped me grow as a pianist.”
- Rachael W.
“We’re enjoying voice lessons with Mr. Kilian! Right now, they’re working on opening up Aiden’s range! I think Aiden particularly connects with Kilian’s communication style. It seems to be a good teacher fit!”
- Evans Family
A HUGE welcome to our newest students who began lessons or added programs in November!
We are so happy that you’ve chosen to study at LAAPA. We know you will do great things this year!
AJ S.
Alaina L.
Alayna R.
Alexandria P.
Alonni V.
Aneres H.
Annemarie M.
Anthony D.
Arabella A.
Aryan V.
Aubrey C.
Aubrie R.
Audrey L.
Ayla B.
Brianna P.
Caitlin G.
Carter J.
Casey D.
Charlise B.
Charlotte B.
Delilah I.
Demi W.
Dovie D.
Dyar F.
Emily F.
Eneyda M.
Ethan R.
Gabriel L.
Galen Y.
George S.
Germany R.
Gianna M.
Grace B.
Hannah A.
Harmony D.
Harper G.
Henley V.
Irie N.
Isabella L.
Jack L.
Jahzara B.
Jahzara D.
Jameson A.
Jiemin Y.
Jillian J.
Joey L.
Jordan W.
Joseph B.
Kaden K.
Kiersten C.
Kristi-Anne L.
Lamar F.
Lanna S.
Liam H.
Liz F.
Logan L.
London G.
Londyn L.
Lucas F.
Lucía M.
Lucia W.
Luke F.
Luke V.
Lyla W.
Madison H.
Madison M.
Mae V.
Maicey G.
Maison R.
Marcela G.
Margarita K.
Margot C.
Maria F.
Mary J.
Masen P.
Max M.
Mayari R.
Mela B.
Miekal J.
Mikhail R.
Miles R.
Oliver C.
Olivia B.
Pearson A.
Peyton O.
Phineas F.
Princeton B.
Rex P.
Rey L.
Richard J.
Rylie G.
Saavi K.
Savannah G.
Scarlett K.
Serai W.
Sofia L.
Sofia P.
Sofie M.
Sophia N.
Stephanie F.
Van C.
Vera K.
Happy November Birthdays!
We'd like to wish the following Students a very Happy Birthday this Month!
Jenna A. (10), Kimberly A. (17). Chloe A. (14), Alyson A. (7), Madison A. (7), Maci A. (9), Jason A. (6), Justin A. (12), John Thomas A. (11), Monica A. (32), Toryn A. (6), Brennan B. (8), Liam B. (10), Layla B. (13), David B. (14), Pierce B. (17), Mike B. (44), Callie B. (12), Cole B. (15), Harper C. (10), Tripp C. (9), Daisy Rose C. (7), Lucy C. (12), Samantha D. (10), Lailah D. (9), Nyeomi D. (12), Miguel D. (19), Benjamin D. (13), Casey D. (39), Sayori D. (8), Jakyra D. (10), Frankie D. (16), Jack D. (78), Jon D. (10), Erika D. (11), Leah D. (13), Kayden E. (11), Charlotte E. (71), James E. (11), Addison F. (13), Lucien F. (6), Andrew F. (14), Damia G. (6), Joey G. (45), Daniele G. (60), Hailey G. (13), Alex G. (18), Izzy H. (7), Madison H. (12), Maro Luc H. (12), Andie H. (12), Liam J. (3), Marleigh J. (9), Jillian J. (6), Mark J. (3), Faith J. (17), Daisy J. (7), Audrey K. (3), Kinlee K. (12), Vera K. (6), Jayden K. (15), Jace K. (13), Delilah K. (9), Prisca L. (13), Ty-Jena L. (6), Londyn L. (7), Westley M. (5), Kayla M. (11), Daniel M. (45), Lucas M. (7), Evangeline M. (6), Jayden Rose M. (8), Alexandra M. (14), Beirne M. (10), Sienna M. (14), Aubrey M. (10), Justin M. (19), Logan M. (12), Zafirah M. (7), Stephen M. (9), Rafaela N. (11), Kenniel O. (8), Max O. (10), Emmarose O. (6), Lily P. (13), Madison P. (8), Victoria P. (6), Shaan P. (9), Krish P. (7), Nikolas P. (8), Quan P. (8), Angie P. (16), Jordyn P. (11), Mira R. (7), Mikhail R. (6), Elise S. (10), Alex S. (12), Sofia S. (13), Zacha S. (8), Claire S. (17), Leah S. (14), Skylar S. (6), Arianne S. (12), Aleena S. (7), Legend S. (4), Brooke S. (14), Thanvi S. (13), Cara T. (10), Tanner T. (9), Patrick T. (20), Beau T. (15), Travis T. (5), Carson T. (14), Leah T. (5), Aubrey V. (7), Benjamin V. (40), Malaya V. (98), Lyla W. (10), Preston W. (14)
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.
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.