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| Services | Benefits | Guide | Calendar | Request Info |
 Pick-Up Notes — The Monthly Newsletter from the St. Joseph Arts Academy |
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| Letter from the Director |
| September at the St. Joseph Arts Academy |
| Dear SJAA Students and Families, September always feels a little bit like a fresh start. The school year is underway, new routines are taking shape, and musicians of all ages are finding their way back into a regular rhythm of school, work, lessons, practice, and everything else life brings. If the first couple weeks have felt a little hectic, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Getting settled into a new routine takes a little time. For musicians, that might mean finding a new practice time, getting the instrument back out regularly, or simply remembering that a little music each day can make a big difference. There is also a lot happening around the Academy this month, and one event is especially close to our hearts. On September 20, our SJAA Bluegrass Ensemble will perform at noon at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Mitchell Avenue, across from MWSU, to help kick off a full day of music benefiting our friend Tyler Osborn and raising awareness and support for cancer recovery. Many of you know Tyler through the Academy. His photography has become part of the fabric of SJAA—his work is hanging throughout our halls and studios and, for many families, on the walls of your homes. Tyler has captured countless SJAA students, families, musicians, and memories over the years. This is one of those times when our musical community gets to come together and support one of our own. If you would like to volunteer, contribute a raffle or silent auction item, make a donation, or simply show up with your family and your support, every little bit adds up. And yes, prayers and good thoughts count too. We have always believed that musicians and artists are stronger when we support one another, and I’m proud of the way the SJAA community continues to show up for our friends and neighbors. You may also notice some changes in the way we communicate this fall as we transition to NOTO, our new scheduling, attendance, and communication system. Some messages may look a little different as we get everything settled. If you have questions or run into an issue, please let us know. We’re here to help make the transition as smooth as possible. We’re also excited to be partnering with the St. Joseph Symphony on several special upcoming opportunities. Be sure to look inside this newsletter for information about auditions for our upcoming Cabaret, as well as an opportunity to nominate a Guest Conductor for the Holiday Sleigh Ride! As always, we have limited spaces available for private lessons and Early Childhood Music classes. We want great students and families—and honestly, we think families like yours are exactly the kind of people we’d love to welcome into the Academy. So thank you for being here, for making music, for supporting our teachers and students, and for sharing SJAA with your friends and family. Your referrals continue to be one of the best ways our Academy grows. Here’s to a great school year, a great season of music, and another year of making something wonderful together. Thank you! Jason and SJAA Jason Riley, Director — jason@stjosephartsacademy.com | Call/Text: 816-974-7656 | |
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FEATURED REVIEWWe love SJAA!! Very family friendly and easy to work with. All four of my kiddos enjoyed every instructor. — Penny O.  |
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| Student of the Month |
Marleigh W! We are so lucky to have Marleigh and her family with us at the SJAA! Marleigh is an 8th grader at Maryville Middle School. She has taken violin lessons at SJAA for 6 years. Her activities include dance, choir, theater, and cross country. She loves to read and is currently making her way through the Six of Crows series. Her favorite movie she has seen this year is The Odyssey. She hopes to become an engineer someday and loves finding ways to be creative! We’ll celebrate Marleigh with a gift card! Thank you for referring your friends and family to the Academy. Congratulations! To be considered for Student of the Month, talk to your teacher about your musical and extracurricular activities, share pictures, and refer fellow musicians to the academy! |
| Pet of the Month |
| Cowboy! |
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Thank you to Mr. Garrett for sharing a photo of your sweet fur baby! Each month, SJAA selects a pet to feature — and a donation is made to Friends of the St. Joseph Animal Shelter in honor of all our local pets in need. Share a favorite photo of your pet — they could be next!  Bring on those adorable snapshots! |
Birthdays of the Month Happy Birthday to our incredible students and families celebrating this month!  Evelyn M | Heidi S | Summer W | Kaitlyn J | Catherine N | Nels A Velina W | Gabryel C | Gary L | Henley P | Alex H Let your teacher know your birthday so we can celebrate you! |
Welcome New Students! We’re so excited to welcome these new musicians into the SJAA family!  Maeve A | Frankie A | Braxtyn A | Szeth A Peyton H | Garrison B | Hazel H We’re so glad you’re here — welcome to the Academy! |
| Early Childhood Music Classes Music is magic at any age — especially the earliest ones! Our Early Childhood Music Classes are designed for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers (ages infant–5 yrs). Interactive, joyful, and developmentally enriching — these classes spark a lifelong love of music right from the start. Know a family with little ones? Share the gift of music — refer them today! |
| Learn More About Early Childhood Classes → |
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Join us Sunday, September 20, from 12–8 PM at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 4520 Mitchell Ave., St. Joseph, MO, for Concert to Benefit Tyler Osborn — Fighting Cancer Together. Tyler is our “Photo Day @ SJAA” Photographer and has created some many wonderful memories for our students and families! Hosted by St. Joseph Arts Academy, this FREE community event will feature 8 hours of live music, including members of Head East, Michael Shaun Brown featuring Ann & Terry Brock, Kristin & Lucy Gray Hamilton, Soca Jukebox, 2 Miles Deep, Under the Influence, and more. Enjoy great music, food, drinks, a silent auction, and fellowship while supporting Tyler as he continues treatment for Stage 4 colon cancer. Suggested donations will help with Tyler’s medical expenses and loss of livelihood through a gifting trust. Bring a friend. BE a friend. Come together to support someone who has spent years giving so much to our community!  |
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| YOUNG VOCALISTS WANTED!The Saint Joseph Symphony invites vocalists ages 13–23 to audition for Cabaret Noir, a dramatic and sophisticated celebration of music from film! Auditions: Saturday, October 3, 2026 • 11:00 a.m. Location: Saint Joseph Symphony Office120 S. 8th Street, Saint Joseph, MO Prepare one song from a film that showcases your voice, musicality, expression, and personality.Open to performers in NW Missouri and NE Kansas. To register:info@saintjosephsymphony.org(816) 233-7701 • Tues.–Fri., 11 a.m.–3 p.m.Concert: February 19, 2027 |
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| St. Joseph Symphony Holiday Cheer Concert December 19The St. Joseph Symphony is inviting music students to nominate a fellow student musician (or a musical family member) to become our 2026 Honorary Guest Conductor for our Holiday Cheer Concert. The Honoree Receives:Conduct the Symphony during Sleigh RideFour complimentary concert ticketsA commemorative conductor’s batonRecognition through Symphony and local media Essay (250–500 words):Tell us:Who you’re nominatingWhy they deserve this honorHow music has impacted their lifeHow they inspire othersDeadline: October 15, 2026Celebrate a student whose passion, dedication, and love of music deserves the spotlight! |
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| Sept. 30 Day Practice Challenge!Grab a practice sheet from your teacher and write down your practice time. Turn in your practice log for this 30 day month and earn a prize! |
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| Refer a Friend to the SJAA!Referral CONTEST!One of the ways that your STUDIO is able to GROW is by enrolling GREAT students JUST LIKE YOU! |
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| Student Celebrations Every month we love to shine a spotlight on the amazing accomplishments of our SJAA students. Whether it’s a first recital, a new song mastered, a school honor, or a personal milestone — every achievement matters! Brianna A — Successful Completion of Music for Little Mozarts – Level 1 Elias B — Successful Completion of A Dozen a Day Piano Course – Book 1 Talk to your teacher about your accomplishments — we’d love to celebrate you in next month’s newsletter! |
| Does Your Teacher Have Openings? Private lesson spots are limited with our amazing coaching faculty. Check availability below and refer a friend before their spot is gone! |
 Addy Gabriel — Waiting List Alex Rowen — Thursday 5:30pm Andrew Holmes — Tuesday 4pm Anthony Glise — Waiting List Brett Wootton — Waiting List Brent Isom — Thursday 5pm Claire Gerhardt — Waiting List Garrett Branson — Thursday 5:30pm Jack Wing — Wednesday 4:30pm Jason Riley — Tuesday 4pm Jolie Riley — Waiting List David Parker — Virtual Only Marina Gurnovich — Tuesday 6:30pm Tarquin Kellough — Monday 6pm Terry Brock — Waiting List Michael Fuson — Saturday 1pm |
| Refer a Friend — Request Info → |
| Upcoming Calendar Mark your calendars and don’t miss a beat! Here’s what’s coming up at SJAA and in our community: |
| September 20269/1— “30 Day Practice Challenge” Begins!9/12 — InspireU SJAA Second Saturdays, 1-4pm9/20 — SJAA “Bluegrass” Academy, Concert to Benefit Tyler Osborn, 12pm October 2026 |
