Monthly Newsletters - July 2023
Articles for this month include "Congratulations on 18 Successful Music & Dance Concerts" , Student Spotlight - Lior and Aviv Rozenbaum , Student News, and more!...
Congratulations on 18 Successful Music & Dance Concerts!
Dear Students and Parents,
I’d like to extend my congratulations to all of our students, parents, faculty, and staff for the 18 outstanding music and dance concerts held this past June!
Over the past few weekends, we were treated to hundreds of unique performances encompassing just about every musical genre imaginable. From contemporary pop/rock, to jazz, to classical, to contemporary Christian, to country, to 70’s/80’s hits (I’m a sucker for these, I’ll have to admit) to both classic and modern video game themes! Where else can you go to hear all of that in one place?
Every student has their favorite artists and styles, and our faculty love helping them find their niche and nurturing their skills!
Our dance students were equally as amazing with an out of this world Space-Themed show conceptualized and written by Mrs. Elle Jones and choreographed by our fabulous dance faculty. I’m not sure if you realized this, but Mrs. Elle’s husband, Daniel, was the one narrating the shows LIVE backstage – not a recording! What an awesome vocal talent!
What I really enjoyed about our dance shows was the diversity of skill levels – from the brand new beginners who made their debut performances (special shout out to the “Baby Yodas” and the little Aliens in light up skirts!) to the Level III soon to be Level IV and Dance Company students!
Also, a special shoutout to our exceptionally talented adult ballet and contemporary/modern performers!
I’m sure you will agree that there were so many special moments shared on stage this past month – many of which were defining moments in the lives of our students.
Maybe you just had one of the most amazing performances ever, or perhaps a clunker or two snuck its way into your ditty. Maybe you just know you could have performed 100% better. As artists, we all tend do be our own biggest critics - and that’s a whole other conversation! The point, though, is that every time we perform, we gain experience and grow to understand our needs for future success! This ultimately affords us a greater level of focus in our lessons, increased self-confidence, and expectations for our journey forward.
Watching you all use your talents and grow in your skills is truly the greatest part of my job here at LAAPA. 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!
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!
Congratulations!
Ryan Cullen, Executive Director
Discover Your Talent This Summer - Learn to PLAY-DANCE-SING!
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
Vocal students Tyler Steffen and Lily Vita (with special guest, Layne Collier (vocals/guitar) performed in an on campus concert this past month at the Mandeville School of Music & Dance. They were backed by an all star faculty band consisting of Christy King (piano/vocals), Nicoli Hutchison (guitar), Ryan Tingle (bass), and Christian Thorne (drums). A recording of the concert will be released this Fall!
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 B. (9) , Abigail L. (5) , Abigail M. (13) , Ace D. (6) , Alanis B. (10) , Alejandro F. (19) , Alexander H. (4) , Alexis M. (14) , Allie Q. (7) , Allison P. (5) , Andrew S. , Angel V. (24) , Anitra H. (3) , Annica K. (22) , Arthur B. (9) , Atmik V. (11) , Aubrey T. (17) , August L. (9) , Ayla B. (11) , Benjamin E. (16) , Bethlehem A. (15) , Blake M. (8) , Bo Ming Scott H. (7) , Brennan T. (13) , Brooks B. (11) , Brycelyn W. (13) , Caleb B. (10) , Caleb B. (8) , Carson V. (12) , Catherine S. , Charlotte P. (8) , Christian P. (14) , Christian S. (19) , Cody L. (8) , Corynne M. (13) , Cozette M. (12) , Cruz F. (8) , Daniel A. , Denise L. (22) , Dominic G. (17) , Dylan G. (8) , Eleanor K. (7) , Elena V. (5) , Elise C. (9) , Elizabeth H. (8) , Elyse W. (8) , Emilia D. (7) , Emily D. (6) , Emma H. (15) , Emma O. (12) , Fynnlei D. (6) , Gavin M. (16) , Gerardo E. (13) , Gracyn D. (17) , Grayson P. (8) , Hadley M. (6) , Haley M. (20) , Hannah C. (16) , Hannah P. (17) , Harrison E. (16) , Hudson R. (9) , Ianalia M. (2) , Isaac R. (13) , Isabel L. (4) , Jas’lynn S. (7) , Jason G. (8) , Jennifer R. , Jimmy L. , Jonah G. (6) , Josef S. (17) , Joshua S. (11) , Kanoa B. (7) , Kate J. (12) , Keydy C. (9) , Kyrie G. (5) , Layla W. (9) , Leah C. (12) , Leah F. (4) , Leah M. (8) , Leiani T. (3) , Leo P. (10) , Leto L. (23) , Levi W. (8) , Lily D. (9) , Lucas P. (8) , Lucy B. (4) , Luke O. (13) , Lydian R. (8) , Maddox B. (10) , Madeline T. (12) , Madisyn T. (12) , Margot S. (2) , Maria R. (13) , Marina V. (14) , Mary P. , Mary Katherine L. (11) , Mayella P. (4) , McKenzie M. (19) , Meg G. (15) , Meghan O. (4) , Mia V. (16) , Miala P. (5) , Michael B. (8) , Miekal J. (7) , Mirian C. (21) , Nadia G. (8) , Nadine M. (3) , Nathan J. (13) , Nicholas K. , Nicoli H. , Oliver G. (7) , Pheobe L. (5) , Rebecca S. (6) , Ryan H. (10) , Ryleigh R. (14) , Sage C. (7) , Samantha K. (9) , Samuel L. (8) , Sara L. , Sawyer W. (9) , Scarlet B. (3) , Silas K. (5) , Silas W. (11) , Sophia P. (13) , Spencer J. (10) , Stephen B. , Theo M. (9) , Timofey B. (6) , Troy G. (8) , Tucker H. (12) , Vaughan C. (12) , Veda Rose W. (5) , William D. (7) , Xyomara B. , Zachary E. (12) , Zahara P. (9) , Zoe K. (12)
Video of the Month - Toddler Dance Class - "Dance of the Baby Yodas"
Our Baby Yodas were a hit at our Summer Dance showcase, "Dancer's in Space!".
Important Dates
Take a moment to review the following upcoming dates:
July 3 - 7:
Summer Break - No Classes
August 19 - 20:
Cinderella - Fuhrmann Auditorium
August 31:
Faculty and 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 $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!
Student Spotlight - Lior and Aviv Rozenbaum
This month’s Student Spotlight showcases River Ridge School of Music students Lior and Aviv Rozenbaum. They both take piano lessons with Mr. Virgil, and Aviv also takes ballet with Ms. Karissa!
Outside of LAAPA, Lior likes to draw, play with her sisters, and read. Aviv likes to swim and play dodgeball. When Lior gets older, she wants to be an artist. Aviv wants to be a ballerina, babysitter, or teacher.
Thanks to LAAPA, Lior has learned to play piano and electric guitar, as well as how to compose new songs! Aviv has learned how to perform on stage, and she loves it! She has performed in LAAPAFEST, LAAPA’s Honor’s Concert, and multiple recitals. Lior loves taking lessons because she gets to play piano and see her sister dance. Aviv loves taking lessons because she gets to move up a level each year.
Thanks for being a part of the LAAPA family, Lior and Aviv! We love having you as students here!
A HUGE welcome to our newest students who began lessons or added programs in May!
We are so happy that you’ve chosen to study at LAAPA. We know you will do great things this year!
Angela N.
Anmol S.
Aria S.
Audrey G.
Bella R.
Bill P.
Brennan G.
Brody V.
Bryce C.
Chase M.
Connor M.
Diego M.
Dorie J.
Edward G.
Elena G.
Elizabeth G.
Elliana R.
Emila W.
Erick P.
Ethan P.
Eve P.
Evelynn K.
Harley V.
Isabella D.
Jacques S.
Jas’lynn S.
Jayden C.
Jessica B.
Je’zara K.
Joseph C.
Julia B.
Katerin M.
Kenzie W.
Layla W.
Lily D.
Lincoln B.
Link W.
Lucille B.
Lucy D.
Luke S.
Lydian R.
Maggie G.
Margot B.
McKenzie M.
Michael R.
Nash G.
Nicholas K.
Noah H.
Nyler W.
Paul B.
Quinn C.
Reagan B.
Roland F.
Rosemary H.
Ryan R.
Sadie C.
Samuel L.
Selina X.
Shamar A.
Stephen B.
Summer H.
Thomas W.
Truc T.
Vaughan C.
Yuchen L.
Student "Shout Outs!"
“One year ago I signed up for piano lessons at LAAPA in Covington. For an adult learner who has never studied music it felt like jumping off a cliff, but I’m so glad I made the leap! I’ve learned so much. I’m proud to say I can play a nice variety of music with no fear! I’ve been most surprised by how much I love the theory lessons. My instructor Annabelle is so good at explaining things to me and making it easy to understand. She challenges me, encourages me and makes it fun! Playing my piano and learning new things is such a joy. Thank you Annabelle and LAAPA!”
~ Laura R.
“My son is 2 and we do the toddler music class with Reshanda. He ABSOLUTELY loves it! After the second class he was hooked! She starts off class with a couple of songs but his favorite part is free play on the instruments! Definitely recommend for those little ones that are showing an interest in music or singing!”
~ Trisha Rae S.
“My son has just started learning the drums with Sean. He is loving it! Sean is so patient and encouraging regardless of the many many mistakes he makes. His confidence is building. First time he is actually wanting to do practice at home.”
~ Kelly W.
“My son is taking guitar lessons, his instructor, Mr. Ryan is awesome. He appears very experienced. He individualizes the lesson to whatever my son is into and keeps him interested and excited about learning. Everyone we have met or spoken to is nice and helpful.”
~ Jessie W.