About the Music Program at TBWS
Music is an integral part of a child’s experience at The Brooklyn Waldorf School. Children sing songs from a variety of traditions and cultures, beginning with simple singing games in the early grades to polyphony in the upper grades choir. Children begin by playing the Choroi flute and choose a string instrument (either violin, viola, or cello) in the third grade. Starting then, children also begin to learn the fundamentals of notation and solfege, with history and theory woven into the later grades.
After starting with individual strings lessons, there is a progression from group classes (separated into upper and lower strings) to grade orchestra, culminating in a full combined orchestra (6th through 8th grade) playing in four-part harmony. The long-term goal for the orchestra and its members is to play music from the standard classical string orchestra repertoire (such as Palladio by Karl Jenkins or the Holberg Suite by Grieg) while also enjoying arrangements of different musical styles (rock, pop, jazz, world music, etc.).
In the strings and orchestra classes we are striving for excellence, beauty, excitement, and musical depth. While we work to achieve those ideals, the children will learn the following life lessons through their work: working as a team, discipline, patience, self-awareness, mindful behavior, respect, and positive working habits, among others. We teach the children to deeply appreciate music in many different ways, setting the stage for life-long enrichment.
To support its strings and orchestra curriculum, TBWS expects every child to take individual stringed instrument lessons from third to eighth grade.
Stringed Instrument Individual Lessons
Individual lessons are an important factor in making the school’s strings and orchestra program a success. It is in the individual lessons where students and teachers can focus on the intricate technical elements of playing an instrument. A progressive curriculum tailored to each individual student is implemented by the lesson teacher. The one-on-one attention with focus on details of playing, note reading, and musicianship is what enables the student to strive in the school’s string program, making it a life-forming experience.
Students may choose to take individual lessons either outside of the school or through The Brooklyn Waldorf School. The School is offering individual stringed instrument lessons to help families and string teachers by providing them with individual lessons in a safe, convenient, professional, and community environment. The connection between the string music programs and the individual lessons within the same school and setting ensures continuity and an integrated approach.
Only individual lessons are offered at TBWS.
Starting in the fall of 2012, TBWS will offer the following Individual Lesson Program:
30 lessons per year between 3PM and 6PM.
- VIOLIN & VIOLA: Mondays through Fridays
- CELLO: Tuesdays through Fridays
Makeup Lessons: If the student is unable to attend a lesson, the parent will call the school 24 hours in advance. Each student is entitled to one 1 makeup lesson per year for an excused absence, which implies that either the school or instructor bas been notified at least 24 hours in advance. No makeup lesson will be given with less than 24 hours notice. All missed lessons due to the teacher’s absence will be made up.
Safe Space: The School Library will be open with staff to accommodate students who are waiting before their lesson time.
Cost
- $50 per 30-minute-lesson
- $70 per 45-minute-lesson
- $90 per 60-minute-lesson
- One-Time Registration Fee of $41 (per lesson registration)
Tuition Assistance: Families in Tier 1 and 2 can apply for Tuition Aid for 30 and 45-minute lessons when they register online. Needs will be assessed on a sliding scale by current financial information on file. The maximum possible reduction is $25 per 30-minute lesson for families with the highest needs.
Director
Director of TBWS Music Program, Sibylle Johner
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Coordinator
AfterSchool Coordinator (to be hired)
Teachers
- Lara Brodsky, cello
- Sarah Goldfeather, violin and viola
- Other teachers may be hired
Registration: Register now for 30 lessons for the entire school year. For questions, please email strings@brooklynwaldorf.org.
Sign up: Online – register and sign up for specific spots on a first come first serve basis starting on Wednesday, August 29th at 10AM to Thursday, September 6th at 10PM — follow the link at the bottom of the page.
Tuition Assistance application and tuition payments: Also through online registration. For questions, please email Mary Handerhan at mary@brooklynwaldorf.org.
Strings recitals at 630PM for Individual Lesson students on:
Fall: November 13th and 17th, 2012
Spring: April 17th and 27th, 2013
About the Teachers
Lara Brodsky, cello
Since 2004 Ms. Brodsky has taught cello and violin to adults of all ages and children as young as three. Alongside Suzuki and traditional methods, all students develop aural comprehension skills and gain a basic understanding of music theory in order to improve memory, musicality, and technique.
Ms. Brodsky has performed at the Swedish Embassy, Tenri Cultural Institute, The Kennedy Center Concert Hall, and historic clubs such as The Bitter End and The Knitting Factory. Her experience includes international performances across genres, with artists such as Lenny Pickett, Mos Def, and Alan Menken. She completed her B.M. at NYU in 2004 under the tutelage of Marion Feldman and an M.A. with Marcy Rosen in 2012 at CUNY Queen’s College Aaron Copland School of Music.
Sarah Goldfeather, violin and viola
Ms Goldfeather is a Minnesota-born, Brooklyn-based violinist and vocalist whose diverse activities range from solo, orchestral and chamber music to performing with indie, folk, and bluegrass groups.
An honors graduate of Vassar College, Ms. Goldfeather has performed as orchestral musician with the Trinity Wall St Novus Orchestra, the String Orchestra of Brooklyn, the New York Repertory Orchestra, the Northern Dutchess County Orchestra, and the Vassar College Orchestra (where she was concertmaster for 3 years). Ms. Goldfeather is also active as a chamber musician and has performed throughout the US and Europe, most recently featured at the IES Abroad Music Program in Vienna, at Killington Music Festival, at the Artaria Chamber Music School, and the Madeline Island Music Center. As a soloist, Ms. Goldfeather has been twice featured with the Vassar Orchestra, performing the Lalo Symphony Espagnole and Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante. Ms. Goldfeather has received scholarships from Vassar College and the Eastern Music Festival.
As a bluegrass, folk , and rock musician, Ms. Goldfeather is the violinist and vocalist for her own self-titled band, the New York-based Great Dog Almighty, the New York-based Mixtape Cover Band, and the Northfield, MN based Sideporch Trio. She has performed with the Atlantic Theater Company as has recorded music for Meredith Fierke and the upcoming film Welcome to Harlem.
In addition to her active performing life, Ms. Goldfeather has taught violin and music history at Vassar College, assisted research with the International Gustav Mahler Society in Vienna, and maintains an active private violin studio.
Program Calendar
|
Week # |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
|
1 |
Sept 10 |
Sept 11 |
Sept 12 |
Sept 13 |
Sept 14 |
|
2 |
Sept 24 |
Sept 25 |
Sept 19 |
Sept 20 |
Sept 21 |
|
3 |
Oct 1 |
Oct 2 |
Oct 3 |
Oct 4 |
Sept 28 |
|
4 |
Oct 15 |
Oct 9 |
Oct 10 |
Oct 11 |
Oct 5 |
|
5 |
Oct 22 |
Oct 16 |
Oct 17 |
Oct 18 |
Oct 12 |
|
6 |
Oct 29* |
Oct 23 |
Oct 24 |
Oct 25 |
Oct 19 |
|
7 |
Nov 5 |
Oct 30 |
Oct 31 |
Nov 1 |
Oct 26* |
|
8 |
Nov 12 |
Nov 6 |
Nov 7 |
Nov 8 |
Nov 2 |
|
9 |
Nov 19 |
Nov 13 |
Nov 14 |
Nov 15 |
Nov 9 |
|
10 |
Nov 26 |
Nov 27 |
Nov 28 |
Nov 29 |
Nov 16 |
|
11 |
Dec 3 |
Dec 4 |
Dec 5 |
Dec 6 |
Nov 30 |
|
12 |
Dec 10 |
Dec 11 |
Dec 12 |
Dec 13 |
Dec 14 |
|
13 |
Dec 17 |
Dec 18 |
Jan 9 |
Jan 10 |
Jan 11 |
|
14 |
Jan 7 |
Jan 8 |
Jan 16 |
Jan 17 |
Jan 18 |
|
15 |
Jan 14 |
Jan 15 |
Jan 23 |
Jan 24 |
Jan 25 |
|
16 |
Jan 28 |
Jan 29 |
Jan 30 |
Jan 31 |
Feb 1 |
|
17 |
Feb 4 |
Feb 5 |
Feb 6 |
Feb 7 |
Feb 8 |
|
18 |
Feb 11 |
Feb 12 |
Feb 13 |
Feb 14 |
Feb 15 |
|
19 |
Feb 25 |
Feb 26 |
Feb 20 |
Feb 21 |
Feb 22 |
|
20 |
Mar 4* |
Mar 5 |
Feb 27 |
Feb 28 |
Mar 1* |
|
21 |
Mar 11 |
Mar 12 |
Mar 6 |
Mar 7 |
Mar 8 |
|
22 |
Apr 8 |
Apr 2 |
Mar 13 |
Mar 14 |
Apr 5 |
|
23 |
Apr15 |
Apr 9 |
Apr 3 |
Apr 4 |
Apr 12 |
|
24 |
Apr 22 |
Apr 16 |
Apr 17 |
Apr 11 |
Apr 19 |
|
25 |
Apr 29 |
Apr 23 |
Apr 24 |
Apr 18 |
Apr 26 |
|
26 |
May 6* |
Apr 30 |
May 1 |
Apr 25 |
May 3 |
|
27 |
May 13 |
May 7 |
May 8 |
May 2 |
May 10 |
|
28 |
May 20 |
May 14 |
May 15 |
May 9 |
May 17 |
|
29 |
June 3 |
May 21 |
May 22 |
May 16 |
May 31 |
|
30 |
June 10 |
June 4 |
June 5 |
May 23 |
June 7 |
|
Make up |
June 17* |
June 11 |
June 12 |
June 6 |
June 14* |
*There ARE lessons on these days even though the school or AfterSchool is not in session.
NO LESSONS on Holidays and Non-Lesson Days:
Mondays: Sept 17, Oct 8, Dec 24, Dec 31, Jan 21, Feb 18, Mar 18, Mar 25, Apr 1, May 27
Tuesdays: Sept 18, Oct 16, Nov 20, Dec 25, Jan 1, Jan 22, Feb 19, Mar 19, Mar 26, May 28
Wednesdays: Sept 26, Nov 21, Dec 19, Dec 26, Jan 2, Mar 20, Mar 27, Apr 10, May 29
Thursdays: Sept 27, Nov 22, Dec 20, Dec 27, Jan 3, Mar 21, Mar 28, May 30
Fridays: Nov 23, Dec 7, Dec 21, Dec 28, Jan 4, Mar 15, Mar 22, Mar 29, May 24