Comments from Parents, Classroom Teachers and Administrators

 

Comments

Thank you so much for your talents and the magnificent job you did the our students last night. We were filled pride as we watched our son, Max, perform, and along with his peers, who transported us onto a journey of old and familiar tunes. It was a wonderful experience to see and share the debut of our first year band and orchestra. It's a memory that will stay within us and bring back smiles for a long, long time.
Helene & Richard Reiner

Our daughter, Katie Tenney, is enrolled in the music program and I just wanted to thank you for the tremendous program last evening.  I know it was put together in the face of significant "challenges", and it was really one of the best school concerts we have attended. So many talented kids! Thank you again, and congratulations on a great show!
Susan Tenne

You guys do a fantastic job with the children.  I am happy to see that so many children have joined the orchestra!
Pat Jackson Woolridge

Thank you Larry! We have truly enjoyed the first semester of music! Mandy has an amazing amount of energy/enthusiasm - she is perfect for this age group! And thanks for all the great pictures... Have a great holiday season and we'll see you next year!
Mia Banks, John Thomas Dye School

Thank you for teaching the kids so well and giving them the pleasure of performing.
The Shaw Famil

Thank you for teaching our childre.  The winter concert was such a treat. It is so heartwarming to see and hear the children making music together! Debbie and Mandy are doing a great job.
Elaine Rees

We were so impressed with the concert and how much Austin and Casey are enjoying trumpet, that we have decided to surprise them with new trumpets for Christmas.
Stacey Webste

Thank you for a great year of music lessons. The orchestra concert was enjoyed by all. I'm only sorry that they didn't perform for the entire school.  See you in the fall.
Nancy Halpern

Thanks for a great show. We got lots of compliments. Thank you for all you do for the kids. You are terrific and we are so lucky to have you.
Celine Burk

Thanks for the online pictures and thanks for sticking it out with Erin. She really enjoyed this last trimester and what she learned taking the course.
Kim Groves

The concert was fantastic!  I was very impressed with how much the kids had achieved, the overall presentation, the violin solo, the violin and flute duet, the technology that they used to provide a fuller sound (which I thought added to the kid’s self-confidence), and last but not least, the bow ties!
Carol Ivy

The first annual holiday concert was lovely.  It was amazing how much was taught and learned in such a short period of time.  I look forward to the spring concert and then of course, culmination.  Thank you!
Janice Holland

There is plenty of instrumental and vocal music in our home and it's been a great joy for Roben to be joining in with knowledge these days.  He's pretended to play drums and guitar since before he could walk.  He now pretends to give us concerts and plays his songs over the phone to family members, even though "they are a little long." Recently my husband introduced Roben to an ELO song that included a violin part. Roben was amazed to realize that he could play violin in a rock band too.  What a joy to see so many window and doors fly open for a child. We are very grateful that he is able to express this part of himself more fully now that he is getting lessons. Thank you for this gift!
Rebecca and Pete Sieling

Larry, thank you for your upbeat and encouraging letter. My son, Matthew is in Kindergarten and learning about the violin this year. This is his first instrument and from the day he got it, it was very special to him. It was his. The piano is his dad's. The violin is Matthew's. On Friday nights we have a special dinner with prayers that have melodies. Matthew plays his violin while we sing. Even the teenagers respectfully sit through without laughing!
Robin Fox

Thank you for the very informational letter which really helps us parents get the bigger picture of our child's music program. Maya is so happy learning the clarinet. We are very grateful to have such a good program! Thank you for all of your hard work, care, and enthusiasm. All the best.
Marion Mayer

Thank you for a wonderful concert. I really appreciate the pictures online since I forgot my camera!!
Kathy Frank

Thanks to you, Mr. Etterbeek, and all of your associates for your hard work with our children. The concert was beautiful. Thanks, too, for the link of photos!
Gaby Lau

Thank you! The concert was delightful.  I couldn't believe how well the kids did... Keep up whatever it is you're doing! Thanks again,
Kathleen Laccinole

The kids did beautifully at the assembly. They were amazing!!
Mary Baisch

I have to tell you that, before Ethan was in third grade, I tried for over two years to interest him in a musical instrument. I took him to piano lessons and other music classes. He never showed any interest in music until taking your class at school. So, thank you for inspiring him to play!
Nancy Sussman

I saw the concert this morning and was thinking how much the kids all improved this year. But more importantly, their happiness and exuberance was so obvious. And they loved the applause.
Donna Gradstein

Wednesday's performance was outstanding!!! It seemed that this year you really jelled w/all the levels of play. We have truly appreciated Lydia's participation in the school orchestra program. And, while we are moving on to middle school, we sincerely wish the very best to you. We hope that Canyon will continue your tried and well tested program. Thanks so much!
Christina & Mark Sleeper

The concert was quite impressive and I wanted to say thanks for all the hard work you and your staff put in on behalf of my son. he really loved it and so did we.
Jim Jennewein

Alena's a winner!  We are so proud of her for winning the LACESMA  flute scholarship.  Although she practiced diligently for it, she couldn't have done it without your guidance.  Your patience, talent and musical fortitude are greatly appreciated. You and your staff have been a great musical inspiration these past few years. Alena has blossomed under your guidance and we are so proud of her.
Joy Ichikawa

Thanks so much Larry. The concert was great! I am so proud of all those beginning violins and recorder students for sitting still the whole concert and being true professionals at such a young age! Take care and I hope your summer is fabulous!
Marci Curtis

Thank you for your wonderful education on music for children. I am a fourth grader and play the flute. If it were not for you, I would still be struguling (sic) trying to play the flute on my own. I enjoy playing at home as well as other places. Thank you once again for the education. With all due respect,
Rachael Jacoves

Jodi and I want to thank you and Marisa for the wonderful job you've done with the music program at Community Magnet. Mia really looks forward to her music lessons each week.
Jim and Jodi Rochford

We just got the notification that Joe will be playing in the Honors Orchestra with you again this year and we are very pleased. I had a chance to go to the Disney Hall this week and see the LA Philharmonic play and I thought of you while I was watching the conductor. Some of these very talented children that you teach may someday be among those in the LA Phil - or at least they will have a great appreciation for the music and the work that goes into it! Thanks for all of your efforts with the children in making such a wonderful program available to them - it makes a huge difference in each child's life!
Sheryl Rosenbaum

Thank you so much for providing the program at school. My son found a love for the trumpet and we are excited that he enjoys practicing. The teacher is doing something VERY right!
MaryJane London

You truly add great value to our school.
Justine Lewis

That was a terrific concert. The group performed so well! I think that it was the best ever. My daughters sang this year's concert music as well as the past two year's songs, all the way home! They told me that concert day is the happiest day of the year. (And the rehearsal is the second happiest.) I cannot imagine Avery and Alexzandra's world without CMW. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication.
Patricia Kovic

We just wanted to acknowledge your amazing contribution into making our school experience so wonderfully holistic through the music program that you lead with such dedication. Our boys and all the parents who are part of this great journey with you and we are grateful for this opportunity. The event yesterday gave us a glimpse of what is possible when committed teachers and students come together to make beautiful music in a very nurturing environment that consist of parents and the administrators. Please convey our most sincere thanks to all the teachers!
Amynah and Amin Ajani

Thank you so much for the wonderful concert! My daughter Nina was so inspired. It was her first opportunity to be part of a large orchestra and she was thrilled with the sound of it. Now she's counting the days until next year's performance!
Mary Beth Romo, Lanai Road Elementary

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. Tonight's concert was wonderful.  This was Aria's first year in orchestra and my family and I really enjoyed the concert and the effort that went into it.  We did not have a chance to thank you personally. You are all wonderful.
Mitra and Ron Guilani

I attended the UCLA Honors Orchestra Concert this weekend and I was extremely impressed. What talent. Thank you so much for bringing music into the public school system where it is desperately needed
Jeannie Kamm

The concert WAS great - thank you for doing this! Sara's cello playing seems to have taken a quantum leap as a result of the inspiration of playing with the orchestra! Thank you for that. It was lovely to watch her playing with full vibrato, like the teachers, on everything - something she had been resisting for some time! Somehow, playing with the orchestra was the inspiration that got her to get that going! An important milestone for a cellist. AND - now she also wants to play flute. Maybe.......
Lauri Riley Dowling

Congratulations to you!  You and Elizabeth did a wonderful job this year with our daughter Tess.  Thank you so much for all your effort.
Amy Cohen

I want to thank you and congratulate you on this fantastic event you bring to our community and our families. It is such a joy to see all those kids working together to build something so beautiful and traditional.
Bob Clymer

The recital was amazing!  This will be Jennas' last year in your wonderful program, as she is moving on to middle school!  Thanks for everything!
Wendy Marshall

Thank you for a wonderful year of trumpet for Nathan.
Miriam Eden

Thank you for a wonderful and entertaining evening last week. John and I were very impressed by all your students.
Marti and John Baldecchi

We are astounded and amazed at how well they all did. Our son is in the first year trumpet section with Mandy Fey and he was so proud of his performance. Even if we couldn't see them in the back, they were robust and energetic. It is always wondrous to see and feel that sense of accomplishment on his face. He made and kept a big commitment (for him) to get up and get to class every Thursday morning without fail. So we are understandably proud parents. As instructors, you work "Harry Potter-like magic." Music is a gift and teaching music is more, much more. Thank you all so much.
Andy and Michael Alatorre

The school concert was wonderful! Cameron & Lily had a great time. Thank you for doing such a great job with your program. What an experience for these children.
Karyn Dale

Thank you for putting together such a great event.  You made all the mommies and daddies very happy - not to mention giving our kids an unforgettable experience.
Dinah Manoff Mortell

Ryan has been practicing trumpet every day! He's loving it! Thank you so much!
Kelli Tabb

Thank you for all you do to promote a love of music. The concert was impressive.  I enjoyed it because of the variety of pieces and the venue.
Robin Schievink

Thank you Mr. Newman and many thanks to Debbie for a wonderful season,  Sara really enjoyed it.
Manal Karim

Thank you. It was a really special evening. And Dylan thoroughly enjoyed it. You run a wonderful program.
Bonnie Bogin

What a performance! All the children were fantastic. Thank you for your instruction, care, patience, great attitudes and sincere interest in all the kids. It really showed. We will definitely be back next year, and hope the program continues at school. How lucky we are to have it!
Syd Hersh

We loved the concert and we are so grateful to all who have helped to make that night such a success. It was a great experience for the children and the parents. Thank you for your wonderful teaching. Our son, Sam is excited to continue with the violin next year and to PRACTICE!
JoAnn and Sam Schoemann

Thanks to you for keeping music alive at school. it was an awesome concert.
Tracy Cogbill

Thank you Larry for all your wonderful work this year. The concert was superb.
Steve Flood

 

Dear School Administration:

I want to thank you so much for having the Children’s Music Workshop Orchestral Music Program at Lanai Road School. I cannot say enough about what it has done for my daughter personally, socially and academically.

Eight years old is a very pivotal age in a young girl's life. Playing in the orchestra has enabled Sara to take a quantum leap in her already notably gifted musical life.

But what is so interesting is how much it seems to have helped her in her school work! Math has gotten easier for her, her sense of timing has tremendously improved (i.e. when she has a project due three weeks away, she now seems able to keep that in mind and work towards that, meeting the deadline without a last second crunch), and this makes a lot of sense because when she's playing with an orchestra she needs to keep track not only of her own playing but of what the rest of the orchestra is playing so she can find the right place to start her part!

And it also seems to have helped her sense of self-confidence; she herself has commented on how in orchestra it almost doesn't matter what grade someone is in as long as they can do their part. And isn't that what we all have to learn to live in this world, to work together and do our part no matter what that might be?

When the forms were sent home for us to assess levels of importance of various programs, it was a very difficult choice. While the Nurse on campus is essential and the P.E. program is essential, I have a hard time saying that orchestra is LESS essential because of how it has positively affected the rest of Sara's school work and school life. I am a very avid supporter of ARTS as an ESSENTIAL part of a good education.

I think it's a travesty that arts programs have been cut from the curriculum of public schools - and the way education has gone downhill statewide I think is directly related to that fact. I believe that one of the reasons that Lanai is such a good school is because arts have been brought back in thanks to you and the PTA. I hope you can see that, and see the orchestral program as an absolutely essential part of that. It's no secret that the greatest minds in science and medicine were also musicians! Think Einstein and Schweitzer, to name two of many.

For well-rounded and inspired minds, for minds that can do the work yet are also able to think "outside of the box," for divinely inspired minds - PLEASE keep the orchestral program as a PART of the school-week curriculum. I know it will be well worth the investment!

Thank you for all that you do in more ways than I can begin to say.

Sincerely,
Lauri Dowling

 

Daniel has been practicing in front of Dennis and me for the concert, and I am just amazed at what you teach the kids in their classes. You are a true blessing for these kids. I have never seen anything like it. I just wanted to email you and thank you and Children's Music Workshop for enriching Daniel's life this way. Bless you, Lynne
Lynne Palumbo

Thank you Larry for enriching our kid's lives. What a great experience for all involved!
Denise Bonder

Cindi & I want you to know how incredible the concert was yesterday. Everyone I spoke to was blown away by the caliber of the orchestra.  There is nothing like it.  You are able to get such amazing performances from very young kids. Venice was over the moon about it all weekend. Thanks for putting all the effort in!
Ron & Cindi Gell

Congratulations to you, your teachers and students for a wonderful event.  I was truly overwhelmed with pride listening to this incredible group of kids from the first note to the last.  Thank you for providing this great memory for our family, especially my daughter, Emily.
Craig Axtell

GREAT JOB yesterday!  You are so great to organize all this--we had a great time.  Also, loved that you did Can Can again with the trumpets standing.  We could see Derek clearly, but also the sound of the trumpets really rang through with them standing.  It was wonderful!
Suzie Dimpfl

I thought that the performance was excellent. The orchestra seemed very focused and professional. The performance was clean (hardly any sounds during the rests!) My daughters had a great time this year and felt confident and thrilled to be part of the group. They were mature enough this year to watch you for direction.  I thought that the clarinet duet was wonderful and charming. Really impressive.  Thank you so much for all you do. I don't know what we would do without you.
Patricia Kovic

Thanks for all you did.  The performance was so great it brought tears to my eyes.
Morgan Nassi

Thanks again for a memorable event!
Eileen, George and Nicole Savage

I had NO idea what to expect as we have not been involved with anything like this before and the performance far and away exceeded all our expectations.  Thank you !  Teddy has the bug and I am SO happy since I have NO music education at all.  Happy Mother's Day!
Susan Schwartz

Thank you so much for such a special event.  I am amazed at how you managed to put together such a wonderful program with only one rehearsal.  I am so glad that Tucker participated in the orchestra because I know he will look back on it as one of the highlights of this school year. Thanks again!
Deborah Weiss

Thanks, Larry. It was a wonderful experience for Hannah and the rest of her family.
The Markovics

I am Michael Roth...Stacy's husband and Jane's dad and the minute the first note was played tears literally came to my eyes.  You, sir are great at what you do and have given me and my family such joy that I will never ever forget that concert.  Obviously I was proud of Jane...but it is you that impressed me and your vision and hard work and commitment.  From the very bottom of my heart, I need to tell you how grateful I truly am for what you have given my family and me.
Michael Roth

 My whole family was quite impressed with the concert!   You did wonders.  We're so pleased with what you've brought to the children at school!
Mady Wolf Goldberg

Thanks for getting the kids to play so well together.  What a great experience for everyone. You're the best Larry.
Bob Jeffers

Thank you for you and your staff for your expertise in working with our children on their orchestra performance. My family and I really thought the concert was great and the children really did shine.
Sharon Winton

Heather and I feel compelled to tell you how much we enjoyed the concert. The orchestra sounded great, fully prepared, and confidant. The pieces were perfectly selected. And Esme and Stephanie sounded exquisite. I will never forget the beam on Esme's face as you asked them to acknowledge the applause. I'm sure it was one of the most extraordinary moments of her life so far.  So it's difficult to express in a simple thank you what you, and more recently Mandy, have meant to her and to us. You may not remember the end of the year performance at Canyon Elementary two years ago. Esme had been playing the clarinet for only a few months. She had bravely requested to play a short solo of "Ode to Joy," which she had transcribed herself onto staff paper. Arriving a short while before the concert was to begin, she and Heather (I hadn't yet arrived) realized that they had forgotten her sheet music as home, with no time to retrieve it. Esme was in tears, convinced she couldn't go through with her solo. You calmly took her outside, ran through the piece with her, and helped give her the confidence to play it by heart. In your short introduction to her solo, you explained what had happened, getting the audience completely behind her. She played it flawlessly, and I'm convinced that victory was a seminal event in her embracing the clarinet. And again this past Saturday, in your introduction to their duet, you spoke of their bravery in playing before an audience with no orchestra to support them. You've consistently shown a remarkable patience with these kids and a real joy in their accomplishments that I believe is central to Esme's early success.  So, finally, thank you for persevering with your Children's Music Workshop in the schools.  Esme will be moving on to a wonderful instrumental program at John Adams Middle School next year. But because of the strong foundation you have provided her, she will experience the joy of making music for many years to come.
Jeff Levy

Our car broke down on the way to the concert, and we were in a state of panic trying to figure out how to make it on time. We ended up calling a cab for Angela, Ramsey, Jordan and Yasmeen who made it to UCLA. I stayed behind waiting for the tow truck. I was finally able to take my other car and got there a few minutes after the concert started. We invited my mother and my sister who were blown away by the talent of these kids. We were all in awe.  Congratulations to you and all the teachers for this fantastic event. The words fail me to tell you how happy we are with Ramsey and Jordan's progress.
Fady Abushula

The show was fantastic and you have again done an amazing job of inspiring these kids.
Tim Sarkes

Thanks again for all of your efforts and teachings that culminated in such a beautiful concert!
Sheryl Rosenbaum

We loved it and it makes the kids feel like they've really achieved something.  I must say though that this year the U.E.S. Performance was the best I've ever seen in 4 years.  Debbie did such a wonderful job with those beginners and has helped my daugther so much.  She is a Gem.
Steve and Gloria Berck

Thanks for a great concert this weekend.  We loved it.   Brendan moved up one giant step in self-confidence after the  impromptu solo.  It was a big deal for him.  Thanks again,
Margaret Koval

Many thanks for letting Bruno solo at the concert.  I was taken by surprise, but I managed to film it.  Walter and I thought both concerts were incredible.  Bruno also played at the Santa Monica Pier on Saturday afternoon, but of all the events, he enjoyed the Honor Orchestra the most.   I don't know whether or not Bruno told you, but he was asked into the 'symphonic band' at Harvard/Westlake.  His audition, obviously, went well.  He played "St. Thomas" and "Doxie" and the teachers came out and congratulated us.  His time with you has been important to all of us.  I don't know how you do all that you do, but it's impressive.  I can tell you that Bruno's beginning to love his sax almost as much as he does basketball.  Many thanks for all,
Alexandra Seros

The concert was wonderful.  It was so very special for the children  to have the opportunity to play with an orchestra at UCLA.  The music was beautiful, the children played very well.  This is amazing considering they only practiced once together.  I loved the Brazilian piece.  Thank you for giving Elana this valuable opportunity and a goal to work up to...Thank you also for the photos.  All the best,
Caroline Meer

We just want to thank you for a great experience. They sounded terrific, and we all really enjoyed it! We're so glad to have you at Pali! The kids sounded great and looked really happy.
Laura Weinman

The concert was wonderful!  I know Stephanie had a great time, and it reminded me of my own youth orchestra days (we always played in the Dec. 24 program at the Music Center, as part of the Meremblum orchestras).  I was amazed at how good the group sounded, and how well they followed you.  Thanks for your great work with them.
Linda Salem

We so much enjoyed Saturday's concert. It was absolutely wonderful and we are looking forward to seeing it on TV. Please keep us posted as to the time and date....Maddy enjoyed it very much and is very proud of being a part of it. Thanks, her parents,
Elisa Varela and Neil Leshner

Congratulations on a fabulous concert.  Sophia enjoyed the whole experience.  We are thrilled that she had this opportunity
Ilene Weitz (Liebman

The concert was absolutely amazing.  Thank-you so much for all your hard work. Thanks1
Lisa Angelich

Thanks to you for doing this with the children.  When they started to play their first piece, tears came to my eyes.  Karli really wants me to purchase her a clarinet now.  Your contribution to our community is so important!
Kim Feder

I wanted to congratulate you on another fantastic concert! You are amazing in bringing together so many children and getting them to stay focused-no small feat! We feel very fortunate that we were part of it. You do a marvelous job not to mention a wonderful service to the community and the students.  Thank you so much for all your hard work and dedication.
Yasmin Dharani

 Thank you for such a wonderful concert Saturday and last night at Marquez.  For three years now we've been so fortunate to have our children participate in your program.  To see the difference it has made in their lives, and in the lives of hundreds of other children, is truly remarkable.  If only there had been something like this when I was a kid, maybe I'd be joining in on Wylie, Kasey, and Bruce's jam sessions now! Best wishes for your continued success.  I know we'll still be in touch.
Korby Siamis

The concert was great today. I look forward to working with both you and Brenda in the years to come.  The faculty, parents, and children truly enjoyed themselves!
lene Reinfeld, Head of School

Thank YOU for a great year.  The kids have such fun with you and how you teach them.  Your selection of music is great.  (When I was a kid we NEVER played such "cool"  music.) You made a big difference to Jack's interest by giving him the CD and loaning him the mute.  I enjoy the concerts so much.  We will certainly let Mr. Dover know how important music is to education, and to life.  It is essential.  Thanks again.
Diana Hurst

Thank you guys so much, it was really great to see the performance!   I have a daughter who will be in kindergarten next year and after the performance she begged me to play violin next year!
Patty Pappas

Last night's concert was wonderful to watch and hear...thank you for bringing the gift of music to our school.  Annie has greatly enjoyed her classes and gained nice confidence from her instrument!
Diane and Troy Elander

THANK YOU FOR A GREAT YEAR!  Noah really enjoyed the sax this year! Have a wonderful summer break.
Terry Ross, Esq.

Congratulations!  You made it through the year with another wild beginning violin class.  Thankyou for your patience and encouragement.  Elana loves playing and has grown in self confidence.
Kristin and Frank Barberia – ST. JAMES SCHOOL

Thank you for the wonderful job that you did.  Everyone enjoyed the concert.
Susan Wasserman

We can't thank you enough for the effort you put into the orchestra program, the attention you paid to Eileen's progress with the flute, helping her out to get her flute fixed, etc.  Your efforts have made the music program a success and tonight's concert really showed it.  By the way, I didn't realize the Latin Lullaby is your composition.  It's a great piece to showcase the different sections of the orchestra in a beginner friendly way. I loved it, and it's Eileen's favorite too.  Thanks again!
Julie Yeh

Thanks  for your wonderful music program.  Dashiell has really benefited from it.  Brenda is a remarkable teacher!
Alan and Jerry Simmons

We really enjoyed the performance and hope that the orchestra program can continue at Wildwood Elementary next year.  I would be interested in private lessons for Everett this summer.  There are a number of parents at the secondary school are interested in getting an orchestra program going there.  Hopefully someone will contact you about the possibility of starting a program there.
Valerie Faris

The entire orchestra sounded great tonight!  Thank you so much and please pass my thanks to Mandy too.
Betty Meadows

Thanks again for all of your hard work in launching this program. Sara was very interested in buying her own clarinet after the concert.  Could you email me the pertinent information? 
Cindy Freedland

I am Alexis Gowdy mom, and I just want to say, I really enjoyed the concert last night.  It looked like a lot of time and patience went into training the kids.  I especially liked the orchestra piece you wrote for the finale.  We look forward to joining you next semester.  Thanks again for a wonderful evening.
Gina Spencer-Gowdy

Thank you for being an inspiration to our kids. All you and your program offers is truly amazing!!!!
Dawn Dooley

You and the other teachers have put on an impressive and well-organized concert last night.  Thank you for teaching Cyrus; he loves it and wants to return next year!
Van Anh Dastur

The concert last night was wonderful!!!!!!!  Avery and I were wondering about violin class availability for her age and beginning level.  I was wondering about if you would be putting together a once a week class, if so I would love for Avery to have an opportunity during the summer to continue violin lessons.  Please let me know.
Jody Botanksy

Thanks so much for all your help - the concert was perfect!
Leila Mozaffari

Thank you so much for allowing my daughter to study this year with you.  She loved it, and I think she did very well.  As a single mother, it is very hard to provide my children with anything extra, and your scholarship was truly wonderful.  It gave my little girl an opportunity she might never have had.  Thank you and God bless,
An Appreciative Parent