O Holy Night: A Change of Heart

This season, although we can’t see all of you live, we wanted to give you a special virtual Christmas performance.

Over the Thanksgiving holiday we collaborated with Rescot Creative to record our own rendition of the classic Christmas carol “O Holy Night.” As children, we loved listening to our mother Allison sing this carol in our annual family Christmas performances, alongside her sister and mother.

This year, Mom thrilled us once again with her angelic soprano voice, helping us reflect on the night of Christ’s birth. Ashley sang alto alongside her, while the other members of Uptown Violins Sherèe Lutz, Brittany Merritt, Kerri Parr, Christy Peterson, and dear friend Laura Fliege, accompanied them. Our dad, Dr. Stacy Peterson, even made a cameo appearance to honor his annual reading of Luke 2. Ashley’s husband, Dr. Robert Rescot served as executive producer for this music video.

Ashley asked us to participate in this video because it plays a pivotal role in her upcoming music fiction novel. Find the complete video, a weekly blog, other music fiction writings, and much more on her website www.rescotcreative.com.

Here is an excerpt from the Christmas scene:

“Girls, it’s time.” Mom peeked her head backstage. “Grab your instruments.”

Adrienne scooped up her viola. Victoria and Louisa followed her onstage.

Seconds later, their mother’s voice rang out through the microphone. “This next song holds a special place in my heart. It’s one I’ve treasured since childhood. Written by composer Adolphe Adam in 1847 to the French poem “Minuit Chretien,” the hymn tells the story of our Savior's birth. I hope you enjoy the music as we perform ‘O Holy Night.’”

Louisa made her way to the piano while Victoria and Adrienne took their places next to each other. After the piano’s opening bars, Mom’s soprano floated through the air.“O holy night, the stars are brightly shining; It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth!” Her silver dress sparkled in the shimmering light like the stars about which she sang. 

Adrienne’s viola joined Victoria’s violin with the harmony as Mom continued. “Long lay the world in sin and error pining, Till he appeared, and the soul felt its worth.”

Victoria closed her eyes and let the music wash over her. Dear God, I’ve made a mess. I haven’t loved my brother, or in this case my sister, as myself. Please help me to change, to remedy past wrongs. Give me the strength. 

Photo: Dr. Robert Rescot

“O night, divine. O night divine.” Mom’s conclusion of the stanza cued Victoria. She lifted the instrument to her shoulder. With a nod to Adrienne, they began the next verse together. 

“Truly He taught us to love one another; His law is love and His gospel is peace.” 

The lyrics reached a deep corner of Victoria’s soul, one she’d ignored far too long. As she pulled her bow across the strings, the notes blended like angel voices in perfect harmony. She drew a deep breath, and a sense of peace filled her heart.

Mom’s sweet voice continued to ring through the hall. “Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother, And in His name all oppression shall cease.”

God, break the chains that have kept us apart, and help us to love each other as You love us.

“Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, Let all within us praise His holy name.”

The violin’s descant blended with the soprano and the viola’s rich alto like a prayer to Heaven. 

As Mom approached the climactic high note, she turned to face her daughters. “Christ is the Lord! O praise His name forever! His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!”

Worshipful silence stole over the audience as the notes trailed away. The power of the moment surpassed words. 

Several seconds later, vigorous applause broke out. Mom covered her heart and took a deep bow. Then, as tears streamed down her cheeks, she extended her arms to her daughters.

We can’t wait for the book’s release next year!

Although we wish we could be with you all in person, we hope this video brings you cheer and reminds you of the true meaning of Christmas.

We look forward to performing for you in the New Year!

Photo: Dr. Robert Rescot

A Special Uptown Violins Wedding: Brittany (Peterson) and Will Merritt

Although 2020 has been an unusual year for everyone, we at Uptown Violins want to give thanks for several wonderful blessings, especially the expansion of our family.

In July, we welcomed the newest member of our group into the world, which now includes six beautiful children. Congratulations to Kerri and Forrest Parr!

A week later, Christy Peterson got engaged to Ryan DeWillis. They enjoyed a fun engagement celebration in Dallas, and are planning a spring wedding!

In August, we had the joy of finally all coming together for the marriage of Brittany and Will Merritt. All sisters were honored to be maids and matrons of honor, and the children served as flower girls and ring bearers. It was a joy for us to be a part of such a wonderful event!

Because wedding music is our passion, Brittany’s selections for the service were absolutely stunning. Even the pastor joked that he could have sold tickets as the wedding was also such an incredible concert.

Additional members of the Uptown Violins String Quartet, made up of family and friends of the bride, included Shannon Bohall (violin), Amelia Koci (violin), Lauren Menard (viola), and Tess Crowther (cello). They began the ceremony with several beautiful prelude numbers.

For the seating of the family, Luke Ferraguti played the lovely impressionistic work “Clair de Lune” by Debussy on the piano. Our mother Allison looked breathtaking in her light pink dress as she proceeded down the aisle on Ryan’s arm.

Next, the wedding party processed in to the French piece “Meditation” from Thaïs by Massenet, performed by Shannon and Luke. We had the privilege of walking down the aisle with our own families, escorted by our husbands and children. Needless to say, the flower girls were so excited to be a part of their aunt’s wedding.

Finally, for the grand entrance of the bride, Brittany’s friends Claire Dillahunty (vocal soloist), Robby Higgingbottom (guitar), Luke (piano), and Tess (cello) performed a stunning arrangement of the traditional hymn “Holy, Holy, Holy” by Reginald Heber. Many of us teared up at the site of her walking down the aisle in her beautiful dress, escorted by our father.

Our aunts Valerie Sullivan (violin), Dana DeKalb (violin), and Tanya Deiter (soprano), accompanied by Luke performed Bach’s lovely traditional song “Sheep May Safely Graze” for the lighting of the Unity Candle. Afterwards, Tanya and Shannon thrilled the congregation with a powerful rendition of “The Lord’s Prayer,” accompanied by Yoon-Mi Lim (organ). The stunning music continued as Claire sang a contemporary arrangement of the classic hymn “How Great Thou Art.”

After the presentation of the newly married couple, Brittany and Will strode down the aisle together to the Symphony for Organ No. 5 by Widor played by organist Yoon-Mi, followed by the rest of the happy wedding party.

Lastly, the congregation exited the church to Handel’s “Hornpipe” from Water Music performed by the Uptown Violins String Quartet. Outside, the couple took pictures under a beautiful arch of flowers which graced the door of Highland Park Presbyterian Church.

The couple held the reception at the historic Adolphus Hotel in downtown Dallas, where the wedding party and guests were staying. There were multiple food stations for dinner, including the buffet, cake, and even an ice cream bar! We danced the night away until the couple left in a horse-drawn carriage.

It truly was an experience of a lifetime, surreal in so many ways. The joy we all shared in finally being together again and welcoming another brother-in-law into our family extended beyond words.

Since August, we’ve been thrilled to perform for several more weddings, and are so grateful that many couples are able to experience their special day. We want to continue to make weddings memorable for each of our brides and grooms through our live music. We look forward to more weddings in the New Year, including that of our own Christy Peterson and Ryan DeWillis!

A special thanks to Highland Park Presbyterian Church, and all our amazing vendors!

• Tim Davis Photography
• The Adolphus Hotel
• Branching Out Events
• LeForce Entertainment
• Assouline
• Fancy Cakes by Lauren
• Alison Baker Events
• Patsy Bridal Boutique
• Mister Tuxedo Dallas

Music Dad: Dr. Stacy Peterson

We at Uptown Violins enjoyed spending time with our Dad, Dr. Stacy Peterson, for Father’s Day this year. Having attended countless violin recitals, orchestra concerts, and gigs, he’s been our number one supporter. A seasoned teacher and mentor, as well as a leader in his field, we decided to interview him for this month’s blog.

Dad, what is it like to live with a houseful of musicians?

I think it’s a real privilege. Music has an incredible impact on peoples’ lives, and I’m the one that’s the recipient of it. I get to hear all this great art!

When I think of the five best investments I’ve ever made in my life, they’re my kids.

In terms of music, Martin Luther once said, “Next to the word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure on earth. It controls our hearts, minds and spirits.” So for me to invest in lessons, the time commitment, the instruments, it’s paid off a hundredfold.

Growing up, you were a drummer yourself. What are some of your favorite memories from that experience?

First of all, I wouldn’t call myself a drummer. We’re talking junior high here. In my family, I have a brother-in-law who is a professor of percussion at Arkansas Tech. On the spectrum, I’m about a 0.1, but I enjoyed it. The rhythm wasn’t a problem. It was the pitch.

You’ve always encouraged us to work to achieve our dreams. What are some of your favorite quotes to encourage teachers?

Fortunately, I’ve had tremendous mentors and teachers over the years. One quote I appreciate is from Tom Landry, the late Cowboys football coach. “My job is to get men to do what they don’t want to do in order to achieve what they’ve always wanted to achieve.”

How many kids want to practice every day? Not many. But how many of them want to achieve great things? Most. How do we as teachers, coaches, and mentors convince these individuals to achieve what they want to achieve when they don’t want to practice? Often, they don’t want to put in the sweat, but anything worth doing requires sweat.

Another quote I love is from CS Lewis. He says, “There are no ordinary people. You and I have never talked to a mere mortal.” Some students, or medical residents, are harder to teach, but they are not ordinary. We need to keep in mind that even the students who aren’t the easiest are still important in God’s eyes. They may not have as much talent as somebody else, but we’re teaching the person and not just the skill set.

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Dr. Stacy Peterson was born and raised in Wichita, Kansas, and has maintained his strong family roots in our community. His undergraduate degree is from Southern Methodist University and his doctorate of medicine is from the University of Kansas School of Medicine, Kansas City, Kansas. He became board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery in 1989.

Dr. Peterson is a clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Kansas School of Medicine in Wichita, Kansas, and is on staff at several area hospitals. He is licensed in both Kansas and Texas.

Dr. Peterson specializes in the state-of-the-art techniques, maintaining his education by attending numerous seminars and specialty meetings yearly. He is the current Kansas State Representative for the Christian Medical & Dental Association and the Kansas State Director for the Academy of Medical Ethics.

In addition to maintaining a busy private practice, Dr. Peterson enjoys spending time with his wife Allison and their five daughters. He is an avid University of Kansas sports fan, loves to read, and spends some of his free time helping out on his family’s farm.

Dr. Peterson was voted Best Plastic Surgeon Doctor in Wichita Kansas from 2007-2019.

Happy Mother's Day from Uptown Violins

Like you, we will spend Mother’s Day at home this year, but we thought we’d make the day special with a few treats!

Violinist Kerri Parr, a fabulous cook, French cuisine aficionado, and mom, shares her recommendations for a scrumptious Mother’s Day Brunch!

Start off with a refreshing Le Mint beverage straight from Kerri Parr’s kitchen!

Ingredients

• 1 can of frozen lemonade
• 2 liter of Ginger Ale or Sprite
• Ice
• Fresh mint leaves

Fill ice about ⅓ to ½ of the way up the blender. Pour in half of the frozen lemonade, then add several mint leaves. Lastly, pour in several cups of Ginger Ale or Sprite. Blend and taste until you get the desired result.

First Course: Baby Arugula, Cranberry, Pecan and Feta Salad

Ingredients

• 12 oz. baby arugula
• ½ cup pecans / chopped
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup feta

Dressing

• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 Tbsp minced shallot
• 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• ¼ cup EVOO
• Pepper

Mix the dressing and let it sit for about 1 hour. Shallots will sweeten as they have time to sit. Then toss the salad.

A Side of Garlic Cheese Rolls

• ¾ cup water
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 Tbsp. butter or margarine
• 2 Tbsp. sugar
• 1 Tbsp. nonfat dry milk powder
• 1½ tsp Red Star brand active dry yeast for all machines
• ¼ cup melted butter or margarine
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese

Place first 7 ingredients in bread pan, select Dough setting, and press Start.

When dough has risen long enough, the machine will beep. Turn off bread machine, remove bread pan, and turn out dough onto a floured countertop or cutting board. Gently roll and stretch dough into a rope. Grease two 8-inch pie pans.

With a sharp knife, divide dough into 16 pieces. (Hint: First cut dough into 8 equal pieces, then cut each of those in half.)

Shape into balls; place in prepared pie pans. In a small bowl, combine butter and garlic; pour over rolls. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Cover and let rise in warm oven 30 to 45 minutes until doubled. (Hint: Turn oven on, then off. Place covered dough in oven to rise. Remove pan from oven to preheat.)

Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake for 15 minutes until golden. Remobe from oven, cut apart, and serve warm.

Yields 16 rolls.

Main Entree: Quiche Lorraine, a favorite of our mother Allison’s

Ingredients

• 1 unbaked 8" or 9 " pastry shell
• 4-6 strips bacon
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 c. Gruyère cheese, grated
• 1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 eggs
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp white pepper
• 1½ c. heavy scalded cream

Heat oven to 375°F.

Bake pastry shell 8 minutes. Cook bacon until crisp. Crumble on the pastry. Sauté onion in 1 T. of bacon fat until transparent. Spread over the bacon. Blend cheeses, egg and seasonings in blend for 20 seconds. Add cream and pour in pastry shell.

Bake for 25-35 minutes.

Fruit Dessert: Lemon Love Notes

Ingredients

• ½ cup butter
• 1 cup flour
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 2 eggs, slightly beaten
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 Tbls. flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
• Grated lemon rind

Frosting (optional)

• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 1 Tbsp. butter or margarine
• 1 tsp. Vanilla
• 1 ½ tsp milk.

Pre-heat oven to 325°F.

Mix first three ingredients together and press into an 8-inch pan. Bake for 15 minutes at 325 °F. Let cool. Mix remaining ingredients and pour over the baked mixture. Make for 25 minutes at 350°F. Cool and cut into squares. For frosting, blend butter and powdered sugar. Add milk and vanilla, and spread.

Chocolate Dessert: Pot de Crème

Ingredients

• 1 ⅓ cup whole milk
• 2 eggs
• 4 Tbsp sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 4 Tbsp rum
• Whipped Cream

Heat milk in a small pan over moderate heat. In a blender or food processor, combine the egg, sugar, salt, chips and rum. Once milk is hot, turn on blender to low and slowly add in the hot milk. The heat of the milk will melt the chocolate and cook the egg. Pour in your favorite dainty cups and regrigerate overnight. Add a dollop of whipped cream before serving. Enjoy!

Makes about 2-4 servings.

We hope you enjoy these recipes. Share pics of them with us on Instagram!

Easter Reflections

“And He Shall Reign Forever and Ever. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah.” -George Frideric Handel, The Messiah (1741)

I must admit that this is a very unusual Holy Week as a musician. I began Palm Sunday by playing a couple of hymns on the violin during our family church service at home. I did the same for Good Friday. Tears filled my eyes as I remembered the holiday from years past.

Growing up, Easter was always a special time for our family. On Easter Sunday, my four sisters and I would attend church in our fancy (often matching) dresses. Mom would sing with the choir or play in the pit orchestra for a festive cantata.

In the evening, our parents would lead us in a time of family worship. We would sing beautiful hymns like “Up From the Grave He Arose” and “Christ the Lord is Risen Today.” Afterwards, Dad would give a devotional on the importance of Christ’s death and Resurrection to our Christian faith.

“Although this year for Holy Week,
The holiday seems strange.
We’re staring at our screens and phones,
Not ready for such change.

We miss the faces of our friends,
Students, and family.
It’s not the same to congregate
Now only virtually.

But like the Grinch who thought that he
Could destroy Christmas cheer
We realize the holidays
Mean more to us this year.

It’s not about the egg hunts or
Our fancy Easter best,
Instead, our thoughts turn to the Lord
Who’s given us this rest.

We pray today you all may find
The peace our Savior gives.
Remember the best news of all,
Rejoice, because He Lives.”

— Ashley Rescot, 2020

Of course, as a child my favorite part of the day involved candy. What kid doesn't like to eat a giant, sugar-coated marshmallow peep? I remember waking up and hurrying downstairs to see if the Easter Bunny had filled my basket with goodies, piling it high with malted milk ball eggs, mouth-watering chocolate bunnies, and sticky yellow peeps. The Easter Bunny’s jellybean hunt was a favorite, although I ate the goodies so fast very few ended up in my basket!

Most normal years, the members of Uptown Violins play Good Friday and Easter morning services for several churches throughout the Midwest. I especially enjoy performing classics like “Stricken and Smitten” and "What Wondrous Love is This." I also love to accompany the choir on Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” from The Messiah.

This year, we have found other creative outlets to celebrate the holiday. We’ve been busy baking bunny cakes and decorating Easter eggs, as well as recording music and performing festive hymns live on Facebook and Instagram. I even published a short story about a violinist performing The Messiah entitled “Get a Händel on It.”

I also wrote the inset poem to remind us of the true meaning of the holiday.

Music Through the Years

This past weekend, on February 29, 2020, Brittany Peterson hosted at the Sammons Center for the Arts, the recital “Music Through the Years” with Uptown Violins' members Allison Peterson, Christy Peterson, and Kerri Parr, as well as her violin studio and guest musicians Heather Lovell (piano), Darin Parker (drums), and Matt Gregg (piano).

In honor of Brittany’s recital and upcoming birthday, we wanted to share the program notes of these wonderful works!

Baroque Era (1660-1750)

1. Partita No. 2 in d minor, Allemande J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
2. Minuet 3 J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
3. Concerto for 2 Violins J.S. Bach (1685-1750)

Johann Sebastian Bach, renowned German Baroque composer, was arguably the most famous composer of all time. Born on the heels of the Renaissance musical era, he developed common tonality—the chord structures, forms, and key signatures—we use today. His polyphonic counterpoint is a staple to his music. He composed extensively for churches and royal courts. He was also an accomplished improviser, a talent valued in the 21st-century. His ornate work is filled with fancy trills and turns. His concertos even formed some of the earliest orchestras.

4. Concerto in G Major for 2 Violins Op. 8, No. 5, 3rd mvt
Giuseppe Torelli (1658-1709)

Corelli, an Italian composer, violinist, and violist, is surprisingly well-known for his trumpet compositions. He also developed the movements for instrumental concertos.

Classical Era (1750-1820)

5. Variations based off of Twinkle
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: (1756-1791)

Mozart, an Austrian composer, was a prodigy as a child. His brilliance on keyboard, violin, and composition earned him acclaim at an early age. He was prolific, composing over 600 works for many different kinds of ensembles. The pure, clean nature of his music produces a delicate, clear sound. During the classical era, melody rose in prominence over polyphony. Instrumentally, the piano replaced the harpsichord, and orchestras grew in size.

Romantic Era (19th century)

6. Waltz in A minor
Frederic Chopin (1810-1849)

Chopin was a brilliant musician and composer. He mostly wrote works for solo piano. He used folk tunes from his Polish heritage to exemplify his national identity. 

  7. Wedding Day at Troldhaugen
Edvard Grieg (1843-1907)

This Norwegian composer and pianist also drew from his national folk music. He was a true Romantic, as he composed this work for his wife for their 25th anniversary. The romantics were often emotional, heavy, and grandiose, with a flair for the dramatic. They used large orchestras, extreme dynamics, and they pushed the boundaries of chromatic harmony. Their programmatic works told stories in addition to the musical compositions.

20th Century

8. Gypsy Caprice
Fritz Kreisler: (1875-1962)

The Viennese Austrian composer and violinist remains one of the most renowned violinists who ever lived. He possessed a gorgeous tone and employed expressive phrasing. As the title suggests, Gypsy Caprice represents the music of the gypsies due to its carefree nature, as well as its deviation from traditional tonali

Jazz (1920s and on)

9. Jazz Medley: Dream a Little Dream of Me, Now’s the Time, and
It Don’t Mean A Thing (if it ain’t got that swing)

Jazz originated in the African-American community, especially in New Orleans w/ blues and ragtime. Like Bach, Jazz musicians incorporated a lot of improvisation into their playing, but now with different chord structures like the blues chord. When the style moved North to Kansas City, it morphed into a fast bebop. These songs used quick, intricate chord changes and rapid key signature shifts. 

Brittany first arranged this jazz medley for the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City. Paired with Jackson Pollock’s painting “Mural,” the intersection of music and art sparkled fascinating discussions.

Rock (mid 1900’s to now)

10. Bennie and the Jets (1974)
Elton John 

Rock and Roll originated  in the 1950's, especially with Elvis Presley and eventually Beatles in the 1960’s. Rock stars combined jazz with an element of country, adding electric guitars and basses. “Benny and the Jets” is an example of “glam rock.”

11.  Tzigane by French impressionist/ modern composer Maurice Ravel mixed with the Eagles’ Hotel California.
In the Tzigane starts with the two violins battling and eventually coming together where they split the double
stops. This is just like Hotel California where the two different guitars have their different lines/parts until the
end where they play together separated by a third.

Pop (late 1900's to present

To conclude our program, we performed mashups of several classical works with contemporary twists, including:

12.  Violin Concerto in E minor by Mendelssohn mixed with one violin playing the baseline of
7 Nation Army by The White Stripes with pizzicato and the octave pedal on, while the third violin played the
melody of Havana by Camila Cabello.

13. “Over the Rainbow” by Harold Arlen (1939) This was a special number originally planned for vocals
but instead Brittany, Matt, and Darin played this work in order to bring a slow lyrical piece to the program.
Brittany  is originally from Kansas and thought this was the perfect tribute to her Grandmother Ruth Scheer
who was unable to attend due to illness.

14. Czardas by Monti combined with Bruno Mars’ Uptown Funk. This number brought the program to a close
with a bang! The upbeat nature of both Uptown Funk and the spiccato section of Czardas  brought the crowd
to their feet in grand applause!

  We had a wonderful time preparing and sharing these timeless classics. We hope you enjoyed them!

Violin Teaching Interview with Allison Peterson

At Uptown Violins, one of our goals is to pass on our love of music to the next generation. Our biggest inspiration, as both violin teacher and performer, is our own mother, Allison. Growing up, she taught us how to play the instrument. When we were older, she taught us how to teach. Now that several of us have private studios of our own, she is our go-to person for all pedagogical questions!

A couple of weeks ago, I had the privilege of spending the week with her, so I took the opportunity to gather some of her studio tips that I find helpful. I hope our readers will as well!

Ashley Rescot: How did you begin teaching violin? Allison Peterson: I started after college graduation and after marrying my husband, Stacy. I was performing with the Wichita Symphony, but I considered it important to begin my teaching career as well. It was an excellent way to make a little extra income as a recent college graduate.

AR: What is the first song you teach your students? AP: I begin with “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star and Variations” from the Suzuki Method. The song emphasizes the basic technique of how to bow on the string. We don’t even start with the left hand. Instead, we work on right hand bowing. I also use Mr. Frosty for my youngest students. In this short piece, the students use pizzicato to pluck each of the four strings. Another song I enjoy for young players is Saw See, See Saw to practice changing strings.

AR: How do you set up recitals and performing opportunities for your studio? AP: I think performing opportunities are very important. Why practice if you don’t get to share your music? It’s great for the students to learn how to stand up in front of a crowd and to deal with nerves. I try to do at least three recitals a year in my home. Growing up, my mother, an accordionist and pianist, would conduct piano recitals in our house. We had a platform stage with a piano, and then a lower area for guests. When I began my studio, I tried to replicate the cozy feel of the home recital. I also take my students to senior homes and other venues to provide additional performances. My older students participate in contests, so it is important they perform their solos multiple times before playing in front of a judge.

AR: Which pedagogues were your biggest inspirations? AP: I really looked up to my older sisters who taught me to play. My first teacher was my sister Dana, who specializes in teaching younger students. When I got older, I took from my sister Valerie, who specializes in advanced violin literature. Dana and Valerie taught me both how to play and how to teach. In college, I took from Tiberius Klausner, who helped me take my playing to the next level. I also went to several Suzuki Institutes for further pedagogical training, which I highly recommend for aspiring violin teachers.

AR: Now, in addition to teaching violin, you’re a mentor to several violin teachers as well. What is the best advice you can offer new teachers who want to start a studio? AP: I’ve learned a lot through my teaching over the years, but my biggest advice is to value each child and their family. These parents are putting their precious children in our care, and we need to take this privilege seriously. Sometimes students act up, but we are taking care of them as people, and not just as musicians. We want to build their self esteem and encourage the parents as well. When it doesn’t work out with a family, try to keep your attitude positive. It’s easy to take it personally, but keep in mind that each student’s parent has to do what is best for their family. Often we see our students weekly over several years, so we develop a close relationship with the families. We want to help our students become the best people they can be, which is at the heart of the Suzuki Method. This is our mission field.

Thanks, Mom, for sharing your amazing tips with us. We appreciate it!

Revitalize Your Music Studio

Organize and energize your music studio in the New Year!

With the start of 2020, we at Uptown Violins are excited to begin the new semester with our students! We want to recommend a couple of tools we’ve found useful in our own studios.

First of all, most music teachers struggle to keep up with their constantly shifting schedules, not to mention the paperwork that goes with running their own business. For this reason I interviewed Brittany about My Music Staff, a software program designed to centrally organize your music studio.

Here Brittany shared some of her thoughts about the product.

Ashley: Was my music staff easy to set up? Brittany: Yes, it was very user friendly!

Ashley: What is the program’s most beneficial feature? Brittany: Organization!!!! Specifically for scheduling, invoicing, note taking, emailing, billing, etc.

Ashley: How does it facilitate scheduling lessons? Brittany: You can input each student’s name and then their regular lesson time, and the app will fill in the rest if you request it to do so, including price, repeatability, etc.

Ashley: How do you like the note-taking feature? Brittany: I can easily find the student’s name and see what notes I have taken on their lessons each week. I would be lost without this feature! Parents also have access to the notes, lessons, and tuition pertaining to their own children, so they love it as well.

Ashley: What is the primary downside of the product? Brittany: For a studio of 10 or less, you may not need to spend the money on the app per month if you are already very organized and business savvy.

Ashley: Would you recommend My Music Staff to other music teachers? Brittany: I already have, and would recommend it to others in a heartbeat!

Ashley: Thanks for sharing, Brittany

See more about the abacus here.

Another fun, simple addition to your music studio this New Year is an abacus! Although you could use any abacus you prefer. I wanted something students could use in order to count their violin drill passages. I liked the detachable one better than the other options because I can give a row containing 10 counting beads to each of my students. For a five-year-old, I usually make her practice the passage five times, for a six-year-old—six times, etc. After age 10 I usually let them stick with 10 times. Now there’s no excuse for students not to practice their drills!

It can also be helpful for student vs. teacher games. For example: if the student keeps a certain position correct throughout the song, they move a bead of their color. If they don’t, the teacher gets to move their color bead. At the end of the lesson, whoever has the most beads wins! (Maybe That person wins a candy, sticker, etc.)

Stay tuned for new music tips this year!

Mary, Did You Know?

Small Cowper Madonna by Raphael, 1505

This Christmas season, Uptown Violins is thrilled to perform the contemporary classic “Mary, Did You Know?.” Mark Lowry penned the lyrics in 1984, and Buddy Greene composed the tune in 1991. Since that time, the song has reached millions of people with its powerful message.

All six members of Uptown Violins will perform the work together for our family celebration on Christmas Day.

Growing up, I loved to hear our mother sing “Mary, Did You Know” at Christmas programs. It struck a chord so strong that it inspired me to write a poem. This Christmas Eve, I wanted to share that poem for its 20th anniversary.

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Mary’s Treasure
By Ashley (Peterson) Rescot (1999)

Down tender heart there fell a tear,
A mother’s heart was filled with fear.
Her son was dying on a tree,
Then came to her this memory.

“My work was finished for the day,
Then came a man in bright array.
He told me I would bear a son,
A Savior born for everyone.

Soon Joseph took me as his wife,
And we began a brand new life.
The King of Kings and Lord of all,
Was born inside a cattle stall.

Soon shepherds came to see the child,
So lovely, caring, meek, and mild.
And as my little baby grew,
Some wise men from the East came, too.

In later life my child became,
A teacher, healer of the lame.
He cared for sinners, cured the blind,
He loved last measure all mankind.

And now he’s dying for my sin,
My heart is breaking deep within.
I’ll always love this child of mine,
My precious baby, so divine.”

Then Jesus Christ cried out and died,
His mother Mary cried inside.
That Savior born in cattle pen,
Three days past death would rise again.

Events, Venues, and Christmas Concerts!

Fall has been a busy season for Uptown Violins. We’ve enjoyed performing for so many wonderful venues! We wanted to highlight several of our favorites.

Dallas

Brittany, what was it like to perform with country artist Imaj?

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She is an amazing artist to work with along with her fabulous band. Her message is to share peace, love, and kindness with everyone, and her mission is to help people with mental illness. We performed with her on ABC at the American Airlines Center in Victory Park. We played her original song “A different kind of country.” We also performed several selections for FOX downtown, including “Santa Baby,” a cover of Patsy Klyne’s “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” and a hilarious Imaj original comedy “Untrailer Trash” based on stuff her mom and grandma used to say.

The highlight was playing at the Texas State Fair, where we performed the Charlie Daniels Band cover “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” in which I was dubbed “Jenny” instead of “Johnny.”

Can you share more about your experience with Modern Luxury?

Modern Luxury is a phenomenal brand to work with for marketing luxury brands here in Dallas, as well as several other major cities. The AIA event was gorgeous and perfect for this time of year. It was held in a beautifully designed modern home with retractable glass walls. This made for a nice "open" concept of the living room that flowed into the outdoor patio. Everyone loved the old timey jazz pieces we played, as well as the fun pop selections.

Wichita

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Allison, what kind of music did you perform at Wichita’s Autumn and Art Festival?

This was a wonderful patrons’ event where they could sample food and drink from a variety of vendors, as well as admire the various art pieces. We had fun performing several pop songs and a little country.

Kansas City

Brittany, what event did you perform for at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art?

The Nelson-Atkins Art Museum kindly included us in their opening event of the Queen Nefertari: Eternal Egypt Exhibition. We performed a small combo with Rod on drums, Nick on guitar and myself on violin. We had a wonderful time showing the audience our different musical styles. Several people inquired about the electric violin, whose amplification allowed us to play with drums.

Central Illinois

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In Central Illinois, my students are busy performing holiday recitals. We enjoyed playing a Halloween Concert with the Blackwater String Ensemble Studios at Elmcroft of Wyndcrest.

Favorite Recent Wedding/Private Event Venues

• Dallas: Park Cities Presbyterian Church, Highland Park United Methodist Church, the Belo Mansion downtown, The Joule terrace, Brook Hollow Country Club, the Milestone in Aubrey, Holy Trinity Catholic Church.
• Wichita: Noah’s Event Venue, Fulton Valley Farm, Stonehill Barn, Eastminster Presbyterian Church
• Kansas City: Weston Red Barn Farm
• Central Illinois: Washington Park Botanical Gardens

Upcoming Christmas Events!
All events are open to the public unless otherwise noted.

Dallas

• NorthPark Mall, December 8th
• SMU Lessons and Carols, December 8th
• Dallas Theological Seminary Chapel, December 12th
• Shops at Clearfork Holiday Teas, December 14th
• Park Cities Presbyterian Church, December 15th
• Private events at The Joule, The Four Seasons Resort and Club, Belmont Senior Living Center

Wichita

• MESSIAH at Tabor College: November 24th
• Eastminster’s Christmas Cantata: December 8th and 9th

Kansas City

• Private event at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Central Illinois

• Trinity Lutheran Church of Springfield: Advent service: December 4
• First Presbyterian Church of Springfield (Aberham Lincoln’s Church): December 18
• Private event at Bickford Senior Living