Monthly Newsletters - Tears of Joy: Reflections on Student Accomplishments, Faculty & Staff, Student Spotlight - Baier Brothers, Student News, and more!...
Tears of Joy: Reflections on Student Accomplishments
Dear Parents and Students,
I’d like to extend my congratulations to all of our students, parents, faculty, and staff for the 12 outstanding music and dance concerts held the last two weekends in June. Watching you all use your talents and grow in your skills is truly the greatest part of my job here at LAAPA.
Just as the growth of students is more apparent to those who see them less frequently, we as educators and parents need to stop sometimes and absorb all that has taken place! Just the other day I was watching some old videos of my former students on our Facebook page (@laapaface), and will admit that perhaps a tear or two of joy popped up when I realized how far they had truly come. I’m fairly certain that all of our faculty can share a similar story because as educators, we are always proud of what our students have accomplished, and just when we think that we couldn’t be prouder, they top themselves again and again. Having personally watched thousands of performances over the years, seeing the evolution over the span of months and years is phenomenal. This is all because you and our amazing faculty members have worked hard to make it happen!
So let’s summarize a few things that took place at our 2022 Summer Concerts!
1.) Our students have just built a great deal of self-confidence by performing on stage! I always like to compare performing on stage with public speaking. Public speaking is many times feared more by most adults than almost anything else! With our student performers, we need to additionally recognize your courage and success because in most cases, you were not only “speaking publicly” through your performances, but you were doing so while still “learning how to speak” through the art of music and dance in your lessons! Wow! One can only imagine what you will continue to achieve with a growing sense of self-confidence.
2.) Our students have truly learned the importance of meeting deadlines. No matter what you do in life, you’re going to be required to accomplish things by a certain date. All of our students knew when they needed to be ready for the recitals. There was no option to delay their performances. There was no option to perform without anyone hearing or seeing you. It took a great deal of commitment, sacrifice, and hard work in your studies and practice for you to succeed in meeting the deadline. So, congratulations on succeeding in this very important area!
3.) Our students have inspired many others in the audience who witnessed their talent. Performing for any group of people is an emotional experience not only for our student performers, but for the audience as well. Audience members will appreciate the performance, but one never knows who in the audience will additionally be inspired to perhaps try a new program or work harder at one they are already studying. Indeed, it may have been your performance that convinced someone else to think, “Hey, that was awesome, maybe I CAN do something like that, and wouldn’t it be wonderful if next time that was me up there?!”
Remember that while all of our concerts are completely optional in terms of participation, they really are an integral part of music and dance education - so if you weren’t ready this time, be on the lookout for the next ones!
Ryan Cullen, Academy Director
Join the Fun with Music & 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
Camp is Coming Soon!
We’re so excited for camp to start! Below, you’ll find a few FAQ’s!
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 July Birthdays!
We'd like to wish the following Students a very Happy Birthday this Month!
Aaliyah H. (8), Adalyn M. (8), Ainsley K. (11), Aldin V. (13), Alexander H. (3), Alexis M. (13), Aliyah M. (6), Allie Q. (6), Andrew S. , Angelina J. (5), Anitra H. (2), Anvitha M. (8), Arthur B. (8), Ashton C. (16), Auburn M. (8), August L. (8), Ayla B. (10), Benjamin E. (15), Blake M. (7), Brennan T. (13), Britton F. (6), Brooks B. (10) , Caleb B. (9), Caleb S. (5), Camila T. (2), Catherine S. , Cecilia N. (4), Chloe N. (9), Christian C. (3), Christian P. (13), Christian S. (18), Clara K. (2), Cody L. (7), Cruz F. (7), Daniel C. (7), Daniel F. , Dominic G. (16), Dylan G. (7), Elivette W. (9), Elyse W. (7), Ethan C. (14), Everette J. (4), Everett P. (8), Fiona C. (15), Fynnlei D. (5), Gavin M. (15), Gerardo E. (12), Gracyn D. (16), Hannah C. (15), Hannah P. (16), Harley H. (3), Harley W. (6), Harrison E. (15), Hayden W. (8), Isaac R. (12), Isaac S. (12), Jasper A. (6), Jax E. (11), Jennifer R. , Jiemin Y. (25), Johnny Lynn M. (13), Josef S. (16), Joshua S. (10), Kaitlynn L. (9), Kruz D. (4), Kyrie G. (4), Landon J. (17), Laura L. (17), Leah C. (11), Leah M. (7), Leah Z. (15), Leiani T. (2), Leo P. (9), Leto L. (22), Levi W. (7), Liam Van V. (13), Lisa W. , Lucille C. (8), Luke O. (12), Maddox M. (13), Madisyn T. (11), Maria P. (24), Marie C. (18), Marina V. (13), Mary Katherine L. (10), Mason P. (12), Mia V. (15), Michael B. (13), Miekal J. (6), Nadia G. (7), Nathan J. (12), Nicoli H. (27), Oliver G. (6), Rebecca S. (5), Rey L. (6), Richard J. (7), RJ H. (24), Rosalie C. (9), Rose P. (3), Ryleigh R. (13), Samantha K. (8), Sarah S. (6), Saul R. (8), Silas W. (10), Sofia S. (16), Sophia C. (10), Sophia P. (12), Sophia V. (5), Spencer J. (9), Stella L. (8), Stephanie R. (10), Theo M. (8), Tucker H. (11), Veda Rose W. (4), Victoria Herrera S. (24), William S. , Zachariah B. (11), Zachary E. (11), Zahara P. (8)
Video of the Month - River Ridge School of Music and Dance student Stephanie Fernandez
Stephanie stopped by our River Ridge campus yesterday to record her new original composition, "Redemption of 31". We hope you enjoy it as much as we do! She takes piano lessons and singing lessons with Ms. Hannah and Ms. Elizabeth. https://www.laapa.com
Important Dates
Take a moment to review the following upcoming dates:
July 4 - 8:
Summer Break for Year Round Classes
Year round classes resume on July 9th
July 4 - 8, 11 - 15, 18 - 22, 25 - 29:
Summer Music & Dance Camps
River Ridge School of Music & Dance and Mandeville School of Music & Dance
July 30:
Preschool Music Recital
6 pm
August 31:
Faculty/Staff Planning -
no classes
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!
Students Spotlight - The Baier Brothers
This month, we are excited to highlight students Brennan (age 8) and Liam (age 10) Baier from our Mandeville School of Music & Dance! You may have seen these two rock out at our 2021 Summer Recital as The Blues Brothers.
Liam and Brennan take piano lessons with Mr. Nicoli. Liam takes acting with Mr. Nicoli as well! Liam loves learning to improvise songs on the piano, especially rock and pop songs. He is looking forward to having a role in Mandeville School of Music & Dance’s upcoming acting performance in October! His favorite role he’s played so far was the role of Truffaldino, the jester in Mandeville School of Music & Dance production of Love of Three Oranges. He believes he played it well because, “I didn’t have to act, I basically was just myself”.
Fun fact: The boys won a free piano! “We went to a wood making shop to get a table. We found a piano, and we started playing it. The shop owner was so impressed with our playing that he offered it to us for free!”
The brothers feel so privileged to study at LAAPA. We’re lucky to have them both here as students, because they always bring energy and excitement to their lessons! Thanks, boys, for being a part of the LAAPA 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!
Alannia D.
Amia A.
Angela T.
Anitra H.
Ann K.
Arabella A.
Archer A.
Artemas L.
Asher G.
Ashton C.
Aubrey R.
Aubry B.
Aurora R.
Austin H.
Avery B.
Avery C.
Ayvah D.
Benjamin D.
Braxton G.
Caliyah L.
Camille A.
Charlee D.
Colette K.
Dean B.
Declan M.
Ella B.
Ema I.
Erica C.
Evan C.
Evan W.
Evelyn G.
Everett E.
Fabian G.
Faith F.
Felicity B.
Finley G.
Fiona C.
Fleet O.
Florence C.
Freyja H.
Gabby M.
Genevieve N.
Hailey H.
Hailey L.
Hunter M.
Jackie D.
Joseph R.
Joshua Q.
Kali C.
Kasey C.
Kriess D.
Lily D.
Lucy C.
Lucy O.
Mary D.
Niengala D.
Odette M.
Owen G.
Pedro Q.
Phoenix W.
Rebekah B.
Reece D.
Ronliyah D.
Sadiyah W.
Samuel Q.
Sarah F.
Scott H.
Sean Z.
Sophia E.
Stella D.
Tanner G.
Victoria B.
Victoria C.
Vladimir S.
Xavier B.
Yadriel G.
Zoey O.
Student "Shout Outs!"
“Mrs. Lisa has been such a blessing to share the beauty of piano with our son. He loves Mrs. Lisa and she is a great teacher. She is kind and patient. She has picked some beautiful peices that he has played in few concerts.He has learned so much and LOVES piano!”
~ Gorman Family
“My experience with Dr. Vera and LAAPA Mandeville has only been positive. I’ve taken private violin lessons most of my adult life, but I’ve never really enjoyed them. However, Dr. Vera and the LAAPA staff have changed that standard and set the bar so high. The highlight of my week was my lesson. Positive staff and positive energy. I am grateful to have met Dr. Vera, she has changed my outlook and experience and has made playing the violin something I truly enjoy again. Thank you!”
~ Sam M.
“Learning to play the piano as a “mature” adult is a challenge but Kilian is a fabulous instructor and makes it a GREAT experience!”
~ Jill P.
“My piano instructor Ryan is great in every way. He is patient and thorough with explaining music theory. He has a great skill and gift of hearing me play something and figuring out what I was trying to play. Awesome Awesome guy. I couldn’t ask for a better instructor for someone my age in their 40s trying to learn to play the piano.”
~ Jay B.