European Suzuki Association - Teachers Newsletter Vol 36 2016

8 ESVG 2017 , the European Suzuki Viola Gathering 2017 will take place in Wat- ford, near London, February 17-19, 2017. It will be the first ever European Suzuki Association event dedicated to the Viola. Our goal for the event is to provide a wonderful opportunity for Suzuki Violists (and Violinists who would like to know more about what is happening in the Suzuki Viola community) to meet, to play music, to discuss, to teach and to learn, all in the spirit of celebrating our mutual love for the Viola in a welcoming, non- competitive environment. The first discussions about holding an ESA event dedicated to Violists and the Viola took place during the ESA Teachers’ Conference held in Cambridge in Sep- tember 2010. The idea has been dis- cussed on a number of occasions since. Last July, the ESA Viola Teachers who were present at the European Suzuki Convention in Davos met over dinner to discuss some concrete plans for an ESA Viola workshop, the ESA Board graciously gave its permission to use the name “Suzuki” in the title, and the European Suzuki Viola Gathering 2017 became real- ity. ESVG 2017 will be less formal in its ap- proach than many traditional Suzuki workshops. John Lennon once said that “music is everybody's possession” and another musician named John wrote “the best music comes from real people inter- acting with each other.” At ESVG 2017, those who love the Viola are warmly in- vited to come to share their devotion for this instrument in the best way possible – by interacting in playing music and by learning together. The word gathering has been deliber- ately chosen, and it is inspired by the very successful French Suzuki rassemble- ment, held each year near Paris. ESVG 2017 is designed for community building and giving Suzuki Viola greater visibility within the larger Suzuki community. In addition to Viola group classes and Viola ensembles at various levels which are intended for those who are already learning and playing the Viola, there will be a parents’ “meet the Viola ” as well as “ Viola for Violinists ” sessions. This gives attendees the chance to experience the instrument themselves, literally at first hand. ESVG will also include scheduled op- portunities for Viola teachers and parents to meet, to exchange mutual experiences and to learn from each other. ESVG will provide numerous opportunities for ESA trainees and others to observe a wide range of Viola classes. We will also welcome observers and teachers of other in- struments, and members of other, non-European Suzuki Associations. On Saturday evening attendees will enjoy a Viola recital followed by a child-friendly reception. The closing concert will be an occasion in which all who have played the Viola during the weekend, including those who have done so for the first time, will be invited to take part. Costs for ESVG are deliberately being kept as low as possible, so that we can keep registration fees low, and so make it possible for many European Viola teachers, their pupils and fami- lies to attend. Following the example set at the French, rassemblement , all who attend ESVG, pupils, parents, as well as teachers and observers will pay their own expenses, and those who teach classes at ESVG will do so on a voluntary basis. We are very fortunate in our location. Watford is close to London and easily accessible from all London airports and from other parts of the UK. The Watford Music School is being provided to ESVG at a very generous rate (including on-site meals) and will be a rewarding environ- ment for us to meet and play. ESVG 2017 has an active support commu- nity assisting in its planning, including the ESA Office and Board. Juan Drown (UK) and Joanne Martin (France/Canada) have agreed to act as joint Musical Directors. Peter King (France/Canada) is the ESVG 2017 organizer and administrator. Regis- tration is well underway with almost 100 registrants at this time, but there is room for lots more to attend! The website listed below has further de- tails on the event including local travel and accommodation and further details of the event itself. Anton Bruckner called the Viola, “the heart and soul of the orchestra”. Join us in Watford in February 2017, where our Viola Gathering will help to make this beautiful instrument the heart and soul of the European Suzuki Association. Further details about ESVG 2017 includ- ing registration can be found at http:// www. eu ropean suzuk i . o r g /even t s / view/2017-02-17esvg17uk Any questions please contact the organ- izer, Peter King, at esvg2017@gmail.com 2017 European Suzuki Viola Gathering Peter King