Pick-Up Notes – May Newsletter from the St. Joseph Arts Academy
| Pick-Up Notes The Newsletter from the St. Joseph Arts AcademyView this email in your browser  |
| LETTER FROM THE DIRECTORMay at the St. Joseph Arts Academy Dear SJAA Students and Families,The school year is winding down, summer is approaching, and there is a lot to celebrate here at SJAA.Last month, I had the honor of attending the International Music Academy Conference in Austin, Texas, where the St. Joseph Arts Academy received recognition in several categories including highest enrollments, excellence in community connections, excellence in musical opportunities for students, community reputation, and community commitment.What made this especially meaningful was that SJAA was recognized alongside some of the largest music schools in the United States, with educators and school owners attending from across the country and around the world. For a music school from St. Joseph, Missouri to be recognized on that stage was incredibly special.But the truth is—these are not “my” awards. They belong to all of you.Every student who practices, every parent who encourages their child, every teacher who gives their energy and heart to students each week, and every family who supports the Academy helps make SJAA the special place it is. Thank you for believing in music education and for being part of this community.We also had a wonderful time at our annual St. Joseph Kids Make Music Day with our instrument petting zoo, performances, open house activities, and so many students inviting friends and family to experience the Academy. Seeing young people light up when they try an instrument for the first time never gets old.As summer approaches, we are excited to open registration for several new programs including our Summer Early Childhood Music Classes and new Music Enrichment Classes designed for students with special needs and unique learning styles. We are very excited to continue creating musical opportunities for all learners in our community.Summer also brings some great opportunities for students to stay active and inspired musically. We have performances coming up at the AKMA Art Fair, Hawkfest Jazz & Blues Festival, summer recitals, and our annual June 30-Day Practice Challenge to help students keep progressing through the summer months.One thing I’ve learned over many years of teaching is that consistency matters. Students who stay strong over the summer arrive in the fall with more confidence, stronger skills, and renewed motivation. Even small amounts of regular practice can make a tremendous difference over time.Most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy the process. Music should challenge us, but it should also bring joy, creativity, friendship, and meaning into our lives.Thank you again for helping make SJAA such a positive and thriving musical community. We are proud of what we are building together here in St. Joseph and excited for all that is ahead this summer.Wishing you and your family a wonderful end to the school year and a music-filled summer ahead. Jason & SJAA Join or Share us on Facebook/Instagram  “My son has been attending the toddler music classes for a while now and he absolutely loves it! Ms. Jo is great at connecting with the kids and introducing them to music principles! 10/10 recommend!”- Harrison J.  #MusicAccomplishedOur May “Student of the Month” is…Eldon E.! We are so lucky to have Eldon and his family with us at the SJAA. Eldon is a violin student who studies with Mr. Jack Wing. He enjoys spending time outdoors, especially fishing and hiking. He also collects antique ice cream makers and regularly makes homemade ice cream with his family. We’ll celebrate Eldon with a gift card for him! Thank you, Eldon for referring your friends and family to the Academy. Congratulations!!! To be considered for Student of the Month, be sure to talk to your teacher about all your musical and extracurricular activities, share pictures and refer your fellow musicians to the academy.  Our May Pet of the Month goes toForte!Thank you to Mr. Wootton for sharing a photo of your sweet fur baby. Each month, SJAA will select a pet to feature and a donation will be made to Friends of the St. Joseph Animal Shelter in honor of all of our local pets in need. Share a favorite pic of your favorite pet and maybe they’ll be named the SJAA “Pet of the Month”! Bring on those adorable snapshots!        Need a rental space for your graduating senior?  Celebrate this big moment at SJAA! We offer space reservations for graduation parties and other special events  Scan the QR code for more info or send us a message!        Google ReviewPrivate lessons spots are limited with our amazing coaching faculty at the SJAA but we still have room to grow. Thank you for referring your friends and family to the academy!We’ve now reached over 50 5-star Google reviews. So, thank you to everybody that put in their reviews. We so much appreciate it, but we want to get to 75 reviews. If you haven’t yet, please consider going to Goggle, giving us a review. We’d love your feedback and thank you so much again for helping us get over 50 5-star Google reviews.REVIEWS https://g.page/r/CZvsJULwejcCEAg/reviewMonthly tuition for private lessons (30 minute weekly sessions) is $116.Review Our Lesson Policy https://stjosephartsacademy.com/lesson-policy/ OTHER NOTES2026 5/16 – Mr. Wootton’s Spring Recital, 2pm 6/1- “30 Day Practice Challenge” Begins!6/6 – SJAMTA Scholarship6/6 – Noyes Home Open House, 4-7pm, 5pm performances6/6 – AKMA Art Fair, 1130am 6/7 – Mr. Pennington’s Summer Recital, 3pm6/12 – “Hawkfest” Blues & Jazz Fest, Coleman Hawkins, 5pm6/13 – InspireU SJAA Second Saturdays, 1-4pm 7/4 – Happy 250th Birthday USA (SJAA is Closed)7/11 – InspireU SJAA Second Saturdays, 1-4pm7/21 – Silver & Gold Banquet, Word of Life Church, 12pm8/8 – InspireU SJAA Second Saturdays, 1-4pmIs your Teacher Sold Out?Addy Gabriel – Waiting ListAlex Rowen – Monday 6pmAndrew Holmes – Tuesday 5:30pmAnthony Glise – Waiting ListBrett Wootton – Waiting ListBrent Isom – Monday 2pmClaire Gerhardt – Monday 7pmGarrett Branson – Waiting ListJack Wing – Wednesday 6:30pmJason Riley – Wednesday 3pmJolie Riley – Waiting ListDavid Parker – Virtual OnlyMarina Gurnovich – Tuesday 2pmTarquin Kellough – Saturday 1pmTerry Brock – Waiting ListJohn Keck – Friday 6:30pmMichael Fuson – Saturday 12:30amSJAA Classes/Courses – Private music lessons in Guitar, Piano, Violin, Cello, Voice and Singing, Ukulele, Drums and Percussion, Steel Pan, Mandolin, Banjo, Acoustic/Upright Bass, Electric Bass, Trumpet, Strings, Early Childhood Classes, Group Guitar, Group Ukulele. Art Classes, Online Music Lessons & Adult Art Classes. All musical styles for all ages. We also offer… Discounts on music books & accessories, instrument rentals and rental space for birthday parties and special events.TeacherZone is our on-line platform for our students and our teachers. https://app.teacherzone.comUNITED FIBER has come to the SJAA! Free Wi-Fi – SJAA password “MusicAccomplished”Academy MissionOur mission at the St. Joseph Arts Academy is to provide the highest quality musical instruction and performance opportunities to beginning and advancing students in the Midland empire. We use our patience, enthusiasm and loyalty to encourage, inform and inspire others to happily share their skill and talent in love and gratitude to make the world a better place.OUR MOTTO… Music Accomplished! |
| Thank you for reading -“Pick-Up Notes” – Monthly Newsletter from the St. Joseph Arts Academy!It’s always a great month and they go by so fast!Thank you for encouraging the advancing musicians in your life and in our community. We are making the world a better place through music.It’s fun! Thank you for that.Jason Riley Director jason@stjosephartsacademy.com Call: 816-974-7656 Text: 816-623-2002 Here to help! Call or text if you need anything at all. {| o }===::: |
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