Academy for Strings, Piano, and Woodwinds at Four Oaks

Newsletter

On October 8, 2009, the Mentor High School Orchestra performed the world premiere of "Quinque Mela" (Five Melodies), under direction of the composer, Joshua Clark. Joshua, a student at Menor High School, studies violin with Masha Andreini of Four Oaks.

On Sunday, December 6, 2009, members of ensembles in residence at the Academy for Strings and Piano at Four Oaks presented a delightful concert for a large and enthusiastic audience in the sanctuary of First Church Congregational in Painesville. The program consisted of pieces by Grieg, Handel, Haydn, Purcell, and Vivaldi. Also performed on the program were a variety of traditional folk tunes, along with several English, French, and German carols. The concert was followed by a cookies and punch reception where members of the audience were able to share time with the performers.

In February of 2010, eighth grade student Shayna Swerdlow, who studies viola at Four Oaks with Susan Knapp, had successful auditions for the Mentor High School Symphony Orchestra and the Mannheim Orchestra. Our congratulations go out to Shayna.

On Friday, February 12, 2010, five students and two faculty members performed at St. James Episcopal Church, in Painesville, for the Music and Drama Club. Faculty member Amber Inman performed two movements of Mozart Sonata #4, accompanied by pianist Gloria Hobi.

Violin and viola students of Susan Knapp-Rust were also part of the program. Six year old Emily Sanders performed a Bach's Minuet in G.. Twelve year old Matt Gittins performed the first two movements of Handel Sonata #3, and twelve year old Emily B. performed the first movement of Concerto in A minor by Vivaldi. Shayna, a thirteen year old violist, performed a movement of a Telemann Sonata, and sixteen year old Luke (cello student of faculty member Jerry Yarovich) performed the first movement of Vivaldi's Concerto in A minor. Matt, Emily B., and Shayna performed Sonata in C by Domenico Scarlatti, and Allegro Scherzando by Franz Joseph Haydn, each arranged for two violins and viola by Catherine McMichael.

On Sunday, February 28, 2010, at 3:00 p.m. three talented cello students of Jerry Yarovich performed at First Church Congregational. Included on the program were works by Vivaldi and Romberg.

On Saturday, April 17, 2010, five string students from Four Oaks attended the OMEA District 7 competition achieving a "I" (Superior) rating. Congratulations to Alex, Matt, Shayna, Taylor, and Thompson.

1042 Mentor Avenue,  Painesville, OH 44077 ~ Tel: 440.352.2391