But for the family new to the Institute experience, it can be a bit overwhelming! We get so many questions about what a day at Institute is like, that we thought we'd share one with you here.
Institute runs for an entire week, Monday-Saturday. Monday has a slightly different schedule, to allow for registration and orientation, and Saturday's schedule is slightly different because of final concerts. We can look at those special days at another time, but for today, I thought it would be nice to give you a glimpse of what a usual day was like for myself and my child at ISSI.
Please keep in mind that the following is a SAMPLE SCHEDULE and is not a guarantee that your child's schedule will be exactly the same.
830 am Arrive at Juan Diego high school
We like to get there early to make sure we find a good parking spot, and so that we don't feel hurried or rushed to get to class. Starting the day off with a relaxed pace goes a long way in making sure your child enjoys the rest of their day!
9 am Repertoire Class
During this class, my child works in a large group of students to prepare a piece or two for a performance at the final concert on Saturday. The teacher may go over other principles of string-playing through the week, but the main focus of this class is to prepare for that final performance. I love seeing the growth during the week, as well as the polish that comes from really digging into the details of a piece. And nothing beats the sound of a group of students playing a polished performance together; it is so exciting!
10 am Technique classIn this class, my child works in a large group of students who all play the same instrument and are at the same level. The teacher guides the class in studying and growing different techniques needed to play their instrument well. These classes can be quite a lot of fun, as many teachers bring games and different approaches to technique.
11 am Orchestra
Depending on what level your student is registered for, they may be placed in an orchestra class. This class is fun because it combines different instruments together (violin, viola, cello, bass) and focuses on note-reading. Students do not receive music ahead-of time, so it is a true sight-reading experience! ISSI has some incredible orchestra conductors, and orchestra is often students' favorite class. Students give a performance of their work at the final class of the week.
12 pm Lunch
This is one of our favorite times of the day! We get to connect with our friends and family, and see how their day is going. We get to talk about all the things they've learned and how things are going.
You can pack your own lunch, buy individual items from the school cafeteria, or buy lunch at one of the many different restaurants close to campus. We like to eat out at least once during the week, just because it's a fun way to make the week feel special.
1 pm Lunch time concertEvery day (except for Monday and Saturday....remember those days have special schedules) there is a lunch time concert. And every one is always a treat! These concerts feature ISSI students as soloists, or in chamber groups. And sometimes the concerts even feature our own faculty. Whatever is on the program, you will be inspired! You do not want to miss these.
2 pm Enrichment Class
ISSI offers some extra classes, which you can sign up for if you like. If you don't sign up for an enrichment class, you'd just have a free hour during that time. There have been classes such as art, story-telling, Zumba for kids, juggling, Kodaly, fiddling, etc. You'll want to check this year's registration flyer to see what will be offered. These non-music classes can sometimes be the pick-me-up you need during a day full of concentrated music instruction!
3 pm Chamber
When I attended ISSI as a young student, this was always my favorite class! Chamber groups are small groups of students playing together; usually comprised of 3-4 students. Each student receives their music a few weeks before ISSI, and is expected to come with their music already learned and prepared (not memorized). In this class, one teacher (a chamber coach) works with the group to help them polish their piece, which they play at a final concert on Saturday afternoon. This performance is without a teacher leading them, so the students really grow in taking responsibility and ownership of the music they are creating.
4 pm Master Class
515 pm Concert
Most days, there is a concert after classes end. These are always such a treat, and a great way to unwind and relax from a long day of working. In the past, these concerts have highlighted the week's Guest Artist, the fiddling classes, the Advanced Camp Students (ISSI students in the upper Suzuki books and beyond), etc. You'll want to check the ISSI schedule you receive in your registration materials at the beginning of the week so you know what is happening each night.
Well, there you have it: A day in the life of ISSI!
We can't wait for you to join us in 2015
