Upcoming Events
Sept. 3rd, Labor Day - No School
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Conservatory Lab
25 Arlington Street
Brighton, MA 02315
617.254.8904
www.conservatorylab.org
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| Family Notes
August 31, 2012
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Dear families,
In the opening lines of Bruckner's fourth symphony, a solo French horn calls out, clear and strong from a sea of trembling strings. As the music unfolds, the orchestra begins to rally around those six notes. Other instruments take up the theme, developing it and making it their own, supporting it with their own harmonies and colors, transforming it from a lone vision into a triumphant statement that will carry the orchestra through to the final movement.
I think about this symphony as I watch our students and teachers take their first steps together. Carefully they practice every routine of the day, from walking in line to passing out pencils. As students become comfortable with these new routines, they begin to take ownership of their learning environment. From these simple first steps, a culture begins to grow, based on cooperation, responsibility, perseverance, empathy, and self reflection. The momentum builds, until they are creating, exploring, learning, and performing together.
It is wonderful to have our young scholars and musicians back with us, ready to embark on a new journey. I look forward to working with you all this year to create positive learning experiences for all of our students.
 Warmly, Diana Lam Head of School
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Meet our New Staff
 Adrian Anantawan holds degrees from the Curtis Institute of Music, Yale University and Harvard Graduate School of Education. His teachers include Itzhak Perlman and Pinchas Zukerman, and his academic work in education was supervised by Howard Gardner. He has performed at the White House, the Opening Ceremonies of the Olympic Games in Athens (2006) and Vancouver (2010) and for Pope John Paul II.
Brad Barrett, resident artist (bass), is an active member of the Boston area jazz scene and is currently a doctoral candidate at New England Conservatory of Music in Contemporary Improvisation.
Emily Coalson, principal intern, grew up in the Los Angeles area, and is excitedly preparing for her first Boston winter. After 9 years teaching Theatre Arts to students in grades 6-12, she has decided to spend a year at the Conservatory Lab and Harvard University learning to be a principal so she can open her own Arts-based school.
Dave Cordes, K1 Assistant Teacher, is an improvising double-bassist and educator. Previously, Dave was an assistant teacher at the Charter School for Young Children in Hartford, CT, and has presented music and literacy programs at various Boston area early-childhood sites
Caitlin Dwyer-Huppert, LTM curriculum designer, is excited to infuse more science into students' learning. She has worked as a science teacher and cross-country coach for the past 10 years, most recently at University Park Campus School in Worcester, MA and is passionate about fostering children's connection to nature.
Claudia Han, 4th grade classroom intern, is currently pursuing her Masters in Education at Simmons College. Claudia is looking forward to working alongside Ms. Cates. She is excited to be a part of such a great school community that values music and expeditionary learning.
Leah Hennessy, resident artist (Singing and Musicianship), received her BM in Jazz Performance -Voice and an MM in Contemporary Improvisation both from New England Conservatory. Around the Boston area, she writes songs and plays keyboard for her band, Talk Listen Door, and has active projects in both improvised music and traditional American Roots music. 
James Hurlburt, principal intern, majored in Anthropology and Biology at the University of Illinois. In Chicago he taught Biology for many years at a high school in an alternative charter network that served students who had previously dropped out or been forced out of Chicago Public Schools. Currently he is a student in Harvard's School Leadership Program.
Alexandra Klove, 5th grade, is eager to implement expeditionary learning into her own classroom. She believes synthesizing learning through authentic activities builds positive members of society. She has a BA in psychology and education and obtained a Masters of Art in teaching elementary education from Simmons College.  Meg Musick, K2 assistant, earned her bachelor's degree in Vocal Performance and minor in Music Education from Indiana University in 2011. She also earned her Master's degree in Elementary Education at Lesley University in 2012. Meg loves reading beautiful books and playing challenging math games with the K2 students and is looking forward to an exciting and adventurous first year.
Joana Paolino, 3rd grade classroom intern, graduated this past May with a degree in English with a minor in History and is pursuing a Master's degree in Elementary Education at Simmons College. She is very excited to work with the dedicated staff, students and parents of Conservatory Lab Charter School.  Sarah Perkins, 6th grade, received her bachelor's degree in sociology from Bard College and her Master's in elementary education from Brown University. Sarah worked for three years in New Haven, CT as the program coordinator for Music Haven, an urban, tuition-free music education program. Sarah is thrilled to be working in a place that values music and arts education as highly as academics. 
Tess Plotkin, resident artist (percussion), graduated from Boston University with a degree in Film and Television and a concentration in psychology. She learned piano through the Suzuki method as a young child and then continued to study many other instruments, percussion being her favorite. Tess was percussion captain and drum major of her school marching and concert bands.
 Juan Ruiz, resident artist (clarinet), began his musical studies when he was 11, studying Latin American percussion in Colombia. At 14, he began clarinet studies with Elizabeth Isaza at the University of Antioquia's preparatory music school. He left Colombia in 2006 to study clarinet performance at the Longy School of Music. He is currently pursuing a Masters in Modern American music at the Longy School and continuing his clarinet studies. 
Ruth Schafer, 2nd grade classroom intern, is a Masters student at Simmons College, receiving an MAT in Elementary Education in August 2013. She received a BA in English Literature and certificate in TESOL from Pennsylvania State University. She loves reading and writing, both in school and out, and is especially excited for read alouds this year.
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A Vibrant Sea of Teal
The new uniforms have brightened up our classrooms this year! Students and staff have shared that the uniforms help to support the feeling of belonging to a crew, a theme we are emphasizing this year. We are delighted by the strong support from families, teachers, and scholars in upholding the uniform policy. 
A few reminders:
- Please label fleece jackets with each student's name.
- Socks should be white or black.
- Belts and shoes should both be black.
Once again, thank you for making our transition to uniforms smooth sailing.
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Meet the Maestros!
In the first week of orchestra, beautiful sounds have emerged from all three orchestra classrooms. The resident artists welcome the new and returning members to their ensembles.
Rebecca Levi will conduct the Abreu Orchestra. This year she is looking forward to building on the great work they did last year as the K2 Orchestra and learning their first string orchestra repertoire.
Levi Comstock is delighted to be the conductor of the Bernstein Orchestra. With strong leadership from returning members and a talented crew of 2nd graders joining the orchestra this year, this promises to be a banner year for Bernstein.
Adrian Anantawan takes the helm of Dudamel Orchestra this year. He has been inspired by their talent and hard work in the first week and anticipates a year of new musical heights for this ensemble.
Christopher Schroeder continues as director of the wind ensembles. With so many strong players returning, he is eager to take the group to a new level of repertoire and musicality.
Each orchestra will be assisted by seven resident artists who will lead sectionals, lessons, and musicianship classes:
Joshua Garver, strings leader
Kathleen Jara, Violin
Josue Gonzalez, Cello
Brad Barrett, Bass
Adam Eccleston, Flute
Juan Ruiz, Clarinet
Tess Plotkin, Percussion
Leah Hennessy, Voice
El Sistema time in K1 and K2 will be led by the classroom teaching assistants:
David Cordes, K1
Megan Musick, K2
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Morning Greetings
One routine we are building into our culture is taking the time each morning to greet one another as we enter the school. Although it is a simple thing, sometimes that smile and hello can set the right tone for the whole day. 
You can practice this routine with your child at home:
1. Make eye contact
2. Smile
3. Greet the person by name (e.g. "Good Morning Ms. Lam")
4. Wait for the other person to greet you back
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March For Gabriel & March For Change
Last year, one of our families tragically lost a son. This loss was felt deeply in our community. On Saturday, September 22, at the Franklin field on Talbot avenue, a march will be held in honor of Gabriel Cazir and in support of changes in transportation policies which will protect children in the City of Boston. Families are invited to attend and are encouraged to wear Conservatory Lab t-shirts if you have them.
Registration is at 9am, and the march is at 10:30 am. Please contact Michelle Gurel (michellegurel@comcast.net) for more details.
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