welcome back to cellokids!
March 10th and 17th 2024
We are excited to bring back our CelloKids classes, continuing in our exploration of how the practice of Dalcroze can enhance our cello performance.
What is Dalcroze again?
In the simplest terms, Dalcroze is all about how movement meets music. Through games and activities, Dalcroze allows students to dive deeper into their repertoire away from their instrument. Dalcroze isn’t only fun, but it helps students develop a stronger understanding of the piece they’re learning. They’ll explore key musical elements like rhythm, meter and phrasing deeply through movement, before applying their learning to the cello.
These CelloBello classes will be led by a wonderful co-teaching duo: Mira Larson and Sandra Halleran (find their bios below). Class time will be divided between time at the cello and time exploring the repertoire through the lens of Dalcroze—so please bring your instruments! Students will leave feeling empowered to ace these pieces in their next lesson or performance.
Please note the age group and repertoire for each class. Classes will be held in English, and are free to students. Observers (i.e curious parents or teachers) can enroll for $5 per class.
Class 1: March 10th @ 1 pm MDT/ 3 pm EDT—please note that it’s Daylight Savings!
For students in Suzuki Books 1 & 2, ages 8-12
Repertoire: May Song (Suzuki Book 1), and Chorus from “Judas Maccabaeus” (Suzuki Book 2)
Class duration: ~60 minutes
Book 1 students are not required to learn the Book 2 repertoire, but are more than welcome to still participate in class.
Class 2: March 17th @ 1 pm MT/3 pm ET
For students Suzuki Book 6+, ages 10+
Repertoire: W.H. Squire Tarantella (Suzuki Book 6) and the Swallowtail Jig (will be emailed to participants upon enrollment)
Class duration: ~90 minutes
Enrollment is open! Scroll down to sign up!
Originally from Chicago, Mira Larson started training in cello and dance at an early age. She continued her cello studies at Northwestern University (BM) and the New England Conservatory (MM). Upon discovering Dalcroze Eurhythmics, Mira immediately enrolled at the Dalcroze School of the Rockies, and has attended conventions held by the Dalcroze Society of America (Los Angeles) and the Institut Jaques-Dalcroze (Genève, Switzerland). She holds a Dalcroze Professional Certificate and is currently completing her Dalcroze License. Mira is the founder of Rythmique Music School, and also teaches music at La Maison des Enfants French-Immersion Preschool at the University of Utah. She serves as a trustee of the Dalcroze Society of America, and chapter chair of Music for Food.
As a cellist, Mira has performed at Jordan Hall (Boston), Orchestra Hall (Chicago), and Carnegie Hall’s Weill and Zankel Recital Halls, and collaborated in chamber and contemporary music performances across the country and around the world. She finds great joy in communicating through the non-verbal language of music, whether with concert audiences or her students in private cello lessons and Dalcroze eurhythmics classes.
Sandra Halleran, cellist, is from Rochester, New York. She is an active freelance musician and cello teacher in the Rochester area. She is currently teaching traditional and Suzuki cello lessons in her private studio and joined the cello faculty of the Eastman Community Music School in July of 2023. Ms. Halleran is also on the faculty of Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women, where she teaches cello and bass lessons. Ms. Halleran teaches with the intent to mold well-rounded, knowledgeable, passionate, and musically mature students. As well-prepared and dedicated players, Ms. Halleran’s students enjoy participating in their school orchestras, pit orchestras, local youth orchestras, chamber music ensembles, group classes, and outreach events.
Ms. Halleran has performed in orchestras throughout the US, including in principal positions. She received her Master’s Degree and Orchestral Studies Diploma (2002) from the Eastman School of Music, where she studied with Steve Doane and Rosemary Elliot. Ms. Halleran also holds a Bachelor of Music degree (1999) from Rice University, where she studied with Paul Katz. She received her New York State Teaching Certificate through a program at Nazareth College (2006). Ms. Halleran has studied additionally with Richard Weiss and Steven Geber of the Cleveland Orchestra. She has completed Suzuki training with Carey Cheney, Pamela Devenport, and Ann Grabe. Ms. Halleran is the founder and Artistic Director of the Rochester Cello Society, a non-profit organization benefiting cellists and lovers of cello music in the Rochester area.