ISSI is FUN!!

Goldilocks was very nervous for her first day of ISSI (Intermountain Suzuki String Institute) until she met up with her little Violin Buddy from home. Seeing a familiar face always calms the nerves a bit.

Mama and Goldie did not know what a treat they were in for when they signed up for a week of intense violin training. They attended some great classes with wonderful teachers who sparked a new enthusiasm for music. Some of the highlights of their week were seeing Jenny Oaks Baker in concert, hearing the Fry String Quartet, and witnessing some great student performances.

Goldie's repetoire teacher was from Japan and she loved dolphins. She encouraged all the students to think of their bow as a dolphin. Each time they played she would tell them to have their "dolphins" swim in the ocean to make the most beautiful sound that it could. Goldie just had to get a stuffed dolphin to help her remember this class! This teacher also made a little dolphin counter for all 80 of the kids she taught at this institute. What a treat!

The next class she attended every day was a technique class taught by a cool guy from Sweden! He had a neat accent and taught Goldie and the other kids many fun things to do with their violins. They played them upside down and backwards. They also played while sitting and clapping their feet together! He even taught them some great exercises for their bodies and brains.

They even marched around the room and in the hallways. What a Kick! The very best part of this class was the Sweedish song he taught them called, "Spatanoose" (a spitting song).

Goldie's Master class teacher was a lady from Illinois. She spent 12 minutes one on one time with her each day to help her with something unique to just Goldie. She would assign her homework every day and then Mama and Goldie would have to find some time to practice. One day they parcticed out on the lawn with Goldie's little violin buddy.

Goldie's favorite teachers were even there! Keenanonie and the Viola Diva herself posed for this picture. These are the teachers that have taught Goldie from the beginning. The Viola Diva gave her a great start and then had to move away for graduate school (Mama says "Graduate school" is a swear word!). Keenanone has continued on with her until this time, but will soon join the Viola Diva in that terrible place far far away! Mama and Goldie hope that they will be able to continue on without them! If there is a will, there is always a way! We appreciate all the hard work of these two ladies and will miss them very much!