Comments from Parents, Classroom Teachers and Administrators

Pam Marton, Principal at Community Magnet Elementary School
Phil Hollis, Principal at Marquez Charter Elementary
Terry Moren, Principal at Kenter Canyon Charter Elementary School
Tami Weiser, Principal at Pacific Palisades Charter Elementary School

Thank you so much! We cannot believe what was accomplished. We appreciate your passion for music education. You are INCREDIBLE.
Nancy Oda, Principal, Maurice Sendak Elementary School

Thank you, Larry, for bringing this wonderful program to our school. I really appreciate the fine work you and your instructors do with our students! We all benefit from the music our students are learning from you and your terrific faculty. It is such a pleasure to have your program and your talented faculty in our school!
Reveta Bowers, Head of School, Center for Early Education

Those kids did a great job. I was so proud of them.   Thanks for everything that you have done for them and for Arts in Ed.  We're really lucky to have such an outstanding partner! You are the best!
Spike Dolomite-Ward, Director, Arts in Education Aid Council, Inc.

What a wonderful concert last week - my husband came and we both really enjoyed the evening!  I am so happy you are on top of getting dates in the calendar for next year. Thanks for your flexibility and for being so organized. I know we will have another great year in 2006-2007.
Tami Weiser, Principal, Palisades Elementary

Your concert was fantastic! I look forward to watching our orchestra grow next year. You do know that I'm a conservatory drop out, and every frustrated musician wants an orchestra!
Elizabeth Abramowitz, Principal, Fairburn Elementary School

I want you to know that I am so thankful that we are part of your outstanding musical program. The UCLA concert was absolutely outstanding. I look forward to another great year and to many more students involved in your music program.
Sister Stella, Head of School, St. Paul the Apostle School

The concert and the entire instrumental experience was absolutely wonderful. The parents were so impressed and said the most positive things I've heard them say about anything all year long. So, Magician Musician Marfisi, kudos to you! Don't know how you did it! And thanks, Larry, for masterminding such an outstanding program.
Valerie Pearson, Elementary Head, Pilgrim School

Congratulations on a great job last night with our students. They sounded wonderful and I know their parents were very proud of their musical progress this year.
Ray Michaud, Head of School, John Thomas Dye School

The children did a great job, didn't they? They didn't seem nervous or shy, either. Thank you, Larry and Brenda, for having this program. It is so good for kids!
Lynn Perske, Principal, Jefferson Elementary

Great job Larry, Desiree and Dave! The music program is terrific and the concert was wonderful. It truly takes a village to make it so! Thank you for helping bring back our orchestra and making it so successful! Horray!
Laurie Wolke, Head of School, Laurence School

Everything was outstanding.
Donna Elder, Principal, Seeds University Elementary School at UCLA

Thank you. It's done beautifully and so was your whole orchestra  performance.
Sherry Mohazab

I was a piano player for years, taking lessons from private instructors in NY and LA, and don't think I ever reached the level that you bring your students to.  Not only are these kids learning to play music, but the opportunity to play at UCLA is such a confidence builder, you have no idea.  I sat there with my parents, watching them beam at their granddaughter.  I had tears in my eyes and found myself singing the Pink Panther Theme for days.  Sharing my enthusiasm is the least I can do, as I think your program is amazing. 
Sherry Saffer, Fairburn Ave. Elementary School

We just wanted to congratulate you on successfully completing all of your music shows. They were all a great success and could not of gone any better. Thank you so much for your hard work and extreme dedication to all of the kids, we really appreciate it. We look forward to working with you in future shows and wish you the best.
Sal, Maggie & Alyssa LaPardo, Overland Ave. School

Thank you very much for all of your patience and hard work throughout the year. Thank you too, for the wonderful Spring Concert last night. Everyone did a fantastic job. I really enjoyed it very much!
Rene (Denise's mom)

Thank you for a great year.
Allison Polhill

Thanks again for a wonderful orchestra season.   Izzy had a great time. Violin is a big deal to her, and this was really a great treat for her. She just got a book with Vivaldi pieces, so this summer we'll be hearing the 4 Seasons, I think.  
Rand Blimiester

Congratulations on a very impressive performance by the children last week.  My family enjoyed it.
Ann

Thank you for all your hard work and dedication for the enrichment of our children. See you in the fall. thanks again,
Arlene

Thank you for this wonderful program. Our son, Eric, learned so much under Mandy's instruction playing the clarinet this year .He is now teaching himself to play piano also. He has always loved music and this program has now made it less of a mystery. He recognizes that he has the ability to create. Thank you.
The Siegel Family

We are blessed to have such a dedicated and talented teacher as you in our community. Bravo! 
Elisabeth (Emmett's mom)

I just wanted to say how awesome the performance was and how amazing that the kids could play so well by just starting from October.  It goes to show what great teachers you are.
Janet
 
Firstly I would like to thank you and Strings teacher Debbie for introducing the joys of the violin to our son. He was reluctant at first but he tells us it is one of his favorite after-school subjects, next to Karate. I would like him to continue his classes during his summer holiday in England and would like to know what size violin you suggest I get for him. He is six and a half years old.
Anna Marie de la Fuente-Carver

Thank you for the wonderful ues concert. The performances and the music were touching as well as beautiful.
Milka Dyrek (Gabriella Dyrek's mother)

Thank You! for putting this beautiful concert together. My son Alex certainly enjoyed it a lot as much as he enjoys the weekly classes.
Heidi Azera

Thank you for such a wonderful concert experience.  It was truly special.
The Martino's

Thank you so much for doing this! The event was so worthwhile and the children gain so much from participating in the program and then gaining the confidence to stand up and play in front of an audience. Wonderful. I very much appreciate it all.
Jane Wurwand

We just finished a wonderful school teacher with Miss Brenda at Edison and my son Mark (he is currently in 4th grade) was asking me about possibly taking private trumpet lessons over the summer (thanks to Miss Brenda's wonderful teaching - he loves playing and misses the lessons!  I really think it was the concert though that put him over the edge for being hooked!)
Cathy Allsman, Edison Elementary

Riley may not be making beautiful music yet (she is still thrilled when she makes the right sound), but she sure loves it! At this point, that is my goal.  Thanks for all your hard work.
Lindsey Rosefsky, Topanga Elementary

Thank you again for all you do with the music program at Carlthorp.  My daughter, Emmie, really enjoyed learning from you and your lovely team. 
Elisabeth Wolf, Carlthorp School

What a treat tonight.  We really enjoyed and Rachele was beaming! Thank you,
Francis and Karin Aurino
 
Thanks for another great year of CMW.  Jonathan enjoys your program.  As he progresses we can't wait to attend another Honor's Orchestra. See you next season!
Linda Chang

Thanks for a great concert at UCLA!
Jim Frangipane, Palisades Elementary Parent

I was so impressed with the Honors Orchestra concert and it was a great experience for Michael!
Virginia Beautner, Carlthorp School

This was our first year in the program and Grant and I felt it was a wonderful introduction for Sam to the wonderful world of playing a musical instrument.  We will definitely enroll again next year!!!!  Many thanks!
Margaret Levy, Seeds University Elementary School

Thank you and all the teachers for a great work. My son has learned so much. At the beginning, he couldn't even blow well, but now he can play songs. He and the family really enjoyed the concert not to mention all the practices we had to listen at home :-) My son will be back next year. Thank you very much.
Connie Sadeghi, Overland Ave. Elementary School

Thank you for another  year of music at Marquez...it has enriched  Annie's life and we appreciate your dedication.
The Elanders, Marquez Charter Elementary School

Thank you for a wonderful music program!
The Wongs, Marquez Charter Elementary School

You've done a GREAT job!  Louie has really enjoys the trumpet thanks to you.  I would like to give him private lessons now.  Can you recommend a teacher?
Carol Friedman

Great performance on Thursday. I'm in AWE with what you can do with these kids! You are a gift to our community, and your son Tyler is a nice and brilliant kid, following in dad's footsteps. You are a great role model. The girls have enjoyed being in class with him over the years.
June Louks, Marquez Charter Elementary School

Thanks Mr Newman for your wonderful program.  Christopher loves the trumpet and looks forward to continuing.  As usual, the concert was a delight.  Thanks!!
Yvonne

I was again blown away by the high caliber of those elementary school musicians at the Honor Orchestra Performance at UCLA this past weekend.   Thank you so much for your hard work and dedication to your students.   It is nice know that programs like yours exist for kids who can participate in an orchestra setting at such a young age.
Jeannie Kamm, Lanai Road Elementary School

Thank you again for a wonderful concert.  It was truly moving to see all those young musicians.  I would like to order a DVD of the concert.  Please reserve one for me.
Lynn Alvarez (Daniel Nissen's mom - Lanai Road Elementary)

Thanks to you for all your work. It was a wonderful and impressive performance.
Michelle 

We thought the whole concert was the best yet.  Thanks again!@
The Gells

The only thing left out was that no one formerly thanked you for all you've done with our children and music. Thanks so much. Charlie will be back again in the fall for violin - and maybe we'll even have Clare, our 7 year old join too (she's been playing violin for 2 years). Hope to see you soon. The Coopers

Thank you for providing the children with such a fabulous musical experience, from the instruction, up through the phenomenal Honors Orchestra performance at Schoenberg Hall on Saturday.  To think that two years ago, Samantha was unable to read music, and had never so much as picked up a violin.  Your program is a testament to just what is possible. Both of my girls look forward to next year. 
Sherry Garfield

Great show! The best one.  Kids sounded like a professional orchestra. Congratulations.
Terry Power 

We wanted to thank you again for giving Clara the opportunity to play with the orchestra and solo in Schoenberg. She very much enjoyed the experience!
Antonio Lysy, Professor of Music, UCLA

Thanks again for including Naila in the 2006 Honor Orchestra. It was a great privilege for her to be included in this group of talented musicians. As usual, the program was amazing.  Your hard work and dedication is truly inspiring.
Yasmin

Thank you so much for including Charlie in the Honors Orchestra.  He has not stopped humming tunes from the show and announced to us he wants to be in the jazz band next year.  Thank you for your inspiration and dedication to the kids.  I wanted to stand up and thank both Friday night and Saturday, but things were a little formal for that...please know your dedication does not go without notice.  We look forward to next year.
 Gayle Greco, Seeds UES
 
The concert was phenomenal!  I cannot express how happy and proud we were of the children, and of our son Benny, as they made beautiful music together on that stage under your supreme direction.  I think what they came up with was unexpectedly mature and moving for children their tender ages.  The violin soloist was tremendous.  The jazz piece was terrific.  We took our parents to see their grandson, and they were all amazed.  My mother said the music brought tears to her eyes.  Thank you again for all your hard work and generosity with the children.  Your program truly changes their lives for good. With great admiration and appreciation,
Celia deMayo, Palisades Elementary School

Let me thank you many times over for giving children a chance like this to be part of such a wonderful program.  Imagine - getting to play in an orchestra with children from all over the Los Angeles area!  We were so impressed at how you were able to pull the best efforts from these children to culminate in something so professional and enjoyable to all.  You have just started a life-long love-affair with music for our daughter, Liana (she even took her flute with her when we went on vacation to Maui for Spring Break!).  Thank you for all your (and Mandy's) efforts.
Chris Smale

I would have to agree that the performance was spectacular this year!  I loved that you had one of the kids do the vocal part and that violinist was spectacular!  I  personally enjoyed when Tyler did the solo part at the Marquez performance - what a stellar job he did.
Sheryl
 
We enjoyed the concert very much. Thank you for the wonderful experience. I just realized that I forgot to order a CD when I ordered the VHS tape earlier. Please reserve a copy of the concert CD for our family. I'll send in a check of $17 payable to James & James Sound Redorders today. Thank you.
 Kelly Liao

We also want to congratulate you of an extremely successful concert.  This is the first year our son, Austin, has the honor to be invited to this orchestra.  We really would like to thank you for this opportunity.  It was such a marvelous experience. Austin has also asked if it is possible for him to continue advanced sax next year as well as taking beginning violin at the same school year. Thank you and your wonderful staff for teaching our children!
Cindy Chan

We enjoyed the concert very much.Thank you for all the effort that was put in creating this wonderful musical experience.
Leah and Igal Leibovitch

Thanks for a fabulous experience.
Rosario Herrera Sindel
 
Thank you for a wonderful performance and experience for kids. Niclas (Fairburn) was so excited to be part of the orchestra and felt very proud. It was a great event and you have some wonderful talent within the group! Thanks again, that was really wonderful,
 Claudia

The children sounded amazing today!  Congratulations! They sounded very impressive.
Leah

Congratulations!!  The concert was fabulous!  They sound better every year!  I guess all those sunday rehearsals paid off!  Thank you for putting so much time and effort into this event.  It is such a valuable experience for these children, and so rewarding for their proud parents!   (Clara was awesome!  Where did you find her?  Nina is inspired by her!)  See you on March 25th for Lanai's school concert.
Mary Beth Romo

I was so impressed by the Orchestra performance today.  I can't wait for the CD and Video to show it to everyone.  Thank you for all you do for our children.  It means so much. Thank you again, you are fabulous.
Annika Watts

This is such a wonderful program.  Will you be doing anything in the summer ?
Lucy A. Alarid

Thank you for your constant attention to detail & communication with the parents.  I appreciate it!
Molly, Heschel School Administrative Staff

Thanks for the wonderful evening of music at Fairburn last night.
Bonnie Bogin

Congratulations, Larry, on receiving the Lori Petrick Educator Award!  That is wonderful,
and so well deserved.
Brad Zacuto, Principal, Grades 5-8, St. Matthew’s Parish School

Congratulations on your teacher's award. We are very proud of you.
Caroline Rubin

Congratulations on the teaching award!  It looks as though the pinnacle of your career keeps getting higher and higher.  We’re all very proud to have you at Overland.
Ken Kotarksi

 Congratulations on the award!!!!!   No matter what happens, you are a winner in the eyes of all the students you touch through music.   Thanks for all your hard work and dedication.
Jeannie Kamm

Daniel loves music so much, he never complains about practicing, (and that is so much due to you and all the amazing teachers, because he's always been musical, but you made sure it stayed rich and challenging for him) anyway, he now is practicing over an hour a day, everyday, with no breaks, and I give you my word of honor, I did not suggest it. And he practices piano as well. So, thank you again. It's magic for someone like myself who is "musically impaired".
Lynne Frydenlund Palumbo
 
We are very sad that this will be Jacqueline's last year with the orchestra program at Overland as she will be moving on to the middle school.  She has been in the orchestra program for three years since the beginning and receives great benefit from your program. You bring great music to her life that will be a lifelong enjoyment.  Thank you for all the hard work.
Suh Chen Hsiao

I just wanted to pass along a big thank you for the years of assistance to Wallis and her classmates and Community School. We'll see where Wallis goes with the violin: it's been a great introduction to music theory and listening and she's now moving toward an interest in voice! (Martha has allowed her to sing as Nancy in the school play, Oliver!)I hope you continue to be involved in the program at Community: it's been a real treat.
Ann Zum(winkle)

Thankyou for the great music program!
Susan Loomis

Thank you.  You have been so responsive and helpful.
Elisabeth Wolf

Our son Benny found out this afternoon that he was a winner in the LACESMA music scholarship program, auditions for which were held at LA Valley College, the day we saw you there. We wanted to thank you for all your support and mentorship of Benny thus far, and to let you know that his involvement in music has been probably the high point of his life.  He loves music and playing clarinet.  He loves studying privately with Mandy Fey, who has also been an unbelievably wonderful influence on Benny.  The whole experience has been positive and nurturing.  To top it off, he has won a scholarship.  I believe this experience has made him feel very very good about himself and his investment in music. Just thought you'd like to know what a wonderful, positive impact you have on our kids' lives. Thank you again for everything, and we look forward to continued work together in the future.
 Celia and Bob (and Benny, of course) deMayo

I received the award letters today from the competition today and both Avery and Alexzandra won! Avery doesn’t know yet, because she is on a field trip for a few days, but Alexzandra is thrilled. Thank you so much for you caring and support. CMWS has had a big effect on the girls. They could never have done it without you and your wonderful program.
Patricia Kovic

You probably already know, but just in case you don't, Nina just received a letter saying that she has been chosen as a winner of the LACESMA scholarship!  She is over the moon!  Thank you for all your support and encouragement!
Mary Beth Romo

Dear  Ms.Abramowitz (Principal at Fairburn Ave. Elementary)!
I have to express my deep satisfaction with music programm for kids. It is very impressive how in such a short period of time kids learned to play music. My son, Daniel, loves his lessons very much, and, as former piano player myself, I believe that they are doing terrific job. Dave is absolutely wonderful and my son loves him. It is absolutely unbelievable how fast my son learned to play. My entire family is impressed with my son progress.
Dr. Julia Baum

Kayla just told me that Dr. Moren announced over the speakers about the fact that the 4 Kenter students auditioned and finished in the top. Thank you so much for giving this info so quickly to Dr. Moren. The kids were so proud, and the other children really cheered them on for this. You're always one step ahead with everything.  I still don't know how you do it with over a dozen schools to deal with. I think you need to teach a class in being organized and timely, (actually ahead of the time!!) Thank you again for everything that you do for our kids.
Katia Shenassa

Many thanks to you for all the encouragement and enthusiasm you give to each child.  It's great to see so many of your students try out.  You have inspired my son(s) to excel in music, and it looks like many others.  It truly amazes me to hear how they grow throughout the year.  Thanks!!!!!!!
Jena

Thank you very much for allowing Jacqueline to participate in today's audition.  She was very nervous and afraid that she disappointed me.  I apologized for not checking in with you at the beginning of the audition.  We were running lat getting there (got lost a little bite) and took a few minutes to settle down when we arrived. Our sincere appreciation for all the wonderful music that you brought to our home.
Suh Chen Hsiao, Jacqueline Lin's mom

Thank you for a terrific music program. You are a special person to bring such creativity and talent from our children. Thank you!
Lisa Fiore, Seeds UES

Thanks for all your help, patience and kindness.
Shehla

Thanks you the information and keeping parents informed.  My daughters Mary and Elizabeth are thoroughly enjoying their first year of violin.  I can't believe how far they've come, and that's a credit to you and your excellent instructors.
Katy Anastasi

Thank you so much it really warms my heart that so many are interested in the art and making sure that the children get  to participate and that you all provide this to them!! Look forward to the concert!
John

It's Alicia Jazmin's mom, thank you sooo much for what you are doing with her, she loves music, but most of all she loves to be part of your group. Thanks for being part of her life's team.
Alicia. 

Thanks for the info. on the music program.  Joshua Walley will definitely participate in the program again - he's looking forward to it.  We are so pleased with the program.  Also, the website looks wonderful.
The Walleys

Thank you so much for providing this experience for our children.  8 months  or so ago when my athletic, high spirited boy came home and asked me if he  could take violin I actually heard myself say "Violin?  Really?  Are you kidding?" (how encouraging can you get?) and he was whole heartedly interested and  replied "yeah mom, it's cool!"  (This was thanks to your talented son's  performance I'm certain!).  Little did I expect how important it would become to him.   I have been so proud of his focus (when he practices - which wasn't as often  as I wanted, but he never complained about having to practice a  couple of  times a week) and he too was proud of his efforts - this was apparent at the youth  concert the other evening which was so impressive; ALL the children in fact  impressed me.  

When the concert was over and Liam was walking away from the party I reminded  him to give back his violin to Miss Debbie.  He looked at me then put the  case down, opened it and played his little half-size violin one last time  (Twinkle Twinkle of course!) and looked a little somber.  I said, "don't worry honey.  We're going to take private lessons over the summer, remember? "  "I know  mom.  Bye little violin..." and he put it back in it's case.  I truly never  would have guessed Liam would have these feelings.  I remember telling a friend  that we would probably only last a month or so in violin class.  Oh ye (me!) of  little faith!....

So thank you again for this wonderful early experience for Liam.  My daughter  Olivia (who will be in Kindergarten next year) wants to play flute and violin  now and I haven't said one single un encouraging word about it! 
Julie Graham Zeiden, Marquez Charter Elementary School

 

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