SSSG Notes April 2,  2020

In This Issue:

Announcement from the Ontario Music Festivals Association




 
D ear SSSG families,
 
As the newest face in the place, I am delighted to be starting as Administrator with SSSG. Janet has been wonderful about showing me the ropes and, rest assured, I will do my very best to ensure I provide exactly the support you need.   
 
Although, officially, I only started with the school this week, I have already been so impressed with the dedication and warmth of each and every person with whom I have worked. These are challenging circumstances, but the focus is always, clearly and consistently, on doing what is best for our students.  
 
I'm sure that we will all meet face-to-face in the future, when we are back to business as usual. In the meantime, thank you for your patience and your willingness to be creative in keeping the music playing.  
 
In the meantime, if there is any way in which I can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. 
 
Warmly,
Lynda Hester
Administrator 

COVID-19 Update
  • Online individual lessons will continue until at least May 3. Thank you for working with us keep the music going!
  • We will update you on our group class plans in next week's SSSG notes. Please keep the April 25 and May 2 dates available in your calendar for possible online group classes.
Show everyone how you're keeping the music going
Our students and parents are creative folk. Why not share a picture of how you are keeping the music going? Physical distancing doesn't mean we can't stay supportive and connected. Show us how you do it! Send your pics to paule@artset.net 
 
Call for COVID-19 Performances
Calling all students to submit performances to be posted on the SSSG YouTube Channel. We want to hear how you are continuing your work on your instrument and sharing your music during this time of social distancing.
 
Make a video of your child performing a polished piece that he or she would like to share with the world and we will share it on the SSSG YouTube channel. Some of the videos may also be shared on our social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram).
 
Performances can be accompanied or unaccompanied, family members playing together as a group, recordings of online lessons or practice sessions (playing a duet with your teacher or practice buddy). Let your imagination run wild!
 
How to record your video: No need for fancy equipment! Just use your phone or your camera. Record at a lower resolution to ensure the file isn't too big: 1080p HD 30fps is a good video setting for this purpose.
 
How to submit your video:
  1. Fill out our submission form: https://forms.gle/6u186QvBHiyDEqT26
  2. Upload your video to our COVID-19 Performance Dropbox:
 
Are you looking for free concerts to watch online?
Here are two links to websites that list orchestras, concert series and opera houses who are offering free online concerts:
Announcement from the Ontario Music Festivals Assocationcan
The Ontario Music Festival Association executive has made the difficult decision today to announce the cancellation of the live 2020 Provincial Finals in Niagara due to the current global COVID-19 outbreak.
 
WE ARE HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE that we are in the planning stages of a VIRTUAL PROVINCIAL MUSIC COMPETITION to be held in June 2020. This will be for those competitors who have already been recommended from completed festivals and as well, we will be expanding the grade and age levels for all disciplines and opening up the competition to any young musicians who wish to enter from across Ontario.
 
Please visit  http://www.omfa.ca for more information re rules and regulations, syllabus requirements, new entry fees, deadlines, details re uploading, etc. to enter. Due to physical distancing, only solo classes will be allowed to enter - there will not be any community choir classes, chamber classes or piano concerto classes for 2020.
 
We appreciate your support, understanding and hope everyone stays safe and healthy.

 
Guelph MusicFest 2020 fest
 

Thank you for your support.

Lynda