The document discusses Yamaha Music Education System's Junior Original Concert (JOC) program. It summarizes that 30 students from 20 schools performed their original compositions at regional JOCs in three cities over the summer. It also announces plans for the 2010 national JOC in Boston, including new online performances and categories for entries. New schools joining the YMES network that fall are also noted.

1. Yamaha Music Education System – Creating Music For Tomorrow
Intermezzo F A L L 2 0 0 9 • V O L U M E 18
We enter the Holiday Season of 2009 with energy and optimism as
we look back at the accomplishments of the year and look forward to
growth in 2010. You’ll find lots of news and information in this issue
about Yamaha Music School students’ activities, new school openings,
teacher milestones, new courses, and articles directed toward teachers
and administrators on the subject of retention and advancement. Mike Morrell, Music Education
Department Manager
Congratulations to Valerie Narumi, a student at Harmony Music
World in Fullerton, CA. Valerie was honored by President Barack Obama with a Golden Volunteer YMES Student Composer/Performers
Award in recognition of her outstanding volunteer service. You can read about how Valerie earned Treat Audiences in Three Cities to
this prestigious award in this issue of Harmony. Lively JOC Performances . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Schools around the country are now graduating their first students from the New Junior
Music Course. This means many are preparing to implement the new Fundamental Skills Survey.
If you are among those planning to offer the new FSS in the coming months, be sure to read the 2010 JOC Call for Entries. . . . . . . . . . . . 3
article in this issue to confirm the updates to contents, materials and preparation.
Be sure to see the article on page two about the Regional JOCs that were conducted this past
summer in three cities. Thirty students from 20 schools performed their original compositions to School News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
enthusiastic audiences. Planning is well under way for next year’s JOC activities which will feature,
for the first time, on-line performances by selected students as well as the 2010 Yamaha
National JOC Concert in Boston in October. Many more local and regional prizes will be awarded Improving Student Retention:
and students will be selected to be featured in an on-line JOC website as well as the National Strategies from the Field Pt. 1 . . . . . . . . 5
Concert. The application deadline for those who would like to receive comments on their compo-
sitions is February 1, 2010.
We welcome three new schools into the YMES network this fall: Coldwater Music School YMES Students Score First Place
in Litchfield Park, Arizona (a suburb of Phoenix); Serom Music, in West Windsor, New Jersey; in California MTA Composer Contest . . . . 6
and The Piano Warehouse in San Marcos, California.
Friendly reminder to school administrators: the deadline to update at least one classroom of
YMES student instruments is January 31, 2010. Many schools are now in the process of ordering New Junior Extension Course
the new keyboards. If you’d like information about the keyboards or how to order, please call the to Launch in 2010 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Music Education office at 714-522-9206.
Finally, we welcome signs that the most severe economic recession in decades is coming to an
end. As economic growth resumes, we anticipate a new influx of students eager to learn music. President Obama Honors
Just as important as new student enrollment are the retention and advancement of current stu- YMES Student . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
dents. You’ll find two articles, one in Harmony and one in Teacher’s Toolbox, devoted to this very
important subject. Retention and advancement are of vital importance if our schools are to
remain vibrant into the future. We encourage you to explore new ways to keep your students Events Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
happily involved in lessons so that music will remain an integral part of their lives.

2. YMES Student Composer/Perfor
Audiences in Three Cities to Live
T his year, Yamaha received 163 composi-
tions from 15 music schools around
the country. In lieu of a national concert,
rehearsal as well as the actual concert itself).
Nine students performed, representing four
schools: A1 YMS, Irvine YMC, Jensen’s YMS
The Western Regional JOC was held
on Sunday, June 14th at Biola University’s
Crowell Hall Auditorium. Six host schools
28 students were selected to perform in and East Valley YMS. coordinated and showcased 11 performers
three regional concerts held in Teaneck,
New Jersey; Tempe, Arizona; and La Mirada,
California. In addition, 20 students received
an Honorable Mention in recognition of their
compositions and performances.
Each concert included a demonstration
of improvisation. Valerie Narumi (West),
Christian Nguyen (South) and guest artist
and JOC alumna Laurie Kono-Merchant
(East) spontaneously expanded on a motif
provided by an audience member at their
respective locations. This popular segment
delightfully illustrated to the audiences one
aspect of the YMES curriculum and gave
insight into how students begin composing.
Following each concert, students were
awarded certificates of excellence in perform-
ance and composition, then everyone in
attendance was invited to a reception.
The Eastern Regional JOC, held on
Sunday, May 3 at Fairleigh Dickinson
University’s Wilson Hall, featured new
works by eight talented students from
Eastern Concert Performers (L to R, Top Photo)
Bergen YMS, Fredericksburg YMS, Heid
Calvin Lu (age 9), Bergen YMS; Maria Tjilos (11), Keyboard Music Works; Angela Lacuesta (12),
Music and Keyboard Music Works. In
Bergen YMS; Ben Brosche (15), Fredericksburg YMS; Paula Motsenbocker (13), Fredericksburg YMS;
addition to her improvisation, guest artist
Sarah Kunstman (13), Heid Music; Isaac Quinones (10), Heid Music; Emily Tu (14), Bergen YMS
Laurie Kono-Merchant played “Alborada del
Thank You Teachers: Donna Dahm, John Girvin, Elin Havrilla, Felicia Ruffman, Christine Smith
Gracioso” from “Miroirs” by Maurice Ravel.
The Southern Regional JOC took Southern Concert Performers (L to R)
place on Sunday, June 14th at Arizona State Caroline Huang (age 9), A-1 YMS; Renata Vallecillo (9), East Valley YMS; Yuta Okamoto (12),
University’s brand new Katzin Hall. Host Irvine YMC; David Ryan Fong (14), Jensen’s YMS; Gabrielle Dotson (13), East Valley YMS;
school East Valley Yamaha Music School Christian Nguyen (12), East Valley YMS; Timothy Bi (10), East Valley YMS; Karalyn Schubring
undertook the task of organizing this (10), East Valley YMS; Gabriel Dotson (15), East Valley YMS
concert, which was attended by two full Thank You Teachers: Su-Shing Chiu, Vanja Nikolovski Gjumar, Heidi Grimes, Lois Jensen,
houses (guests were admitted to dress Stacy Wang, Tomoko Yonemaru
22

3. mers Treat
ly JOC Performances
from Cerritos YMS, Harmony Music World, Paula discussed another huge benefit of
Irvine YMC, Phoenix YMS, A-1 YMS, Encino the JOC concerts, “Some of these students
YMS and Torrance YMC. have turned into Isaac’s best friends and we
CJ and Paula Quiñones, parents of Eastern look forward to meeting with them again.”
2010
Junior Original Concert
Call For Entries
New for 2010: All entries will be divided into
regions, roughly corresponding to school loca-
tion, and categories: “A” for those who have
Western Concert Performers (L to R) never performed at a Regional or National
Sarah Sukardi (12), Irvine YMC; Valerie Narumi (10), Harmony Music World; Phillip Matsuura
(13), Irvine YMC; Kenta Taniguchi (14), Phoenix YMS; Jaclyn Chu (12), A-1 YMS; Jessica Kao JOC or Jamboree, and “B” for those who have,
(age 15), Cerritos YMS; James Knapp (14), Encino YMS; Danica Silan (10), Irvine YMC;
regardless of region. There will also be the
Sharon Hurvitz (10), A-1 YMS; Megan Chang (7); Torrance YMC; Analise Levesque (7), Irvine YMC
Thank You Teachers: Marianna Abramyan, Kathy Anzis, Su-Shing Chiu, Ana Contreras, Nancy Kho, normal age divisions of 10 and under, and
Jun Kurasako, Carlton Liu, Satomi Otsubo, Motoko Suzuki, Stacy Wang
11-15. Top prizes will be awarded according
concert performer/composer Isaac Quinoñes, The mother of Western concert performer
to region, category and division. Outstanding
were enthusiastic about not only the concert Danica Silan, from Irvine YMC, enjoyed the
but the entire experience, saying “We’ve overall value of the event as well, “The JOC composer/performers will be invited to perform
appreciated all the opportunities that Isaac Regional is an awesome way of not just high-
has been given through Yamaha. The JOC lighting the composing talents of young at the 2010 National Junior Original
Regional concert in New Jersey was no excep- artists but also showing the incredible per-
Concert to be held in Boston, MA in the
tion. The music again was delightful from formances of young musicians. The Yamaha
all of the students and we continue to be concert itself not only boosts the confidence fall! Information packages and applications
amazed at what they can do. Isaac appreciat- of the performers, but it also serves as a great
ed his co-performers and their quick ability tool to show more of the creative skills, free- have been mailed to all Yamaha School loca-
to make the story in his music come alive. dom of expression through music and a way
We’ve appreciated the folks that have accom- of actively participating in spreading music tions. For further information, please call
panied him. They’ve been very encouraging all across America.”
800-722-8856 or email wleong@yamaha.com.
towards Isaac. That’s important to us!”
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4. School News!
Serom Music Opens its Doors Jensen’s YMS
Receives Award
By Myrna Crooks from Nickelodeon
YMES Administration Specialist
Location, Location, Location! Imagine a Last March, Nickelodeon notified Jensen’s
music school smack-dab in the middle of a YMS that loyal and
community chock-full of arts and arts educa- enthusiastic parents
tion. You’re probably picturing something like of students had
Serom Music in West Windsor, New Jersey. nominated it for
Serom recently debuted with two JMC and the “Best Music
two YMC classes. Just a 10 minute drive from School in San
Princeton University and less than six miles Antonio” award. News
from Westminster Choir College, it’s not sur- spread and the votes poured in to the
prising that a high percentage of the demo- Nickelodeon website. On August 17, 2009,
graphic supports the arts. The music school John Girvin, co-owner Jensen’s was announced the winner. Perhaps
is located in a shopping center uniquely rich of Serom Music, is a you can drop a hint to a faithful parent who will
in businesses focused on children; the center YMES teacher and nominate your school! The website for this
Specialist known to
includes a Tae Kwon Do school, a kid’s gym, national program, www.parentsconnect.com,
Yamaha Music Camp
a day care center, an art school, a dance attendees. At left, the contains lots of parenting information as well.
school, a dental office, and now Serom Music. New Jersey school is
Serom Music is owned and operated by located in the middle
of a community devot-
John Girvin and his wife Christina Suh. John
ed to the arts, in a
teaches while Christina handles administration shopping center with
and assisting families. many child-centered
businesses.
For several years John has worked for
Yamaha as a grade examiner and a JOC spe- personal touch. One day, Christina noticed
cialist. “After 10 years of working with YMES a family in the parking lot; she tracked them
graduates (JOC and IJOC), I was inspired by down, introduced herself, and now that family
the fine work of so many Yamaha teachers,” has two children enrolled in YMES programs!
he said. “I also have over 10 years experience Having “YMES” prominently displayed in the
with nursery school children aged 21⁄2 - 5 years window helps too ; another parent walked
old.” John said his biggest inspiration is their right in and enrolled immediately because
five-year-old daughter Seromi, for whom the her sister-in-law is a YMES teacher in Taiwan.
school is named. “Seromi means ‘always Like many YMES schools, Serom enjoys
new’ in Korean; Serom is simply a shorter a rich blend of cultures. John and Christina
form of the word.” It goes without saying that certainly nourish the diversity their community
Seromi is a happy student in one of her dad’s offers. A class of JMC students decided it was
JMC classes! more fun to sing “Sayonara” in multiple lan-
John has advertised in both Chinese and guages, so they now sing the final good-byes
English newspapers and was fortunate to have in Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Russian, French
articles featuring Serom Music published in and Spanish!
both languages in local back-to-school publica- Congratulations to Serom Music on its
tions. But the early success of Serom Music is successful start!
primarily due to John and Christina’s
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5. Improving Student Retention:
Strategies from the Field Part
One
“We don’t have much time For teachers and administrators, we can so hard to recruit and teach leave. And while
to practice.” use these early red flags to our advantage it is a reality that, from time to time, students
in shaping our approach to enrollment, may discontinue, it is our passionate goal to
“We’re here because my friend
support, education and customer service. retain 100%.
brings her child to the class.”
Finally, when we lose students, we also
“We’ll try it out and The Importance of Retention lose some ability to fully realize our mission
see if he likes it.” We all know that improving student to impact the future musical generation.
By Jim Keenan, Director of YMS Boston retention can make a difference in the
bottom line. A dedication to continu-
W hen music teachers and administra-
tors hear one of these phrases from
parents, we get an uneasy feeling. Instinct
ous improvement can have a powerful
impact. In fact, if you increase your
annual retention rate from 75% – 80%,
and experience tell us these words are usually it will increase the average student’s
early warning signs about a student or fami- “life expectancy”—how long they stay
ly’s lack of understanding of our program, as a student in your school—from four
low level of commitment, or inability to to five years. In other words, a 6.7%
“stick to it.” Although not much research improvement increases the customer’s
has been done to examine music student time with you by 25% percent. Students
retention, there are a few studies that sup- who remain longer also generate higher rev- Happy students and parents (here from YMS Boston) make
port these initial warning signs. enues per customer due to add-on selling retention easy and they are strong advocates for YMES programs.
Costra-Giomi (2005), in studying (such as private lessons, instrument/book
students who were likely to drop out early sales, etc), they cost less to serve, and they Start With a Strong Mindset
versus students who continued, found that are strong program advocates driving future YMES schools with a long history of good
there were no differences in cognitive or business through word-of-mouth. retention have a strong mindset and high
musical abilities, self-esteem, motor abilities Over time, increased levels of student expectations. Jeannine Krause, from Heid
or demographics. The clearest indicators and family dedication can translate into Yamaha Music School in Appleton, WI,
were directly related to the lessons: students better teacher compensation, improved explains that, “Our general approach to
who dropped out practiced less and achieved educational quality and results, new class- retention is that we just have an expectation
less in the first six weeks (“no time to prac- room instruments or more exciting concerts that our students will remain in our program
tice”). Pitts, Davidson and McPherson (2000) and community events. for its entirety. Up front, we stress that this is
found that likely dropouts started music It’s critical to view retention as a business a five year program (JMC/JXC—we take the
lessons for non-musical reasons (“we’re here model for success. Many times, our only summers off) and the vast majority of our
because of a friend”) and usually declared focus is on enrolling new students. But students do remain for the five years. It is
early on that their participation was tempo- retaining students, while requiring an invest- in the teacher's best interest to have great
rary (“we’ll try it out”). Although these ment of time and capital, is cheaper than retention, and also the school's best interest.”
studies used feedback from the students, recruiting. Schools with the best retention This approach sends the message about
as YMES educators working with a younger make the shift from a ‘recruiting only’ mind- the importance of long term commitment
population, we rely more upon the parent’s set to a ‘recruiting and retention’ program. and it is communicated over time in direct
statements, attitudes and beliefs. We can Retention rates impact much more than and subtle ways. Beverly Griffith, owner
easily translate the typical drop-out indica- the bottom line. It’s difficult to work con- and teacher at Wheaton Yamaha Music
tors outlined in these studies into the things stantly to attract new students, but it can be School in Wheaton, IL, writes, “We have
we commonly hear from parents. disheartening to see the families you worked Continued on page 6
5

6. Improving Student Retention
Continued from page 5
viewed student retention as a given for many 3.If challenges are discovered, the
school offers a “practice partner”
years; once students enrolled in our program
option (Yamaha graduates travel to
they were pretty much sold on its benefits the home to assist with practicing).
and rewards, and continued until the end of
4.Teachers may offer a 30 minute
the program, and then often stayed for con- ‘catch up’ private lesson.
tinuing private piano lessons.”
Be Innovative and Imaginative
Shape Expectations from the Beginning
YMES Students Many experienced Yamaha administrators
Students and parents don’t usually evaluate and teachers may recall that, at one time,
Score First Place the school and program based on its own Yamaha offered a four-lesson sample called
in California MTA merits. They evaluate it relative to their “Music Land.” Beverly Griffith provides an
Composer Contest expectations. This means that we have to
put a high degree of attention and focus
updated version of this approach by offering
the first three lessons of Junior Music Course
Division 1: Chloe Li on shaping the experience and expectations (JMC) as a “sample” class. This is a prerequi-
Teacher: Su-Shing Chiu (Irvine YMC) from the very beginning. Everything from site to JMC 1. Although this approach does
demonstrating a professional image with a not replace the preview lesson, it does allow
Division 2: Caroline Huang high level of customer service in the first families to experience the course before
Teacher: Stacy Wang (A-1 YMS) communications (phone call, e-mail, web- enrolling for an entire semester.
Division 3: Danica Silan site) to a clear enrollment process and con- Beverly adds, “It also helps us weed out
Teacher: Ana Contreras (Irvine YMC) tinuing support comes together to shape kids who aren’t ready to begin JMC and
expectation. identify children with special needs. Parents
Division 4: Jessica Zhao
Teacher: Su-Shing Chiu (Irvine YMC) Kimiko Fujita, owner of the Irvine, Aliso pay for the three lessons, then (officially)
Viejo, and Torrance Yamaha Music Centers, start JMC in lesson four. I’d say about 90%
Division 5: Matthew Nguyen requires that all students attend a preview of the kids stay for the class; they see the
Teacher: Su-Shing Chiu (Irvine YMC)
lesson prior to enrolling; no one is allowed DVD and all the great materials in the sam-
Young Mozart Award: Phillip Matsuura to enroll and just come to the first class. The ple classes and are hooked. Parents are sold
Teacher: Satomi Otsubo (Irvine YMC) preview lesson is necessary to the enrollment after they see how the lessons work for their
process, providing an opportunity for parent children and how easy and successful it is.”
education. Significantly, this is also a chance This is a win-win all around and has even
for families to decide not to enroll, saving more impact during difficult economic times
time and energy for more qualified families when most families are very careful about
during the first critical weeks. For families finances.
who wish to skip this crucial first step,
Kimiko says, “If you are registering for the Maintain Communication
class just to ‘try,’ then I wouldn’t recom- Unlike a pre-school or elementary school
mend it. This is a serious education program environment where parents have opportuni-
that requires a long-term commitment.” ties for daily interaction, after-school enrich-
ment programs usually see the families for
Have a System only one hour per week. It’s critical to main-
These three schools pride themselves on tain regular communications to build a sense
their clear policies and systems for parent of community and belonging.
education. After the preview lesson, they: Many schools use a variety of communi-
1.Hold a meeting during the final cation tools to keep parents informed and
10-15 minutes of the first class. involved. At Heid YMS, which is part of a full
2.Hold a second parent only in-class service dealer, the school sends out ‘e-blasts’
meeting in the third month. Continued on page 7
6

7. New Junior Extension Course to Launch in ‘10
T he Yamaha Music Foundation has
developed an exciting new Junior
Extension Course (NJXC) that will debut in
YMS Boston, Heid Music, and Jensen’s YMS.
Already, teachers notice positive results:
“These books are so user friendly for the
composing. Now, all of the students want to
improvise and compose,” adds Tina Darden
in Atlanta.
the U.S. in the fall young kids who are suddenly coming All JMC4 students moving into the JXC
of 2010. The without parents. They have felt great in fall 2010 will begin NJXC lessons. To pre-
course is now success already,” says Lois Jensen. pare teachers, YCA will conduct regional
offered at U.S. “I’m excited about the extra NJXC Certification seminars for experienced
pilot locations: focus on composition. Before YMES teachers in the summer of 2010. Look
Atlanta Music the new course, some of for an upcoming mailing announcing NJXC
Education Center, my students were interested in seminar dates and locations.
President Obama Honors YMES Student Retention
Continued from page 6
By Valerie Narumi, YMES Student,
Harmony Music World, California (mass e-mails) to alert families about special
Last October, I started thinking about how events and promotions. Wheaton’s Beverly
I could help other kids around the world. I Griffith states, “The single most important
asked my parents and we found the “Trick- thing that I do is keep an open channel of
or-Treat for UNICEF” campaign where I could communication with the parents. This is
raise funds and set up my own website. their school and we let them know that
With my parents’ help, I registered we’re so glad that they are a part of our
as a youth volunteer and waited to Yamaha team.”
receive little orange boxes but they My parents and I made fliers and In part two of this series, we will diagram
never arrived because I think we were asked neighbors, friends, and busi- and explore a Marketing and Retention Flow
too late. So, I began thinking about other nesses to help sponsor and volunteer at Chart based on a typical academic year that
ways I could raise money for UNICEF. the recital. We made a poster about UNICEF implements many of these ideas.
I had attended charity recitals and asked and programs for the recital. We all worked
Costa-Giomi E. (2005). “‘I do not want to study piano!’
my parents and teachers about it. They said, closely together as a team.
Early predictors of student drop out behavior.” Bulletin of
“Okay,” and we began to organize my first About 70 people, including two Yorba the Counsel for Research in Music Education, 57-64, 161-162.
community service project. I must say, it was Linda City Council members, attended the Pitts, S., Davidson J., & McPherson, G. (2000). “Models
more difficult than I expected. First, we had charity recital. I exceeded my goal by raising of Success and Failure in Instrumental Learning: Case
studies of young players in the first 20 months of learning.”
to decide on a date, time, and place. We saw over $1,900 for UNICEF. I was very happy
Bulletin of the Counsel for Research in Music Education, 51-
about six places before we decided on a recital to exceed my goal to help kids all over the 69, 146.
hall at Fullerton College near my home. world survive and grow. I thanked everyone Blattberg, R. C., Getz, G., & Thomas, J. S. (2006).
Next, I worked with my teachers — for their generous donations and for taking Managing Customer Retention. Excerpted from Customer
Equity: Building and Managing Relationships as Valuable Assets.
Mr. Carlton Liu and Mr. Chun-Yi Wang — time out of their busy schedules to attend. Harvard Business School Press, 2-3, 5-6.
on the program. We decided on an hour- During National Volunteer Week held
Raisman, Neal A. (2008). The Power of Retention: More
long program including major works cover- on April 19-25, 2009, UNICEF sent me a Customer Service for Higher Education. The Administrator’s
ing the four musical periods, my original President’s Volunteer Service Gold Award Bookshelf, 65-66.
compositions that I played at Yamaha Junior and a congratulator y letter signed by
Original Concerts, and improvisation for the President Obama! I was surprised to receive
first time in front of a live audience. I spent this award and felt good that I could do
the next three months memorizing pieces something to make a difference in the world
by Bach, Mozart, Liszt, Bartok, and Chopin with my music. I’m looking forward to help-
by practicing many hours every day. ing others with my next charity recital.
7

8. Events Calendar
December 24-25 Holiday – YCA offices closed
January 1, 2010 Application deadline for February Intro to YMES
January 11 Grade Exam
January 11-16 Teacher Certification Seminar – Part A
January 14-17 NAMM Show – Anaheim, CA
January 25 Grade Exam
January 25-27 Teacher Certification Seminar – Part B
February 1 Application deadline for TCE (for April Intro to YMES)
Application deadline for 2010 JOC entries
February 8 Holiday – YCA offices closed
February 15 Holiday – YCA offices closed
February TBA Intro to YMES
March 1 Application deadline for April Grade Exam
Application deadline for April Intro to YMES
April 1 Application deadline for TCE (for July Seminar Part A)
April 2 Holiday – YCA offices closed
April 9 Grade Exam
April TBA Intro to YMES
May 1 Application deadline for July Teacher Certification Seminars
May 31 Holiday – YCA offices closed
June 1 Application deadline for July Grade Exams
Application deadline for August Advanced Courses Seminar
Application deadline for TCE (for August Intro to YMES)
July 12 Grade Exam
July 12-17 Teacher Certification Seminar - Part A
July 26 Grade Exam
July 26-31 Teacher Certification Seminar - Part B
August 12-13 Advanced Courses Seminar
©2009 Yamaha Corporation of America, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622-6600 www.yamaha.com
The articles in this newsletter reflect the personal observations of the authors only and are not requirements of Yamaha Corporation of America.
8