Monthly Newsletters - October 2023
Articles for this month include "Exciting Treats this Fall!" , Student Spotlight - Lucas Kreamer , Student News, and more!...
Exciting Treats this Fall!
Dear Students, Parents, Faculty, and Staff:
October is definitely my favorite month for many reasons (but if I’m being honest, it’s mostly because I don’t have to cut the grass as often). Seriously though, October is always an exciting and busy time here at LAAPA, and I wanted to take a moment to update everyone on all of our upcoming events!
The month kicks off with students of Christy King October 14 in a special, one night only “Music of the Night” Concert in Mandeville PHA! Our Northshore Dance Company, under the direction of Mrs. Miranda Deaner, will perform Saturday, 10/14 from 10-11 AM at the Mandeville Trailhead. Our drama department is excited to be presenting several shows this month! On October 21, the River Ridge Acting I & II classes, under the direction of Bridget Zewe, will be presenting “Murder on the 518,” and the Musical Theatre I & II classes will be presenting their “Fall Musical Showcase.” Our Northshore Acting I & II classes, under the direction of Nicoli Hutchison, Rachael Knapps, MaryClaire Hoover, Sofia Auberle, and Isabelle Cassagne, will be presenting their “Fall Showcases.” Acting III will be presenting “12 Angry Jurors,” directed by Nicoli Hutchison and Mia McCormick. Musical Theatre I & II, directed by Rebecca Posey, Nicoli Hutchison, Victoria Hickman, and Loreto Beltran, will be performing a 1970’s and 80’s tribute and a 1980’s and 90’s tribute respectively.
All of our theatre students and parents have been working hard rehearsing, picking out props, and getting everything prepared, so please come out and support them! Admission is free and open to the public, however seating is limited. Dates and Venues are posted at laapa.com/events.
Each year towards the end of October, things start to look extra spooky around campus during our annual “Bring a Friend Week”. October 23 - 31, we encourage you to bring a friend to your classes, and don’t forget to dress up! We’ll be offering trick-or-treating in the studio the whole week for both you and your friend. Don’t forget we will be OPEN for lessons this Halloween!
So as you can see, this October it’s all treats and no tricks! I also have a fun video on our YouTube page outlining how to play the first part of J.S. Bach’s “Toccata and Fugue in D Minor”. For a scary good time this Halloween, I highly recommend placing a huge speaker in the bushes outside of your house, hooking up your keyboard, and watching the faces of your trick or treaters light up full of surprise like jack-o-lanterns as you serenade them at the front door!
Pro tip – this also works well for any instrument, especially electric guitar with optional distortion pedal!
Finally, for those students and families still interested in getting started in lessons this Fall but may have been too busy at the start of the school year, October is still a great month to get started, so it’s definitely not too late! Call, text, or stop by today as we’d love to answer your questions, show you around our school, and get you started on your music, dance, or acting journey!
~ Ryan Cullen, Academy Director
Discover Your Talent This Fall - Learn to PLAY-DANCE-SING-ACT!
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
Bring a Friend Week
Invite your friend to sit in on a lesson with you from October 23 - 31 during Bring a Friend Week! Costumes are encouraged, and there will be Trick-or-Treat stations throughout the studio!
Click here to invite your friend!
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 October Birthdays!
We'd like to wish the following Students a very Happy Birthday this Month!
Abigail E. (16) , Abigail K. (8) , Adalyn D. (3) , Adelaide C. (13) , Adeline P. (8) , Alannah B. (9) , Alcee A. (13) , Aleta O. , Alice R. (8) , Amelia T. (11) , Andersen Andi R. (12) , Andrew B. (12) , Angela v. (12) , Anna Claire C. (23) , Annalise E. (19) , Anne S. , Anthony H. (9) , Audrina Jolie P. (13) , Auri G. (3) , Ava D. (14) , Avery C. (13) , Avery P. (17) , Ayana A. (6) , Bill P. , Blair M. (10) , Brayden W. (14) , Brody V. (10) , Camila A. (13) , Catherine M. (7) , Charlotte W. (9) , Charlotte W. (2) , Chelsi H. (7) , Cherlyn W. , Clara N. (8) , Cole F. (15) , David J. (11) , David M. , Desiree L. (11) , Elijah E. (4) , Elijah F. (8) , Emersyn B. (11) , Emma V. (15) , Emme F. (10) , Ethan M. (11) , Gabriella Z. (17) , Genesis A. (9) , Genevieve L. (8) , Genevieve L. (6) , Grace P. (8) , Grace T. (13) , Hadassah C. (14) , Haedyn D. (8) , Hannan M. (19) , Harper J. (4) , Hayes M. (11) , Henry C. (7) , Howie N. , Hridhaan J. (6) , Ian P. (10) , Ingrid I. (3) , Isaac S. (13) , Isabelle A. (4) , Isla W. (2) , Ivan S. (20) , Jackson B. (6) , Jacob H. (15) , Jaretzi P. (8) , Jayden C. (15) , Jayden R. (6) , Jodi S. , Jordyn D. (10) , Journei B. (6) , Julianna N. (4) , June T. (3) , Justin C. (6) , Kailey J. (15) , Katie C. (15) , Katie M. (9) , Keira W. (15) , Kellis M. (5) , Keyla L. , Laila M. (11) , Layla B. (4) , Lena H. (21) , Lennon C. (17) , Loretta B. , Lucy C. (19) , Luna M. (7) , Madelyn W. (12) , Madison R. (8) , Mason F. (16) , Mia T. (16) , Miah H. (6) , Michael S. , Mila B. (2) , Miles T. (9) , Nafisa N. (13) , Neil Thomas C. (7) , Noah P. (11) , Norah B. (9) , Owen D. (10) , Pamela G. , Payton S. (13) , Peyton T. (16) , Rita D. , Rosie B. (7) , Ryan A. (18) , Sabrina S. (10) , Sadie C. (10) , Saoirse M. (9) , Seth L. (17) , Seth P. , Sophia T. (10) , Stephanie C. , Susan B. , Tobin M. (10) , Tracy P. (12) , Truc T. (14) , Vilissia S. (10) , Vivian M. (5) , Wyatt K. (12) , Yardly S. (13)
Video of the Month - How to Play Toccata and Fugue in D Minor | Lagniappe Lessons
Count Ryan shows you how to play the FIRST part of the Toccata and Fugue in D Minor by J.S. Bach!
Happy Halloween!
Important Dates
Take a moment to review the following upcoming dates:
October 21:
River Ridge School of Music & Dance
"Murder on the 518"
"Musical Theatre Showcase"
October 28 - 29:
Mandeville School of Music & Dance
"12 Angry Jurors"
"Acting I-II Showcases"
"Musical Theatre Showcases"
October 23 - 31:
Bring a Friend Week
October 31:
Halloween
Open for lessons
Upcoming Drama Showcases
We hope you'll join us for the following events!
October 21:
“Fall Musical Showcase” presented by the River Ridge School of Music & Dance Musical Theatre I and II classes. EJHS Theatre - 11:15-12:15 PM.
October 21:
“Murder on the 518” presented by the River Ridge School of Music & Dance Acting I and II classes. EJHS Theatre - 3:45-6:00 PM.
October 28:
“70’s and 80’s Tribute” presented by the Mandeville School of Music & Dance Musical Theatre I class. MSMD PHA 5:30-6:30 PM.
October 28:
“80’s and 90’s Tribute” presented by the Mandeville School of Music & Dance Musical Theatre II class. MSMD PHA 5:30-6:30 PM.
October 29:
“Scenes and Monologues” presented by the Mandeville School of Music & Dance Acting I and II classes. MSMD PHA 1:00-3:00 PM.
October 28-29:
“12 Angry Jurors” presented by the Mandeville School of Music & Dance Acting III class. MSMD PHA 7:00-8:30 PM (28th) and 3:30-5:00 PM (29th).
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 - Lucas Kreamer
This month’s Student Spotlight showcases River Ridge School of Music & Dance student Lucas Kreamer. Lucas takes both Acting and Musical Theatre lessons with us!
Outside of LAAPA, Lucas likes to play video games and wrestle. He likes to listen to pop, rap, metal, and rock, and his favorite artist is Corey Taylor from Slipknot. His favorite actors are Adam Sandler and Jim Carrey. When he gets older, Lucas wants to be a Youtuber, actor, or wrestler.
Lucas enjoys taking lessons at LAAPA because he has great teachers. In fact, he says his teachers are “everything you look for in a teacher”!
Thanks to lessons, Lucas has learned more about acting and singing. His most important lesson was learning to bring a pencil to rehearsals!
Thanks for being a part of the LAAPA family, Lucas! We love having you as a student here!
A HUGE welcome to our newest students who began lessons or added programs in September!
We are so happy that you’ve chosen to study at LAAPA. We know you will do great things this year!
Abby B.
Abigail E.
Addyson D.
Agata R.
Alonni M.
Amelia C.
Andersen R.
Anna Claire C.
Annica K.
Arden P.
Aria M.
Ashlynn B.
Austyn N.
Ava Grace H.
Averie K.
Axel M.
Benjamin B.
Brandon D.
Breithlyn C.
Bridget G.
Bryson P.
Camila B.
Camille D.
Candace J.
Carmen H.
Caroline H.
Celso H.
Charlie D.
Charlotte W.
Cindy A.
Claire B.
Claire P.
Daniel U.
Daniela L.
David B.
David E.
David M.
Dominic G.
Eddie S.
Elena P.
Eliana J.
Elijah F.
Elise C.
Elizabeth H.
Ellie A.
Elliot D.
Emme R.
Emma W.
Emmy R.
Gabriel G.
Galilee S.
Grant L.
Grey C.
Haevyn B.
Haley P.
Helen B.
Hilton D.
Hudson F.
Indi A.
Isabella S.
Isabelle C.
Jack E.
Jack R.
Jacques M.
Jaime D.
Jhett B.
Jodi S.
John Michael P.
Jonah S.
Jose L.
Joyce G.
Julia G.
Kailey P.
Kasey A.
Kate J.
Khloe D.
Kross H.
Landry A.
Lauren B.
Layla H.
Layna D.
Leya Ruhi I.
Lia R.
Lile A.
Link W.
Lucas L.
Luna M.
Madison A.
Madyson T.
Mara H.
Mary Elizabeth V.
Mary Grace S.
Mateo C.
Mathew P.
Max P.
Maya T.
Melanie D.
Michaela F.
Mylan L.
Nevan Anuththara M.
Nichole P.
Nicole W.
Nivaan K.
Olive M.
Owen S.
Paisley G.
Paris C.
Peyton J.
Pharaoh N.
Philip B.
Pio T.
Raynor H.
Reagan C.
Rekha A.
Rihanna R.
Riley C.
Saaya O.
Sainttena Y.
Sara R.
Saul R.
Sebastian N.
Seraphina A.
Sidra M.
Sophia D.
Sophian M.
Sophie B.
Soraya B.
Stephanie C.
Sue S.
Valentina G.
Victoria M.
Vincent M.
Virginia P.
Vivienne D.
Vlad E.
Walker W.
Whitley J.
Willow D.
Zaria N.
Zayden L.
Zoya R.
Student "Shout Outs!"
“Amazing instructors and facility! I always look forward to lessons every week.”
~ Nicholas K.
“My 8 year old has loved her voice classes. All the staff are so helpful & friendly. They have given her such confidence, and she has made great improvements. Her teacher Dr. Vera is amazing! We would highly recommend the school.”
~ Jessica D.
“My son is a 1st time saxophone player. His instructor, Dr. Mark, does a phenomenal job motivating and keeping him engaged. Dr. Mark deserves a ton of credit for tapping into my son’s musical interest. My son is eager to learn how to read music and is more confident in his abilities to get better because of Dr. Mark’s encouraging words!”
~ Joshua T.
“Mr. Christian teaches my 6 year old guitar lessons and he is SO good. He is patient, funny, keeps her interested, and she is learning so much! She looks forward to going every week because he makes learning so fun. I highly recommend him!”
~ Jessica B.
“We have been so pleased with our instructors, as well as the lessons! Our three kids anxiously await their upcoming lessons each week. They have improved immensely and continue to find great joy in what they are learning. The instructors are great about giving feedback.”
~ Keith S.