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If you have followed the link from the TAVACI main page, YOU FOUND US!  I don't really use the blog format anymore.  click here to find us on Facebook.  Facebook.com/GATAVACI  We look forward to meeting you and your kiddos.

November/December

November/December News

OK friends, if you don’t read any other newsletter, READ THIS ONE!!!

1-  We love your kids:  They are fantastic.  We have learned pretty much All our material.  Now it’s time to clean.  They are AWESOME.  I’m getting excited for you to see what we've been up to.

2-  CD’s:  Listen, Listen, Listen!  The more they practice, the more comfortable they will feel at concert time.

3-  Costumes: Ordered and on their way.

YOUR COSTUME RESPONSIBILITY

Tiny Tune Girls

White footless tights (opaque)

-Target or Walmart

Black ballet slippers

-Payless

Harmonic Tune girls

Black socks

Black jazz shoes

-Payless

All Boys

Black slacks

Black socks

Black shoes

4-  Solos and Speaking parts: coming home today or next week.  Please practice them with your child so that they can deliver their part with confidence.  We will work on them in class as well.  But, they need to be memorized at home.

5-  How much does it cost to come to the concert?  Admission to the concert is…FREE!!!  Invite all your friends and family, teachers and classmates.  Our concert is a great way for everyone to kick off the holiday season.  If you’ve got a friend that is interested in joining us in January, the concert is the BEST place to show them what we are all about.

6- Times and Places:  Please REALLY look at the calendar.  There are times and addresses for all of our performances and practices.

7-  Calendar

November 6- tuition/performance fee due

November 27- NO TAVACI (Happy Thanksgiving)

December 3- Performance at a nursing home 

230 Collins Industrial Way, Lawrenceville, GA 30043

6:00- meet

6:30- sing

we will be done by 7:00

PLEASE TRY TO BE ON TIME.  These grandmas and grandpas LOVE our kids and get impatient for us to sing.  So, we will start right at 6:30 if not a few minutes earlier.  Be there at 6:00.  After we sing, the grandmas and grandpas love to talk to our kids.  Some kids like it, some get nervous.  You are in charge of your kids.  If you want to encourage them to make friends, do it.  If you don’t have time, or they're too shy,  don't do it.

December 4- Tuition Due/last regular practice

December 12- Blocking Rehearsal

Collins Hill High School

50 Taylor Rd, Suwanee, GA 30024

          6:00 PM-Full TaVaci group

This rehearsal is not optional.  It’s the time for us to show the kids where to sit.  How to get on/off the stage.  Where to stand for speaking parts and solos.  We are practicing logistics.  

It’s especially important for kids.  The new space is exciting and they need to be able to get to know it and feel comfortable in it.  On Friday night we always wonder if they’ve forgotten everything we've taught them.  It’s just because their so excited and need to get acquainted with the new space.

         

Dec. 13- Dress Rehearsal

          9:30 -11:00 AM  FULL COSTUME

-Collins Hill High

We will run the entire show top to bottom with as few stops as possible.  This is a closed rehearsal.  Meaning, you can have and hour and a half to yourself.  This is where we work out any kinks with the sound, light, props ect.  It’s an intense rehearsal (for the directors) so we really ask to have the theater clear so we can work with the tech crew.

Plus, we want to keep the show a surprise for…

Dec. 13- CONCERT!!!

          -Collins Hill High

6:00- Kids arrive dressed pressed and happy

6:30- TaVaci School of Performing Arts Proudly Presents:

Christmas Soul

When you bring your child into the school for the concert, please stop by the restroom and encourage them to go. Little tummies get butterflies and they almost every time will need to go. Make sure their hair is pulled away from their face so that we can see their beautiful eyes and smiles. The stage lights are harsh. A little mascara, blush, and lipstick help define facial features on stage. It does not have to be over the top. Just a little to help outline their natural features.

If you have them change from their outside shoes to their ballets or jazz shoes , please hold their regular shoe at YOUR seat. That goes for coats and jackets as well. They will be up and down the whole concert and we don’t want them tripping over anything that we can prevent.

The seating in the theater is first come first serve. There will plenty of room for everyone. Just a hint, the best seats are about half way back. That is where the speakers are.

Santa or Mrs. Claus have not missed a TaVaci Christmas concert yet! Not sure which one will come this year, but they are planning to attend. So, put on your holiday best and come visit with Santa or Mrs. Claus. He/She will be taking last minute requests, as long as you’ve had a good year, that is.

8-  This has been a long newsletter!  If you made it all the way through with no questions, congratulations.

If you do have questions, please e-mail me:  betsyga@bellsouth.net

October- 2014

October

We are well on our way!  We have learned lots of material and will start finishing each piece in the next few weeks.  Then it will be cleaning and polishing time.  We are sending home a CD for your child to practice their material.  Please encourage them to listen to it often.  We only get to work with them once a week.  So, the more they listen at home the better.  

Some of our songs have solo or duet parts built in.  We will have tryouts for these parts on October 23rd.  We will post word sheets for each part on the blog and facebook so that they can really be prepared for the tryout.  We will talk about how a tryout is run.  That they need to have the words memorized, look up, “sale the part”, and do their best.  It’s a good experience for them and helps them practice talking/singing in front of a group.

Our Harmonic Tunes are getting TaVaci sweatshirts for one of their props.  They are super cute.  So, I wanted to offer them to the rest of the group if they wanted them.  They are $17.  If you would like one, please include $17 as well as make a note of the size and we will order them up.  Oooh, almost forgot, you can choose fuschia or lime green.  

October 2- tuition/prop fee due/ specialty rehearsals begin

October 9- practice CD’s come home

October 23- solo/duet try outs (during class)

November 6- tuition/performance fee due

November 13- speaking parts go home

November 27- NO TAVACI (Happy Thanksgiving)

December 3- Performance at a nursing home  times TBA

December 4- Tuition Due/last regular practice

December 12- Blocking Rehearsal

December 13- Dress Rehearsal/Concert

We love your kids.  Thank you for sharing them with us.

If you have any questions, please shoot me an e-mail: betsyga@bellsouth.net

September

We LOVE your kids.  It has been so much fun to see our old friends and make many new friends.  All of them are doing great.  We have jumped in and are working on all our new material.  It’s Christmas in August!!!

Parents are Excused

Now that we have known each other for a few weeks and all of our kids are comfortable with TaVaci and what we are doing, we are going to ask that parents and families wait outside the studio.  It’s easier for kids to focus and teachers to teach when there are a few distractions as possible.  We thank you in advance for you help.  

Costumes

We will be trying on and ordering costumes in the coming weeks.  Parts of the costume are your responsibility.  If you are a returning friend, please try-on your costume.  Make sure you have all the pieces and that they still fit.  Let me know on the costume try-on date if you need any pieces.

COSTUME BREAKDOWN:

Tiny Tune Girls $75-

*sparkly dress

*black bike shorts

*black netting skirt

*silk flower for hair

You will need to purchase: a pair of white footless tights & black ballet slippers

All Boys $35

Black button down shirt $25

*red neck tie $10

You will need to purchase: black slacks, black socks, & black church shoes

Harmonic Girls $72

*black layering shirt-$14

*NEW WHITE TANK $30

*black jazz pants-$25

*ribbon for hair-$3

You will need to purchase black socks and black jazz shoes

Please remember that we use the same costume in the spring.  So, we will fit the kids with a little wiggle room.  

LUMP SUM PAYMENT

I have had several parents ask for the total program fee so that they can pay in one lump sum.

Here you go:

Harmonics (both locations): Tuition (Aug-Dec) — 175

Props- 20

Performance- 20/child

Tiny’s (Dacula only): Tuition (Aug-Dec) — 175

Props- 12

Performance- 20/child

Tiny’s (Loganville): Tuition (Aug-Dec) — 175

Props- 5

Performance- 20/child

Calendar

September 4- tuition & costume fee due/ costume try-on Dacula location

September 11- costume try-on Loganville location

October 2- tuition/prop fee due/ specialty rehearsals begin

October 9- practice CD’s come home

November 6- tuition/performance fee due

November 13- speaking parts go home

November 27- NO TAVACI (Happy Thanksgiving)

December 3- Performance at a nursing home  times TBA

December 4- Tuition Due/last regular practice

December 12- Blocking Rehearsal

December 13- Dress Rehearsal/Concert

ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

Last week I was challenged to complete the ALS ice bucket challenge.  This is a cause that is near and dear to my heart.  My Uncle Ted had ALS.  So, I completed that challenge and have mad my donation.  (You can see the video of the TaVaci Facebook page).  I know challenge all of you!!!!  Please post your videos on the TaVaci page and don't forget to make you donation.

Bring Your Friends …………………………

We still have room for a few more friends in our Harmonic Tunes classes.  If you have a friend that would like to come try a class, we would love to have them.  Remember, that if one of your friends joins TaVaci, YOU get a TaVaci T-shirt!!!

If you have any questions, please shoot me an e-mail:  betsyga@bellsouth.net

September

We LOVE your kids.  It has been so much fun to see our old friends and make many new friends.  All of them are doing great.  We have jumped in and are working on all our new material.  It’s Christmas in August!!!

Parents are Excused

Now that we have known each other for a few weeks and all of our kids are comfortable with TaVaci and what we are doing, we are going to ask that parents and families wait outside the studio.  It’s easier for kids to focus and teachers to teach when there are a few distractions as possible.  We thank you in advance for you help.  

Costumes

We will be trying on and ordering costumes in the coming weeks.  Parts of the costume are your responsibility.  If you are a returning friend, please try-on your costume.  Make sure you have all the pieces and that they still fit.  Let me know on the costume try-on date if you need any pieces.

COSTUME BREAKDOWN:

Tiny Tune Girls $75-

*sparkly dress

*black bike shorts

*black netting skirt

*silk flower for hair

You will need to purchase: a pair of white footless tights & black ballet slippers

All Boys $35

Black button down shirt $25

*red neck tie $10

You will need to purchase: black slacks, black socks, & black church shoes

Harmonic Girls $72

*black layering shirt-$14

*NEW WHITE TANK $30

*black jazz pants-$25

*ribbon for hair-$3

You will need to purchase black socks and black jazz shoes

Please remember that we use the same costume in the spring.  So, we will fit the kids with a little wiggle room.  

LUMP SUM PAYMENT

I have had several parents ask for the total program fee so that they can pay in one lump sum.

Here you go:

Harmonics (both locations): Tuition (Aug-Dec) — 175

Props- 20

Performance- 20/child

Tiny’s (Dacula only): Tuition (Aug-Dec) — 175

Props- 12

Performance- 20/child

Tiny’s (Loganville): Tuition (Aug-Dec) — 175

Props- 5

Performance- 20/child

Calendar

September 4- tuition & costume fee due/ costume try-on Dacula location

September 11- costume try-on Loganville location

October 2- tuition/prop fee due/ specialty rehearsals begin

October 9- practice CD’s come home

November 6- tuition/performance fee due

November 13- speaking parts go home

November 27- NO TAVACI (Happy Thanksgiving)

December 3- Performance at a nursing home  times TBA

December 4- Tuition Due/last regular practice

December 12- Blocking Rehearsal

December 13- Dress Rehearsal/Concert

ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

Last week I was challenged to complete the ALS ice bucket challenge.  This is a cause that is near and dear to my heart.  My Uncle Ted had ALS.  So, I completed that challenge and have mad my donation.  (You can see the video of the TaVaci Facebook page).  I know challenge all of you!!!!  Please post your videos on the TaVaci page and don't forget to make you donation.

Bring Your Friends …………………………

We still have room for a few more friends in our Harmonic Tunes classes.  If you have a friend that would like to come try a class, we would love to have them.  Remember, that if one of your friends joins TaVaci, YOU get a TaVaci T-shirt!!!

If you have any questions, please shoot me an e-mail:  betsyga@bellsouth.net

August 2014

Hello, my wonderful friends!  I feel like it’s been to long since we’ve seen each other.  I’m excited for TaVaci to start and all the wonderful additions happening this fall.

This Thursday will be our first class of the 2014-2015 year.  We have A LOT of super fun music to teach you.  I really shouldn’t say this yet, but, this music may be my favorite.  I know, I know, I say that EVERY year.  But, this time it just might be true.

We are excited to welcome Rachel Shumway to our TaVaci family.  Rae and I have known each other for years and her sweet angel Lacey has been singing with us since birth (almost).  Rae will be teaching the Loganville classes.  You are going to love her!!!

Because we have TWO Locations I will try and keep the newsletter clear.  But, if you EVER have any questions PLEASE feel free to shoot me and e-mail.

CLASS TIMES

Loganville

Tiny Tunes (pre-k- 2^nd grade)- 5:00-5:45
Harmonic Tunes (3^rd -7^th grades)- 6:00-6:45

Dacula

Tiny Tunes (pre-k- 2^nd grade)- 5:30-6:15 or 4:30-5:15
Harmonic Tunes (3^rd -7^th grades)- 6:30-7:15

Class Location

Loganville

The Ebb and Flow Yoga Studio

200 Athens Hwy. Suite 300
Loganville, GA

Dacula

The Dacula Masonic Lodge
 2493 2nd avenue.
Dacula, GA 30019

Calendar of Events

August 14- Classes start/tuition due
September 4- tuition due/ costume try-on Dacula location
September 11- costume try-on Loganville location
October 2- tuition/prop fee due/ specialty rehearsals begin
October 9- practice CD’s come home
November 6- tuition/performance fee due
November 13- speaking parts go home
November 27- NO TAVACI (Happy Thanksgiving)
December 3- Performance at a nursing home  times TBA
December 4- Tuition Due/last regular practice
December 12- Blocking Rehearsal
December 13- Dress Rehearsal/Concert

There will be additional dates added to our calendar (solo try-outs etc.) as these dates become available. 

Tuition/Newsletters

Your child will bring home a tuition statement the last class of each month.  Please look at it.  Tuition is due the first class of each month.  Tuition is $35/month.  However, in October I add in the prop fee.  And, in November I add in the performance fee.

I have had people ask me in the past why December is a full tuition month when we only have one class.  The reason is: I have divided the “semester fee” into monthly payments.  I really try to keep our costs reasonable for families.

I have many families that like to pay their tuition in a lump sum.  I’m totally fine with that.  But, give me a minute to solidify the prop cost.

I will post a newsletter to the TaVaci blog: spotlightkids.blogspot.com  as well as to our Facebook page: facebook.com/GATAVACI  the last week of each month.  This newsletter serves to let you know what we’re up to in class as well as anything you should be aware of. 

Friends

Now is the perfect time to invite a friend to TaVaci.  Bring them along.  They will love it too.  If any of your friends decides to join us, we would like to buy you a TaVaci T-shirt as a Thank You gift.

Questions/Comments

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to e-mail me.

betsyga@bellsouth.net

May 2014

MAY

Our concert is just around the corner and we are ready.  Please make every effort to have your child to class each week, Practice with your CD, and enjoy the lifelong benefits of music.

COSTUMES- If you ordered a new costume for your child, they should have come home today. (except the black jazz pants that I can’t pick up until Friday)

Please try the costume on and make sure everything fits.

YOUR COSTUME RESPONSIBILITY

Tiny Tune Girls
White footless tights (opaque)
Black ballet slippers

Harmonic Tune girls
Black socks
Black jazz shoes

All Boys
Black slacks
Black socks
Black shoes

White dress shirt (Tiny Tunes Only)

 TINY TUNE SPECIALTY

If your child is in the Tiny Tune specialty, please remember that YOU are in charge of their costume for this song.  Denim overalls, denim shorts or a skirt with a plain red shirt on top is what I’m asking for.

Calendar

May 1- Tuition Due

May 7- Performance-

          -The Bridge Assisted Living Center

          220 Collins Industrial Way
Lawrenceville, GA 30043(678) 377-8191
- 6:00- arrive

6:30-7:30- perform

Wear your costume, no speaking parts.
We go to this same assisted living center before every one of our concerts. The Grandmas and Grandpas there LOVE our kids. After we sing they will want to talk with them and enjoy their fun personalities. For some of my kids it’s great and they love it. For others, not so much. I’ll let you decide for your own child if you want to encourage them to interact with the residents or just head out.

 

May 8- Last Regular Class

May 17- Dress Rehearsal

          9:30- 11:30 AM  FULL COSTUME

-Collins Hill High

Because we are not having a blocking rehearsal on the 16^th, I have scheduled a slightly longer dress rehearsal.

May 17-  Concert

          -Collins Hill High

6:30- Kids arrive dressed pressed and happy

          7:00- TaVaci School of Performing Arts Proudly Presents:

Reach for the Sky

When you bring your child into the school for the concert, please stop by the restroom and encourage them to go. Little tummies get butterflies and they almost every time will need to go. Make sure their hair is pulled away from their face so that we can see their beautiful eyes and smiles. The stage lights are harsh. A little mascara, blush, and lipstick help define facial features on stage. It does not have to be over the top. Just a little to help outline their natural features.
If you have them change from their outside shoes to their ballets or jazz shoes , please hold their regular shoe at YOUR seat. That goes for coats and jackets as well. They will be up and down the whole concert and we don’t want them tripping over anything that we can prevent.
The seating in the theater is first come first serve. There will plenty of room for everyone. Just a hint, the best seats are about half way back. That is where the speakers are.
May 26- Dacula Memorial Day Parade

Hebron Baptist Church parking lot

9:30-  The parade steps off at 10:00

The route is a complete circle.  So, we will meet you back in the church parking lot when we are done singing.

Wear denim shorts and your TaVaci T-shirt.  If you don’t have a TaVaci T-shirt, wear a plain red, white or blue shirt.  The parade is rain or shine.  It has been beautiful the last couple of years, but we have enjoyed the rain as well.  Come prepared for the weather.  Sunscreen is always a great idea.  We aren’t allowed to let the kids throw candy from the float.  Bummer.  But, we will let them wave their flags and sings their heart out in honor of our veterans.

I know that we have several parents that are veterans in our group.  If any of you would like to ride in the back of the truck with us, we would be SO honored.

Let’s Do it Again in the Fall!!!

I hope you have all enjoyed TaVaci this year.  We LOVE your kids.  Attached is a registration form for next year.  I REALLY hope to see all my friends in August for another action packed year.

This newsletter is slam packed with info.  I hope I didn’t overwhelm you.  If I did, or if I’ve made a mistake (wouldn’t be the first time ;=)  give me a call  770-480-4491 or email me @  betsyga@bellsouth.net