July 7, 2008
   The camps are done for June, but there are more on the way in August.  You can still sign up for some of them, so check them out under LINKS.


July 3, 2008
    While we have our studio closed over the holiday, we all get a chance to relax just a bit more.  Remember all of those who are currently serving our country this July 4th, who miss their families, and face things each day we don't want to think about most of the time.  Keep them in your thoughts as you take in the fireworks.

June 25, 2008
    It is HOT outside.  Best way to stay cool?  Stay inside and practice your assignments!

June 8, 2008
    Our wide array of summer camps begin tomorrow!  We're excited to welcome so many kids of all ages, and more excited to help them have fun and learn through the arts.  It will be a busy month to be sure!  Remember, the June camps are no longer taking applications, but you still have time to enroll for our August offerings.
    On another note, the new season of Prarie Repertory Theater begins this week with "Bingo the Musical."  Heidi acts as Musical Director for the shows this season, and will be leading the bands as well.  Make sure to stop by and say 'hi' when you go to the show!  We love seeing our students support the arts whenever possible!

June 1, 2008
    Tune in to KELO tonight and you'll get to see an 'Eye on Keloland' focusing on the musical GROUP!

    Also, next Monday is the official start of Camp Season around here!  Actually, most June camps are at the Brookings High School.  It's too late now to sign up for any of those, but it's not too late to sign up for the camps we offer in August.  Check out the LINKS section to see what camps are open.

May 25, 2008
    Wow! A month has passed since the last post?  UNACCEPTABLE!  But there have been so many things going on that there was very little spare time...and the BLOG got put on the back burner!  
So let's update, shall we?
 
  1) GROUP at the Pavilion went wonderfully.  The cast was excited to be back together before heading their own directions over the summer.  And the creators look forward to future successes with the production!  Stay tuned...
    2) Our Young Musician's Contest was held last week, and we'd like to congratulate all of the participants from our studio and elsewhere!  There was a lot of remarkable talent, and the judges did a great job of offering further insights.  Nice work!
    3) Our Summer Camps begin in several days, so if you haven't already done so, check out our offerings in the LINKS section.  A few classes have reached their maximum capacity, but many are designed to welcome as many as are interested so you can still join in the fun if you like.
    4) Welcome Summer!  And remember, we utilize our 7-Day Make-Up policy in addition to our normal 24-Hour Make-Up policy from now until Labor Day.  Give us seven days advanced notice of absence (ideal for missing due to vacations, camps, etc.) and we'll offer you times to fit in the lesson before and/or after the date you'll miss.  As always, notify us in writing (note, fax, email) or phone message.  Just telling your teacher during a lesson doesn't count as it must go through the office!
    5) Remember, no classes on Memorial Day (this Monday)!

    That's it for now.  Keep checking back for updates!
       

April 21, 2008
    Tickets are now on sale for GROUP at the Washington Pavilion!  If you are a student (or a family member of a student) at Let's Play, we must recommend attending the show if you can get to Sioux Falls and missed the run in Brookings.  It's a unique way to see in action the talents of the instructors around you.  From Heidi's music to Kate's performance to Micah's playing in the band...experience some of what we are trying to teach and enjoy yourselves while doing it!  We'd like to see as many PLAYers attend as possible.  Keep in mind it is for mature audiences, and the Pavilion suggests age 13+.  

    During the SDSU run, it sold out every night and people who heard about it were sent away each night!  There were even many people of all ages who came back multiple times, as it's a show that does connect with many people in some way or another.  We hope you get a chance to let it connect with you during it's May 8-11 run in Sioux Falls!

April 19, 2008
    We have had such a blast working with our Musical Theater Workshop classes!  It's fun for us to actually be the ones to expose these kids to new stories, music, ideas, and bits of theater history.  We know firsthand that it is these kind of experiences that grow supporters of the arts!
    We will be taking some time away from the class now, as our summer programs and camps cover some similiar information and will take up much time as well.  But look for the next class down the road...and in the meantime, tell us if you have a suggestion for what musical we should spend the month focusing on for the month!

April 15, 2008
    It's official:  GROUP is heading to Sioux Falls!  The musical with music by our own Heidi Grimsley (and book/lyrics by Aaron Toronto) was a big hit when SDSU performed it a few weeks ago.  In fact, it was the best selling studio production in the history of SDSU theater!  

    Now, the Washington Pavillion in Sioux Falls will host the next leg of this locally grown musical about group therapy and the anxiety-riddled clients who attend.  We are excited to have them work with the show!  

    The show performs May 8, 9, 10 at 8pm, and May 10, 11 at 2:30pm  The cost is $14 (+tax), and it is recommended for mature audiences (sort of a PG-13 rating).  Tickets are available as of this Friday, by calling the Washington Pavillion Box Office (1-877-WASH-PAV) or can be purchased thru their website (www.washingtonpavillion.org).

    In the meantime, know that shirts/cd orders from the original run should be going out shortly.  The Official Soundtrack for GROUP is undergoing completion as we ... blog.  Keep in touch with GROUP goings-on (or order a t-shirt or soundtrack) at www.groupthemusical.com.  

    Very exciting!  

   

April 14, 2008
    Taxes are due tomorrow.  In "celebration" we are waiving any new drawing or piano student's registration fee!  This offer is only for those who enroll tomorrow by midnight (12am-12am)!  Of course, you must mention this offer when calling  (it's an extra reward for those who read the BLOG).  And you better get your taxes done!

April 11, 2008
    NO CLASSES TODAY DUE TO WEATHER CONDITIONS.  We did hope to offer instruction today, but realize that the roads and weather may still be poor as the weather warnings continue throughout the day.  That's the magic of South Dakota!  Go build a snowman, make a snow angel, have a snowball fight, build a fort, shovel the driveway, and savor it all as much as you can.  Surely, this will be the end of snow until November!

April 10, 2008
    NO CLASSES TODAY DUE TO BLIZZARD WARNING.   While this warning may continue tomorrow, please check back if you are a normal Friday student as we may still opt to have classes if the weather permits.  Check our phone message and website for latest information.

April 8, 2008
    Remember our Winter Weather Policy (more snow may still come our way!)  If school cancels due to weather or if there is a blizzard or winter storm warning....classes are apt be cancelled.  Always check the BLOG and our outgoing phone message if in doubt, as we may not contact all people if the situation arises.

April 5, 2008
    We're getting ready to announce some exciting GROUP news....stay tuned the next few days!


April 2, 2008
    Snow/melt/snow/melt/snow/melt....such an easy pattern and yet so annoying at times.  In honor of the last great snowfall of Winter, it's time for a new "Internet Only Deal!"  Any person who enrolls for drawing lessons will get 10% off their first invoice.  In order to draw the great scenery of the SD Plains (or anything else for that matter), you need to get the skillz, right?  Soon you can go out, drawing pad in hand, as the weather goes from cold to brisk and Mother Nature turns in her shovel for a hoe.  Prepare now with basics to advanced drawing instruction.  This is for any student who enrolls by Saturday, April 5th!   As always, you MUST MENTION THIS POSTING AT THE TIME of enrolling to get the deal.


April 1, 2008
    Today is the due date for the May/June invoice, and we are also starting a new "Common Questions" series here on the BLOG to share some....well, common....questions.  With summer approaching, what better time than for our first question:  
"My summer is busy.  Should I stop taking lessons?  Or can I split lesson time and just alternate with someone or something?"
    We are often asked about how to handle lessons over the summer.  To take or not to take, that is the question.  Know that we strongly recommend continuing your lessons for a few reasons.  In fact, we feel strongly enough that we've even created policies around it!
    Why?  Our reasons to continue are based on our experiences with the now thousands of students we've taught over the years.  And of course, what we do for one we do all (to be fair).  First, from the practical business standpoint, we cannot hold the time for you.  We cannot even do that for students who occassionally inquire about attending every-other-week (one reason we do not offer such schedule options).   That probably isn't a concern for most (except if you really like your timeframe, teacher, etc...as we cannot guarantee getting back on the same day/with same person/whatever once you leave the schedule.  If that does matter, do best to continue as there's less chance of a schedule shake-up to face.)
    Primarily, however, the reason is student-based.  Students regress hugely over the summer.  Think of how the first weeks of school in the fall are refreshing material they had been working on every day for an hour or so.  Realize we see them for a few minutes each week.  The lapse and recovery time it takes when they begin effects their progress, their desire to learn, and can cause much frustration on their part. (SIDEBAR:  The semi-related reason we don't offer every-other-week lessons is that students do not progress rapidly enough to maintain interest.  Instead of realizing that it's because they don't attend weekly, it becomes the thought-progress of  "I'm just not that good," or "this isn't as intersting as I thought it would be," or even the "my teacher must not be that good because I've barely progressed.").  
   We've even created policies to make it easier to keep your foot in the door instruction-wise, but have a good summer with camps, out of town visits, etc.  Our 7-Day policy is in effect from Memorial Day thru Labor Day.  We'll post the official version soon, but basically it states that if we know of absence with a 7-Day notice, we can reschedule it whenever.  Some students who are missing for multiple weeks in the summer are already making up the lessons in advance.  That way they hold their schedule spot, have less regression, and still keep their interest going, etc.  Some want to wait and make up lessons later, which is fine, too.  It's based on what scheduling allows, and we get them all wrapped up by mid-September.  That's been our policy for several years, and we've yet to find a better one!  We've even had people who essentially were out of the country or gone for the entire three months, but were able to attend a couple of lessons and make up the rest.  While there was still some regression, it was considerably less because the student still had assignments and goals and another lesson date coming. Also, the family didn't have to reregister (including applicable fees), find a new time on the schedule, risk not having a time when fall arrived, etc.
    Finally, know that you would be the most unusual student EVER if you didn't miss at all over the summer.  Most families miss anywhere 3 - 6 times during those busy months.  From vacations, to camps, to sports...no question there's a lot going on.  That's why we do our best to not only maintain our instruction philosophy and do what we feel is best for students, but also offer flexibility in form of 7-Day Policy to help them out.  
   Whew....this was a long BLOG!  But it's essentially what we've told each person who has asked us about summer lessons over the years.  We'll post more of our "common questions" series on upcoming BLOGS, so stay tuned!  Many will be this long.... and some will be quite short.... but all will be informative!  And as always, this is just a BLOG posting.  So feel free to ask directly if you have more questions or comments.  Chances are we forgot some things, or improperly stated others....you never know in a BLOG, do you?  
 
     

March 31, 2008
The last day of March already?!?!?!

NO LESSONS TODAY!  Per our Winter Weather Policy, we are closed due to weather conditions for the duration of today's private and group lessons (including any classes offered Mondays).  Enjoy your snow day!

Remember that both invoices and the Young Musician's Contest registrations are due tomorrow!  Also remember that if you are joining in our next Musical Theater Workshop (featuring "The Lion King") it begins tomorrow and you should enroll asap!  You can still leave voice messages today.

March 30, 2008
Our April Fool's Internet special (and it's not a joke):  any person who enrolls in a new offering (meaning a new student signs up, or an existing student signs up for instruction in something other than what they have been doing) will get an official Let's Play t-shirt!  They must sign up for lessons between today and April 1st (while lessons may start later, they must get on the schedule during this time only).  Again, you must mention this deal when enrolling!

March 27, 2008
Sorry...school is in session!  Why is it that everytime we are told to prepare for a huge amount of snow, if fizzles out?  Not that I'm complaining.  But still.... Have the weatherman ever heard the story of the boy who cried wolf?

March 26, 2008
What?  There aren't anymore holidays left on the calendar for some time, kids.  So I'm sure you are all praying for a snowday tomorrow as another gust of Winter hits town.  Good luck!  And remember, that our Winter Weather policy states that we are closed if the Brookings School District is closed due to the weather, or when we are in an active Winter Storm Warning.  We'll put the info on our outgoing phone message as well as on our website (here or on 'news ticker' in front).

March 24, 2008

March 20, 2008
By the way, yes I realize I have an Internet Only special going on over the days we are closed for Easter (scroll down a couple entries).  Often times, even though we are not open for general business or instructing lessons, we are still around doing work.  If it's an urgent thing, or something such as our current special, we will return calls if possible.  However, I do realize that the special is set to end on Sunday... oops.  It is actually MONDAY at 5pm that it ends.  That way we can make sure we do contact people at least on Monday.

Anyway....HAPPY EASTER!  


March 19, 2008
Remember, as is posted on our CALENDAR section (and on your invoices and at the studio), we are closed this Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday in observance of Easter.  So hardboil some eggs, grab your bunny ears, and go crazy!  


March 18, 2008
Internet Only Deal:  Students who enroll for guitar instruction from March 20 - March 23 get 2 free lessons on their first invoice.  Of course, it's only for those who mention this "internet-only" special offer! If you are mulling it over (or if you know somebody who is)...there's no time better to join up!
 

March 16, 2008
Important information for any piano or voice students in SD who wish to attend the South Dakota Young Musician's Contest 2008 can now be found in LINKS section.  Should you have additional questions, just contact us.

Also, the list of Let's Play Summer Camps 2008 can also now be found under LINKS.  We'll announce when we'll accept registrations, and pricing will be updated for several offerings in upcoming days.   There's quite a list of offerings, and we're excited to welcome you all!


March 13, 2008
Busy, busy, busy.  Soon (hopefully over the weekend) you will find information on both our upcoming Summer Camps and our 2nd Annual Young Musician's Contest coming this spring!  Check the LINKS section for the information in upcoming days.

March 11, 2008
GROUP was a huge success!  It is officially the best-selling production EVER in the studio setting in the history of SDSU!  Wow!  Kudos to all and we look forward to hearing more with the future of this production later on!

March 7, 2008
Don't worry....we're almost done with the inaugural Brookings run of GROUP at SDSU.  All shows have sold out now, so if you were thinking about going you can get on the waiting list and cross your fingers.  It's one of those shows that both performers and creators wish could continue, especially as it keeps getting more and more new viewers.  Alas, theater is one of those things that doesn't allow it.  You can, however, still order your GROUP t-shirts and the soundtrack album, coming out in the next few days.  Visit their website (via our LINKS page) and order there, or stop by one of the performances and order there.  Remember, to check out our previous GROUP week special regarding ticket stubs (scroll down).  And CONGRATULATIONS to everyone involved with GROUP!

March 6, 2008
Seen any good musicals lately?  Well, then you better check out GROUP, before it ends the run this Saturday.  Call ahead to get tix, as seating is reserved and while there may be tickets available at the door, it's been playing to full houses.  Of course, if you don't see it, then you'll just miss the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view a new musical involving many of the instructors at the very studio you attend (or would like to attend).  But...no pressure!

March 4, 2008S
We are working on releasing our summer camp schedule, for those who plan ahead and want to book spaces.  Generally our camps have limited space avails, so keep your eyes peeled.  This year, we are really getting into more specialty areas with some of our offerings that will include things from Guitar "Jam" Camp to Impovisation Camp to other areas.  We hope to have something final in the coming days. Stay tuned....

March 3, 2008
The show GROUP has gotten so many wonderful comments from each audience, and has been playing to full houses for each performance!  We're beyond glad that it has received so much buzz and look forward to big crowds for the remaining performances this Wed - Sat.   There are not only the "regular" theater supporters coming, but a multitude of people who heard from others how good it is or are simply curious.   It's also surprising to see so many people coming more than once because they enjoy it so much!  So to our own Heidi, Micah and Kate --- "Break a leg" for week two of GROUP!  

February 29, 2008
Happy Leap Day!  This is the final entry for GROUP week, and thanks to all those who are supporting the show.  Also, check back to the offical GROUP website in coming weeks, as you will be able to order the original cast recording online.  This is especially great if you are one of the out of town readers of the blog and want to support the show.  You can get there via our LINKS section -- we'll leave the link up for a while as the show continues to gather interest.  

Also, a final GROUP week special for those who didn't get to the show yet and will attend tonight or the weekend matinee (or even next week):   save your ticket stub.  New students who bring it in will have their registration fees waived.  Existing students who bring it in will have $10 credit applied toward their next invoice.  Limit one ticket per student.  Remember, the show is for mature audiences....so it's ok if the tickets from the parent are applied toward their child.  And you must "claim" the deal by Monday, March 10 at 5pm.  

Finally, for those who attend GROUP tonight or next Friday, the creators and cast will have a special meet-n-greet after the performance.  It's a question and answer time in which the audience can ask questions and hear about the creation of the show.  So plan on staying a few minutes after the program if you can!

.... Now, get back to your Leap Day festivities.

February 28, 2008
The official opening of GROUP was wonderful!  We truly hope as many people as possible can see this show.  The audience last night loved it, and it was so exciting to see something brand new come to life before people's eyes.  The cast is outstanding, the music and script are one-of-a-kind, the direction was creative....it's a wonderful final product and it's a unique experience that people in Brookings can see the show created from the ground up by people from Brookings!  

One word of caution: it played to a sold out crowd last night.  You should call to get tickets NOW, as it will most likely sell out for future performances.  SDSU BOX OFFICE: 688-6045.

Oh yeah, and in honor of GROUP week:  Have a "group" of 2 or 3 guitar students sign up for a group lesson by 3/1 at 5pm and they receive 25% off their first invoice!  No age restrictions, but based on teacher approval.  

February 27, 2008
Tonight is the World Premiere of "GROUP"!  Break a leg Heidi (co-author, music director, band leader), Micah (band guitarist) and Kate (performer)!

In honor of the event: the first person who emails or calls in a 'review' this evening (which means you must first attend the show this evening!) receives a $50 gift certificate to Let's Play for any of our services!  It doesn't have to be fancy... just a few sentences on your likes/dislikes. Again, this is just for tonight's opening performance.  We'll contact you if you were indeed the first person to do so.  And keep in mind our other specials by scrolling down to previous dates, as many will overlap during this exciting time!  


February 26, 2008
GROUP opens tomorrow night, and they are having a swanky opening night party afterwards!  Don't worry, you can get tickets for one of the other shows this week or next week.  At any rate...GROUP week continues with our next GROUP special.  Anyone who brings in their ticket stub from either a Wed or Thur performance of the show, gets $16 discounted from their next invoice.   But you must bring the stub from one of those shows by Friday at 5pm!  Why $16?  That's the cost of an adult ticket, and this show is for adults.

February 25, 2008
It's GROUP week at Let's Play!  While the show is for mature audiences only, we're doing specials all week long for the younger students.  Beginning today:

Our acting class  (level one) begins on Saturday, 11am-12pm.  It runs each Saturday in March/April.  The cost is $50 per student.  However, if you enroll by Wednesday at 12pm (noon - extended deadline), you can add to the fun by adding friends or family.  The first student is $50, the second student you add (friend or family member) is $30.  The third isonly $10. (limit three per group).  You must mention this special when enrolling!  Check back tomorrow....for another GROUP special!  And adults...get your tickets to see GROUP by calling the SDSU box office at 688-6045!

February 21, 2008
You probably noticed that there is almost always at least one "Internet Only Deal" being offered.  Why?  Because we want you to stay up-to-date with studio happenings and info by checking this website often (yes, even daily), even if it means we give away our money to make it happen!  In fact, some of you smart ones who have caught on to our deals know how much it's been saving you!  Plus, as we always say...we are called "Let's PLAY" not "Let's not have fun".

So in the spirit of giving away something for no reason but fun...the next two current students who call or email the studio will receive one free lesson credited onto their next invoice.  And the next NEW student will receive 1 free lessson on their next invoice.  Again, this deal isn't for just anybody....you have to mention this posting or you won't get the deal (kind of the point, right?).  Now have a good day!


February 20, 2008

February 19, 2008 - PART 2
"GROUP" Tickets are on sale as of today!  Why should you go?  Well, you may already attend some of theater performances, but if not....here's a few reasons why:

    1) This is the world premiere of a new musical (which, incidentally, doesn't happen in Brookings very often).
    2) The music was written by Heidi Grimsley (owner of Let's Play) and Aaron Toronto (another Brookings resident).  Wouldn't it be nice to support the home team?
    3) The guitar player in the band for the show?  Our own Micah Wetzel!
    4) You may recognize a couple of the cast members from the singing telegram or children's party we did for you.  You may also recognize our newest instructor, Kate Wismer among the performers!
    5)  While the show has been workshopped outside of Brookings, you are invited to see the very first complete performance of the show! (see #1)
   
That's at least 5 reasons, now you can make up more on your own.

However, note that due to the subject matter the show is recommended for mature audiences