Pet of the Month: August

Meet Barney!

Barney belongs to Miss Vicki. He's an ornery, sweet, and spoiled Cavachon (King Charles Cavalier and Bishon mix). He loves to nap and rest his chin on Miss Vicki's foot while she practices piano.

Do you have a pet you love? Send us a cute photo for a chance to be featured as the next Pet of the Month!

Brother for Sale!

“Brother for sale, only fifty cents.

Brother for sale, he’s not a big expense.”

The just-crowned Miss Nebraska Princess has a brother. His name is Kyle and he’s for sale.

Okay, not really.

“Brother for Sale” was Kadynce Mullin's talent number at the Miss Nebraska Pageant last May and she chose to dedicate the act to her brother (that’s him in the picture she’s holding). Her performance, along with other criteria such as modeling, beauty, and speech, earned her the title.

“Hey, would anybody like to buy a slightly used big brother?

Even if you have one now, trade him for another.”

Kadynce worked with Jeff Kuhl, instructor of voice and theatre at Harris Academy of the Arts, to prepare for the talent portion of the pageant. Kadynce’s mother, Brenna, said Jeff is “very passionate about what he does and works diligently to make his students successful. [He] shared insight and enthusiasm which made “Brother for Sale” such a success for Kadynce!”

Kaydnce’s newly-earned title as Miss Nebraska Princess has opened up a bundle of opportunities for this soon-to-be 7-year-old. When she isn’t working on developing her skills for the National American Miss Pageant in Anaheim, California this November, she’s meeting with Nebraska Senators, throwing out the first pitch for the Lincoln Salt Dogs, making parade appearances, and–most notably—donating 100 volunteer hours to Lincoln and Nebraska organizations.

Especially meaningful is Kadynce’s personal pick for her summer project. “The day after her pageant, Kadynce had a seizure and was transferred to the Children’s Hospital in Omaha,” says Brenna. The ordeal naturally led to Kadynce’s decision to raise support for the Children’s Miracle Network, selling suckers to raise funds.  In addition, she's baking goods for the Rainbow House at the Children’s Hospital, as well as donating books and reading time.

Q&A with Kadynce’s mom, Brenna:

How did Kadynce get started in the pageant world?

"She competed in the local Applejack Festival pageant...in Nebraska City."

 How many pageants has Kadynce participated in so far?

"Only two of this type. (Two state pageants and one national)"

 What is Kadynce's favorite thing about competing in pageants?

"She loves to be on stage now and she has so much fun!"

Kadynce's talent number is "Brother for Sale". Does she have a brother? If so, tell us a little bit about their relationship!

"Kadynce has 3 older step-brothers, Kyle, Michael, and Keith and she loves her “bubbies”.  She chose to dedicate her Brother for Sale number and feature her brother Kyle, who is now 21. He was much younger in the photo…lol. She loves to hang out with him and also he picks on her. He still spoils her so much!"

What is something about the National American Miss Pageant that most people don't know?

"This is a prestigious pageant system that is truly invested in the future of young leaders and offers the chance for development and personal growth.  They offer amazing rewards and even a Mustang to a lucky girl at nationals!"

 If she wins the national pageant, what would Kadynce "do" with her title?

"She would have the opportunity to participate in so much more community activities and raise even more funds for charitable organizations."

Is there anything else you would like to share, from a mom's perspective, or from Kadynce's perspective?

"I will never forget the moment they called her name as the Miss Nebraska Princess! It is such an honor to be part of all of this.  She was so excited to tell Jeff [Kuhl] that she had won and she loved to make him so proud!  Thank you Harris Academy for all your support!"

Music Moolah!

You might have seen some purple, yellow, and blue “bills” around the studio. These notes, not exactly musical or legal tender, are called “Music Money” and they can be earned by students and redeemed for prizes. Want to start your own cash flow? It’s as easy as 1-2-3!

1. Do something to impress your instructor: Meet a practice goal. Pass your level of books. Attend a symphony concert. Perform in a studio recital. Compose an original song.  In return, your instructor will reward you with Music Money!

2. Save! The prize boxes start at $1 and go all the way up to $60. The more you save, the better the prize. Unless of course, you just want candy!

3. Spend! When you’re ready to cash in, take your “bucks” to the front desk and ask to redeem them.

Our Music Money venture started in August 2013. Our first Music Money dollar is proudly displayed on the wall next to the prize "store". We’re looking forward to many successful years ahead!

August 2014 Student of the Month

Jesse Hansen

Why couldn’t Mozart play his violin?
It was Baroque.

The joke above was shared by August Student of the Month, Jesse Hansen. Besides her witty jokes, this 15 year old can also recite pi to 30 places (3.14159265359…okay, we give up!). She’s also into hiking, reading, writing, drawing, nerdy T.V. shows, anime, video games, and playing violin. And, she takes voice lessons at Harris Academy of the Arts.

In voice lessons, Jesse is learning how to create a scene around a song and incorporate acting with her singing as a way to emphasize the story. She showed what she’s learned in her performance at the Spring Student Recital (check out the videos below!). One of Jesse’s favorite performance memories is getting a hug from a random audience member after performing in a talent show in Wisconsin. Surely, this talented girl will receive many more random hugs in her lifetime!

More About Jesse:

Favorite Songs:
Homeward Bound, Naughty, Defying Gravity, Let it Go, Look to the Rainbow

Goals with Music Lessons:
To have fun and to improve/learn as much as possible

Favorite Food:
Pasta

Favorite Classes in School:
English, Science, History

Favorite Movie:
Star Trek 1

Favorite Book:
The Disappearing Spoon (a collection of fun science-related stories)

Favorite Quote:
“The important thing is not how long you live. It’s what you accomplish with your life.” Grouyle, Pokemon Mystery Dungeon

Jesse’s Instructor:
Jeff Kuhl

Welcome!

New HAA Instructors

We're pleased to announce the addition of three very fine musicians and individuals to the HAA teaching staff: Colt Ballou, Katie Morris, and David Pratt. Please help us welcome them!

Colt Ballou

Colt Ballou teaches voice, piano, organ, Children's Music Academy, Kindermusik, and vocal ensembles. He is currently attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where he is pursuing a Master's degree in Choral Conducting, as well as studying organ. Colt was active as a vocal music teacher in Iowa before relocating to Lincoln, NE.

More About Colt >>

Hobbies: Travel, fitness and exercise, cooking, reading
Favorite Foods: Sushi, pistachio ice cream
A Book Everyone Should Read: Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss
Favorite Quote: "The teacher who is indeed wise does not bid you to enter the house of his wisdom but rather leads you to the threshold of your mind." ~Khalil Gibran
Favorite Joke: 
Q: How can you tell when a singer is at your door?
A: They forgot the key and don't know when to come in!

Katie Morris

Katie Morris teaches voice, piano, flute, Kindermusik, and Children's Music Academy. She graduated from Doane College and taught K-12 vocal music for Planview Public Schools before moving to Lincoln, NE. She was just married at the end of June - congratulations!

More About Katie>>

Hometown: Utica, Nebraska
Hobbies: Running, reading, and spending time with the love of my life!
Favorite Foods: Peanut butter and mashed potatoes...not together though!
Favorite Book: To Kill a Mockingbird and the whole Harry Potter series
Little Known Fact About Me: I played French horn in fifth grade for two days before switching to flute for good.

David Pratt

David Pratt teaches violin and electric violin. A fan of the Suzuki Method, he enjoys using the repertoire to teach in an intuitive manner with a natural progression. Originally from San Diego, David also grew up in the Washington, D.C. area, before moving to Lincoln, NE.  David will attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as a chemistry major in hopes of attending medical school.

More About David >>

Hometown: San Diego, CA, and Washington, D.C.
Hobbies: I am learning Spanish using Rosetta Stone and have found the program useful. I enjoy mountain biking but haven't found many mountains in Nebraska.
Favorite Food: Mexican and Sushi
Favorite Piece of Music to Play: Praeludium and Allegro by Fritz Kreisler
A Book Everyone Should Read: The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable
Favorite Quote: "The number one reason why people give up so fast is because they tend to look at how far they still have to go, instead of how far they have gone." ~unknown

Instructor Spotlight

Cristina Vlad

Cristina Vlad, a piano instructor at Harris Academy of the Arts, has been playing the piano since she was very young. She started playing for fun but after more and more performances and competition wins, she began to realize she really loved playing. Now, years later and having just completed her doctorate in piano performance at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, we are privileged to have her on the Harris team!

Cristina was born in Romania in a town named Deva. You might be more familiar with the region, called Transylvania, the home of Count Dracula. But don’t worry, Cristina’s bubbly, friendly personality has nothing in common with that character. And though you wouldn't need to, you can always score points by offering her one of her favorite desserts: cheesecake and ice cream!

More about Cristina:

What is your favorite kind of music?

Besides classical, I enjoy a wide variety of genres. I am really fond of Jazz, among others.

What other hobbies do you have besides music?

I love dancing and soon will go get some tango lessons. J

What do you think is the best movie of all time?
I don’t have a “best movie of all time” but rather a list…Forrest Gump is on that list J, among others.

Do you have any good stories about where you grew up?

Of course, you can find out more by asking. Let’s just say for now that my last name (Vlad) is the same as Count Dracula’s, and that I am from the same area (Transylvania).

Do you have a fun or inspiring story to share about teaching lessons?

Everyone has different goals when taking on music/piano lessons. It’s always great hearing back after years from students, thanking you for the change you brought to their life through lessons.

What is one of your favorite recital or performance memories?

Sharing your love for music with an audience is something unique. After a broadcast performance of mine, the camera showed the reaction of the audience. It was very touching seeing someone tearing at the end.

What is your favorite quote?

“If you wish to succeed in life, make perseverance your bosom friend, experience your wise counselor, caution your elder brother, and hope your guardian genius.” – Joseph Addison

View Cristina's Bio

Fiddlin' Fools!

Harris Academy of the Art's Beginning Fiddling Summer Workshop wrapped up today after a full month of exploring fiddling technique and repertoire.

We spent a little time with instructor, Jentry Barrett, to learn more about fiddling and what her students have been learning. No fiddling around, this sounds like fun!

What’s the difference between a violin and a fiddle?

"A violin and fiddle are the same thing. Fiddling is just a style of violin playing. There is an old joke that fiddling is just violin playing with bad posture, but not in my class!"

What skills does a student need to have before they can start fiddling?

"If you can play the violin successfully then you can play fiddle tunes. You need to be able to consistently play in tune, cross strings without excess noise, and have a relaxed posture so playing fast notes is easy."

What is your favorite fiddle tune?

"I love Cripple Creek. Lots of fast notes, but not a lot of different notes, so it looks harder than it really is!"

What else can you tell us about fiddling?

"There are lots of different styles of fiddling, and so much music to enjoy. That is the gift of playing the violin well, you get to play so much fun music."

The Final Class Performance 

Mark Your Calendars:

World Fiddle Day is May 17, 2015
Look for more FIDDLE CLASS OFFERINGS from Harris beginning Fall 2014!

More Photos: