Carol Ourada

As the van edged its way down the highway, purple-hued mountains poked out along the horizon. Prairie dogs darted in and out of their holes as the vehicle passed by the open land. Was this a setting for a movie perhaps? No … the van then veered onto the exit ramp, and burst upon the bustling sights and sounds of Boulder, Colorado. I had just arrived for my first SAA board meeting.

Armed with a huge binder filled with minutes, policies, reports, and instruction on Carver governance, I felt excited and apprehensive. What…

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Pam Brasch, Dorothy Jones, and William Kossler. (Judi Gowe Bagnato not pictured.)

On Saturday evening of the conference, the ballroom was hushed in anticipation for the announcement of the recipients of the Creating Learning Community Awards.

Through the biennial CLC Awards Program the SAA is pleased to recognize and celebrate significant contributions by outstanding individuals, groups, programs and organizations within our unique community of teachers, parents, students, families and friends, members of the business community and schools or groups involved in Suzuki education.

These awards recognize those who have worked toward the development and expansion of the Suzuki learning community in the Americas or internationally or who have helped to preserve the Suzuki legacy. The tributes and presentations illustrated how this year’s recipients contributed beyond the ordinary professional duties or routine work toward the welfare and growth of the Suzuki community.

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Last summer, focus groups at summer Institutes were asked to submit questions for a panel of “Suzuki Experts” to answer. This is the 11th installment.

How do you balance family life and the Suzuki method, from the busy life and extra activities, to the time spent, to the growth of the child and parent?

Embrace the philosophy: “When love is deep, much can be accomplished.” Dr. Suzuki’s philosophy of love, step-by-step accomplishment, character building, and striving for excellence leads parents, children, and families to bond together on a journey that positively impacts the family as a whole.

Prioritize: With so many choices available, families will need to prioritize what is important. Practicing, listening, lessons, group class, concerts, and workshops/institutes need to be high on the list. This means a lifestyle change, with the benefit of time together scheduled regularly!

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The 2009 Annual Membership Meeting was broadcast live on the web on April 4th, 2009 from the SAA office in Boulder, Colorado. It features the new teacher development video “A Suzuki Teacher’s Pledge”, a tour of the SAA office, and lots of news and trivia.

Broadcast correspondents: Diane Schroeder, Teri Einfeldt, Christie Felsing, Lamar Blum, Ruth Engle Larner, Mark George, Marilyn Kesler, Carol Ourada, Beth Titterington, and Pam Brasch

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On Conference years, through the CLC Awards program, the SAA is pleased to recognize and celebrate significant contributions by outstanding individuals, groups, programs and organizations within our unique community of teachers, parents, students, families and friends, members of the business community and schools or groups involved in Suzuki education.

The awards recognize those who have worked toward the development and expansion of the Suzuki learning community in the Americas or internationally, or who have helped to preserve the Suzuki legacy.

Read more of Creating Learning Community Awards »