Monthly Newsletters - January 2025
Articles for this month include "Ring in the New Year with Music, Dance & Theater!, Student Spotlight - Addison Goll, Student News, and more!...
Ring in the New Year with Music, Dance & Theater!
Dear Students and Parents,
Happy New Year! I hope that everyone had a happy holiday season with lots of time to rest and visit your loved ones. It’s been a bit too quiet here at the school over the break, and we’re so excited to have you all back to share another exciting year filled with music, dance, acting, and the performing arts!
Congratulations to all students and faculty for so many amazing productions this past December! It was most certainly a record December in terms of variety of concerts/showcases/events! I don’t know how we all did it, but it was truly fun and exciting! From students performing on stage for the first time to our veteran professionals, everyone really stepped up their game and did a great job! Special thanks to everyone who donated to the Brave Heart – Children in Need Organization during our music concerts. We don’t yet have a final tally from Brave Heart with the online donations (of which they mentioned were numerous), but we received over $1,400 in just cash and checks! Know that you made a difference in the lives of many children this Christmas! Also, if you ordered a video of your performance at the music concerts, rest assured that we are working on them and hope to be finished by the middle of this month.
Coming up later this month, don’t forget that January 25-26 our production of Mary Poppins Jr. (featuring our River Ridge School of Music & Dance students) will be held at the Westwego Performing Arts Theatre. They have been rehearsing now for several months, and we’re excited to put on a wonderful show for our community! Both shows are fully sold out!
We’d also like to welcome and give a HUGE shoutout to all of the brand-new students starting with us this month! We had so many students receive music, dance or drama lessons for Christmas this year, and we can’t wait to see you at your first class! If you haven’t already done so, give us a call to get your classes scheduled!
Did you get a new instrument over the holidays, or maybe you WISH someone would have gifted you lessons? The New Year is one of the most popular times for students to get started in music, dance, and theater at any of our 3 campuses in Covington, Harahan, and Mandeville. Now is the perfect time to try something fun, new, and exciting! As a community performing arts school, we love working with students of all levels, ages, and abilities. Whether you’ve never played a note before or need help preparing for your next audition, our faculty are some of the most talented, genuine, and inspiring educators you’ll meet! They are trained to ensure that, no matter where you may be in your educational journey, your classes are fun and progressive, and for private lessons, customized for your specific interests and goals!
Lesson times tend to fill quickly this time of year, and new this year is our online booking system that allows you to check out instructor bios and scheduling availability. If you have trouble finding the perfect lesson time online, please remember that we still love chatting human to human on the telephone or via text and are happy to schedule you the old fashioned way! Our administrative team are also great at finding additional times that may not be available online. Be sure to check the back/bottom of this newsletter for a special offer to help you get started!
Once again, thanks to everyone for being a part of our school, and we look forward to announcing our 2025 productions very soon! Several events such as LAAPAFEST, Honors Concert, and Summer Music Recitals, and Summer Camps are already available – you can download a current calendar at https://www.laapa.com/news/calendar.
Let’s make 2025 another awesome year!
Happy New Year,
~ Ryan Cullen, Executive Director
Student News! Got something to share? Send it to us!
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 January Birthdays!
We'd like to wish the following students a very Happy Birthday this month!
Aaron R. [15], Abby S. [7], Adam Q. [11], Aiden E. [18], Akiem B. [13], Alex S. [8], Alvin P., Amia A. [9], Andrew B., Anna L. [12], Annabelle R. [15], Annalise S. [10], Anthony P. [16], Aranza H. [11], Austin E. [13], Benjamin A. [13], Benjamin B. [7], Bentley C. [12], Brennan G. [10], Bryce C. [12], Bryce W. [8], Camden D. [10], Canon R. [11], Carmen V. [17], Caroline H. [3], Cecilia V., Charlotte C. [8], Charlotte D. [9], Chase K. [13], Chloe W. [10], Chris B., Claire B. [6], Claire W. [11], Connor H. [9], Dara F. [10], DaRiya W. [10], Dilan P. [10], Dylan H. [9], Eliza R. [3], Elizabeth D. [14], Ella E. [11], Eloise G. [5], Eloise H. [10], Emma L. [11], Emmy R. [7], Evelyn D. [5], Finn S. [2], Galilee S. [12], Germany R. [16], Grace B. [10], Grant L. [11], Hanna J. [11], Harbor M. [9], Holly S. [17], Hope A., Isabella O. [12], Isabelle M. [6], Isaiah D. [10], Island T. [8], Ivory D. [3], Jack F. [15], Jacob S. [13], Jasper M. [9], Jayden E. [13], Jayden H. [14], Jeana W., John Paul E. [9], Jordan H. [13], Jorden S. [16], Katie Q., Kayla N., Kelly M., Konner O. [10], Landyn D. [15], Lanna S. [13], Lindsey S. [11], Linh N., Lovey L. [5], Lucien D. [3], Lucy B. [16], Lucy D.S. [14], Luke V. [11], Madison F. [17], Madison M., Makayla P. [17], Maureen A.R. [7], Max S. [11], Michael M., Millie M. [7], Odin P. [12], Patrick C., Phil G., Pierce C. [11], Randolph D. Jr. [11], Raymond C. [9], Rayne W.A. [9], Revan A. [11], Rosella N. [6], Ruey D. [8], Sadie M. [13],Sarah L., Serenity H. [9], Shannon K. [8], Shannon M., Sophia D. [17], Teagan S. [9], Tucker S. [13], Ty O. [15], Valentina J. [10], Valeria S. [9], Veronika M. [11]
Sous le ciel de Paris - Ballet IV
Important Dates
Take a moment to review the following upcoming dates:
January 20:
Martin Luther King Jr. Day - classes as usual!
River Ridge - Adult Hip Hop Community Class
January 21:
Mandeville - Hip Hop/Jazz I Community Class
January 22:
Mandeville - Tap I Community Class
River Ridge - Ballet IV Community Class
January 25-26:
Mary Poppins Jr. @ WPAT in Marrero
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 - Addison Goll
This month’s Student Spotlight features Mandeville School of Music & Dance student Addison Goll! March 2025 will mark her three-year anniversary in piano lessons with Dr. Vera!
Outside of LAAPA, Addison enjoys gymnastics, art, and spending time with her dog, Charlie! Her favorite music genre is classical, and Addison especially enjoys getting to play classical pieces herself on piano. Her favorite composer is John Williams, notably for his film scores for Harry Potter and Star Wars. Addison has future goals to become a veterinarian!
Addison’s favorite thing about her instructor, Dr. Vera, is her kindness and how helpful she is during lessons. Her favorite part of lessons is getting to choose which pieces she wants to learn. Addison is thankful for all of the opportunities provided by LAAPA, from her weekly lessons to special events like summer/winter concerts and LAAPAFEST. She has gained immense confidence from her lessons and has mentioned how her school teachers have remarked on improved presentation skills stemming from her progress in music lessons. We are so proud to see how much you’ve grown and all that you’ve accomplished, Addison, and cannot wait to see what the future brings!
A HUGE welcome to our newest students who began lessons or added programs in December!
We are so happy that you’ve chosen to study at LAAPA. We know you will do great things this year!
Alayna M.
Amber Cherie A.
Andrew S.
Anna Leigh C.
Annabelle F.
Aryah J.
Beauty S.
Bjorn O.
Cali H.
Cecilya S.
Celia S.
Charlie G.
Charlotte K.
Christian A.
Delia P.
Eleanor B.
Eleanor C.
Emilie S.
Eric G.
Ethan W.
Fiona M.
Isla V.
Ivan J.
Izzabella S.
Janine T.
Jennifer G.
Jennifer T.
Jesús M.
Jiaya R.
Joseph P.
Judah M.
Julie U.
Kehlani D.
Krystanna S.
LaSharron P.
Layla B.
Liam G.
Madison B.
Ma’Lena R.
Mason B.
McKenzie N.
Mila C.
Olivia L.
Pearce G.
Presley S.
Quyet N.
Reese J.
Richard H.
Savannah J.
Sofia M.
Soraya B.
Stella S.
Teagan S.
Zoey P.
Student "Shout Outs!"
“The best performing arts school in Louisiana! I had been searching for acting classes for my 15 year old daughter for a few months, until I stumbled into LAAPA. I decided to have my daughter try a lesson, and frankly, it has been the best decision I could ever make. Ten months later, and 4 performance later, my daughter is thriving both academically and socially. I completely attribute that to Mr. Nicoli, who is an incredible acting teacher, and inspires his students to be and do great! And also to her wonderful classmates (whom are all outstandingly talented) and have accepted her into their group. Thank you so much, Mr. Nicoli and everyone at LAAPA. Without knowing, you have boosted my daughter’s confidence, and have inspired her to pursue her dreams. She was able to get into St. Tammany’s Talented Theater program, and in part, it was all thanks to the opportunities and experience you have provided her. I am forever grateful!”
~ Alexandra L.
“Mr. Shawn has boosted my son’s talent by assisting him on current music he is learning in high school. Even with a student that has three years experience, he still manages to teach some technique to help him. Appreciate all that he does.”
~ Katherine K.
“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 A.