Chamber Music Conversations and Make Music Philly: Open to All Adult Musicians This Friday

Lessons and classes for the 2012-13 season may have ended, but music at Settlement continues this week. Join us on Friday, June 21 at the Mary Louise Curtis Branch for Make Music Philly, a free day of music across Philadelphia on the longest day of the year. Our contribution to this day of music is Chamber Music Conversations, spotlighting our Adult Chamber Players program and chamber music faculty, but adult amateur musicians of all kinds and in all genres are welcome.

3:30-5:30 PM: Informal ensemble sessions for chamber music, jazz, folk, rock and Taiko drumming - play or sit in and observe

5:30 PM: Wine and cheese reception for all guests in Field Recital Hall; performance hour featuring soloists and ensembles in PNC Bank*Presser Recital Hall

6:30-8:30 PM: Informal sessions continue

Bring an instrument and take part in ensembles playing all of the following genres, or come be a part of the audience and meet like-minded adults who share your love for music. You do not need to come with an instrument to enjoy the evening with us and to learn about Settlement's programs.

-Chamber music: anything from duos or piano trios to string quartets or wind quintets, depending on instrumentation available. The Adult Chamber Players program, established in 1992, has been a staple of Settlement's adult programming at the Mary Louise Curtis, Wynnefield and Willow Grove Branches. One program member recently reflected on several years spent playing and making friends through Adult Chamber Players.

-Rock and folk music: It's been a big year for guitar at Settlement, with our newly launched Adult Rock Band program at several branches and the continuing popularity of group lessons for beginning adult guitar students. This Friday, classic tunes and modern-day favorites are all welcomed!

-Jazz: Adult Jazz Bands were active this year at the Mary Louise Curtis and Germantown Branches, and there's a new one starting at the Wynnefield Branch in the fall. Winds, brass, guitar, bass, percussion, piano -- the genre known as "America's classical music" embraces all sorts of instruments.

-Taiko drumming: One of Settlement's most popular adult program, our Taiko drummers were featured during our contribution to the 2013 Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts. The drums are big, and the music can be loud and intense, but Taiko can be a vigorous workout as well as a calming, meditative experience. This is one you won't need to bring your own instrument for!


Also, look for a live demonstration by Kyo Daiko, our Taiko ensemble formed through a partnership with Shofuso Japanese House in Fairmount Park, at 30th Street Station at 8 AM on Friday! Catch it on your way or take a detour to check it out. It'll be the kickoff to a day full of music across the city. We can't wait!

Settlement's Open House, Saturday June 8, 10 AM to 1 PM

Settlement's 2012-13 school year comes to an end next week. After the Annual Concert on Sunday, there's one last week of lessons and classes before students and teachers alike head off for summer camps, festivals and well-earned vacations. Before we send everyone off for the summer, we hope to get to know some new people first at the annual Open House, held tomorrow, from 10 AM to 1 PM, at all of Settlement's branches.

Students and faculty will be performing and leading demonstrations, and staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions about all of the lessons, classes and ensembles offered both this summer and year-round.

A full schedule of events at each branch is available here, but from all of the events packed into just three hours at each branch, here are a few selected highlights:

-Suzuki play-in at the Mary Louise Curtis Branch. We've talked about the Suzuki teaching method here before, now come see what has made the Suzuki program at Settlement such a popular choice for very young musicians and their parents.

-Cello-bration at the Willow Grove Branch, including a performance by a cello ensemble, coached by Christine Danoff, of Villa-Lobos' Bachianas Brasileiras. It's a sneak preview of Sunday's Annual Concert, too.

-Performances by student jazz and rock bands, coached by Mark Forchic, at the Germantown Branch. It's been a year of tremendous growth for jazz ensembles at Settlement, and Mark's ensembles have been performing far and wide.


-Voice recital featuring students of Susan Rheingans at the Kardon-Northeast Branch

-A demonstration of Percussion Construction, a percussion class where children ages 5-7 play alongside their parents, at the Wynnefield Branch.

-Demonstrations and performances by Children's Music Workshop students at the Camden School of Musical Arts. CMW provides an introduction to music theory, notation and musical development -- a great way for young musicians to learn music fundamentals before starting on an instrument.

Rites of swing: Jazz performances abound this spring

It's been a big year for jazz at Settlement, with jazz ensemble programs thriving at the Wynnefield, Kardon-Northeast and Germantown branches. Plus, the Advanced Study jazz ensemble at the Mary Louise Curtis Branch recently won a Student Music Award from DownBeat magazine; read more about that here!

Guitar faculty Mark Forchic coaching several saxophone students

Spring brought a staggering number of performances throughout the community by ensembles from all of these branches. The list includes:

• regular performances at the City Line Landmark Americana
   
• a Jazz Festival on April 7 at the Mary Louise Curtis Band, in collaboration with professor Chris Farr from the University of the Arts and members of the UArts Jazz Band and with ensembles from all branches taking part

• a jazz-centered performance hour at the Wynnefield Branch

• a patio performance at the Free Library of Philadelphia's Wynnefield Branch, with piano faculty Scott Coulter joining several members of the Wynnefield Jazz Ensemble

• the South Street Spring Festival, sponsored by the South Street Headhouse District, with a crowd of thousands passing by

• the City Avenue Spring Fling. Saxophonist Jack Savone, a member of the Kardon-Northeast Jazz Ensemble, was even asked to sit in with Chico's Vibe, a professional group that performs widely throughout the Philadelphia area

 

Outdoor performance at the Free Library of Philadelphia's Wynnefield Branch

These numerous performances are partly a reflection of the dedication of guitar faculty Mark Forchic, who coaches the ensembles at Wynnefield, Kardon-Northeast and Germantown. Along with the directors at those branches, he sought out new students at many local schools, and he's instilled a serious, performance-oriented mindset in all of his groups this year. "I treat it like we're a working, performing jazz group." Weekly practice sessions are "not like in school; we play like we are going out to play a gig -- which we do."

All these gigs wouldn't have come about with a talented bunch of students. One of Forchic's ensembles at Wynnefield started this year ahead of the rest -- the members are all students at Lower Merion High School and have been playing together for years -- and played the majority of the concerts. Forchic says those students -- Tom Hagen, Dean Hughart, Ellis Kelsey, Jeremy Katz, and John Della Franco -- are a special group. "It's unique from the other groups I have," he says. "I've had them for two or three years now, and they spend so much time playing and just hanging out together."

The ensembles at Kardon-Northeast and Germantown, plus the other two ensembles at Wynnefield, have all worked on catching up with the older, more experienced ensemble, and all have been featured during this busy season of shows. All of Forchic's groups dig deep into classic tunes, drawing from the professional jazz player's standby The Real Book, and work on making up arrangements on the spot -- no writing anything down.

The busy season is coming to a close with a performance at the Seger Park Playground Spring Festival on June 2 and numerous performances school-wide during the Open House on June 8. After a little downtime for students and faculty, jazz at Settlement will pick back up once again with the Summer Jazz Camp from July 29 to August 2. For more information on the jazz ensemble program at Settlement, contact the Branch nearest you or stop by the Open House at any of our branches on June 8 from 10 AM to 1 PM.

Recital Season: Certification at Settlement Music School's Wynnefield Branch

For a student's perspective on the Settlement community and the impact music has on those who play it and hear it, we turn the blog over to Jessica Solomon, a senior at Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy, Communications Department intern, and a student of Sue Jones at the Wynnefield Branch.

The 2013 Certification Concert for Settlement Music School's Wynnefield Branch on Thursday, May 2, 2013 was a truly rewarding experience. It felt wonderful to see the students play their hearts out and to see them and their family members in the audience be influenced by music.

Kendall Anderson, 10, violin student of Monique Johnson

Nine students, ranging in age from eight to eighteen, performed pieces on piano, violin, flute, saxophone, and guitar. The program featured both classical and modern music, plus some pre-concert jazz played by the Wynnefield Jazz Band as the audience came in. (It's been a busy month for Settlement's jazz players -- more on that in a post later this week!) Family and friends offered encouragement to the performers before and after the concert and recorded videos on cameras and cellphones. Lots of younger siblings were enthralled by what their big brothers and sisters were doing.

Joyce Yuan, 7, violin student of Fran Berge

After the concert, Curtis Jones, Jr., Philadelphia City Council Member for the 4th District, gave an impassioned speech about the need for Settlement to thrive and to think about the investment the parents are making in their kids. Instead of kids being out on the streets, he said, they are learning the gift of music. He has been a strong supporter of Settlement and touched on the fact that the Wynnefield Branch has given over $100,000 in scholarships.

Philadelphia City Councilman Curtis Jones, Jr. His Deputy Chief of Staff,
Morgan Cephas, serves on the Wynnefield Branch Board of Directors.

Following his speech, the names of students who qualified for certification were read and certificates were handed out to those present. Then, to the surprise of two seniors, they received the Robert L. Goodale and Rachel Perkinson awards for their participation in Settlement and for graduating from Settlement. The night was a positive night for music and bringing family and friends together to witness the hard work and dedication of those performing. Certification concerts continue throughout early May: the Willow Grove Branch students performed on Sunday, May 5, and more concerts will take place May 7 at the Camden and Mary Louise Curtis branches, May 16 at the Kardon-Northeast Branch, and May 18 at the Germantown Branch.

Collaborate and listen: Settlement partners with local arts organizations

The next month at Settlement Music School brings exciting partnerships with other arts and educational organizations: one a new venture, the other an annual tradition.

The performance hour and gallery opening at the Germantown Branch, featured on GoMtAiry.com

Student recitals are scattered throughout the year at all six Settlement branches, but the one held on Sunday, February 24 at the Germantown Branch will be more than a showcase of students' skills. Allens Lane Art Center, a fixture of the arts and culture in the Mt. Airy neighborhood of Northwest Philadelphia, is opening a satellite gallery in the Samuel and Elaine Lieberman Auditorium at the Germantown Branch. Following the recital on February 24, there will be a reception with local artist Vincent DeLeo, whose art will be on display in the auditorium through March 24.
 

Cuatro Celli, with cellist Timothy Eddy of the Orion Quartet (center) and cello faculty Christine Danoff (far right)

The end of that same week brings Settlement's annual collaboration with the Jenkintown-based Metropolitan Ballet Company. The program, "Variations/Collaborations," features Settlement students accompanying the 30-member classical dance company in performances of ballet and modern dance. Featured performers from Settlement include Cuatro Celli, a cello quartet coached by cello faculty Christine Danoff; a piano trio coached by piano faculty and Arthur Judson Distinguished Faculty Chair Sandra Carlock; and solo performers, including Kristal Daniels, voice student of Judith Turano, and faculty member and Mr. and Mrs. Donald Kardon Distinguished Faculty Chair Jean Louise Shook. The program, which was previewed on Philadelphiadance.org's danceJournal blog, will be held Saturday, March 2 at 7 p.m.; tickets are $15.00 and can be purchased online at www.metropolitanballetcompany.org

The creative energies from these artistic collaborations will continue throughout the year, including recitals and certification concerts throughout the spring and Settlement's contribution to the Philadelphia Festival of the Arts on April 13 and 18.

Settlement and PIFA Enter the Time Machine

The Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts showcases the diversity of the arts throughout the Philadelphia region, and after a remarkable debut in 2011, this year's festival takes the form of a month-long journey through time from March 28 to April 27, 2013. With the mysterious prompt "If you had a time machine..." Settlement Music School joins dozens of local arts organizations in collectively revisiting the past and imagining the future.

Settlement's KyoDaiko ensemble

Settlement's contribution to this wide-reaching festival takes just a short trip back in time -- to 2011 -- but with music that reaches back to much more ancient traditions. We're honored to partner with Shofuso Japanese House and Garden in West Fairmount Park in presenting "Hiraki," a newly written piece that commemorates the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in March 2011.

Composer and soloist Kaoru Watanabe

The performance, which will take place April 13 at PNC Bank Presser Recital Hall at Settlement's Mary Louise Curtis branch and April 18 at Shofuso Japanese House, features Settlement's KyoDaiko Taiko drummers along with composer and performer Kaoru Watanabe, a New York-based practitioner of various Japanese transverse bamboo fue or flutes, the taiko drum as well as the Western flute. 

His music blends the folk and classical traditions of Japan with contemporary improvisational and experimental music. Kaoru has performed with such artists as jazz pianist Jason Moran and Kabuki actor Bando Tamasaburo, and was a member and artistic director of Japanese taiko ensemble Kodo. As an educator, Kaoru teaches workshops and masterclasses internationally, courses at Princeton and Wesleyan University, and regular classes at his own studio, the Kaoru Watanabe Taiko Center in Brooklyn.

Join us on April 13 and 18 for Settlement's PIFA performances, which connect modern music and history with centuries-old tradition, and check out PIFA.org for announcements by the other participating arts and cultural organizations.  

An afternoon of jazz with the West Philadelphia Branch

For a recap of one of Settlement's recent summer camps, we turn the blog over to Brad Davis, Communications department summer intern.

On August 3, I attended the West Philadelphia Branch’s summer jazz camp performance at the Green Line Café.  My first experience watching and, better yet, filming a jazz ensemble performance was truly awesome.  The environment was relaxed, with well-dressed, talkative parents chatting.  The ensemble, which was divided into two smaller groups, each played three or four tunes. The two faculty members in charge of the camp, Mark Forchic and Dan Peterson, employed several interesting techniques within each standard, including many memorable solos and trade-offs between instruments.  Each soloist’s playing was focused and rhythmically clean. During solos, my eyes searched the audience until I came across one parent’s face, which beamed with pride and excitement as she watched her child let loose on stage. 

In “Song for My Father”, one musician introduced the song in uniquely humorous fashion: “We’d like to dedicate this piece to all fathers; you people are wonderful human beings.” Echoes of laughter filled the room, but soon after, the kids immediately focused on the charts in front of them and began to play a smooth, relaxing Horace Silver piece. Later, in “Beginning to See the Light,” the soothing melody of the saxophone was played in parallel by the trombones and bass, characteristic of the 1920’s Jazz style. 

I was amazed at each ensemble’s balance and consistency. There were times when I expected the saxophone to overpower the guitar or xylophone, but each person played to their strengths and those of others. When you consider the ensemble had only a week to prepare, you can’t help but be impressed.

After the final full group set, I had been eagerly awaiting to speak with Dave Allen, Publications and Social Media Manager, who was there with me taking pictures of the young musicians in action.  From the look on his face, I knew he’d been thrilled with the performance. I congratulated several of the players and asked them how they’d enjoyed the cam and performance.  Each kid sported an energetic smile and gushed about his or her positive summer experience at Settlement.  If I had taken part in such a performance, I think I’d be gushing too.

Behind the scenes at Summer Jam, sponsored by PECO

For a recap of one of Settlement's recent summer camps, we turn the blog over to Mark Forchic, guitarist and Settlement faculty member.

Summer Jam 2012 rocked! I figured that should be the appropriate opening statement for my first SMS blog, since no other words can describe what an amazing job the students of SJ12 did. Summer Jam 2012 marked the sixth year of Summer Jam’s existence and proved it to be a very successful and gratifying experience for all involved.

Members of Mr. Moustachio and faculty member Mark Forchic listen to the playback

A little background: for those who don’t know what Summer Jam is, SJ is the “band experience” for students. It’s an opportunity for students, ages 12-18, to form a band, write, learn, and record their music, then put on a gig at a legitimate venue in the Philly area.

This year’s bands included The Pepper Trees, the Pastafarians, and Mr. Mustachio. For 2 weeks, these three bands hunkered down in the studios in MLC and began the process of becoming true rockers. Through individual lessons on their appropriate instruments and songwriting classes, they put their newly acquired information to use through plenty of rehearsal time throughout each day.

The Pepper Trees (four out of six of them, anyway) recording at Sine Studios

After about a week and a half, the bands approach their first major step to fulfilling their goal: recording their newly conceived original song at a professional recording studio. For the past few years at Summer Jam, Sine Studios has generously lent their facilities to the Summer Jammers, and allowed the students to experience what it is to record their art in a professional studio. And I have to say, the bands rocked it! All three bands stepped up to pressures of a recording experience and did a super job, all on the eve of the camp final experience: the gig.

The Pastafarians on stage at Silk City, cranking out a Led Zeppelin cover

 On the last day of the camp, Silk City Diner & Lounge (thanks, Joe B.!) was the venue of choice to showcase the talents of 3 hard-working bands, and all three took their talents to a higher level. The bands did such a great job, from performing their original songs, to entertaining the crowd with familiar versions of songs from Queen to Led Zeppelin. It left the SJ faculty - Luke Honer, Toshio Mana and me - very proud and happy to be a part of it. At the end of the performance, there were a lot of smiles and even more talk about next year’s Summer Jam!

Widening the Stage: A new city-wide initiative for Settlement

Faculty, board members, the press, the Mayor of Philadelphia and a special celebrity guest were all on hand today at the Mary Louise Curtis branch for the announcement of a major grant and the start of a new, city-wide initiative. 

The Virginia-based Jack Kent Cooke Foundation has awarded $250,000 in funding for a program to enroll children ages 8 to 18 from lower-income families into a comprehensive music preparatory training program. It will also include Settlement's first-ever touring ensemble.

After an introduction by Settlement executive director Helen S. Eaton and Settlement Central Board of Trustees chair Barrie Trimingham, Mayor Michael Nutter delivered the announcement. "Settlement is really an incredible component of what we call in Philadelphia 'the creative economy'," Nutter said, noting that the program will enroll 80 students at Settlement's four Philadelphia-based branches.

Rock-and-roll legend and Settlement alumnus Chubby Checker made a special appearance after the announcement. He did "the Twist" and a few other dance moves, andd even gave a few staff members a sneak preview of a new composition -- listen up for it this summer!

The announcement received a lot of great media coverage by WHYY's Newsworks, Philebrity, and The Philadelphia Inquirer's Peter Dobrin, who covered the announcement on his ArtsWatch blog. He said, "In Philadelphia, where the need is great and resources strained, the news is doubly good when an organization wins an outside grant. The theory is, the award of local money means another local group needing it loses out, whereas money coming from a national source is a net gain into the community."

More information is available in our press room, and there will be more news here as the program gears up.

A Holiday Tradition

What better way to ring in the holidays than with a performance of a time-honored classic? Sure, you've been listening to music by Bing, Andy and Karen for a few weeks now, but you can really get yourself into the right spirit by attending one of Settlement's four performances of The Nutcracker.

With beautiful costumes, a heartwarming story, and talented young performers from across the Philadelphia region, it's a great opportunity to see how much fun dance at Settlement can be. Our dance faculty--Olga Blumenkrantz at the Kardon-Northeast Branch and Kaye Fernandez at the Mary Louise Curtis, West Philadelphia and Camden Branches--have done a terrific job of adapting The Nutcracker for our smaller stages and dancers.

Settlement's dance students have put a lot of hard work into this year's performances. One of the best parts about attending The Nutcracker year after year? Watching the dancers move from role to role. Last year's polichinelle could be this year's Marie. A marzipan from a few years ago might now be the Sugar Plum Fairy. These holiday performances really showcase the progression and increasing skill of these young performers.

Dates and times for the performances are as follows:

Saturday, December 17, 11 AM, Kardon-Northeast Branch
Sunday, December 18, 3 PM, Mary Louise Curtis Branch
Monday, December 19, 6 PM, Camden Branch
Wednesday, December 21, 6 PM, West Philadelphia Branch

Many thanks to West Philadelphia Branch board member Sean Kardon for taking these pictures at the Mary Louise Curtis Nutcracker rehearsal last week. You can see more pictures on our Facebook page!

Settlement Visits the National Guild for Community Arts Education Conference

Last week, West Philadelphia Branch Director Carolyn Fitzgerald attended the National Guild for Community Arts Education Annual Conference. Today, we turn the blog over to her for a summary of the event. Take it away, Carolyn!

There is something magical about being in the same place with people who share your passion. Some people may believe that being with like-minded people limits you, but not when you are with the members of the National Guild for Community Arts Education. The Guild hosted its annual conference in Boston from November 10-12, and offered pre-conference workshops the day before. I was fortunate enough to attend both the full conference and a pre-conference Engaging Adolescents Institute.

The view over Boston

This was my first experience with the National Guild conference, and the experience sent me back to the West Philadelphia Branch with a head full of inspiration, new ideas and viewpoints. The Engaging Adolescents Institute was by far my favorite day of the conference. From 9:30 am through 4:30 pm, members of the Guild discussed, debated and examined the Engaging Adolescents Initiative that the organization researched and published in 2010 (which is available free of charge here).

The Guild invited youth scholars from Boston’s Hyde Square Task Force to facilitate parts of the discussion and actively advise the professionals in the room about what attracts and keeps teens in programs. Presentations from model programs were given by San Antonio’s SAY Si, Detroit’s Mosaic Youth Theatre, and Brooklyn’s Ifetayo Cultural Arts. Each organization has a different strategy for recruiting and retaining teens in their communities and offered valuable guidance and advice to the institutions gathered.

The formal conference kicked off bright and early Thursday morning with introductions by Guild staff and board. This was the largest conference in the Guild’s history! The keynote speaker was Will Power—actor, playwright, and hip-hop artist—who both performed for the opening breakfast and spoke about engaging today’s teens. His speech set the tone for conference – one of being open to dialogue and change.

I attended two luncheons, one with the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Guild where I met organizations from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and Washington, D.C. Philadelphia was well-represented with members from Settlement (of course!), Temple Music Preparatory, Mural Arts, Fleischer Art Memorial, Walnut Street Theatre, University City Arts League and many more.

Another highlight of the conference was attending Jazz at Lincoln Center’s presentation on Arts for Life: Marrying Skills-Based and Aesthetic Education Practices. As many students at the West Philadelphia Branch know, I am a huge jazzhead and a big fan of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s programming. Joanna Massey, Eli Yamin, and LaFrae Sci created a wonderful, informative and interactive presentation. They demonstrated the teaching methods that the Middle School Jazz Academy has had success in implementing and had all of us singing, improvising and harmonizing Wade in the Water.

Drum Circle at South Shore Conservatory

My final day, Saturday, was spent visiting the South Shore Conservatory and attending the Annual Guild Luncheon. Jane Golden of Philadelphia’s Mural Arts Program was one of the honorees at the luncheon. Jane gave a powerful speech on the power of arts to enact true, positive change in the community. Her program is a testament to arts education that has changed the landscape of Philadelphia. As a resident of Philadelphia, I am thankful I get to view the gorgeous murals her program creates.

A choir performs at the Annual Guild Luncheon

The Guild demonstrates that learning in the arts can be a life-long process. It provides wonderful learning opportunities for its members by holding this conference and various institutes throughout the year. I can’t wait for, and hope I have the opportunity to attend, next year’s conference in Dallas, Texas.

The Myriad Talents of Settlement Faculty on Display

If you missed the Karin Fuller Capanna Faculty Recital on October 16, then you're in luck, because we've made portions of it available on our YouTube channel.

Among the pieces you can see there are two compositions by Settlement faculty members. Roberto Pace, the Robert Capanna Fundamentals of Music Distinguished Faculty Chair, teaches both piano and theory at Settlement, and composed a piece titled Quartet for Piano and Strings. Originally commissioned for the Benjamin and Carol Auger Contemporary Music Advanced Study Ensemble by the group's namesake, the piece was performed in its entirety for the first time at this concert.

Closing the recital, the School featured a piece by Michael Djupstrom, perhaps not coincidentally also a piano and theory instructor, titled Daydreams and Night Visions.



Keep your eye on our YouTube channel, and mark it as one of your favorites, because we've got plans to add much more content in the coming months. Interested in seeing something specific about our programs? Let us know in comments here or on our Facebook page, where you can also find pictures from the faculty recital.

Settlement's 103rd Anniversary Gala Featured in Philadelphia Inquirer

Philadelphia has a busy social calendar this time of year, and the School's 103rd Anniversary Gala happens right in the thick of it. The Gala, along with the first-ever Luxury Raffle, was a great success, and our guests danced long into the night.

If you pick up today's Philadelphia Inquirer, you can see a few of the Gala attendees on the Social Circuit page. And if you're impatient, you can see them online, right now, by clicking here.

Of course, if you 'like' Settlement on Facebook, you've already seen a wide array of photos from the event. You do like Settlement on Facebook, don't you? Don't miss out! Visit our page and hit the Like button today!

While you're there, take a look at photos from a recent collaboration between our Gleeksman-Kohn Children's Choir and the Chicago Children's Choir.

Advanced Study Ensembles Hit the Stage

In case you missed it, our Advanced Study Ensembles performed this past Sunday, March 6. As always, the students did not disappoint; it was a rousing evening of classical and modern music.

As is our custom lately, we've posted video of the concert on our YouTube channel. Each of the Advanced Study groups is represented, so take a look and let us know what you think in the comments section of each video.

And don't forget to check out the gallery of photos from the concert on our Facebook page.

If you're following us on Twitter, you'd have all this info already, since we tweeted the photos as they were taken, and we tweeted the videos as they were uploaded. Useful thing, Twitter. Take a second and follow us, if you haven't already.

Kicking Things Off at Willow Grove

On Saturday, January 8, at the close of the first full week of lessons and classes at the Willow Grove Branch, the School held two performance hours. Not so unusual, as performance hours are a regular Saturday tradition at Settlement. These performance hours were special, though, because they were the first performance hours held at the new Willow Grove Branch.

The performance hour is a special part of the Settlement experience, as it gives every student the opportunity to practice the their skills in front of an audience. A more relaxed setting than a formal student recital, the performance hour is a great opportunity for students of any age and skill level.

You can see more photos from the performance hour at our Facebook page, and videos of some of the performances on our YouTube page.

But the performance hour wasn't the only thing happening at the new Branch this weekend. The School held an exclusive first look for its board members, faculty and staff. A few brave souls ventured out into the Saturday's snow to see the new facility first hand.

Leonard Mellman, pictured above with Executive Director Helen Eaton (left) and Branch Director Marsha Hogan (right), stopped by to take a look at the recital hall that bears his name.

Chair of the Central Board of Trustees, Joseph W. Waz, Jr., also dropped by, along with his wife, Ann Stookey Waz. Along their tour, they surveyed the new percussion studio. An improvement over the basement studio at the Jenkintown, faculty members have noted that students are initially distracted by the room with a view.
Haven't seen the new branch for yourself yet? Stop on by! Check the web site for hours of operation!

This weekend at Settlement (1/31-2/1)

Looking for something to do this weekend? Look no further than your local Settlement branch!

Saturday, January 31, 2009 there will be performance hours at 10 am at the Mary Louise Curtis and West Philadelphia Branches.

Not a fan of football? Dread all the pre-superbowl festivities? Come to our Winter Orchestra Festival at the Mary Louise Curtis Branch this Sunday, February 1 at 3:00.

Clip from Settlement Jazz All Star Recital

Here is a clip from the Settlement Jazz All Star Recital featuring Dave Posmontier.

Support the arts this week!

Now that you’ve finished your gift shopping, what are you going to do?

Below is a list of some concerts, recitals and other events happening in Philadelphia this week. Support the ARTS!


Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Electri-City Lighting Event Wednesday, December 17
Broad Street - Downtown PhiladelphiaPresented by Center City District
FREE!
http://www.centercityphila.org/

Jars of Clay “Love Came Down at Christmas” Wednesday, December 17
Keswick TheatrePresented by BRE Presents
$39.50
Call 215-572-7650 to order
http://www.keswicktheatre.com/

Philadelphia Orchestra Presents FREE Community Holiday Concert Wednesday, December 17
Martin Luther King High School, 7:30 pm

Winter Wonderland Pajama Storytime Wednesday, December 17
Free Library of Philadelphia - Parkway Central Library
Presented by Free Library of Philadelphia
FREE!
http://libwww.library.phila.gov/branches/branch.cfm?loc=CEN


Thursday, December 18, 2008

Christmas Jazz with Eric Mintel Thursday, December 18
Crossing Vineyards and Winery
$45
Call 215-493-6500 x19 to order
http://www.crossingvineyards.com/events/


Friday, December 19, 2008

The Nutcracker, Friday, December 19
Mary Louise Curtis Branch of Settlement Music School
7 PM, FREE
http://www.smsmusic.org/branches/mlc.php?t=1

Nouvelle, Nouvelle! Christmas in Renaissance France Friday, December 19
Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill
Presented by Piffaro, the Renaissance Band
$15-$35
Call 215-235-8469 to order
http://piffaro.org/concerts/

A Christmas Carol Friday, December 19
Upper Darby Performing Arts Center
Presented by Upper Darby Performing Arts Center
$4-$8
Call 610-622-1189 to order
http://www.udpac.org/


Saturday, December 20, 2008

Student Performance Hour, Saturday, December 20
Mary Louise Curtis Branch of Settlement Music School
10 AM, FREE
http://www.smsmusic.org/branches/mlc.php?t=1

Tuba Christmas Saturday, December 20
Kimmel Center - Commonwealth Plaza
FREE! Call 215-893-1999 to order
http://www.kimmelcenter.org/events/plaza.php

Amahl and the Night Visitors Saturday, December 20
Roxborough High SchoolPresented by Delaware Valley Opera Company
$15-$20 Call 215-725-4171 to order
http://www.dvopera.org/index.htm


Sunday, December 21, 2008

Ballet Open House, Sunday, December 21
West Philadelphia Branch of Settlement Music School
2 PM, FREE
http://www.smsmusic.org/branches/westphila.php?t=5

Advent Lessons and Carols
Sunday, December 21st at 5:00 p.m
Philadelphia Cathedral, 3723 Chestnut Street
http://www.philadelphiacathedral.org/content/view/22/82/

Winter Tidings: A Solstice Showcase Sunday, December 21
World Café Live
Call 215-222-1400 to order
http://tickets.worldcafelive.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=2784


Next Week

Ballet Open House and Performance, Monday, December 22
Camden Musical Arts Branch of Settlement Music School
Open Classes 4:30 - 6:00
Performance 6:00PM, FREE
http://www.smsmusic.org/branches/camden.php?t=6

Klezmas Eve and Cantonese Wednesday, December 24
Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel
$0-$18
http://www.bzbi.org/calendar.php

The Moo Shu Jew Show Wednesday, December 24
Ocean City Restaurant
Presented by Gershman Y
$55-$65
http://www.gershmany.org/viewprogram.php?id=18

Tis the Season to Eat Gingerbread Monday, December 22 through Monday, December 29
National Constitution Center
FREE! Call 215-409-6647 to order
http://constitutioncenter.org/ncc_calen_Landing.aspx?code=3024


Multiple Performances

The Glorious Sound of Christmas Thursday, December 18 through Saturday, December 20
Kimmel Center - Verizon Hall
Presented by Philadelphia Orchestra and The Philadelphia Singers Chorale
$34-$105 Call 215-893-1999 to order
http://www.philorch.org/

Baroque Christmas Saturday and Sunday, December 20, 21
St. Paul's Episcopal Church - Chestnut Hill
Presented by Vox Ama Deus
$10-$25 Call 610-688-2800 to order
http://www.voxamadeus.org/

A Christmas Carol Through Saturday, December 20
Walnut Street Theatre Presented by Walnut Street Theatre
$5-$15 Call 215-574-3550 to order
http://www.walnutstreettheatre.org/season/carol08.php

The Santaland Diaries Through Friday, December 19
Adrienne Theater - Second Stage
Presented by Flashpoint Theatre Company
$10-$15 Call 215-665-9720 to order
http://www.flashpointtheatre.org/0809season_MS4.html

Holidays In The Square Through Saturday, December 20
Franklin SquarePresented by Historic Philadelphia, Inc.
FREE!
http://historicphiladelphia.org/index.php

Christmas Village in Philadelphia Through Wednesday, December 24
Dilworth Plaza
FREE!
http://www.philachristmas.com/28-0-About.html

Holiday Concerts Through Wednesday, December 31
Independence Visitor Center
FREE!
http://www.independencevisitorcenter.com/

Parkway Picks Holiday Through Wednesday, December 31
Benjamin Franklin Parkway Presented by Parkway Council Foundation
http://www.parkwaycouncilfoundation.org/pdfs/ParkwayPicksHoliday2008.pdf

It's a Wonderful Life! A Live Radio Play Through Sunday, December 21
Prince Music Theater
$35-$45 Call 215-569-9700 to order
http://www.princemusictheater.org/

Holiday POPS! Through Saturday, December 20
Kimmel Center - Verizon Hall
Presented by Peter Nero and the Philly Pops
$27-$104 Call 215-893-1999 to order
http://www.phillypops.org/

Manayunk's Classic Holiday on Main Festival Through Sunday, December 21
Main Street - Manayunk Presented by Manayunk Development Corporation
FREE!
http://manayunk.com/

The Eight: Reindeer Monologues Through Wednesday, December 31
Society Hill Playhouse
$21 Call 215-923-0210 to order
http://www.societyhillplayhouse.org/redroomsoon.html

Carols in Color Thursday, December 18 through Sunday, December 21
New Freedom Theatre
Presented by Eleone Dance Theatre
$24-$27 Call 215-569-9700 to order
http://eleonedance.org/chistory.htm

Guess Who's Coming to Brunch - John Blake and Diane Monroe

This Sunday, violinists John Blake and Diane Monroe will be performing at the Settlement 100 Brunch & Live Broadcast. Both are Settlement 100 honorees and alumni.

Diane Monroe is a faculty member teaching at the Jenkintown Branch and coaches the Gray Charitable Trust Piano Trio.

John Blake, is an active performer and educator. In November he performed at the Jazz All-Stars Distinguished Alumni Recital. Through Musicopia (formerly Strings for Schools), he gives hundreds of educational concerts and workshops each year.

Don't miss their exciting performance and interview this Sunday, in person or on WRTI.

Guess Who's Coming to Brunch?

On Sunday, December 7, 2008 Settlement Music School will hold the Settlement 100 Sunday Brunch and Live Broadcast at the Park Hyatt at the Bellevue.

Performing will be:

John E. Blake and Diane Monroe, violins
Beth Levin, piano
Teresa McCann, piano
Joseph Anderer and Leah Mellman Bowes, French horn and piano
Reginald Pindell and Jeffrey Uhlig, baritone and piano
Myer Schwarz Advanced Study Piano Trio
Gail W. Snitzer Advanced Study String Quartet
Rosalie Magen Weinstein and Matthew B. Weinstein Advanced Study Woodwind Quintet

Performances and interviews will be broadcast live on WRTI from 12:00 to 2:00. Please join us or listen in!

To order tickets call 215-320-2686 or go online here.