Teacher Meetings & Programs
We regularly meet at the First Congregational Church in Crystal Lake on the second Wednesday of each month during the school year. Our business meetings begin at 9:00 AM, and our teacher-focused programs start at approximately 10:15 AM.
(Note: We also hold a special luncheon in May and a planning meeting in June.)
DATE
Program Info
Wed, Sept 11, 2024
9:00 AM Business Meeting
~10:15 AM Program
First Cong Church, Crystal Lake
AIM: Let’s get started!
Beverly Taylor and Cheryl Saathoff will collaborate to present, “AIM Level 1-2-3 and Level 2 – Let’s Get Started.” At this program, you can expect to have resources at your fingertips and be taken step by step through technique, aural skills, sightreading and theory requirements for each level. To round out the presentation, you will be given insight on best practices in making your first purchase of graded literature series along with selecting repertoire for students with confidence. Questions are welcome.
Wed, Oct 9, 2024
9:00 AM Business Meeting
~10:15 AM Program
Renae’s home studio in Huntley
studio crawl, part I
We’ll hold our business meeting at Renae Schlossmann’s home. Then we’ll take a tour of her studio space and share teaching ideas.
Wed, nov 6, 2024
11 AM – Carpool from FCC
Event starts at noon
Gail Borden Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin, IL
Field trip: ESO listener’s club event
This is a unique month where we have three opportunities to spend time together. In preparation for the Saturday concert, we invite you to come with us to the ESO’s community event presented by Music Director Chad Goodman and Assistant Principal Second Violin Robbie Herbst. Visit this site for more details about the event.
Sat, nov 9, 2024
No carpool planned
Event starts at 7:30 PM
Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin, IL
elgin symphony orchestra concert
Invite your students and families to attend this ESO concert with us, featuring pianist Joyce Yang. Program info: Coleridge-Taylor’s “The Song of Hiawatha–Overture”, Grieg’s “Piano Concerto in A minor”, Dvořák’s “Symphony No. 7”
Learn more about purchasing tickets at this site. Note: Children under 17 are free but do still need to have a ticket.
Wed, nov 13, 2024
9:00 AM Business Meeting
~10:15 AM ??
First Cong Church, Crystal Lake
Business MEETing
If you’re participating in the December Perform-a-thon, please make sure to attend this business meeting.
This is a unique month where we have three opportunities to spend time together. Because of that, we aren’t planning to hold a separate program after the business meeting, but we might stay and chat and maybe even play a music game or two.
WED, JAN 8, 2025
9:00 AM Business Meeting
~10:15 AM ??
First Cong Church, Crystal Lake
Strategies for memorization
Our wonderful member, Beverly Taylor, will give us tips for increasing memorization skills and how to teach them to our students.
WED, Feb 12, 2025
9:00 AM Business Meeting
~10:15 AM ??
First Cong Church, Crystal Lake
free to play: Preventing and managing performance anxiety
Janna Williamson will be visiting us from West Chicago to present on this important topic. You won’t want to miss it!
WED, MAR 12, 2025
9:00 AM Business Meeting
~10:15 AM ??
TBA
studio crawl, Part II
We’ll hold our business meeting at a local studio. Then we’ll take a tour of their studio space and share teaching ideas.
Wed, apr 9, 2025
9:00 AM Business Meeting
~10:15 AM Program
First Cong Church, Crystal Lake
book club: the perfect wrong note
Continuing our yearly tradition, this time we’re reading and discussing William Westley’s book The Perfect Wrong Note. If you haven’t read the book by this date, please still come and share your thoughts about teaching.
Wed, MAY 14, 2025
11:00 AM Business Meeting
12:00 PM Luncheon
TBA
annual luncheon, installation of officers
At our final meeting of the school year, we’ll discuss how things went, what’s coming up, and install any new officers set to begin their terms for the next academic year.