Monthly Newsletters - February 2022
Articles for this month include LAAPAFEST 2022 - What is it and how do you participate?, Student Spotlight - Amber Johnson, Student News, Online Lessons, and more!...
Join the Fun with Music and Dance!
Dear Students and Parents,
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 and dance students who have been studying their program for a qualifying length of time (whether at LAAPA or elsewhere) to perform a solo from memory 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 students are most welcome to participate in LAAPAFEST and, in fact, are encouraged!
***New this year – we will be recording every LAAPAFEST performance, and ALL PERFORMERS will be featured in a Virtual Spring Recital on our social media channels!***
Immediately following the final week of LAAPAFEST, the judges are asked to select 30-40 music and dance students who have received the highest overall ratings to perform their solos in a Special Honors Recital which will be held this May. 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! Once again, ALL performers will be featured in a special virtual concert!
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. All LAAPAFEST students will be recognized for their participation and rewarded for Excellent and Superior ratings during the Awards ceremony at our upcoming Summer recitals this June! For more information on LAAPAFEST, please speak with your instructor ASAP.You may sign-up online for LAAPAFEST for music at www.laapa.com/lfmusic and for dance at www.laapa.com/lfdance.
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 15 official enrollment deadline. Good luck at LAAPAFEST!
Sincerely,
Ryan Cullen, Executive Director
Join the Fun with Music and 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
Student News
River Ridge School of Music and Dance vocal student Mia R. has been hard at work in lessons with her instructor, Ms. Jennifer! She recently completed her second vocal workbook. Congratulations, Mia! Keep up the great work!
Mrs. Elle Jones is our Coordinator of Dance Studies. Mrs. Elle began her artistic journey at Penn State University in Pennsylvania. She went on to receive her BFA in dance from Belhaven University in Jackson, Mississippi. In continuation of her dance journey, she began traveling and choreographing nationally and internationally, and eventually settled in New Orleans as a home base where she founded her own company, ELLEvate Dance, in 2018. Along with directing, Elle performs feature roles with Mélange Dance Company and is excited to perform in her second season with Marigny Opera Ballet. We are so lucky to have Mrs. Elle as part of our LAAPA family!
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!
Happy February Birthdays!
We'd like to wish the following Students a very Happy Birthday this Month!
Adam Hawawinin (11), Aidan Lapene (12), Alaiyah Brown (8), Alexia Norwood (7), Amanda Thomas, Amber Johnson (17), Amelia Mayer (6), Anisah Abdul- Aleem, Anita Clark, Annemarie Marcello (11), Aries Picou-Broadnax, Avery Tillman (8), Avriel Puro (10), Ayanti Hence (6), Bella DePino (8), Ben Brown (8), Benjamin Swett (6), Brandon Kirk, Brennan Furlow (13), Alan de Brito (9),Brock Louque, Bryce DePino (17), Buddy Roberts (8) Caroline Tebbs (16),Cecilia Lamulle (15), Ce’vant Willis (4), Charlie Gottschalck (6), Chase Osburrn (8), Chloe Dufour (4), Clara Wallace (9), Damien Homburg (12), De’ja Singleton (17), Derrick Nixon (13), Dory Anderson (16), Drew Daniel, Eli Pedalino (7), Emmalene McGovern (5), Emmé Bourgeois (12),Emmy Joyce (7), Ethan Rea (2), Finley Pounders (12), Giovanna Nastasi (8), Gregory O’Brien (9), Haley Palmer (8), Harrison Baker (8), Hazel Destreza (8), Isabella Fonseca (3), Isaiah, Guyton (13), Jack Joyce (9), Jackson Deus, Jill Pollard, John Escher, Jonathan Kelchner (17) ,Joy Kampen, Kailyn Jones (10), Kassidy Patterson (8), Keller Shea (5), Kendall Finley (7), Kevin Yu (7), Kriess Dukes (16), Krystal Debram (3), Landin Williams (8), Lauren Bishop (16), Lena Tassin-Redman (6), Leticia Timothy, Liam Hooter (11), Liam Ostarly (7), Lindsay Hardwick , Liz Fitzpatrick, Lizzie Jones (8), Lyla Navo (12), Loreal Smith (8), Mabel Schexnaydre (6), Mackenzie McLain (16), Madeleine Brownlee (8), Marcela Goings , Margeaux Maddox (7), Marlowe Corbett (8), Maya Ray (7), Mia Vazquez (5), Michelle Martin (11), Milan Young (13), Olivia Tran (6), Overton Singleton (8), Paula Soniat, Peyton Pritchett (11), Presley Cole (8), Rachel Zaeringer (13), Kataleya de Quesada (5), Ragan Callis, Robert Lee, Saanvi Rai (11), Sam Garza (11), Samantha Porche (11), Sammy Maggio (16), Savanna Mansfield (4), Sophia Ocmond (11), Talia Smith (5), Thais Jones (6), Thomas Pfeffer (16), Valeria Paguaga (15), Vince Marino (11), Vivian Darrow (11), William Fowler (14), Samantha Kryszcynski (9)
Video of the Month - Success in Music Lessons
Is someone in your family interested in dance lessons? Perhaps they "dancing" around the idea of starting ballet, hip hop or tap?
Check out this informational video that discusses everything our ballet program offers to dance students in Covington, Mandeville, Harahan, and the Greater New Orleans, Louisiana area. Our Pre-Ballet classes and Ballet classes are open to kids, teens, and adults at beginning-advanced levels!
Important Dates
Take a moment to review the following upcoming dates:
February 28-March 4:
Mardi Gras Holidays
March 5:
Classes Resume
March 19:
LAAPAFEST Music - Mandeville
March 26:
LAAPAFEST Music - River Ridge
April 2:
LAAPAFEST Dance - River Ridge
April 9:
LAAPAFEST Dance - Mandeville
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 $850
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!
Students Spotlight - Amber Johnson
This month’s student spotlight is Mandeville School of Music and Dance student Amber Johnson. Amber currently studies Ballet III, Hip Hop III, Contemporary/Modern III and is now a part of our new LAAPA Dance Co.
Amber says her favorite part of lessons is being a part of something bigger than just going to school everyday. Her favorite things about her dance teachers are how funny they can be and getting to film TikTok videos with them! She loves how nice everyone is at LAAPA and how easy it is
to make friends.
Outside of music, Amber likes reading, drawing, and singing. When she’s older, she wants to go to college for business, be a choreographer, and have her own fashion line! Thanks so much for sharing, Amber! We’re so thrilled to have you as a member of our
LAAPA family.
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!
Abigail H.
Abigail K.
Abigail K.
Abilyn K.
Adalyn M.
Adam I.
Addelynn S.
Addie L.
Aidan E.
Ainsley K.
Al P.
Alana J.
Alande D.
Alex F.
Alexander H.
Alexis R.
Alijah B.
Alivia P.
Aliyah B.
Allie Q.
Allison M.
Alma Rose P.
Amanda J.
Amber J.
Amy W.
Andie A.
Andrew S.
Anisah A.
Anna Karolina R.
Anna Sophia F.
Anthony D.
Antonella L.
Antonina F.
Aria H.
Ariel C.
Arthur B.
Aubrey C.
August C.
Ava H.
Avery C.
Avery M.
Bankston N.
Beau O.
Bella B.
Benjamin V.
Bentley C.
Betsy P.
Blake A.
Borne B.
Braden C.
Brandon K.
Brantley B.
Braxton V.
Brennen D.
Brielle B.
Brooks S.
Brooks T.
Callie B.
Carl D.
Carolina H.
Carter M.
Cash M.
Catherine M.
Shayla C.
Sophia O.
Soraya B.
Stella C.
Stella D.
Stephanie R.
Charlotte M.
Chikara P.
Christopher D.
Christopher D.
Christopher K.
Claire J.
Claire W.
Clara J.
Clara L.
Colton R.
Cristhianie P.
Damia L.
Daniel G.
Daniel L.
Daniella S.
David S.
Derik C.
Derrick N.
Devan Y.
Devaune R.
Drew G.
Drew P.
Elaine N.
Eleanor L.
Eli P.
Elien W.
Elijah L.
Elise L.
Elise M.
Elizabeth D.
Elizabeth D.
Ella C.
Ella E.
Ella N.
Ellie W.
Elliot H.
Emanuel L.
Emily A.
Emily R.
Emily W.
Emma E.
Emma M.
Eneyda M.
Ethan M.
Ethan P.
Evelyn I.
Evelyn M.
Everett J.
Everett P.
Finley E.
Finn M.
Gabby M.
Gabriela L.
Gabriella L.
Gabriella R.
Gabriella S.
Gael M.
Gavin B.
Genevieve M.
Geoffrey C.
George B.
Gerod M.
Gianna P.
Sujoy B.
Summer L.
Summer M.
Sydney O.
Tatumn P.
Terry M.
Grant W.
Grayson G.
Harrison B.
Haven S.
Henry B.
Henry R.
Hunter T.
Isaac G.
Isabella C.
Isabella S.
Isabelle H.
Jack G.
Jack L.
Jack M.
Jack W.
Jackson O.
Jacob B.
Jacob T.
Jakeb N.
Jameson H.
Jasmine B.
Jatianna A.
Jaxon S.
Joey L.
Jonah F.
Jordyn D.
Jordyn D.
Joseph C.
Joseph M.
Joshua D.
JP G.
Juilanna N.
Kaaliyah R.
Kadence C.
Kai M.
Kaitlynn S.
Kaylei W.
Kaylen M.
Kellen Claire M.
Keller S.
Kendall H.
Kerrison C.
Kerry C.
Kinlee K.
Kinsley C.
Koi C.
Kriess D.
Laila M.
Larry F.
Layla H.
Leah M.
Leah T.
Leigha S.
Levi W.
Lila N.
Lillian Y.
Lillyana B.
Lina B.
Liz F.
Logan H.
Lola L.
London W.
Loretta O.
Tristan E.
Tyler S.
Valentina D.
Valentina R.
Veda Rose W.
Vince M.
Lucia B.
Madalynn T.
Madison P.
Malak N.
Malaya V.
Margaret B.
Margot C.
Maria P.
Maria P.
Mariam T.
Mary B.
Mason F.
Mason S.
Matheus L.
Maya S.
Mayamiko V.
Mazzy O.
Michael M.
Michaya M.
Mila Jade D.
Mila S.
Milan Y.
Molly W.
Natalie R.
Nathan J.
Nathan L.
Niengala D.
Olive J.
Oliver H.
Oliver H.
Olivia C.
Olivia F.
Olivia L.
Olivia N.
Olivia S.
Overton S.
Owen D.
Peyton P.
Philip K.
Philit J.
Piper P.
Quinn S.
Rebecca S.
Reese Q.
Remy H.
Rick F.
Riley E.
River S.
Rosibeth E.
Ryn T.
Saavi K.
Sadie P.
Safira P.
Sami S.
Samuel B.
Sarah S.
Sasha G.
Savanna M.
Savannah G.
Sawyer B.
Sayori D.
Scarlett J.
Sergio D.
Seth G.
Wesley V.
Will F.
Yardly S.
Zehra B.
Student "Shout Outs!"
“My 6 year old daughter takes piano lessons with Angie and she is incredible. Angie has been unbelievably kind, caring and patient with my daughter. We highly recommended Angie and Mandeville School of Music.”
~ Chaves Family
“My daughter takes singing lessons here. The staff is very nice and professional. I would recommend them to anyone.”
~ Sensebe Family
“My daughter is beyond excited for piano class every week with Mr. Nicoli! She has so much fun and it’s amazing how much she has learned from him. His patience and encouragement are just two of the many reasons he is the perfect teacher for her. Mr. Nicoli is the BEST!”
~ Siverd Family