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- October / November 2023 Newsletter
Autumn 2023 Newsletter
Stay in the KnowMany of our programs are registering for Session 2. Stay up to date on your program through www.chicagosma.com. Feel free to contact info@chicagosma.com with any questions or concerns.
Many of you will get an email about your student’s class demo. And you might ask, “What is a demo?”
A number of our programs have a parent/guardian demonstration in the last 15 minutes of the last class of the session. Demos are a great way for parents/guardians to engage with their child and see what exceptional work has been done over the course of the session. From piano and voice to pom squad and theater, demos are a fun way to see how your child’s confidence and performance skills have grown.Missed something? You can see all of our past newsletters on our website. 
Music Education in the News
We really loved this New York Times article, which prominently features some great opinions about how musical education (and other enrichments) should be viewed and executed. We also believe in the usefulness in trying (and sometimes failing) and love being able to cultivate the joy and connection children can have while using music as an expressive language.
Nod your head if you love hip hop class!Do You Know of a School That Needs After School Enrichments or Music?
We want to help every neighborhood, school, community organization, student and family find access to music and other enrichment opportunities. Help us! Please feel free to fill out this form to let us know about a community that could benefit from ChicagoSMA: https://chicagosma.com/whycsma/Registration Links All our schools have opened registration and begun classes, but it’s not too late to join! Click the button below to check availability for classes at your school and sign up. Private Lessons
Whether you are new to an instrument or just keeping up your skills, try out a private lesson! Get your free 15 minute virtual trial scheduled today (new students only). Email: info@chicagosma.com
Enjoying this newsletter? Share it with a friend! 
Artist-Teacher Spotlight: Jade DasháJade Dashá is a Cleveland born, Florida raised and Chicago-based soprano and music teacher studying under Dr. Viktoria Vizin. Jade began in 2023 as a Smith Young Artist with Cedar Rapids Opera singing Miss Jones in the world-premier of Charlie and the Wolf, which toured local schools. She has also had the pleasure of working with Opera Steamboat (CO) and Chicago Fringe Opera this year, and was a Studio Artist with Central City Opera (CO) this summer. - September 2023 Newsletter
We hope you are enjoying our classes!
Classes have begun! We hope you’re having a great time in your new classes with ChicagoSMA. Reply to this email and let us know how your experience has been so far!
Missed something? You can see all of our newsletters and more on our website under Parent Resources.
Do you follow us on social media? We share a lot of day-to-day updates and photos, so follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to add a bright spot to your home feed!
Missed something? You can see all of our past newsletters on our website. Registration Open Now All our schools have opened registration and begun classes, but it’s not too late to join! Click the button below to check availability for classes at your school and sign up. Private Lessons
Whether you are new to an instrument or just keeping up your skills, try out a private lesson! Get your free 15 minute virtual trial scheduled today (new students only). Email: info@chicagosma.com
Enjoying this newsletter? Share it with a friend! 
Artist-Teacher Spotlight: Emily ZourasEmily began dancing at the age of 2 in Dalton, GA where she trained with the Dalton Dance Company and participated in annual performances of The Nutcracker and the Atlanta Dance Festival – Jazz on Tap. Emily was also a cheerleader in high school for the Dalton Catamounts.
Emily continued her dance education in college as a dance minor at the University of Tennessee and was accepted into their Performing Arts Dance Company. Upon graduation Emily moved to Chicago and continued to hone her craft at studios throughout the area and was a member of the Dance Forever Professional Company (All About Dance).
To this day Emily is still enhancing her dance knowledge by participating in training programs such as the Kathryn Morgan Adult Ballet Intensive and in 2023 completed her certification in the Nan Giordano Jazz Technique program.
Emily loves teaching the Pom Squad classes through Chicago SMA and is thrilled to bring the joy of dance and cheerleading to children. Emily is the mom to a 4th-grade CPS student and also teaches adult cardio dance. - August 2023 Newsletter
Are You Ready for the First Day of School?
Welcome to families old and new! Spots are still available. Invite your friends! All are welcome.We hope your student is getting JAZZED to head back to school soon. We want to make sure you’re in the know about registration for ChicagoSMA sessions! See below to learn more.Do you follow us on social media? We shared a really exciting post with a testimonial from Wayne P. Messmer, the National Anthem Soloist for the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Wolves. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to see more updates! 
Missed something? You can see all of our past newsletters on our website. Registration Open Now Alcott
Audubon (Apollo)
Bernard Zell Anshe Emet
Blaine
Burr
Drummond
Hawthorne
LaSalle IINational Teachers Academy
Nettlehorst
Skinner North
Ogden
Waters
Pulaski
RoycemoreRegistration Opening Soon August 28 (Right at School Evanston District 65)
King Arts
Willard
Orrington
Dewey
Lincoln
Winnetka
Greeley School
September 4 (Right at School Encinitas, CA)
Capri Elementary
Flora Vista Elementary
La Costa Heights Elementary
Mission Estancia Elementary
Ocean Knoll Elementary
Olivenhain Pioneer Elementary
Park Dale Lane Elementary
Paul Ecke Central Elementary
El Camino Creek Elementary
Private Lessons
Whether you are new to an instrument or just keeping up your skills, try out a private lesson! Get your free 15 minute virtual trial scheduled today (new students only). Email: info@chicagosma.com
Enjoying this newsletter? Share it with a friend! 
Artist-Teacher Spotlight: Carolina SotoCarolina Soto is a dynamic voice teacher based in Chicago, specializing in popular music, songwriting, and vocal groups. Since 2020, she has been sharing her love for music with aspiring musicians through her work with youth rock bands and private lessons. Graduating from Columbia College Chicago with a degree in Vocal Performance and Music Business in 2020, Carolina is a firm believer in being a “forever student” and continuously seeks to expand her knowledge and skills. With a nurturing and supportive teaching style, Carolina empowers her students to embrace their creative spirit, develop their musical abilities, and find their unique voice in the world of music. - July 2023 Newsletter
Make Your Summer a Musical One
We are excited to start a new series of ChicagoSMA Parent Guides that can be found on our website year round. Keep an eye out, because a new Parent Resources page will be coming soon!
Missed something? You can see all of our past newsletters on our website.
When can I start planning my child’s fall after school enrichments? Don’t worry, we are working diligently to get all fall programming solidified and scheduled. Expect Registration for most schools to start in early to mid August. We will email all registration and class information out later in the summer.
Images above are from the recital we hosted in June.Summer Parent Guides
Click the link below to learn more about Group vs. Private Lessons – How do I choose?Enjoying this newsletter? Share it with a friend! Summer Options: Whether you are new to an instrument or just keeping up your skills, try out a private lesson! Get your free 15 minute virtual trial scheduled today (new students only). Email: info@chicagosma.com
Camp Signup: We’ve got your back!
Sign Up: July 17- 21, 2023 9am-12pm through Right At School for Musical Adventures: Meet the Instruments (morning programming) at Nettelhorst Elementary.
Artist-Teacher Spotlight: Michael CepelaSince Michael’s graduation from North Park University in May 2020, he’s worked as Conductor’s Assistant under two working conductors with the Chicago Children’s Choir. Outside of academics, he’s been commissioned to compose music for a short, silent film by a local Chicago artist and for a digital audiobook. In his free time, he composes both orchestral and electronic music. - Frequently Asked Questions
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