Gail Lange

S—T—R—E—T—C—H

It’s been a long time coming. I hadn’t even considered the possibility that I might be one until relatively recently. And to actually take on the role and don the mantel, to embrace the responsibility was like diving into the ocean—breathtaking and frightening at first, but finally invigorating and refreshing. A leader was emerging.

I wasn’t drawn to leadership. In fact, I spent most of my elementary years observing, only participating when called upon to do so. Perhaps it stems from growing up in a large family of mostly older siblings. I loved school, though, and thrived in an environment where I was constantly challenged to learn new things. Shortly before high school graduation, I inadvertently stumbled upon a college recommendation letter that my principal had written for me, one which I was not supposed to see. I did not resist the temptation to read it. He spoke highly of me except to say that I did not exhibit leadership capabilities. The slight stung at first, but over time, I reconciled myself to my perceived lot in life as the perennial support person. It was a comfortable place, and I relished the ease of it.

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First impressions of the New International Editions of the Suzuki piano repertoire are all positive. It is obvious that the ISA Piano Committee, chaired by Mary Craig Powell, set Suzuki Piano on a new path. Twelve new pieces have been added to Volumes 4 to 7.

The choice of repertoire is one of the most outstanding aspects of the new editions. Volume 5 now includes new dimensions for the young pianist with the addition of the Chopin a minor Waltz and the Schumann From Foreign Lands and People.

Volume 6 is my favourite! Within this…

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Dear Colleague,

Can you believe it was the 14th Conference sponsored by SAA?

I thought you might be interested in some of the major events, particularly the sessions related to piano.

I will begin with the Teacher Training day on the Thursday. Pam Brasch and Joanne Melvin presented a ‘promo’ for the newly launched SPA course, and it would seem that there is a hugely favourable response amongst the few teachers who have been lucky enough to take the course. Do watch for the course being offered in your area, and if any of you would like to sponsor a SPA course, check…

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*Martin Beaver, one of the more recent additions to the SAA Honorary Board, is a Canadian, who studied violin with Victor Danchenko in Toronto and later with Josef Gingold in Indiana and also Henryk Szeryng. After winning many awards and distinctions, including a Silver Medal (1993) at the Queen Elisabeth Competition in Belgium, Martin served on the faculties of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto and the University of British Columbia before joining the faculty of the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore.…

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The International Suzuki Piano Committee, working with Mr. E.L. Lancaster of Alfred Publishing Company, met in Boulder, CO, in November 2008 to begin work on revisions to Suzuki Piano Method Books 4-7. History was made for Suzuki Piano as a result of our decisions for the revisions of these books. All five regions of the ISA (SAA, ESA, PPSA, TERI and ASA) voted in favor of changes and additions to the repertoire to provide greater stylistic variety to the Suzuki Piano Repertoire. SAA Teacher Trainers are very excited about the changes and look forward to the publication of these new books.

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The Board of the SAA is pleased to announce that Jeanne Baxtresser, flutist, has accepted to serve on its Honorary Board. Principal flutist of three major orchestras including the Montreal Symphony and Toronto Symphony, Ms. Baxtresser’s orchestral career culminated with 15 years as principal flutist of the New York Philharmonic, under conductors Leonard Bernstein, Zubin Mehta, and Kurt Masur.

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Mary Craig Powell and E.L. Lancaster discuss the improvements and changes made by the international piano committee. Four teachers demonstrate and discuss the four new pieces added to these books. From the 2008 SAA Conference session, “Energize Your Teaching with the New Suzuki Piano Books 1-3.”

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Mary Craig Powell and E.L. Lancaster discuss the improvements and changes made by the international piano committee. Four teachers demonstrate and discuss the four new pieces added to these books. From the 2008 SAA Conference session, “Energize Your Teaching with the New Suzuki Piano Books 1-3”.

Read more of Energize Your Teaching with the New Suzuki Piano Books 1-3 »

Brian Ganz won the appreciation of all piano participants at the SAA Conference in 2006 in Minneapolis. Brian was the masterclass clinician for the 2006 Conference and presented a lecture recital on the Preludes of Chopin.

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Performance by students of Gail Lange accompanied by Concorde Suzuki String School of Guelph, April 2002.

Read more of 4-Piano Concerto in a minor, BWV 1065, by J.S. Bach »