Upcoming Events
July 16-Aug 4
Summer Camp
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Conservatory Lab
25 Arlington Street
Brighton, MA 02315
617.254.8904
www.conservatorylab.org
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| Family Notes
June 15, 2012
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Dear families,
Our halls are quiet now, but still alive with the echoes of many joyful memories from the year. Each of us has a unique story about goals tackled, lessons learned, and friendships forged and deepened since that first day in August. Some of our proudest moments have been small ones, experienced by only a few. Some have happened before a crowd of hundreds, and are immortalized on YouTube for thousands more to see.
This week, we celebrate the occasions when our stories have intersected: the events and triumphs that have defined us as a school. We celebrate the people, small and tall, who have created those moments out of ideas and hard work. We know that the best things do not happen by chance, but through planning, collaboration, and perseverance amid an environment of excellence.
I thank you all for a year of moments. To those who are moving on to new adventures, we wish you all the best. To those returning in the fall and those joining us for the first time, we look forward to another exciting year, with much in store!
 Warmly, Diana Lam Head of School
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Farewell, and Good Luck!
Conservatory Lab maintains an outstanding staff of educators. Many go on to be leaders in the field of education. This year, we say goodbye to two teachers, one assistant, and two music staff. We wish them well in their future endeavors.
Jean Corbo-Hudak has accepted a job as lead teacher in Newton. They are gaining a teacher who works tirelessly and passionately to see each child succeed.
Erin Bollacker will become a full-time music teacher and paraprofessional at the Beverly School for the Deaf. Her outstanding work with special needs students will continue to be an inspiration in the lives of many.
Theresa Holland will be a Head Teacher at an Early Childhood Center at Curry College in Milton, MA. She will take with her an exuberant energy and unfailing dedication.
Kate Funderburk will be a Math Teacher at Grove Hall Prep next year, teaching 5th and 6th grade math, and bringing her creative, joyful spirit to work each day.
David Malek will take on a new role as teacher trainer in the El Sistema program at the Rainey Institute in Cleveland, Ohio. The warmth of his soul and the depth of his artistry will inspire educators and students alike, just as it has at Conservatory Lab. You have shown us a new side of beauty.
Thank you to all the staff who have made this year shine!
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Where We've Been: A Year in Performance
It is hard to believe that in the last ten months, our students have appeared in 28 separate public performances! From our collaboration with BalletRox in September to our final Spring Concert on June 13, they have shared their talents and joy with diverse audiences all across Boston.
Did you know?
- Our students have performed for audiences of over 800, and for the mayors of Boston and Somerville
- Venues have included historic Sanders Theatre, The House of Blues, The State House, The Strand Theatre, and Longy Bard's Pickman Hall
- Our students have composed and performed at least nine original compositions this year including the "Down and Out Blues," "The Ballad of Paul Revere," The Rockin' Rainbows "Nature Rap," and "Dinah's Song" for solo violin.
 - They have premiered at least seven works by local composers and resident artists, including Steve Leben's arrangement of "Yesterday," Levi Comstock's score to "Three Little Pigs, Inc." and "The Nutrition Song" by Mike Moore and Josue Gonzalez.
- The variety of student performances has included orchestral and choral music, hip-hop, and jazz, as well as slam poetry, three plays, and even a circus!
 - Through their joint concert with the Somerville Public Schools, Dudamel Orchestra helped to generate support for a new El Sistema program in their district in the fall.
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Welcome New Staff
It is with great excitement that we announce the newest additions to our teaching staff!
Adrian Anatawan will join us as the Dudamel Orchestra Conductor. He is a world-renowned violinist, who has performed with violin greats including Itzhak Perlman, Pinchas Zuckerman, and Anne-Sophie Mutter. Born without a right hand, he has been a strong proponent of disabled arts. Hear him tell his inspiring story.
Brad Barrett will return as resident artist, teaching bass next year. Brad has recorded with Ran Blake, Bob Moses, Jerry Leake, and Hankus Netsky. He has also performed at the Panama Jazz Festival, Idlywild Jazz Festival, USO Tour (Asia) as well as with a variety of bands throughout the United States and Europe.
David Cordes steps aboard as assistant teacher in K1. He holds a degree from New England Conservatory in Bass Performance. He has worked in charter schools in Washington, DC.
Alex Klove joins us as lead teacher in 5th grade this fall. Trained at Simmons College, she has distinguished herself this year as a teaching intern in the 2nd grade class.
Meg Musick will be an assistant teacher in K2 this year with Mary Randolph. She holds a degree in vocal performance from Indiana University and most recently taught at the Shady Hill School in Cambridge.
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Writing Anthology Now Available
 The 2011-2012 Writing Anthology is now available! In fulfillment of our charter, Conservatory Lab assembles a collection of student writing each year. This year's anthology has quality work from each child, K1-6th grade, covering a variety of topics and prompts. Read the thoughts and ideas of children you love in this classy publication, now available electronically on our website.
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Creating Quality Work: Student Products
 It has been another remarkable year for student products. This year our students have created:
- Get Your Blues On!, a book of poems, collages and blues songs by the 4th grade
- Slither Into Your Heart, a question and answer pamphlet about pet corn snakes by the 2nd grade
- The Ballad of Paul Revere, a chapbook in the style of a Revolutionary War songsheet by the 3rd grade
- The Three Little Pigs, Inc., a playbill for their musical production by the 1st grade
- Self Portrait Postcards, a set of art cards from the K1 class
- A Field Guide to Invasive Species of the Boston Harbor Islands, a resource for park rangers and visitors to the islands by the 5th grade
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