Monthly Newsletters - Fun-Filled Fall with Music & Dance, Christmas Recitals, Costume & Bring A Friend Week, Student Spotlight - Richard Hamilton, and more!...

Fun-Filled Fall with Music & Dance

Dear Parents & Students,

We hope you and your families are recovering as quickly as possible from the recent storm, and we were SO HAPPY when the power finally returned and we were able to see all of you once again. Our thoughts and prayers go out to our families who are still working through this, especially those families in areas that resulted in total losses and have a long road ahead. If you are able/ would like to support one of our families struggling with devastating losses as a result of the hurricane, please reach out and we can definitely put you in touch.

 

Let’s face it, a hurricane plus a global pandemic equates to trying times both mentally and physically, not only for you but the whole family. This was likely the first time many kids experienced the destruction of a true hurricane.

 

Maintaining a sense of normalcy is critical, and I know I mentioned this last year at the onset of the pandemic (geez!), but I truly can’t think of a better time to take a mental and physical break from all of this and immerse yourself in the wonderful world of music and dance.

 

In my own house, the day after the storm, it was time to empty/clean the fridge, and a defrosting fridge always makes discovering the lost and forgotten cuisine of yesteryear true family entertainment – “Whoa, I wonder what that was?” After that tidbit of fun and several paper towels/disinfectant wipes later, I took a moment to sit down at one of the remaining things in my house that still functioned – the piano. I was so grateful for the few minutes that I had to escape and just enjoy creating those moments of music. As a musician all my life, I fully understand the benefits of taking time to break away from the challenges of daily life, but would you believe sometimes I actually sit down and think – “Nah, this won’t help today!” I’m ALWAYS WRONG and so glad I took the time out!

 

Of course, there’s so much more to music and dance besides serving as a “mental break.” Their cognitive properties are associated with helping students achieve better grades/ focus in school. Their physical properties are associated with building coordination skills. Of course, being able to create and experience music on various levels is a rewarding art unto itself and nurtures the soul. All of this in turn additionally builds up students through improved confidence and self-esteem, and the list goes on.

 

Building up our students in mind, body, and soul, our mission to impart the joy of music and dance into the lives of the families in our community here in the Greater New Orleans area is what we’re all about, and we want you to know that we’re here for you whenever you’re ready to get started! Our Fall enrollment has been extended, and now is a perfect time to get started as we have opened several new timeslots for private lessons as well as brand new dance classes for all ages!

 

Upcoming events that you’ll want to mark down on your calendars are as follows: Our in-Person Christmas Music Recitals will be held this December on Saturday, December 11 (River Ridge) and Saturday/ Sunday, December 18th and 19th (Covington and Mandeville). Students interested in participating may sign up starting now at www.laapa.com/xmas. Each year, students donate items/cash to the needy through the various charities we support. Our concerts have been supporting these organizations for many years now, and you can learn more about them at www.laapa.com/misson.

 

Also, be on the lookout for the release of our original Christmas movie entitled “Luna In Christmas Land!” Casting is now closed, but rehearsals begin this month, and the movie should be released by late December. We’re so excited and grateful to all of the faculty members who will be contributing their music, dance, and acting expertise to bring this show alive!

 

We look forward to a fun-filled Fall with Music & Dance!

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:

Costume & Bring A Friend Week

October 25-30
This is the week you get to wear a different mask! Dress in costume and bring a friend to class for a chance to win cool prizes. Make sure you head to the front desk, scan the QR code and register upon arrival! One lucky student or friend will win the grand prize of ONE FREE MONTH OF LESSONS. See front desk for details.

New Class Alert: Improvisation/Choreography!

Improvisation/ Choreography
This class is a fun and supplemental way for students to develop their dance techniques. An improvisation approach to movement provides the creative critical thinking skills that are essential for dancers. In this class, students will learn that they are artists first and that they have the capacity to create through movement. New Class Alert! We will explore through games, visual art, and writing and experience how these can relate to movement. Call today to learn more or visit www.laapa.com to enroll!

Click Here to Enroll!

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!

Students Spotlight - Richard Hamilton

This month we are excited to highlight River Ridge School of Music & Dance student Richard Hamilton! Richard has been a part of the LAAPA family since 2015 and currently takes drum lessons with Mr. Bradley.

Richard shared that his favorite part about drum lessons is learning to play new songs and progressing every time he practices. When asked what he liked about his teacher, Mr. Bradley, Richard expressed, “He teaches well, and it is easy to understand him!”

Outside of drum lessons, Richard likes to play basketball, baseball, videogames, and enjoys riding bikes with his friends. His favorite band is Metallica, loves to play rock music, and dreams of becoming a Dermatologist when he grows up!

Thanks so much for sharing, Richard. We are thrilled to have you as a member of our LAAPA family!

Video of the Month - Hedwig's Theme - Hannah P. at LAAPA

Hannah shared this cool piano arrangement of a Harry Potter favorite at our Summer recital! She takes piano lessons at the Mandeville School of Music & Dance. To learn more about getting started in music lessons locally or online, visit https://www.laapa.com/.

 

Student "Shout Outs!"

“Leto is loving his lessons at LAAPA! His favorite part is that Christian caters to his own specific interests which keeps him engaged- Leto has been learning a song by Black Sabbath currently, and he was so excited to show me his piece at home! You can tell there’s real progression already.”
- Leone Family

“We are enjoying our lessons with Dr. Mark and Andrew! On my end as a parent, I most appreciate that I’ve noticed both teachers take the time to make sure that Addison and Auburn know how to read music instead of just focusing on ear training, which I think will really further their education!”
- Meyer Family

“We’re loving preschool with Mrs. Angelia! Mark’s favorite part would probably have to be all the variations introduced in the group. They’re never stagnant for long- activities switch frequently, which really helps to hold attention!”
- Johnson Family

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

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