Music Notes: September 2026
Enjoy the wonder and joy of practice!
September - a time of new beginnings and a return to activities and schedules. As you settle into the fall routine, take a minute to think about routine in music practice. We leave the world behind as the routine of “Twinkles” and scales soothes us. Routines allow our bodies and minds to settle and reenergize. As we play our instruments, the challenges of new school classes, squabbles among friends and the busyness of the day recedes. Encourage your student to use the warm up routines as joy and solace. Breathe deeply and sigh!
The famous cellist Yo Yo Ma, pictured on the right, began cello at age 4. A child prodigy, he performed the Prelude of Bach’s Cello Suite in G Major at age 5. Today at age 71, it is still one of his signature pieces, he’s performed it around the world hundreds of times. He still loves it and finds new beauty in it. What piece does your instrumentalist love? Make sure they play it often and savor it! --Pam Schneller
KSA Fall Calendar
KSA families have busy, busy lives and we appreciate your support of music education. The full Fall 2026 calendar is attached to your email, but please put the Fall Recitals in your calendar now.
- November 14, 2:00 pm - Recital: Students of Adam Ayers, Nora Connelly and Jennifer George.
- December 5, 11:00 am – Recital: Students of Alyssa Burnette, Justin Harms and Alla Ousley
- December 5, 2:00 pm – Recital: Students of Wesley Baldwin
Knoxville Symphony Youth Orchestras
Congratulations to the 19 KSA students who have been accepted into the renowned Knoxville Youth Symphony program. The KSYOA performs three times a year in the elegant and inspiring Tennessee Theatre in downtown Knoxville. The students were chosen by audition and will rehearse weekly and perform three times this year. Congratulations!
- Youth Orchestra: Jiyu Kim, Jachen Ren, Lydia Toth, Eason Xi and Mabelle Zhang.
- Chamber Orchestra: Skylar Chen, Marguerite MacDonald and Lillian Silfies.
- Philharmonia: Karsten Budiardja, Abigail Li and Matthew Miao.
- Preludium: Maggie Silfies and Grace Wang
- Junior Orchestra: Idil Bekar, Steven Ly, Audrey Sun, Brooklyn Sun and Jemma Zhang.
They are students of Adam Ayers, Nora Connelly, Jennifer George and Wesley Baldwin.
September and October KSA Group Classes
Knoxville Suzuki Academy believes that playing together in a group class with friends is fun, teaches new skills, and encourages all students to grow. This is a great time to try a new thing – come to group class!
Cello – September 19 & 26; October 3 & 17
- 10-11 am Cello Pre-Twinkle & Book 1
- 11 am-12 Cello Books 2-3
- 12-1 pm Advanced Cello
Piano – September 19; October 17
12-1 pm Piano Group Class
Violin - September 12 & 19; October 17 & 24
11 am-12 pm
The air conditioning in the Parish House cannot bear this long summer heat and has broken down. Lessons and group classes have been moved to the main building. Confirm meeting arrangements with your teacher before lessons. Thank you!
Have a KSA question or need help with something? Don’t hesitate to reach out. Call Pam Schneller at 865-401-0439 or email her at Pam@KnoxvilleSuzukiAcademy.com