All families should park at Woodlawn Ave or the parking in front of Marjorie Playhouse, by Wilkinson St. You can use the front circle drive for quick loading and unloading. The back parking lot, by Feazel Hall, is usually restricted to Centenary faculty and staff, but the college will allow families to use that parking lot during the Summer Music Program. Only use the assigned handicap spots when you have any mobility issues and a handicap tag.

We are grateful to Centenary College for letting us use their facilities. Thank you so much for your efforts to take care of our Centenary facility. Almost everyone is very attentive, but if a hundred people are great and just one damages equipment, we are all in trouble. If you see a child behaving improperly, please correct him/her, or tell a teacher.

Children 12 and under should always be supervised. No running, loud noises, or unruly behavior.

We ask that you please respect the buildings and grounds by keeping them clean. No food or drinks are allowed in Centenary rooms. You may sit on the front steps to eat; please dispose of your trash properly.

Please be watchful that your children do not touch any Centenary equipment. NEVER, EVER let your child put his/her case or violin on top of a piano at Centenary, upright or grand. No one is allowed to touch or play the mega-thousand-dollar grand Steinway in the Recital Hall. Just one person putting an instrument, backpack, etc. on a grand could jeopardize our use of the wonderful Centenary facilities. Please discuss this with your child. In Feazel Rehearsal Hall, no one may touch the drums, cymbals, gongs, or other fascinating percussion equipment. Our timpanist knows when things have been moved one inch and he can recognize small fingerprints!

Running outdoors only, please! The front lawn has historically been a great place to play before or between classes. Your children may play on the lawn, but please be careful on the wall. (Children like to walk on it) Also, we have to say no more tree climbing since someone broke his arm when he fell out!

The Solo Recital (Centenary Suzuki Institute) is a great opportunity to perform and enjoy listening to other students. It is a celebration of everyone’s hard work. The Recital will happen on Thursday, June 5 at 4:45 pm in Anderson Auditorium. Students who signed up during registration will be able to perform.

The Chamber Program culminates with a formal recital performance on Friday, 4:45 PM. The program will include all chamber groups and the orchestra. There will be pizza and soda for all students and their coaches at NOON before the performance. There may be a reception following the recital.

The Centenary Suzuki Institute Final Concert will begin promptly on Saturday at 3:00 PM. Please be dressed and in the auditorium no later than 2:45pm for quick tuning. This concert will include pieces performed by each Repertoire class, and Fiddle classes. In the Suzuki tradition, we will end the concert with Twinkles for all students. To be respectful of everyone’s hard work and to reinforce the “team spirit” aspect we asked that all families stay until the end of the concert. Student performers are asked to wear the Summer Program T-shirts (no short skirts!). On Saturday, after the final concert, an ice cream truck will arrive in front of Hurley Building, so plan to enjoy and hang out with everyone!

It’s summer! And our Institute is a little more relaxed with the dress code, even during concerts and recitals. Use your good judgement while being respectful to other families. Be aware that the temperature outside might be in the nineties while the temperature inside of the building could be in the sixties. Plan accordingly. Student performers are asked to wear the Summer Program T-shirts for the Final Concert. Absolutely no short skirts! Skirts must be at or below the knee. Our stage has a height of about 3 feet and skirts look shorter from the audience level!

Most students have some free hours during the day. Here are some suggestions of what to do during that time:

• Find a place to practice (make sure it is away from other classes). The third floor is still not available.
• Bring a book!
• Go hang out in the snack room with your friends!
• Go for a quick walk around Centenary campus, especially the small arboretum.
• You can observe any classes during the Summer Music Program. Please be respectful, get in and out quietly and do not interfere with the classes.
• The front lawn has historically been a great place to play before or between classes.

• Ki’ Mexico – 3839 Gilbert Dr, Shreveport, LA 71104
• Marilynn’s Place – 4041 Fern Ave, Shreveport, LA 71105
• Pham’s Vietnamese-Asian Cuisine – 3544 Youree Dr, Shreveport, LA 71105
• Phở L’amour – 530 E Kings Hwy, Shreveport, LA 71105
• Rhino Coffee Uptown – 721 Southfield Rd, Shreveport, LA 71106
• India’s Restaurant – 189 E Kings Hwy, Shreveport, LA 71104
• Jacquelyn’s Cafe – 1324 Louisiana Ave, Shreveport, LA 71101

You can also dine in one of our sponsor restaurants Sushiko. That’s a good way to say a big thank you to the owners Katie and Glen Kong. Their generous donation supports many scholarships to our Summer Music Program.

• Sushiko – 650 Boardwalk Blvd, Bossier City, LA 71111

Thank you, parents and students, for limiting any and all cell phone use to those times when you are not in class. Please arrive promptly to your classes.

Parents, please take notes for your own information and that of your home teacher. Older students should also take notes for each other in master classes. Parents, although difficult, do refrain from instructing or prompting your children during classes. It is confusing to have 2 teachers at once and it makes it more difficult for the teacher to connect with your child.

Each Suzuki Institute student is guaranteed a minimum of five hours of classes daily, which includes a masterclass and a group class. Occasionally, a sixth hour, such as a recital or the final concert, will be included. We assigned a variety of engaging classes tailored to each student’s age and skill level; however, schedule breaks are sometimes inevitable. Advanced students will participate in orchestra sessions, while younger students may join choir or fiddling.

• MASTER CLASS is designed to allow each student one-on-one instruction with a master teacher while the others observe with parent present. On the first day, your teacher will hear your polished piece and determine areas in which s/he can help the most. You will likely be given an assignment for the next day so please allow for practice time in the evening. And bring your Suzuki Book!
• TECHNIQUE GROUP CLASS is designed to work on appropriate skills according to book level which reinforce things such as bow holds, bow arm mechanics, bow strokes, posture, tone, vibrato, shifting, left hand frame, finger patterns, scales, keys, and anything your teacher chooses relative to the needs of the class.
• REPERTOIRE GROUP CLASS is designed to reinforce review and to polish one or two pieces for the final concert. Often, not all students can play every piece which is covered in the class. This is perfectly fine as this gives those students the opportunity to observe their upcoming repertoire.
• CHAMBER GROUP is a more advanced class in which the students are given music to learn prior to the Summer Program. The class is for students to learn to perform in small groups. Groups are determined by age, grade and musical skill levels.
• ORCHESTRA will help students to learn to work and perform together as a large ensemble. They will develop teamwork skills and musical techniques. All students from the Chamber Program are placed in orchestra, plus all students from Suzuki Book 5 and above.
• CHOIR/ORFF is a class that integrates singing with the Orff approach, fostering musical development through singing, rhythmic activities, and instrumental exploration. This class enhances creativity, teamwork, and foundational music skills in an engaging and supportive environment.
• FIDDLING introduces Cajun, Irish and American fiddle melodies as well as accompaniment styles unique to traditional music. Both melody and harmony (seconding) parts will be introduced, all by
• MUSIC THEORY CLASSES offer a comprehensive exploration of musical concepts, including notation, scales, chords, and rhythm. These classes build a strong foundation in music literacy, enhance listening skills, and incorporate games, making learning engaging and fun while preparing students for further musical study.