Archive for Uncategorized
Summer At Rysons: Concerts, Contests, Races, and Lots of Fun!
Posted by: | Comments
The Amazing Race: Getting Ready to Play Kazoo.
We all hope you are having a great summer holiday. It’s been very busy here at Rysons Studios. Many of our students performed at Silver Spire Church for our Summer Concert which was very enjoyable. Several of our students performed at the Fiddlefest and many of them received awards.
The Golden Hammers and Rockin Daisies performed on Canada day weekend at the Fort Erie Friendship Festival. The Golden Hammers also performed at Wild Waterwork’s Park in Hamilton. On Satiurday this week at Emerald Pine Golf Course for their Annual Charity Tournament the Rockin Daisies will perform. at 7.00 and the Golden Hammers will perform at 8.00. Sunday the Rockin Daisies will perform at Rief Winery on the Niagara Parkway for Corvette Club at 12.00. July 31 Rockin Daisies will be at the Waterwork Parki, and on Aug. 14. August 6th at the Gm Car Show The Daisies will be playing at 11.00 and the Golden Hammers will be on at 1.00pm.
Today we had many of the students from the Amazinjg Race come to Rysons to enter the contest. They had to pick out a song from the list and then play it on a kazoo, then off to the next stop. It was a rewarding day to see their smiling faces . Dave Tuffords’ group, “Good Rockin To-night” has been chosen to play in Australia in February 2011 for 3 weeks. Now that is a great gig! Abby Cryer, Beth Plue. Alexandria Plue, and Emma Stevenson have just received vocal Scholarships. Congratulations Girls! Dan and Andrea are working hard in the shop getting all the school instruments ready for September and Janis is having her big day in October (her wedding).
The Rysons’ Band Camps are currently on. Matthew is having a Piano camp next week which will be a lot of fun and a great learning experience for studentsl .
Checkin' out the amazing Harpsicle.
You’ll also want to Come and see our new Harpsicle and watch the dvd; Come and check out the dvd of That Thing You Do which features the DanElectro guitars.
Music Lessons Registration Begins next month. Please call and book in advance so you can get the time you would like to have.in the fall. If your instruments need service; strings, bow re-hair, pads a general tune up, we are here now to service you. For new students please give a call and meet the teacher and set up and appointment or an interview.
Muscially yours Anne.
Fiddlefest 2010: Congratulations to the Winners! And Thanks to All!
Posted by: | CommentsThe Third Annual Fiddlefest took place on July 10 in St. Catharines at Silver Spire Church. We had beautiful weather a great day for all. St.Paul Street was filled with over 400 antique cars, and lots of great fiddle music. 
The Fiddle show featured Special Guest Appearances with Good Rockin Tonite group featuring Dave Tufford, & Gino (AKA Elvis). Also appearing were The Golden Hammers. and the Rockin Daisies. The day was hosted by our Special Guest Chuck Lafleur, St.Catharines favourite radio announcer. We even had a bagpiper thanks to Kelly Buckley.
Award Winners:
Fiddle Contest Awards;
9 years old Alexander George.
12 years and under; Amanda Botts 1st. Spencer D’Amore 2nd.
16 years; Brianna Mattie 1st, Katie Korfmann 2nd, and Chrisstopher Lortie 3rd.
18 years and under; Ainsley Porchak 1st, Conner and Brennan ‘Doherty 2nd and 3rd.
19 to 44; Cassandra Swan 1st, Liz Fanjoy 2nd, and Chantel Boulanger 3rd.
45 to 65; George Bartram 1st, Rachelle Jenkins 2nd, and Christopher Whitelaw 3rd.
66 years and over; Gaeton Poirier 1st, and Bert McAinden 2nd.
Twin Fiddling Class; Cassandra Swan and George Bartram lst place.
Open Class; Mike Mattie 1st, Beth Bartley 2nd, and Gaetan Poirier 3rd.
Thank you to the sponsors of these awards; Olde Tyme Fiddle Club, D’Addario Music Distributors, Counterpoint Musical Services, and Web Traffic Solutions.
Image from; http://www.macarthurdance.com/
Stepdancing Contest Awards;
8 years and under; Skylar Stone 1st, and Ashleigh Rodger 2nd.
12 years and under; Joshua Noseworthy 1st and Kelsey Gallant 2nd.
Stepdancing Group Award; Clixie Chicks
Thank you to the sponsors of these awards; Olde Tyme Fiddle Club, D’Addario Music Distributors, Counterpoint Musical Services, and Web Traffic Solutions.
In addition to our sponsors we’d like to also thank; The St.Catharines Downtown Association , Rysons Music, our large group of volunteers. entertainers, friends, Cafe Garibaldi’s for a beautiful display, and special thanks to the Silver Spire Church for their special kindness and generosity.
Best Wishes and Special thanks to the Honourable Mayor Brian McMullan, Elizabeth Fritshaw, Trisha Pollock , Dave Tufford, Djinio LeFrancois , Brenda McFadgen, Royna Wyshnowski, Sue Brown, Carolanne, the staff at Silver Spire and all our friends and students.
Until we meet again may lots of jig, reels waltz and good fiddle music , be with you. Anne.
Fiddlefest July 10th, St. Catharines
Posted by: | CommentsEntries available at Ryson’s Studios. Come by and sign up! Prize money and certificates.
Flute Sale: Mirage Flutes and Piccolos at Special Sale Prices!
Posted by: | CommentsWe’ve just received great pricing on Mirage Flutes and Piccolos. If you’re currently using a school instrument, this is just in time before the school instruments 
need to be returned for the year.
The Mirage Flute. Reg. 275.00 Special 235.00 with a two year warranty held at Rysons Studios usually same day service.
The plateau model above, c foot, silver plated power-forged keys -European pads comes with case. Great instrument for the price.
Flute open hole, nickel silver, low B foot with silver headjoint and body comes with case 380.00 reg. 410.00
The Mirage Flute, Plateau model, is designed for a student that needs a good sounding flute at an amazingly low price. This is a free blowing instrument with a quick response and good tune. This Mirage Flute will make a wonderful graduation gift just in time for school instrument return time.
We also have great pricing on the Mirage ebonite Piccolo. This is an ebonite body and silver plated keys. It also comes with a case. The regular price is $280.00 but now you can get yours at $240.00.
I hope you’ll check back with us often as we are going to be offering a new special EVERY WEEK! Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter to get all of the special deals first.
March Break Is Coming! Musical Fun Scheduled At Rysons.
Posted by: | CommentsMarch break will soon be upon us, March 15th to 20th! Can you believe how quickly the time is going by?
We’ve got a lot of great stuff going on for our music students during March break.
Here’s our line up…
- Rock Camp 10:00 to 4:00 with our great teachers. Learn to play, perform and rock with friends and other students with bass, guitar,drums. vocals, and keyboard . Bring a lunch and stay for the fun. The cost is $45.00 for the camp. Get ready for performance in the future.
- Introduction to Music Lessons. Featuring; Guitar, Voice, Bass, Drums, Brass and Woodwind, Fiddle, and Violin. Come and join our musical family and enjoy the opportunity of learning a musical instrument at a reasonable cost with our musical team. Cost is $15 per hour for a group lesson.
- Learn the Bodhran on March 15 with Mark Clifford at Rysons Studios. For all the people that have owned or have purchased a Bodhran please come and join Mark for a 3 hour lesson. Class is $25.00 for 3 hours.
LETS GET READY FOR ST. PATRICKS DAY!
We have Bodhrans on Sale half price at Rysons Studios!
Irish forces used the Bodhran as a battle drum which provided a cadence for the pipers and warriors to announce the arrival of the army.
Bodhrans usually $180 are now $90.00 for the class or for St. Patricks Day.
- Fiddle Class available. The cost is $40.00 for the day.
- Musical Theatre Classes Available as well. 10:00 to 4:00 Introduction to musical theatre. $45.00
MARCH BREAK CAN BE FUN ,EDUCATIONAL, MEET AND GREET NEW FRIENDS AT RYSONS.
Brass and Woodwind Repairs.
Come and bring your instrument for free estimates regarding maintenance, care or for a value appraisal of your instrument and meet Jamie Clarke resident technician who has joined Rysons Staff with 15 years of experience. Call for appointment for Jamie at 905 682-6832.
Warehouse Sale: clearance on overstock music books. $5-$10 on specific titles.
Violin Outfits starting at $130!
Guitar Packages: electric guitar, bag, strap, amp $225.
Come in and try our Danelectro Pedal Display. Guitar effects pedals starting from $29.99!!
Holiday Music in Niagara
Posted by: | CommentsAs we move into the Holiday Season, you’ll get a chance to see our student bands, The Golden Hammers, and Rockin’ Daisies perform at 
the following venues;
- Canadian Tire, Welland Avenue, St.Catharines on November 28th from 2:00 to 4:00PM.
- Rio Drive at 6.30 (if yo haven’t seen the Christmas lights here, you must attend.).
- Santa Claus Parade Nov. 29 at Market Square. Rockin Daisies at 4.oo and Golden Hammers at 4.30.
Both the Daisies and the Hammers have promised lots of new tunes. Hope you’ll support these young musicians as they do what they love best.
Also don’t forget the Best Christmas Pagent Ever to be performed as Nick Basciano Centre. This is directed by Kay Annable, along with musical director, and Rysons teacher, Dave Tufford. Rysons students, Cailen Rotz, and Sara McPherson will be also be performing in this seasonal play.
I hope you’ll get out and enjoy the Holiday Season music in Niagara.
GM Car Show This Weekend: Don’t Miss it!
Posted by: | CommentsThe GM Car Show begins Friday August 7th.
This year event features the following:
1. Plant Tours Available For Registered Participants
2. Chassis Dyno From Engines Unlimited Is Back
3. Live Music Performance From The Golden Hammers of Ryson’s Music
4. Art Displays From Niagara’s Artist Centre
5. MRC Publishing – GM Design’s First Century
6. Premiere Fitness
7. Pallagators (Inflatable for the Children)
8. Flyaway Books
9. The Front
10. Discovery Toys
11. Carrie McCumber Baker
12. Show ‘n Shine Auto Products
13. The Glove Lady
14. CAA of Niagara
15. Jim Cowan Auto Appraisals
16. Aimsoil
17. Enns Battery & Tire
18. Talent2Design
19. Brian Cullen Motors Dealership
20. John Bear Dealership
21. BBQ!
How Musicians Can Change Lives
Posted by: | CommentsI think that one of the wonderful things about many musicians is their willingness
to help others in a time of need.
Brian Roman, a Toronto Vocalist, is trying to help out a little boy, Justin Grant, who’s going through a very bad time.
Justin has cancer, and if that wasn’t bad enough, his father died just months ago.
Brian Roman heard about Justin and decided to do a benefit concert to raise funds for him and his mom. It looks like the concert will be a sell-out and they could raise as much as $100,000.00.
What a wonderful story to share with our music students. Sure, it’s great that the’re learning to play an instrument for their own enjoyment, or perhaps, they have higher goals. But imagine what our music students can accomplish when they understand how they can actually help people who really need it through their musical talents.
I’ve never met Brian, but he’s obviously a guy with a huge heart.
I hope you’ll join me in applauding his effort to help Justin and if you’re so inclined, you might want to contribute to the Justin Grant benefit. Here’s the story; Justin Needs Our Help.
The Brian Roman Story is a must-read for every music student. You can read it here; Brian Roman.
Brian, if you ever read this I want you to know that you are a credit to the music industry, and I sincerely hope that young musicians everywhere will pay attention not only to your incredible personal story, but to the selfless manner in which you share your talent to benefit those in time of need.
Anne
P.S. I hope everyone who reads this will pass it on to others. You can help Justin by simply letting others know about this story.
Golden Hammers Nominated for “Niagara Music Awards”!
Posted by: | CommentsThe Golden Hammers, music students at Rysons Studio of Music, have been nominated for a Niagara Music Award!
The Hammers were formed for the Kiwanis Music festival at Rysons Studios under the direction of myself and instructed by Dave Tufford. Tim Popek , and Torry Doyle.
The Members of the Golden Hammers are:
- Evan Dim, 8 years old
- Dexter Sonier, 8 years old
- Lucas Venneri, 9 years old
- Trent Gilmour, 12 years old
- Jared Gilmour, 15 years old
and special Guest Natalie Vurro, Port Colborne Junior Vocal Idol winner. Also, model Nikki Kent (singer) and occasionally keyboard player Bazil Sonier.
What a wonderful year for the Hammers;
- Kiwanis Music Festival performance for Old Time Rock and Roll gave them a score of 98 and the audience loved them. Concerts began immediately for them.
- Out to lunch concerts for the Downtown Association in July and August, Fiddlefest.
- Concert for the out in the cold, Santa Claus parade, Pen Centre.
- Christmas concert at Silver Spire.
- Knights of Columbus anniversary.
- Brock University audition for out in the soil, yes they were chosen!
- St. Catharines Library on April 18.
- St. Theresa School for kids helping kids and have been asked to play in Welland in June for kids day.
Niagara Golden Hammers have been nominated for a Niagara Music Award in the “Children’s Group of the Year” category.
We would really appreciate your support by going on Niagara Music Award site and voting for the Golden Hammers to help them with their careers. Winning this award would be such a thrill for these young guys and there’s no doubt that it would further enhance their popularity in the Niagara Region.
I’d like to pass on a special thanks to Mike Zutel who wrote about the Golden Hammers, Larry Davidson of D’ADDARIO Canada who’s been very supportive with promotional materials for the Hammers, dedicated parents and grandparents, and special thanks to Murray McFadgen of www.WebTrafficSolutions.ca who gave us his time to film and put the videos together for the Hammers for our web site.
So once again, we’d really appreciate if you would please go here Niagara Music Award and show your support with a vote for the Golden Hammers.
As always, your comments are always appreciated.
Happy Easter From The Hippity Hop Staff at Ryson’s
Happy New Year From Rysons Staff
Posted by: | CommentsHappy New Year from Don and Anne and all the staff at Rysons Music Centre
extending warm wishes and hoping all your dreams come true.
Where did the year go?
New Year celebration is one of the oldest holidays. It was first observed in ancient Babylon 4000 years ago. Babylon at first celebrated for ll days, as their king was stripped and sent away,so the people did as they pleased . On the eleven day the king returned in parade of grand stature wearing fines robes and garments, and the people then had to work hard and prepare for a new start.
Celts new year celebration was called Samhain which was at the end of Oct. At Samhain people put mistletoe to keep ghosts away, they believed this was the time the dead returned to haunt the living.
Rome: January was named for the Roman god Janus who had 2 heads one to look back and one to look forward to the New Year,The Romans changed New Year so many times that it was out of sync with the sun. In 153 BC Roman Senate changed New Years Day to January 1st. In order to get back in sync with the sun the previous year had 445 days.
Eqypt celebration: New Year celebrations were at the time of the flooding of the Nile which was at the end of September. Singing dancing and playing music continued for one month. Statues of Amon and family were put on a boat and taken down the Nile in hope of good crops in the coming year.
TRADITIONS OF SOME COUNTRIES FOR THE NEW YEAR
Robert Burn 1796 wrote ‘Auld Lang Syne ‘one of the most popular songs sung on New Years Eve made famous by Guy Lombardi from London Ontario . Guy Lombardi was a big band leader who always signed off with Auld Lang Syne.
Oshogatsu {JAPAN} The New Year is the most important holiday in Japan. Misunderstandings and grudges are forgiven and houses are scrubbed from top to bottom. At midnight on Dec. 31 Budhest temples stike the gongs l08 times to expel 108 types of human weakness . New Year day itself a day of joy and no work is to be done. Children receive small gift with money inside. New Year cards is a popular tradition.
Netherlands: Dutch burn bonfires of Christmas tree to plunge the old and welcome the new. Spain eat 12 grapes at midnight to secure 12 happy months. Greece; New Year and St. Basil are both on the same day. Traditional food is vassilopitta is a cake with silver and gold coins baked in the middle and if you receive one of these coins you will have luck all year so they say.
United States drop of the ball in several states is a popular custom. The ball in New York originally was made of wood and iron. Today the ball is made of Waterford crystal and weights about 1070 lbs. it is 6 feet in diameter. When the ball drops Auld Lang Syne is sung and many noise makers are played.
May all your New Years Resolutions be granted and have a very healthy and prosperous year.
Hope you enjoy our web site, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter. As a newsletter subscriber you are entitiled to a 10% bonus on any gift card purchase.
Comments are always welcomed . Anne
