CYM Faculty Leading Musikgarten Teacher Training Workshop

This week will see our own Ms. Amy in the Chicago area, doing what she loves to do! Music teachers from around the country, along with music majors from Wheaton College, are taking Musikgarten training with Ms. Amy to become certified teachers in the preschool level of the Musikgarten curriculum. This workshop is being offered through Wheaton’s Community School for the Arts, where Musikgarten has been taught for years.

Have fun, Ms. Amy!

New Year is Coming… Ready for New Lessons?

Happy Holidays!

We will see you soon when CYM starts up again on January 6th!

Meanwhile, this might be the most wonderful time to think about adding new lessons or group classes to your student’s music studies!

Did you know that beyond piano, violin, cello, guitar, and voice we offer….

Banjo? Drum Set? Ukulele? Adult Lessons and Classes? CYM offers something for everyone in your household. Call us for a consult!

THINKING AHEAD: Do you have a request for summer programming? Let us know in the comments below- we will begin preparations for summer course offerings soon!

CYM Cello Students Dazzle with Selections from Robert Frost’s Christmas Kaleidoscope

Encore! CYM’s cello students (accompanied by Mr. Ryan) performed again for the residents at Cumberland Crossing. The attendees sang along with selections from Robert Frost’s Christmas Kaleidoscope. A fantastic time was had by all (a couple of the residents came up and even thanked our students in person!). Below are some pictures from the event. If you would like the digital file for any of the pictures, please email Mr. Jake Niehl at Jniehl@youngmusicians.org with the number beneath the picture you would like.

CYM Instrumentalists Delight Crowds at CMOA

On Thursday, December 19th, CYM students and their teachers regaled museum-goers with beautiful holiday music, giving patrons an aural feast to complement the visual!

Performers enjoyed being a part of the current exhibit of Carnegie Trees and Neapolitan Presepio. This exhibit runs through January 5th, so there is still time to take advantage of the display. Visit here for more information.

Congratulations to our performers and teachers- thank you for using your gifts to bring quality music to area events!

CYM Holiday Concert Sets Festive Tone

CYM families enjoyed a beautiful recital that showcased the hard work of many of our CYM students. Guitar, piano, cello and violin were all represented. Some of our youngest performers had the opportunity to try out their pieces for a warm and receptive audience for the very first time!

Faculty duets included arrangements by Mr. Chris, and featured Ms. Leah and Mr. Chris on violin, Ms. Amy, piano, and Mr. Jake, cello, and Mr. Erich, guitar.

Congratulations to all of our performers!

If you would like one of the picture files from below, email jniehl@youngmusicians.org with the number picture you would like!

Now Bring Us Some …Figgy Pudding??

One of the most popular songs to sing this time of year is We Wish You a Merry Christmas. It could be we have been singing this song all of our lives but have not quite understood all the references. For example….figgy pudding. What exactly is figgy pudding? If we try to imagine what it is with our modern version of JELL-O® pudding, and limited understanding of figs (Fig Newton®, anyone?), we might assert that it should be called ICKY pudding!

But this yummy dessert has a deep history and is probably  way better than you think it is! Thankfully, the folks at the Post-Gazette have done some research and have the whole story here.

While you’re reading, feast your ears on this version of the carol as sung with humor, and excellence, by The King’s Singers!

Holiday Event Reminders

Don’t forget there are still holiday events you won’t want to miss!

Ms. Rochelle and her students playing at the beautiful Carnegie Museum of Art, (December 19th, 6:30 pm) amid the Carnegie Trees and the Neapolitan  Presepio! Read more about this event here.

Mr. Ryan and cello students will be performing again at Cumberland Crossing. Read more about that outreach event, and make plans to attend on December 20, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Musicians Shine at the Nutcracker

A report from Ms. Simmi: CYM students performed at the Benedum during the pre-show and intermission of the Nutcracker on Saturday, and it was a spectacular night all around! Our pianists and violinist did such a beautiful job with their holiday pieces, they were well-prepared, and had a great crowd to perform for in the lobby. We all enjoyed the magical Nutcracker performance, as well! All of us here at CYM hope to make this a new holiday tradition!

Our CYM student performers:

Congratulations to all!

Holiday Event Reminder!

So many great things are happening this holiday season with CYM students and teachers! Here’s what on deck. Support CYM by attending:

SING! An Irish Christmas: Thursday, December 12, Benedum Center. Email Ms. Amy if you need comp tickets- arucker@youngmusicians.org

CYM Holiday Concert: CYM students performing for each other at the Unitarian Church in Shadyside, December 14, 7:00pm.  Contact Mr. Erich with questions- ereibe@youngmusicians.org

CYM Pianists at the Nutcracker:  December 14, 7:00pm-9:00pm.  For more information contact Ms. Simmi- simmitripathi@youngmusicians.org.

Strings at Carnegie Museum: December 19th, 6:30pm – 7:30pm. For more information, contact Ms. Rochelle- ragnew@youngmusicians.org

A Jolly Time Had by All at Sewickley Light Up Night!

CYM staff and faculty had a great time playing hosts to hundreds of Light Up Night folks!

Mr. Rob and Mr. Jake greeted everyone coming in and quickly discerned if they were performers or just visiting! Students had fun finding their names on the Recital Performers sign. Guests and performers alike made their way to the Jingle Bell Bracelet table, where Ms. Amy and her daughter, Elise, were ready to demonstrate the fine art of combining pipe cleaners and jingle bells!

Meanwhile, Ms. Lindsay was sending performers to the back concert room, where several recitals took place! It was fun to hear the music come all the way down the hall to those just entering our doors. So many great conversations took place regarding lessons and classes. Everyone was on hand to get the word out about all the great things happening at CYM.

Thank you to all who assisted with the recitals- Ms. Grace, Ms. Simmi, Mr. Chris, Ms. Rochelle, Ms. Leah, Mr. Mark, and Mr. Erich. It was a treat to have Ms. Alicia and Ms. Victoria join in the festivities toward the final recitals.

Congratulations to all — what a great kickoff to the holidays!